Machu Picchu and Galapagos Adventure

Welcome to Lima, the capital of Peru. Lima is a bustling metropolis and one of South America’s largest cities. Home to a plethora of interesting museums and a foodie’s delight, being the ‘gastronomical capital of the Americas’.

Join your local guide will take you on an exclusive half-day tour of Lima’s culinary and historical highlights, designed by us to help you get the most out of the city, starting with a visit to a local market to sample some local fruit and a scenic stroll through the city’s historic downtown with some tastings of famous local bites along the way. Enjoy a stop at the San Francisco catacombs, a tour of Casa de Aliaga, a stunning colonial style mansion. End your tour with a Chilcano or Pisco Sour cocktail - both are made with the local brandy, Pisco.

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Cusco, where you will descend into the Sacred Valley below Cusco. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a region in Peru’s Andean highlands which, along with the nearby town of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu, formed the heart of the Inca Empire. The Sacred Valley’s elevation is 2,800 meters above sea level, so it’s recommended to take it easy for the afternoon as your body acclimatises to the altitude.

On today’s Sacred Valley of the Incas tour, you will be presented with plenty of photo opportunities of ancient Incan villages and ruins, whilst learning about the culture and beliefs of the Incan people. This tour is the perfect start to understanding the unique way of life, farming techniques, and archaeological design of the Incas. The first stop is the village of Pisac. Wander the colourful market stalls before heading uphill to the famous Pisac ruins, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa and Kinchiracay ruins. Enjoy a fine buffet lunch in gardens overlooking the Valley before continuing along the River Urubamba, to Ollantaytambo, which is dominated by a giant Incan fortress.

Today will be one of your highlights in South America with a visit to Machu Picchu. A transfer will collect you and transfer you to Ollantaytambo train station to board a scenic train and arrive in one of the world’s most famous ruins after the morning fog and crowds have cleared. A guide will meet you on arrival and take you directly to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will spend the afternoon marvelling at the stunning display of ancient architecture and incredible surroundings. located 2,430 metres above sea level, your guide will explain the 15th-century Inca site before taking you to your hotel for the night in the local village of Aguas Calientes.

Start your journey back to Cusco by boarding a return train to Ollantaytambo. A transfer will be waiting as you arrive back to Ollantaytambo station to continue onwards to Cusco. En route, you will visit the Maras Salt ponds, believed to pre-date the Inca period. These shallow pools, dug into the mountainside, are filled with salt water from an underground spring from an adjacent mountain. Continue to Moray, which boasts an impressive Inca ruin of giant circular terraces that are believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation. You will then be dropped to your hotel in Cusco, set at an altitude of 3,400 metres in the Peruvian Andes.

Join the exclusive day tour and explore the city’s fascinating history. This specially designed tour has been perfected to show you the best of this incredible city without the crowds and other tourists. Learn about this city from the Inca times to colonial rule to the present day, winding through narrow cobble-stoned streets and visiting the market of Cusco. Visit the fascinating Koricancha Temple of the Sun, Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and Cathedral, built on the ruins of an Inca Palace and finish up at Sacsayhuaman, a former Inca fortress perched atop the hill above Cusco.

Today is at leisure, allowing you to spend time wandering the cobble-stoned streets of the ancient Inca capital. With treasures around every corner, Cusco is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Vibrant markets and stores give the traveller a plethora of shopping opportunities set amongst fine Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. Included is a BTG ticket which provides access to most of Cusco’s attractions and museums, so you choose where you wish to spend your day.

Arrival in Quito and transfer to your hotel.

Sitting at 2,850 metres above sea level high in the Andean foothills lies Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The city, a short distance from the Equator and with an amazing backdrop of snow-capped mountains, is known for its stunning colonial architecture and art-work. Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, Quito has one of the largest, least-altered and best-preserved historic centres in the Americas. It was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978.

Overnight in Quito

Today you will embark on an experiential tour that has been designed to evoke all of the senses.
The experience will allow participants to touch, taste the culinary delights, smell the aroma of the coffee beans, see the beautiful cobblestone lined streets and historical buildings and hear the bells of the church ringing. We also include the sixth sense of love; you will be able to experience the love that local artisans put into their craft and participate in a demonstration.

The tour will start with an exploration of the bustling streets and squares of the charming and colonial city of Quito. You will walk the street of the seven crosses, see the main Independence Square and Government Palace, as well as admire the domes of the many churches in the old town. Walk to the busy street of La Ronda which is packed with bars, people and character.

Depending on the day and availability you may visit artisans, a local family that makes traditional sweets (and of course you will be able to do a taste test!) or perhaps paint with the Escuela Quiteña, who are the artists responsible for restoring colonial art at many of the historical chapels in the city. You may have the chance to make traditional ice cream or quesadillas or try your hand at weaving the famous toquilla straw hat. We can also include visits to local markets where you be able to try the local cuisine. The choice is yours and your guide will cater to your preferences!
Return to the neighbourhood of San Marcos, home to many galleries, coffee shops and local family run stores, as well as beautiful Neo-Classical architecture, painted in muted pastels. End the tour with a drink at a rooftop bar, that has a breathtaking view of the Panecillo hill surrounded by the old city.

Please note that experiences are subject to availability on the day, this tour is run on a private basis and can be customised to suit your preferences.

Depart south from Quito to visit Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi (5,943 m)is the highest active volcano in the world. Despite the altitude, the Park is home to numerous birds and varied plant life. Northeast lies Rumiñahui(4,557 m) and between the two mountains the plain and lagoon of Limpiopungo (3800m approx.). If weather permits, from the north face we may have spectacular views of the mountain. The surrounding scenery also includes volcanoes like Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Sincholagua, Lunch is included at a restaurant at the base of the mountain. The tour also includes a visit to an indigenous market nearby.
You will be returned to your hotel in Quito at the end of the tour.

Overnight in Quito

Depart any time from Quito. Transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight to Galapagos Islands.


Embarkation to the Galapagos Islands - Baltra Airport

Please note: this is based on MY Galaxy - itinerary C, 5 days
Another cruise may be offered to fit with your departure dates, details will be provided at the time of quoting. We can also offer a longer cruise if you prefer.

AM: BALTRA AIRPORT (ARRIVAL)
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Galapagos Islands, starting with your arrival at Baltra airport. Our expert naturalist guide from the National Park will eagerly await your arrival to introduce you to the wonders ahead.

PM: NORTH SEYMOUR
Your journey continues with a morning visit to North Seymour Island, a spectacular showcase of the Galapagos Islands' diverse wildlife. This relatively flat island is home to a thriving population of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. The trail winds its way through a forest of low, bushy vegetation, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the fascinating courtship dance of the blue-footed boobies. The island's coastline also allows one to observe sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the sun. The large frigate bird colonies are a sight, especially when the males inflate their bright red throat pouches to attract mates.
Birdwatching Experience: Encounter the majestic frigate birds and charming blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat. This is an ideal spot for birdwatching and photography

Galapagos sea lions, Magnificent and great frigatebirds, Land and marine iguanas, Darwin finches

AM: SANTA FE
Lead in the day with the stark beauty of Santa Fe, where the towering figures of giant Prickly-pear cacti strikingly contrast the rugged landscape of lava rocks. Tucked within one of the Galapagos most breathtaking bays, Santa Fe's turquoise waters, and white-sand beaches form an inviting residence for a sizable colony of sea lions you'll find lounging about. As you venture inland, remember to look down to spot the endemic Santa Fe land iguanas, but also glance upward to catch sight of the Galapagos hawks perched atop cacti, keeping a keen eye out for prey. You'll likely encounter Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and lively lava lizards along the trail.
Snorkel Experience: After your exploratory hike, the sheltered bay offers you a choice paddle through serene waters on a kayak or plunge beneath the surface to snorkel with playful sea lion pups and reef sharks. Also, keep an eye out for graceful sea turtles, gliding rays, and the swirling colors of tropical fish, including large schools of Surgeonfish and Parrotfish.

Highlights: Stunning Views, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos doves, Santa Fe land iguanas, Reef sharks

PM: PLAZAS
Your afternoon destination is South Plazas, one of a twin pair of islands where the northern sibling is reserved exclusively for scientific research. Though petite in size, this islet brims with a fantastic array of wildlife. Upon landing, Galapagos land iguanas will welcome you from beneath prickly-pear cacti, eagerly awaiting their fruit. Sea lions populate the island in large numbers, allowing you to observe their fascinating social dynamics, from playful pups splashing in tide pools to formidable males protecting their territories. Your trail eventually leads you to a cliff, a vantage point to observe a myriad of seabirds, including frigatebirds, red-billed tropicbirds, boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and pelicans. A verdant carpet of reddish succulent vegetation dotted with scattered cacti blankets the island, giving South Plazas a genuinely unique personality.

Highlights: Stunning Views, Boobies, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos shearwaters, Galapagos land iguanas, Tropicbirds, Pelicans

AM: BARRANCO
Located in the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, El Barranco is a wildlife sanctuary. Its fragile lava cliffs provide shelter for storm petrels and a remarkable population of short-eared owls. Along the trail, red-footed and Nazca boobies nest on the volcanic rock. At the base of the cliffs, Galapagos fur seals rest in shaded areas, while seabirds soar above this breathtaking landscape, making El Barranco an unforgettable destination for nature lovers.
Snorkel Experience: Snorkel into the waters of El Barranco and explore a vibrant underwater world. Swim among colorful fish and spot sharks, rays, and playful sea lions in their natural habitat.

Highlights: Nesting great frigatebirds, Galapagos sea lions, Genovesa ground finch, Genovesa cactus finch, Galapagos mockingbirds, Galapagos fur seals

PM: DARWIN BAY
Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island is a breathtaking sight for birdwatchers. As you step onto the beach, you’ll be amazed by the presence of hundreds of boobies, gulls, and frigatebirds soaring, nesting in bushes, or resting on the sand. Along the shore, sea lions and marine iguanas blend into the scenery, while inland you may spot night herons, swallow-tailed gulls, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, and mockingbirds. This immersive experience brings you face-to-face with a thriving ecosystem.
Snorkel Experience: Darwin Bay offers incredible snorkeling spots, from deep waters along the cliffs to shallow areas near the beach. No matter where you dive, a vibrant underwater world awaits, filled with colorful fish and high chances of spotting sharks, rays, and playful sea lions

Highlights: Nesting great frigatebirds, Red-footed and Nazca boobies, Galapagos sea lions, Yellow-crowned night herons, Genovesa ground finch, Genovesa cactus finch, Galapagos mockingbirds

AM: HIGHLANDS
Enjoy a visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, offering a different perspective of the Galapagos’ unique ecosystem. This lush and verdant area contrasts with the coastal zones. The highlands are home to a variety of bird species, giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and a rich diversity of plant life, including endemic trees and ferns. Walking along the winding paths provides the chance to observe giant tortoises up close in a peaceful environment. The area also offers panoramic views of the island, highlighting its diverse topography.

Highlights: Lava tunnels, Darwin finches, Galapagos flycatchers, Giant tortoises, Barn owls, White-cheeked pintails

PM: BACHAS BEACH
After, we will go to the beach known as Bachas, located north of Santa Cruz Island. Here we can snorkel or take a relaxing walk on the beach. For this, we will make a wet landing, in which we will jump from the panga to the shore of the beach. Again, we recommend disembarking barefoot and wearing light walking shoes for the rest of the journey. The saltwater lagoon behind the beach often has great blue herons and small birds. Both beaches are nesting areas for green sea turtles.

Highlights: Stunning Views, Blue footed boobies, White-cheeked pintails, American flamingoes, Sandpipers, Lava gulls

AM: KICKER ROCK
In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable panga (dinghy) ride around Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido, off the coast of San Cristobal Island. This impressive rock formation, rising dramatically 500 feet above the ocean, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Galapagos. The natural erosion of this ancient volcanic tuff cone has created a channel between two towering rock walls, providing a haven for various marine life. This peaceful and scenic panga ride around Kicker Rock provides a relaxing yet awe-inspiring conclusion to your day, allowing you to appreciate the natural wonders and rich biodiversity of the Galapagos from the sea.
Panga Experience: Navigate the waters around Kicker Rock, marveling at the sheer size and beauty of the formation. The ride offers a unique perspective of the rock, with opportunities to observe seabirds such as frigate birds, boobies, and occasionally, pelicans nesting or resting on its cliffs. Keep an eye out for marine life in the surrounding waters, including sea turtles, rays, and even sharks that frequent the area.

Boobies, Pelicans, Frigatebirds
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PM: SAN CRISTOBAL AIRPORT (RETURN)
After exploring the breathtaking biodiversity and unique landscapes of the Galapagos, it’s time to return to mainland Ecuador. You’ll be transferred to the airport, bringing this unforgettable journey to a close. Every encounter with giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and volcanic landscapes will remain etched in your memory. Galapagos is not just a destination—it’s a transformative experience that will stay with you forever. Wishing you a wonderful journey back!

Fly to Quito, arriving late afternoon.