Galápagos Islands - Nature and Wildlife Expedition Cruise | Northern Route

The port of Lima is a vibrant gateway to Peru's rich history and culinary excellence, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. Savor local delicacies like ceviche and explore nearby attractions such as the coastal district of Callao and the breathtaking landscapes of Puno. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, when the weather is ideal for exploration.

Cusco is the ancient Inca capital at 3,400 metres in the Peruvian Andes, where massive pre-Columbian stonework supports Spanish colonial churches in a UNESCO World Heritage cityscape. Must-dos include exploring the Plaza de Armas and its cathedral, tasting cuy and alpaca at the San Pedro Market, and visiting Machu Picchu in the Sacred Valley. May through October's dry season offers clear skies and the best conditions for trekking and exploration.

Ollantaytambo is the last living Inca town in Peru's Sacred Valley, where residents still inhabit 15th-century stone houses and water flows through original Inca channels. Must-dos include climbing the fortress terraces with their Temple of the Sun, taking the train to Machu Picchu, and visiting the ancient salt pans of Maras. Visit May through October for clear skies and comfortable temperatures in the dry season.

Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture and rich history. Visitors must savor local dishes like locro de papa and hornado while exploring vibrant markets. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is ideal for discovering nearby attractions like Isabela Island and Cajas National Park.

The Galápagos Islands remain the ultimate destination for those who believe travel can still deliver genuine wonder: a volcanic archipelago one thousand kilometres off the Ecuadorian coast where evolution proceeded in isolation, producing wildlife of astonishing tameness and diversity that shaped Darwin's theory of natural selection. Blue-footed boobies perform courtship dances unperturbed by observers; giant tortoises lumber through highland mist; marine iguanas bask on black lava like prehistoric sentinels. Visitor numbers are strictly controlled within the UNESCO-protected reserve. The cool, nutrient-rich Garúa season (June–November) and the warm season (December–May) each offer distinct wildlife spectacles.