Combine the awe-inspiring wonders of the Incas with the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos on this unforgettable 17-day adventure through Peru and Ecuador. Glide through the Sacred Valley by rail en route to the legendary Machu Picchu, savour the culinary magic of Lima, and set sail aboard the Yolita to explore the hidden gems of the Galápagos. From the untouched beauty of Genovesa in the north to the volcanic landscapes of Isabela in the west, every stop offers something extraordinary. Hike to the crater rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, relax on pristine white-sand beaches, and snorkel alongside playful sea lions. Experience the best of both worlds in two of South America’s most enchanting countries.
Day 1 Lima
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Lima/Cusco
Fly to Cusco. Free time to shop and explore. Choose to pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class, or try out a city tour, and visit museums and archaeological sites.
Day 3 Cusco/Sacred Valley
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 4 Sacred Valley/Aguas Calientes
Journey to the beautiful town of Aguas Calientes and perhaps enjoy a visit to the local hot springs or explore the market.
Day 5 Machu Picchu/Cusco
Start early to visit the 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu. Tour the ruins with an expert guide before returning back to Cusco.
Day 6 Cusco
Enjoy a free day in Cusco. Opt to visit the local market, a nearby archaeological site, or get a massage.
Day 7 Cusco/Lima
Head to the airport and fly back to Lima where you will enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure.
Day 8 Lima/Quito
Fly to Quito. Flight is unescorted and included in the price of the tour.
Day 9 Mariscal Sucre International Airport/Seymour Airport
Take an early flight to the Galápagos Islands. Head to Bachas Beach to see Sally Lightfoot crabs, flamingos and marine iguanas.
Day 10 Genovesa Island
Visit Darwin Bay and marvel at the sheer number of birds along the many trails. Head to El Barranco in the afternoon to see the many types of boobies, including red-footed boobies.
Day 11 Bartolomé Island/Sullivan Bay
Visit Bartolomé for a guided tour to see the island's dramatic volcanic features. Continue to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral-sand beach.
Day 12 Isabela Island
Early landing in the small town of Puerto Villamil before beginning the hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. In the afternoon, explore the tortoise breeding centre in the Puerto Villamil area.
Day 13 Elizabeth Bay/Urbina Bay
Pay a morning visit to Elizabeth Bay which offers amazing bird and marine life viewing opportunities. Head out on the pangas and explore the shallows and mangroves to look for sea turtles and penguins. Visit Urbina Bay, located at the base of the Alcedo Volcano. Hike the trail for a chance to see land tortoises in the wild, watching for land iguanas along the way.
Day 14 Tagus Cove/Punta Espinoza
Stop for a visit at Tagus Cove and hike to a lookout to get a stunning view of the bay. Spot old graffiti on the cliffs from whalers and pirates who once visited the the cove. Continue to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina, the youngest of the Galápagos Islands. Witness the large colony of marine iguanas and a variety of bird life.
Day 15 Rábida Island/Santiago Island
Enjoy a morning panga ride in Buccaneer Cove, watch for sea lions, shorebirds, and interesting lava formations. Take an afternoon excursion to the red sand beaches of Rábida to see a lagoon and sea lion colony. Enjoy snorkelling nearby with schools of tropical fish and sea lions.
Day 16 Islas Daphne/Quito
View Daphne from the boat, the tiny conical island is home to nesting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Darwin's finches, after, fly back to Quito. Enjoy an evening in Quito.
Day 17 Quito
Depart at any time.
- 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 Discover Moment: Cusco
- Sacred Valley guided tour
- Pottery making demonstration
- Train to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu guided tour
- 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
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- 16 breakfasts
- 8 lunches
- 7 dinners
Reference : GAH