Itinerary
- Day 1
Quito
You'll arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport and head to your hotel for some downtime. There's a welcome meeting at 5 or 6 pm, then you'll go out with your leader and group for dinner at a local restaurant. It's a good chance to try traditional Ecuadorian food and meet the other travelers on your trip.
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner at a local restaurant
Optional Activities
- Explore Old Town of Quito with its 30+ churches
- Visit La Compania de Jesus church
- Explore Calle La Ronda historic street
- Visit museums in Old Town
Landmarks Pichincha Volcano La Compania de Jesus Calle La Ronda - Day 2
Quito to Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos
An early pickup (possibly 4:30 am) takes you to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Once you arrive, a National Park Guide meets you and takes you to the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz cruise boat. That afternoon, you'll visit the Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado breeding centre to see giant tortoises and learn about their conservation.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Boxed breakfast)
Included Activities
- Flight to Galapagos Islands
- Transfer to M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
- Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing
- Isla San Cristobal - Highlands Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
Landmarks Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado Isla San Cristobal - Day 3
Isla Santiago
After an overnight cruise, you'll reach Bartolome with its volcanic landscape and parasitic cones. You'll see the iconic Pinnacle Rock, then head to nearby Isla Santiago to hike up to an active volcano with 360 wooden steps and great views of Sullivan Bay. There's snorkeling with tropical fish, starfish, and sharks, plus chances to spot Galapagos Hawks.
Included Activities
- Isla Bartolome - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla Bartolome - Snorkelling (1.5 hours)
- Isla Bartolome - Panga ride (30 mins)
- Isla Santiago - Sullivan Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
Optional Activities
- Additional snorkelling opportunities at Isla Santiago
Landmarks Isla Bartolome Pinnacle Rock Isla Santiago Sullivan Bay - Day 4
Isla Santiago
The morning starts at Espumilla Beach on Santiago's northern coast, where you can look for Galapagos hawks, ghost crabs, and blue-footed boobies. Later you'll visit Caleta Bucanero where Charles Darwin camped, then head to Puerto Egas with its black sand beach. You'll see hundreds of marine iguanas and sea lions, explore tidal pools, and snorkel with seals.
Included Activities
- Isla Santiago - Espumilla Beach - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla Santiago - Espumilla Beach - Panga ride or Snorkelling (45 mins)
- Isla Santiago - Buccaneer's Cove - Panga Ride (45 mins)
- Isla Santiago - Buccaneer's Cove - Snorkelling (1 hour)
- Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Walk (1.45 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Snorkelling (1 hour)
Landmarks Espumilla Beach Caleta Bucanero (Buccaneer Cove) Puerto Egas Sugarloaf Volcano James Island - Day 5
Isla Santa Cruz
You'll spend time on Isla Santa Cruz, the second largest island in the Galapagos. Check out the town of Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station where you can see giant tortoises and land iguanas up close. Then head into the highlands through agricultural areas and misty forests, looking for giant tortoises and possibly a vermillion flycatcher.
Included Activities
- Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) - Dry Landing
- Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
Landmarks Isla Santa Cruz Puerto Ayora Charles Darwin Research Station - Day 6
Isla Mosquera
A morning trip takes you to North Seymour Island. You'll walk inland through colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds, watching for their red pouches during mating season. Snorkeling brings you face-to-face with colorful fish, white-tipped reef sharks, rays, and sea lions. After lunch, head to the sandy island of Mosquera to see Sally Lightfoot crabs and a sea lion colony.
Included Activities
- Isla North Seymour - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla North Seymour - Snorkelling (1 hours)
- Isla Mosquera - Beach Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla Mosquera - Snorkelling (1 hour)
Landmarks Isla North Seymour Isla Mosquera - Day 7
Isla Santa Cruz
You'll take a panga to Caleta Tortuga Negra, a red mangrove wetland. Paddle through calm waters to see green turtles and nurseries for golden cow-nose rays and Galapagos sharks. Spot yellow warblers and lava herons as you go. In the afternoon, walk up Cerro Dragon to see land iguanas, then visit a brackish lagoon with views across the bay.
Included Activities
- Isla Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove - Panga ride (1.5 hours)
- Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Snorkelling or swimming (1 hour)
Landmarks Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) - Day 8
Isla Rabida
You'll visit Sombrero Chino, a small islet shaped like a Chinese hat, approaching via a crescent beach with sea lions. Look for Galapagos penguins on Santiago's rocky shoreline, then snorkel with penguins and sharks. After that, head to Isla Rabida with its red sand and scarlet cliffs. Walk through a lagoon to see flamingos, nesting pelicans, and marine iguanas, then snorkel in a cove.
Included Activities
- Sombrero Chino - Walk and Panga ride (2 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla Santiago - Sombrero Chino - Snorkelling (1 hour)
- Isla Rabida - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla Rabida - Snorkelling (1 hour)
Landmarks Isla Sombrero Chino Isla Rabida (Jervis Island) - Day 9
Isla Santa Cruz to Quito
An early excursion takes you to Las Bachas on Santa Cruz's north shore, named after old Navy barges. The white sand beaches are nesting sites for Pacific green turtles and you'll spot marine iguanas. Explore rocky shores for snorkeling and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Visit a saltwater lagoon home to flamingos and herons, then head to the airport for your flight back to Quito.
Included Activities
- Isla Santa Cruz - Las Bachas morning excursion
Landmarks Las Bachas - Day 10
Quito to Lima
After breakfast, you'll transfer to Quito Airport for a flight to Lima, Peru's lively capital. When you arrive, a local representative meets you at your hotel. You'll have time to relax before a second welcome meeting at 6 pm. Then you'll join your leader and new group members for dinner at a restaurant with views of ancient ruins, serving creative Peruvian dishes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight to Lima
- Welcome dinner at a local restaurant
- Day 11
Lima to Arequipa
Your leader takes you on a walking tour through downtown Lima to see Plaza Mayor and visit the catacombs of Saint Francis Monastery. You'll head to Alameda de Chabuca Granda, a local favorite area. Later, you'll fly to Arequipa, known as The White City for its white volcanic buildings. An orientation walk shows you the city backed by El Misti volcano.
Included Activities
- Lima - Downtown walking tour
- Flight to Arequipa
- Arequipa - Leader-led orientation walk
Landmarks Plaza Mayor Saint Francis Monastery Alameda de Chabuca Granda El Misti Volcano - Day 12
Arequipa
A local guide leads you through Arequipa, starting at Plaza de Armas and the Santa Catalina Monastery. You'll stop at San Ignacio Chapel to see its mural paintings, then tour the Basilica Cathedral with a specialist who discusses its history since 1656. The afternoon is free to pick up alpaca jumpers, visit Mundo Alpaca to meet llamas, explore surrounding hills, or see the 'Mummy Juanita' at the museum.
Included Activities
- Arequipa - Walking tour
- Arequipa - Santa Catalina Monastery Admission Fee
- Arequipa - San Ignacio Chapel
- Arequipa - Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
Optional Activities
- Mundo Alpaca - Meet llamas and alpacas
- Purchase alpaca jumpers
- Active adventure in surrounding hills and rivers
- Arequipa - Juanita Museum Admission Fee (PEN20)
Landmarks Plaza de Armas Santa Catalina Monastery San Ignacio Chapel Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa - Day 13
Arequipa to Colca Canyon to Chivay
You'll drive through the Altiplano high plains toward Colca Canyon, seeing grazing vicunas, llamas, and alpacas. At the highest point (4,910 m / 16,109 ft) you'll get great views. The canyon is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and features pre-Inca terraces still in use today. You'll stop in Chivay to soak in hot springs, then settle in at the Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca Hotel by the Colca River.
Included Activities
- Colca Canyon - Viewpoint photo stop
- Colca Canyon viewing
Optional Activities
- Soak in local hot springs at Chivay
Landmarks Altiplano Colca Canyon Chivay - Day 14
Colca Canyon to Puno
Rise early to visit Cruz del Condor viewpoint where Andean condors often soar. After lunch, drive toward Puno and stop at Sillustani archaeological site for about an hour. Climb the hill to see ancient funeral towers called chullpas built by pre-Inca civilization. You'll arrive in Puno on Lake Titicaca's shores, known as Peru's folklore capital for its traditional dances and Aymara and Quechuan culture.
Included Activities
- Colca Canyon - Mirador Cruz del Condor
- Puno - Sillustani archaeological site
Landmarks Cruz del Condor Sillustani Archaeological Site Lake Titicaca - Day 15
Lake Titicaca
You'll leave Puno port on a cruise around Lake Titicaca visiting the floating Uros Islands made entirely from totora reeds. The Uros people built them centuries ago to isolate themselves from rival tribes. Next you'll visit Taquile Island, walking to its hilltop to see traditional clothing and woollen handicrafts. Return to Puno for the evening, enjoying sunset over the lake while sampling wine and cheese.
- Meals
- Snack (Wine and cheese in garden at sunset over Lake Titicaca)
Included Activities
- Lake Titicaca - Floating Uros Islands & Taquile Island
Landmarks Uros Islands Taquile Island - Day 16
Puno to Cusco
An early start takes you toward Cusco with several stops along the way, including the Raqchi Archaeological Site. You'll arrive by late afternoon in Cusco, South America's oldest continuously inhabited city and former Inca home. At 3,450 m (11,319 ft) altitude, take time to acclimatize. After checking in, your leader takes a casual walk with you around Plaza de Armas and suggests dinner spots.
Included Activities
- Raqchi Inca Site, between Puno and Cuzco
- Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
Landmarks Raqchi Archaeological Site Plaza de Armas - Day 17
Cusco
A walking tour shows you the best of Cusco. You'll get a special tour of the World Heritage Cusco Cathedral from a local historian who explains how it was built on an Incan palace. Another guide takes you through Coricancha Temple, where you'll learn it was once covered in gold before the Spanish demolished it. Visit the colorful San Pedro market. The rest of the day is yours to explore or arrange optional activities.
Included Activities
- Cusco - Cathedral tour with Specialist Historian Guide
- Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee)
- Cusco - Walking tour
Optional Activities
- Cusco - Inca Museum (entrance fee) - PEN10
- Cusco - Pre-Colombian Museum - PEN20
- Cusco - Machu Picchu Museum & Botanical Garden - PEN25
- Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) - USD57
- Cooking class at a local restaurant using fair trade products
- Half-day Inkilltambo trek - archaeologic site on city outskirts
Landmarks Cusco Cathedral Coricancha Temple San Pedro Market Inkilltambo - Day 18
Ollantaytambo
You'll head for the Sacred Valley, valued for its climate and fertile land. At the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba, you'll enjoy a snack and learn how it provides job training for single mothers. In Willoq community, you'll participate in pachamanca, an ancient cooking ritual with meats and vegetables cooked in the earth. You'll learn textile techniques and make a bracelet with local women. Then explore Ollantaytambo's archaeological site with an expert guide.
- Meals
- Lunch (Home-cooked pachamanca - traditional Inca cooking method with meats and vegetables marinated in spices and cooked slowly in the earth)
Included Activities
- Sacred Valley - Snack & drink at AMA Restaurant social enterprise
- Sacred Valley - Community workshops visit
- Sacred Valley - Home-cooked pachamanca lunch
- Ollantaytambo - Archaeological site
Landmarks Sacred Valley Urubamba Willoq Community Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site - Day 19
Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
You'll board the 360 Machu Picchu Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, viewing Andes Mountain scenery through high domed windows and an open-air carriage. After dropping your belongings at the hotel, you'll take a winding road by bus up to Machu Picchu. A guide shows you through the ruins sharing stories and history. You'll return to Aguas Calientes for the night, ready for another visit tomorrow.
Included Activities
- Ollantaytambo - 360 degree train to Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu - Entrance & Guided visit
Landmarks Machu Picchu Andes Mountains - Day 20
Machu Picchu
You'll rise before sunrise and head back up to Machu Picchu for a second morning exploring more of its architecture including temples, palaces, and living quarters. The ruins against the lush forested mountain backdrop offer plenty of photo opportunities. You'll catch a standard train back to Ollantaytambo and drive back to Cusco for the evening.
Included Activities
- Machu Picchu - Second visit
Landmarks Machu Picchu - Day 21
Puerto Maldonado
An afternoon flight takes you to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon. From there, motorized canoes carry you into the rainforest where you'll spot macaws, herons, alligators, and capybaras. You'll stay at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion, built in a 380 hectare private ecological reserve with 25 cabanas. After lunch, explore the Concepcion Trails with a guide. At dusk, join a guided Twilight River boat ride spotting caimans.
Included Activities
- Flight to Puerto Maldonado
- Amazon Jungle - Night boat tour
Landmarks Amazon Rainforest Puerto Maldonado - Day 22
Amazon Rainforest
After breakfast, you'll paddle a dug-out wooden canoe across Lake Sandoval looking for red howler monkeys, giant river otters, and colorful macaws. In the afternoon, you can walk the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, a 344 m network of suspension bridges above the forest floor to spot toucans, woodpeckers, monkeys, and three-toed sloths. Join a night walk or visit the lodge's spa before dinner.
Included Activities
- Amazon Jungle - Oxbow Lake
- Amazon Jungle - Canopy Walkway
- Amazon Jungle - Night jungle walk
Optional Activities
- Inkaterra lodge spa treatment
Landmarks Lake Sandoval - Day 23
Puerto Maldonado to Lima
You'll travel back to Puerto Maldonado and catch a flight to Lima, arriving early afternoon. You'll have a few hours to explore any sights of the city you missed. Later you'll reunite with fellow travelers and your leader for a final dinner overlooking an ancient pre-Inca archaeological site, with a menu of Peruvian specialties.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell Dinner overlooking an ancient pre-Inca archaeological site with Peruvian delights)
Included Activities
- Flight to Lima
- Lima - Farewell Dinner
- Day 24
Lima
Your adventure ends after breakfast. If you'd like to stay longer in Lima, speak with your booking agent about extending your stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Extend stay in Lima
