Trees for Days
Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
Trees planted for this trip: 17
Active Galápagos & Machu Picchu
17 days, Quito to Cusco
We have multiple itineraries for this trip.Please select one for correct pricing and itinerary.
!
Please note that the Quito international airport (UIO, Mariscal Sucre) will be closed on the following dates in 2025 for preventative maintenance on the runway: April 5 & 12; May 10, 17 & 31; June 7, 14, 21, 28; September 6, 13 & 20. between the hours of 2am and 2pm. For passengers flying in or out of Quito on these dates, please double-check flight schedules with your airline in case of changes. Internal flights within Ecuador and Galapagos will be adjusted accordingly and any changes to schedules will be communicated at the welcome briefing.
We have multiple itineraries for this trip.Please select one for correct pricing and itinerary.
Active travelers seeking a mix of wildlife and cultural history should explore this unforgettable 17-day adventure through the Galápagos Islands and Peru’s Lares Trek. Spend your days exploring lesser-visited islands, where sea lions, manta rays, and Galápagos tortoises are waiting. Then, travel inland to Peru for a 3-day trek along the Lares Trail, where you’ll uncover archaeological treasures and connect with local traditions. From lush valleys to island beaches, this trip offers the perfect mix of nature and culture.
17 days
Quito to Cusco
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Active
Hiking, trekking, biking, rafting, and kayaking adventures all over the world, made for outdoor types.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 4 - Demanding
Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
View our Entry Requirements toolSee how your trip uplifts communities
In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
Itinerary
Day 1Quito
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Quito/Santa Cruz Island
Catch an early flight to the Galápagos Islands. On arrival, head up to the highlands of Santa Cruz for lunch on your own, and to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat before continuing to Puerto Ayora.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Santa Cruz Island
Walk from Puerto Ayora along a 2.5 km raised causeway to the stunning white sand and beach of Tortuga Bay for a kayak excursion with time for snorkelling and swimming before returning to town for lunch. In the afternoon visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Santa Cruz Island/Floreana Island
Spend a free morning enjoying Santa Cruz, before crossing by speedboat to Floreana Island. Get settled at the G Adventures-supported community guesthouse and opt to swim or snorkel at Black Beach.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your G for Good Moment Floreana Community Restaurants| Your G for Good Moment Floreana Community GuesthouseMeals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 5Floreana Island
In the morning, head on a visit to Loberia, where there are opportunities to swim and snorkel. Opt to explore the area around Black Beach. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the seldom visited highlands of Floreana.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your G for Good Moment Floreana Community Restaurants| Your G for Good Moment Floreana Community GuesthouseMeals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6Floreana Island/Isabela Island
Travel to Isabela Island. Hike to viewpoint of the Sierra Negra Volcano to see the second-largest crater in the world and enjoy a downhill bike excursion. Once back in town, opt to take surfing lessons on the nearby beach.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Isabela Island
Spend a free morning trying the optional activities in the area. Maybe hit the waves for surf lessons on the nearby beach. Then, enjoy a kayak and snorkel excursion near Tintoreras.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Isabela Island/Santa Cruz Island
This morning stop by the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre before traveling back to the island of Santa Cruz. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in Santa Cruz.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Santa Cruz Island/Quito
Transfer across Santa Cruz Island to Baltra. Fly back to Quito.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Quito/Lima
Explore Quito before flying to Lima in the evening.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Lima/Cusco
Hop on a flight to Cusco. Enjoy a free day of shopping and exploring the city. Choose to pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your Discover MomentMeals included:
BreakfastDay 12Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your G for Good Moment Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit| Your G for Good Moment Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred ValleyMeals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 13Lares Trek
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to Lares town where the hike begins. Spend the first night at a G Adventures-supported campsite in Cuncani.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your G for Good Moment Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products| Your G for Good Moment Cuncani Community CampsiteMeals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 14Lares Trek
Start early to hike from the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain to its high pass (4,800m/15,748 ft), providing scenic views of lagoons and the snow-capped Chicon Mountain. Celebrate after reaching the highest point by making an offering of coca leaves to the Andean gods. After the morning hike, stop to rest and take in the amazing view. Continue hiking downhill to our second campsite near the stream for the night.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 15Lares Trek/Aguas Calientes
Enjoy the last few hours of hiking before travelling by van to Ollantaytambo and train to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a good night's rest at your hotel.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 16Machu Picchu/Cusco
Rise early and enjoy a guided visit to Machu Picchu. Later, travel back towards Cusco by train.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 17Cusco
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Floreana Community Restaurants, Floreana Island
- Your G for Good Moment: Floreana Community Guesthouse, Floreana Island
- Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo
- Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay
- Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products
- Your G for Good Moment: Cuncani Community Campsite, Cuncani
- Your Discover Moment: Cusco
- Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
- Highlands and wild tortoise excursion
- Kayak and snorkel excursion
- Snorkelling at Black Beach and Loberia (Floreana Island)
- Biking excursion (Isabela Island)
- Sierra Negra Volcano hike
- Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre visit
- Isabela Municipal Tax
- Flight from Quito to Lima
- Sacred Valley guided tour
- Pottery making demonstration
- Lares Trek guided hike with cooks and porters (3 days)
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels (12 nts), G Adventures-supported community guesthouses (2 nts), camping (2 nts).
Meals
16 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Allow USD330-430 for meals not included.
Transportation
Plane, speed boat, van, pickup truck, local bus, panga, private vehicle, hiking
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/Naturalist Guide while in the Galápagos Islands (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority), local G Adventures Rep in Quito, Lima and Cusco, specialist Inca Trail CEO (Chief Experience Officer) on hike.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
Cusco Cooking Class - From $46.00
Channel your inner chef and get a taste of Peruvian cuisine. Learn all about the essential ingredients, and try your hand at preparing unique Peruvian dishes with a local expert
Quito City Tour & Equator Line - From $50.00
Enjoy a city tour of Quito. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city. Drive 25km (16 mi) north of Quito to the Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Please note that this tour starts at 8 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m.
Rainbow Mountain Hike - Full-day Trip - From $50.00
Lookout over these colourful Andean mountains striped with maroon, turquoise, lavender, and gold. The sediment, elevation, and proximity to the ocean create a landscape that has to be seen to be believed. Get started early to drive around 3 hours approximately to the starting point of this challenging, yet rewarding full-day hike. Reaching 5,029m (16,500 ft) this 8 km hike is no walk in the park, but these unique mountains do not disappoint. The ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours.
My Own Room - From $599.00
If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.
Departures
Make it a private tour
Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.