Andes and Galapagos Cultural and Nature Tour in Peru

10 days Cancellable until 65 days beforeMin 2 participantsPickup availableInstant confirmationGuided Operated by LimaTours

Why we love it?

The Andes & Galapagos tour offers a unique 10-day journey through the rich cultural and natural landscapes of Peru. Participants will explore the vibrant city of Lima, including a city tour and visits to nearby archaeological sites in Cusco, all while being guided by local experts fluent in English and Spanish. This tour is ideal for travelers interested in immersing themselves in the history and beauty of the Andes, as well as those looking to experience the diverse ecosystems of the Galapagos. With a mix of cultural exploration and natural wonders, this itinerary provides a distinctive blend of urban and rural experiences, making it suitable for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Inclusions

  • Operated with a Local English and Spanish-speaking guide on a shared basis
  • Operated with a local naturalist English and Spanish-speaking guide in Galapagos
  • 9 nights’ accommodation
  • 9 Breakfasts
  • 4 Lunches (Day 4, 5, 7 and 8)
  • Private arrival and departure transfer from the airport to the hotel in Lima
  • Private arrival and departure transfer from the airport to the hotel in Cusco 
  • Shared transfers from and to the train stations
  • Round-trip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail)
  • Bus Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes.
  • Private arrival and departure transfer from the airport to the hotel in Quito
  • Arrival and departure transfers from/to Seymour Airport in Baltra (Day 7 and 10)
  • Shared ferry boat transfer
  • Shared transportation throughout the tour
  • All the activities mentioned in the programme: Larco Museum, Casa Aliaga (day 2), Santo Domingo Convent, Coricancha temple (day 3), Living museum of Yucay, Ollanta Fortress and Chinchero town (day 4), Machu Picchu (day 5), visit to a ranch with giant tortoises, lava tunnel exploration and Planting an scalesia tree at Pájaro Brujo Reserve (Day 7), Full Day Navigable Shared Tour: Santa Fe or Plazas or Bartolomé or North Seymour Uninhabited Island (Day 8), Bay Tour (Day 9)
  • Meet & greet on day 1, 6, 7
  • Galápagos National Park and Migration card to Galápagos Ingala

Exclusions

  • International flights to Peru and Ecuador
  • Domestic flights: (Lima – Cusco on day 3) / (Cusco – Quito on day 6) / (Quito – Baltra Island on day 7)
  • Domestic and foreign airport taxes
  • International departure tax quoted according to the airport
  • Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee and Galápagos Transit Control Card (TCT)
  • Wetsuit rental (for Day 8)
  • Personal expenses, drinks and meals not explicitly mentioned in the programme
  • Tips for driver and guide
  • Additional optional visits
  • Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

Itinerary

Day 1
  • Upon arrival at Lima airport, you will receive assistance from a representative and a transport service will take you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day free to get to know the city. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis and full of history, with about 10 million inhabitants, currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic changes.

    Overnight in Lima.

Day 2
  • After breakfast at the hotel. Pick up at the hotel to explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fascinating historic buildings. The route begins at the traditional Pueblo Libre district, where you visit the Larco Museum, located in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid from the seventh century. The museum boasts a complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Then visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Jeronimo de Aliaga. This is the only house from that time that still belongs to the same family. Continue with a scenic tour through the colonial downtown. See the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire. Admire Lima’s Cathedral, built during the 16th century. At the end of the tour, return to your hotel. The rest of the day at leisure.

    Overnight in Lima.

Day 3
  • Breakfast at the hotel. A transportation service will take you to the Lima airport to take your flight to Cusco (Lima – Cusco flight not included). The domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive not later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late. A representative will welcome you in the Imperial City and accompany you to your selected hotel. After a short break at the hotel, you will be picked up by your local guide to start the tour at 1 pm, and enjoy a guided 4-hour tour of this charming city, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to the Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-Baroque complex, built over the Inca Coricancha Temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua), an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings, squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, return to your hotel.  

    Overnight in Cusco.

Day 4
  • Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, you will depart from the city to visit the town of Chinchero (On Sundays, also visit the local market in Chinchero), a traditional Cusco urban center located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. Here, there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Then, you will be transferred to the Living Museum of Yucay, an Andean interpretation center, where demonstrations of the elaboration of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware are carried out in the same way in which they used to in the past; an original recreation of Inca traditions. Also, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed! From here, continue to Ollantaytambo and visit its town, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch in the Sacred Valley. Later, visit the iconic fortress, built next to a mountain. At the end of this activity, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. 

    Overnight in Sacred Valley.

Day 5
  • Breakfast at the hotel. Your visit to Machu Picchu begins with an hour and a half train journey through spectacular Andean landscapes to Aguas Calientes, starting from the Ollantaytambo train Station. Once there, you will be guided to the bus (25-minute bus ride) that takes you to Machu Picchu, the ´lost city of the Incas´. It is believed that the archaeological site was built around 1450 by Inca Pachacútec as his holiday residence. However, a century later, the city was abandoned after the Spanish conquest, saving itself from the destruction that reached other Inca settlements. Instead, the jungle slowly swallowed its stone constructions and hid them, protecting them. During the guided 2,5 -hours tour, you will learn about the origins of this impressive citadel, presenting its most outstanding monuments. At the end of the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at the famous Café Inkaterra, a beautiful thatched-roof restaurant hemmed in between the railway and a mountain. Transfer back to Cusco.  

    Overnight in Cusco.

Day 6
  • Breakfast at the hotel. A transport service will take you to the Cusco airport to board your flight to Quito (Cusco – Quito flight not included). Upon arrival at the Ecuadorian airport, a representative and a transport service will take you to your hotel. The rest of the day at leisure.

    Overnight in Quito.

Day 7
  • Transfer from the hotel in Quito to the airport to take the flight to Galapagos (Quito – Baltra Island flight not included). We suggest booking the earliest flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands, as well as the later flight from Galapagos to Quito so you can enjoy the Islands longer. 

    Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide. The journey to Santa Cruz Island begins with a short bus transfer followed by a brief ferry crossing over the Itabaca Channel. Santa Cruz is one of the largest and most diverse islands in the Galápagos, featuring a remarkable range of ecosystems and contrasting landscapes. Along the way, you will travel through the lush highlands, where a stop will be made at a local ranch. Here, you will have the opportunity to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat and explore fascinating lava tunnels. Lunch will be served at the ranch before continuing to Puerto Ayora, the main town on the island. In the afternoon, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, an important center dedicated to conservation and scientific research in the Galápagos. During the visit, you will follow the “tortoise route,” where you can learn more about the iconic species of the islands, including the legacy of the famous Lonesome George.

    TUI Wow Moments: Plant a Scalesia Tree at Pájaro Brujo Reserve

    Experience the true spirit of conservation in the Galápagos Islands by planting a native Scalesia tree at the beautiful Pájaro Brujo Reserve on Santa Cruz Island. Surrounded by lush highland landscapes, endemic birdlife, and unique volcanic scenery, you will actively contribute to the restoration of the native forest. This meaningful activity allows you to give back directly to one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems while gaining a deeper understanding of local conservation efforts. More than just a visit, this is a hands-on experience that connects you with nature, supports biodiversity, and leaves a lasting positive impact. At Pájaro Brujo, you don’t just explore the Galápagos, you help preserve its future.

    Overnight in Puerto Ayora.

Day 8
  • Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will explore one of the stunning uninhabited islands near Santa Cruz Island. Our staff will assist you from your hotel for your transfer to the departure point. You will first travel by bus to the Itabaca Channel, where you will board a yacht and sail towards one of the Galápagos National Park’s uninhabited visitor sites. Depending on availability and the day of the week (as the National Park regulates departures to protect the ecosystems), you will visit North Seymour or Bartolomé or Santa Fe or Plazas. The excursion includes a guided walk to observe the unique flora and fauna of the island, as well as a snorkeling session where you can discover the incredible marine life of the Galápagos. All activities are led by a certified naturalist guide. You will return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Navigation time varies depending on the island visited. Detailed information will be provided at the time of booking.

    Overnight in Puerto Ayora.

Day 9
  • Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up and transferred to the pier to board the boat for a scenic bay tour. This half-day excursion offers an excellent introduction to the rich marine and coastal wildlife of the Galápagos. During the navigation, you will have the opportunity to observe sea lions, marine iguanas, and other iconic species of the archipelago. Several stops are included along the route to fully appreciate the natural surroundings. One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to Las Grietas, a stunning natural formation of crystal-clear water pools nestled between dramatic lava rock walls—an ideal spot for a refreshing swim. The experience also includes a snorkeling session, allowing you to discover the vibrant underwater life.

    Overnight in Puerto Ayora. 

Day 10
  • Breakfast at the hotel and at the agreed time, transfer to the port of Santa Cruz Island, where you will board a ferry that will cross the Itabaca Canal. Arrive at the port and transfer to the Baltra airport to take the flight back to Continental Ecuador for your departure (flight not included). 

Please Note

  • Rates do not apply to Peruvians or residents with more than 60 days of stay. If passengers are Peruvians or exceed 60 days of stay, sale taxes (18%) will be collected by our local operator.
  • Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive no later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late.
  • If your trip includes a visit to high altitude cities such as Cusco and Puno located at more than 3400 meters (11 200 feet above sea level), do not forget to take precautions in order to avoid altitude sickness. Passengers who have heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before travelling.
  • We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
  • IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW ENTRANCE REGULATIONS TO MACHU PICCHUThe current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel (2 hours and a half accompanied by a guide). If the visitor tours an alternate route (Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu) the passenger will have 3 hours for this purpose, additional to the 4 hours in the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter the citadel again during the afternoon shift or the next day, he must acquire previously an additional ticket to enter the new shift. There is no ticket sale in the archaeological zone.
  • To help preserve the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary and maintain its World Heritage status, the Ministry of Culture has designated various visitor circuits. The specific circuit and schedule will be assigned based on availability at the time your reservation is confirmed.
  • The following objects are forbidden: professional cameras that require lights and tripods, or with telephoto lenses with a weight higher than 2 kilos (in order to use them, special authorization is needed, as well as the payment of an additional fee), drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tip, banners and posters, sharp objects and backpacks bigger than 40cm x 35 cm x 20 cm.
  • NEW PLASTIC REGULATION:After prohibiting the access of single use plastic items to 76 natural areas including Machu Picchu, it is important to use reusable bottles.
  • INSTRUCTIONSCarry the same document that you presented to the agency, given that the train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information.
  • In all train services to Machu Picchu, the passenger can carry only hand luggage (backpack, bag or briefcase) weighing no more than 5kg / 11lb on the train to/from Machu Picchu. You will find your luggage at the chosen hotel. Allowed size: 62 linear inches 157cm (height + length + width)
  • IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO CONSIDER DURING NAVIGATION IN ISLANDS (DAY 8):The Itineraries and islands to be visited are subject to availability and operational days approved by the Galápagos National Park.
  • All itineraries and sailings are subject to change due to changes in Galápagos National Park or weather conditions.
  • Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee: $ 200 per person (to be paid once your arrival at Baltra's airport). Instructions: To pay the entrance fee to Galápagos National Park, you must go to the Galápagos Government Council (CGREG) counter at the arrival airport (Baltra or San Cristóbal), present your identification and the TCT form (Transit Control Card), and pay the fee in cash (USD): $200 for foreign adults and $100 for foreign children under 12 years old
  • TCT (Transit Control Card) $ 20 per person to be issued and paid directly  (to be paid online or in persona either at Quito's airport)
  • Wetsuit rental for the activities on day 8 is optional and available locally at an approximate cost of USD 18 per person per day, payable at the destination
  • One 23 kg suitcase and one carry-on bag are allowed per passenger
  • We recommend arriving in Galápagos (Seymour Airport in Baltra) before 11 a.m. on the first day

Cancellation Policy

Fully refundable until 65 days before start

Non-refundable after 65 days before start