Ecuador, Galapagos & Peru: from Quito to Machu Picchu
Embark on an unforgettable 14-day adventure through the captivating landscapes and rich cultures of Ecuador, the Galapagos, and Peru. This trip promises a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences, showcasing the best of both Ecuador and Peru.
This meticulously crafted journey begins in the vibrant capital of Quito where you’ll explore its well-preserved historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the Andes, you’ll fly to the breathtaking Galapagos Islands, a unique ecosystem teeming with extraordinary wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin. Snorkel alongside playful sea lions, marvel at giant tortoises, and encounter vibrant marine life. Your adventure continues in Peru where you’ll explore the Sacred Valley including Rainbow Mountain, visit the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, and immerse yourself in the vibrant markets of Cusco.
Services
Included:
- 13 nights accommodation in standard, comfort or luxury hotels
- Daily breakfast & fives lunches
- Airport transfers on arrival & departure days
- Ferry & land transfers as per the itinerary
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide on excursions
Excluded:
- International & domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances
- Personal expenses
- Tips & gratuities
Optional:
- Speak to your local expert if there's an experience that you'd really love to include in your trip
Itinerary at a Glance
Quito
Welcome to Ecuador
Quito
A guided tour of Quito
Quito - Santa Cruz - Isabela Island
Journey to the Galapagos Islands
Isabela Island - Sierra Negra Volcano - Isabela Island
Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano Trail
Isabela Island
Snorkeling in paradise
Isabela Island - Las Tintoreras - Santa Cruz
A day searching for wildlife
Santa Cruz - Guayaquil
Journey to Guayaquil
Guayaquil - Lima
Make your way to Peru!
Lima - Cusco
Archaeological wonders in Cusco
Cusco - Maras - Cusco
A visit to the Maras Salt Mines
Cusco - Pisac - Cusco
Explore the Sacred Valley
Cusco - Machu Picchu - Cusco
The beauty of Machu Picchu
Cusco - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco
Summit Rainbow Mountain
Cusco
Goodbye, Peru
Detailed Itinerary
Quito
Day 1: Welcome to Ecuador
Welcome to Quito, Ecuador! Upon arrival, find your driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the center of Quito. Check in and take a moment to settle in before heading out to explore your surroundings.
Quito
Day 2: A guided tour of Quito
After breakfast, your private guide will meet you to take a guided tour of the colonial heart of the city. You’ll also visit the statue of the Virgin of Quito, located high on a hilltop overlooking the city. Later, gaze at the golden interior of the Church of the Society of Jesus and stroll around the Plaza Grande, flanked by the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral.
In the afternoon, visit the 'Middle of the World," where you can put one foot in the Southern hemisphere and the other in the Northern hemisphere!
Quito - Santa Cruz - Isabela Island
Day 3: Journey to the Galapagos Islands
It's time to fly to the Galapagos! You'll be picked up from your hotel in Quito to catch your domestic flight from Baltra Airport to the island of Santa Cruz.
Once you land in the Galapagos, your driver will take you to the pier in Puerto Ayora where you'll jump aboard a public speedboat to Isabela Island.
Landing on Isabela Island, your first stop will be Flamingo Lagoon, a large breading pool for the island's flamingos! After, make your way to your accommodation and settle into your surroundings.
Isabela Island - Sierra Negra Volcano - Isabela Island
Day 4: Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano Trail
Hiking the Sierra Negra volcanic crater is an unmissable experience for geology enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Since its last eruption in 2005, the Sierra Negra Volcano boasts unique geological formations, including expansive lava fields interspersed with vibrant local flora and diverse wildlife.
This thrilling 20km trek offers not only a chance to witness the dynamic landscape but also to enjoy panoramic views and encounter the island's natural beauty up close.
Isabela Island
Day 5: Snorkeling in paradise
Today, venture on an exciting boat adventure that offers an 800-meter snorkeling paradise with warm water temperatures. You'll encounter seabirds like albatross, flamingos, blue-footed boobies, and frigate birds, as well as tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, manta rays, penguins, lobsters, and sea snakes. The landscape features diverse volcanic lava and vibrant desert vegetation, including Xerophytic plants, cactus, "Palo Santo," and carob trees!
Isabela Island - Las Tintoreras - Santa Cruz
Day 6: A day searching for wildlife
“Las Tintoreras,” is a chain of small islets full of coves and hidden beaches. Venture to a bay where it's possible to see sea lions, marine turtle, iguanas, and manta rays. If you're luckily, today you'll also find the local galapagos penguin!
After, you'll make your way back to the island of Santa Cruz via the public speedboat. This is where you'll spend your last night in the Galapagos as you'll be flying back to the mainland in the morning.
Santa Cruz - Guayaquil
Day 7: Journey to Guayaquil
After breakfast, a driver will collect you so you can fly back to the mainland, this time to the city of Guayaquil.
Guayaquil, Ecuador's bustling port city, is known for its vibrant culture, scenic riverside promenade, and historical neighborhoods. Spend the day wandering the streets exploring your surroundings.
Guayaquil - Lima
Day 8: Make your way to Peru!
Fly from Guayaquil to Lima for the start of your next adventure. Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival, find your driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the center of Lima. Check in and take a moment to settle in before heading out to explore this incredible city.
Lima - Cusco
Day 9: Archaeological wonders in Cusco
Enjoy breakfast before flying to Cusco! In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the city, exploring it's main square and bustling streets.
After, visit the nearby archaeological site of Q'enqo (Kenko) in the Sacred Valley of Peru, that consists of a complex of subterranean galleries, canals, and a semi-circular amphitheater-type structure.
Cusco - Maras - Cusco
Day 10: A visit to the Maras Salt Mines
Today you'll visit the Maras Salt Mines, one of Peru's most fascinating and picturesque sites. Nestled in the Sacred Valley, these ancient salt pans date back to pre-Incan times and are still in use today.
The intricate network of thousands of terraced pools glistens under the Andean sun, creating a stunning mosaic of white against the vibrant landscape. As you explore the site, you’ll learn about the traditional methods of salt extraction that have been passed down through generations.
Cusco - Pisac - Cusco
Day 11: Explore the Sacred Valley
Start the day with a trip to Pisac Market, located in the charming town of Pisac in the Sacred Valley of Peru, it's one of the most vibrant and popular markets in the region.
Next, visit another small town. Ollantaytambo is renowned for its well-preserved Inca architecture and rich historical significance. Here, visit a local resturant before venturing back to your hotel in Cusco.
Cusco - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Day 12: The beauty of Machu Picchu
Start the day by taking the local train to Aguas Calientes, the base for most Machu Picchu adventures. Stop here for lunch before taking the 25-minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu ruins.
Your guide will lead you around the site and explain the different buildings and curious corners of the building complex. After the two-hour tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes to connect to your train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco.
Cusco - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco
Day 13: Summit Rainbow Mountain
Your driver will pick you up early to reach the hamlet of Llactoc, where you'll appreciate herds of alpacas and llamas and flora typical of the area. Here is where you begin your walk for approximately 2.5 hours, as you see snowcapped mountains and beautiful landscapes in the distance.
You'll arrive at the peak of colors, Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). After a tour and photographic shots at the top, begin the descent ready for your journey back to Cusco.
Cusco
Day 14: Goodbye, Peru
It's time to say goodbye to Peru. You'll be transferred to the airport with plenty of time to make your safe flight home.
