Peru & Galapagos Islands

Machu Picchu | Orient Express Train | Galapagos Islands

Machu Picchu

Trip of a lifetime? It’s a phrase that’s easy to bandy about. But in an increasingly homogenised world, this is a honeymoon that very definitely has the “wow” factor, and then some.

Your journey in South America encompasses the most romantic ways to travel, by train and by sea. It is a wonderful introduction to two of South America’s best-known highlights - Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas” and the remote Galapagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin.
 
Start of your 17-night itinerary in Peru at the bustling Andean town of Cuzco and the more relaxing Sacred Valley. (Our tip: take things very easy for the first day – you’re bound to feel the altitude here.) Visit local villages where you can buy good-value alpaca wool products and colourful woven textiles. At your private villa in the Valley, your personal housekeeper will prepare dinner for you in your own kitchen, using locally-grown organic produce.
 
For the most comfortable way to arrive at the famous and spectacular ruins at Machu Picchu, board the luxurious Orient Express Train, the Hiram Bingham, where you will be pampered while you’re enjoying the amazing, panoramic views.

We recommend touring the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu at dawn and sunset when the crowds are thinner and the atmosphere even more alive, as mists roll in from the surrounding hills. Your hotel is the Machu Picchu Pueblo, only a short bus ride away. The hotel is set amid lush vegetation where you can indulge in a unique Indian sauna or take a tour to their bespectacled bear rescue project. You could ask for donations towards the conservation of these endangered creatures through Honeymiles.
           
The climax of your trip is the unforgettable journey to the Galapagos Islands, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Cruise the archipelago in leisurely style aboard the luxury expedition vessel, La Pinta.

Take daily shore excursions with your expert naturalist guides to see the varied wildlife and flora of these volcanic islands. See the unique species of iguana, sea lion and blue-footed boobies that have evolved on these volcanic outcrops, and how the park authorities are working to ensure their continued survival. Your national park fees, which can be purchased with Honeymiles, goes directly into preserving this unique and fascinating natural environment.

Guide price per couple 2009

From £16,260 for two people sharing

Ring South American Experience  at W&O Travel 0845 277 3366 or email us for ideas and advice on how to get the very best from your budget.

This air holiday package, including your flights, hotels and ground arrangements as specified in your final itinerary, is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 6094.

Prices are subject to currency fluctuation.

Blue-footed boobies

Last updated 31/08/2010