Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands

Day 1 UK to Lima

After taking Saga’s included UK door-to-door travel service to Heathrow, fly overnight to Lima.

Day 2 Lima

Arrive in the morning and transfer to the locally rated 3-star plus José Antonio Lima.

Day 3 Lima to Sacred Valley

Fly from Lima to Cuzco and transfer to the Sacred Valley, then descend into the colourful market town of Pisac for an included lunch. After lunch visit the charming village of Ollantaytambo.

Stay overnight at the locally rated 4-star Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay Hotel. B, L

Day 4 Machu Picchu

Embark on an included narrow-gauge railway journey along the Sacred Valley. Then catch a bus to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu which remained hidden in the Andean mountain-tops until 1911 when it was ‘rediscovered’ by Hiram Bingham. Stay overnight at the locally rated 4-star Tierra Viva Machu Picchu, with dinner at a local restaurant tonight. B, L, D

Please note: due to luggage restrictions on board the train, you'll be required to take an overnight bag for your stay tonight at the Terra Viva Hotel. You'll then be reunited with your main luggage tomorrow when you arrive at the Hotel José Antonio in Cuzco.

Day 5 Machu Picchu to Cuzco

Morning at leisure to explore the town or take an optional excursion for a return visit to the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu.

Travel to Cuzco this afternoon for a two-night stay at the locally rated 3-star plus José Antonio Cuzco. B

Optional excursions

Machu Picchu |

Enjoy exploring this magnificent site further, independently. Experience the sights and the breathtaking scenery as you wander around the ancient city ruins at your own leisure. Price includes transfers and entrance fee.

Machu Picchu Machupicchu Town Peru South America

Day 6 Cuzco

At 3,400 metres above sea level, Cuzco is one of the highest cities in the world. This morning join an included tour of the city's splendid Spanish colonial architecture and Sacsayhuaman's walls and spend the afternoon at leisure. B

Day 7 Cuzco to Lima to Quito

Fly to Quito via Lima. Choice of optional excursions to the Equatorial Line Monument or the Teleferiqo cable car ride.

Transfer to the locally rated 4-star Hotel Colon for two nights. B

Day 8 Quito

Visit the Otavalo Indian Market today with lunch at a local restaurant. B, L

Optional excursions

Equatorial Line Monument |Half day

Just 22 km north of Quito stands the monument marking the equatorial line. It's 30 metres high and houses an ethnographic museum about the indigenous people of Ecuador and an observation platform offering great views of the Andes Mountains.

Equatorial Line Monument Quito Ecuador South America

TelefériQo cable-car |3 hours

The TelefériQo is one of the world's highest cable car rides, reaching 4,050 metres, and one of Quito's most popular tourist attractions. The 18 gondolas accommodate six people in each, and the journey to the summit of Cruz Loma takes approximately 10 minutes.

Telerfiqo cable car Quito Ecuador South America

Day 9 Quito to Galapagos Islands: Embark MV Galapagos Legend

MV Galapagos Legend

Fly to the Galapagos Islands and board MV Galapagos Legend (4⚓) a three-night full-board cruise around the archipelago, staying in a standard plus cabin. These islands' unique flora and fauna inspired Charles Darwin to form his theory on evolution. Cruise to Santa Cruz Island and visit the Pit Craters, and the Highlands – home to lush forests and giant tortoises. B, L, D

Day 10 Genovesa Island

Visit Prince Philip’s Steps and marvel at the sea and bird life that call the island’s lava cliffs home — and keep an eye out for seals. In the afternoon visit Darwin Bay and follow a scenic trail to see a host of rare bird species, including famous Red-footed Boobies. B, L, D

Day 11 Santa Cruz island and Santa Fe Island

Visit Dragon Hill with its population of Galapagos land iguanas. Afterwards visit Santa Fe Island with white sand beaches, sea lion colonies and a cactus forest, home to the largest iguanas in the islands. B, L, D

Day 12 Santa Cruz Island to Quito

Visit Bachas, and beaches on the north of the island which are home to flamingos and the main nesting sites for sea turtles. Disembark your cruise and fly to Quito to overnight at the Hilton Hotel. B D

Day 13 Quito-UK

Enjoy an included guided city tour of Quito’s Spanish colonial buildings. Transfer to the airport in Quito for your overnight flight to the UK, via Bogota. B, L, D

Day 14 UK

Arrive in the afternoon for your included UK door-to-door travel service.