A TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY DESIGNED BY SPECIALISTS
At The Ultimate Travel Company, all our holidays are created individually to suit your preferences and the Peru and Galapagos for the Connoisseur itinerary can be used for inspiration or as a starting point for your luxury South America holidays. Whether you prefer a different style of accommodation, a greater focus on a particular experience or wish to include extra stops on your journey, our experts will design an itinerary that is entirely unique to you.
ABOUT THE ITINERARY
From the relics of ancient civilisations – including Machu Picchu, the ‘lost city’ of the Incas – to the colonial splendours of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Peru offers you a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. You’ll visit traditional mountain villages, explore local handicraft markets and discover the world’s highest navigable lake.
From Peru, you’ll fly to Ecuador and board a luxury seven-night Galapagos adventure aboard the ORIGIN, THEORY or EVOLVE (three almost identical sister-vessels, and the only Relais & Chateaux ships in the Galapagos). Each day of your cruise brings another island to explore and incredible encounters with tortoises, iguanas and inquisitive birds. You’ll drop anchor to go snorkelling and swimming with penguins and sea lions, and discover the unique geological history of this mesmerising archipelago.
THE SACRED VALLEY
Your Peruvian adventure starts at Cusco airport, where you will be met and driven into the Sacred Valley of the Incas and to the award winning Explora Valle Sagrado hotel. A stunning hacienda-style hotel, overlooking corn fields and with beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. There is an outdoor heated pool, spa, excellent bar and restaurant and the rooms are tastefully decorated to showcase the textiles and crafts associated with this part of Peru. During your stay a selection of activities are included with Explora’s expert guides, showing you some of the star attractions (and lesser known sites) in the area.
Stay: Four nights at Explora Valle Sagrado – full board (including activities in small groups)
MACHU PICCHU
Today you board the luxurious Hiram Bingham on a memorable train journey from the Sacred Valley to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. You’ll pass an ever-changing landscape of lush fields, picturesque villages, dramatic mountains and the scenic Urubamba River, whilst onboard guides will explain points of interest en route. Enjoy a delicious three-course brunch on board before arriving in the town of Aguas Calientes.
From there you will hop on a bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of this world wonder. You’ll have time to explore the wondrous terraces, temples, palaces and fountains, all beautifully preserved and surrounded on all sides by deep green forest. After the tour, you’ll take the train back to Cusco and be transferred to your exclusive hotel just behind the city’s main square.
Stay: Three nights at the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas – bed & breakfast
CUSCO
Whilst in Cusco you will be taken on a guided tour of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to attractions like the colonial Santo Domingo Convent, Plaza de Armas and Koricancha temple. You’ll also venture beyond the city to discover the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko, the red fortress of Puca Pucara and the magnificent fortress-temple complex of Sacsayhuaman.
You can continue to explore the city alone or relax at your hotel, which has a stunning outdoor heated swimming pool and beautiful spa.
LAKE TITICACA
GUAYAQUIL
After a final breakfast on the shores of Lake Titicaca, you will fly to Guayaquil in Ecuador, where a night is needed before flying to the Galapagos Islands the following day. The night is spent at a charming boutique hotel in the elegant neighbourhood of Samborondón.
Stay: One night at Hotel del Parque – bed & breakfast
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
The next week will be spent in the Galapagos Islands, onboard your exclusive live-aboard yacht for a seven-night cruise of the archipelago. Throughout the journey, you will enjoy daily panga, snorkelling, kayaking and island excursions alongside experienced naturalists guides, who will give you a fascinating insight into the islands wildlife, history and geology.
ORIGIN, THEORY and EVOLVE are three almost identical sister ships, each with capacity for just twenty passengers and are currently the only three ships in the Galapagos to be part of the Relais & Chateaux group. Expect excellent service and delicious cuisine on board!
Stay: Seven nights onboard ORIGIN, THEORY or EVOLVE – full board (including activities in small groups)
FLY HOME
On the final morning, you’ll stop by the Interpretation Centre before disembarking and catching a flight back to the mainland, where you will connect onto your flight home.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Domestic flights
- All transfers
- Bed & breakfast throughout
- Full board (including drinks) at Explora, Titilaka and in the Galapagos
- Activities in small groups at Explora, Titilaka and in the Galapagos
- All national park fees (including Machu Picchu and the Galapagos)
PRICE EXCLUDES
- International flights
PLAN YOUR TRIP
"*" indicates required fields