Galapagos and the Peruvian Amazon

Upon arrival in Quito,  you will be warmly welcomed by an andBeyond representative who will meet you and drive you to your hotel. 

Situated in a circle of Andean peaks, Quito is the world’s second highest capital,  with arguably one of the finest settings in the world.  Originally settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito was an important part of the Inca Empire,     before being destroyed and re-founded by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534. The colonial center - declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978 - is one of the largest and best preserved in Latin America. It is home to excellent museums, churches and art galleries.

Today, You will visit the city's highlights. Begin at downtown, passing through the modern section of Quito towards the city's historic district. Sit in the Independence Square, flanked by the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and City Hall. Stroll past El Sagrario Church and marvel at the exquisite stone facade of La Compañía Church. Visit the San Francisco Church, built over the ruins of an Inca Palace in the 16th century. Ride up the road to the Panecillo or the Itchimbia hills for a breathtaking view of Quito. 

During your route, you will have the opportunity to indulge in a wonderful chocolate tasting at the Galeria Ecuador, whilst learning about the cultivation of cacao plants. This adventure is fun for the whole family as the Galeria boasts an interactive game that allows you to practice sowing, growing and cultivating the cacao plant. You will also have the opportunity to make your own chocolate truffles. Under the guidance of an expert, use an array of different ingredients such as cinnamon, salt from Cusco, chocolate nibs, nuts and cacao to create a mouth-watering morsel.

Arrival
BALTRA | NORTH SEYMOUR

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to the Galapagos Explorer.  

AFTERNOON: Begin your journey traversing North Seymour Island on foot in search of blue-footed boobies, colonies of frigatebirds, fork-tailed gulls, sea lion and land iguana. Palo santo trees can also be found on the island. 

Swim and snorkel
SAN CRISTÓBAL

MORNING: Sail to Punta Pitt to explore a cluster of eroded volcanoes sparsely populated by endemic vegetation.

AFTERNOON: Discover Kicker Rock where you will find the remains of eroded lava flows as well as two vertical rocks rising 152 m (500 ft) from the ocean. This natural monument is great for spotting various tropicbirds, frigatebirds and boobies. You’ll also visit Lobos Island, a small flat islet located 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This is a fantastic spot to observe nesting frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies as well as snorkel with friendly sea lion. 

Iconic birdlife
ESPAÑOLA

MORNING: Today you will travel to Osborn Islet, Gardner Bay and Gardner Island. Bask in the sunshine on the pristine sandy white beaches and discover the vibrant underwater world by snorkelling along its rocky shores. Gardner Bay is also the only known breeding site for the critically endangered waved albatross.

AFTERNOON: Explore the rocky landscape of Punta Suarez, home to one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos as well as a large blowhole where ocean water has been seen to spray up to 15 – 23 m (50 - 75 ft) into the air. 

Beautiful beaches
FLOREANA

MORNING: This morning you will explore Champion Island and Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island. Floreana Island also boasts one of the largest lagoons in the Galapagos. Situated between two volcanoes, the lagoon is home to flamingo, common stilt and white-checked pintail duck. In addition, the island hosts a high percentage of endemic plant species as well as two distinct beaches, the olivine crystal Green Beach and coral Flour Sand Beach.

AFTERNOON: In the 18th century, sailors passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island to use as an unofficial mailbox. Known as Post Office Bay today, the tradition continues as travellers leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. 

Tortoises and twins
SANTA CRUZ

MORNING: Begin your day with a visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the important conservation work taking place in the Galapagos. Next, visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center which was established to protect and preserve the Galapagos’ tortoise population. Strolling through the park not only showcases the various tortoises but also the land iguana that are bred and nurtured at the centre.

AFTERNOON: After lunch, discover the highlands of Santa Cruz. Explore a pair of volcanic sinkholes called ‘The Twins’ (or Los Gemelos) formed by land collapsing beneath the surface before spending time at the Tortoise Reserve El Chato where several subspecies of giant tortoises roam free. 

Rocky summits
SANTA CRUZ | BARTOLOMÉ

MORNING: The rocky, low-lying hill, Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) on Santa Cruz Island is home to an impressive population of Galapagos land iguana. These miniature dragons roam around the sun-scorched, boulder-strewn island, enjoying the fruits and flowers of their favourite food, the prickly pear.

AFTERNOON: Next, head to the famous Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé Island. A walking trail leads to the summit of an extinct volcano, boasting some of the best views in the Galapagos. Pinnacle Rock beach is also ideal for snorkelling with Galapagos penguin

Birdwatchers' paradise
GENOVESA

MORNING: The 14 km2 (8.6 mi2) island of Genovesa is the tip of a submerged shield volcano that rises 76 m (249 ft) above sea level. Its central crater is filled with salt water while ocean erosion over time created the Darwin Bay on its southern slope. The island is known for its great swimming, snorkelling and panga excursions.

AFTERNOON: Genovesa is a paradise for sea birds, including large colonies of red-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Discover Prince Phillip’s Steps (El Barranco), the breeding ground for the tree-loving red-footed booby and ground-nesting masked booby. The island is also home to four species of Darwin finches: the large ground finch, the sharp-beaked ground finch, the large cactus finch, and the warbler finch. 

Departure
THE DAPHNES | BALTRA

MORNING: The Daphnes include two islands, Daphne Major and Daphne Minor, situated just north of Santa Cruz. Spend your last few hours in the Galapagos exploring Daphne Major. Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds and blue-footed boobies can be found nesting here. Thereafter, it is time to wave a fond farewell to the Galapagos as you head to Baltra Airport on Baltra Island for your flight onward. 

Welcome to Peru!

Kick-start your adventure in the vibrant and friendly city of Lima. On arrival in Lima, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from &Beyond,  transfer to your hotel (walking distance).

This morning private transfer to Lima Airport for your flight to Iquitos.

Tuesday IQUITOS / NAUTA / EMBARKATION / MARAÑON RIVER

Arriving on a morning flight*, receive a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport by our crew. Board our private transfer to our exclusive Nauta Lounge for a welcome lunch before embarkation.

Settle into your generously-sized suite aboard the Aqua Nera as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following an introduction to our naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aqua Nera consulting chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, ámaZ, is one of Peru’s most renowned dining establishments.

Wednesday UCAYALI RIVER / YANALLPA RIVER / PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE

Boarding our skiffs, we start the day like Amazon River dwellers, cruising along the Ucayali and Yanallpa River. As farmers and fishermen go about their business, we search for pink river dolphins in these pristine waters.

In the afternoon, explore a fascinating black water stream aboard skiffs, part of the vast Amazon flooded forest within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guides will regale you with tales and insights about the jungle as we explore what scientists call a "gallery forest" because of dense vegetation that creates a tunnel of leaves. As we explore this type of riparian vegetation, keep your eyes peeled for parrots, macaws, and fluffy monk saki monkeys.

Thursday PUINAHUA RIVER / PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE

This morning we will embark on a full-day excursion along the Pacaya tributary within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, observing and exploring the flooded forest of this vast region of the Peruvian Amazon. Sail among a wide variety of wildlife, birds including large parrots, macaws, herons and storks, and many species of primates like the capuchin, howler and squirrel monkeys.

After a picnic lunch, visit some of the most beautiful lakes in Pacaya Samiria and meet local guardians of the Reserve’s natural resources. On our return, behold the famous Ceiba tree, the tallest of its kind in the Amazon

Friday UCAYALI RIVER / VILLAGE VISIT / CLAVERO LAKE

Choose among jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming excursions on the black waters Yarapa or Clavero River. In the evening, before dinner, we will gather to introduce you to some of the crew members whom you may not have met, working behind the scenes to ensure a memorable experience aboard the Aqua Nera.

Saturday SAN JOSE PARANAPURA TOWN / ARRIVE IN NAUTA

Visit the quaint riverside town of San Jose de Paranapura en route to Nauta. Before saying goodbye, we will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a sanctuary for orphaned Amazonian manatees to rehabilitate before their release back into the wild.

Note: All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.

 On arrival in Lima you will be met and assisted to connect with your international flight.