Bargain Fixed Departure Group Tours

Starting at $3,525 per person in four-star accommodations,
Based on double room occupancy

This 15-day small group tour features two of South America’s greatest treasures, the enigmatic lost city of the Inca, Machu Picchu, and Darwin's "living laboratory," the fascinating Galapagos Islands. Enjoy an escorted small group tour to experience Cusco in style, topped off by a deluxe, all-inclusive cruise through magnificent volcanic archipelago paradise located atop the Equator. 

PRICE PER PERSON BASED IN 4 STAR HOTELS

Single Room   : US$3756

Double Room : US$3525
Triple Room   : US$3500

Click the calendar icon to see departure dates. →

This group tour requires an initial $200 reservation fee and must be booked at least two months in advance. For less than two months booking, please contact your Fertur Travel Coordinator for the tour availability.

Limited to 20 maximum participants, to provide an intimate journey while you make new friends, experience the richness of Andean culture and explore the wondrous and exotic islands that helped spawn Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory of natural selection.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: City Lima International Airport Arrival

We meet you on your arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima and take you to your selected hotel.

Day 2: Lima City Tour + Buffet Lunch

After breakfast, you will meet with your fellow group members and your Peru tour leader for a general orientation session and to discuss the journey you are about to embark on together. Take the rest of the morning to rest and relax. In the afternoon, around 2 pm, we start a city tour that takes in the most important and attractive sites in Lima, the "City of Kings."

Highlights include the Huaca Pucllana, an adobe pyramid structure in the heart of the seaside district of Miraflores and the Historic Center of Lima. Lima's stunning Colonial, Republican and modern architecture, as well as its religious and archaeological sites, offer a broad canvas that your guide will use to put into context Peruvian history and culture. We pass through old streets with colonial mansions, and intricate wood-carved balconies to reach the stately Plaza de Armas, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The plaza is girded by the Government Palace, the Cathedral (housing the tomb of Pizarro) the Archbishop's Palace, and the Municipal Palace.

Next you will visit the Convent and Church of San Francisco, which holds the oldest collection of colonial art in the Americas. You will tour the exquisitely carved chorus, a library of ancient manuscripts, and the Sacristy with paintings by Zurbarán and Rivera. The grand courtyard of the main cloister is decorated floor-to-ceiling in blue and white Sevillian tiles that dates back to the 16th Century, depicting scenes from the bible. Moroccan-style arches lead us to the Catacombs, a subterranean crypt from the colonial period, where the bones of 25 thousand colonial-era Lima residents are entombed. The tour continues through the most traditional residential areas of the city: San Isidro, the Central Park of Miraflores and down to the cliff-side shopping complex of Larcomar, a symbol of modern Lima. (B/L)

Day 3: Lima / Cusco - City Tour and Surrounding Archaeological Sites

We transfer to Lima's airport early in the morning for the flight to Cusco. On arrival we transfer you to your selected hotel. We recommend you take the rest of the morning to acclimatize to the altitude and have a light lunch in or near the hotel.

In the afternoon we start to explore the city of Cusco on a guided tour, visiting the main plaza, the Cathedral, and the Temple of the Sun or Koricancha. We then visit the ruins on the outskirts of the city, stopping at the Inca ritual site of Quenqo, the water temple of Tambomachay, the customs house of Puca Pucara and the impressive Fortress of Saqsaywaman, built strategically on the hill above city of Cusco. It's famous for its enormous stone blocks, assembled with incredible precision to form the imposing external walls of the complex. Some of the stones stand 9 meters tall and weigh more than 350 tons. We then return you to your hotel. (B)

Day 4: Cusco / Sacred Valley of the Inca

In the morning we take a guided excursion through the Sacred Valley of the Inca, along the Urubamba River, to visit the extensive Andean arts and crafts market in the town of Pisac. We have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon we pass through the towns of Calca and Urubamba on the way to the Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, built to guard the northwest entrance to the Sacred Valley and protect the Empire from possible invasions by the people of the jungle. We have the opportunity to walk through the stone alleyways of the city and get an idea of what life was like in a military, religious and cultural center at the height of the Inca Empire. For the Inca, Ollantaytambo's placement at the head of the Urubamba and Patakancha river valleys made it a formidable stronghold in battle. The fortified town's fortress stands on a cliff surrounded by broad, steep terraces. On the way back to Cusco we stop at the picaresque town of Chinchero, where we visit the ruins of a royal hacienda built for Tupac Inca Yapanqui. You'll admire the well-preserved Inca wall in the main plaza, and visit the beautiful colonial church with intriguing frescos painted on its portico, all built on Inca foundations. We return you to your hotel in Cusco. (B/L)

Day 05 Excursion to Machu Picchu + buffet lunch

Early in the morning we take you to the train station for a three-hour journey to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Inca. We arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes, and take a bus for about 30 minutes, ascending up a series of switchbacks to reach the incomparable Machu Picchu. The excursion includes a guided tour of the citadel, visiting the main plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sundial, the royal quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the cemeteries. You also have some free time to walk around the complex at your own pace. We have lunch in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, transfer to the train station to take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco. Reception in the train station and take you to your selected hotel in Cusco. (B/L)

Day 06 Tourist Bus from Cusco to Puno + Buffet Lunch

At 7:30 in the morning your tour bus leaves for the city of Puno at 3,860 meters above sea level. During the journey we pass the Lake of Wacarpay, offering spectacular views of snow capped mountains reflected in its tranquil waters. Near the lake we visit the Pre-Inca citadel of Pikillacta, Quechua for "City of the Thumbs." It's one of the most impressive sites built by the Wari culture, consisting of more than 700 structures, with walls almost 12 meters high.

We continue to the picaresque town of Andahuaylillas, where we visit the temple of Saint Peter of Andahuaylillas, also known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas for its rich colonial artworks and painted murals that cover the walls, arches, entranceways and ceilings. Further on we stop at Archí, where we visit the spectacular sanctuary built by the Inca Pachacútec, dedicated to the sun god Wiracocha. It has a grand central stone wall, with other walls built from adobe bricks. Around the temple you'll find a multitude of ancient buildings that were used as houses or storerooms. About 70 kilometers later we reach the pass of La Raya, the highest point of the journey at 4400 meters above sea level, where you can spot herds of vicuñas and llamas. We then travel along the Collao plateau, stopping at the town of Ayaviri, an important cattle and textile center, where we visit the temple of Kalasaya, belonging to the ancient Pucara culture. We stop for a buffet lunch in a rustic rural setting where we can sample the culinary delights of the region. We arrive in Puno in the afternoon, and then you're transferred to your selected hotel. (B/L) Hotel in Puno

Day 07 Puno / Floating Islands of Uros + Taquile + Lunch

Early in the morning we start an unforgettable boat tour around Lake Titicaca. Our first stop is the Floating Islands of Los Uros, where people have lived since pre-Inca times. These Andean natives have built their own islands out of reeds, stacking new layers to form floating structures dozens of meters deep. The vegetable fiber used is Scirpus Totora, from the papyrus family. They also use this material to build their houses and boats. We continue to Taquile, inhabited by Quechua speakers who have developed, generation after generation, an efficient and original social system, and their own magnificent textile techniques. After lunch at a local tavern on Taquile we walk around its hillsides and archaeological sites. In the evening we return you to Puno, and your hotel. (B/L)

Day 08 Sillustani & flight Juliaca to Lima

On the way to the airport in Juliaca we detour to visit the burial towers of Sillustani. The famous cylindrical stone structures were started by the Aymara people to entomb their high priests, and were then used by the Inca to bury their nobles. Umayo Lake, in front of the "chullpas" only adds to the beauty of the site. We also have the chance to observe native birds of the region. Arrival in Lima´s airport and transfer to your selected hotel. (B)

Day 09 Flight Lima to Quito or Guayaquil

Arrive at airport. Reception and transfer to your selected hotel. Depending on the arrival of the flight, the rest of the day is free. Spend the night in your hotel.

Day 10 Quito Colonial City Tour

bustling streets and squares of one of the largest historical old towns in the Americas; a multi-ethnic, artistic, and cultural heritage destination. Or Guayaquil: Visit Ecuador’s largest city port, The romantic Las Peñas neighborhood, the glorious Guayas River, Malecón 2000. (B)

Days 11 - 14 Deluxe Galapagos cruise

Transfer to airport for domestic flight to Galapagos Islands to board the vessel for an all-inclusive 3-night deluxe cruise.

Only a special few have the chance to travel to this Paradise, sailing on charming ships with nautical wood and brass interior décor, featuring ample outer decks and sea-view cabins. Jacuzzi, swimming pool, bars and more.

See iguanas, giant tortoises, exotic birds, plants and beautiful landscapes of volcanoes, lava cones and magma flows.

Swim and snorkel any time of the year in warm clear waters among tropical fish, manta rays, sea lions, swordfish, sea turtles and other marine wildlife.

Multilingual naturalist guides lead shore excursions twice a day to a place unlike any other, full of wildlife that has no fear of man.

Lectures explaining the geology, history, evolution, flora and fauna of the islands are provided in several languages. A fine selection of meals will delight you, from buffet breakfasts to gourmet dinners, ice cream festivals, and evening barbecues.

Back to Quito or Guayaquil. (B/L/D)

Day 15 Guayaquil or Quito Farewell: International Flight

Breakfast at your hotel. The rest of the morning is free time, depending on the time of your departing flight. Transfer to the airport. (B)

Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) Dinner (D)

2012 Fixed Departure Dates
April : 7 – 21 Closed
May : 18 – 1 June Closed
June : 2 – 16 Closed
July : 14 – 28
Aug : 11– 25
Sept : 8 – 22
Oct : 13 – 27
Nov : 10 – 24
Dec : 21 – 4 January 2013

Peru Inclusions / Exclusions:

Included:

• Transfer IN / OUT in Lima, Cusco and Puno
• 03 Nights in Lima w/ breakfast
• 03 Nights in Cusco w/ breakfast
• 02 Nights in Puno w/ breakfast
• Excursions described on the itinerary
• Entrance fee to archaeological sites
• Buffet lunch in Sacred Valley tour
• Buffet lunch in Machu Picchu tour
• Lunch in Taquile Island
• Bus Inka Express Cusco – Puno
• English speaking guide
• Private service

Not Included:

• Domestic Airplane tickets Lima to Cusco, Juliaca to Lima
• International airplane tickets Lima to Ecuador (Guayaquil or Quito)
• Lunch, dinner (except some lunches described on the itinerary
• Extra expenses.

Airplane tickets:

Flight Lima to Cusco & Flight Juliaca to Lima: US$445

The airfare is subject to change without prior notification of the airline

Also subject to availability at the moment of the purchase.

Ecuador-Galapagos Islands Inclusions / Exclusions:

Included:

• Transfer In / Out by private service
• City tour Quito or Guayaquil
• 3 nights deluxe Galapagos cruise based on Standard Plus cabin
• Domestic air ticket to and from Galapagos Islands
• Cruise full board + specified meals in Mainland
• Automobile visits & transportation
• 4 shuttle transfers
• Transit Control Card US$ 10 each
• City tour regular
• Fuel surcharge US$ 90 net per person for a 3 or 4-night cruise
• English-Spanish guide

Not included:

• International airplane tickets
• Galapagos National Park fee US$ 100 per adult /$50 per child
• Wet suits rental: US$ 25 net per person for a 3 or 4-night cruise
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Medical services, insurance, tips and personal expenses

Galapagos Notes:

The order of the visits is subject to change according to arrival and departure dates.
No refund on unused portions.
Tipping suggestion (per day per person):
Galapagos: US$15 for the crew and US$8 for the guide.
Mainland: US$10 for the guide and US$8 for the driver.