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Colchester Travel » Tours - Escorted & Self Guided » Ecuador
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Active Galápagos & Machu Picchu - Ecuador

Active travelers looking to combine the stunning wildlife of the Galápagos Islands with the deep history of Peru’s Inca Trail should explore this incredible 17-day adventure. Stay onshore while visiting lesser-visited islands and spending your days with playful sea lions, majestic manta rays, and the famous Galápagos tortoise. Then, head to Peru and take on the iconic 4-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, surrounded by mountainscapes, cloud forests, and jungle views. This is a journey that will inspire and impress at every turn.

Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Quito/Santa Cruz Island
Catch an early flight to the Galápagos Islands. On arrival, head up to the highlands of Santa Cruz for lunch on your own, and to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat before continuing to Puerto Ayora.

Day 3 Santa Cruz Island
Walk from Puerto Ayora along a 2.5 km raised causeway to the stunning white sand and beach of Tortuga Bay for a kayak excursion with time for snorkelling and swimming before returning to town for lunch. In the afternoon visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Day 4 Santa Cruz Island/Floreana Island
Spend a free morning enjoying Santa Cruz, before crossing by speedboat to Floreana Island. Get settled at the G Adventures-supported community guesthouse and opt to swim or snorkel at Black Beach.

Day 5 Floreana Island
In the morning, head on a visit to Loberia, where there are opportunities to swim and snorkel. Opt to explore the area around Black Beach. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the seldom visited highlands of Floreana.

Day 6 Floreana Island/Isabela Island
Travel to Isabela Island. Hike to viewpoint of the Sierra Negra Volcano to see the second-largest crater in the world and enjoy a downhill bike excursion. Once back in town, opt to take surfing lessons on the nearby beach.

Day 7 Isabela Island
Spend a free morning trying the optional activities in the area. Maybe hit the waves for surf lessons on the nearby beach. Then, enjoy a kayak and snorkel excursion near Tintoreras.

Day 8 Isabela Island/Santa Cruz Island
This morning stop by the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre before traveling back to the island of Santa Cruz. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in Santa Cruz.

Day 9 Santa Cruz Island/Quito
Transfer across Santa Cruz Island to Baltra. Fly back to Quito.

Day 10 Quito/Lima
Explore Quito before flying to Lima in the evening.

Day 11 Lima/Cusco
Hop on a flight to Cusco. Enjoy a free day of shopping and exploring the city. Choose to pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour.

Day 12 Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).

Day 13 Inca Trail
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.

Day 14 Inca Trail
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.

Day 15 Inca Trail
Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).

Day 16 Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the ruins, before your train back towards Cusco.

Day 17 Cusco
Depart at any time.

  • Your G for Good Moment: Floreana Community Restaurants, Floreana Island Your G for Good Moment: Floreana Community Guesthouse, Floreana Island Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products Your Discover Moment: Cusco
  • Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
  • Highlands and wild tortoise excursion
  • Kayak and snorkel excursion
  • Snorkelling at Black Beach and Loberia (Floreana Island)
  • Biking excursion (Isabela Island)
  • Sierra Negra Volcano hike
  • Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre visit
  • Isabela Municipal Tax
  • Flight from Quito to Lima
  • Sacred Valley guided tour
  • Pottery making demonstration
  • Inca Trail guided hike with cooks and porters (4 days)
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • 16 breakfasts
  • 5 lunches
  • 5 dinners
Prices based on accommodation only basis,
Packages with flights, car hire or transfers are available. All prices and details are subject to change and availability.  Terms and conditions apply.
Prices start from £3,311

Or call us for further information
01206 508888
Holiday Name : Active Galápagos & Machu Picchu 
Reference : GAH

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