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Discover Machu Picchu and Galápagos - Land & Sea Central Islands
14 days, Lima to Quito
Itinerary
Day 1Lima
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Please note: if you booked the Culinary Theme Pack it does not include extra time in Lima – booking pre-trip accommodation is highly recommended. You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 10:00 and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. Return back to the hotel around 13:00.
Hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting with G Representative
The adventure begins today. Feel free to explore, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Your G Representative will review the details of your tour.
Day 2Lima/Cusco
Fly to Cusco. Free time to shop and explore. Opt for a city tour, visit museums or archaeological sites.
Travel to the airport for the early morning flight to Cusco. Spend the day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city.
Our best advice for exploring Cusco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes. Arm yourself with a city map and set out to explore.
Please note: if you booked the Culinary Theme Pack you will be picked up from your hotel at approx 12:30 and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. Return back to your hotel around 16:00.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Cusco, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting Museo Inka, Museo de Historia Regional, and whitewater rafting. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Cusco City Tour
45PEN per personEnjoy a half-day tour of Cusco's main sights. Walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. Visit Qenqo, Koricancha, the Cathedral, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the archaeological site of Sacsaywaman.
**Cooking Class
Expand culinary skills with a cooking class. Visit the San Pedro market to search for local ingredients before returning to the restaurant with your goods. Learn how to prepare typical Peruvian cuisine and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Cusco Cathedral Visit
40PEN per personEnjoy a visit to this beautiful cathedral; its construction began in 1559 and continued for another hundred years. Be sure to check out its excellent collection of colonial art, and the vault containing the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de la Vega.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ruins. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before exploring the Pisac ruins. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. Finish the day by exploring the Ollantaytambo ruins with a local guide.
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs directly from the women who made them.
Take a guided tour of the impressive Pisac ruins, the colourful artisan market (on market days only), and the small indigenous village of Huchuy Qosco. Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant. Learn about the project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds from the meal go directly back into the remote community.
Continue on to the town of Ollantaytambo. Go for a guided tour of the large ruin site adjacent to the town. Ollantaytambo is the first taste of what lies ahead in Machu Picchu.
Private Vehicle
Make stops along the way as you pass through this gorgeous valley, descending in elevation the whole way.
Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit
Visit the Ccaccaccollo community centre which G Adventures travellers' donations helped create in 2005, thereby enabling local women to sell traditional textiles to travellers. See local weaving and dyeing techniques used to create garments and souvenirs, and learn how the Planeterra weaving co-operative has impacted the community and those who visit it. This includes the purchase of alpacas to provide a steady supply of wool, looms, and sewing machines as well as several training courses on production, sales and small business management.
Pisac Ruins Guided Tour
Tour the fascinating hilltop citadel of Pisac, an Incan ruin with plunging gorges, a ceremonial centre, and winding agriculture terracing that's still in use today. Be captivated by this truly amazing site sitting amid sweeping green valleys and mountain peaks. Explore the back of the site to see a pocketed cliff across Kitamayo Gorge, which once contained hundreds of Inca tombs.
Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley
Contribute to sustainable tourism in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village of 65 families in the Sacred Valley, by eating at the Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn how the resident-run restaurant was kickstarted by G Adventures and the Multilateral Investment Fund, to become a successful farm-to-table program that boosts the local economy and several spin-off microenterprises.
Ollantaytambo Ruins Guided Tour
Tour the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo with a local guide. Take a step back in time at this Inca archaeological site; it still shows signs of its former glory, including agricultural terraces, a Temple Hill, and storehouses. Learn how the area, overlooking the Urubamba River Valley, was an important stronghold during warfare between the Spanish and Incas.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes
Journey to Aguas Calientes and opt to visit the local hot springs and hit the market. Those who have purchased and pre-booked the '1-day Inca Trail' hike will disembark the train at 104km and trek to the Sun Gate for the first glimpse of Machu Picchu before re-joining the group at Aguas Calientes for the night.
Board a morning train that winds through the spectacular Urubamba Valley to the end of the line: the village of Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled in the hills beneath Machu Picchu. Enjoy the rest of the day taking advantage of the hikes and hot springs in the area.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Opt to visit the local market, the botanical garden, and the Mandor waterfalls or soak in the hot springs.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Hot Springs Visit
6USD per personSoak your sore muscles in the local hot springs for which the town, Aguas Calientes, was originally named.
One-Day Inca Trail Hike
Traverse cloud forests while enjoying spectacular views on this 'one-day Inca Trail' trek. Start by disembarking the train at km 104. Follow the local guide as the trail rises steeply up into the mountains and winds past the archaeological sites of Wiñay Wayna and Inti Pata. Gain insight into the fascinating culture of the Incas en route to the trek's culmination at the Sun Gate. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way, and reach the Sun Gate in the late afternoon. Enjoy free time to explore a bit of Machu Picchu before the guided tour with the group the following day.
After, take one of the blue buses from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to rejoin the group and spend the night in a hotel in town. Opt to visit nearby hot springs to soak sore muscles, if time permits.
Please note this must be pre-booked as it requires an Inca Trail permit, please speak to your GCO or travel agent for more information.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Aguas Calientes/Cusco
Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge before returning to Cusco.
Start early to catch the sunrise at the top. Take the bus up to the historic spiritual centre of the Incas, the 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu. Tour the ruins with an expert guide then explore on your own.
Later, return by train to Ollantaytambo and meet a private vehicle to head back to Cusco.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Inca Bridge Visit
FreeUse any leftover energy from your Machu Picchu hike to visit the Inca Bridge site nearby (thought by some to be a secret back entrance to Machu Picchu). Trek up to the bridge that's cleaving to a 579m (1,900 ft) cliff, and soak in amazing views of cloud forest along the way.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Cusco
Enjoy a free day in Cusco. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
If you pre-booked the Peru Culinary Theme Pack, your Cusco cooking class will be today.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Cusco, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting Museo Inka, Museo de Historia Regional, and whitewater rafting. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Mountain Biking
Take to two wheels and head out into the hills around Cusco for some nature-meets-adrenaline fun. Try a trip to the Sacred Valley, perhaps, visiting an Inca ruin along the way.
Horseback Riding
150PEN per personHop in the saddle and explore Cusco’s archaeological sites by horseback on a 3.5 hr tour – no previous experience needed. Dress for the weather, and bring sunblock and a hat, just in case.
Whitewater Rafting Urubamba
69USD per personRise for an early morning pick up and drive to Chuquicahuana for a safety briefing. Enjoy a full day of rafting on the Upper Vilcanota River (about 2.5 hrs on the water). Be thrilled by fast rapids that are a constant Class III and IV for around 11km (9 mi), and don’t forget to take in the gorgeous scenery. Rehash all the excitement afterward over a riverside picnic lunch.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Cusco/Lima
Head to the airport and fly back to Lima.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Free Time
Make the most of a few more hours in Lima. Free time is yours to explore any way you want.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Lima/Quito
Fly to Quito. Flight is unescorted and included in the price of the tour.
Your transfer to the airport and your flight to Quito are included in this trip. Please note that this flight is unescorted and your transfer will be waiting for you at the Quito airport and will bring you to your hotel.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Quito/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Early morning, fly to San Cristóbal. Meet the CEO and transfer to the hotel for a first night's stay in the Galápagos Islands. Following lunch, begin exploring San Cristóbal visiting Laguna El Junco, the only freshwater lake in the islands. After, visit the Interpretation Centre to learn about the history of the islands, explore the paths near the centre for beautiful views.
Flights from Quito to San Cristobal depart between 8:10am and 10:10am depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into the Galápagos between 10:40am and 12:40pm with a refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will generally arrive onto the boat in time for lunch before the afternoon activity.
The National Park charges a visitor fee of USD100, payable on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galápagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Laguna El Junco Visit
Keep an eye out for birdlife on this visit to Laguna El Junco. Located in the San Cristóbal highland, it is the only freshwater lake in the Galápagos and home to many species of endemic birds. Explore the area and its thick vegetation, and enjoy the fresh air at the slightly higher altitude.
Interpretation Center Visit
Learn about the history of the Galápagos Islands from the very beginning of their volcanic origins through to today’s conservation efforts. Tour the Human History exhibit to learn about the islands’ discovery and colonization, and discover the natural history and variety of flora and fauna that make the Galápagos so fascinating.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10San Cristóbal Island
Before transferring to the boat, visit Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado to see giant tortoises.
Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado Visit
Get up close to giant tortoises at the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, an area of land reserved for the repopulation of these magnificent ancient creatures. Learn about the life cycle of the tortoises at the small breeding centre and interpretation centre.
Archipell I
Jump aboard our stylish 16-passenger catamaran, sleek, roomy, and blessed with spacious outdoor space. A Naturalist Guide on hand to explain everything. Overnight travel to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 11South Plaza/North Seymour
Morning landing at South Plaza, home to the largest population of land iguanas, for wildlife spotting opportunities and a walk through the cactus forest. In the afternoon, visit North Seymour for guided walks to observe birds and wildlife, including vast sea lion colonies.
South Plaza Island Visit
Visit South Plaza, one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos, which has one of the largest populations of land iguanas. Walk along a path through a cactus forest and view a combination of dry and coastal vegetation on this lively island, home to a wide range of fauna, including incredible birdlife. Spot red-billed tropicbirds and indigenous swallow-tailed gulls resting on the cliffs, and sea lions playing in the waters.
Seymour Island Visit
Get your camera ready for this visit to Seymour Island. Home to sea lions, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, magnificent frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and more, it's probably one of the most exciting islands to photograph! Hike the trail for exciting wildlife watching opportunities – you may even find nesting pairs and young chicks!
Queen of Galápagos
Jump aboard our stylish 16-passenger catamaran, sleek, roomy and blessed with loads of massive windows. A Naturalist Guide on hand to explain everything. Overnight travel to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 12Chinese Hat/Bachas Beach
Visit Chinese Hat for snorkelling opportunities and to observe the birds and sea lions before taking an excursion to the beach on Las Bachas. In the afternoon, relax on the beach or swim in the crystal waters.
In the morning, the boat arrives to a small little island off the southern tip of Santiago called Chinese Hat, named for its unique shape. Visit Bachas Beach in the afternoon, located on the northeastern tip of Santa Cruz Island.
Chinese Hat Visit
Explore Chinese Hat’s beautiful landscape and view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows. Don't forget to bring your snorkel gear!
Bachas Beach Visit
Head to Bachas Beach where the sand is made of decomposed coral, making it soft and white, and a favourite site for nesting sea turtles. Spot abundant Sally Lightfoot crabs on the lava rocks along the water's edge -- these crabs will eat anything they can get their claws on! Trek to see a wide range of wildlife, including flamingos, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and marine iguanas. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel here.
Queen of Galápagos
Jump aboard our stylish 16-passenger catamaran, sleek, roomy and blessed with loads of massive windows. A Naturalist Guide on hand to explain everything. Overnight travel to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 13Puerto Ayora/Quito
Visit the Charles Darwin Foundation to see the giant Galápagos tortoises before the flight back to Quito.
Fausto Llerena Breeding Center & Charles Darwin Research Station Visit
Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center a great place to observe many species of tortoises. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galápagos tortoise up close – a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened.
This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Quito
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Quito City Tour & Equator Line
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.
Teleférico
9USD per personEnjoy spectacular views of Quito from this sky tram up Volcán Pichincha. Choose to go for a hike at the top, or just come along for the ride.
Cotopaxi Volcano - Full Day
Enjoy a spectacular 2 hour drive to Cotopaxi Volcano National Park to see the highest active volcano in the world (5,897m/ 19,347 ft). Visit a museum in the park and hike around a lagoon at the bottom of the volcano to learn about the flora and fauna found at this altitude. Continue by car up the volcano to the parking lot, at over 4,500m/14,763 ft. Walk for an hour and a half to the refuge and after a short break, continue to the glacier (if the weather holds out). Return to Quito in the early evening. **Park entrance fee is not included and is split among the number of travellers in the group**