Your expedition begins in Lima, Peru’s capital city. Then fly to Cusco, your gateway to the Sacred Valley, where you can observe traditional Andean weaving and see llamas, guanacos, alpacas and vicuñas. Enjoy horseback riding into rural villages or easy whitewater rafting on the Urubamba River. Visit the Incan citadel Machu Picchu set high in the Andes mountains and explore Cusco, a city rich in archaeology and Spanish colonial heritage. Next stop is Quito, Ecuador’s capital, before heading to the Galapagos Islands, famed for its wildlife and exotic vegetation.
Language
Spanish
Time Zone
Peru & Quito, Ecuador: GMT -5
Galapagos: GMT -6
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Ecuador: U.S. Dollar (USD)
Average Temp
64° F
Peru & Ecuador Expedition
Machu Picchu & The Galapagos
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – LIMA, PERU
Arrive in Lima
Escorted transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel
Day 2 – LIMA / CUSCO / SACRED VALLEY
Escorted transfer to airport for flight to Cusco
Private transfer with guide to the Sacred Valley
Visit:
- Awanacancha – traditional Andean weaving
- Pisac Market
- Ollantaytambo Fortress
Accommodations: Hotel Sol y Luna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – SACRED VALLEY
Choice of one morning activity:
- White-water River Rafting OR
- Paso Fino Horseback Riding (supplement applies)
Afternoon private tour:
- Maras – Salt Ponds
- Moray – Terraces
- Chincheros – Private Textile demonstration
Accommodations: Hotel Sol y Luna
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 – SACRED VALLEY / MACHU PICCHU
Private transfer to station for Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
Private guided tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel
Buffet Lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant – Sanctuary Lodge
Dinner at hotel
Accommodations: Sanctuary Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO
Morning entrance to Machu Picchu & Wayna Picchu (no guide)
Lunch at Café Inkaterra
Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo
Private transfer to Cusco hotel
Accommodations: Palacio del Inka Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – CUSCO
Private half-day tour:
- Cusco Cathedral
- Koricancha Temple
- Tambomachay Ruins
- San Pedro Market
Afternoon free or choice of one activity (supplement applies):
- Meet with Andean Mystical Healer
- Peruvian Cooking Class
- Andean Music Workshop
Accommodations: Palacio del Inka Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – CUSCO / LIMA / QUITO OR GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR
Private transfer to airport for flight to Lima
Private half-day tour:
- Cathedral of Lima
- San Francisco Basilica & Convent
- Larco Museum
Private transfer to airport for flight to Ecuador
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – GUAYAQUIL OR QUITO, ECUADOR
Arrive in Ecuador
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil or Wyndham Quito Airport
Day 9 – GUAYAQUIL OR QUITO / BALTRA / GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Transfer to the airport for flight to Baltra
Board Galapagos luxury catamaran (may substitute motorized yacht or cruise ship. Galapagos cruises include Wildlife viewing, Nature hikes, Panga (dinghy) rides & Snorkeling. Many offer Kayaking, Glass-bottom boat rides, Scuba diving & Paddleboarding.)
- Santa Cruz Island – Black Turtle Cove
Accommodations: Alya Luxury Catamaran
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
- Genovesa Island – Darwin Bay
- Genovesa Island – Barranco
Accommodations: Alya Luxury Catamaran
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
- Santiago Island – Sullivan Bay
- Bartholome Island – Bartholome
Accommodations: Alya Luxury Catamaran
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
- Santiago Island – Chinese Hat
- Mosquera Island – Mosquera
Accommodations: Alya Luxury Catamaran
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 – GALAPAGOS ISLANDS / BALTRA / QUITO
- Santa Cruz Island – Charles Darwin Station
Transfer to airport for flight to Quito
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Mama Cuchara by Art Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 – QUITO / HOMEWARD BOUND
Full day private tour:
- Walking tour of the Colonial Center – Plaza Santo Domingo, La Ronda Street, San Francisco Plaza, La Compañía de Jesús Church
- Trip to the Equator – Intiñan Museum
- Fundación Guayasamín – artist Oswaldo Guayasamín’s home, studio & artwork, “The Chapel of Man”
Private transfer to airport for flight home
Meals: Breakfast
Starting at $10,000 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
I’m so thoroughly ensconced on Cloud 9 that I can hardly function. I just look at photos and smile. And smile. The trip was absolutely superb, amazing, awesome, everything I hoped. I loved it all! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I am so grateful to you! I know there were a million details and they all worked out just right. Where shall I go next? Actually, I want to do this all over again.
Susan B.
Charlottesville, VA
When to go:
Year-round (best times are from November to May)
What to eat:
Lomo Saltado (stir-fried beef), Rocoto Relleno (stuffed pepper), Encebollado (fish stew)
What to pack:
Long & short-sleeved shirts & t-shirts; trousers, jeans & shorts; waterproof jacket; layering & waterproof clothing; shawl or scarf; swimwear; wetsuit; comfortable walking, hiking & waterproof shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; universal adapter
