Nine of the Best Isles | plus Machu Picchu

Lima, Peru, the vibrant capital, blends colonial charm with modern dynamism. Known for its rich history, the city showcases splendid architecture in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled along the Pacific coast, Lima boasts scenic ocean views, exquisite cuisine, and lively cultural scenes. Its diverse neighborhoods, from Miraflores' upscale vibe to Barranco's bohemian allure, offer unique experiences. Renowned museums, bustling markets, and the iconic Huaca Pucllana ruins highlight its heritage. Lima's bustling streets and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a captivating destination for travelers.

Lima, Peru, the vibrant capital, blends colonial charm with modern dynamism. Known for its rich history, the city showcases splendid architecture in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled along the Pacific coast, Lima boasts scenic ocean views, exquisite cuisine, and lively cultural scenes. Its diverse neighborhoods, from Miraflores' upscale vibe to Barranco's bohemian allure, offer unique experiences. Renowned museums, bustling markets, and the iconic Huaca Pucllana ruins highlight its heritage. Lima's bustling streets and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a captivating destination for travelers.

Awaken this morning and return to Machu Picchu, where your local and veteran guides share their intimate understanding of this site, focusing on the history and far-reaching cultural influence. After lunch, return by train and bus to Cusco—the center of the Inca universe, a burgeoning cultural capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Check into the Belmond Hotel Monasterio on Plaza Nazarenas in the heart of Cusco for two nights. Occupying a monastery founded in 1592, the hotel—like much of colonial Cusco—is built atop Inca stones.

Fly on Day 7 to Galápagos. Each day here, you'll hike, swim, snorkel or explore by kayak or Zodiac—all the while witnessing incredible interactions between animals in their natural habitat. Start exploring on Isla Santa Cruz with a trip over the highlands of Santa Cruz upon arrival. Over these few days, walk in a cactus forest with endemic land iguanas on Santa Fé. Wander among sea lions and admire soaring sea birds on Plaza Sur. Search for penguins on stark black lava at Sullivan Bay on Santiago. Snorkel in crystal-clear water at Sombrero Chino. And sail across the Equator and into the flooded caldera at Genovesa, a seabird paradise where you'll bid farewell to Darwin's Islands.

Silver Origin will anchor in front of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, where the prestigious Charles Darwin Research Station is located. The station also houses the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center for giant tortoises and land iguanas where guides interpret the center's captive breeding and reintroduction programs. In addition to these star species, throughout the station there are huge prickly pear cactus trees being fed upon by the pretty Galapagos Cactus Finch. To round out the stay in Puerto Ayora, enjoy free time in town where local artists have created charming art galleries and corner cafes.

Fly on Day 7 to Galápagos. Each day here, you'll hike, swim, snorkel or explore by kayak or Zodiac—all the while witnessing incredible interactions between animals in their natural habitat. Start exploring on Isla Santa Cruz with a trip over the highlands of Santa Cruz upon arrival. Over these few days, walk in a cactus forest with endemic land iguanas on Santa Fé. Wander among sea lions and admire soaring sea birds on Plaza Sur. Search for penguins on stark black lava at Sullivan Bay on Santiago. Snorkel in crystal-clear water at Sombrero Chino. And sail across the Equator and into the flooded caldera at Genovesa, a seabird paradise where you'll bid farewell to Darwin's Islands.

Our ship anchors in sight of the volcanic moonscape of Isla Bartolomé, at Sullivan Bay. Zodiacs bring guests ashore to ascend a boardwalk of 388 steps. Passing through the arid volcanic landscape provides a chance to watch for lava lizards, Galapagos Hawks, and Blue-footed Boobies. However, the climber's ultimate reward is one of the most beautiful panoramas in all of the Galapagos Islands - the view towards Pinnacle Rock with black, volcanic cones of Baltra, Daphne Major, and Daphne Minor in the distance. On the way down watch how the sunlight catches the green of pioneering plant species in stark contrast against dark volcanic rock, and look forward to time swimming and snorkeling from the golden beach.

At Genovesa Island the ship tucks into Darwin Bay, an ancient volcanic crater now flooded by the sea. Zodiacs land on a picturesque sandy beach where Galapagos sea lions often rest on the fine, white sand. Explorations along the shore may reveal marine iguanas looking like prehistoric dinosaurs in miniature. By heading inland a short distance visitors could encounter seabirds of all shapes and sizes nesting in the vegetation. Scores of immature Red-footed Boobies perch on branches within an arm's reach of the path. In addition, watch for Great Frigatebirds and Yellow-crowned Night Herons along the walk. There is also fantastic snorkeling in the waters of Darwin Bay with the opportunity to see large schools of reef fish and brightly colored sea stars.

Fly on Day 7 to Galápagos. Each day here, you'll hike, swim, snorkel or explore by kayak or Zodiac—all the while witnessing incredible interactions between animals in their natural habitat. Start exploring on Isla Santa Cruz with a trip over the highlands of Santa Cruz upon arrival. Over these few days, walk in a cactus forest with endemic land iguanas on Santa Fé. Wander among sea lions and admire soaring sea birds on Plaza Sur. Search for penguins on stark black lava at Sullivan Bay on Santiago. Snorkel in crystal-clear water at Sombrero Chino. And sail across the Equator and into the flooded caldera at Genovesa, a seabird paradise where you'll bid farewell to Darwin's Islands.