Individual Trip: Peru – Galapagos Islands (Ecuador): Where history meets nature!, 10 days

Day 1: Athens – Lima

Departure from Athens via a European hub and then on to Lima, arriving the same day. Transfer from the airport to the hotel and overnight stay. A modern metropolis full of history and, at the same time, the political and economic center of the country.

Day 2: Lima – City tour

Breakfast at the hotel, and then we will begin our visit to the streets of the old city of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage site with fascinating historical buildings. We will start with a visit to Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted in 1535 by the lead conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jeronimo de Aliaga, one of his commanders. This is the only house from that era that has always belonged to the same family to this day.
We will continue with a picturesque tour of the city’s colonial center, which starts at and extends from the main square. Here we will admire the magnificent architecture of the Spanish Empire and be impressed by the Cathedral of Lima, which was built in the 16th century and took more than 80 years to complete. We will finish with the Larco Museum, located in the traditional district of Pueblo Libre, housed in a beautifully renovated mansion built over a pre-Columbian pyramid. The museum features the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects in the world, as well as works of erotic art. Return to our hotel for an overnight stay.
In the afternoon, you can optionally attend the Magic Water Circuit spectacle, the largest electronic fountain complex in the world, certified by the Guinness World Records.
A magnificent show of water, light, music, and images presented in the famous Parque de la Reserva, one of the most beautiful parks in the city of Lima, concluded with a “Creole” buffet dinner and a traditional show.

Day 3: Lima – Cusco – City tour and archaeological sites

After breakfast, transfer to Lima airport for our flight to Cusco. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a guided tour of the former capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins 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 sun worship, and its foundations are still visible at the base of the convent. Ancient tradition says the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Next, we will visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument on the Main Square. Moving to the hills above Cusco, we will visit the ruins of the Sacsayhuaman fortress, whose impressive ramparts offer stunning panoramic views of Cusco, and the ruins of the Qenqo temple and amphitheater, where it is believed the Incas performed religious agricultural ceremonies. This is followed by a visit to the impressive red Inca fortress of Puka Pukara with its striking towers, roads, and squares. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and the living museum of Yucay

After breakfast, departure from the hotel to visit the town of Chinchero, a traditional urban center of Cusco located at an elevated point with beautiful views of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the traditional techniques and ancestral knowledge of the Incas, showcasing them in their clothing and customs. In Chinchero, there are also archaeological ruins and a beautiful 17th-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Then, we will transfer to the living museum of Yucay, a vibrant center of Andean traditions with demonstrations of textile production, pottery, and silversmithing, following the techniques used by their ancestors. In the wider area of the museum, there are also llamas, sheep, and alpacas, which visitors can feed!
This is followed by a visit to the town of Ollantaytambo, which has been continuously inhabited since the Inca era. Lunch at a local restaurant with Andean cuisine, and then we will visit the iconic fortress built next to the mountain. Overnight at our hotel in the Sacred Valley.
(*) On Sundays, the local market is open, which we can visit.

Day 5: Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

After breakfast, transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station, where we will board the train for Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu, arriving after a romantic journey through the impressive Andean landscapes. Upon arrival, we board a bus for a 25-minute ride to reach the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. The city is believed to have been built in 1450 by the Inca Emperor Pachacuti as a vacation retreat, but within a century, the city would be abandoned after the Spanish conquest. The Spanish never found it, so it escaped the destruction they brought to other Inca areas because the dense jungle vegetation slowly covered it, preventing them from finding it. During the tour, we will learn about the origins of this impressive citadel and see the most remarkable monuments, including the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, and the Sacred Sun. Then, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at Café Inkaterra with its stunning view of the Vilcanota River. The restaurant is known for its unique combination of Andean gastronomy with modern culinary trends, offering a fusion-style meal with a distinct flavor. Afterward, return to Cusco and overnight stay.
Important note: Remember to confirm your booking as soon as possible to proceed with the purchase of tickets in advance, due to the limited number of visitors to the Citadel. The specific schedule and time of the visit to Machu Picchu will be selected based on availability at the time of booking confirmation.

Day 6: Cusco – Quito

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito via Lima. Arrival and transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Quito – Galapagos Islands (Santa Cruz Island – Excursion to the Santa Cruz Highlands and visit to the Darwin Station)

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for the flight to the closest airport on Santa Cruz Island. We will meet our naturalist guide, and after boarding a bus and then a ferry, we will reach Santa Cruz Island, one of the largest in the archipelago, known for its great variety of climates and contrasting natural landscapes, ranging from dense tropical forests to dry volcanic areas. During the journey, we will make a stop in the lush highlands of the island, where we will have the opportunity to visit a ranch that hosts the famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat. In the same area, we can explore a volcanic tunnel (lava tunnel), a unique experience that allows us to see up close the remnants of the volcanic activity that shaped the islands. Lunch follows in this idyllic setting before we continue our journey to Puerto Ayora, where we will spend the night.
The tour concludes with a visit to a local art gallery managed by a local artist. The goal is to promote the art of the Galapagos and Ecuador, drawing inspiration from the sea and the unique natural environment of the islands. During the visit, we participate in a creative workshop where we will make and personalize our own souvenir, while interacting with the artist and learning more about local culture and traditions. This fun and accessible activity lasts about an hour and offers a unique opportunity to combine creativity with learning about the region.

Day 8: Santa Cruz – Yacht cruise to a neighboring island

Breakfast, and we set off for a unique experience exploring one of the uninhabited islands near Santa Cruz. By bus, we will reach the channel and board a luxury yacht to sail to the recommended island, which is selected based on availability and the guidelines of the Galapagos National Park to avoid overcrowding. Possible options are North Seymour, Santa Fe, Plazas, or Bartolome—each island offering unique landscapes and ecosystems.
Upon arrival, our hike begins with the naturalist guide, who explains the island’s unique flora and fauna. We will have the opportunity to observe rare birds and marine iguanas, which are small and unique in size, whereas the larger ones are on the other side of the world on the Flores (Komodo) islands in Indonesia. We will walk through impressive volcanic landscapes, while the guidance from our naturalist helps us understand the complex ecological wealth of the islands.
After our tour, there is an opportunity for snorkeling, where we will observe the underwater world of the archipelago. Thousands of colorful fish, corals, and other sea creatures create an impressive natural aquatic theater, supervised by the naturalist to ensure the experience is safe and enlightening.
The duration of navigation and activities varies depending on the island visited and is confirmed upon booking. At the end of the excursion, transfer to our hotel, concluding a day full of natural beauty, educational value, and unforgettable experiences.

Day 9: Santa Cruz – Excursion to the island’s bay

Breakfast and transfer for our half-day excursion. Transfer to the port to board the boat. This short tour of the bay gives us the chance to see sea lions, marine iguanas, and other unique species of the archipelago up close. During the trip, several stops will be made to enjoy the wildlife and visit Las Grietas—impressive natural pools with crystal-clear waters between volcanic rocks, ideal for a refreshing swim. The experience concludes with snorkeling to explore the underwater world. Overnight stay.

Day 10: Santa Cruz – Return flight to Greece

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer by car and ferry to the airport on Baltra Island for the flight back to the country’s capital, Quito, and connection with the international flight for the return trip, arriving in Greece the next day.

Travel Notes