Whilst offering a number of sights which would be the highlights of any much longer trip to the Andean region, this short itinerary manages to include several free days for independent exploration or relaxation.

From the faded colonial grandeur of Lima we fly to the glory that was the Inca capital, to wander its narrow streets and the surrounding hills littered with Inca temples, before travelling to the sacred Urubamba Valley to catch the train that will carry us on one of the world’s great railway journeys for two days at South America’s most important archaeological site.

After a day to relax in Cusco we fly to Quito and the colourful Indian market town of Otavalo, before taking a 7 day cruise to the enchanted Galápagos Islands.

Complete Itinerary

Day 1: Lima

Arrive lima airport. Meet on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Lima

City tour of Lima.

Day 3: Cusco

Flight to Cusco. Free day. (Orientation walk with tour leader.)

Day 4: Cusco

Cusco city tour and 3 ruins.

Day 5: Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley and Willoq. Overnight in valley.

Day 6: Machu Picchu

Train to Machu Picchu.

Day 7: Machu Picchu

Free day to explore the ruins. Return to Cusco.

Day 8: Cusco

Free day in Cusco.

Day 9: Quito

Fly to Quito. Drive to Otavalo.

Day 10: Quito

Free day.

Day 11: Quito

Otavalo market and return to Quito.

Day 12: Galápagos

Visit Machu Picchu. Afternoon train to Ollantaytambo. Bus to hotel in Sacred Valley.

Day 13: Galápagos

Cruise of the Galápagos.

Day 14: Galápagos

Cruise of the Galápagos.

Day 15: Galápagos

Cruise of the Galápagos.

Day 16: Galápagos

Cruise of the Galápagos.

Day 17: Galápagos

Cruise of the Galápagos.

Day 18: Galápagos

Cruise of the Galápagos.

Day 19: Galápagos

Cruise of the Galápagos.

Day 20: Quito

Return to Quito.