Peru and Ecuador: Machu Picchu and the Galapagos
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
A journey of unmissable highlights and wonderful contrasts, this incredible adventure encompasses some of South America’s biggest attractions. Combining the Inca treasures of Peru, including the spectacular and iconic Machu Picchu, with the unique natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands, this remarkable trip ticks all the boxes going!
Beginning in Peru, you will start with Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you’ll visit the colourful textile market at Chinchero ...
A journey of unmissable highlights and wonderful contrasts, this incredible adventure encompasses some of South America’s biggest attractions. Combining the Inca treasures of Peru, including the spectacular and iconic Machu Picchu, with the unique natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands, this remarkable trip ticks all the boxes going!
Beginning in Peru, you will start with Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you’ll visit the colourful textile market at Chinchero and the terraces at Moray, before heading by train to the Lost City of Machu Picchu. Without doubt one of the most awe-inspiring attractions anywhere in the Americas, this incredible sanctuary is with good reason one of the most famous archaeological sites on earth. Heading back into the Sacred Valley, you will then have a chance to explore the ruins at Pisac and many of Cusco’s famous highlights before heading on to Ecuador.
Flying to the Galapagos, you will then spend the next few days exploring the most famous archipelago on earth. Home to marine iguanas, giant tortoise and blue footed boobies, the islands are without doubt one of the most unique wildlife destinations anywhere and you will have three full days of excursions here.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Immerse yourself in the bustle of an indigenous market
- Explore the dramatic scenery of the Sacred Valley
- Take the train to the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu
- Walk around beautiful Cuzco and its surrounding ruins
- Snorkel with sea lions and manta rays in the Galapagos
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE LIMA
DAY 1: ARRIVE LIMA
Upon your arrival in Lima you will be welcomed at the airport and escorted to your hotel.
DAY 2: LIMA – CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY
DAY 2: LIMA – CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY
Today you will be transferred back to the airport for the short flight to Cusco, where you will be collected and taken on a scenic drive to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. On the way you stop at Chinchero to join a local weaving family in their courtyard for an overview of the Andean weaving process. Chinchero is renowned for the production of textiles done on backstrap looms. You watch as wool is carded, spun, and dyed and learn about the different techniques used to create belts, ponchos and shawls.
DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY
DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY
Start off by visiting the salt mines of Maras. Its intense white shine appears on a sunny day - an impressive sight for any visitor. Salt was extracted from these mines during Inca times and the same method has still been used ever since. You then head to Moray which has circular terraces hidden among the hills, similar to a Greek amphitheater. Surrounded by an impressive backdrop of snow-covered mountains, Moray was used as an open-air agricultural lab for adapting crops to different environmental conditions.
DAY 4: SACRED VALLEY – AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU
DAY 4: SACRED VALLEY – AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU
Your private driver will transfer you to the nearby train station for your short journey to the Lost City of the Incas – Machu Picchu. Upon arrival a coach takes you up the steep road to the entrance of the incredibly situated sanctuary. The ruins were left undiscovered by the Spaniards for centuries before they were found by American explorer Hiram Bingham. During a guided tour you can appreciate the genius that went into its construction making it one of the new 7 wonders of the world. At the end of the day, transfer to your hotel in the village at the bottom of the citadel.
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU – SACRED VALLEY
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU – SACRED VALLEY
After breakfast you have the option to visit Machu Picchu again or climb Wayna Picchu which is the mountain overlooking the ruins. A permit is required in advance so this hike needs to be pre-booked but it is well worth the panoramic views at the summit. Should you wish to have the morning at leisure, there are some hot springs in town which you can visit. In the afternoon, return by train to the Sacred Valley and transfer to your hotel.
DAY 6: SACRED VALLEY – CUSCO
DAY 6: SACRED VALLEY – CUSCO
You will be driven to Cusco to check into your hotel. This afternoon, you will visit the famous cathedral with its magnificently carved woodwork, ornate altar and many hundreds of canvases from the 17th-century Cusco Painting School. You continue exploring the cultural wealth of Cusco at the Temple of the Sun where we witness the incredible masonry of the Incas, an engineering feat that remains an enigma. Afterwards you walk along Hatunrumiyoc Street and make a last stop in San Blas artisan quarter, with its cobblestone alleys lined with workshops and galleries. It also offers spectacular views of the city.
DAY 7: CUSCO
DAY 7: CUSCO
Day at leisure in Cusco.
DAY 8: CUSCO – LIMA - GUAYAQUIL (ECUADOR)
DAY 8: CUSCO – LIMA - GUAYAQUIL (ECUADOR)
Private transfer to the airport for the short hop to Lima and onward flight to Guayaquil in Ecuador. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at the airport and escorted to your hotel for the night.
DAY 9: GUAYAQUIL – GALAPAGOS
DAY 9: GUAYAQUIL – GALAPAGOS
Morning flight to the Galapagos to begin your wildlife adventure. Your land-based package is ideal for those without sea-legs who prefer to visit the islands on guided daytrips and return to the safe comfort of a hotel bed each night. You will visit the best highlights of Santa Cruz Island as well as a selection of the surrounding islands over the next few days.
DAY 10: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
DAY 10: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Spend the next few days on a range of excursions. Go diving with sea lions, explore neighbouring islands via boat, spot unique wildlife such as Darwin’s finches, go caving, surf the waves or explore the island by bike.
DAY 11: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
DAY 11: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Full day of excursions.
DAY 12: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
DAY 12: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Full day of excursions.
DAY 13: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – DEPART GUAYAQUIL
DAY 13: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – DEPART GUAYAQUIL
Mid-morning return flight to Guayaquil, then connect with your international flight home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
El Mapi By Inkaterra, Aguas Calientes
Part of the high-end Inkaterra chain, El Mapi is a comfortable and modern hotel located in the heart of Machu Picchu town. With 130 rooms, the hotel isn't small but certainly manages to create a boutique feeling. Rooms are contemporary and the white dccor is dotted with brown and green camouflage colours creating a fresh, tropical-inspired atmosphere and bringing the natural surroundings into the hotel. There are two categories of rooms, with the deluxe rooms offering extra space in the form of a separate living room. The hotel has a spa and hot tub looking out at the cloud forest engulfing the town. There is a good quality cafc-restaurant and bar serving mainly Peruvian cuisine, however the hotel is placed on one of the main pedestrian streets in town where a variety of dining options can be found practically at the hotel's doorstep. True to its Inkaterra nature, small touches such as a complimentary pisco sour and a la carte dinner on your first evening, as well as an early comprehensive buffet breakfast, make your stay that bit extra special.
Sonesta Posadas Sacred Valley, Sacred Valley
Originally a small hotel designed within a 300-year old monastery, this delightful character property now boasts 87 well- appointed rooms. This hotel has beautiful gardens near the Urubamba River and guests can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, whilst being conveniently located near the main attractions of the area. Today the hotel is like a village unto itself with multiple buildings situated around picturesque plazas and attractive gardens. Each room is equipped with LCD flat screen and cable, individual climate control, hairdryer and safety deposit box. The hotel also features free Wi-Fi.
Silberstein Hotel, Galapagos Islands
Hotel Silberstein is a comfortable hotel located just 50 metres from the sea in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island). It has 24 beautiful rooms surrounded by subtropical garden, a small pool, coffee-bar and restaurant. Offering an excellent land-based tour package, the hotel arranges visits the best highlights of Santa Cruz Island as well as a selection of the surrounding islands (including North Seymour, Plazas, Bartolome, Santa Fe, Floreana) on daytours. Exact itinerary varies each week. First and last days are for transfers and relaxation at the hotel, all days in between have a fully-prepared island visit itinerary. Every night you return to the hotel for dinner and time to relax. Package prices include twin accommodation, 3 meals per day and island excursions with an English-speaking naturalist guide.
Wyndham Guayaquil, Guayaquil
Featuring a swimming pool and a fitness centre, Wyndham Hotel Guayaquil offers rooms with free WiFi and plasma TVs in Guayaquil. The hotel is located on the city's famous malecon (waterfront) with some rooms offering panoramic river views. The hotel has its own restaurant but there are other dining options nearby.
El Retablo B&B, Cusco
The three-star El Retablo Art Boutique B&B celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Cusco. Wake up to views of the city from each of the 17 rooms, spread over two storeys. The rooms are hand decorated with colourful art in a modern, yet traditional Peruvian style provided by the Fine Arts School of Cusco. The location is excellent for sightseeing, at only a 15-minute walk away from Cusco’s main square.
Jose Antonio Deluxe Lima, Lima
Jose Antonio Hotel is well situated in the vibrant heart of Miraflores close to many good restaurants and small parks. It is a high-rise four star hotel with excellent facilities including a decent restaurant. The modern ensuite rooms are spacious and have air conditioning.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
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Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640