Get ready to make every moment count on this epic 16-day adventure through Peru and the Galápagos. From the mainland to the islands, you’ll uncover the wonders of Machu Picchu and come face-to-face with unforgettable wildlife. Explore the rich culture and history of Cusco’s hills and soak up the breathtaking beauty of the Sacred Valley as you journey by rail to Aguas Calientes. Wander ancient ruins, browse vibrant markets, and lose yourself in the magic of the Andes before heading to the famed Galápagos Islands. There, hike rugged trails, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and encounter the incredible plants and animals that make this archipelago unlike anywhere else on Earth. Two iconic destinations, one unforgettable adventure.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
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: Floreana Community Restaurants, Floreana Island
Your G for Good Moment: Floreana Community Guesthouse, Floreana Island
Your Discover Moment: Cusco. Sacred Valley guided tour. Pottery making demonstration. Train to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu guided tour. International flight from Lima to Quito. Charles Darwin Research Centre visit (Santa Cruz Island). Visit to Las Grietas. Flamingo Lagoon visit (Isabela Island). Sierra Negra volcano hike. Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre visit. Tortuga Bay hike (Santa Cruz Island). Isabela Municipal Tax. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Board a morning train that winds through the spectacular Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes, Visit Machu Picchu with a local guide and learn about the history of the Incas, Hike up Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela island, Stay at a G Adventures-supported community guesthouse in Floreana, Marvel at the unique and scientifically important wildlife of the Galápagos
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg. 12
What meals are included in this trip?
15 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Public bus, train, private van, plane, speed boat, pickup truck, local bus, panga
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (13 nts), G Adventures-supported community guesthouse (2 nts).
Itinerary
Lima
Arrive at any time.
Lima/Cusco
Fly to Cusco. Free time to shop and explore. Choose to pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class, or try out a city tour, and visit museums and 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.
Cusco/Sacred Valley
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). 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. Perhaps choose to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.
Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.
Sacred Valley/Aguas Calientes
Journey to the beautiful town of Aguas Calientes and perhaps enjoy a visit to the local hot springs or explore the market. 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.
Machu Picchu/Cusco
Start early to visit the 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu. Tour the ruins with an expert guide before returning back 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.
Cusco
Enjoy a free day in Cusco. Opt to visit the local market, a nearby archaeological site, or get a massage. With plenty of free time you can choose to visit and hike the famed Rainbow Mountain. Pre-book on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Cusco/Lima
Head to the airport and fly back to Lima where you will enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure.
Lima/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.
Quito/Puerto Ayora
Transfer to the Quito airport and catch a flight to the Galápagos. Arrive at Baltra and travel to the hotel in Santa Cruz. Later, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an introduction to some of the unique wildlife and history of the area before an evening welcome meeting to meet up with any travellers joining the group.
Puerto Ayora/Floreana Island
In the morning, walk to "Las Grietas" located across Academy Bay, walk through a rugged cactus forest on the way to this stunning lagoon. In the afternoon, hop on a speedboat to nearby Floreana Island. Stay in the G Adventures-supported community guesthouses and eat meals in the community restaurants and help to support community tourism on the island.
Floreana Island
Walk along the black-sand beach until Loberia, and enjoy beach time or swimming. Head up to the seldom-visited highlands of Floreana. Enjoy guided walks to observe birds and other wildlife and learn about the area's natural history.
Floreana Island/Isabela Island
Travel to Isabela Island. Hike up the active Sierra Negra Volcano and walk around the rim of the largest volcanic crater in the archipelago. Hike to the summit to experience a bird's-eye view of this magical landscape of the surrounding volcanoes and islands.
Isabela Island
Enjoy free time in the morning, opt to take a wildlife boat excursion to 'Islote Tintoreras' to view breeding white-tip reef sharks, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, rays, and penguins. Later, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. Explore the surroundings with a short walk to observe pink flamingos in the wetlands and catch a stunning Isabela sunset on the beach. Along the way, stop at a lookout point, and visit natural pools, beaches, and mangrove swamps. In the evening, relax at the bar or on the beach and opt to enjoy a drink at sunset.
Isabela Island/Puerto Ayora
Travel by speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island. Later, enjoy a walk to Tortuga Bay, opt for a kayak, surf lessons or swim in the turquoise water. In the evening, enjoy free time to explore this bustling little town and sample some of the local restaurants and bars, or do a little last minute shopping.
Puerto Ayora/Quito
Travel back to Baltra to catch the flight to Quito. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the evening in the capital city. Retrace your footsteps to return to Baltra Island for the flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to the hotel for one last night in town. The G Adventures representative in Quito will be able to arrange many of the available day tours in and around Quito if you have time to spare. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation in this lively city.
Quito
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
