The Wonders of Peru, Andean Explorer, and the Galapagos onboard Yacht Isabela II
Itinerary
Take on an unforgettable nineteen night South American adventure that seamlessly blends culture, history, and natural wonders. Begin your journey in Lima, Peru, where modern sophistication meets ancient charm. Explore the mystical Sacred Valley, immersing yourself in the rich Incan heritage before reaching the iconic Machu Picchu, where breathtaking landscapes meet archaeological marvels. Traverse the Andean Explorer train to Lake Titicaca, where the world's highest navigable lake unfolds its captivating beauty. Dive into the vibrant traditions of local communities on its shores. Concluding your South American odyssey, set sail on a mesmerizing Galapagos Islands cruise, discovering the archipelago's unique biodiversity and pristine landscapes. Each day unveils a new chapter of awe-inspiring beauty, from diverse wildlife encounters to untouched beaches. This meticulously crafted journey promises an unparalleled fusion of history, natural wonders, and luxury, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.
Welcome to Peru! You will be met on your arrival at the airport, then transported to your city center hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing at your leisure. (Overnight Lima)
Accommodation Options
Pullman Lima Miraflores
Country Club Lima Hotel
Today is a day exploring the riches of the city, with your private guide. Visit Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor, and the Government Palace. Discover the Casa de Aliaga, the oldest colonial mansion in Lima, with its remarkable interior and rich history dating back to 1535. Then, the Larco Herrera Museum to delve into Peru's ancient past, featuring a vast collection of pre-Columbian art. Enjoy a delightful meal at Café del Museo Restaurant within the museum complex. Explore the bohemian district of Barranco, known for its artistic history and the iconic Puente de los Suspiros. (Overnight Lima) B, L
Accommodation Options
Pullman Lima Miraflores
Country Club Lima Hotel
Your driver will meet you at the hotel lobby to take you to the airport, where they will also assist with all check-in procedures and departure formalities. The flight to Cusco is just 1hr and 25mins, and you will be met on arrival, then driven on the 1hr 30min drive to The Sacred Valley. Along the way, you can visit the impressive Sulca Museum, which recreates fabrics from ancient Peru, and lunch at the lovely Hacienda Huayoccari. (Overnight The Sacred Valley) B, L
After breakfast enjoy a guided journey through the Inca's Sacred Valley, exploring the ancient Maras Saltpans where salt has been harvested for millennia. Witness the breathtaking array of colors in the salt deposits and visit the enigmatic Moray terraces, considered a colossal agricultural lab, astronomical observatory, and place of worship with its circular terraces nestled in cone-shaped depressions. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the Community of Misminay, and following your tour you will be transferred back to your hotel. (Overnight The Sacred Valley) B, L
After a brief visit to the historic site of Ollantaytambo, transfer to the train station for a memorable journey. As you travel from the Andean highlands to the jungle, enjoy the scenic transformation before reaching the town of Aguas Calientes. Your luggage will be managed seamlessly as you embark on a short bus ride to the renowned ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Revel in a guided tour of this enigmatic Lost City of the Incas. (Overnight Machu Picchu) B/L
Rise and shine early today as the sunrise over Machu Picchu is a sight you don’t want to miss. It’s a day to enjoy unguided, so be it a stroll around the ancient ruins, a climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for even better views, or a visit to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, it's up to you. In the afternoon, return to Cusco by scenic train, then you will be escorted to your hotel. (Overnight Cusco) B
Explore the beautiful city of Cusco today. The cobbled streets and original Inca walls are second to now when it comes to archaeological treasures. Highlights of the tour include the Santa Domingo church, which is built on Inca Temple Koricancha’s foundations, the Cristobal viewpoint for some amazing views, Sacsayhuaman Fortress, the Inca baths of Tambomachay, and finally a tour of the magnificent Main Plaza and Cathedral. Head back to your hotel to refresh, then perhaps return to the Main Plaza for dinner. (Overnight Cusco) B
You will be escorted to the station with plenty of time for your 11 am departure, and onboard you will quickly settle into the opulent surroundings. Your private suite, the dining cars, and the bar are all beautifully decorated, and the outdoor observatory is the best place to enjoy the Andean scenery. Following lunch, there is a tour of the site of Raqchi – an archaeological site that boasts several architectural gems. Back onboard for afternoon tea, then a brief stop at La Raya to soak up the stunning sunset over the La Raya mountain range – the highest point of the journey at 4,000ft above sea level. Relax with your traveling companions over dinner onboard, then perhaps a nightcap in the lounge car as the train continues its way to Lake Titicaca. (Overnight Onboard) B, L, D
An early wake-up is worth it today so you can see the sunrise across the lake with breakfast. Disembark the train for an excursion to the magnificent Uros islands, manmade islands constructed from reeds that are constantly being replenished. Then it's on to Taquile Island, noted for the stunning agricultural terraces where you will enjoy lunch in a private location by the lake. From here it's back on the train to enjoy some time to relax in your suite, the bar, or the spa. Enjoy dinner onboard as the train makes its way to Arequipa. (Overnight Onboard) B, L, D
Enjoy an early breakfast before heading off for a fascinating excursion to explore the scenery of Lake Lagunillas, then visit the Sumbay caves, home to fascinating paintings estimated to be over 8000 years old. Bid farewell to the train at Sumbay Station, from where you continue your journey to the Colca Canyon by road. The scenery is wonderful as you cross Pampa Cañahuas within the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you will come across herds of Alpacas and Vicuñas. Make a stop to refresh with a cup of Coca Tea, then continue over passes offering panoramic views of numerous volcanoes that serve as the origins of the Amazon River. Stop for lunch and perhaps a stroll around Chivay before arriving at your hotel. (Overnight Colca Canyon) B, L
In the early morning, you will be driven to the ‘Cruz del Condor’ observation point, which offers a magnificent view of the expansive Colca Canyon. While not its deepest point, this spot allows you to marvel at the canyon's grandeur, and, with some luck, witness the majestic Andean condors – the world’s largest flying birds, soaring above the high plain. On the way back to the lodge, explore villages showcasing ancient terraces built by the Collaguas, a pre-Inka culture. From here take a stroll around the towns of Maca at the base of the volcano Sabancaya, and then Yanque whose beautiful baroque church stands as a a testament to the cultural fusion of the colonial era. Once back at the lodge, relax and enjoy at your leisure. The surrounding area is easy to explore on a gentle stroll, or if it's the relaxation you need why not enjoy a repairing bath at the nearby hotel springs? (Overnight Colca Canyon) B, L
Today you will be transferred to Chvay for lunch, then it’s a three-hour drive to Arequipa passing lookouts and villages and crossing Pampa Cañahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve along the way. Once you have arrived in Arequipa settle into your hotel, then enjoy dinner in the evening. (Overnight Arequipa) B, L
Accommodation Options
Cirqa
Enjoy a private half-day tour of Arequipa this morning, exploring its main square—one of Peru's most beautiful—and the Cathedral, a prime example of 19th-century Peruvian architecture with treasures in gold and silver. Visit the historic La Compañia Church, an important Jesuit temple. Then, explore the Santa Catalina Convent, a 19th-century 'small town' opened to the public in 1970 after 400 years as a cloister. Immaculately preserved, it offers a glimpse into the past with spacious patios, gardens, a kitchen, slave quarters, and stone washbasins, still inhabited by about 20 nuns. In the afternoon you will be escorted to the airport for an evening flight to Lima. (Overnight Lima) B
Accommodation Options
Pullman Lima Miraflores
Country Club Lima Hotel
This morning it’s a flight to the Ecuadorian capital Quito. Here you will be collected at the airport and whisked to your central hotel for an overnight stay. (Overnight Quito) B
Accommodation Options
Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel
It’s a two-hour flight to the famous archipelago from Quito, and on arrival, a short transfer will bring you to Santa Cruz Island and lunch in the humid Highlands, then on to Puerto Ayora on the coast. Here you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. Following a short tour, you will board Yacht Isabela II, your home for the next four nights. The many facilities onboard such as a hot tub, fitness room, and bar, as well as its smaller glass-bottomed boats, snorkeling gear, and kayaks, are all yours to use should you choose. A special Captain’s dinner and cocktails are a wonderful way to celebrate the voyage ahead. (Overnight Onboard Yacht Isabela II) B,L,D
Named after Charles Darwin’s close friend and fellow naturist Sir Bartholomew James Sullivan, Bartholome Island is no less fascinating than it was in 1835 when Darwin first arrived. Here you can take the opportunity to swim and snorkel around the iconic Pinnacle Rock where you will be treated to an impressive natural world of penguins, marine turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and other marine creatures, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. After lunch, you will board inflatable dinghies and lad at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago Island, a white coral sand beach that is ideal for swimming. A path traces the route through a lava field that streamed into this area approximately a century ago. It serves as an ideal location to witness and comprehend the volcanic genesis of the Galapagos Islands. (Overnight Onboard Yacht Isabela II) B,L,D
This morning, disembark on Santa Cruz and follow your guide past lagoons frequented by shorebirds, ducks, and American flamingos, as you make your way inland you will have the chance to see the islands’ famous land iguanas. Following your walk you have the chance to snorkel from the shore, with the chance to spot rays, green turtles, and sharks. In the afternoon you will land on the black, sandy beach of James Bay on Santiago island where a trail will lead you to close-up encounters with land iguanas, and many land and marine birds amid the craggy rocks and lava flows. At low tide, watch marine iguanas grazing on the algae beds, and a colony of fur seals dozing in the shade of some rocks. Then it's back onboard for dinner. (Overnight Onboard Yacht Isabela II) B,L,D
The first stop today is Punta Vicente Roca, which can only be explored by dingy. The wildlife here truly is abundant, with colonies of Galapagos fur seals, nesting Nazca boobies, and not to mention flightless cormorants, penguins, and marine iguanas. If the sea conditions are good you will be able to snorkel in the company of green sea turtles. Back onboard you pass through the nutrient-rich waters of the Bolivar Channel en route to the island of Fernandina: the youngest island of the archipelago and arguably one of the most pristine ecosystems on the planet. The Punta Espinoza visitor site boasts a stunning blend of seemingly desolate terrains and rich wildlife, all under the imposing presence of the towering volcano at the island's core. Notable sightings encompass hawks, penguins, a multitude of marine iguanas, and the renowned flightless cormorant, distinguished by its captivating blue eyes. (Overnight Onboard Yacht Isabela II) B,L,D
Bid farewell to the yacht and crew at Baltra Island, where you transfer and fly back to the mainland, and your final night in the convenient Wyndham Quito airport hotel. (Overnight Quito)
Accommodation Options
Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel
Enjoy your flight home or do speak to any of our Rail Experts about extending your travels elsewhere. B
Trip Details
Trip Highlights
- Taste the freshest ceviche, and coolest Pisco Sours in exciting Lima
- Discover the ancient, terraced fields, and Incan ruins, of The Sacred Valley
- Watch the sunrise over jaw-dropping Machu Picchu
- Enjoy the breathtaking Andean scenery on the train to Cusco
- Stroll the streets of Cusco, the archaeological capital of South America
- Savour the unparalleled luxury of the Andean Explorer train
- Marvel the majesty of Lake Titicaca
- Spot the magnificent Andean Condors soaring over the vast Colca Canyon
- Fall in love with the beautiful Arequipa, Perus White City
- Explore Quitos perfectly preserved Old Town
- Discover what makes the Galapagos Islands perhaps the most unique, and biologically outstanding areas on Earth.
What's Included
- Roundtrip rail to Machu Picchu
- 2 nights onboard the Andean Explorer A Belmond Train, in a Suite Cabin including
- En Suite facilities
- Air-conditioning
- All onboard meals and beverages
- Onboard entertainment
- All Excursions
- Guides and bus transfers
- 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lima
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in The Sacred Valley
- 1 night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Machu Picchu
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cusco
- 2 nights at the Colca Lodge including breakfast
- 1 nights hotel accommodation including breakfast in Arequipa
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Quito
- 4 nights Galapagos Islands Cruise onboard Yacht Isabela including
- Classic cabin accommodation
- All meals and drinks
- All off-board experiences and activities
- Full-day private city tour of Lima
- Full-day private tour of Maras Saltpans, and Moray Terraces including lunch
- Afternoon, and morning tours of Machu Picchu, including entrance fees
- Half-day private tour of Cusco, and the surrounding archaeological sites
- Half-day private tour of Colca Canyon
- Private scenic transfer from Colca to Arequipa, including lunch
- Half-day private tour of Arequipa and Santa Catalina Monastery
- airfare from Arequipa to Lima, and Lima to Quito
- Roundtrip airfare from Quito to The Galapagos Islands
- All airport/hotel/station private transfers