Nine Of The Best Isles - Plus Machu Picchu (Western And Northern Route)

Start your adventure in ancient and modern Lima

Welcome to Peru, one of the most fascinating countries in South America!

If you have time after your arrival in Lima before settling in at your hotel for an overnight stay, we suggest you wander historical centre, which is packed with elegant Spanish colonial architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Or why not walk along the oceanfront boardwalk in the upmarket Miraflores district. Here, you'll find many restaurants and cafés, as well as shops if you need to purchase anything ahead of your adventure. Lima is considered the food capital of Latin America, so be sure to try local dishes like ceviche, which is raw fish marinated in lime juice with onion and chilli.

Explore the ancient seat of the Inca Empire

In the morning, you'll take a flight to Cusco, the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. A local guide will take you to check in at your hotel, before inviting you on a guided tour of this enigmatic city.  

You'll see impressive Inca structures contrasted with ornate buildings from Spanish colonial times. Visit the 15th century ceremonial compound of Sacsayhuaman, or admire the architecture of the Spanish Santo Domingo church, a convent built on the ruins of Koricancha, the Inca Sun Temple. After your tour of the highlights of this cultural and architectural gem, we'll return to the hotel for dinner.

Discover the lost city of the Incas

An early morning transfer will take you to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, from where you'll catch a train along the narrow-gauge line to Machu Picchu, passing through stunning highland scenery along the way.

After around two hours, we'll stop at the small town of Aguas Calientes and take the short bus ride to Machu Picchu – the so-called Lost City of the Incas.    

You'll enjoy a guided tour of this once-hidden settlement, marvelling at the stonewalls, terraces and ramps that are carved into the mountain. You'll love the peaceful atmosphere of Machu Picchu as you gaze at the lowland jungle from this city in the clouds.

After lunch, we'll return to Cusco where you'll enjoy your final night at the hotel.

Discover the vibrant city of Quito

The day begins with breakfast at your hotel. We'll then drive to the airport in Cusco for the morning flight via Lima to Ecuador. You'll arrive in Quito in the afternoon.

At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it's packed with well-preserved colonial-era architecture, including colourful plazas, magnificent churches and handsome monuments.

If you have enough time in the evening, visit the Calle La Ronda, an ancient pedestrian street with links to the poets and artists who've lived here. It's lined with shops and cafes, and there are many handicrafts available to buy.

Straddle the Equator at the Middle of the World City

Today you'll enjoy a guided tour of Quito's remarkable Old Town – one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture – and sample some delicious chocolate made from finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way.

Next, you'll head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City', located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you'll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line of the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands

As your South America land adventure draws to a close, it's time to embark on the next stage of your journey. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits.

In the afternoon we'll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands following the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón – Dragon Hill – where we'll land. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish lagoon that's frequented by shorebirds and American Flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as a chance to get a first look at some land iguanas.

Scan the coastline and seas for iconic species

You'll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca, on the north-western tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we'll explore the coast by panga boat, learning about the dramatic geology of the area from your naturalist guides.

This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos Penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you'll get to snorkel alongside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sun fish, and fur seals.

In the afternoon, we'll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a big population of marine iguanas. Scan the coast for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks and penguins.

Meet the famous giant tortoises of Galápagos

Today, you'll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we'll disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.

A giant tortoise breeding centre, here you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin's famous finches – the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. There's also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that's home to many land birds.

Enjoy a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises shuffle about munching on grass and wallowing in pools.

You'll have time for another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.

Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlife

After breakfast, you'll enjoy a panga boat ride among the channels on Floreana's north shore, before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later on, we'll land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.

After lunch, you'll explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard our glass-bottom boat. Here, you can snorkel in one of the best spots in the archipelago.

From there, it's onwards to Cormorant Point, where we'll take a walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon, where you can commonly see American Flamingos, Pintail Ducks and more.

Unwind and recharge your batteries

Relax on board while we anchor off Baltra Island. After four days of exploring the unique nature and environments of Galápagos, it is the moment to pause for a while and recharge your batteries for the days ahead. Make use of the many onboard facilities, flick through the books in the library or exercise in the gym – it's up to you.

In the afternoon, we'll land at Las Bachas beach, located on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island. This glorious white beach with turquoise waters is a great place to spot iconic Galápagos wildlife like flamingos and sea turtles. Enjoy swimming or snorkelling before heading back to the ship for an expedition briefing about the following day.

See iconic wildlife and spectacular landscapes

Today you'll explore Santiago Island's pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes. Take in the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove on the northwest coast, home to a large number of marine birds and sea lions. Immerse yourself in the scenery through a range of water activities and marvel at fantastic rock formations such as ‘Elephant Rock' and ‘The Bishop.'

In the afternoon, we'll head to Puerto Egas, one of the best visitor sites on the island. You'll have the opportunity to see a colony of Galápagos fur seals and exotic birdlife on an excursion. Or you could just swim or snorkel along the rocky shorelines, typically, in the company of marine turtles.

Soak up the sights and sounds of the Galápagos

Your day starts on tiny Rábida Island, located off the southern shore of Santiago. You can go for a thrilling panga ride along the coast explore the island's mesmerising, red-coloured beach. Soak up the sights and sounds made by a colony of sea lions, and watch for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers and several species of Darwin's Finches.

In the afternoon, we'll sail to the golden sands of Bartolomé Island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. You can swim or snorkel off the beach here, discover colourful marine life from our glass-bottom boat, or watch for Galápagos Penguins on the shore. Hike up to the summit of the island for fantastic views.

Discover a birdlife haven and take a refreshing dip

Today you'll explore Genovesa Island. The morning starts with a steep but short climb – only 90 feet – up Prince Philip's Steps – El Barranco – to reach flat and rocky plateau. Once there, you can walk along comfortably and look out for large colonies of Nazca Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds and Storm Petrels. Afterwards or instead, hop into a kayak for some aquatic adventuring.

In the afternoon, we'll land and swim at the beautiful beach that fringes Darwin Bay for a swim. Following this refreshing dip, take a stroll and observe hundreds of island birds, or alternatively just take it easy on the beach, swimming, snorkelling or kayaking.

See giant tortoises in the wild

We start our last morning on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. A dry landing at a passenger wharf and a bus ride to the loftier region of the island will provide a final highlight of your expedition cruise: giant tortoises in the wild.

The windward slopes of the island are set aside as a reserve that's home to two species of giant tortoise. These lush highlands also feature dense forests of Galápagos daisies, orchids and bromeliads.

After this visit we'll transfer directly to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Guayaquil for another adventure.

To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our optional Post-Programmes.