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From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon with Galápagos Cruise 2026

From Lima, Peru to Quito, Ecuador
Length: 18 Days - Departs: Sun, May 10, 2026
Operator
Ship
Departure
May 10, 2026
Arrival
May 27, 2026

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Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

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Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

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Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $3,000 off per couple ($1500 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
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*Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $1500 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Offer available on select dates in 2025 and on select cruises ONLY. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between May 9, 2024 and JUne 30, 2025 for travel at select times in 2025. Not applicable to custom tours. Not applicable on TBA space. Combinable only with the Welcome Back Credit. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Applies to new bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. This promotion is inventory managed and subject to availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1115 PRMW1146


River Cruise Itinerary

Experience the archaeological treasures and scenic beauty of Peru with the fascinating untamed rainforest of the Amazon and the stunning marine life and tropical waters of the Galápagos Islands. This amazing river cruise vacation offers a little something for everyone!Begin in the cosmopolitan city of Lima with a guided sightseeing tour, a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum, and a special welcome dinner in an ornate family-owned mansion. Fly to Cusco and descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas for guided tours of the ceremonial site of Kenko, where ancient rituals were performed, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Of course, no vacation to Peru is complete without visiting astonishing Machu Picchu, built around 1450, and sitting majestically above the Sacred Valley. Stand in awe as you witness one of the most majestic images in South America, if not the entire world! Next, you’ll embark on a journey to one of the world’s vastly unexplored regions where biodiversity is at its greatest—the mighty Amazon. Board one of the world’s most luxurious small ships, the Delfin III, and enjoy fine wine, famous Peruvian cuisine, and all-inclusive comfort while venturing deep into the Amazon jungle in search of elusive wildlife. Take naturalist-guided panga rides through the river tributaries, swim with pink dolphins, and visit native communities—all while returning to your plush five-star yacht.Before this cruise adventure is complete, you’ll get a chance to explore the beautiful Galápagos Islands onboard the 20-passenger MS Infinity yacht! Have your camera ready as your Naturalist points out colonies of sea lions, pelicans, albatross, marine iguanas, flamingos, blue-footed boobies, short-eared owls, and other birds. You’ll also have a chance to snorkel in the tropical waters and perhaps get a look at sea turtles, sharks, and rays. A perfect ending to this trip of a lifetime!

  1. Day 1
    LIMA, PERU
    Sun, May 10, 2026
    Welcome to Lima—Cosmopolitan, Colonial, and Pre-Columbian Culture

  2. Day 2
    LIMA
    Mon, May 11, 2026
    Peruvian Treasures, Presidential Palaces, and Pizarro’s Conquests

    CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Lima to see the colonial Old Quarter, Plaza de Armas, the presidential Government Palace, and the Lima Cathedral. Visit San Francisco Monastery to see the famous catacombs followed by the Larco Herrera Museum—with the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian Peruvian art.

    DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a Culinary Experience with an authentic Peruvian welcome dinner in the exquisite, historic mansion—Casa Garcia Alvarado.

    (B,D)

  3. Day 3
    SACRED VALLEY
    Tue, May 12, 2026
    Alpacas, Llamas, and Ancient Rituals of the Andes

    CLASSIC Fly to Cusco, the ancient Andean city and former capital of the Inca Empire. A Guided Excursion into the Sacred Valley reveals the hillside Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Marvel at the remarkable Inca stonework of this 15th-century fortress that was once the site of the largest battle between the Incas and the Spanish. The Spanish were ultimately victorious in 1536, disassembling part of the site to build homes in Cusco and leaving behind the ruins we find today. You will also see the Inca military post of Puca Pucara and visit the ceremonial site of Kenko where ancient Peruvian rituals and sacrifices were performed.

    DISCOVERY Enjoy an encounter with llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos and learn about their vital role in Peruvian culture. Continue to the old mountain village of Pisaq. Take time to shop in the large indigenous Quechua community market for treasures such as alpaca sweaters, woven blankets, and handmade jewelry.

    This evening, enjoy dinner featuring Andean and Western dishes with wine.

    (B,L,D)

  4. Day 4
    SACRED VALLEY
    Wed, May 13, 2026
    Stone Temples and Formidable Fortresses

    CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the adobe village of Ollantaytambo this morning to visit the ruins of an Inca fortress. See the massive stones and amazing engineering design, including the Sun Temple and Princess Baths fountain.

    DISCOVERY Join an Escorted Visit to a native Incan home to experience the way of life that has endured since the 13th century.

    MACHU PICCHU

    Andean Heights and Hidden Secrets of the Inca’s Lost City

    CLASSIC Join a Guided Excursion aboard the 360° Machu Picchu Train boasting spectacular panoramic views of the lush countryside of Urubamba Valley from its panoramic windows and an observation outdoor carriage. Travel by rail to Aguas Calientes to take the winding road to legendary Machu Picchu.

    ACTIVE Take a Guided Walk to explore the “Lost City of the Incas” high atop the Andes once overlaid with dense forest. Learn about the lives and mysteries still hidden in this ancient citadel and the amazing structures built by the pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land.

    DISCOVERY Enjoy your overnight stay at the foot of the mountain where Machu Picchu is found with a gourmet Peruvian dinner.

    (B,D)

  5. Day 5
    MACHU PICCHU
    Thu, May 14, 2026
    A Miraculous Sanctuary in a Tropical Mountain Cloud Forest

    CLASSIC Take a second included Guided Excursion to Machu Picchu. Set out early to see the sunrise over the ruins, explore the terraces or perhaps venture up to see the Sun Gate, once used as the ancient entrance to the Sanctuary.

    After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by train and then continue on to Cusco.

    (B,L)

  6. Day 6
    CUSCO
    Fri, May 15, 2026
    Conquistadors, Churches, and the Colorful Culture of Peru

    CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Cusco and learn about the Inca culture and the Spanish invasion that threatened their way of life and very existence. Visit Santo Domingo Monastery, originally called Koricancha and built by the Incas as a Temple of the Sun with extraordinary engineering and masonry design. Continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit the Cusco Cathedral.

    Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore Cusco’s colorful culture.

    DISCOVERY Tonight, an elegant dinner includes wine and a menu inspired by Peru’s eclectic mix of cultures.

    (B,D)

  7. Day 7
    CUSCO–LIMA–IQUITOS–NAUTA–PERUVIAN AMAZON RIVER (EMBARKATION)
    Sat, May 16, 2026

    CLASSIC Today, you’ll travel by air to Lima and then on to Iquitos to begin your Amazon journey.

    Travel to Nauta and embark the luxurious vessel, the Delfin III, to cruise the Peruvian Amazon in comfort and convenience. Settle into your spacious suite before meeting your onboard Naturalist and Cruise Director.

    DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Welcome Reception to gain an overview of your upcoming Amazon experience. Your Naturalist Guide will offer information about the animal species of the Amazon ecosystem, the native villagers you’ll meet, and the spectacular plant life that thrives in this astonishing environment. See the two powerful Amazon tributaries—the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers—which converge to create the mighty Peruvian Amazon.

    Later, on board, enjoy an unforgettable dinner featuring Peruvian cuisine with the freshest local ingredients.

    (B,L,D)

  8. Day 8
    PERUVIAN AMAZON
    Sun, May 17, 2026
    Spider Monkeys, Pink Dolphins, and Peru’s Favorite Cocktail

    CLASSIC Rise early this morning for your first glimpse of the majestic Amazon at sunrise to experience the sights and sounds. After breakfast, take a Guided Panga Ride down one of the Amazon’s tributaries in search of the incredible wildlife. Your Naturalist Guide helps to spot capuchin, howler, tamarin, and spider monkeys, as well as iguanas, sloths, freshwater pink dolphins, and a stunning array of birdlife. Watch for the extraordinary giant Amazonian water lily.

    CLASSIC This afternoon, a Guided Excursion to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve allows you to witness the activity of exotic birds, including trogons, macaws, parrots, falcons, and jacamars.

    ACTIVE Take a refreshing Swim in this unique area of the Amazon—with the chance to encounter the Amazon’s amazing pink dolphins.

    DISCOVERY Join in an onboard Cooking Class to learn about native fruits, vegetables, and fish. You’ll learn about local ingredients for delicious recipes. In the evening, enjoy a Mixology Lesson to create Peru’s famous cocktail, the Pisco Sour.

    (B,L,D)

  9. Day 9
    PERUVIAN AMAZON
    Mon, May 18, 2026
    Exotic Birds, Night Creatures, and Natural Remedies

    ACTIVE Join a morning Naturalist Guided Walk to explore tropical flora, including epiphytes, orchids, and indigenous jungle vegetation below the rainforest’s canopy.

    DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Nature Presentation about indigenous and medicinal plants, fruits, and vegetation used in the Amazonian culture for centuries.

    CLASSIC This afternoon, a Guided Excursion to the Amazon community of San Francisco introduces you to local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations.

    ACTIVE Join a Night Safari Excursion to spot nocturnal creatures, including caiman, frogs, bats, and boa constrictors.

    DISCOVERY Later tonight, enjoy Live Entertainment by the Delfin III crew of local performers to celebrate your Amazon adventure with music and dance.

    (B,L,D)

  10. Day 10
    IQUITOS (DISEMBARKATION)
    Tue, May 19, 2026
    A Manatee Introduction and an Amazon Farewell

    DISCOVERY This morning, disembark and bid your ship’s crew farewell. On the way to Iquitos, join an Escorted Visit to the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center to learn about these endangered Amazon species and the conservation efforts to save the gentle giants before flying to Lima.

    (B)

  11. Day 11
    LIMA–QUITO
    Wed, May 20, 2026
    Adios, Lima!

    Fly from Lima to Quito. Take free time today to relax and prepare for your upcoming Galápagos adventure, or walk through the historic city to sample ceviche or helado (Latin-American ice cream). Dine out tonight or ask about the best clubs for music and dancing.

    (B)

  12. Day 12
    QUITO
    Thu, May 21, 2026
    A Gold Altar, Artistic Avenues, and Two Hemispheres in One Day

    DISCOVERY Travel through the Tandayapa Valley to the Andean Chocó cloud forest and nature reserve. The Alambi Reserve, renowned for bird watching, is home to more than 250 species of birds, including 30 different hummingbirds. While here, visit the hummingbird garden to observe these characteristic birds in their natural habitat.

    CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Quito that showcases the colonial city’s historic sites, including the impressive Legislative Palace with its enormous, sculpted mural of Ecuadorean history. You’ll also see Independence Plaza and visit the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery, and La Compañía Church—the exquisite Jesuit cathedral with its spectacular Spanish baroque architecture—more than 160 years in the making.

    DISCOVERY Take a Guided Walk down Calle La Ronda—one of Quito’s oldest streets—with a wealth of artist’s workshops and galleries where you’ll meet local artists and learn about their original works. Later, visit a local chocolate factory for a tour and a tasting to discover why Ecuador is one of the world’s finest chocolate producers.

    CLASSIC Your day in Quito ends with a Guided Excursion to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo—a monument to the Equator—the “middle of the world.” Stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time at the exact location of the Earth’s Equator. Observe the equatorial effects of the dual-spiraling directions of water and balancing eggs on end.

    This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a famed local restaurant with delicious regional cuisine.

    (B,D)


  13. Day 13
    BALTRA–GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS (EMBARKATION)–SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
    Fri, May 22, 2026
    The Theory of Evolution—and Giant Babies

    This morning, take a flight to the Galápagos Island of Baltra where you’ll embark on your five-day cruise aboard the luxurious MS Infinity yacht.

    DISCOVERY Join your naturalist on a Guided Excursion on Santa Cruz Island to visit the El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, a unique natural reserve where you can observe the giant turtles and dozens of bird species.

    Later, join an onboard briefing of the next day’s adventures followed by dinner.

    Note:
    The ship is expedition-style designed for open water cruising, however, the itinerary is subject to changes based on open-water conditions, weather, seasonal currents and Galápagos National Park policies and regulations.

    (B,L,D)

  14. Day 14
    SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
    Sat, May 23, 2026
    Marine Life, and Lunar Landscapes

    ACTIVE This morning, visit one of the newest visitor sites accessible to tourists in the Galápagos Islands, Dragon Hill. Walk along the beach and trails to a lagoon where bright flamingos, pintail ducks, and land iguanas can be spotted. This afternoon, travel to the north shore of Santa Cruz for Bachas Beach.

    DISCOVERY Explore Bachas Beach, named for some wrecked World War II barges whose ribs are still visible in the sand. This site offers great swimming, a lovely walk along the shore, and a visit to a lagoon with wading birds, marine iguanas, and sometimes flamingos. The area is also a frequent nesting site for sea turtles.

    (B,L,D)
  15. Day 15
    FLOREANA ISLAND
    Sun, May 24, 2026
    Pink Flamingos, Gliding Rays, and a Message in a Barrel

    CLASSIC Visit Floreana Island, home to the first “post office” in the islands. Visit the spot where 18th century whalers placed a wooden barrel used as an unofficial mailbox. The custom continues to this day with Galápagos visitors, so, don’t forget your postcards, and don’t be surprised if the post card arrives to its destination before you even get home!

    ACTIVE Enjoy free time at the sandy beach of Post Office Bay for swimming and snorkeling. See Green Sea Turtles, reef fish, and rays gliding in the shallow shoreline waters.

    DISCOVERY Take a Guided Walk on Green Beach, so called due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the Flour Sand Beach is composed of white coral. See flamingos, flycatchers, finches, and more!

    (B,L,D)
  16. Day 16
    ESPAÑOLA ISLAND
    Mon, May 25, 2026
    Diverse Life In and Out of the Water

    ACTIVE This morning, your Naturalist Guide takes you to the sheer cliffs of Punta Suárez to witness the spectacular spray from an ocean blowhole. Watch for the blue-footed and Nazca boobies, and other remarkable bird species, including the waved albatross. The island is the breeding site of nearly all of the world’s waved albatrosses! Be on the lookout for the male Christmas iguana that turns red and green during mating season.

    CLASSIC Take a Guided Excursion with your expert Naturalist to explore the southeastern part of the archipelago. Visit the glistening white coral beaches of Gardner Bay to see Galápagos sea lions, marine iguanas, seabirds, and hawks. Watch for three species of Darwin finches—a hallmark of his research.

    DISCOVERY Enjoy a prime snorkeling and swimming spot in Gardner Bay’s pristine waters. Spot a kaleidoscope of multi-colored reef fish, reef sharks, playful sea lions, and the amazing Green Sea Turtles.

    (B,L,D)
  17. Day 17
    GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS (DISEMBARKATION)–SAN CRISTOBAL–QUITO
    Tue, May 26, 2026
    The Geological Genesis of a Magical Archipelago

    DISCOVERY This morning, cruise to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for a Naturalist Guided Tour of the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. You’ll learn about the Galápagos’ fascinating volcanic origins, remote location, climate, and the arrival of diverse species that inspire both imagination and science.

    This afternoon, you’ll say farewell to the magical islands of Galápagos and fly to Quito. This evening, spend free time relaxing or enjoy one of Quito’s many fine restaurants.

    (B)

  18. Day 18
    QUITO
    Wed, May 27, 2026
    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

    (B)

Countries Visited

Ecuador, Peru

Rivers Visited

Amazon

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Inclusions



Accommodation Information

  • Price is per person based on double room occupancy.
  • Call for single accommodation details and prices. Triple rooms are not available.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
  • Price includes the mandatory Galápagos National Park entrance and transit card fees.

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Ship Information

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Questions & Answers
  Ask A Question

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Avalon Waterways Tours Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.3
Accommodations
4.4
Itinerary
4.4
Professional Staff
4.6
Repeat with Operator
4.2
Value for Money
4.1

Ratings based off 1341 reviews about Avalon Waterways Tours - currently showing 15 reviews with comments only

Everything was first class. Especially the Keukenfhof Tulip Gardens. All the tours were guided nicely.

Avalon has always been my favorite River Cruise line. The staff were great, excursions were very good, but sometimes I wish guides would not ramble on and keep tour moving. We left the tour groups most of the time because guide was toooo wordy and didn't give us enough free time.

We had a wonderful time and are very grateful to our agent for her professional assistance

We had such an amazing trip and met such wonderful people! This was our second Avalon trip this year and won’t be our last!

Avalon cruise on Rhine and Mosel met our expectations, and we were treated to a first class experience.

The accommodations were very spacious and appealing. The crew and staff excellent and attentive. The menu at at night was varied and the food was very good. Tours were well organized and the guides very knowledgeable.

Our stateroom was well appointed and comfortable and clean. Furnishings are starting to show their age. Service staff was fine but not quite at the level we experienced on previous cruises with Avalon. Food and beverage was very good.

I can not say enough to praise the hospitality and professional service aboard the Avalon Illumination! Everyone was so helpful and engaging from our tour guide to our housekeeper. the food and food service staff were equally amazing!

It was wonderful. More then I expected.

Avalon is as good as it gets. Perfect in pretty much everything. Pretty astounding what a great job they do. will book them again. actually, we have already done that

Tour guides had years of experience, and were at ease with travelers questions, weather iilnterruptions, etc.

Absolutely pleased with the Avalon experience.

There were adjustments to the itinerary along the way due to high water levels but the Cruise Director and Captain did a great job of adjusting. Avalon also compensated us for the issues even though they were not within their control.

As a past Viking traveler, with this being my first Avalon trip, I still favor Viking. Both river cruise experiences were comparable but there were some procedural differences that I feel were handled better with Viking. I would travel with either cruise line in the future based on price and/or itinerary.

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