Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu - 13 days
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco
If you are short on time but would like to check two of South America’s most popular destinations off your bucket list then an itinerary such as this one is just for you. In under 2 weeks you will find yourself having so many ‘pinch me’ moments. The Galapagos Islands will have you in awe of the sights you will see and the interactions possible with the animals. A couple of short flights will have you marvelling at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu. Visiting the cities of Quito and Cusco will also bring highlights with a trip to the Middle of the World and seeing how locals live. Each day will be deeply fulfilling and awe-inspiring as you move through these amazing locations.
In Brief
Day 1: Arrival in Quito and Transfer to Your Hotel
Day 2: Tour Quito, Including a Chocolate Experience – Visit the “Middle of the World”
Day 3: Transfer to Quito Airport. Flight to San Cristobal Island
Day 4: Visit Kicker Rock or Lobos Island with the Chance to Snorkel and Swim
Day 5: Transfer to San Cristobal Airport – Flight to Baltra, Santa Cruz Island – Visit Highland Ranch
Day 6: Full Day Boat Trip Visiting Another Island
Day 7: Flight Baltra to Mainland Ecuador (Quito to Guayaquil) – Flight to Lima
Day 8: Flight to Cusco – Transfer from Cusco Airport to Your Hotel in the Sacred Valley via a Camelid Sanctuary
Day 9: Visit Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site – Train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Town)
Day 10: Visit Machu Picchu Citadel
Day 11: Train to Ollantaytambo – Visit Moray Archaeological Site and Maras Salt Pans
Day 12: Locals and Highlights Tour of Cusco
Day 13: Departure from Cusco
- 13 Days / 12 Nights
- Group Size: Customised Itinerary For You
- Accommodation: Hand-Picked Hotels
- Start: Quito, Ecuador
Finish: Cusco, Peru
Included
- 12 Nights Accommodation
- Breakfast Daily
- 9 Lunches
- Domestic Flights as Mentioned in the Itinerary
- International Flight from Ecuador to Peru as Mentioned in the Itinerary
- English and Spanish Speaking Guides
- Private & Shared Tours
- Private Transfers
- In Country English and Spanish Speaking 24 Hour Assistance
- Local Experiences
Not included
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
- Meals Not Mentioned
- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal Expenses
- Additional Entrances Not Specified in the Itinerary
- Visas
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrival in Quito and Transfer to Your Hotel
Welcome to Quito and Welcome to Ecuador!
After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, make your way out of the airport building where your driver guide will be waiting for you. You will make the trip to your hotel. Settle into your hotel and relax after your long trip.
Overnight in Quito
Day 2 - Day 2 - Quito Tour Including a Chocolate Experience - Visit the “Middle of the World”
Today you will be getting out in Quito to visit the downtown area, one of the biggest and best preserved colonial centres in South America. Your first visit will be Independence Square or “Plaza Grande” which is surrounded by important historical buildings. Afterward you visit the iconic La Compañia de Jesus church, which dates to the 17th century and is considered one of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America. As well as these places, other must see highlights that follow are The San Francisco Church and Monastery, built a few months after the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century and the Virgin of the Panecillo, an enormous statue built on top of Panecillo Hill overlooking all of Quito, which is a truly unique view.
You will also visit an artisanal chocolate shop, where we’ll learn more about Ecuadorian Fine Aroma Cacao and about the chocolate making process and get to taste a bit of this delicacy.
After your visit to Quito’s historic district, continue toward the Middle of the World. The drive is about 30 km (18.6 mi) north of Quito to reach the site where the equatorial line divides the northern and southern hemispheres. First, you will visit the main monument built in honour of the French scientific expedition that arrived in Ecuador in the 18th century, then you will visit the correct location of the equator line, at the Inti Ñan Museum. You will then return back to your hotel in Quito.
Overnight in Quito
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 - Transfer to Quito Airport - Flight to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands
At an appropriate time, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Quito’s airport for your flight to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands.
Flight: Quito -> San Cristóbal
After arriving at San Cristóbal Island, you will visit the Interpretation Centre, where you will learn more about the origin of the archipelago, its flora, and fauna, the history, and stories of its first inhabitants.
Afterwards, we will hike for about 2 hours to reach Frigate Hill, where we will enjoy the endemic vegetation and the beautiful view of the island and its surroundings. The main attraction here are the frigate birds with their red puffy necks soaring above your head.
At the end of the day, we will visit Frigate Bay and do some snorkelling before returning to your hotel..
Overnight on San Cristobal Island
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4 - Boat Trip to Kicker Rock or Lobos Island
Kicker Rock (León Dormido in Spanish) is located on the northwest side of San Cristobal Island. To visit this famous snorkelling and diving site, it is important to begin the navigation early in the morning. Once you are there, you can snorkel, to observe different species of sharks, rays, and fish.
After this visit, you’ll visit one of the following beaches where you can swim in clear waters and laze on white sand beaches: Playa Ochoa, Playa Puerto Grande, or Playa Manglecito.
Or
Lobos Island is named after the large number of sea lions that inhabit the island. It is located 20 minutes by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. There is a half mile long trail where it is possible to see a small colony of blue-footed boobies as well as frigate birds nesting in the shrubs. In addition to the hike along the trail, it is possible to snorkel and swim among the two species of sea lions that inhabit the island, while also being able to see rays and sea turtles among other species.
After spending some time on Isla Lobos, we will continue the journey to Playa Ochoa to enjoy the beach.
Lunch will be served on board, and, in the afternoon, we’ll return to San Cristobal, where we will have time at your leisure.
Overnight on San Cristobal Island
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 - Transfer to San Cristobal Airport - Flight to Santa Cruz Island - Visit a Highland Ranch with Giant Tortoises
After breakfast, you will be transferred to San Cristóbal Airport for your inter-island flight to your next destination: Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is known for its biodiversity and the iconic Giant Tortoise population.
Flight San Cristobal -> Baltra
On arrival on Santa Cruz Island, you will journey across the island into the highlands, experiencing the island’s variety of wildlife and landscapes along the way. In the highlands area, you’ll make a stop at one of the ranches where you will have the chance to have lunch surrounded by the archipelago’s iconic giant tortoise species, which are easily observed in the area. After this visit you will head to Puerto Ayora to your hotel.
Overnight on Santa Cruz Island
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 6 - Boat Trip to a Nearby Island
Today you will have the opportunity to enjoy a daily tour to one of the nearby islands, as an opportunity to discover the diversity of the Galapagos Islands.
Depending on the day you are travelling, one of the following islands will be offered:
Bartolome Island: Discover an amazing landscape as well as fascinating geological formations like Pinnacle Rock. Snorkelling in this area is offered, and is amazing!
North Seymour Island: The main species on this island are the Land Iguanas, the Magnificent Frigate Birds, characterised by their incredible scarlet pouch, the famous blue-footed boobies, and their particular courtship dance as well as the playful sea lions surfing across the waves.
South Plazas Island: This is a small island, yet it has an outstanding concentration of wildlife, dramatic cliffs, spectacular natural red carpet of algae and great contrasts to be seen.
Santa Fe Island: This island has a lot of diversity. The lagoons of the Santa Fe Island provide an excellent place for snorkelling alongside colourful fish, sea lions, giant tuna and even small sharks that are often sited in these environments.
Overnight on Santa Cruz island
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7 - Flight Santa Cruz to Guayaquil/Quito - Flight Guayaquil/Quito to Lima
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.
Flight: Baltra -> Guayaquil or Quito
Depending on the best route available for your date you will fly to either Guayaquil or Quito. From there you will fly to Lima.
Flight: Guayaquil or Quito -> Lima
Welcome to Peru!
After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, make your way out of the airport building. Once outside the airport building you will see your hotel, just cross the pick up/drop off transit area and check into your hotel. Your hotel is conveniently located within the airport grounds, there is no need to take a taxi or have any assistance from the many people who will try to help you!
Overnight in Lima airport
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Flight to Cusco and Travel to the Sacred Valley. Visit a Camelid Sanctuary
In time to check into your flight, walk across the transit area and check in for your flight to Cusco.
Flight: Lima -> Cusco
On arrival in Cusco you will be met by your private driver and guide and venture to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Enroute you will stop at a camelid sanctuary where you will learn the difference between alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, guanacos and all their other cousins along with their use in the past and modern day for both the animals and their wool.
Starting your descent into the Sacred Valley you will stop at a viewpoint to take in the stunning beauty of the area you are about to explore. You will be awestruck by the sight of the river carving through the lush verdant valley with soaring mountains on either side.
After checking into your hotel, take your time, relax and enjoy your surroundings. The Sacred Valley really is a magical place and you can feel this spirit in the surrounding mountains.
Overnight in Sacred Valley
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 9 - Visit Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site - Travel by Train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Town)
Continuing along the Vilcanota River this morning you will make your way, with your guide and driver, to Ollantaytambo. You will spend some time with your guide at the terraced archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, scaling to the top for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and continuing to learn the history of this area. Explore the small cobbled streets of this town on your way to the train station, where you will board a train to the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo.
On board the train you will have time to relax in your comfortable seat and watch the scenery change outside your window, whilst having a snack made with a base of ingredients from the Andes.
On arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo you will walk, the only form of getting around, to your hotel with your guide and check in. This afternoon you will have time to relax in your hotel or explore this tiny town and its steep streets.
Tomorrow will be an early start!
Overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Please note: only cabin bags are permitted on the trains, due to space issues. Your larger luggage, suitcases etc, will be transported to Cusco and waiting for you at your hotel when you return from Machu Picchu.
Day 10 - Visit the Citadel of Machu Picchu
Early in the morning you will join the queue of excited travellers waiting to board buses and travel back up to the site of Machu Picchu. Whilst many dream of watching the sun rise over this UNESCO World Heritage Centre, it is actually the mysterious foggy time prior to the light that is most magical. With your guide, you will have a complete tour of this wonderous archaeological site whilst waiting for the sun to take its first peek over the surrounding mountains. Sunrise at Machu Picchu can come in all forms, all of them as unique as your experience in this magical area. You will marvel at the hidden city coming to life as the air turns from frosty to warm as the sun’s rays hit each part of the mountain. Please bear in mind that not every day is sunny in Machu Picchu, it is located in a cloud forest and has a subtropical climate.
After your visit, you will descend the mountain and return to Machu Picchu town. Your guide will give you some options for your afternoon activities. Two of the most popular options are a hike to Mandor waterfall or a soak in the local hot springs at the top of the town. Alternatively, you could choose to relax in your hotel or do your own exploring.
Overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 11 - Travel by Train to Ollantaytambo - Visit the Archaeological Site of Moray and the Maras Salt Pans on Your Return to Cusco
Mid morning you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo. With your driver and guide you will make your way back to Cusco, stopping off to admire the circular, terraced archaeological site of Moray, the quaint town of Maras and its amazing salt pans.
The scenery along this route to Cusco is spectacular, so ensure you keep an eye out the window, if your eyes will stay open!
The circular terraces of Moray are said to be a type of laboratory for plant life in the Incan times, they would use the terraces to “acclimate” plants from lower/warmer regions to then grow and thrive in the harsher Andean altitude. There are many other theories about these amazing terraces, however it goes to show the ingenuity of the Incas.
Maras salt pans, or Salineras, is a working salt mine to this day. Marvel at the different colours of the pools and see workers collecting salt whilst your guide explains the history of this site. On departure from the salt pans you will have the opportunity to purchase some of the salt collected from these pans, you can buy this salt in supermarkets all throughout Peru, and it is exported as well.
When you arrive at your hotel in Cusco you can check in and the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight in Cusco
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 12 - Tour Cusco Like a Local whilst Enjoying Historic Sites
This morning you will be collected by your private guide to start your unforgettable experience in Cusco, seeing things only locals see at the same time enjoying the history and culture of this magnificent city.
You will travel by local bus to the largest market in Cusco. Travelling on the local bus will give you a feel of life in Cusco, and as you travel outside of the tourist centre you will see the buildings and people change, see how modern Cusquenians live and then those further outside the modern areas.
Stroll the alleyways of the Vinocanchon market and marvel at the vast array of produce and products on offer. This market is also known as the wholesale market, it’s where Cusco’s restaurants and vendors from other markets come to buy their goods. This means, what you are seeing may be what you eat later today at a restaurant in the centre! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some more exotic elements, such as herbal remedies.
Your return journey will be by private car, you’ll skirt the historic centre destined for the fortified complex of Sacsayhuaman. Here your guide will recount tales of old and explain how Sacsayhuaman was used and how it is continued to be used to this day.
At the end of your time in Sacsayhuman you will be transferred to a restaurant with panoramic views of Cusco.
To work off your lunch you will then continue to the historic centre by foot, via many stairs. You will pass by locals and their houses, houses that are built on steep hills with no access other than via the stairs you are walking. Through this route you will pass the bohemian neighbourhood of San Blas before arriving at the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. Both of which, along with the nearby Qorikancha you can visit with your guide or continue strolling the streets of Cusco, the choice is yours.
Overnight in Cusco
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 13 - Departure from Cusco
Today you will be transferred to Cusco airport in time for your onward flight. Be sure to wake up early enough to get in some last minute shopping and photo taking, or one last hot shower before your long journey.
Included meals: Breakfast
Sadly your arrangements with Real Local Experiences, and your time in Ecuador and Peru has come to an end.
You will take home with you memories of a lifetime, many photos and perhaps a few great souvenirs!
