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Spirit of Peru with Belmond Andean Explorer Train and Galápagos Cruise

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Operated by APT
Tripcode: ISBG20
Overview
Destination:
Ecuador
Peru
Duration:20 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Style:
Rail Tour,
River/Small ship/Barge,
Small Ship Cruise,
Travel Period
May 2027 - March 2028
Lima → Guayaquil

Age-old cultures, spellbinding landscapes and magnificent wildlife await your discovery on this immersive 20-day adventure through Peru and Ecuador's Galápagos Islands. Witness a Peruvian Paso horse show in Lima, then venture to the majestic Sacred Valley to explore ancient salt terraces, Inca ruins and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu in the clouds. Experience a rail journey like no other aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer, traversing one of the world's highest rail routes from Cusco to Arequipa, then take a four-night luxury cruise through the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands aboard Yacht La Pinta.

Highlights
  • Pay a visit to a private hacienda for an immersive encounter with the nation’s regional traditions. Sit down to a lunch of traditional fare and enjoy a Peruvian Paso horse show.

  • Venture into the hills of the Sacred Valley and be welcomed by the Misminay community, who will demonstrate traditional weaving techniques, revealing how Peru’s colourful textiles are created by hand. You’ll then sit down for an authentic Peruvian lunch.

  • Marvel at the glistening salt pools cascading down the terraced slopes of the World Heritage-listed Salt Mines of Maras, then explore the circular Inca terraces at the archaeological site of Moray.

  • Delve into the storied history of the Inca Empire with a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Be awed as you explore the magnificent Lost City of the Incas with a local guide, perched high in the Andes amid the clouds.

  • Embark on an unforgettable two-night journey through the Peruvian Highlands aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer, South America's first luxury sleeper train. Indulge in refined Peruvian cuisine, unwind in your elegant cabin, or sip a pisco sour to the sound of soothing jazz in the Piano Bar Car — all while striking Andean landscapes unfold before you.

  • Uncover the magnificent landscapes and wildlife of Ecuador's Galápagos Islands on a four-night Small Ship Expedition Cruise aboard the luxury Yacht La Pinta. Snorkel among vibrant marine life at Eden Islet, encounter Galápagos penguins at Sombrero Chino Islet, and marvel at the volcanic landscapes of Bartolomé Island, with discoveries led by expert naturalist guides.

Highlights:
Itinerary
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Day 1 - Arrive Lima

Welcome to the Peruvian capital. We'll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers during a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 - Lima

Discover the Peruvian capital’s World Heritage-listed historic centre with a guide today. Afterwards, enjoy a Signature Experience at a private hacienda before visiting the ruins of Pachacamac. 

Signature Experience – Peruvian Paso Horse Show

Pay a visit to a private hacienda and experience the nation’s time-honoured regional traditions. Sit down to a lunch of traditional fare and enjoy a captivating Peruvian Paso horse show. 

Day 3 - Lima, Sacred Valley

After breakfast today, be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Cusco, the pre-Columbian Inca capital of Peru. From here, travel to the heart of the Sacred Valley for your Signature Experience before arriving at your hotel.

Signature Experience – Hacienda Sarapampa Lunch

Visit a working corn farm and savour a delicious farm-to-table lunch, immersing yourself in the heart of local life and the rich traditions of Andean cuisine.

Day 4 - Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray

Travel to a small community tucked away in the Sacred Valley hillside, where you’ll enjoy a Signature Experience. Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a guide, including another Signature Experience which takes you to the Salt Mines of Maras and Moray terraces. In the evening, savour a delectable dinner at your hotel.

Signature Experience – Traditional Weaving Demonstration

Be welcomed by the local Misminay community before watching a traditional weaving demonstration. Discover how Peru’s colourful textiles are created by hand as you learn about the craft, which has been passed down through generations. Then, enjoy a traditional lunch with views of the Andes mountains and surrounding valleys.

Signature Experience – Salt Mines of Maras and Moray Terraces

See the glistening salt pools spill over the terraced slopes at the World Heritage-listed Salt Mines of Maras. Afterwards, visit the fascinating Incan circular terraces at the Moray archaeological site. 

Day 5 - Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

Today, embark on an incredible rail journey to Aguas Calientes during your Signature Experience. Upon arrival, enjoy a full immersion into the natural setting and incredible heritage of Machu Picchu as you set off on a locally guided exploration of the Lost City of the Incas, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Signature Experience – Inca Rail First Class Machu Picchu Train

Travel on Inca Rail’s First Class Machu Picchu Train and journey through forested landscapes to the township of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Savour a gourmet Andean-inspired lunch on board while taking in the magnificent views that unfold before you.

Day 6 - Machu Picchu, Cusco

This morning, enjoy free time to explore the town of Aguas Calientes. Later, board the PeruRail Vistadome train for your return trip to the Sacred Valley, where you'll savour lunch at a local restaurant on arrival. Afterwards, transfer by coach to Cusco and settle into your hotel, primely located in the heart of this historic city.

Day 7 - Cusco

A guided discovery of Cusco takes you to Plaza de Armas, situated in the historic centre of the city. This afternoon, delve into Peruvian culture with an included Freedom of Choice activity. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at MAP Café, located in the central courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Freedom of Choice – Peruvian Cooking Class

Indulge in the vibrant flavours of Peru with a hands-on cooking class, discovering traditional dishes and ingredients.

Freedom of Choice – Sacsayhuamán Citadel Visit

Explore the 15th‑century Incan citadel of Sacsayhuamán, famed for its dry‑stone walls.

Day 8 - Cusco, Belmond Andean Explorer Train

After breakfast, set off on an unforgettable Signature Experience.

Signature Experience — Belmond Andean Explorer Rail Journey

Embark on a two-night train journey through the spellbinding Peruvian Highlands aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer, South America's first luxury sleeper train. Blending contemporary elegance with Peruvian artisanal design, the train's sophisticated spaces pay homage to the Andes — offering panoramic views of this striking landscape at every turn. With beautifully appointed cabins, refined Peruvian cuisine crafted by acclaimed chefs, cocktails and live music in the Piano Bar Car, and revitalising treatments available at the onboard spa, prepare to experience a rail journey like no other.

Day 9 - Belmond Andean Explorer Train

Early risers can enjoy a glorious sunrise followed by a sumptuous breakfast on board. Afterwards, explore Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake and a cornerstone of Andean culture, revered as the birthplace of the sun in Inca mythology.

Day 10 - Belmond Andean Explorer Train, Arequipa

Visit the Sumbay Caves, home to ancient rock paintings dating back thousands of years. Enjoy lunch on board the train before arriving in Arequipa, the ‘White City’ famed for its dazzling whitestone architecture and 300 days of annual sunshine. This afternoon, savour a tasting of local beverages paired with the traditional snack, ocopa arequipeña.

Day 11 - Arequipa

This morning, explore this historic city with your expert local guide. Visit the World Heritage-listed city centre where you can admire beautiful colonial architecture, including the 16th-century Santa Catalina Monastery. This evening, enjoy a special dinner.

Day 12 - Arequipa, Lima

After a leisurely morning, fly to Lima, where you'll stay overnight in preparation for your journey to Ecuador.

Day 13 - Lima, Quito

This morning, fly to Quito. On arrival, set out on a guided city tour to explore the sights of Quito, including Independence Square and Carondelet Palace. Visit the Jesuit church of Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, one of the most signfiant examples of baroque architecture in South America. Cap off the tour at the hill of El Panecillo, the perfect vantage point to enjoy sweeping views of Quito’s cityscape and surrounding volcanoes. You can also observe the impressive statue at the hill’s summit, a replica of Quito’s Madonna. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 14 - Quito

Today, explore beyond Quito on your chosen sightseeing experience.

Freedom of Choice – Otavalo Cultural Tour

Gain a glimpse into local culture in Otavalo. Stop by a local vegetable market, then explore the kaleidoscopic hub of Plaza de los Ponchos, home to the largest Indigenous market in South America. Be dazzled by the sheer volume of handicrafts, from colourful textiles to alpaca wool garments, then visit the workshops of talented artisans.

Freedom of Choice – Mindo Cloud Forest Nature Tour

Discover the natural splendour of Mindo, situated in the Ecuadorian cloud forest. Visit a butterfly farm, explore the Orchid Garden, and marvel at the chance to spot hummingbirds and other bird species.

Freedom of Choice – Cotopaxi National Park

Stop by the Sangolquí market to sample local produce en route to the breathtaking Cotopaxi National Park, nestled in the Ecuadorian Andes. Take in the awe-inspiring landscapes, enjoy birdwatching, and gaze in wonder at the mighty Cotopaxi volcano — the centrepiece of the park.

Day 15 - Quito, Galápagos Islands

This morning, fly to Baltra Island, in the heart of the Galápagos Islands National Park. Take a small ferry ride across the channel to Santa Cruz Island. Explore the island’s highlands and learn about its unique ecosystems and biodiversity before enjoying lunch. Afterwards, marvel at the archipelago’s famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat at a special reserve, which also features several lava tunnels. The final stop for the day is Puerto Ayora, where you will board your luxury floating home for the next four nights, Yacht La Pinta.

Day 16 - Galápagos Islands

Explore Eden Islet off the coast of Santa Cruz Island this morning, where you will observe blue-footed boobies and reef sharks, and have the opportunity to snorkel and ride in a glass-bottom boat. Later in the day, discover the beautiful Sombrero Chino Islet and its resident white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins.

Day 17 - Galápagos Islands

This morning, visit the otherworldly Bartolomé Island, an extinct volcanic islet known for its dramatic red, orange and black rock formations. A steep but rewarding climb up the summit trail offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding volcanic landscape. Afterwards, set out on a scenic dinghy ride, then choose to relax on the beach, snorkel in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, or discover the underwater ecosystem from a glass-bottom boat. Following lunch on board, you have the option to travel by pangas to Sullivan Bay.

Day 18 - Galápagos Islands

Explore Darwin Bay and Prince Philip’s Steps on Genovesa Island, known as Bird Island for its remarkable diversity of bird species. Enjoy the chance to observe an array of marine and land birds, with time to swim and snorkel.

Day 19 - Galápagos Islands, Guayaquil

This morning, bid farewell to Yacht La Pinta and head to Baltra Island airport for your return flight to Guayaquil. Tonight, savour a farewell dinner.

Day 20 - Depart Guayaquil

Your adventure comes to an end today following breakfast with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Dates

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Travellers

Operator
APT

APT Luxury Travel offers all-inclusive, all taken care of and all-inspiring luxury cruises, tours and rail journeys. As Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, we are committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our valued guests. What began as just a vision, over 90 years ago, has now grown into a proud global business, demonstrating the power of dreaming fully.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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$28,673*
per person twin share
19 nights
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