Peru and the Galápagos Luxury Tour
Trip highlights
- Visit the Andean village of Patacancha
- Explore the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu
- Discover Cusco with a local guide
- Marvel at the UNESCO city of Quito
- Meet incredible wildlife on the Galápagos Islands
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Private transfers
- Private tours and experiences
- Full support from your travel designer and concierge
- Help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
- Days 1–2 Lima
- Days 2–4 Sacred Valley
- Days 4–5 Machu Picchu
- Days 5–8 Cusco
- Days 8–10 Quito
- Days 10–15 The Galápagos Islands
- Days 1–2 Lima
- Days 2–4 Sacred Valley
- Days 4–5 Machu Picchu
- Days 5–8 Cusco
- Days 8–10 Quito
- Days 10–15 The Galápagos Islands
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
One night in Lima
Enjoy Lima, the capital of Peru, known particularly for its excellent cuisine and good museums, as well as the historic down-town areas. Your travel designer can arrange a tour for you should you wish and you’ll have all of our recommendations at hand for the best things to see and do and the best places to eat, to make the very most of your stay in the city.
Where you could stay
Lima
Highlights
- 20 spacious, contemporary rooms adorned with art
- Large pieces of artwork can be found throughout the hotel
- Indulge in Peruvian delicacies and international fusion cuisine
- Gaze out across Barranco from the rooftop terrace
- A great central location for more artistic experiences
Overview
Combining intimate, modern hospitality with stylish, historical elegance, Hotel B offers a polished and decidedly local stay for your time in Lima. Located in the city’s bohemian district of Barranco and housed in a historical Belle Époque mansion – once the palatial, ocean-view residence of the Peruvian president Augusto Leguia – this Relais & Châteaux property captures Peru’s past in 21st-century luxury.
The 20 spacious and charming rooms are spread between the historic ‘casona’ and the adjoining modern extension. All feature large pieces of artwork in-fitting with the general arts theme of the hotel. There are more than 250 works of art dotted around the hotel, all Latin American but mainly Peruvian, including a throw on wall in the library that dates back to 500 BC.
The rooms, which range from the cosy ‘Alcoba’ size to the grand ‘Atelier’ rooms, all display chic furnishings and modern amenities, with contemporary style and smart design blended together in a very refreshing and unique way.
For dining, make your way to the 1920s-themed bar. With a focus on Peruvian delicacies, the menu promotes local and seasonal produce. Within the peaceful library you can also enjoy afternoon tea, or perhaps opt for a drink as the sun sets on the rooftop terrace.
With six galleries on the same street as the property, Hotel B is the ideal stay for those who love art, culture and history.
→ Find out moreLima
Overview
Located in the leafy and affluent district of Miraflores in Lima, the Atemporal is a stunning blend of the modern and the old school, with a touch of the ancient nearby with the pre-Inca Huaca Pucllana pyramid a stone’s throw away.
The elegant 1940s mansion has a unifying theme of a well-travelled, freelance photographer, with the sophisticated décor the work of an award-winning design team.
With just 9 rooms, your stay is an exclusive one. Rooms are modern and stylish, with Netflix among the up to date amenities on offer. Service at the Atemporal is of the highest quality, and the chauffeur with keys to a stylish Mini Clubman for transfers within 4km of the hotel. At an additional charge, guests can enjoy therapeutic massages, access to a gym, services of a personal trainer, stylist and shopping guides. Of course, there is constant room service on call as well as a minibar.
The establishment is near to many of the local attractions found in Peru’s bustling capital city. Slip out the doors to explore nearby exquisite malls, chic neighbourhoods and some of the city’s best restaurants.
→ Find out moreLima
Highlights
- 82 guestrooms
- Observatory Restaurant
- Bar
- Spa
- Rooftop pool
- Gym
- Concierge service
Overview
This luxury hotel in Lima is a great place to relax before or after your visit to Machu Picchu and other destinations in Peru.
The hotel is set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and adjacent to one of the most exclusive residential areas and commercial districts of Lima. Miraflores Park prides itself in offering outstanding personalised service and a home away from home atmosphere.
With 82 rooms, the amenities include three massage rooms, a rooftop heated pool, state of the art gym and a special observatory restaurant with sea views while dining.
→ Find out more
Lima
Overview
Villa Barranco is located in a charming 1920’s house that has been carefully restored, fitting perfectly into the surrounding district of Barranco which is known for its arty feel, traditional architecture and laid-back bohemian vibe.
There are nine rooms and suites, a some of which on the ground floor enjoy a private garden space, while those on the second have terraces of balconies. The style is simple, comfortable, with wooden floors, Persian rugs and huge beds.
Enjoy views of the sea and surrounding neighbourhood from the rooftop terrace, with many cultural sites, bars and restaurants nearby.
→ Find out moreLima
Highlights
- Located just a short stroll from the ocean’s edge, providing easy access to Lima’s stunning coast
- Rooftop terrace with panoramic views
- Open pantry offering daily-baked treats
- Dedicated team on hand to share recommendations
- Honesty bar offering a curated selection of beverages
Overview
Located on a charming tree-lined street in one of Lima’s most vibrant districts, Fausto offers a serene haven within Miraflores. Housed in a meticulously preserved 1920’s neoclassical building, Fausto blends traditional architecture with locally curated design, art and décor, creating a unique fusion of heritage and modernity. Just a short stroll from the ocean’s edge, this boutique retreat invites you to immerse yourself in the rich history and dynamic culture that define Miraflores—a neighbourhood where tradition and contemporary life intersect.
Each of Fausto’s five rooms has been carefully revitalised to preserve its original character. The attention to detail extends to every corner, ensuring a stay that is as relaxing as it is indulgent. The dedicated team is always on hand, ready to share their favourite recommendations in Lima.
As you enter Fausto, the allure of its original structure captivates you, offering spaces that feel both intimate and expansive. Wander through the inviting patio, relax in the cosy living room or ascend to the rooftop terrace, where the charm of Fausto extends under the open sky. With its warm ambiance, the location is perfect for social gatherings or moments of solitude, accompanied by house-made beverages and snacks. At the heart of Fausto lies the ‘sala,’ a communal space designed for connection, where guests can gather to share stories and experiences. As you explore further, discover the thoughtfully placed amenity and snack stations, offering daily-baked sweets, savoury snacks and a variety of refreshing drinks. Fausto’s Honesty Bar, a self-service nook open at all times, invites you to enjoy a curated selection of wine, spirits and soft drinks.
→ Find out moreTwo days exploring the Sacred Valley
Spend your days relaxing and exploring the incredible Sacred Valley. It’s a great place to experience the beautiful scenery and culture of Peru. With your own private guide visit vibrant markets, lesser known Inca ruins and get the chance to hike into the mountains to traverse the routes once trodden by the ancient Incas.
Where you could stay
Sacred Valley
Overview
Tucked away in one of the Sacred Valley’s most secluded haciendas, next to the tiny village of Urquillos and close to many of the area’s most important Inca settlements, explora Valle Sagrado is the wonderful hub from which to explore this incredible region of Peru.
Carefully built within an ancient corn plantation set on Inca terraces, 50 rooms – six of which are suites – drink in views of the surrounding fields and mountains. Each is modern in its simplicity and thoroughly comfortable.
There is an outdoor swimming pool, with hot tubs, massage room, steam rooms and saunas all set within a carefully preserved colonial building, Pumacahua House. A communal dining room, bar, library and living area sit at the heart of the property.
Guests stay here on a three night all inclusive basis, discovering the area with a selection of over 20 exploration activities. These include a range of hikes to colonial towns, snowcapped mountains, high altitude lagoons and Inca archaeological sites, half and full day mountain bike rides and tours to Cusco, Machu Picchu, or more off-the-beaten track locations.
→ Find out moreSacred Valley
Highlights
- 43 casitas
- Relais & Chateaux Restaurant
- Adjoining ranch and stables
- Birdwatching
- Cooking classes
- Andean weaving
- Pottery workshops
- Mountain bike tours and trekking
- Visits to sites around the Sacred Valley
- Kayaking
Overview
Set among beautiful gardens in the magnificent location of the Sacred Valley, Sol y Luna is a charming and comfortable hotel with wonderfully relaxing amenities. Your bungalow, or ‘casita’, is designed with Andean touches and stylish interiors and boasts gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. Spend your days exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you can partake in exciting activities such as horse riding, bird watching and para-gliding.
Back at Sol y Luna the indulgent spa, sauna and pool is a peaceful place for you to unwind, while the dining consists of a number of Relais & Chateaux member restaurants: Killa Wasi, where Peruvian and European cuisine is served and Wayra, a separate restaurant set in the hotel’s Wayra ranch where Andean cuisine pays homage to the wealth of natural ingredients cultivated in the Sacred Valley since the time of the Incas. There is also a bar, Chicha Wasi, where you can enjoy authentic pisco sours.
The hotel is also recognised for its community initiatives, particularly in education. After 10 years of working with different schools and programs, Sol y Luna opened the Sol y Luna Intercultural School, providing educational services to a number of local students. The hotel recently started another initiative, Sol y Luna Home, which provides a safe home for children without a family or who are victims of violence.
→ Find out moreSacred Valley
Overview
The Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is a modern take on a traditional hacienda, wonderfully located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas between Cusco and Machu Picchu, its sizable estate backed by green mountains and overlooking terraced fields below.
The view is shared by all 12 rooms in the Casa Hacienda and 24 standalone casitas. Architecture and interiors are inspired on the area’s cultural history, with colonial furniture, authentic Inca masks and handcrafted woodwork giving a genuine sense of place.
Food is centred around an ‘earth to table’ concept, with produce from the hacienda’s organic plantation. Quinoa, Urubamba giant corn, medicinal herbs and a variety of potatoes are farmed with traditional hand tools and oxen, as done centuries ago, and guests are welcome to join in picking their own crops.
The most recent addition to the hacienda is the Mayu Spa, which means river in Quechua. It is nestled between the organic orchard and an peppertree forest and offers treatments using natural products derived from native medicinal herbs.
→ Find out moreMake it mine
Remote community
Bustling town
The Patacancha Community
Immerse yourself in the Patacancha community, gaining insights into their way of life. Countless villages in the valley have upheld the customs and heritage of their ancestors, tracing their lineage back to the time of the Incas. These traditions encompass agriculture, weaving, language and attire. Conclude with lunch at a local restaurant.
Pisac Market
Marvel at the ancient Incan agricultural terraces that still clearly cut their rows into the surrounding hillsides on your way to the quaint market town of Pisac. Once here you will have the opportunity to shop at local handicrafts stalls for trinkets, textiles and treasures.
A luxury train ride from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
Luxury train journeys in Peru
Highlights
- Sit back and take in the views
- Toilet facilities
- Comfortable leather seats
- Snack service
Overview
The Vistadome train takes you to the magnificent ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in superb modern comfort.
As per its name, the train has wide glass windows built into the roof and sides of the carriages so you really do get to see the rich Peruvian countryside rushing by. Large leather seats, air conditioning, heating, and good service reflects all the contemporary efficiency and standards of Peru Rail too.
If you’re looking immerse in the surroundings this is a unique way to connect with the scenery en-route to Machu Picchu.
Traditional snack food is provided on board made using local ingredients for an experience of the Andean cuisine. On the return trip you can also watch live traditional dance performances, inspired from the ancient cultures of this region.
→ Find out moreLuxury train journeys in Peru
Highlights
- Dining and bar car
- Observation car
- Multiple carriages to relax
- Brunch and dinner served
- Relax and be transported
Overview
Named after the first American to discover the Incan hilltop citadel in 1911 and owned by Orient Express, the Hiram Bingham is a world-class luxury train. Travellers on the train are driven to Poroy station just outside Cusco to board the exclusive blue and gold painted carriages and for just over three hours you are resplendently transported to Aguacalientes, the town beneath the ruins.
Aboard, the 1920s Pullman carriages reflect the opulence of the locomotive era bedecked in polished brass, wood panels and rich, comfy seating. There is also a period observation car at the rear.
Brunch on the outward journey and dinner on your return are included. These are taken in the elegant dining car replete with white-linen tablecloths, clinking crystal, and you are looked after by the smartest team of waiters. Whilst feasting on fine Peruvian cuisine the steamy forest scenery unfolds right in front of you and there’s a great bar car that often has live music on the return leg, or you can just simply relax into a snug armchair in one of the carriages.
Escorted to the Lost City of the Incas there is a small-group guided tour included, but for those who would like a more exclusive visit we can easily arrange a private one for you.
→ Find out moreOne night at incredible Machu Picchu
Discover Machu Picchu citadel, marvelling at the fascinating ancient ruins and jaw-dropping scenery of misty cloud forests, granite peaks and dramatic viewpoints. Climb mountains, find hidden corners and let your guide bring Incan history to life.
Where you could stay
Machu Picchu
Highlights
- 31 rooms
- Two restaurants & afternoon tea
- Massage
- Privately guided tours of Machu Picchu
Overview
The only accommodation located inside of Machu Picchu, The Sanctuary Lodge offers stunning views from many of the rooms and the hotel is within walking distance of the Incan ruins. The gorgeous garden is a wonderful place to have breakfast or a cocktail in the evening while relishing in the peace of the surroundings. Given the location, space is at an economy so the standard rooms are not overly spacious. However, this is a small price to pay for such a stunning location. All meals are included in the cost.
→ Find out moreMachu Picchu
Highlights
- Restaurant, bar & cafe
- Visit the Machu Picchu Citadel
- Nature walks
- Tea plantation
- Bird watching
- Hiking
Overview
The hotel consists of several whitewashed cottages in an Andean village located in the heart of Aguas Calientes, part of the historical Machu Picchu attraction.
Tea time and evening nature shows are offered each day, and the hotel has a spa and yoga facility. The spacious rooms all have a fireplace and thick, handmade alpaca wool blankets cover each bed making it a perfect place for simple relaxing before and after your Machu Picchu excursion.
Inkaterra is a leader in ecotourism and sustainable development in Peru. They have a commitment to research, and sharing knowledge about biodiversity and culture with the world through authentic travel experiences. Because of this, they have been granted the First International Certificate in Sustainable Tourism given by Control Union Green Choice and the Sustainable Tourism Standard Conservation Award. They are also Rainforest Alliance verified and there is no single-use plastic at the property. It does not stop there, as of 2021 Inkaterra has been acknowledged by the United Nations as the World’s First Climate-Positive Hotel Brand
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- Recognised as the world’s first Climate Positive hotel brand by Green Initiative, endorsed by the United Nations, Inkaterra collaborated with AJE Group, Machu Picchu Town Hall, and the National Park Service to make Machu Picchu the first carbon-neutral international destination. This commitment aims to cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning with the United Nations Paris Agreement goals.
- Funded by tourism, the hotel actively restores a 4-hectare area damaged by livestock, nurturing native flora and encouraging the return of fauna. Partnering with Cornell University, the hotel monitors bird inventories, recording 294 species, including the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Andean motmot, Golden-headed quetzal, and 18 hummingbird species. Additionally, they’ve identified 372 orchid species, discovering 26 new orchid species previously unknown to science.
- Through their non-profit Inkaterra Association, the hotel conducts practical conservation workshops for school children. These engaging sessions, blending knowledge with fun through games, exhibitions, crafts, and experiments, serve as a crucial tool to raise environmental awareness among children. The aim is to foster their role as environmental ambassadors within their homes.
Machu Picchu
Overview
An excellent option in the Machu Picchu area, the Sumaq is located outside of the town of Aguas Calientes on a stretch of the Urubamba river.
60 rooms and suites are decorated to a clean modern finish with flourishes and details inspired by the Inca citadel, with views of the river and mountains.
One of the real highlights here is the restaurant, by our reckoning one of the best in the Machu Picchu area.
Aside from visiting the famous citadel above, you can partake in Peruvian cooking classes, witness traditional ceremonies and shamanic rituals, and head out on hikes through the lush valley in search of unique species of flora and fauna.
→ Find out moreMake it mine
Afternoon
Morning
A private exploration of Machu Picchu
After your train ride to Machu Picchu you’ll have lunch and then make your way further up the mountain to the ancient Machu Picchu Citadel. Your expert guide will bring the ruins to life, detailing the history, significance and myths as well as taking you to the hidden corners and best viewpoints. Spend your afternoon at leisure or continue exploring Machu Picchu before spending the night in your hotel of choice.
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Afer a night at Machu Picchu you can return to the ruins again or take the opportunity to climb either Huayna Picchu, a steep climb with brilliant views, or Machu Picchu Mountain, a more meandering but longer climb, also delivering a privileged vantage point. Both climbs are not technically difficult but may you leave you huffing and puffing; undoubtedly worth it for the breathtaking vistas.
Enjoy a luxury train journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco
Luxury train journeys in Peru
Highlights
- Dining and bar car
- Observation car
- Multiple carriages to relax
- Brunch and dinner served
- Relax and be transported
Overview
Named after the first American to discover the Incan hilltop citadel in 1911 and owned by Orient Express, the Hiram Bingham is a world-class luxury train. Travellers on the train are driven to Poroy station just outside Cusco to board the exclusive blue and gold painted carriages and for just over three hours you are resplendently transported to Aguacalientes, the town beneath the ruins.
Aboard, the 1920s Pullman carriages reflect the opulence of the locomotive era bedecked in polished brass, wood panels and rich, comfy seating. There is also a period observation car at the rear.
Brunch on the outward journey and dinner on your return are included. These are taken in the elegant dining car replete with white-linen tablecloths, clinking crystal, and you are looked after by the smartest team of waiters. Whilst feasting on fine Peruvian cuisine the steamy forest scenery unfolds right in front of you and there’s a great bar car that often has live music on the return leg, or you can just simply relax into a snug armchair in one of the carriages.
Escorted to the Lost City of the Incas there is a small-group guided tour included, but for those who would like a more exclusive visit we can easily arrange a private one for you.
→ Find out moreLuxury train journeys in Peru
Highlights
- Sit back and take in the views
- Toilet facilities
- Comfortable leather seats
- Snack service
Overview
The Vistadome train takes you to the magnificent ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in superb modern comfort.
As per its name, the train has wide glass windows built into the roof and sides of the carriages so you really do get to see the rich Peruvian countryside rushing by. Large leather seats, air conditioning, heating, and good service reflects all the contemporary efficiency and standards of Peru Rail too.
If you’re looking immerse in the surroundings this is a unique way to connect with the scenery en-route to Machu Picchu.
Traditional snack food is provided on board made using local ingredients for an experience of the Andean cuisine. On the return trip you can also watch live traditional dance performances, inspired from the ancient cultures of this region.
→ Find out moreThree days in charming Cusco
Enjoy the beautiful city and UNESCO World Heritage site of Cusco. You’ll have our list of recommendations as well as private guides on hand to enjoy the best of this beautiful city. We can arrange a number of private, interest-led tours and also reserve the very best restaurants for you. Your personal travel designer will be able to recommend activities that are most suitable to your interests.
Where you could stay
Cusco
Overview
Palacio Nazarenas, a beautifully-restored old palace and convent, is Belmond’s latest hotel in Cusco and another triumph on the same par as the nearby Monasterio.
The hotel has been conscientiously renovated so that guest bask not only in modern luxury but in the history of Cusco, with cloistered gardens, fountains, walls of Incan stones, lovely terraces and flowered patios to wander amongst.
The style is sympathetic to the colonial era in regards to its lavishness but also outfitted to modern demands and designs. For example, all of its rooms are oxygen-enriched to help ease the altitude for visitors, and it boasts the city’s first outdoor pool.
→ Find out moreCusco
Overview
This luxury boutique hotel is located right in the center of Cusco surrounded by cobblestone streets, museums and next door to Plaza Las Nazarenas. This really is the premier property in Cusco and a real delight to stay at.
La Casona is a beauitfully and carefully restored colonial manor house from the 16th century with modern luxuries. With only eleven suites surrounding a courtyard, the atmosphere is very private and charming.
Each room is furnished with period antiques and has a fireplace and heated floors. Other hotel amenities include a library, restaurant, lounge, spa, butler services and Peruvian cooking classes.
→ Find out moreCusco
Overview
Cusco’s most famous and prestigious hotel, Monasterio is a beautifully restored monastery in the heart of town just steps away from the main plaza, finest restaurants and best museums. Built around Incan foundations, adorned with antique Spanish design, the hotel is an important historical landmark and is protected by the National Institute of Culture.
The 126 unique rooms offer a great mix of elegance and comfort, ranging from cozy quarters to expansive suite. The hotel also goes the extra mile in terms of guests’ comfort with the provision of some oxygen enriched bedrooms to help acclimatize to the high altitude.
There are two restaurants – Illariy in the cloisters opening out over the leafy courtyard where you’ll find delicious breakfasts and light lunches, and El Tupay which serves fine international cuisine created from local ingredients, often accompanied by opera. The relaxed lobby bar is the place to sip pisco sours after a day exploring.
→ Find out moreA comprehensive discovery of Cusco
An tailormade tour of Cusco and nearby ruins
Your private guide will lead you through the city, stopping at the most interesting highlights and tailoring your day to suit your own interests. Typically your day will start at the Santo Domingo convent monastery, previously the Koricancha Temple, devoted to the worship of the sun. According to the chronicles, it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Your next stop will be the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. Then, hop into your private vehicle to drive into the countryside just outside Cusco to visit the remarkable Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko, and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara.
San Pedro market tour with your private guide
During your time in Cusco, with our guide, pay a visit to the city’s central market, a wonderful way to discover the Andean culture and daily life. This vibrant spot, with its dazzling displays of fresh produce and fascinating local products, could keep you entertained for hours.
Two days in Quito
Explore Ecuador’s capital, Quito, the first ever UNESCO World Heritage city. You’ll have our list of recommendations and our wonderful private guides will be on hand to help you enjoy the best of this historical city and contemporary hub. We can arrange a number of private, interest-led tours and also make sure you have a table booked at the very best restaurants.
Where you could stay
Quito
Highlights
- 31 rooms
- Restaurant
- TV
- WiFi
- Room upgrade will be provided subject to availability
- Box of Pacari chocolates upon arrival
Overview
Removed you may think, but the hotel sits quite comfortably in this characteristically Old World part of town, and being conveniently positioned at the colonial and cultural heart of Quito its thirty-one rooms have magnificent views over the square and surrounding monuments.
Inside the décor is elegantly traditional, but is kept quite minimal for a contemporary twist. Downstairs is the lobby, complete with marble floors, velvet Chesterfields, and peppered with the odd antique, as is the dining room, bar and conservatory central patio. Then via the spiral stairs (or lift) are the rooms that feature all the contemporary amenities matched to the more modern soft furnishings, but the high ceilings, mouldings, wall murals and marbled bathrooms nod loyally to the mansion’s past and the opulence of a bygone era.
We can arrange for a number of private city tours of Quito with our expert, local guides. Please discuss this with our consultants when planning your itinerary
→ Find out moreQuito
Overview
The Illa Experience Hotel can be found in the neighbourhood of San Marcos, long the home of Quito’s artists, writers and musicians, aiming to encapsulate the traditional hospitality of quiteños.
In a restored colonial mansion, each floor represents a different period in the city’s history – colonial, Republican and contemporary – with six rooms and four indulgent suites featuring hand-embroidered linens and artisan-crafted furniture.
As well as well-stocked wine cellar, a rooftop bar with panoramic views and a spa with Jacuzzi, the restaurant here is a partnership with the award-winning minds behind Nuema, offering a refreshing take on Ecuadorian cuisine with farm-to-table produce.
→ Find out moreExplore Quito
Spend a day living like a local in Quito
This private tour will bring to life the capital’s historic quarter, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, allowing to go beyond the mere ‘bricks and mortar’ and get a true feel for Quiteños. Your local guide will lead you on foot into neighbourhoods, sharing their first-hand insights into the history, livelihoods, traditions, stories, beliefs and cuisine. Experience the lively market of San Francisco and wander down to the restored street of La Ronda where you’ll learn about chocolate-making from a Swiss-Ecuadorian confectioner family. A lunch of Ecuadorian specialities will be served before visiting the Casa del Alabado archaeological museum and the city’s best viewpoints in the afternoon.
Four nights cruising the Galápagos Islands
A truly unique wildlife haven, the Galápagos Islands are perhaps the only place in the world where you can see wildlife so close up. Spend your time cruising and exploring on your choice of Jacada’s selected luxury expedition cruises. The exact itinerary will depend on your own preferences, our travel designers will help you choose which suits you best. Whether you’re looking for an ultra private experience on a luxury yacht or would prefer to join a larger expedition, we’ve selected the very best yachts for you to choose from.
During your cruise your expert naturalist guide will lead you on panga rides, nature walks, snorkeling and kayaking activities, helping you to become fully immersed in the marine wildlife and the astonishing geology on land.
Yachts you could cruise on
Galapagos - Cruises
Highlights
- Single, twin and double suites with balconies
- Generous outdoor decks for wildlife watching
- Al fresco dining areas
- On-deck hot tub & lounge area
- Onboard experts at your service
Overview
Solo travellers and couples alike are welcomed onto the Elite, a superb small ship that sails the waters of the Galápagos Islands. With either double suites or single cabins, you will sleep on supremely comfortable beds and wake to views of the ocean through the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead onto a private balcony.
This stylish vessel with its gold-painted hull has myriad communal areas for socialising with fellow guests and enjoying the views of the ocean and islands beyond. Sun yourself on the Sky Deck, where there’s a hot tub and loungers for relaxing and a small dining area for al fresco lunches, or head down to the bar and lounge to find quiet time with a book on the sofa.
Your onboard crew is made up of real experts, from chefs who prioritise island-grown ingredients to guides and naturalists who will make the magic of the Galapagos come alive as you explore.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- They actively support local communities by sourcing products locally and participating in the Women in Sustainability Entrepreneurship (WISE) project in the Galapagos. Their commitment to gender equality is evident with 64% of staff being women, and their policies promote inclusion. Over 80% of their suppliers are local eco-friendly providers, and 95% of our crew members are native Galapagueños, contributing to the islands’ economy.
- Endemic & Elite stand out as responsible cruise operators in the Galapagos, actively contributing to the protection of the oceans. Through a strategic partnership with the Galapagos Conservation Trust, they are dedicated to combating overfishing, illegal fishing, and plastic pollution.
- Endemic & Elite proudly supports the Charles Darwin Foundation ‘Adopt a Species’ programme, contributing to crucial research and monitoring efforts in the Galápagos Islands. By backing this initiative, the cruise operator actively participates in the conservation of diverse species, underscoring their commitment to preserving the unique biodiversity of this iconic archipelago.
Galapagos - Cruises
Highlights
- Intimate expedition ship
- Kayaking & snorkelling from the boat
- Outdoor hot tub & sundeck
- Suites all have balconies
- Indoor & outdoor dining options
Overview
This all-suites ship is an idyllic vessel on which to explore the waters surrounding the astonishing Galápagos Islands. After spending days on land, meeting blue-footed boobies and sea lions and giant tortoises, you’ll be able to return to relax in your spacious bedroom complete with balcony and writing desk.
Life on board is dreamy, with an open-air lounge, an outdoor hot tub and a sun terrace to keep you occupied, and for those seeking a little more adventure, there’s snorkelling gear to borrow as you swim around the boat. Alternatively, take to the water in your own vessel with one of the on-board kayaks, which will help you get closer to the islands’ incredible and wild coastlines.
Families are well looked after on board, too, with a TV room for when you’re cruising between islands, and special kids’ meals prepared for younger travellers. The crew are experts in their field, with naturalists and wildlife guides to school you on the region’s incredible flora and fauna, and the chefs prepare fantastic food to please all palates.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- They actively support local communities by sourcing products locally and participating in the Women in Sustainability Entrepreneurship (WISE) project in the Galapagos. Their commitment to gender equality is evident with 64% of staff being women, and their policies promote inclusion. Over 80% of their suppliers are local eco-friendly providers, and 95% of our crew members are native Galapagueños, contributing to the islands’ economy.
- Endemic & Elite stand out as responsible cruise operators in the Galapagos, actively contributing to the protection of the oceans. Through a strategic partnership with the Galapagos Conservation Trust, they are dedicated to combating overfishing, illegal fishing, and plastic pollution.
- Endemic & Elite proudly supports the Charles Darwin Foundation ‘Adopt a Species’ programme, contributing to crucial research and monitoring efforts in the Galápagos Islands. By backing this initiative, the cruise operator actively participates in the conservation of diverse species, underscoring their commitment to preserving the unique biodiversity of this iconic archipelago.
Galapagos - Cruises
Highlights
- Two naturalist guides
- Unparalleled one-to-one crew to guest ratio
- Large, sea-facing suites with capacity for 16 guests
- Peruvian fusion cuisine made with sustainably sourced produce
- The first true superyacht in the Galapagos
- Sea and land excursions to discover the wildlife
Overview
As the first true superyacht in the Galápagos Islands, the 50m Aqua Mare is a vessel of distinction in every way. Inside, Aqua Mare boasts 30 percent more indoor volume than most yachts of the same size, allowing ample space for respite after active days exploring the archipelago’s endlessly fascinating wildlife.
Onboard you’ll find seven large, sea-facing, François Zuretti-designed suites, including an 80 sqm Owner’s Suite complete with exclusive steward service, extravagant indoor and outdoor social spaces, elegant finishing and immaculate attention to detail. It’s the first of its kind in the region, and the ultimate retreat while exploring these dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Equally impressive is the cuisine, which features the finest ingredients without compromising on sustainability or locality, and showcases both Japanese techniques and Peruvian flavours in exciting fusion dishes.
The star of the show is, of course, the islands’ spectacular biodiversity. Snorkelling and diving excursions allow you to see wildlife thriving underwater, alongside guided hikes and expert-led excursions. There are two naturalist guides for 16 guests as well as an unmatched one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio.
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Galapagos - Cruises
Overview
The Alya ensures a relaxing, informative and fun journey through this wonderful part of the world.
The 105-foot catamaran accommodates up to 16 guests in nine comfortable en-suite cabins, eight of which feature private balconies. Rooms are bright and fresh with large windows that allow plenty of natural light to flood in.
Itineraries combine hiking, snorkelling, swimming and kayaking with expert guided tours led by naturalist guides who will take you to the best spots on each island and help you get up close to the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos.
Back on board, there is a dining room, a library where you can unwind and watch a DVD, two bars and a sundeck with Jacuzzi – perfect for sinking into at the end of a day exploring, drink in hand.
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Highlights
- Ten deluxe double staterooms
- Inside and outside dining and bar areas
- Sun deck with loungers, hammocks, Jacuzzi and hot tub
- Fitness centre
- Library
- Kayaking and standup paddle boarding
- Snorkelling and diving expeditions
Overview
Billed as both the most luxurious and the most environmentally efficient yachts in the Galapagos, the Origin, Theory and Evolve feature panoramic windows, a hot tub and while on board you’ll enjoy locally sourced, gourmet meals. They are both the only Relais & Châteaux-certified yachts operating in the Galápagos Islands and have been built with environmentally friendly, zero-emission material.
With ten deluxe double staterooms, each with large panoramic windows, private bathrooms, seating areas, local art work and satellite TVs, the yachts are able to accommodate up to 20 passengers in the utmost levels of comfort. The guide to passenger ration is one of the best in the Galápagos ensuring you enjoy first-class service.
The spacious interior features a dining and bar area, lounge, fitness centre, library, boutique and a computer station. Outside, the large sun deck features outside dining space, loungers, hammocks, Jacuzzi, hot tub and BBQ.
To ensure you make the most of your visit to the Galápagos Islands, daily excursions are led by two highly trained naturalist guides in small groups of no more than ten. You’ll enjoy nature walks with plenty of time for photographs and questions.
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