Journeys: Explore South America

Santiago

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Arrival Transfer

Santiago 0.5h 20km

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Welcome Meeting

Santiago 0.75h

The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your Expedition Leader will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

Accommodations:  NH Ciudad Santiago

Santiago

Discover Santiago's historical heart on a morning city tour, stepping through the bustling Plaza de Armas, admiring the Metropolitan Cathedral, and passing the grand La Moneda Palace. Afterwards, head into the surrounding hills to a boutique organic winery for an insider's look at the winemaking process. Meet the vineyard owners and hear the stories of their families and of the winery, before a private tasting and delicious lunch of fresh, regional ingredients. Take part in a seasonal viticulture workshop to learn hands-on care, from shoot management to irrigation and harvest before returning to the city for the evening.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Santiago City Tour

Santiago 3h

Navigate Santiago's historic center on a guided morning walk, examining the colonial architecture of Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the La Moneda presidential palace.

Wine, Family and Vineyard Experience

Santiago 4.5h

Discover the world of Chilean wine through an authentic experience hosted by the owners and families behind the vineyards. Enjoy a guided visit, learn the story and vision behind each family, and taste different exclusive house wines paired with an abundant selection of local products, including charcuterie, cheeses, breads, fresh vegetables, nuts, seasonal fruits and warm bites. Then take part in a seasonal micro-workshop in viticulture, offering the opportunity to gain a hands-on understanding of the vineyard and learn about the seasonal practices taking place during their visit, from grape and shoot management to irrigation, harvest and flowering.

Free Time

Santiago Afternoon

Take advantage of a free afternoon and evening to explore the Chilean capital at your own pace. Consult your Expedition Leader for recommendations on navigating the city's attractions and diverse culinary scene.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  NH Ciudad Santiago

Santiago/Puerto Natales

Board a morning flight heading deep into the southern reaches of Patagonia. Touch down in Puerto Natales, a coastal town resting along the waters of the Ultima Esperanza Sound, where colourful homes stand against a backdrop of wind-swept fjords and snowcapped peaks. Transfer to your hotel and spend the evening settling in and relaxing before gathering with your Expedition Leader for a short orientation walk of the town on the way to an optional dinner out with the group.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Santiago 0.5h 20km

Make your way to the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport to catch a flight to Puerto Natales.

Plane

Santiago - Puerto Natales 4.57h

Catch a flight south from Santiago. Watch the central valleys transition into a stark landscape of deep fjords, glaciated peaks, and sweeping steppe before descending to the Patagonian outpost of Puerto Natales.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Noi Indigo Patagonia

Torres del Paine National Park/Puerto Natales

Set off on a full-day guided journey through Torres del Paine National Park. Pause to admire Grey Glacier and the iceberg-dotted waters of Grey Lake on a short walk, then drive past the turquoise expanse of Pehoe Lake toward the Cuernos Lookout. Share a picnic lunch overlooking Nordenskjold Lake, marvel at the roaring power of Salto Grande Waterfall, and take in views across Sarmiento Lake and the Blue Lagoon, where wild guanacos roam the steppe. Enjoy dinner back in Puerto Natales, reminiscing about the day's adventures before turning in for the evening.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Explore Torres Del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine 12h

Discover the diverse ecosystems and spectacular natural beauty of Torres del Paine National Park on this panoramic tour. Take a short walk to the black sand beach of Grey Lake and soak in the scenery from the drive along Pehoe Lake to Cuernos Lookout. Enjoy lunch with a view from Nordenskjold Lake viewpoint, facing one of the most striking, unobstructed postcard views of the mountain range. See the powerful Salto Grande Waterfall and look out for wildlife and birds at Laguna Amarga before reaching Laguna Azul, for a clear, frontal view of the Torres del Paine towers without requiring a strenuous trek, surrounded by low vegetation and local birdlife.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Hotel Noi Indigo Patagonia

Puerto Natales/El Calafate

Travel across the vast, rolling steppes of the Patagonian border into Argentina. Stop en route at a local restaurant to share lunch and stories with your fellow travellers. Continue onward to El Calafate, the gateway to Argentina's glacial wonders on the shores of Lake Argentino. Join your National Geographic Expedition Leader for a brief walk through town, then visit the interactive Glaciarium Museum to learn about the ice fields that have shaped this wild region.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Puerto Natales - El Calafate 8h 300km

Depart your hotel for an overland drive into Argentina.

Glaciarium Museum Visit

El Calafate 1.25h

Gain insight into the region's dramatic topography at the Glaciarium, a modern interpretation center featuring interactive exhibits and 3D models detailing the formation of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Conclude your visit by stepping into the museum's subterranean ice bar, where the walls, seats, and glasses are carved entirely from glacial ice.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Calafate Parque Hotel

El Calafate

Head into Los Glaciares National Park for a guided encounter with the Perito Moreno Glacier. Walk along a network of wooden boardwalks to view the towering ice wall from different angles, watching and listening to the glacier calve. Next, step aboard a boat for a cruise along the glacier's northern face to feel its sheer scale. After lunch inside the park, continue exploring the trail network for panoramic views of the glacier before returning to El Calafate for an evening on your own.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

El Calafate - Parque Nacional Los Glaciares 1.5h 73km

Depart your hotel for your transfer west along the scenic shores of Lago Argentino, watching the Patagonian steppe transition into dense sub-Antarctic beech forests as you enter Los Glaciares National Park.

Perito Moreno Glacier Visit and Boat Ride

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares 6h

Explore Los Glaciares National Park to witness the towering walls of the Perito Moreno Glacier from multiple vantage points. Step closer to the deep-blue formations as you cruise on a boat along the glacier's imposing north face. Following lunch, walk the park's extensive network of wooden boardwalks and central balconies as a group to take in panoramic views of the actively advancing ice sheet.

Private Vehicle

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares - El Calafate 1.5h 73km

Leave Perito Moreno Glacier behind and trace the shores of Lago Argentino eastward back to your El Calafate hotel.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Calafate Parque Hotel

El Calafate/Buenos Aires

Travel to the airport for your flight to vibrant Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take the afternoon to settle in, explore the historic avenues, or relax in a traditional neighbourhood cafe. Tonight is yours to spend as you wish, or consider joining an optional evening tango show paired with a classic Argentine dinner, taking in the passion and music that define the culture here.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

El Calafate 0.5h 22km

Depart your hotel for the airport to catch a flight north to Buenos Aires.

Plane

El Calafate - Buenos Aires 3.33h

Catch a flight north from Patagonia, watching the rugged southern terrain give way to the vast Argentine pampas on the way to Buenos Aires.

Private Vehicle

Buenos Aires 0.5h 10km

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, take in your first glimpses of the grand, European-style avenues that define Argentina's vibrant capital.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Design Suites Buenos Aires
1
Optional Activities for Day 7
Show
Tango Dinner Show
Buenos Aires
Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of Argentina with an evening of authentic tango. Enjoy a traditional Argentine dinner while watching skilled professionals take the dance floor, experiencing the intricate rhythms that ensure this art form remains a vital part of porteno culture.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Buenos Aires

Spend the day enjoying Buenos Aires at your own pace. Explore the cobbled streets of San Telmo, admire the bright facades of La Boca, or relax in a historic cafe over fresh pastries and coffee. As evening falls, gather back at the hotel to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and welcome any fellow travelers joining for the next leg of your journey. Over an optional dinner out with the group, swap stories from your Patagonian adventures and look ahead to the lush landscapes and cascading waters of Brazil.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Buenos Aires Full Day

Take advantage of a free day in Buenos Aires to stroll the lively pedestrian streets, explore architectural monuments, wander through the Recoleta Cemetery or relax in a cafe to watch the world go by.

Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos

You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Design Suites Buenos Aires
1
Optional Activities for Day 8
Show
Teatro Colon Tour
25USD Per Person
Buenos Aires
Explore this stunning opera house on a guided tour and find out why it is voted one of the best acoustic venues in the world.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Buenos Aires

Set out on a guided tour of Buenos Aires. Drive past the gilded facade of Teatro Colon and the soaring Obelisk toward Plaza de Mayo, stopping briefly at the Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to colourful La Boca, stroll along the brightly painted Caminito street museum before meeting your guides from the Isla Maciel community, a G Adventures-supported project. Cross the 1914 Avellaneda Bridge over the Riachuelo River into the Isla Maciel neighbourhood, taking in vivid murals and social history up close before heading back over the water. Enjoy lunch together, then spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Buenos Aires Afternoon

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, relax or choose from a variety of recommended activities.

Buenos Aires City Tour & Isla Maciel Cultural Experience

Buenos Aires 3h - 4h

Led by local community guides from Isla Maciel, guests will embark on a specialized walking tour through the neighborhood's historic streets before crossing the Riachuelo river Avellaneda Bridge, situated alongside the historic transporter bridge, a heritage landmark built in 1914. On the other side, a guided walk through Isla Maciel offers an intimate look at local mural art and social history. This experience provides a unique perspective on the city's dual identity, concluding with a return crossing over the river after a day of profound cultural discovery.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Design Suites Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires/Foz do Iguacu

Board a morning flight to Puerto Iguazu, trading city streets for lush subtropical green. Crossing into Brazil, step onto the trails on the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, where expansive footpaths reveal breath-taking panoramic views of hundreds of waterfalls cascading through the jungle mist. Feel the cool spray on your face as you take in the sheer scale of the landscape. Spend a free afternoon to settle into your surroundings, then gather tonight for a dinner featuring delicious local flavours.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Buenos Aires 1h 40km

Transfer from your hotel to the airport to catch a flight to Puerto Iguazu

Plane

Buenos Aires - Puerto Iguazu 1.5h 1640km

Fly north from cosmopolitan Buenos Aires to the tri-border area with Paraguay and Brazil.

Private Vehicle

Puerto Iguazu - Foz do Iguacu 1h - 1.5h

Cross the border from Argentina into Brazil, en route to the mighty Iguassu Falls.

Iguassu Falls (Brazil Side) Guided Tour

Foz do Iguacu 2.5h - 3.5h

Visit the Brazil side of the falls to get a panoramic view of Iguacu, one of the world's largest and most impressive waterfalls. In total, there are over 275 individual falls spread out over 3km (2 mi). Find the best spot to take jaw-dropping photos of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Free Time

Foz do Iguacu Afternoon

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, relax or explore the area near the hotel.

Dinner at a Churrascaría

Foz do Iguacu 2h

Experience an authentic taste of Brazil at a traditional churrascaria where servers carve a wide variety of premium grilled meats directly at your table.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Hotel Rafain Centro

Foz do Iguacu

This morning, cross the border back into Argentina, and spend the entire day exploring the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls. Board the park's rainforest train to reach the trailheads, walking along scenic boardwalks that wind through dense jungle canopy and over rushing waters. Pass vibrant tropical flora, pausing to take in sweeping views of the cascades from multiple viewpoints. Return to Brazil and head to your hotel to relax and spend the evening at your own pace.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Foz do Iguacu - Parque Nacional del Iguazu 2h 26km

Enjoy the surroundings from a private vehicle as you transfer from your hotel and cross the Argentinian border to reach Iguazu National Park.

Guided Visit of the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls

Parque Nacional del Iguazu 7h

Spend the whole day on the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls to experience it in all of its glory. See the different cascades of water from various perspectives, exploring the paths, trails and catwalks adapted to the landscape of the area.

Private Vehicle

Parque Nacional del Iguazu - Foz do Iguacu 2h 26km

Soak in the scenery on the drive back into Brazil to your hotel.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Rafain Centro
1
Optional Activities for Day 11
Show
Boat Tour of Iguassu Falls
75USD Per Person
Foz do Iguacu
Explore the jungle by 4x4 crossing the Yacaratia path and then hop on a boat to explore the thundering falls from a VERY close view. Take some amazing pictures and then float under the water to have the real Iguassu experience.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Foz do Iguacu/Rio de Janeiro

Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Rio de Janeiro, where verdant mountains plunge straight into the blue Atlantic Ocean. Set out on an afternoon tour, taking a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain to soak in sweeping panoramic views across Guanabara Bay and the sprawling city below. Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive past the sands of Botafogo, Copacabana, and Ipanema, watching beach culture come alive at golden hour, then settle into a free evening on your own.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Foz do Iguacu - Foz do Iguacu / Cataratas International Airport 0.33h 14km

Transfer from your hotel to the Foz do Iguacu airport and catch a flight to Rio.

Plane

Foz do Iguacu / Cataratas International Airport - Rio de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport 2h 1180km

Fly to Rio de Janeiro, transitioning from the thundering waterfalls to the dramatic coastal landscapes and vibrant energy of the Marvellous City.

Private Vehicle

Rio de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport - Rio de Janeiro 0.53h 22km

After arriving in Rio, transfer to your hotel by private vehicle

Rio de Janeiro Half-Day Tour

Rio de Janeiro 4h

Set off to explore Rio and ascend the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car. From this spectacular vantage point, take in breathtaking views of the vibrant cityscape and the glittering expanse of Guanabara Bay. Descend back to sea level for a scenic drive along Botafogo beach, capturing glimpses of daily Carioca life against a backdrop of coastal mountains. Conclude your tour by cruising past the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, immersing yourself in the magnetic energy and sun-drenched beauty of Rio's celebrated coastline.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Windsor Plaza Copacabana

Rio de Janeiro

Delve into the soul of the city on a visit to Rio's "Little Africa," exploring key historical sites to learn about the profound influence of African culture on Brazilian heritage and samba. Pass the Sambadrome before stopping for lunch. Afterward, walk past the white arches of the Carioca Aqueduct, climb the colourful, mosaic-tiled Selaron Steps in Lapa, and stand at the feet of the towering Christ the Redeemer statue high atop Corcovado Mountain.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Rio's "Little Africa" and Christ the Redeemer

Rio de Janeiro 7h

Head out on a full-day exploration of Rio de Janeiro, beginning with an in-depth walking tour of the historic "Little Africa" district. Accompanied by a local guide, discover the profound influence of Afro-Brazilian culture as you visit landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Valongo Wharf, the birthplace of samba at Pedra do Sal, and the Instituto dos Pretos Novos memorial. After pausing outside the iconic Sambadrome, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing through the Lapa neighborhood to view the towering Carioca Aqueduct and the vibrantly tiled Selaron Steps. The day concludes with an ascent up Corcovado Mountain to stand beneath the monumental Christ the Redeemer statue, offering a remarkable view over the sprawling city.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Windsor Plaza Copacabana

Rio de Janeiro

Head into the bohemian hilltop enclave of Santa Teresa, where narrow cobblestone streets are lined with historic mansions and artist studios. Visit Parque das Ruinas, a public park built around the glass-and-steel restoration of a 20th-century mansion, taking in art galleries and sweeping views of Guanabara Bay. Wander along the garden trails of the lush and tropical botanical gardens before returning to your hotel.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Bohemian Santa Teresa and the Botanical Gardens

Rio de Janeiro 7.5h

Explore the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, starting at Parque das Ruinas, a cultural center set within the ruins of a historic mansion that offers sweeping views of downtown Rio and Guanabara Bay. Take a guided walk through the area's cobblestone streets to discover colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and artisan shops. Discover the extraordinary tropical plant collections and towering imperial palms of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, concluding your tour at the historic Parque Lage at the base of Corcovado Mountain.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Windsor Plaza Copacabana

Rio de Janeiro/Lima

Bid farewell to Brazil and fly west across the heart of South America over the Andes to Peru. After touching down in Lima, you'll meet your driver and head to your hotel, located in the upscale district of Miraflores on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Settle in and take some time to explore the area around the hotel before gathering in the evening with your Expedition Leader and any new travel companions joining the next leg of the journey.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Rio de Janeiro - Rio de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport 0.75h - 1h 25km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Plane

Rio de Janeiro - Lima 6h

Leave the Atlantic shores behind and fly across the heart of the continent on the way to Llma, Peru on South America's Pacific coast.

Arrival Transfer

Jorge Chavez International Airport - Lima 1h 22km

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos

You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Antigua Miraflores

Lima/Urubamba

Board an early flight to Cusco, once the capital of the Inca empire, then drive to Urubamba through the scenic Sacred Valley. Explore the terraced salt pans of Maras, which have been used for salt extraction since pre-Inca times, and tour the Inca site of Moray-believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where priests would test soils and crops. Later, we'll enjoy a meal of local specialities, prepared by chefs in this region for a millennium.

There are some very early morning starts on this trip to make the best use of our time and see as much as we can of Peru in a week.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Plane

Lima - Cusco 1h - 1.5h

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Private Vehicle

Cusco - Urubamba 6h - 8h 95km

Times includes all stops and visits enroute through the Sacred Valley.

Moray Ruins Guided Tour

Moray

Explore the ancient site of Moray, which archeologists believe was used to conduct agricultural experiments. Walk down through the great circular terraces and notice how the temperature shifts with the depth - sometimes as much as 15?C (27?F)!

Las Salineras Pre-Incan Salt Pans Guided Tour

Urubamba

Visit the pre-Incan salt pans of Las Salineras - still in use today. Marvel at the terraced pools set amongst the beauty of the Sacred Valley.

Traditional Pachamanca Dinner

Urubamba

The thousand-year-old tradition of pachamanca is typically prepared in an underground oven using hot stones, earth, and aromatic herbs. For this experience, you will enjoy pachamanca a la olla, a variation prepared in a pot. Using the same local ingredients and seasonings, meats such as lamb, pork, chicken, or guinea pig are slow-cooked with vegetables to recreate the rich, earthy flavors of the original method. Savour this traditional meal, prepared by an experienced chef.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Urubamba

Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the G Adventures-supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you'll walk through the park with a local guide to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We'll also tour the fascinating Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac and enjoy a meal at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Urubamba 7h - 8h

Times includes all stops and visits enroute through the Sacred Valley.

Traditional Andean Experience

Urubamba

In Peru's Sacred Valley of the Inca, six communities of approximately 6000 indigenous people are working together to preserve over 700 species of potato - a cornerstone of life here. As part of an experience exclusive to National Geographic Journeys travellers - and part of our G Adventures for Good program - visit this area, named "Parque de la Papa" ("Potato Park"), to learn about life in an Andean agricultural community. Walk through the park here with a local guide, dropping by the seed bank (which has direct ties to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway) and then head out to the fields to watch the planting or harvesting process, depending on the season. After, enjoy some of the delicious varieties of potato and visit the small stone hut where traditional weaving takes place. Learn about the natural dyeing process and witness alpaca wool strands being transformed into beautiful textiles through a centuries-old backstrap weaving style. Your visit to this special community means this local enterprise can continue earning an income that supports their development and conservation goals.

Parque de la Papa (Potato Park)

Pisac

Parque de la Papa (meaning "Potato Park") serves two important purposes for the community of Pampallacta: the preservation of agricultural biodiversity and economic opportunity. National Geographic Journeys travellers visit the park to learn about life in a rural agricultural Andean community and take a tour of the seed conservation program, which is preserving heritage potato species. They also learn about traditional planting, harvesting and indigenous weaving practices. With G Adventures' support, the community is able to create jobs in the area and invest in local businesses, which helps the community preserve their culture.

Pisac Ruins Guided Tour

Pisac

Tour the fascinating hilltop citadel of Pisac, an Incan ruin with plunging gorges, a ceremonial centre, and winding agriculture terracing that's still in use today. Be captivated by this truly amazing site sitting amid sweeping green valleys and mountain peaks. Explore the back of the site to see a pocketed cliff across Kitamayo Gorge, which once contained hundreds of Inca tombs.

Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley

Lamay - Ollantaytambo

Contribute to sustainable tourism in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village of 65 families in the Sacred Valley, by eating at the Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn how the resident-run restaurant was kickstarted by G Adventures and the Multilateral Investment Fund, to become a successful farm-to-table program that boosts the local economy and several spin-off microenterprises.

Ollantaytambo Ruins Guided Tour

Ollantaytambo

Tour the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo with a local guide. Take a step back in time at this Inca archaeological site; it still shows signs of its former glory, including agricultural terraces, a Temple Hill, and storehouses. Learn how the area, overlooking the Urubamba River Valley, was an important stronghold during warfare between the Spanish and Incas.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Urubamba/Aguas Calientes

Catch an early transfer to the Ollantaytambo station and board a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Ride through lush Andean scenery, enjoying breathtaking views of ancient ruins and everyday life. Settle into your hotel in Aguas Calientes, and choose from a variety of optional activities: take a relaxing soak in the local hot springs, visit a beautiful botanical garden, or wander the handicraft stalls in town as you prepare for an early start the following day to go up to Machu Picchu.

Please bear in mind that the town has several amenities, but is also geographically remote meaning services are sometimes more basic than one would assume. As the only option for travellers visiting Machu Picchu, the development of infrastructure has happened quite quickly, much without proper planning, and the focus on providing quality service may not be up to the standards experienced in other parts of the country.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Urubamba - Ollantaytambo 1h - 2h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Train

Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes 1.5h

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
4
Optional Activities for Day 18
Show
Butterfly House Visit
Aguas Calientes
Learn about the four stages of a butterfly's life at this learning centre and breeding project. Observe varied species of butterflies, some unique to the area.
Mandor Gardens Visit
Aguas Calientes
This botanical garden boasts a beautiful waterfall, varied wildlife and lush scenery. Walk along one of the trails and admire the many orchids.
Hot Springs Visit
6USD Per Person
Aguas Calientes
Soak your sore muscles in the local hot springs for which the town, Aguas Calientes, was originally named.
One-Day Inca Trail Hike
Inca Trail
Traverse cloud forests while enjoying spectacular views on this '1-day Inca Trail' trek. Start by disembarking the train at km 104. Follow the local guide as the trail rises steeply up into the mountains and winds past the archaeological sites of Winay Wayna and Inti Pata. Gain insight into the fascinating culture of the Incas en route to the trek's culmination at the Sun Gate. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way, and reach the Sun Gate in the late afternoon. Enjoy free time to explore a bit of Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following day. After, take one of the blue buses from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a hotel in town. Opt to visit nearby hot springs to soak sore muscles, if time permits. **Please note this must be pre-booked as it requires an Inca Trail permit. Travellers completing this trek will be assigned Circuit 3 for their guided visit of Machu Picchu, but will also have access to the panoramic viewpoint upon arrival via the Sun Gate. Please speak to your GCO or travel agent for more information.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Aguas Calientes/Cusco

This morning, embark on a guided tour of Machu Picchu-the 15th-century Inca citadel famously introduced to the world by archaeologist Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine. After being taken through the temples and terraces of this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, return to Cusco by train.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Local Bus

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu 0.25h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Machu Picchu Guided Tour

Machu Picchu

Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.

Train

Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo 1.5h - 1.75h 31km

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Private Vehicle

Ollantaytambo - Cusco Evening 60km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Cusco

Spend the day exploring charming Cusco. Opt to visit Plaza de Armas, the historic main square; the 15th-century Sacsayhuaman fortress; or some of the city's museums and ornate churches. This evening, we'll head to the Cusco Planetarium to learn about the importance of astronomy to the ancient Inca and, weather permitting, look out at the glittering, starry sky through telescopes.

Please remember that star gazing is completely weather dependent and sometimes there can be cloudy skies.

Please note: if you pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class you will be picked up from your hotel at approx 12:30 and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. Return back to your hotel around 16:00.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Cusco Full Day

Take in the sights on horseback or rent a motorbike for a more thrilling ride. Looking to learn more about Cusco? Head to one of the many museums in the city.

Cusco Planetarium

Cusco - Cuzco

Look to the night sky for a different view of the city. Explore the Cusco Planetarium surrounded by the serene nature of the Llaullipata Ecological Reserve. Enjoy a presentation on the southern sky, contemporary astronomy, and the ancient Incas' relationship with the cosmos. Check out the on-site museum and use the telescopes to admire the stars (weather-permitting).

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
3
Optional Activities for Day 20
Show
Inka Museum
10PEN Per Person
Cusco
Get ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.
Cusco Cooking Class
Cusco - Cuzco
Channel your inner chef and get a taste of Peruvian cuisine. Learn all about the essential ingredients, and try your hand at preparing unique Peruvian dishes with a local expert
Cusco City Tour
45PEN Per Person
Cusco
Enjoy a half-day tour of Cusco's main sights. Walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. Visit Qenqo, Koricancha, the Cathedral, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the archaeological site of Sacsaywaman.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Cusco/Lima

Fly back to Lima. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure in the Peruvian capital. Visit the San Francisco Monastery, part of Lima's World Heritage-listed historic center, and descend into its famed catacombs. Wander across Plaza Mayor, the city's oldest public square, and enjoy Peruvian tapas and a tasting of pisco sours before returning to your hotel.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Plane

Cusco - Lima 1.5h - 2h 572km

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos

You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Antigua Miraflores
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Optional Activities for Day 21
Show
Huacas and Larco Museum by Night
90USD Per Person
Lima
Tour three different Huacas in the city which were built during pre-Inca times in the middle of Lima. Then, visit the Larco Museum where you will enjoy a 3-course dinner in the restaurant there.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Lima/Quito

Say goodbye to Peru and take a flight north to Quito. As the Andes pass below your window, trade the Pacific air for Ecuador's high-altitude capital. Upon arrival, take the afternoon at your own pace to check into your hotel, unpack, and settle into the easy rhythm of the city. As evening approaches, gather with your Expedition Leader and fellow group members, along with any new travellers joining this next leg of the journey, for an evening welcome meeting to share stories and build anticipation for what lies ahead. Afterwards, choose to join the group for an optional dinner at a local spot, swapping first impressions over Ecuadorian flavours.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Lima - Jorge Chavez International Airport

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Plane

Jorge Chavez International Airport - Mariscal Sucre International Airport 2.5h

Board a plan and fly north along the spine of the Andes from Lima to Quito, Ecuador.

Private Vehicle

Mariscal Sucre International Airport - Quito

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos

You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Quito

Set off on a walking tour through Quito's historical heart, strolling from Plaza Grande to the gold-leaf interior of La Compania de Jesus and out to San Francisco Plaza. Stop at a local shop to learn how cacao transforms into rich regional chocolate, complete with tastings. After lunch, head to the Intinan Museum at the equator line, where interactive experiments reveal the strange physics of standing at the middle of the world. As evening falls, the city is yours: follow the scent of street food, duck into a hidden cafe, or watch the Andes catch the last light from a rooftop terrace.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Quito City Tour

Quito 2.5h - 3h

Step into the dense heritage of Ecuador's capital with a morning walk through Quito's historic heart, marveling at the intricate details of La Compania de Jesus and the colonial architecture of San Francisco Plaza. Savor the complex flavors of pure Andean cacao during a curated chocolate tasting, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.

Intiñan Museum Visit

Provincia de Pichincha 1.25h - 1.5h

Visit the Intinan Museum (Intinan Site meaning 'Pathway of the Sun') with interactive exhibits displaying the science and myths behind the equatorial line. You will have the opportunity to interact with phenomena that occur in nature which can be tested on the magnetic equatorial line. The centre also has displays highlighting the local indigenous cultures. There is also a chance to set foot on both sides of the Equator, for which the country of Ecuador is named.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Quito/Santa Cruz Island

Take a morning flight from Quito to Baltra, the gateway to the Galapagos. Cross to Santa Cruz Island and visit an organic farm for lunch and a hands-on look at local sustainability. Walk the property with your host and naturalist guide to discover how hydroponic crops conserve precious water and how pineapples, coffee, and native Scalesias thrive in volcanic soil. Plant an endemic tree of your own to help with island reforesting, then check into your hotel for a relaxed evening.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Quito 0.5h 15km

Depart your hotel for the scenic drive to Mariscal Sucre International Airport, leaving the high Andean capital behind as you prepare to board your flight west to the legendary Galapagos Islands.

Plane

Quito - Baltra Island 3.5h 1225km

Fly from Ecuador's capital to Baltra Island as the Pacific Ocean unfolds beneath you.

Private Vehicle

Baltra Island - Santa Cruz Island 1h 34km

Following a short transfer and a scenic ferry ride across the Itabaca Channel, board a private vehicle on the northern shores of Santa Cruz. Enjoy a relaxing journey across the island' taking in the striking volcanic scenery before stopping for lunch.

Organic Farm Visit

Santa Cruz Island 3.5h

Delight in a locally sourced lunch at a highland organic farm, followed by an insightful walk among the native Scalesia and pineapple crops to learn about the region's unique botany and historic coffee cultivation. Contribute to the preservation of this delicate ecosystem by joining your fellow travelers to plant a native tree, then celebrate the afternoon by savoring a freshly brewed cup of the estate's exquisite coffee.

Private Vehicle

Santa Cruz Island 0.5h 18km

After lunch, continue driving to the southern edge of Santa Cruz Island, to the town of Puerto Ayora.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Santa Cruz Island

Travel to the Itabaca Channel to board a boat for an inspiring day at sea, bound for one of the region's remarkable islands: Bartolome, North Seymour, South Plaza, or Santa Fe. Upon arrival, disembark onto wild trails where native fauna roam freely against striking, untouched geological backdrops. After a morning of discovery on foot, gather on board for a fresh lunch before taking a refreshing plunge into the ocean. Strap on your mask to snorkel alongside sea turtles, gentle rays, darting tropical fish, and reef sharks before returning to town for an evening at your own pace.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Santa Cruz Island - Canal de Itabaca 0.75h 18km

Drive north from your hotel to the Itabaca Channel where the boat awaits for today's adventure.

Galápagos Wildlife Excursion

Canal de Itabaca 10h

Cast off from the Itabaca Channel and navigate to one of the archipelago's pristine uninhabited islands like Bartolome, North Seymour, South Plaza, or Santa Fe. Disembark with your naturalist guide and explore on foot to observe the unique endemic wildlife and dramatic geology up close before lunch back on board the boat. Next, slip into the water for a spectacular snorkeling session among gliding rays, sea turtles, and vibrant tropical fish before cruising back to Santa Cruz. *Please note that the exact sites visited are determined by the Galapagos National Park's allotments for each day and are subject to change at their discretion.

Private Vehicle

Canal de Itabaca - Santa Cruz Island 0.75h 18km

Drive back to Puerto Ayora following a full day of exploration and adventure.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast, set out on a morning walk along the causeway to Tortuga Bay, where marine iguanas laze on the white sand by the surf. Spend the morning exploring the shore before heading back to town for lunch. In the afternoon, walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station and its breeding centre. See giant tortoises up close, learn about reintroduction efforts, and visit the "Symbol of Hope" exhibit housing the preserved remains of Lonesome George. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Santa Cruz Island

As dusk approaches, the evening is yours to enjoy. Stroll the lively waterfront of Puerto Ayora, seek out a charming local restaurant for dinner, or simply relax at your hotel after a day of discovery.

Tortuga Bay and Playa Mansa Excursion

Santa Cruz Island 3h

Accompanied by the songs of Darwin's finches and towering cacti, walk the forested pathway to Tortuga Bay, where plunging seabirds and sunbathing marine iguanas share an expansive stretch of magnificent white sand. Just beyond lies Playa Mansa, a serene, mangrove-fringed cove that invites you to swim through calm waters inhabited by gliding rays and passing sea turtles.

Fausto Llerena Breeding Center & Charles Darwin Research Station Visit

Puerto Ayora 0.75h

Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center a great place to observe many species of tortoises. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galapagos tortoise up close - a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened. This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galapagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Santa Cruz Island/San Cristobal Island

Board a morning speedboat to San Cristobal Island, the archipelago's original port of call. Visit the Interpretation Center to trace its story, from volcanic origins to colonization and modern conservation. Follow the scenic uphill trail to the Tijeretas viewpoint, where ocean vistas open below skies wheeling with frigatebirds. Watch for sea lions dozing in the sand, marine iguanas basking on lava rock, and blue-footed boobies along the surf. As the sun sets, the harbour comes alive with fishing boats and gulls.

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Boat

Santa Cruz Island - San Cristobal Island 2.5h - 3h

Navigate the open waters to the easternmost island of the archipelago, San Cristobal.

Interpretation Centre and Tijeretas Visit

San Cristobal Island 2h

Trace the fascinating evolution of the islands at the Interpretation Center before following a scenic uphill path to the sweeping coastal overlooks of Tijeretas. Marvel at the frigatebirds flying above while observing marine iguanas and sea lions resting along the rugged shoreline.

Free Time

San Cristobal Island Afternoon

Take advantage of a free afternoon to explore the town, walk along the seaside malecon, relax in a cafe or laze by the pool at the hotel.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

San Cristobal Island

Embrace a full free day to shape your own Galapagos adventure. For an optional excursion, choose between a boat trip to Kicker Rock, snorkeling past dramatic rock formations with sea turtles and sharks, or a San Cristobal 360 tour circling the island's secluded bays. Or, stay closer to town: stroll the oceanfront boardwalk to watch sea lion pups tumble through shallow tide pools, or relax at a waterfront cafe. Tonight, gather with your group for an optional dinner to celebrate the week.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

San Cristobal Island Full Day

The day is yours to explore, offering the perfect opportunity to relax in town, unwind on the beach, or arrange an optional excursion to Kicker Rock or La Loberia.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

San Cristobal Island/Quito

Enjoy a final morning taking in the salt air and the sounds of sea lions resting along the shore. Around midday, board your flight back to Quito, where your journey concludes upon arrival at the airport.

Please do not book onward flights departing from Quito earlier than 8pm.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Plane

San Cristobal Island - Quito 2h

Board your return flight from San Cristobal to mainland Ecuador, where your extraordinary Galapagos expedition comes to a close as you touch down in Quito.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast