Follow in the Footsteps of Legends in Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands

Goway travel is empowering history buffs and nature lovers alike with the introduction of an unforgettable journey through Ecuador and Peru. Natural Selection: In the Footsteps of Legends in Machu Picchu & the Galapagos Islands is a 32-day luxury adventure across these ancient lands that features the best 5-star accommodations and unforgettable encounters with history and nature. The lucky travellers on the Natural Selection will join Goway’s General Manager for Central and South America, Don Forster, and special guest guide, the celebrated writer, photographer, and archaeologist, Peter Frost, on an epic journey through South America, celebrating Goway’s 50th anniversary.

The Natural Selection is a curated experience of the best of Ecuador and Peru, showcasing Goway’s expertise in South America, and celebrating 50 years of creating journeys of a lifetime for Globetrotters. A select 17 travellers will experience the best highlights in these two popular countries, as well as a week aboard a 5-star cruiser in the Galapagos Islands. If you head on the Natural Selection, you’ll explore some of the world’s best historical and natural sites, while also enjoying unique culinary experiences in the region’s largest cities.

Where does the Natural Selection take you?

The Natural Selection starts in Peru

The Natural Selection begins in Lima, the Peruvian capital and celebrated culinary juggernaut. You’ll spend a few days exploring Peru’s Spanish colonial history and sampling some of the best dishes at world-renowned restaurants. You then head down the Peruvian coastline to Paracas, where you’ll board a plane to fly high over the Nazca Lines, viewing those enigmatic geoglyphs that were carved into the ground by the ancient Nazca peoples. After pondering the true meaning of these man-made marvels and their intended audience (who was supposed to see these designs if they were only visible from the sky?), you’ll connect back to Lima before flying into Cusco.

Back during the height of the Inca Empire, Cusco was the empire’s capital and the so-called “navel of the earth.” In Cusco, you’ll get acclimated to the high altitude of the Andes and begin to explore the fascinating history and culture of this ancient region. You’ll join Peter Frost and rely on his immense knowledge of the Incas to uncover legends and traditions in the former Inca capital.

You’ll then journey into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to begin your exploration of one of the world’s most celebrated regions. First stop is the market town of Chinchero and Misminay Village, where you’ll connect to local Quechua villagers and learn about their time-honoured traditions. Next, you’ll explore the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, where the ruins of a mighty fortress overlook the intersection of two rivers, and local villagers still live in the buildings first constructed by the Incas. Finally, you’ll see the agricultural terraces of Moray, where sunken amphitheatres were carved into the mountainside to experiment with crop production, and the salt pools of Maras, which sit like white-washed panels along the hillside.

After exploring the minor wonders of the Sacred Valley, it’s time to see its crown jewel: Machu Picchu. Board the beautiful Hiram Bingham train, named after American explorer, Hiram Bingham – who rediscovered the Lost City of the Incas in 1911 – and trace his journey. You’ll have two days to explore the ruins, staying a night in Aguas Calientes at the foot of the mountain. You’ll not only explore these glorious ruins, but have the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu to enjoy breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from a unique vantage point.

Close out your time in Peru by riding the Andean Explorer, the only luxury sleeper train in South America, on route to Lake Titicaca, the highest-navigable lake in the world. There you’ll learn about the legendary foundation of the Inca Empire and explore the reed islands where Indigenous peoples have made their homes for centuries.

The Natural Selection continues in Ecuador

After exploring Lake Titicaca, you return to Lima to connect onwards to Quito, the Ecuadorean capital and the second city of the Inca Empire. Here, you’ll discover a melting pot of Andean culture and modern innovation. Visit the equator, sample Ecuadorean delicacies, and enjoy a chocolate tasting before connecting to the Galapagos Islands.

In the Galapagos, you’ll spend a week aboard the Infinity, a luxury yacht with all the fixings of a 5-star hotel. Each day you’ll journey to a new volcanic island in the remote archipelago to follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and discover fascinating animals. You’ll spot colourful creatures like blue-footed boobies and frigate birds, with their swelling red throats. You’ll also have a chance to share the wild with giant tortoises who are older than your grandparents. Between excursions, you’ll enjoy the comforts of the Infinity and the unparalleled service of its crew.

After exploring the Galapagos, you’ll embark on the final leg of the Natural Selection. You’ll return to Quito and connect to Otavalo, the most colourful market town in South America. Do some shopping for local textiles and take some photos of the vibrant arrays of colours on display. You’ll then cap off the Natural Selection with a helicopter ride high over the Andes Mountains along the Avenue of Volcanoes. Spot smoking volcanoes and snow-capped summits and enjoy one of the highest mountain ranges in the world from an unbeatable vantage point. Connect back to Quito to end your journey and bid farewell to your fellow explorers.

The cost and inclusions of the Natural Selection

To be perfectly clear, the Natural Selection is not a budget trip of any kind. It’s aimed at the most discerning travellers that expect the most luxurious accommodations and most authentic experiences when exploring the world. Due to its premium features, the starting price is CA $48,599 / US $35,999.

Although the price tag is high, it does include a lion’s share of features, including all guided tours, regional airfare, tipping, 5-star accommodations, unique dining experiences, luxury trains to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, helicopter tours of the Sacred Valley and the Avenue of the Volcanoes, an 8-day luxury Galapagos cruise, 31 breakfasts, 25 lunches, 26 dinners, and a few bonus surprises for those lucky Globetrotters that embark on the journey!

This curated journey is meant for curious explorers who want to immerse themselves in lost cultures, explore ancient ruins, and spot stunning animals in the wild; for those who want to travel back in time and follow in the footsteps of legends.

Natural Selection – Holiday of a Lifetime!

When you are a Goway Globetrotter you become part of a special fraternity of travellers about whom we care very much. Our company philosophy is simple – we want you to be more than satisfied with our services.