Visit the best of the South American Pacific and the Andes with this 10-day seat in coach tour. The tour begins in Lima, where you will visit its colonial and pre-Hispanic side. The next destination is the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco and its surroundings, where you will connect with the mysticism of the Andes, crowning the visit in Machu Picchu, the New Wonder of the World. From the ‘Centre of the World’ the journey continues towards ‘Half of the World´. Arrive in Ecuador via Quito and then head to Santa Cruz Island, located in the impressive Galapagos National Park. Once here, navigate, visit its beautiful sandy beaches and meet the giant tortoises, bred and protected by the Charles Darwin Research Station. In short, an unforgettable trip in two countries where you will live unique experiences.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Lima: Named as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, the Peruvian capital is a blend of history and modernity. Its historic centre maintains the colonial architectural complexes that coexist closely with the Pacific Ocean and a characteristic bohemian essence.
Cusco: Discover the former Inca capital, observe the ruins of the former civilisation and the Spanish colonial legacy, and admire attractions such as the baroque Cathedral, the Sacsayhuaman, and Puka Pukara archaeological sites.
Sacred Valley: Discover the ancient town of Pisac and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo among other interesting sights.
Machu Picchu: The "lost city of the Incas" is the reason why thousands of people arrive in Peru. Hidden among the vegetation, get closer to our past through its rooms, temples, bridges and religious sites, built in communion with the surrounding landscape.
Santa Cruz Island: This sleeping volcano is a refuge for the mythical giant Galapagos turtles and a paradise of white sand beaches.
Day 1: ARRIVAL LIMA
Upon arrival at Lima airport, you will receive assistance from a representative and a transport service will take you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day free to get to know the city. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis and full of history, with about 10 million inhabitants, currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic changes.
Overnight in Lima.
Day 2: LIMA: CITY TOUR
After breakfast at the hotel. Pick up at the hotel to explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fascinating historic buildings. The route begins at the traditional Pueblo Libre district, where you visit the Larco Museum, located in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid from the seventh century. The museum boasts a complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Then visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Jeronimo de Aliaga. This is the only house from that time that still belongs to the same family. Continue with a scenic tour through the colonial downtown. See the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire. Admire Lima’s Cathedral, built during the 16th century. At the end of the tour, return to your hotel. The rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Lima.
Day 3: LIMA – CUSCO: CITY TOUR & NEARBY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES (by flight, not included)
Breakfast at the hotel. A transportation service will take you to the Lima airport to take your flight to Cusco (Lima – Cusco flight not included). The domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive not later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late. A representative will welcome you in the Imperial City and accompany you to your selected hotel. After a short break at the hotel, you will be picked up by your local guide to start the tour at 1 pm, and enjoy a guided 4-hour tour of this charming city, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts 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 worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua), an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings, squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, return to your hotel.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 4: CUSCO – CHINCHERO - LIVING MUSEUM OF YUCAY – OLLANTAYTAMBO – SACRED VALLEY
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, you will depart from the city to visit the town of Chinchero (On Sundays, also visit the local market in Chinchero), a traditional Cusco urban center located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. Here, there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Then, you will be transferred to the Living Museum of Yucay, an Andean interpretation center, where demonstrations of the elaboration of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware are carried out in the same way in which they used to in the past; an original recreation of Inca traditions. Also, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed! From here, continue to Ollantaytambo and visit its town, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch in the Sacred Valley. Later, visit the iconic fortress, built next to a mountain. At the end of this activity, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Overnight in Sacred Valley.
Day 5: SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Breakfast at the hotel. Your visit to Machu Picchu begins with an hour and a half train journey through spectacular Andean landscapes to Aguas Calientes, starting from the Ollantaytambo train Station. Once there, you will be guided to the bus (25-minute bus ride) that takes you to Machu Picchu, the ´lost city of the Incas´. It is believed that the archaeological site was built around 1450 by Inca Pachacútec as his holiday residence. However, a century later, the city was abandoned after the Spanish conquest, saving itself from the destruction that reached other Inca settlements. Instead, the jungle slowly swallowed its stone constructions and hid them, protecting them. During the guided 2,5 -hours tour, you will learn about the origins of this impressive citadel, presenting its most outstanding monuments. At the end of the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at the famous Café Inkaterra, a beautiful thatched-roof restaurant hemmed in between the railway and a mountain. Transfer back to Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 6: CUSCO – QUITO (by flight, not included)
Breakfast at the hotel. A transport service will take you to the Cusco airport to board your flight to Quito (Cusco – Quito flight not included). Upon arrival at the Ecuadorian airport, a representative and a transport service will take you to your hotel. The rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Quito.
Day 7: QUITO – GALAPAGOS (SANTA CRUZ ISLAND)(by flight, not included)
Transfer from the hotel in Quito to the airport to take the flight to Galapagos (Quito – Baltra Island flight not included). We suggest booking the earliest flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands, as well as the later flight from Galapagos to Quito so you can enjoy the Islands longer.
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide. The journey to Santa Cruz Island begins with a short bus transfer followed by a brief ferry crossing over the Itabaca Channel. Santa Cruz is one of the largest and most diverse islands in the Galápagos, featuring a remarkable range of ecosystems and contrasting landscapes. Along the way, you will travel through the lush highlands, where a stop will be made at a local ranch. Here, you will have the opportunity to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat and explore fascinating lava tunnels. Lunch will be served at the ranch before continuing to Puerto Ayora, the main town on the island. In the afternoon, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, an important center dedicated to conservation and scientific research in the Galápagos. During the visit, you will follow the “tortoise route,” where you can learn more about the iconic species of the islands, including the legacy of the famous Lonesome George.
TUI Wow Moments: Plant a Scalesia Tree at Pájaro Brujo Reserve
Experience the true spirit of conservation in the Galápagos Islands by planting a native Scalesia tree at the beautiful Pájaro Brujo Reserve on Santa Cruz Island. Surrounded by lush highland landscapes, endemic birdlife, and unique volcanic scenery, you will actively contribute to the restoration of the native forest. This meaningful activity allows you to give back directly to one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems while gaining a deeper understanding of local conservation efforts. More than just a visit, this is a hands-on experience that connects you with nature, supports biodiversity, and leaves a lasting positive impact. At Pájaro Brujo, you don’t just explore the Galápagos, you help preserve its future.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora.
Day 8: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: NAVIGABLE TOUR OF SANTA FE OR PLAZAS OR BARTOLOMÉ OR NORTH SEYMOUR
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will explore one of the stunning uninhabited islands near Santa Cruz Island. Our staff will assist you from your hotel for your transfer to the departure point. You will first travel by bus to the Itabaca Channel, where you will board a yacht and sail towards one of the Galápagos National Park’s uninhabited visitor sites. Depending on availability and the day of the week (as the National Park regulates departures to protect the ecosystems), you will visit North Seymour or Bartolomé or Santa Fe or Plazas. The excursion includes a guided walk to observe the unique flora and fauna of the island, as well as a snorkeling session where you can discover the incredible marine life of the Galápagos. All activities are led by a certified naturalist guide. You will return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Navigation time varies depending on the island visited. Detailed information will be provided at the time of booking.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora.
Day 9: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: BAY TOUR
Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up and transferred to the pier to board the boat for a scenic bay tour. This half-day excursion offers an excellent introduction to the rich marine and coastal wildlife of the Galápagos. During the navigation, you will have the opportunity to observe sea lions, marine iguanas, and other iconic species of the archipelago. Several stops are included along the route to fully appreciate the natural surroundings. One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to Las Grietas, a stunning natural formation of crystal-clear water pools nestled between dramatic lava rock walls—an ideal spot for a refreshing swim. The experience also includes a snorkeling session, allowing you to discover the vibrant underwater life.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora.
Day 10: DEPARTURE GALAPAGOS
Breakfast at the hotel and at the agreed time, transfer to the port of Santa Cruz Island, where you will board a ferry that will cross the Itabaca Canal. Arrive at the port and transfer to the Baltra airport to take the flight back to Continental Ecuador for your departure (flight not included).
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area the use of warm clothing is recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
