Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with Peru
Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with Peru
Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with Peru
13 Days Starting in Quito, Ecuador and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Quito, Galápagos Islands, Galapagos Islands, San Cristobal Island, San Cristobal, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, South America
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ISK3-2025
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend, combined with an exploration of Peru. Begin your journey in Quito, Ecuador, with a private city tour showcasing its rich Incan and Spanish heritage. Fly to the Galápagos Islands for a 3-night cruise, encountering unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes on North Seymour, Bartolomé, Santiago, and San Cristobal Islands. Continue to Peru, where you'll explore Lima's colonial history, the ancient ruins of Cusco, and the Sacred Valley. Conclude your trip with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, experiencing the awe-inspiring "Lost City of the Incas." This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Quito,Ecuador
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito
Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
ARRIVE IN QUITO, ECUADOR Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Your included private city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows.
QUITO • Your included private city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows. (B)
Day 3: Quito,Baltra (Embarkation),Galápagos Cruising: North Seymour Island
Location: Galápagos Islands
Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Fly to Baltra and transfer with your expert Naturalist to the Galápagos Legend for your 3-night cruise. • Sail to North Seymour, a landmass formed by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions, which deposited layers of lava on the ocean floor. Take a walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in-depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles. You will also encounter sea lions, land iguanas and, on a lucky day, you might even come across the endemic Galápagos snake.
QUITO–BALTRA (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND • Fly to Baltra and transfer with your expert Naturalist to the Galápagos Legend for your 3-night cruise. • Sail to North Seymour, a landmass formed by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions, which deposited layers of lava on the ocean floor. Take a walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in-depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles. You will also encounter sea lions, land iguanas and, on a lucky day, you might even come across the endemic Galápagos snake.(B,L,D)
Day 4: Cruising: Bartolomé Island & Santiago Island
Location: Galapagos Islands
Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Wake up at Bartolomé Island to discover a fascinating moonscape formed by volcanic parasitic cones. Hike to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands and Pinnacle Rock. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies. Bartolomé offers some of the best spots to snorkel, thanks to clear waters and abundant sea life, including sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and maybe even Galápagos penguins. • This afternoon, sail to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island and take a walk on young Pahoehoe lava flows formed during the last quarter of the 19th Century. See the reddish-yellow tuff-cones with various flora growing from the fissures. Walking on the solidified lava gives the impression of walking on another planet. After your guided walk, spend time snorkeling from the white sand beach where you may see penguins, sea lions, sharks, and rays.
CRUISING: BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND & SANTIAGO ISLAND• Wake up at Bartolomé Island to discover a fascinating moonscape formed by volcanic parasitic cones. Hike to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands and Pinnacle Rock. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies. Bartolomé offers some of the best spots to snorkel, thanks to clear waters and abundant sea life, including sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and maybe even Galápagos penguins. • This afternoon, sail to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island and take a walk on young Pahoehoe lava flows formed during the last quarter of the 19th Century. See the reddish-yellow tuff-cones with various flora growing from the fissures. Walking on the solidified lava gives the impression of walking on another planet. After your guided walk, spend time snorkeling from the white sand beach where you may see penguins, sea lions, sharks, and rays. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Cruising: San Cristobal Island
Location: San Cristobal Island
Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Arrive at Pitt Islet on San Cristobal and walk to the top of a volcanic tuff to be rewarded with several magnificent viewpoints. This is one of the few sites where the Galápagos’ three booby species (blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca) can be seen together. You will also find the two species of frigate birds and a sea lion colony. The island waters are excellent for dinghy rides to see a range of seabirds—and a great spot to snorkel! • At Cerro Brujo, visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen: black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, other sandpiper species, and white-cheeked pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal, and the adjacent coast. Your visit includes time to swim with the sea lions and other marine life.
CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND • Arrive at Pitt Islet on San Cristobal and walk to the top of a volcanic tuff to be rewarded with several magnificent viewpoints. This is one of the few sites where the Galápagos’ three booby species (blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca) can be seen together. You will also find the two species of frigate birds and a sea lion colony. The island waters are excellent for dinghy rides to see a range of seabirds—and a great spot to snorkel! • At Cerro Brujo, visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen: black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, other sandpiper species, and white-cheeked pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal, and the adjacent coast. Your visit includes time to swim with the sea lions and other marine life. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Cruising: San Cristobal (Disembarkation),Quito,Lima,Peru
Location: San Cristobal
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast
• After breakfast, disembark in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve on San Cristobal. Learn about the national park’s conservation and breeding programs to protect the endangered tortoise species. • Also, visit the port village for a last chance at souvenirs before bidding farewell to the enchanted Galápagos Islands. • Transfer to San Cristobal Airport and fly to Quito. Later, fly to Lima, Peru.
CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL (DISEMBARKATION)–QUITO–LIMA, PERU • After breakfast, disembark in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve on San Cristobal. Learn about the national park’s conservation and breeding programs to protect the endangered tortoise species. • Also, visit the port village for a last chance at souvenirs before bidding farewell to the enchanted Galápagos Islands. • Transfer to San Cristobal Airport and fly to Quito. Later, fly to Lima, Peru. (B)
Day 7: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast
LIMA • Your included city tour focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in the early 19th century. See the cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin, and the Santo Domingo Convent to see the relics of three famous Peruvian saints—Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macias. (B) Today’s I-Time Tips This evening, you may choose to head over to a nearby park to witness the largest electronic water fountain complex in the world, certified by the Guinness Book of Records. You will enjoy a wonderful show of water, lights, music, and images.
Day 8: Lima,Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Fly to Cusco, high in the Andes, where you will be met by your Local Guide. • Your guided tour visits the cathedral in Plaza de Armas and Santo Domingo Monastery, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. • Take a short drive outside the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons. Followed by the amphitheater of Kenko, and the red fortress of Puca Pucara.
LIMA–CUSCO • Fly to Cusco, high in the Andes, where you will be met by your Local Guide. • Your guided tour visits the cathedral in Plaza de Armas and Santo Domingo Monastery, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. • Take a short drive outside the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons. Followed by the amphitheater of Kenko, and the red fortress of Puca Pucara. (B)
Day 9: Cusco,Sacred Valley
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
• Today, a short drive into the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will learn about the importance of the alpaca for Inca cultures, as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today. • Continue to the market town of Pisaq, where you can buy handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewelry at bargain prices. • At the other end of the valley, visit Ollantaytambo to see some of the finest examples of Inca masonry.
CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY • Today, a short drive into the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will learn about the importance of the alpaca for Inca cultures, as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today. • Continue to the market town of Pisaq, where you can buy handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewelry at bargain prices. • At the other end of the valley, visit Ollantaytambo to see some of the finest examples of Inca masonry. (B,L)
Day 10: Sacred Valley,Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Embark on a train trip bound for Machu Picchu and cut a path through the Sacred Valley to this “Lost City of the Incas,” discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.• On a guided tour of Machu Picchu, explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas.
SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU • Embark on a train trip bound for Machu Picchu and cut a path through the Sacred Valley to this “Lost City of the Incas,” discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.• On a guided tour of Machu Picchu, explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Machu Picchu,Sacred Valley,Cusco
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
• A morning at leisure allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. • Return to Cusco by train.
MACHU PICCHU–SACRED VALLEY–CUSCO • A morning at leisure allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. • Return to Cusco by train. (B)
Day 12: Cusco,Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Fly to Lima today.
CUSCO–LIMA • Fly to Lima today. (B)
Day 13: Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.
LIMA Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Hilton Colon Quito, Hotel Pullman Miraflores in Lima, Casa Andina Premium Cusco, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas in Sacred Valley, and Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel.
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Meals
Buffet breakfast daily; 5 lunches; 4 three-course dinners.
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Private City Tour in Quito
Included private city tour showcasing the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards.
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Galápagos Legend Cruise
3-night cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with expert Naturalist guide.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours in Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to various sites including Machu Picchu and the Giant Tortoise Reserve.
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Internal Flights
Internal flights from Quito to Baltra, San Cristobal to Quito, Quito to Lima, Lima to Cusco, and Cusco to Lima.
What's Not Included
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Main Luggage Storage
Main luggage will be stored at the Cusco hotel during overnight stays in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu due to luggage restrictions on the train.
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Physical Requirements
Walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, climbing stairs, and wet landings in the Galápagos Islands.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
Meals
Buffet breakfast daily; 5 lunches; 4 three-course dinners
Notes
Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary and include private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights. Internal flights to/from the Galápagos and the Ecuadorian Amazon are included. Local guide service is provied in Quito, Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu. A Naturalist in the Galápagos is also provided. In the Galápagos, there will be “wet landings” meaning guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. Terrain is rocky and uneven. Itinerary in the Galápagos are subject to change. Maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. Maximum elevation on this tour is 12,200 ft.
UNESCO Sites
City of Cusco|City of Quito|Galapagos Islands|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Accommodation
Quito: Hilton Colon Quito (SAT) Lima: Hotel Pullman Miraflores Cusco: Casa Andina Premium Cusco Sacred Valley: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas Machu Picchu: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Mode of Transport
Fly to Baltra and transfer with your expert Naturalist to the Galápagos Legend for your 3-night cruise. Later, fly to Lima, Peru.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the Galápagos Islands?
During your visit to the Galápagos Islands, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions, land iguanas, and possibly the endemic Galápagos snake. You may also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and Galápagos penguins.
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What activities are included during the visit to Bartolomé Island?
On Bartolomé Island, you will hike to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands and Pinnacle Rock. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel in clear waters with abundant sea life, including sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and possibly Galápagos penguins.
-
What can I expect during the visit to San Cristobal Island?
On San Cristobal Island, you will visit Pitt Islet and walk to the top of a volcanic tuff for magnificent viewpoints. You will see the three booby species (blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca), two species of frigate birds, and a sea lion colony. At Cerro Brujo, you will visit a lagoon with migratory bird species and have time to swim with sea lions and other marine life.
-
What is included in the visit to the Giant Tortoise Reserve on San Cristobal?
At the Giant Tortoise Reserve on San Cristobal, you will learn about the national park’s conservation and breeding programs to protect the endangered tortoise species. You will also have a chance to visit the port village for souvenirs before leaving the Galápagos Islands.
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What historical sites will be visited in Lima?
In Lima, the city tour will focus on its rich colonial history and modern city. You will visit the cathedral where Francisco Pizarro's remains are sealed, and the Santo Domingo Convent to see the relics of three famous Peruvian saints—Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macias.
-
What can I expect during the visit to Cusco?
In Cusco, you will visit the cathedral in Plaza de Armas and Santo Domingo Monastery, which was an important temple devoted to the worship of the sun. You will also visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the amphitheater of Kenko, and the red fortress of Puca Pucara.
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What will I experience in the Sacred Valley?
In the Sacred Valley, you will learn about the importance of the alpaca for Inca cultures and ancient weaving techniques. You will visit the market town of Pisaq for handmade goods and Ollantaytambo to see fine examples of Inca masonry.
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What is included in the visit to Machu Picchu?
At Machu Picchu, you will embark on a train trip through the Sacred Valley to the 'Lost City of the Incas.' You will have a guided tour of the fortress, exploring temple remains, holy houses, and a mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, there is an option to walk to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas.
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What are the luggage restrictions for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu?
For overnight stays in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, you are allowed to bring an overnight bag weighing no more than 11 pounds due to luggage restrictions on the train. Your main luggage will be stored at the Cusco hotel where you will return.
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What are the physical requirements for this tour?
This tour requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. In the Galápagos, there will be 'wet landings' requiring guests to jump in the water and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. The terrain is rocky and uneven.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.