Journeys: Peru & the Galápagos Islands

Ankunft zu jeder Zeit möglich. Ankunftstransfer inklusive.
Mach dich für eine Bustour bereit, auf der du das Beste, das Peru zu bieten hat, in einer Woche erkundest. Wir empfehlen, eine zusätzliche Übernachtung in Lima vor Beginn des Trips zu buchen (insbesondere, wenn dein Flug am Abend in Lima ankommt), damit du dich von der internationalen Flugreise erholen kannst, bevor unser aufregendes Abenteuer startet.

Board an early flight to Cusco, once the capital of the Inca empire, then drive to Urubamba through the scenic Sacred Valley. Explore the terraced salt pans of Maras, which have been used for salt extraction since pre-Inca times, and tour the Inca site of Moray—believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where priests would test soils and crops. Later, we'll enjoy a meal of local specialities, prepared by chefs in this region for a millennium.

Die Erkundung des Heiligen Tals geht weiter. Besuche den „Parque de la Papa“ („Kartoffelpark“), ein exklusives Erlebnis im Rahmen von National Geographic Journeys und Teil von G Adventures for Good. Spaziere mit einem lokalen Guide durch diese ländliche Gemeinschaft und erfahre mehr über den Kartoffelanbau und das Weben und wie wichtig beide für die Kultur in den Anden sind. Erkunde die Ruinen von Ollantaytambo und Pisac und besuche zum Mittagessen das G Adventures Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco.

Frühe Fahrt nach Ollantaytambo, und anschließend malerische Zugfahrt nach Aguas Calientes mit Option den Markt zu besuchen.

Genieße eine geführte Tour durch Machu Picchu – die im 15. Jahrhundert gebauten Zitadelle der Inka, die der Archäologe Hiram Bingham der Welt in der April 1913 Ausgabe der National Geographic Magazine bekannt machte. Wandere durch die Tempeln und Terrassen dieser atemberaubenden UNESCO Welterbestätte und fahre danach zurück nach Cusco.

Erkunde in Cusco die historischen Straßen, Museen und Märkte. Optional kannst du Wildwasserraften, reiten oder mit dem Mountainbike fahren. Abends kannst du den Nachthimmel über der Stadt im Planetarium von Cusco aus ganz neuer Perspektive erleben. Genieße eine Präsentation über den südlichen Himmel, zeitgenössische Astronomie und die Beziehung der alten Inkas zum Kosmos. Sieh dir das Museum hier an und bewundere den Sternenhimmel durch die Teleskope.
Please remember that star gazing is completely weather dependent and sometimes there can be cloudy skies.

Fly back to Lima. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure in the Peruvian capital. Visit the San Francisco Monastery, part of Lima's World Heritage-listed historic center, and descend into its famed catacombs. Wander across Plaza Mayor, the city's oldest public square, and enjoy Peruvian tapas and a tasting of pisco sours before returning to your hotel.

Say goodbye to Peru and take a flight north to Quito. As the Andes pass below your window, trade the Pacific air for Ecuador's high-altitude capital. Upon arrival, take the afternoon at your own pace to check into your hotel, unpack, and settle into the easy rhythm of the city. As evening approaches, gather with your Expedition Leader and fellow group members, along with any new travellers joining this next leg of the journey, for an evening welcome meeting to share stories and build anticipation for what lies ahead. Afterwards, choose to join the group for an optional dinner at a local spot, swapping first impressions over Ecuadorian flavours.

Set off on a walking tour through Quito's historical heart, strolling from Plaza Grande to the gold-leaf interior of La Compañía de Jesus and out to San Francisco Plaza. Stop at a local shop to learn how cacao transforms into rich regional chocolate, complete with tastings. After lunch, head to the Intiñan Museum at the equator line, where interactive experiments reveal the strange physics of standing at the middle of the world. As evening falls, the city is yours: follow the scent of street food, duck into a hidden café, or watch the Andes catch the last light from a rooftop terrace.

Take a morning flight from Quito to Baltra, the gateway to the Galápagos. Cross to Santa Cruz Island and visit an organic farm for lunch and a hands-on look at local sustainability. Walk the property with your host and naturalist guide to discover how hydroponic crops conserve precious water and how pineapples, coffee, and native Scalesias thrive in volcanic soil. Plant an endemic tree of your own to help with island reforesting, then check into your hotel for a relaxed evening.

Travel to the Itabaca Channel to board a boat for an inspiring day at sea, bound for one of the region's remarkable islands: Bartolomé, North Seymour, South Plaza, or Santa Fé. Upon arrival, disembark onto wild trails where native fauna roam freely against striking, untouched geological backdrops. After a morning of discovery on foot, gather on board for a fresh lunch before taking a refreshing plunge into the ocean. Strap on your mask to snorkel alongside sea turtles, gentle rays, darting tropical fish, and reef sharks before returning to town for an evening at your own pace.

After breakfast, set out on a morning walk along the causeway to Tortuga Bay, where marine iguanas laze on the white sand by the surf. Spend the morning exploring the shore before heading back to town for lunch. In the afternoon, walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station and its breeding centre. See giant tortoises up close, learn about reintroduction efforts, and visit the "Symbol of Hope" exhibit housing the preserved remains of Lonesome George. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you.

Board a morning speedboat to San Cristóbal Island, the archipelago's original port of call. Visit the Interpretation Center to trace its story, from volcanic origins to colonization and modern conservation. Follow the scenic uphill trail to the Tijeretas viewpoint, where ocean vistas open below skies wheeling with frigatebirds. Watch for sea lions dozing in the sand, marine iguanas basking on lava rock, and blue-footed boobies along the surf. As the sun sets, the harbour comes alive with fishing boats and gulls.

Embrace a full free day to shape your own Galápagos adventure. For an optional excursion, choose between a boat trip to Kicker Rock, snorkeling past dramatic rock formations with sea turtles and sharks, or a San Cristóbal 360 tour circling the island's secluded bays. Or, stay closer to town: stroll the oceanfront boardwalk to watch sea lion pups tumble through shallow tide pools, or relax at a waterfront café. Tonight, gather with your group for an optional dinner to celebrate the week.

Enjoy a final morning taking in the salt air and the sounds of sea lions resting along the shore. Around midday, board your flight back to Quito, where your journey concludes upon arrival at the airport.