PERU AND THE GALAPAGOS
PERU AND THE GALAPAGOS
-10 DAYS
Sunday 13 June - Tuesday 22 June, 2027
This tour unites two of South America's most breathtaking wonders: the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and Machu Picchu in Peru. Our journey begins on Sunday with our arrival in the vibrant, tropical city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, where we’ll spend the night eagerly anticipating our Monday morning flight to the Galapagos.
We explore some of the most stunning islands in this renowned archipelago, encountering the extraordinary wildlife that has made the Galapagos a world treasure.
BIRTHPLACE OF SAFARI TRAVEL
Our journey continues through the breathtaking Andean highlands, from the historic city of Cusco to the Sacred Valley, where we board a scenic train through the picturesque Urubamba Canyon to Aguas Calientes, gateway to the legendary Machu Picchu. With great anticipation, we explore this ancient Incan marvel, all while enjoying the signature luxury accommodations and gourmet kosher cuisine that Kosher Safaris is known for!
Itinerary
Depending on our arrival time, you’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest and most populous city. Highlights include the colorful Las Peñas neighborhood, the scenic Malecón 2000, Cerro Santa Ana, and Parque Histórico. We’ll aim to explore as many of these attractions as time and conditions allow.
At the end of the tour, we’ll return to our elegant riverfront hotel to enjoy a relaxing dinner. Be sure to get a good night's sleep and recharge—extraordinary adventures await in the coming days!
Today, we depart from Guayaquil and fly to Baltra Port, where our incredible Galapagos adventure begins with an orientation talk and a delicious kosher lunch. In the Galapagos highlands, we’ll explore diverse ecosystems, from coastal landscapes and agricultural fields to lush, dense forests, each teeming with a variety of bird species, including the famous finches. As we journey through the reserve, you’ll have the rare chance to observe Galapagos giant tortoises, some weighing up to 600 pounds, in their natural habitat. This day offers an unforgettable glimpse into the unique contrasts and beauty of the Galapagos Islands.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Flat & muddy sometimes (seasonal conditions)
This morning, we begin our adventures on the southern part of the island, El Barranco. Prepare to be amazed by the rich marine life sheltered within the crevices of the lava cliffs, while red-billed tropicbirds soar above. Scan the shoreline for colonies of fur seals, and as we ascend the rocky stairway, marvel at the Nazca and red-footed booby colonies. Keep an eye out for elusive short-eared owls along the way!
Difficulty level: Moderate
Type of terrain: Rocky lava
In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Darwin Bay where we land on a sandy beach within Tower Island's flooded caldera, where elegant swallow-tailed gulls, often called the world’s most beautiful gulls, can be viewed. The trail winds past mangroves and saltbush, offering scenes of nesting red-footed boobies and magnificent great frigatebirds.
If we are lucky, by the tidal lagoon we will encounter the rarest gull in the world, the endemic larva gull.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Flat & muddy sometimes (seasonal conditions)
Our day begins with Dragon Hill, a rocky, low-lying hill on the northwestern side of Santa Cruz Island. The area is host to large populations of the famous Galapagos land iguanas. Walk along the brackish lagoon where you can find flamingos.
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Type of terrain: Rocky
In the afternoon we visit Santa Fe Island, surrounded by white sand beaches and by sea lion colonies. The island is home to the Santa Fe land iguanas, the largest found on the islands! As you walk through the island path, keep an eye out for the Galapagos hawk, rice rats, finches and one of the four mockingbird species of the archipelago.
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Type of terrain: Rocky
Named after the remnants of WWII barges, whose ribs still rise from the sand, this site offers excellent swimming, a scenic shoreline walk, and a visit to a lagoon behind the high tide line. Here, we may spot wading birds, marine iguanas, and a chance to witness flamingos again!
The beaches also serve as nesting grounds for green turtles, with their distinctive tracks marking the sand.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type of terrain: Sandy
Later, we’ll board our flight back to Guayaquil for an overnight stay. Reflect on the memories of these past days, as tomorrow we head to Lima, the vibrant heart of Peru, where new adventures await.
This morning, we fly South to Lima, the massive Peruvian capital and the third-largest city in South America. As one of the world’s largest desert cities, Lima enjoys a mild, almost rain-free climate despite its location on the humid Pacific coast.
The city’s dramatic setting—surrounded by desert, mountains, and ocean—is matched by its impressive blend of colonial architecture, pre-Inca ruins, and ultra-modern shopping centers. After a day immersed in the contrasts of this vibrant metropolis, we prepare for a memorable Shabbat with the Jewish community.
Today, we enjoy a beautiful Shabbat in the upscale suburb of San Isidro, home to Peru's small yet vibrant Jewish community.
We begin with a warm morning at the community center, where we attend shul and enjoy a great Kiddush. After a delightful Shabbos lunch, we can either take a leisurely walk through the charming neighborhood or relax with a well-deserved rest.
After Shabbat, we head out to experience one of Lima's night highlights: the world's largest fountain display.
Today, we fly from Lima, on the coast, to the Andean city of Cusco, situated at 3,500 meters (about 11,000 feet) above sea level. From there, we travel by road to Urubamba, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, a slightly gentler elevation for acclimatization, where we check into our hotel.
We spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the hotel, allowing ourselves to acclimate in preparation for our exciting day at Machu Picchu.
Alternatively, those with some energy can book an additional tour of some of the ruins and heritage sights of the Sacred Valley Region.
Today, we board the train through the breathtaking Urubamba Canyon to the village of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu—the lost city of the Incas.
This remote village can only be reached by this unique railway. Once we arrive, a scenic drive takes us further up the canyon, where we begin our exploration of this extraordinary site and its ancient wonders on foot, for the next few hours.
After some incredibe group photos opportunities, we begin the journey back to Urubamba in reverse, where a well-deserved dinner awaits us.
Difficulty level: Medium to Difficult
Type of terrain: Uneven stone paths/ steps, high-altitude walking
Today, we drive back through the Andes to Cusco, where we enjoy a brief tour of this historic city, once the capital of the Inca Empire—the largest empire in the Americas before Columbus.
We also visit the local Chabad, which serves as more than just a regular Chabad House; Its a "home away from home" for the thousands of Israeli backpackers who fall in love with this region during their post-army travels.
After a delicious lunch at the Israeli fast-food restaurant in the courtyard of this historic building, we head to the airport for our flight back to Lima, carrying with us unforgettable memories of the region's stunning scenery and wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
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US citizens do not require a visa to enter Ecuador, as majority of countries re welcome visa free.
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As GKS cannot take responsibility for accuracy of visa information, it MUST be verified by the consulates of these countries well in advance of travel.
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Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
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You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
*These FAQ's are specific to this tour.
Just a few of our favorite memories
CAPTURED MOMENTS
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Sunday 13 June - Tuesday 22 June 2026 - 10 days
$12, 000 per person sharing; Single Supplement: $3000
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Luxury Accommodation
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3 freshly prepared kosher meals daily, under our strict hashgacha.
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Snacks and plenty bottled water on excursions; drinks during meals
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Quality kosher wines served at dinner
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Experienced English-speaking guides throughout the trip
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VIP Air-conditioned vehicle for all transfer and touring transportation
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Airport transfers based on 6 passengers per transfer
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Excursions and activities per itinerary
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All entrance fees except when explicitly excluded
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Sales tax when relevant
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Compulsory tips/service delivery: 6%
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Compulsory domestic flights: $1,400pp
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International airfares
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Visas and airport taxes: $230pp
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Travel insurance (highly recommended)
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Hotel upgrades and extra bills
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Domestic flight upgrades, overweight and extra bills
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Bar, laundry, and other hotel expenses
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Elective activities
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Personal expenses
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50% non-refundable deposit and online signed contract to secure booking
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50% final payment 3 months prior to tour
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All amounts non-refundable once due. Please purchase suitable travel insurance in case of emergency
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All payments to be wired to our USA account
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The trip is subject to a minimum of guests signing up. Deposits will be refunded if the trip does not go ahead, so please don’t pay for international flights until we have given the go ahead!
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Certain days will require a packed lunch due to the itinerary logistics
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Under Galapagos Island regulations, raw beef and chicken is prohibited from entering the region, therefore we are required to partially cook these foods.
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The tour price is based upon entry level rooms. Room upgrades available on request at a premium, subject to availability. Please inquire at time of booking if interested
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Domestic flight upgrades available on request at a premium, subject to availability, and subject to the airline offering any upgrade option on the specific flight reserved. Please inquire at time of booking if interested
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Schedule, hotels and other items are subject to change based on availability, group size and other factors, however, in the event of any change, the overall standard of the trip will be maintained as best as reasonably possible
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Some excursions involve uneven ground and/ or climbing steep steps which require a basic level of fitness. If you have mobility challenges or health concerns, certain activities may be challenging. Please let us know in advance so we can advise you and ensure a safe, comfortable experience
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All terms and conditions apply
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The tour begins with an afternoon tour of Guayaquil; therefore, any flight that arrives before the afternoon is preferable.
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Guayaquil Jose Joaquin de Olmedo (GYE)
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The tour ends in the afternoon in Lima; therefore, any flight for the late afternoon/ early evening is preferable
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Lima J Chavez Intl (LIM)
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