Galapagos to Machu Picchu - Wonders of Peru & Ecuador

Our holiday to the wonders of Galapagos and Machu Picchu begins! 

We have arrived in Quito Ecuador! On arrival, we will be transferred approximately one hour (35km) with guide assistance to our hotel, our tour base for the next two nights.

Let's settle in, and relax after our journey.

Breakfast is included each day of your stay in Ecuador and Peru plus 3 light lunches in Galapagos and 1 simple lunch in Peru during our visit to Machu Picchu.

This tour is based on a small group from 4 people. 

Passport details are required at the time of booking and a non refundable deposit for Machu Picchu tickets at the time of booking.

Welcome to the enchanting city of Quito, a jewel of Latin America and a UNESCO World Heritage site that has retained its historical charm. Get ready to uncover this fascinating city!

Depart our hotel by coach on a full day tour. We begin our walking tour meandering through the narrow cobblestone streets, reminiscent of the sixteenth century, allowing us to soak up the historical charm of Quito. We discover Quito’s highlights including Independence Plaza square, La Compania Church, with its ornate gold leaf interior and elaborately carved altars. Uncover more as we visit the wide-open plaza, and church of San Francisco, built in the sixteenth century by the Indians of St. Andrews School.

Next, we soak up the beauty of the Andean landscape (weather permitting) with a visit to El Panecillo Hill.

Later we enjoy some time at leisure for lunch (not included) before we see more of this fascinating city and return to our hotel.

Today we depart Quito, and we transfer by coach to the airport for our flights to Baltra,  where we will stay in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz.

We have arrived in Galapagos! Enroute  our transfer to our hotel we visit the Twin Craters and admire these two large sink holes in an area of farmland and native forest, territory for the iconic Galapagos giant tortoise. These two craters are located on the opposite sides of the main Santa Cruz Road.

Let’s check in to our hotel and enjoy some lunch (included).

Please note:

Your flight tickets and timings are given locally for your internal Galapagos flights. 

Also included in the cost of your holiday are the Galapagos National Park Tax and Galapagos Transit card. Passport details are required at the time of booking to issue these.

Later we venture to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the archipelago. Here we explore the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, and the captivating Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. This tour is approximately two hours in the afternoon.

After discovering the headquarters for scientific research and conservation we make our way back to our hotel to soak up our surroundings.

Enjoy the evening at leisure and pack for tomorrows adventure.

Please note 

For your stay on Santa Cruz Island, the transfers and excursions will be shared, and not a private Travel Department tour for the duration of your stay here. All excursions will be organised by your hotel locally. The excursions are subject to change due to local weather conditions.

Please note for your excursions to the Galapagos archipelago: 

Island visits may change to alternative islands in the Galapagos archipelago for operational reasons. This can also give a different variety of wildlife to be seen at the time. The vessels used are medium sized motor yachts with the capacity of approximately 16-20 people. Amenities onboard include a bathroom, dining area, living and sundeck area.

This morning we have a very early start to uncover some of the treasures of these unique islands in the Galapagos! Transfer to Itabaca Canal to depart for our cruise. All aboard! We set sail approximately two hours Northwest of Santa Cruz Island to Bartholomew Island. Bartholomew has one of the most beautiful and photographed landscapes of the archipelago with the iconic pinnacle rock. 

Lace up your sturdy shoes as we take a walk up the wooden staircase trail (360 steps, 795 meters), to the summit of the extinct volcano, there are a lot of steps to climb, but well worth the view! If you don’t want to exert yourself, you can stay on board the boat, and soak up the relaxing atmosphere.

In order to keep the pristine beauty and ecological balance on these fascinating islands you will always be accompanied by a guide, when disembarking on the islands. Please follow their guidance and instructions to enjoy this unique opportunity.

After our walk we take well-deserved snorkel keeping an eye out for some marine life like the Galapagos penguins, rays, sea turtles, and much more swimming in the shallow waters in Sullivans Bay located in Santiago Island, just five minutes from Bartholomew Island.

A light lunch is included today on board before returning to Santa Cruz, Itabaca Canal.

After our exhilarating day discovering the beauty of the Galapagos Archipelago; we venture back in the evening. We disembark from our cruise and transfer back to our hotel by shuttle.

Enjoy the evening at leisure relax and unwind after your adventurous day discovering the raw beauty of Galapagos.

We set off for another full day of sailing and exploring! We transfer fifty minutes’ drive to Itabaca Canal and set sail east of Santa Cruz Island to visit Punta Carrion for some snorkelling. Here we discover an array of marine life which may include a variety of fishes, sea turtles, rays, Galapagos sharks and much more. Next, we set sail to South Plaza Island and partner of North Plaza Island, with its natural red carpet (sesuvium) and cactus creating a unique landscape. We stop and to discover the natural wonders of the Galapagos from sealions, land iguanas, Galapagos lizards, the infamous marine iguanas, finches, and a variety of seabirds.

Lunch is included on board today (usually a simple light lunch of fresh fish, salads, and rice).

After, we set sail back to Santa Cruz and Itabaca Canal.

We arrive back and transfer by shuttle back to our hotel in the evening.

Let's enjoy our last night on Santa Cruz to soak up the island atmosphere, savour the memories of the unique wonders we have experienced during our journey so far.

We say farewell to our Galapagos Island wonders and transfer to Baltra airport for our flight to Quito.

On arrival we meet our guide and make our way to our hotel near the airport.

Let's settle in, repack, recharge and enjoy the rest of our day at leisure.

Let's discover more with a visit to Termas de Papallacta Hot Springs.

This morning, we’ll leave the city behind and transfer by coach to indulge in some well-deserved relaxation. Savour the moment and soak up the rejuvenating hot springs, set against the breath-taking Andean backdrop. These mineral-rich, therapeutic springs have been cherished by locals and visitors alike since the time of the Incas. Enjoy this peaceful experience as you soak in the natural warmth, surrounded by the serene beauty of the mountains.

After, our relaxing morning we return to our hotel in the afternoon and relax.

We say fare well to Ecuador and all its memorable moments as we transfer by hotel shuttle to the airport for our flights to Lima Peru. 

On to our next bucket list destination!

*Please note: Your extension in Peru may be based smaller numbers from two people upwards rather than as part of a bigger group. Guide services are not included for your departure from Quito. The airport hotel provides a shuttle service to Quito airport for your flights departing to Lima Peru.

We have arrived in Lima, Peru. We transfer to our hotel in Lima and enjoy the rest of our day at leisure.

Sit back, relax and soak up our new surroundings.

Alternatively to experience the highlights of Lima, there may be the opportunity to pre book an optional excursion.

Optional Excursion - Highlights of Lima City Tour

Today we take in the highlights of Lima on a half day tour, beginning in the historic heart of the city. We explore Colonial Lima on a guided walking tour from the Main Square, admiring the exteriors of the Government Palace, Cathedral and City Hall, before visiting the Cathedral and its richly decorated chapels. We then continue to the beautiful Santo Domingo Convent, followed by a visit to the renowned Larco Museum. Our tour concludes in modern Lima as we travel through San Isidro, enjoying views across the Pacific Ocean.

This excursion is a prebook able only. Subject to availability and minimum numbers.

Today we transfer from our hotel to Lima Airport for our flight to Cusco the historic capital of the Inca Empire, and the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu

Settle in and relax while you acclimatise to the high altitude. Do as the locals do an have a relaxing cup of camomile or Cocoa tea, which can sometimes help you settle in and adjust to the altitude. Cusco is set high in the Andes Mountains of southern Peru, sitting at an altitude of around 3,400 meters above sea level, adding to its dramatic setting and historic character.

Relax as tomorrow we start exploring the highlights of this fascinating and historic South American jewel.

We set off on a half day tour by coach to Sacsayhuamán, an impressive Inca fortress where enormous stone blocks were shaped and fitted together with incredible precision. It is a fascinating insight into the engineering skills of the Inca civilisation, we take in the wonder of this incredible site.

After we then stop at Cristo Blanco, a calm and scenic viewpoint offering wonderful panoramic views over Cusco (weather permitting) and the surrounding mountains.

Next, we enjoy time at San Pedro Market, the city’s main market, full of colour and character. Here we see local produce and traditional foods that give a real feel for everyday life in the region. A great opportunity to take home some local souvenirs.

Our tour continues to Qorikancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire and dedicated to the Sun god. It is said that the inner walls were once covered in gold.

We finish our tour at the Cusco Cathedral, where a guided visit reveals beautiful architecture and fine 17th and 18th century paintings from the Cusco School.

We return to our hotel in the afternoon.

The afternoon is at leisure, a perfect opportunity to further explore Cusco. We may choose to spend time in Plaza de Armas, soaking up the atmosphere of the city’s main square. With plenty of benches, cafés and beautiful historic buildings, it is an ideal place for people watching and relaxing.

Alternatively, we can unwind in one of the many comfortable cafés around the square, enjoying a coffee, light lunch or traditional Peruvian dishes while daily life gently unfolds around us.

These easy and relaxed options allow us to enjoy Cusco at our own pace while staying close to the heart of the city.

All aboard! We set off  very early this morning by coach to Poroy railway station, where our full day journey to Machu Picchu begins. We travel by Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, enjoying scenic views along the way, before continuing by coach to this world famous site.

Set high at around 2,430 metres above sea level, Machu Picchu is surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and deep valleys. Dating back to the 15th century, this remarkable Inca citadel remains something of a mystery. Some believe it was built as a royal retreat, while others suggest it was a sacred place designed to preserve Inca traditions during the final years of the empire. Take in the wonder of this magnificent structure and marvel at the incredible setting of Machu Picchu on our guided tour.

Lunch is included during our visit, allowing time to relax and reflect on this unforgettable experience. 

Later, we enjoy some free time to experience Aguas Calientes before we return by train back to Cusco. We transfer by coach from the train station and return to our hotel later at night and enjoy a well earned rest after a truly memorable day of discovery.

Today is free to explore the charming city of Cusco at your own pace. We can wander along its ancient cobbled streets, relax in the attractive main square, or visit one of the city’s interesting museums, such as the Coca Museum, the ChocoMuseo Cusco for a chocolate tasting experience, or the Pre-Columbian Art Museum.

We may also admire the famous Twelve-Angled Stone, a fine example of Inca stonework, before browsing the many souvenir shops selling authentic Peruvian gifts and handicrafts.

The day is at leisure, giving us the freedom to soak up the atmosphere of Cusco in whatever way we choose.

Today we say a fond farewell to Peru as we transfer from our hotel to Cusco Airport for our flight to Lima and onwards home.