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Day 1
Journey begins
Your South America adventure begins as you fly to Lima, the gateway to Peru. Settle into your long-haul journey in comfort, anticipation building for the remarkable experiences ahead, from ancient Inca wonders to the wildlife rich islands of the western Galapagos.
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Day 2
Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima and transfer to your elegant hotel in the coastal district of Miraflores, where ocean air and palm lined streets set a relaxed tone. Later, explore the historic centre of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, wandering grand colonial squares and the atmospheric main square framed by the cathedral and government palace. Step inside San Francisco Church to discover its Baroque beauty and ancient catacombs, then deepen your understanding of Peru’s past at the Larco Museum, home to one of the world’s finest pre-Columbian collections. As evening falls, savour Lima’s celebrated cuisine, shaped by centuries of culture and flavour.
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Day 3
Cusco, Peru
Fly from Lima to Cusco, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in the former capital of the Inca Empire. Sitting at over 11,000 feet, this UNESCO World Heritage Site invites a gentle pace as you begin to acclimatise. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, wandering cobbled streets lined with finely cut Inca stonework and graceful colonial buildings. Browse small museums rich in pre-Columbian history, admire vibrant textiles, or simply relax with a cup of coca tea while soaking up the rhythm of Andean life.
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Day 4
Cusco, Peru
This morning, delve into the layered history of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Inca and colonial worlds intertwine. Begin in the main square, once Huacaypata, as your guide brings its past to life beneath the soaring cathedral built with stones from Sacsayhuaman. Visit Koricancha, the sacred temple of the sun, later crowned by the Convent of Santo Domingo. Beyond the city, explore the mighty fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the red walls of Puca Pucara, the ceremonial site of Qenko, and the flowing springs of Tambomachay. Return to Cusco enriched by the spirit of the Andes.
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Day 5
Sacred Valley, Peru
Leave the highlands of Cusco and descend into the fertile Sacred Valley, where the Urubamba River winds through emerald fields and snow-capped peaks. This storied landscape once sustained the Inca Empire and still supports traditional Andean communities today. Settle into your beautifully located hotel and spend the day at leisure, breathing in the fresh mountain air and unhurried pace of valley life. You may choose to explore nearby villages, admire ancient agricultural terraces, or simply relax as the changing light reveals why this valley was cherished by Inca royalty.
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Day 6
Sacred Valley, Peru
Today, explore the living heart of the Sacred Valley, where fertile plains and gentle skies once fed the Inca Empire. Begin at the Pisac ruins, an impressive hillside complex of terraces and finely cut stone, before wandering through the colourful Andean market where locals trade produce and hand-woven crafts. Enjoy a leisurely à la carte lunch at Casa Colonial, set amid elegant surroundings. In the afternoon, discover the remarkable ruins of Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns, then continue to Chinchero, famed for its ancestral weaving traditions. Return to the valley as Andean life unfolds around you.
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Day 7
Machu Picchu, Peru
Travel from the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo and board the elegant Vistadome train, where panoramic windows reveal rushing rivers, cloud forest, and dramatic peaks. Arrive at Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca citadel and a UNESCO Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site. Ascend gently to a sweeping viewpoint for the iconic vista, then explore sacred temples, stone quarries, and ceremonial plazas woven into the jungle landscape. Discover the Sacred Rock, water mirrors, and quiet corners where nature and architecture exist in perfect harmony. As mist drifts across the ruins, feel the enduring spirit of one of the world’s most extraordinary places.
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Day 8
Cusco, Peru
This morning offers a choice of adventure or leisure. You may hike Huayna Picchu for a stunning vantage over the Machu Picchu citadel at extra cost, or stroll through the charming streets of Aguas Calientes, exploring local shops and markets at the foot of the Machu Picchu sanctuary. In the afternoon, return to Cusco aboard the Vistadome train, where panoramic views of the Andean landscape continue to enchant. Enjoy a unique onboard fashion show showcasing luxurious baby alpaca wool, accompanied by traditional dances and local snacks that capture the flavours of the region. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Cusco and relax after a morning of unforgettable scenery.
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Day 9
Quito, Ecuador
Transfer to the airport in Cusco for your flight to Quito. Upon arrival at Quito, make your own way to a nearby airport hotel for a day of rest. Take the rest of your day to relax and recharge, preparing for the next chapter of your journey as you ready yourself for the wildlife wonders and volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands.
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Day 10
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Make your own way to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival, meet our team for a scenic 1.5-hour transfer by van and ferry to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Stop for an outdoor lunch at a Giant Tortoise Reserve before exploring the lush highlands. Board Aqua Mare, the first 50 metre luxury superyacht in the Galapagos, and receive your snorkel kit, waterproof bag, and Aqua Expeditions water bottle. In the evening, wander the waterfront of Puerto Ayora, browse local boutiques, and return to the yacht to savour fresh Galapagos seafood under the stars.
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Day 11
Floreana Island, Galapagos
Awake to the southern Galapagos at Floreana Island and after breakfast, take a morning wet landing at Punta Cormorant. Explore a brackish lagoon where greater flamingos, black-necked stilts, and shore birds gather, and glimpse sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks along the shoreline. Savour a fresh Ecuadorian lunch with an Andean twist before visiting Bahía Post Office, honouring a quirky island tradition, and the remnants of a 1920s fishing enterprise. Conclude at Mirador de la Baronesa for sweeping views. Return to Aqua Mare to enjoy exquisite fusion cuisine, and later, sip a cocktail on the upper deck beneath the starlit skies bridging northern and southern hemispheres.
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Day 12
Punta Moreno & Isabela Island, Galapagos
After a night at sea, wake to the rugged beauty of western Isabela, the largest and youngest Galapagos island. Hike Punta Moreno, walking across mangroves and striking basaltic lava flows from Cerro Azul volcano. Glide along mangrove lagoons by dinghy, spotting marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and penguins. In the afternoon, sail to Bahía Urbina, an uplifted coastline rich with land and marine iguanas, and sometimes tortoises. As the sun sets, dine aboard Aqua Mare under the stars, savouring macambo rice, fish maito, and candied pear, while the five volcanoes of Isabela create a dramatic backdrop to this unforgettable day.
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Day 13
Fernandina Island, Galapagos
Begin the morning with a sunrise workout on the sun deck at Punta Espinoza, a dramatic lava flow shaped by the eruptions of La Cumbre volcano. Step ashore to encounter large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and the occasional Galapagos penguin or hawk, with the option to snorkel in crystalline waters. After a leisurely lunch aboard Aqua Mare, sail across Bolivar Channel to Caleta Tagus, a historic pirate and whaler anchorage. Hike to Darwin Lake, paddle in kayaks, snorkel, or explore by tender before evening sundowners. Conclude the day with a lively conversation with the captain on the bridge as you cross the equatorial line twice.
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Day 14
Santiago Island, Galapagos
This morning, take a tender to Caleta Bucanero, a 17th century pirate stops where fresh tortoise meat and water were once stocked, or, if seas are rough, enjoy Playa Espumilla, a golden beach and sea turtle nesting ground. Return to Aqua Mare for a flavoursome lunch, then explore the black sand beaches of Puerto Egas. Walk the intertidal zone to discover fur seal grottos or snorkel alongside sea turtles, sea lions, and white-tipped sharks. Relax onboard with a cocktail during Happy Hour as the crew prepares for the next chapter of your Galapagos adventure.
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Day 15
Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
Wake to the sounds of nature and enjoy a fresh breakfast before a tender ride to Rabida Island, also known as the red island, famous for its striking red sand from oxidised lava. Hike along the shore, paddle in kayaks, try stand-up paddleboarding, or snorkel among playful sea lions. After a leisurely lunch, join an expert lecture in the panoramic lounge before sailing towards Caleta Tortuga Negra, the north of Santa Cruz Island. From the tender, watch green sea turtles glide through mangrove waters alongside blacktip and Galapagos sharks. Return to Aqua Mare to savour an exquisite dinner crafted by Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, ending the day in true Galapagos style.
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Day 16
Seymour Norte Island & Mosquera Island, Galapagos
Begin your penultimate day with breakfast before visiting Seymour Norte Island, formed by volcanic lava 3.1 million years ago. Explore its rugged landscape, spotting land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and great frigate birds. Return to Aqua Mare for a leisurely lunch before an afternoon wet landing at Mosquera Island, a small haven where playful sea lions abound. As the sun sets, relax aboard the yacht, sharing stories of your Galapagos adventures and toasting with a special selection from the curated wine list, savouring the final moments of this extraordinary journey.
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Day 17
Depart Galapagos Islands
Begin your final morning with a luxurious breakfast as the sun rises over the Galapagos. Take in the views from Aqua Mare before disembarking at Baltra Island. Bid farewell to the crew and your elegant floating home, then transfer to the airport for your flight to the mainland, carrying memories of a truly unforgettable adventure.
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Day 18
Arrive home
