Highlights of Peru

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the best of the Incan empire with time in Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
• Experience the highlights of Lima on a guided tour of the city, visiting the most popular districts
• See the UNESCO Huaca Pucllana, the Plaza Mayor and more
• Be amazed by Koricancha, also known as Temple of the Sun, one of the most sacred temples
• Enjoy a guided tour through the former capital of the Great Inca Empire, Cusco
• Witness the spectacular Andes Mountains
• Explore the cobbled streets and terracotta tile roofs reminiscent of European villages with time at leisure in Cusco
• Island hop through the breath-taking Galapagos Islands
• Search for Galapagos tortoises in the wild & snorkel amongst sea lions
• Enjoy a tour of Academy Bay in the Galapagos
• Spot sea iguanas on Playa de Los Perros, Santa Cruz
• Learn about endemic species at the Charles Darwin Research Station
• Enjoy a half-day tour on Isla Lobos
• Witness the abundant sea and bird life of the Galapagos Islands
• Enjoy a day at leisure in Quito, the capital city in Ecuador

FLIGHTS

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply
• 1 x internal domestic flight: Lima to Cusco
• 1 x international flight from Cusco to Quito
• 2 x internal flights in Ecuador (Economy class): Quito to Baltra and San Cristobal to Quito

ACCOMMODATION

• 9 nights quality hotel accommodation
• 3 nights 5-star accommodation in Quito
• 4 nights accommodation in Galapagos

DINING

• Enjoy 9 included meals, including daily breakfast
• 9 additional meals, including daily breakfast

ESSENTIALS

• English-speaking tour guides
• Airlines taxes and surcharges

TRANSPORT

• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicles
• Round-trip train tickets to Machu Picchu aboard the Expedition Train
• Round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

TRANSFERS

• Return airport transfers

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stopover Packages: Break up the long-haul flight with a stopover at a fantastic location (see checkout for details)
• Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary (see checkout for details)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class (see checkout for details)

Today depart from either Australia or New Zealand to Lima, Peru via Santiago, Chile. Upon arrival into Lima, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Please note:
• Due to limited flight availability between Australia/New Zealand and South America, some customers may experience a layover of up to 6 hours or more in Santiago, Chile. Lounge passes can be purchased at your own expense.
• For travellers who wish to break up their journey, a Santiago stopover package is available for purchase. Please see the Important Information section for further details.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0 to arrive day 0. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive prior to departure.

Overnight: Hotel Jose Antonio, Lima or similar

Meals included: None

After breakfast enjoy a guided city tour visiting key sites of Lima. First up, see Huaca Pucllana (entrance fee not included), a huge archaeological site in Miraflores, one of Lima’s most popular districts. Huaca Pucllana was an important ceremonial and administrative centre built by the Lima culture, a pre-incan indigenous coastal civilisation which developed along this part of the Peruvian coast between 200 AD and 700 AD. This sacred place was built from seven staggered platforms surrounded by a plaza and large walls.

Next, drive to the historic centre of Lima, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. See the beautiful Plaza de Armas (Lima’s main square) which is surrounded by impressive colonial and Republican-era buildings. Some of Peru’s most important buildings surround the square, including the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop’s Palace of Lima, the Municipal Palace and the Palace of the Union.

After the tour, return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in the colourful capital city.

Overnight: Hotel Jose Antonio, Lima or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time be transferred to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, be met by the guide and check in to the hotel.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will enjoy a guided tour of beautiful Cusco. First head to the wonderful Koricancha, next door to Santo Domingo Church. The Koricancha was the most sacred and most important temple in the Incan Empire. Its walls were covered with gold, and life-size statues of plants and animals – all made of pure gold and silver. Sadly, this wealth was stripped out by the Spanish conquistadors.

Next head to Cusco Cathedral, located on the Plaza de Armas. Built between 1560 and 1654 on top of the foundations of an existing Incan temple, this spectacular cathedral houses many works of art by the Cusco School of painters, and its main altar and pulpit are covered in gold and silver relief work.

The next stop is the imposing Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which sits on a hill above Cusco. See some of the finest examples of Incan stonework and construction, including massive rocks that were carefully cut and perfectly fitted together to form the walls. From here you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Cusco. After exploring Sacsayhuaman, head up the hill to the Tambomachay Archeological Complex. The exact purpose of this site is unknown, but it may have functioned, at least in part, as an Incan spa.

After the tour you will be returned to the hotel where you will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a beautiful valley that is located north of Cusco. Also called the Urubamba Valley, it extends from Pisac to Ollantaytambo, its course irrigated by the Urubamba River. Civilizations have inhabited this valley since at least 800 BC, when the Chanapata civilization arrived here to make use of the rich soil. Today you will embark on a full-day tour to discover the fascinating archaeological sites of civilizations past.

Leaving Cusco, we pass through the Abra de Corao and head into the mountains before descending about 450 metres to the bottom of the valley. Here we will explore the colourful traditional markets in Pisac before heading to the archaeological site, where we will explore the extensive ruins and enjoy beautiful views of the valley. Afterwards, we stop in Urubamba for lunch (at own expense) before heading to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo which was the royal estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town and a ceremonial centre. Visit the amazing Temple of the Sun, carved and polished by Inca master stonemasons. Walking towards the town square, we will have great views of the ruins above us, as well as the Inca granaries and warehouses built into the surrounding mountain slopes. After Ollantaytambo, we will head to Chinchero, where we will visit the famous church and the huge Inca stone wall in the main square, which has ten trapezoidal niches. The people of Chinchero are very connected to the old traditions, and many still dress in colourful clothing that combines indigenous and Spanish influences. After a day of exploration, we return to Cusco for the evening.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will check out of your accommodation in Cusco and be transferred to Ollantaytambo Train Station. We will first take the train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), a colourful town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The two-hour train ride is a memorable experience in itself, as we pass through river canyons and rolling hills.

Aguas Calientes is the gateway to Machu Picchu, sitting in a deep gorge at the foot of the mountain on which Machu Picchu stands. It is a beautiful town that mixes traditional life with a huge tourist infrastructure, with a multitude of markets, souvenir shops, hotels and restaurants. It's also largely pedestrianized, making it a fun place to explore on foot. Aguas Calientes is surrounded by jungle-covered mountains and cliffs, and the Urubamba River flows right by the town. Aguas Calientes is also surrounded by hot springs and when we arrive you will have plenty of time to relax and enjoy a dip in one of the steaming natural springs. You will also have time to walk around the city and explore the colourful markets and the general bustle of this unique Peruvian settlement.

Overnight: Hatun Into Boutique Machupicchu or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is an early start, at approximately 05.30 you will be picked up and board the bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu. You will have time for breakfast before being picked up this morning.

Pass through the gates into the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Here you’ll be guided on a two-hour tour, to the most famous and most spectacular parts of the extensive archaeological complex. These include the House of the Guardian, Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and other key locations. And as we walk around, we’ll have spectacular views across the agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu and across to the surrounding mountains and plunging gorges.

Once we’ve finished our tour of Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you can relax and have lunch (not included) before we board the train back to Poroy and Cusco. Upon arrival at the station, a tour representative will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your own leisure. The capital city of the Inca Empire is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, as well as the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city.

Optional Tour: Rainbow Mountain - $155 per person
Duration: Full Day
Fitness Level Required: Active/Demanding (please refer to important information section for description)

We will be collected from the hotel around 05:00 as we need time to drive out to the trailhead and then complete the trek. The drive itself takes about three hours, passing through wonderful Andean scenery along the South Valley. We’ll stop for breakfast along the way, and then continue on to the trailhead at the village of Quesiuno, at about 4,326 m (14,189 ft) above sea level.

From here, we set off on the trek, first following a pretty stream, seeing herds of alpacas and llamas as they graze on the hillsides. We’ll also have consistent views of the sacred Ausangate Mountain. As we continue, we’ll pass occasional villages where the old traditions of the Andes are still very much alive.

We stop for a packed lunch somewhere along the trail, enjoying the scenery as we eat and relax for a while. Heading on, we’ll pass by the remote potato fields of this rugged region, and we might also see some local wildlife. If we’re lucky, we’ll see some chinchillas, charming Andean rodents that have the densest fur of any mammal that lives on land. We’ll also keep an eye out for vicuñas, one of the two wild South American camelids that live in the high alpine areas of the Andes (the other being the guanaco).

As we near our destination, we’ll start to see many red mountains. And after trekking for a total of about five hours, we’ll finally reach our goal: Vinicunca, the spectacular Rainbow Mountain. Here, at a literally breathtaking 5,020 m (16,466 ft) above sea level, we’ll start exploring the area, which is in fact a series of coloured mountains, not just one. We’ll hike up to the top of Rainbow Mountain, where we’ll spend about 30 minutes, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the view and take photos.

Once we’ve had time to take in all the magnificent sights, we’ll set off on our return trek, which will take three to four hours. Private transport will be waiting and we’ll set off back to Cusco, again taking about three hours. We should arrive in Cusco at 1600, at which point we’ll drop you off at your hotel, with the memories of the mesmerizing Rainbow Mountain still fresh in your mind.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your own leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to partake in an optional activity.

Optional Tour: Cooking Class - $110 per person
Duration: Half Day
Requirement: a minimum of 4 persons required for tour to operate

We will pick you up from your hotel around 09:30 and take you to the colorful and bustling San Pedro market in Cusco. This is one of the most interesting markets in Cusco, with a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, souvenirs, and handicrafts.

Before entering the market, your group will meet the chef who you will cook with later. He or she will give you a brief explanation of the dynamics of the tour. You'll then be taken around the market and the chef will tell you all about the many ingredients on display, as well as some shopping tips. As we explore the market, we will choose the ingredients that we will use during the cooking class. Interacting with the local stall owners is a great opportunity to experience local life and meet some very colorful characters.

At the end of the market tour, we will head straight to the local restaurant. You will be provided with the necessary clothing and then you are ready to cook! Your experienced chef will tell you all about the dish before guiding you through each step of the preparation. You will only use organic produce, much of which is grown in traditional communities in and around Cusco. The dish you prepare will depend on the season, but you will surely use representative ingredients of Andean cuisine, such as potatoes and corn. Once the class is over, the whole group will help to set the table and serve all the dishes that have been prepared. And then it's time to eat! At the end of the activity, it is time to return to our hotel (Return transfer not included)

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport in preparation for your return journey to Australia (or New Zealand).

Meals included: Breakfast

Sit back, relax and reminisce on the memories created over the past weeks on your trip through ancient Incan Peru

Once arrived in Australia (or New Zealand), make your own onward travel arrangements.

Today depart from either Australia or New Zealand to Lima, Peru via Santiago, Chile. Upon arrival into Lima, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Please note:
• Due to limited flight availability between Australia/New Zealand and South America, some customers may experience a layover of up to 6 hours or more in Santiago, Chile. Lounge passes can be purchased at your own expense.
• For travellers who wish to break up their journey, a Santiago stopover package is available for purchase. Please see the Important Information section for further details.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0 to arrive day 0. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive prior to departure.

Overnight: Hotel Jose Antonio, Lima or similar

Meals included: None

After breakfast enjoy a guided city tour visiting key sites of Lima. First up, see Huaca Pucllana (entrance fee not included), a huge archaeological site in Miraflores, one of Lima’s most popular districts. Huaca Pucllana was an important ceremonial and administrative centre built by the Lima culture, a pre-incan indigenous coastal civilisation which developed along this part of the Peruvian coast between 200 AD and 700 AD. This sacred place was built from seven staggered platforms surrounded by a plaza and large walls.

Next, drive to the historic centre of Lima, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. See the beautiful Plaza de Armas (Lima’s main square) which is surrounded by impressive colonial and Republican-era buildings. Some of Peru’s most important buildings surround the square, including the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop’s Palace of Lima, the Municipal Palace and the Palace of the Union.

After the tour, return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in the colourful capital city.

Overnight: Hotel Jose Antonio, Lima or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time be transferred to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, be met by the guide and check in to the hotel.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will enjoy a guided tour of beautiful Cusco. First head to the wonderful Koricancha, next door to Santo Domingo Church. The Koricancha was the most sacred and most important temple in the Incan Empire. Its walls were covered with gold, and life-size statues of plants and animals – all made of pure gold and silver. Sadly, this wealth was stripped out by the Spanish conquistadors.

Next head to Cusco Cathedral, located on the Plaza de Armas. Built between 1560 and 1654 on top of the foundations of an existing Incan temple, this spectacular cathedral houses many works of art by the Cusco School of painters, and its main altar and pulpit are covered in gold and silver relief work.

The next stop is the imposing Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which sits on a hill above Cusco. See some of the finest examples of Incan stonework and construction, including massive rocks that were carefully cut and perfectly fitted together to form the walls. From here you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Cusco. After exploring Sacsayhuaman, head up the hill to the Tambomachay Archeological Complex. The exact purpose of this site is unknown, but it may have functioned, at least in part, as an Incan spa.

After the tour you will be returned to the hotel where you will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a beautiful valley that is located north of Cusco. Also called the Urubamba Valley, it extends from Pisac to Ollantaytambo, its course irrigated by the Urubamba River. Civilizations have inhabited this valley since at least 800 BC, when the Chanapata civilization arrived here to make use of the rich soil. Today you will embark on a full-day tour to discover the fascinating archaeological sites of civilizations past.

Leaving Cusco, we pass through the Abra de Corao and head into the mountains before descending about 450 metres to the bottom of the valley. Here we will explore the colourful traditional markets in Pisac before heading to the archaeological site, where we will explore the extensive ruins and enjoy beautiful views of the valley. Afterwards, we stop in Urubamba for lunch (at own expense) before heading to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo which was the royal estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town and a ceremonial centre. Visit the amazing Temple of the Sun, carved and polished by Inca master stonemasons. Walking towards the town square, we will have great views of the ruins above us, as well as the Inca granaries and warehouses built into the surrounding mountain slopes. After Ollantaytambo, we will head to Chinchero, where we will visit the famous church and the huge Inca stone wall in the main square, which has ten trapezoidal niches. The people of Chinchero are very connected to the old traditions, and many still dress in colourful clothing that combines indigenous and Spanish influences. After a day of exploration, we return to Cusco for the evening.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will check out of your accommodation in Cusco and be transferred to Ollantaytambo Train Station. We will first take the train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), a colourful town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The two-hour train ride is a memorable experience in itself, as we pass through river canyons and rolling hills.

Aguas Calientes is the gateway to Machu Picchu, sitting in a deep gorge at the foot of the mountain on which Machu Picchu stands. It is a beautiful town that mixes traditional life with a huge tourist infrastructure, with a multitude of markets, souvenir shops, hotels and restaurants. It's also largely pedestrianized, making it a fun place to explore on foot. Aguas Calientes is surrounded by jungle-covered mountains and cliffs, and the Urubamba River flows right by the town. Aguas Calientes is also surrounded by hot springs and when we arrive you will have plenty of time to relax and enjoy a dip in one of the steaming natural springs. You will also have time to walk around the city and explore the colourful markets and the general bustle of this unique Peruvian settlement.

Overnight: Hatun Into Boutique Machupicchu or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is an early start, at approximately 05.30 you will be picked up and board the bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu. You will have time for breakfast before being picked up this morning.

Pass through the gates into the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Here you’ll be guided on a two-hour tour, to the most famous and most spectacular parts of the extensive archaeological complex. These include the House of the Guardian, Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and other key locations. And as we walk around, we’ll have spectacular views across the agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu and across to the surrounding mountains and plunging gorges.

Once we’ve finished our tour of Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you can relax and have lunch (not included) before we board the train back to Poroy and Cusco. Upon arrival at the station, a tour representative will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your own leisure. The capital city of the Inca Empire is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, as well as the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city.

Optional Tour: Rainbow Mountain - $155 per person
Duration: Full Day
Fitness Level Required: Active/Demanding (please refer to important information section for description)

We will be collected from the hotel around 05:00 as we need time to drive out to the trailhead and then complete the trek. The drive itself takes about three hours, passing through wonderful Andean scenery along the South Valley. We’ll stop for breakfast along the way, and then continue on to the trailhead at the village of Quesiuno, at about 4,326 m (14,189 ft) above sea level.

From here, we set off on the trek, first following a pretty stream, seeing herds of alpacas and llamas as they graze on the hillsides. We’ll also have consistent views of the sacred Ausangate Mountain. As we continue, we’ll pass occasional villages where the old traditions of the Andes are still very much alive.

We stop for a packed lunch somewhere along the trail, enjoying the scenery as we eat and relax for a while. Heading on, we’ll pass by the remote potato fields of this rugged region, and we might also see some local wildlife. If we’re lucky, we’ll see some chinchillas, charming Andean rodents that have the densest fur of any mammal that lives on land. We’ll also keep an eye out for vicuñas, one of the two wild South American camelids that live in the high alpine areas of the Andes (the other being the guanaco).

As we near our destination, we’ll start to see many red mountains. And after trekking for a total of about five hours, we’ll finally reach our goal: Vinicunca, the spectacular Rainbow Mountain. Here, at a literally breathtaking 5,020 m (16,466 ft) above sea level, we’ll start exploring the area, which is in fact a series of coloured mountains, not just one. We’ll hike up to the top of Rainbow Mountain, where we’ll spend about 30 minutes, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the view and take photos.

Once we’ve had time to take in all the magnificent sights, we’ll set off on our return trek, which will take three to four hours. Private transport will be waiting and we’ll set off back to Cusco, again taking about three hours. We should arrive in Cusco at 1600, at which point we’ll drop you off at your hotel, with the memories of the mesmerizing Rainbow Mountain still fresh in your mind.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your own leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to partake in an optional activity.

Optional Tour: Cooking Class - $110 per person
Duration: Half Day
Requirement: a minimum of 4 persons required for tour to operate

We will pick you up from your hotel around 09:30 and take you to the colorful and bustling San Pedro market in Cusco. This is one of the most interesting markets in Cusco, with a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, souvenirs, and handicrafts.

Before entering the market, your group will meet the chef who you will cook with later. He or she will give you a brief explanation of the dynamics of the tour. You'll then be taken around the market and the chef will tell you all about the many ingredients on display, as well as some shopping tips. As we explore the market, we will choose the ingredients that we will use during the cooking class. Interacting with the local stall owners is a great opportunity to experience local life and meet some very colorful characters.

At the end of the market tour, we will head straight to the local restaurant. You will be provided with the necessary clothing and then you are ready to cook! Your experienced chef will tell you all about the dish before guiding you through each step of the preparation. You will only use organic produce, much of which is grown in traditional communities in and around Cusco. The dish you prepare will depend on the season, but you will surely use representative ingredients of Andean cuisine, such as potatoes and corn. Once the class is over, the whole group will help to set the table and serve all the dishes that have been prepared. And then it's time to eat! At the end of the activity, it is time to return to our hotel (Return transfer not included)

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport in preparation for your flight to Quito, Ecuador. Once arrived in Quito you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight: Swissotel or similar, Quito

Meals included: Breakfast

Quito is the largest, best-preserved colonial city of America and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the cultural capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano. Today is yours free at leisure to enjoy this amazing city. Alternatively, you can take the opportunity to join an optional city tour (not included).

Optional Tour: Full Day Quito City Tour - $70 AUD per person

Enjoy a truly unique experience in the heart of Quito city and discover its history from a local eye. Walk around its narrow streets visiting the most iconic buildings such as; the Golden Church, San Francisco Square, the Main Square. Visit Luis ́ local workshop “Cruz Verde”, a well know artisan whose family has prepared the local candy “Colaciones” for the last 100 years keeping alive Quito ́s tradition. For lunch you will have the opportunity to sit with locals and enjoy a tasty meal freshly prepared using local products and flavours. In the afternoon, you will go for a walk on the colourful Ronda Street, you can enjoy a giant empanada and to finish the day, go to Panecillo Hill to enjoy a panoramic view of Quito. Inclusions: Hotel to hotel transport, local lunch and an English-speaking guide.

This evening, meet your tour leader in the hotel lobby for a welcome briefing. At this time, you will discuss the details and any questions you may have regarding the upcoming journey through The Galapagos Islands. Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Swissotel or similar, Quito

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Island of Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival you will be picked up and transferred to Santa Cruz, a nearby island, crossing the narrow Itabaca channel by ferry and then continuing by car. Your first stop will be at the highlands of Santa Cruz. The “Parte Alta” as the highlands are called in Spanish are very lush and green and home of the iconic giant Galapagos tortoises. Here you will visit a private ranch where you will enjoy lunch before heading out on a walk in search of the giant tortoises.

During this visit you will also visit some lava tubes, which are formed when the surface of a lava stream solidifies, but the inside remains a liquid and flows out like a river. After this tour, you will continue by private transport to the hotel. Here you will have a meet and greet with a local guide who will explain the following days itinerary to you. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure to explore this beautiful Island.

Overnight: Hotel Fiesta or similar, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Today, after breakfast, you will enjoy a half day tour of Academy Bay. Be sure to pack sun protection, a bathing suit, towel, camera and comfortable walking shoes. Optional snorkel equipment will be provided free of charge to anyone who wishes to use it. During the tour you will take a boat to Academy Bay where you can swim and snorkel with sea lions and all kinds of colourful fish. Here you can see the blue footed boobies who are resting at the edge of the cliffs.

Afterwards climb to a nearby viewpoint and if you are lucky, you can see white-tipped reef sharks swimming in the ocean below. Afterwards take a walk to ‘Playa de los Perros’ where many sea iguanas are found resting in the sun. The enormous cacti, the red colour of the rocks and the turquoise colour of the ocean make for great photo opportunities.

Overnight: Hotel Fiesta or similar, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon you will be met and transferred from the hotel to the dock of Santa Cruz from where you will take a boat (approx. 2 hours) to the island of San Cristobal.

Upon arrival at the dock in San Cristobal, you will be transferred to the hotel in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Here you will have a meet and greet with another local guide who will explain the rest of your itinerary to you. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure on this stunning island.

Overnight: Hotel Blue Marlin or similar, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, Galapagos

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, you will be met and transferred to a dock where you will take a quick boat ride to the nearby Isla Lobos. During this boat trip you will observe a lot of sea life before even setting foot on the island. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour where you will have the chance to observe frigate birds, blue footed boobies and sea lions that all inhabit the island. Afterwards you will have time for a swim or snorkel in the beautiful waters.

Continue onwards to a nearby beach on San Cristobal where you may enjoy an included packed lunch and some time at leisure. The white coral beaches of San Cristobal are great to walk around, relax and swim in the shallow waters before returning to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Overnight: Hotel Blue Marlin or similar, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, Galapagos

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Enjoy some free time this morning before transferring to the airport of San Cristobal. From here, you will take a quick flight back to Ecuador’s mainland. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be collected from the airport and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight: Swissotel or similar, Quito, Ecuador

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport in Quito in preparation for your return flight to Australia.

Meals included: Breakfast

Sit back, relax and reminisce on the memories created over the past weeks on your trip through ancient Incan Peru and the famous wildlife archipelago of the Galapagos.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival in Australia please make your own onward travel arrangements.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Covid-19 Booking Policy

Qantas Tours packages are non-refundable. If your Qantas Tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other Qantas Tour or package available via the TripADeal website. 

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.

We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated).

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 4 November 2024.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

Single Traveller Supplement

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement applies as below: 

Standard package: $2075

Extension package: $2800

Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Departure Dates     

2024

March: 4

April: 15*

May: 6, 20

June: 3*, 17*

August: 12, 19

September: 2, 9

October: 14, 21

November: 4* 

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Surcharges

Please note: 

• dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $450 per person.

Departure Cities     

Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth, Auckland

Departure City Surcharges

Brisbane: $100 per person

Adelaide: $300 per person

Perth: $500 per person

International Full-Service Airline(s) Used

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Airlines: LATAM, Qantas Airways and partners (subject to availability).

Please note: Some flights may transit through the USA. If your flight transits through the United States, please review the Visa section for further information.

Domestic Airline(s) Used

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Route: Lima to Cusco

• Airlines: LATAM (subject to availability).

Please note: Qantas Tours cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

Arrive early in Lima, Peru

Non-high season dates range from $300 per person, subject to availability

High season dates range from $700 per person (only available for purchase over the phone)

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• Arrivals before your selected departure date can only be booked up to one month before check-in. Should you wish to arrive earlier, please contact TripADeal to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024

18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025

Stay behind in Cusco, Peru - Itinerary 1 only

Non-high season dates range from $300 per person, subject to availability

High season dates range from $700 per person (only available for purchase over the phone)

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024

18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025

Stay Behind in Quito, Ecuador - Itinerary 2 only (Galapagos Extension)

Non-high season dates range from $300 per person, subject to availability

High season dates range from $700 per person (only available for purchase over the phone)

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024

18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025

Stopover Packages 

* Santiago, Chile

Twin share: $1000 per person/one way

Solo Traveller: $1800 one way

Includes:

• 2 Nights in 4-star accommodation

• Daily breakfast

• Return airport transfers 

Please note: 

• When a pre and post-tour stopover is chosen, the same stopover location must be chosen each way, due to the airline used

• When selecting an Arrive Early or Stay Behind in conjunction with a Stopover Package, the stopover will take place after the departure date you select for your Arrive Early or Stay Behind

• Stopover packages are subject to availability.

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

• 1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024

• 18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

• 1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

• 23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

• 6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025

Flight Class Upgrades

Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.

Please note:

• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.