Peru & Galapagos Discovery
For most people, Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands are destinations about which they only dream of visiting, but which in reality seem out of reach. In this luxury tour, GKS combines both these destinations into one tour, creating an extraordinary adventure of two incredible wonders of the world.
- 10 days
PERU & GALAPAGOS
We will arrive in the tropical Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil from which we fly to the Galapagos to board our boat on which we visit some of the most beautiful islands in the famous archipelago to see the incredible species of wildlife for which this tropical paradise is famous.
WONDERS OF THE WORLD
A unique Shabbos awaits at the Jewish community of Lima, capital dessert city of Peru and the continent's third-largest mega-city with its stark contrasts between modern and colonial.
From there we head to the beautiful and amazing city of Cusco, an ancient city that was once the Incan Capital and which is the gateway for reaching Machu Picchu.
Real magic awaits when from Cusco we head to the sacred valley, via train traveling through the Urubamba Canyon to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu City, legendary lost city of the Incas, which we explore with great excitement.
Imagine; not only can you visit these incredible places of natural wonders, but with GKS you will experience this unforgettable adventure in luxurious style while dining on the gourmet kosher cousin for which GKS is world famous.
This tour can be taken as a superior luxury, deluxe luxury or ultra luxury tour depending on budget. Please inquire about pricing and differences.
To start our trip, we fly into the tropical Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil, where we spend our first night getting a good rest in anticipation of tomorrow morning’s flight to the Galapagos to commence our adventure
This morning, we land on Baltra Island, and embark on our exciting cruise of the legendary Galapagos archipelago.
Our ship cruises towards the uninhabited desert of Bartholomew Island, one of the most photographed landscapes in the Galapagos. Formed by different volcanic cones – lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones, it is said to somehow resemble the moon.
The most famous feature of the island is Pinnacle Rock, viewed best from the top of a foot-path made of over 350 steps, that also rewards us with incredible views of the surrounding islands.
This is also our first chance to snorkel and meet some of the marine iguanas of the islands as well as the rare Galapagos penguin.
North Seymour Island is one of the most visited islands, and with good reason, since this small piece of land is encircled by an absolutely stunning coastline, with some of the world’s most magnificent waves, and hosts large colonies of sea-lions, marine iguanas, land-iguanas, as well as the famous blue-footed boobies and red greater Frigate birds.
There is just wildlife wherever you look!
This morning, we visit South Plaza Island, home to amazing numbers of Galapagos wildlife.
We walk through an impressive cactus forest, surrounded by land and marine iguanas, and at the highest point, Nazca and Blue-footed boobies can be seen. This is also the only place on earth where the Galapagos hybrid iguana can be found!
North Seymour Island is one of the most visited islands, and with good reason, since this small piece of land is encircled by an absolutely stunning coastline, with some of the world’s most magnificent waves, and hosts large colonies of sea-lions, marine iguanas, land-iguanas, as well as the famous blue-footed boobies and red greater Frigate birds.
There is just wildlife wherever you look!
Our ship first arrives at San Cristobal, one of the Eastern most islands of the archipelago.
At Punta Pitt, a short hike takes us up to a plateau that reveals some of the most colorful scenery and best views on the islands; it is home to one of the few colonies of the rare red-footed booby.
In the afternoon, we visit the Cerro Brujo formations, with great views of Kicker Rock, and lovely opportunities for snorkeling and swimming in the clear water here where you might see sea lions performing their underwater acrobatics.
On day 5, we complete our Galapagos Island cruise with a visit to a fantastic sanctuary for the giant tortoises of the Galapagos, a species that is only found in one other site on the planet.
We then proceed to San Cristobal airport for our flight back to Guayaquil, for the night.
North Seymour Island is one of the most visited islands, and with good reason, since this small piece of land is encircled by an absolutely stunning coastline, with some of the world’s most magnificent waves, and hosts large colonies of sea-lions, marine iguanas, land-iguanas, as well as the famous blue-footed boobies and red greater Frigate birds.
There is just wildlife wherever you look!
The desert, mountain, and ocean surroundings are spectacular. In addition, the city boasts a unique synthesis of incredible colonial architecture with Pre Inca ruins and ultra-modern shopping malls.
After spending the day enjoying the contrasts of this vast metropolis, we return to our luxury hotel to prepare for Shabbat.
We will experience a lovely Shabbat in the upmarket suburb of San Isidro, home to Peru’s small but vibrant Jewish Community.
Enjoy a lovely morning at the community center which hosts the shul and a great Kiddush, and after a wonderful Shabbat lunch, enjoy a good walk through the neighborhood as 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 to Lima, and tour the massive Peruvian capital, which is also the largest city in South America. Lima is also one of the largest desert cities in the world, and despite being on the Pacific Ocean, and having very high humidity, it has a mild climate and hardly has any rain.
Today, we fly from Lima at the coast, to the Andean city of Cusco, at 3500m (±11,000) feet above sea level. We descend by road to Urubamba, in the heart of the “Sacred Valley”, where we check into our hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the hotel and acclimatizing for our intense day tomorrow at Machu Picchu.
For those wanting to test their energy levels as a warm-up for Machu Picchu, a tour of the Inca Sites around Urubamba can be arranged.
Today, we ride the train through the spectacular Urubamba Canyon to the village of Aguas Calientes. This village is the gateway to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, and is so remote it can only be accessed by this special railway.
A magnificent drive takes us up the canyon where we embark on our walking exploration of this truly incredible site, and see why it is listed as one of the 7 wonders of the world.
As we explore this hidden gem, we hope to also spot unique local wildlife, in particular llamas and pecunyas.
Today, we rise early again, for a scenic drive up the Andes and back to Cusco, where we take a short tour of the historic city, once the capital of the Inca empire which was the largest empire in the Americas prior to Columbus.
A visit to the local Chabad is also a must. This is not just a regular Chabad House, but the “home away from home” for the thousands of Israeli backpackers who fall in love with this region during their post-army trips.
After brunch in the Israeli fast-food restaurant located in the courtyard of this historic building, we return to the airport for our flight back to Lima and onward flights home, enriched with memories of our experience of the most amazing scenery and wildlife the region has to offer.
*Please Note that actual Galapagos itineraries are determined by operators in conjunction with National Parks and so may vary from time to time.
Sample Itinerary
Just a few of our favorite memories
CAPTURED MOMENTS
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