Legacy of the Incas with Galápagos Land Adventure

Welcome to Lima!

Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers today.

Legendary Lima

Today, your Local Guide focuses on the city's colonial heritage during a walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable San Francisco Monastery with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. For a special treat, stop at a local food market to get a real taste of life for the local people. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow traveling companions at one of Lima's finest historic homes, Casa Garcia Alvarado.

LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Stop for a real taste of Peru at a local market. Sample some of the local fruits and vegetables that aren't found in other parts of the world. You can also find spices, meats, seafood, and even a souvenir or two. Bring a camera. You'll definitely want to take some photos of the beautiful, brightly hued displays.

Empire of the Andes

Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you will enjoy a special lunch prepared exclusively for Globus guests at a private location. Here, experience an El Pago a la Tierra, or Mother Earth Ceremony, performed by a local shaman.

Continue to Pisaq, an old mountain village, where you will have free time to shop for local wares, such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases at its famous market. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel.

LOCAL FAVORITE - CULTURE & TRADITION: Feel the earth and smell the coca leaves as you make a payment to Mother Earth. Participate in an El Pago a la Tierra, an ancient ceremony led by a shaman thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health, wealth, and safe travels. These mystical ceremonies have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas.

Mystery on the Mountain

This morning, visit the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, followed by a visit to a local home, meet a local and experience their way of life in the Sacred Valley. Then, board the Vistadome train for a scenic journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, ascend the mountainside to legendary Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Your Local Guide will introduce this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct, and will bring you closer to the mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures.

Tonight, you may wish to try a Pisco Sour (a traditional Peruvian cocktail) or an Inka Kola, before the included dinner.

LOCAL FAVORITE - TIMELESS TRADITIONS: Today, you are invited into a local home in the Sacred Valley. Learn about their traditions, like weaving, that have been passed down for centuries from ancestors. See how they cook, live, sleep, work, and maybe ask about the cuy (guinea pigs), they keep in their house.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, named one of South America's best hotels, is located at the foot of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu near the beautiful Vilcanota River, and offers impressive views of the mountains and landscapes. It is a hotel with a contemporary Andean style inspired by the ancient Peruvian cultures while offering personalized luxury service and innovative Peruvian cuisine. Offering regional gastronomy experiences, the Sumaq uses local ingredients in partnership with communities located high in the Andes, such as Quishuarcancha, Parcaraqui, and Huatata in Chinchero, as well as the small community of Ccorca that is home to fewer than 200 people.

Here Comes the Sun

This morning, return to Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by train and continue to Cusco for a free evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORY & MYSTERY: Staying overnight in Machu Picchu allows you to get up early and experience the ruins at their most pristine before the crowds arrive. Watch as the mist slowly burns off and the sun rays illuminate the ruins.

Sun Worship & Spanish Conquests

On your guided sightseeing tour of Cusco today, learn more about the Inca and Spanish influence. Begin at the heart of Cusco in the Plaza de Armas (main square), with a visit to the imposing Cathedral, where construction began in 1550 and was finally completed 100 years later. During your city tour, you will be greeted by an Inca king, so have your cameras ready!

Continue to Koricancha and the Santo Domingo Monastery, where the two sites have become one. See the ancient site of Puca Pucara before the Temple of Sacsayhuamán, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. The remainder of your day is free to explore at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC PASSAGES: The Temple of the Sun at Koricancha was once the most important Inca site, dedicated to the worship of the sun. The walls, altars, and decorations were all said to be covered in gold—until the Spaniards looted the temple and then built the contrasting Baroque Santo Domingo Monastery on top of the temple's foundations. Also visit the semi-circular Kenko Temple with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: Built in the 15th century by the Incas, the Temple of Sacsayhuamán complex is considered to be one of the Inca's greatest architectural creations. It is believed the site was originally constructed as a ceremonial site and later a fortress when the Spanish invaded. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. During your guided tour, learn some of the theories on how the massive stones used were carved, carried, and placed.

Real Life in Peru

Today, drive south along the Route of the Sun, one of Peru's most beautiful scenic drives. Stops along the way include visits to the stunning Sistine Chapel of America, the Temple of Wiracocha and more. Arrive in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca where the legend says the first Inca, Manco Capac, arose from the waters of the lake by the power of the sun god to create the Inca Empire.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - TIMELESS TRADITIONS: Lake Titicaca, perched high in the Andes at 12,500 ft /3,812 m above sea level, is the highest navigable lake in the world and straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia. Its deep blue waters are framed by snow‑dusted peaks and vast high‑altitude plains, creating a landscape that feels both powerful and serene. Long revered as sacred, the lake holds an important place in Andean mythology as the birthplace of the Inca civilization. Along its shores and islands, indigenous communities such as the Uros, Quechua, and Aymara continue to preserve centuries‑old traditions.

Life on the Lake

Today, take a motorboat trip to some of the more unique islands of Lake Titicaca. Start with Taquile Island, which was once part of the Inca Empire and was one of the last areas of Peru to be conquered by Spain in the 16th century. The Spanish banned traditional dress on the island, which is why the Spanish peasant dress can still be found today. Next, travel to the fascinating Uros Islands, home to the Uros people, who were forced to live on the lake as the Incas pushed farther into their territory.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEMS: The manmade Uros Islands are found floating in the middle of the lake are completely made by totora reeds and are continually added to as they disintegrate to the bottom of the lake. During your visit here, see the locals' boats and homes which are also made from reed. Over 1000 Uros still live on the 100 plus islands that remain to this day.

Hasta Luego, Lake Titicaca

This morning, visit the ruins of Sillustani en route. At this pre-Incan burial ground, see where the ancient Aymaras buried their high priests in chullpas—above-ground, cylinder-shaped tombs dating back to the 1400s. While here, spend some time with the locals at home and gain a better understanding of their lives. Continue to Juliaca for a return flight to Lima. Upon arrival, drive along the Pan-American Highway to Paracas for a two night stay at a waterfront resort.

Please Note: Today's route from Puno to Paracas covers a considerable distance and travels via motorcoach and airplane.

LOCAL FAVORITE - CULTURE & TRADITION: Get an authentic glimpse into daily life in Juliaca with a meaningful visit to a local family home. Here, you'll be warmly welcomed and invited to experience traditions that have been passed down through generations. Learn how everyday activities—cooking, working, and family life—are shaped by deep cultural roots and a strong sense of community. As your hosts share stories, customs, and time‑honored techniques, this intimate exchange offers a genuine understanding of Peruvian heritage and a personal connection to the rhythms of local life.

Islands & Enigmas

This morning, drive to Pisco, the wine capital of Peru. Have your camera handy today as you board your aircraft for flightseeing over the Nazca plains, which can only be appreciated by air. Dating back to 500 BC, these geoglyphs etched into the ground consist of over 10,000 lines depicting plants and animals. Return to the resort for a free afternoon followed by an included dinner.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: Take a flight above the plains for a bird's-eye-view of the Nazca Lines. Your pilot will point out these mysterious markings, a series of drawings of animals and geometric figures etched into the parched soil—some up to 1,000 feet long! Theories vary, but the most accepted belongs to German mathematician, Maria Reiche, who dubbed the land the “astronomical calendar” of the ancient Peruvians.

Fond Farewells

Embark on a cruise out to the Ballestas Islands, which are inhabited by a wide variety of sea mammals and exotic birds, including blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. The huge Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas cliffside, can also be seen as you cruise back to shore. Later, return to Lima. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a memorable farewell dinner with your travel companions at a local restaurant.

Quintessential Quito

Fly to Quito, via Lima, where you will be met by a Globus representative and transferred to your hotel. Free time this evening.

Please Note: The Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Centrally located across from the nightly craft market in El Ejido Park and near the Casa de la Cultura Museum, the Hilton Colon Quito is the ideal spot for your time in Quito. Amenities include a fitness facility, spa, pool, three restaurants and bars.

Imaginary Lines

On an included city tour with a knowledgeable Local Guide, discover the historic heart of Quito, a UNESCO listed Old Town rich in colonial architecture and culture. Stroll through Independence Square, framed by elegant landmarks including the grand Cathedral and the beautifully detailed San Francisco Plaza Church, one of the oldest and most significant religious complexes in South America.

Continue to the striking Basilica, renowned for its neo Gothic design and panoramic views over the city. After returning to your hotel, enjoy a free afternoon and evening to explore Quito at your own pace—perhaps wandering cobblestone streets, relaxing at a café, or sampling traditional Ecuadorian cuisine.

Adventure on the Horizon

Arrive at Baltra Island, where our representative greets you and escorts you to the Itabaca Canal for a ferry crossing to Santa Cruz. Set in the heart of the archipelago, Santa Cruz is home to Puerto Ayora, the Galápagos' main harbor, and a rich diversity of wildlife, including giant tortoises, sea lions, marine turtles, and birds. Travel through the island's lush highlands to explore ancient volcanoes, scalesia forests, and the Giant Tortoise Reserve, where these iconic animals roam freely, before venturing underground through remarkable lava tunnels.

Enjoy lunch at a traditional hacienda, then arrive in Puerto Ayora to relax, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Spend the next four nights at a boutique hotel in Puerto Ayora where you can walk to a variety of shops and restaurants.

Gentle Giants

From Puerto Ayora, enjoy a scenic 3.2 km (2 mi) walk to Tortuga Bay, one of the Galápagos' longest white-sand beaches, where you may spot marine iguanas, sharks, sea turtles, and migratory birds, and swim in a calm cove created by a rocky outcrop. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Charles Darwin Research Center to learn about vital conservation efforts and see giant tortoises at different life stages, from hatchlings to adults, amid towering prickly-pear cacti. The day concludes with dinner at a local restaurant on Santa Cruz Island.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CONSERVATION HEROES: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, home of the Galápagos giant tortoise breeding program. Here, these magnificent creatures are nurtured from eggs retrieved from the nearby Galápagos Islands, artificially incubated, and born as galápaguitos (little turtles). At the age of five, these future giants are released to their native habitats in an effort to preserve the fragile Galápagos environment.

Survival of the Fittest

Enjoy a full-day boat excursion to one of the Galápagos' remarkable uninhabited islands—North Seymour, South Plaza, Bartolomé, or Santa Fe—each offering its own unique landscapes and wildlife encounters. Depending on the destination, discover dramatic volcanic formations, pristine beaches, and extraordinary colonies of seabirds and marine life. The excursion includes guided land visits and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, where you may encounter colorful fish, sea lions, and other marine species. Lunch is served on board as you relax and take in the beauty of the archipelago from the sea.

Please Note: The itinerary in the Galápagos is subject to change. Departure time of sailings may vary depending on what islands we visit. At times we may visit one island, but we land on different parts of it. These sailings are subject to change and weather related depending on what island we are visiting. The day sailings are around 5 to 6 hours per day, which includes the landings and sightseeing. Terrain is rocky and uneven.

Kaleidoscope of Life

Enjoy another full-day boat excursion to one of the Galápagos' remarkable uninhabited islands—North Seymour, South Plaza, Bartolomé, or Santa Fe—each offering its own unique landscapes and wildlife encounters. Depending on the destination, discover dramatic volcanic formations, pristine beaches, and extraordinary colonies of seabirds and marine life. The excursion includes guided land visits and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, where you may encounter colorful fish, sea lions, and other marine species. Lunch is served on board as you relax and take in the beauty of the archipelago from the sea.

Back to the Mainland

In the morning, meet a Globus representative and transfer back to the Baltra airport for a flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for a free evening.

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.