Wonders of the Galápagos and Machu Picchu

Fly to Baltra for an adventure beyond Darwin’s wildest dreams. Cruise the Galápagos on a four-night cruise through the chain’s northern islands. Snorkel through shoals, spot fantastical birds or ponder the mysteries of evolution as you gaze into the century-old eyes of a giant tortoise. Meet local students learning about their native islands on an initiative supported by A&K Philanthropy.

After breakfast, get fitted for your wetsuit and snorkeling gear. Then, board a panga for an excursion to Eden Islet, a secluded, biodiverse enclave off Santa Cruz. Here, observe the island’s iconic blue-footed boobies and enjoy the option to snorkel the reef or view marine life aboard a glass-bottom boat. At Sombrero Chino, yet another secluded islet of the Galápagos archipelago, hike wilderness trails, swim in a sandy cove and snorkel among white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins.

Roam Bartolomé Island, trekking up to a volcano’s summit to take in Pacific Ocean views. After a panga ride to visit the penguins of Pinnacle Rock, snorkel the reef, relax on the beach or observe the local marine life. Later, swim or snorkel along the white coral sand beach of Sullivan Bay.

View Genovesa Island’s cliffs before climbing the steep, rocky pass of Prince Philip’s Steps to reach a clifftop frequented by species such as the Nazca boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels and short-eared owls. Explore Darwin Bay, snorkeling along the cliffs among inquisitive sea lions or paddling out in sea kayaks, looking out to see marine iguanas diving and surfacing around you.

Fly to Lima, the capital of Peru. A world-renowned culinary epicenter, Lima welcomes wayfarers with a delightful mix of indigenous and colonial history, natural beauty and a laidback Pacific-Coast vibe.

Built in the shape of a puma by the Incas, Cusco stretches like a slumbering feline along the Huatanay valley. It’s your stepping stone to the Sacred Valley, where you visit the beautiful Hacienda Sarapampa for a savory lunch with the owner, who shares his family’s history in farming. Also visit the Inkariy Museum to gain insights into the culture, religion and technology of Andean Civilizations.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas carves through the green peaks of the Peruvian Andes near Cusco. Deemed a spiritual epicenter by the Inca people, the valley is home to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu and Quechua-speaking communities whose deeply traditional way of life endures. Explore Moray, a fascinating archaeological site comprising a series of concentric agricultural terraces, some almost 500 feet deep. Discover two projects supported by A&K Philanthropy: first visit a remote village where local residents provide a hands-on introduction to the customs and crafts that make up their way of life, and then continue to Niños del Arco Iris (Children of the Rainbow).

Start the day by exploring Ollantaytambo, a fortress of massive stone terraces that hug the mountain slopes. Board a train deep into the Andes toward Machu Picchu gazing out at the spectacular Peruvian countryside. The journey can unfold as you prefer: by rail all the way, getting in your first visit to the ruins this afternoon or, alternatively, by disembarking en route at KM 104 to hike the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate overlooking the ruins.

Rise with the sun to walk through Machu Picchu in the early morning mist, an experience some consider the spiritual highlight of the journey. Built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire, it still retains a palpable air of mystery and remoteness.

The former capital of the Inca empire, Cusco is often considered the most beautiful city in Peru. Discover the city on an excursion that includes the Gothic Renaissance-style Cathedral Basilica on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas’ principal religious building. Later, visit the Sulca workshop en route to Sacsayhuamán, an Inca fortress compiled from colossal stones. Tonight’s farewell dinner at an elegant Cusco restaurant is a fitting celebration of Peruvian cuisine.

This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

• Visit the San Blas Neighborhood, a unique, bohemian enclave where you find the workshops of artisans.
• Stroll San Pedro Market and Visit the Inca Museum for a taste of local fruits and cheese, and a glimpse into history.
• Join a Photographer in Cusco who helps you capture authentic images of the city’s architecture and people.

Later today, fly to Lima. Then, enjoy a short walk to the airport to connect with your homebound flight.