fbpx
Explore Inca

Explore Peru & Galapagos

10 days / 9 nights

Tour highlights

Cusco: The former capital of the Inca Empire, this sacred city is rich in historical sites such as the Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman, and Qenqo.

 

Machu Picchu: Set high in the Andes Mountains, the Inca citadel offers a glance into Peru’s past and an unforgettable view of the area today.

 

Vinicunca Mountain: An accumulation of minerals over hundreds of thousands of years makes this seven-colored Rainbow Mountain a natural wonder that enchants visitors from all over the world.

 

Galapagos Islands: An archipelago of volcanic islands situated some 600 miles from mainland Ecuador, the Galapagos is a destination for nature lovers and explorers at heart.

Tour overview

Combine the best of the best of Peru and Galapagos Islands packages with this unforgettable adventure. Begin in the land of the Incas with an archaeological tour in Cusco city before you head to the Sacred Valley for an incredible Machu Picchu experience. After relishing your two opportunities to visit the Inca citadel (and a bit of rest), hike up another breathtaking Peru highlight, Rainbow Mountain. Following your departure to Ecuador, you’ll swiftly be transferred to the Galapagos Islands to island-hop your way around this historical and highly unique corner of the world where nature rules.

Day by Day

Welcome to Lima! A private car will pick you up from Jorge Chavez International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. Rest up as your Peru adventure is about to begin!

Overnight at selected hotel.

Meals included: None.

In the morning, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to the Lima airport to catch a 90-minute flight to Cusco. Settle into the hotel before setting off for an afternoon exploration of what was once the capital of the Inca Empire.

Upon your private tour, you will visit historical Cusco highlights such as the Santo Domingo Convent, which was built atop the most important Inca temple, Coricancha (Temple of the Sun). Back in the plaza, gaze upon the stunning Cathedral before continuing on to the breathtaking 15th Century stone fortress, Sacsayhuaman. Qenqo, a ritualistic site, and Puka Pukara, an alleged military ruin, round out this efficient and panoramic tour of Cusco’s historical importance to Peru and the Inca Empire.

 

Overnight at selected hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast.

 

After breakfast at your hotel, a private car will transfer you to the train station in Ollantaytambo to board a train to Aguas Calientes, the pueblo at the base of Machu Picchu. Your visit to the Inca citadel has likely been one of the most anticipated moments of your trip, and the historic sanctuary will not disappoint!

A guided tour will lead you through Machu Picchu, an awe-inspiring showcase of Inca ingenuity and craft, and provide insight regarding the site’s origin, purpose, and significance. You’ll be led to prominent areas and features of Machu Picchu, such as the Royal Quarters and Temple of the Three Windows, before returning to Aguas Calientes for lunch and a relaxing afternoon.

 

Overnight at selected hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

This morning will provide you with the privileged opportunity to not only see more areas of Machu Picchu but to also witness the site from another perspective. You can take a quick hike up to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) or, for those unafraid of heights, a more challenging climb up Machu Picchu’s sister mountain, Huayna Picchu (subject to availability). Last but not least, you’ll check out the incredible Inca Bridge, which provided entry to the citadel.

After your final Machu Picchu tour, head back to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to Ollantaytambo, from where you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

 

Overnight at selected hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day— especially when you plan to set out for an epic hike! Less than 65 miles southeast of Cusco can be found Vinicunca, a breathtaking natural site in Peru that went viral a few years back for its colorful stripes of minerals. Nicknamed Rainbow Mountain, this peak is sky high, as it sits at an altitude of 5,200 m.a.s.l, so be sure to pace yourself. Upon reaching the viewpoint hikers are rewarded with fantastic views of reds, yellows, and even blues that paint the mountainside, as well as the snowcapped Ausangate Mountain.

After returning to the starting point, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Cusco.

 

Overnight at selected hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, private transportation will take you to the Cusco airport to catch your flight to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Quito.

 

Overnight at selected hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Your Galapagos adventure begins this morning with a private transfer to the Quito airport to catch your direct flight to San Cristobal Island. A private transfer will take you to your hotel and lunch will be had at a local restaurant.

A pleasant 30-minute walk in the afternoon will lead you to Tijeretas Hill, which offers magnificent views of Shipwreck Bay and Kicker Rock. Also known as Frigatebird Hill, two species of these winged creatures inhabit this area, while an array of sea life (such as tropical fish, turtles, and sharks) live at the foot of the hill in Tijeretas Bay. Along the walk home, you can stop at Carola Beach to observe a large colony of sea lions.

 

Overnight at selected hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

In the morning, board a shared boat with a guide to either Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos (must select one). Kicker Rock is one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos and you have a high probability of encountering sea turtles, sharks, and rays. Back on land, Kicker Rock itself is home to blue-footed boobies and other sea birds.

Isla Lobos is home to a large colony of sea lions which you can snorkel alongside, just as sea turtles and other colorful wildlife do. You will be amazed by the volcanic landscape of this island during an hour-long nature hike.

In the case of either destination, lunch will be enjoyed on board the boat, followed by a visit to a nearby beach with a return to the port in the early afternoon.

Overnight at selected hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Today you will have the chance to learn more about the amazing Giant Galapagos Tortoise at the local breeding center, La Galapaguera. Observe these mammoth creatures as they roam in their semi-natural habitat. Nearby is La Loberia, a scenic bay with turquoise waters. Home to a sea lion colony, this is an idyllic place to swim or snorkel as lucky travelers have even spotted marine iguanas!

In the afternoon, after lunch, you will kayak around the bay of Puerto Baquerizo and head towards Kicker Rock. This will be another unforgettable moment of your Galapagos Islands trip as you’ll kayak near sea lions, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and sea turtles.

 

Overnight at selected hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

A private car will transfer you to the airport to catch a flight to Quito followed by your international flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast.

We'd love to hear from you!

Please fill out the form below and our team will respond shortly