Luxury Amazon & Galapagos Cruise – Overview

This extraordinary 19-day luxury cruise journey across Peru and Ecuador has been masterfully designed for discerning travelers seeking immersive wildlife encounters, five-star accommodations, and seamless service in South America’s most iconic natural destinations. The adventure begins in Iquitos, Peru, where guests board a boutique Amazon River luxury cruise equipped with spacious suites, gourmet cuisine, and highly trained naturalist guides. Each day presents unforgettable activities such as sunrise skiff expeditions, guided jungle walks in Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, piranha fishing on the Tahuayo River, dolphin spotting along remote tributaries, and a meaningful visit to the Manatee Rescue Center.

From the mystery of the Amazon, the journey continues north to Ecuador, where guests will enjoy an elegant stay in Quito’s historic district before flying into the legendary Galapagos Islands. There, a state-of-the-art expedition yacht becomes your base for island-hopping, natural history explorations, fine dining, and stargazing under pristine equatorial skies. Walk alongside blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, giant tortoises, and marine iguanas on islands like Santa Cruz, Bartolomé, and Española, while expert guides illuminate the evolution and ecology of this UNESCO World Heritage paradise. Each luxury detail – private transfers, award-winning service, and curated excursions – ensures a transformative travel experience for 2025.

Day 1 – Arrival in Lima (Peru)

Morning:

Arrive in Lima, the cosmopolitan capital of Peru and gateway to your South American luxury cruise experience. A private driver greets you for a seamless transfer to a five-star hotel in Miraflores overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Afternoon:

Enjoy leisure time settling in before a curated city experience exploring Lima’s UNESCO-listed historic core or relaxing in the city’s elegant café scene. Prepare for your Amazon adventure with a gourmet tasting menu highlighting traditional Peruvian ingredients such as tiger’s milk ceviche and Amazonian paiche.

Evening:

Meet your expedition concierge for a welcome briefing explaining tomorrow’s Amazon departure. Enjoy an optional Pisco Sour masterclass before retiring to luxury accommodations for a restful night.

Day 2 – Lima to Iquitos & Embarkation

Morning:

After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your 1h45m flight to Iquitos – the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Upon arrival, expert naturalist guides escort you in air-conditioned comfort to the river port.

Afternoon:

Board your luxury Amazon cruise vessel and settle into your spacious river-view suite. Enjoy a welcome cocktail as the vessel begins its journey along the mighty Amazon River. Marvel at jungle scenery from the Upper Deck while being introduced to crew and fellow guests.

Evening:

Safety briefing and multi-course welcome dinner crafted by an award-winning chef specializing in rainforest ingredients. Retire under starry skies as the sounds of the jungle lull you into your first night on the Amazon.

Day 3 – Tahuayo River & Charo Lake

Morning:

Rise early for a skiff expedition along the Tahuayo River, renowned for birdlife, monkeys, and lush blackwater scenery. Guided by expert naturalists, spot terns, hawks, toucans, and sloths before arriving at remote Charo Lake.

Afternoon:

Try your hand at piranha fishing while learning the ecological importance of Amazon fisheries. Return to the ship for a Peruvian-fusion lunch and siesta. Continue upstream toward the legendary headwaters of the Amazon.

Evening:

Sunset excursion to Yacapana Islands (“Iguana Islands”) for dolphin spotting. Capture photos of rare pink and grey river dolphins before pre-dinner cocktails. Indulge in a three-course dinner paired with South American wine.

Day 4 – Jungle Walk & Manatee Rescue Center

Morning:

Guided jungle trek in Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Explore medicinal plants, giant kapok trees, and extraordinary biodiversity. Learn about community-run sustainable projects before returning to the ship for lunch.

Afternoon:

Disembark at the Manatee Rescue Center to interact with biologists rehabilitating endangered Amazonian manatees. Educational experiences reconnect guests with Amazon conservation efforts.

Evening:

Farewell dinner onboard as the ship returns toward Iquitos. Disembark next morning for your flight to Lima and forthcoming Galapagos extension.

Day 5 – Lima to Cusco

Morning:

Flight from Lima to Cusco (11,200 ft). Private transfer to luxury accommodations for acclimatization with coca-leaf tea welcome.

Afternoon:

Guided city tour of Cusco’s Inca-colonial treasures including Koricancha Temple, Cathedral, and Sacsayhuamán Fortress.

Evening:

Gourmet Andean dinner and time to stroll Cusco’s cobblestone streets. Sleep in a restored palace-hotel.

Day 6 – Sacred Valley Exploration

Morning:

Private tour of Pisac Market and archaeological ruins. Scenic drive through the Urubamba Valley.

Afternoon:

Lunch at top-rated hacienda restaurant followed by Ollantaytambo fortress visit. Optional stop in Chinchero for local weaving demonstration.

Evening:

Return to hotel for spa session or stargazing from terrace.

Day 7 – Machu Picchu by Luxury Train

Morning:

Board the iconic Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu. Enjoy brunch with panoramic Andean views.

Afternoon:

Guided citadel tour of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Learn about solar alignments and engineering marvels.

Evening:

Overnight at the Sanctuary Lodge adjacent to the ruins for exclusive early access next morning.

Day 8 – Sunrise Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco

Morning:

Watch sunrise over Machu Picchu’s iconic Sun Gate before crowds arrive. Explore lesser-known areas with your private guide.

Afternoon:

Return train journey with gourmet lunch served onboard. Transfer from Poroy station back to Cusco.

Evening:

Leisure time in Cusco for shopping or relaxing spa treatments before dinner at a top restaurant.

Day 9 – Cusco to Quito (Ecuador)

Morning:

Private transfer to Cusco Airport. Flight to Lima followed by onward connection to Quito, Ecuador.

Afternoon:

Arrival in Quito. Personalized transfer to historic luxury hotel in UNESCO-listed old town.

Evening:

Guided colonial city walk and elegant Ecuadorian dinner showcasing Andean ingredients.

Day 10 – Quito Historical & Scenic Tour

Morning:

Guided tour of Quito’s monasteries, cathedrals, and museums. Visit San Francisco Convent and La Compañía Church.

Afternoon:

Trip to the Equator Monument (“Middle of the World”) for iconic photo op. Ride the Teleférico cable car to 4,050 m for panoramic volcanic views.

Evening:

Return to your boutique hotel. Dinner featuring premium Ecuadorian chocolate and wines.

Day 11 – Flight to Galápagos & Isabela II Embarkation

Morning:

Fly from Quito to Baltra Island. Upon landing, meet your naturalist team and transfer to the harbor where the luxury expedition yacht *Isabela II* awaits. Begin your Galápagos adventure with a welcome briefing.

Afternoon:

Visit North Seymour Island for your first guided walk among blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, and marine iguanas. Learn about the unique evolution of these iconic species in this volcanic archipelago.

Evening:

Enjoy a Captain’s welcome cocktail and gourmet dinner onboard as you sail to your next island. Stargazing from the open deck is spectacular under the equatorial sky.

Day 12 – Española Island: Gardner Bay & Punta Suárez

Morning:

Wet landing on pristine coral beach at Gardner Bay. Swim and snorkel alongside playful sea lions, tropical fish, and perhaps Galápagos turtles. Explore shoreline wildlife with naturalist guides.

Afternoon:

After lunch onboard, dry landing at Punta Suárez for a guided hike on lava terrain, observing the magnificent waved albatross (seasonal), red marine iguanas, Nazca boobies, and dramatic blowhole.

Evening:

Return to yacht for sunset cocktails and expert briefing on the next day’s exploration.

Day 13 – Floreana Island: Cormorant Point & Post Office Bay

Morning:

Wet landing at Cormorant Point. Easy walk to flamingo lagoon and chance to spot pintail ducks, stilts, and scalloped hammerheads offshore. Snorkel or glass-bottom boat options offered.

Afternoon:

Historical visit to Post Office Bay where early whalers left letters (tradition continues today). Panga ride to nearby islets to watch rays, turtles, and Galápagos penguins.

Evening:

Enjoy onboard dinner, wine pairings, and marine-life lecture by the ship’s naturalists.

Day 14 – Santa Cruz Island & Charles Darwin Research Station

Morning:

Dry landing in Puerto Ayora. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to observe giant tortoises in the breeding program and engage with conservation efforts.

Afternoon:

Lunch at Finch Bay Eco Hotel followed by visit to highlands to see giant tortoises in the wild and explore Scalesia forests and volcanic formations.

Evening:

Free time to stroll Puerto Ayora before returning onboard for dinner and briefing.

Day 15 – Tower Island: Darwin Bay & Prince Philip’s Steps

Morning:

Wet landing at Darwin Bay for easy stroll among nesting colonies of magnificent frigatebirds, red-footed and masked boobies, and tide pools.

Afternoon:

Panga ride along rocky cliffs followed by dry landing and climb up Prince Philip’s Steps to explore lava fields buzzing with storm petrels and Galápagos owls.

Evening:

Dinner onboard and sunset photography from deck.

Day 16 – Isabela & Fernandina Islands

Morning:

Sail across the equator to Tagus Cove on Isabela Island. Guided hike to Darwin Crater overlooking saltwater lake surrounded by Palo Santo trees once visited by pirates.

Afternoon:

Sail to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island–Galápagos’ youngest island–for a dry landing and walk among hundreds of marine iguanas, sea lions, flightless cormorants, and penguins.

Evening:

Onboard lecture on volcanic origins of the archipelago while enjoying chef-prepared Alaskan black cod or premium beef tenderloin.

Day 17 – James & Bartolomé Islands

Morning:

Wet landing at Puerto Egas, James Island. Walk past lava formations to see fur seals, lava herons, and oystercatchers. Opportunity for snorkeling with sea turtles.

Afternoon:

Sail to Bartolomé Island. Guided hike to summit to view iconic Pinnacle Rock. Optional snorkeling to spot penguins, reef sharks, and colorful fish.

Evening:

Farewell cocktail onboard followed by gourmet dinner and stargazing session.

Day 18 – Return to Quito

Morning:

Disembark at Baltra Island after breakfast. Transfer to airport for return flight to Quito. Upon arrival, private transfer to luxury hotel.

Afternoon:

Free time to relax or explore Quito’s artsy districts such as La Floresta or indulge in a chocolate tasting experience.

Evening:

Enjoy fine-dining farewell dinner celebrating your South American journey.

Day 19 – Departure Home

Morning:

Private transfer to Quito International Airport for your international flight home. Your concierge assists with check-in and luggage handling.

Afternoon:

Depart South America filled with unforgettable memories of wildlife, culinary delights, and luxury experiences across Peru and Ecuador.

Evening:

End of services. Optional extensions to Amazon lodges or Ecuadorian mainland available upon request.

Included in Your Luxury Amazon & Galápagos Cruise

This exclusive itinerary has been crafted to offer a seamless, stress-free travel experience across two countries, allowing you to focus entirely on exploration and indulgence. Our all-inclusive approach reflects the standards of leading luxury cruise providers such as Aqua Expeditions, Silversea, and Abercrombie & Kent.

• Luxury accommodation in 5★ hotels (Lima, Cusco, Quito) and deluxe suites onboard boutique expedition ships.
• Private airport transfers in Peru & Ecuador (arrival/departure).
• Internal flights: Lima–Cusco–Lima–Quito–Galápagos–Quito.
• All meals — gourmet cuisine inspired by Peruvian and Ecuadorian ingredients, paired with fine South American wines.
• Guided excursions led by certified naturalists & cultural experts (Amazon skiffs, jungle walks, Machu Picchu, Galápagos landings).
• Entrance tickets to all archaeological parks, national reserves, and UNESCO sites.
• Onboard services: afternoon tea, premium cocktails, Wi-Fi, laundry, briefings, binoculars, ponchos, boots.
• 24/7 concierge support throughout your journey to personalize activities.