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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.
Get ready for a very busy tour exploring the best of Peru in a week. We recommend booking a pre-night in Lima (in particular if your flight arrives into Lima in the evening) to recover from international flights and rest up before the excitement.
Please note that if you booked the Peru Culinary Bundle it does not include extra time in Lima and we highly recommend booking pre-trip accommodation. You will be picked up from your hotel at approx 10:00am and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. You will return to your hotel around 13:00.
Please note that 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Lima/Urubamba
Board an early flight to Cusco then on to the Sacred Valley to visit the Ccaccaccollo community and Planeterra-sponsored Women's Weaving Co-op, explore the Pisac ruins and visit the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private transfer to the Lima airport to catch a flight to Cusco.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Urubamba
Visit the pre-Incan salt pans of Las Salineras and tour the Ollantaytambo and Moray ruins. Enjoy a traditional Pachamanca-style meal of local specialities.
Moray Ruins Guided Tour
Explore the ancient site of Moray, which archeologists believe was used to conduct agricultural experiments. Walk down through the great circular terraces and notice how the temperature shifts with the depth – sometimes as much as 15°C (27°F)!
Las Salineras Pre-Incan Salt Pans Guided Tour
Visit the pre-Incan salt pans of Las Salineras – still in use today. Marvel at the terraced pools set amongst the beauty of the Sacred Valley.
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.
Dinner at Huacatay Restaurant
The thousand year-old tradition of pachamanca involves baking an assortment of meat and vegetables in an oven of hot stones, earth, and grass. Meat is usually seasoned with local spices and wrapped in a banana leaf before it’s placed on the hot stones and can include lamb, pork, chicken or guinea pig. Savour this traditional meal prepared by an experienced chef.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Urubamba/Aguas Calientes
Catch an early transfer to Ollantaytambo station and board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes with option to visit the market.
For serious archaeology buffs, there is time for an optional independent visit to Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following morning.
Please bear in mind that the town has several amenities, but is also geographically remote meaning services are sometimes more basic than one would assume. As the only option for travellers visiting Machu Picchu, the development of infrastructure has happened quite quickly, much without proper planning, and the focus on providing quality service may not be up to the standards experienced in other parts of the country.
Those who have chosen the option in advance to hike the "1-day Inca Trail" will disembark the train at km 104 to begin the trek. The trail rises steeply up into the mountains and will take hikers past the archaeological sites of Wiñay Wayna and Inti Pata, where the local guide will provide insights 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 with a chance for a preliminary exploration of Machu Picchu before the guided tour on Day 5. Transfer by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to rejoin the group and spend the night in a hotel. If time permits, take an optional visit to the nearby hot springs to soak your sore muscles.
1-day Inca Trail option:
Approximate Distance: 7km
Estimated hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
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.
Machu Picchu Visit
75-120USD per personJust can’t wait to be awestruck? Opt for an independent visit to Machu Picchu before your group tour.
*The cost of this activity will depend on the group size*
Butterfly House Visit
Learn about the four stages of a butterfly’s life at this learning centre and breeding project. Observe varied species of butterflies, some unique to the area.
Mandor Gardens Visit
This botanical garden boasts a beautiful waterfall, varied wildlife and lush scenery. Walk along one of the trails and admire the many orchids.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Aguas Calientes/Cusco
Enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu ruins. Free time to explore on your own or take an optional visit to the Inca Bridge before returning to Cusco by train.
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.
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
Explore Cusco's historic streets, museums and local markets. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking.
Please note that if you booked the Peru Culinary Bundle, on day 6 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. You will return back to your hotel around 16:00.
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
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.
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.
Quad Biking
Ready for a wild ride? Learn how to operate an ATV and set off for a fun filled ride around Lake Pumamarka. Enjoy stunning views of the Inca Valley as you travel along gravel roads.
Paragliding
Admire the Sacred Valley and surrounding mountains from a unique perspective. Take off from the Wayllabamba viewpoint for a breathtaking flight lasting from 15 to 45 minutes depending on weather conditions.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Cusco/Lima
Fly back to Lima and spend an afternoon in Peru's bustling capital.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private transfer to the Cusco airport to catch a flight to Lima. Private transfer to the Lima hotel.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Lima City Tour
40USD per personDiscover Lima’s cultural and culinary highlights on this half-day guided tour. Visit the Santo Domingo Monastery, walk around Plaza de Armas, marvel at the Bodega y Quadra Museum, and get to know some of Lima's lovely neighbourhoods. Stop to enjoy some authentic Peruvian tapas and be introduced to Pisco Sours during a demonstration and tasting.
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**