Excursions by Exotrav

Peru, Ecuador and Galapagos Tour

Inca Trails & Island Wonders

Trip Duration:

14 days

Recommended season:

Ideal for travel year-round,

Ecuador & Galapagos - Trip Summary

“A customized 14-day tour through Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands offers a captivating blend of culture and nature. We begin in Lima, the capital of Peru, before heading to Cusco, where we explore ancient sites in the Sacred Valley and journey to the iconic Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” From Peru, we fly to Quito, Ecuador’s capital, for a city tour and a visit to the famous Otavalo Market, known for its vibrant handicrafts and local culture. Finally, we fly to the Galapagos Islands, where we embark on a cruise across pristine islands, observing unique wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.

This tour is an invitation to explore dramatic Andean landscapes, ancient Incan cities, rich traditions, colorful markets, and exotic wildlife in the Galapagos. Our tour combines diverse ecosystems and fascinating cultures, from the Amazon jungle to the highlands and remote islands. We offer comprehensive, customized services, including a private English-speaking guide or group excursions, ensuring a memorable and personalized adventure that matches your pace and style.”

Wildlife • Galápagos • Machu Picchu

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival - Lima

Upon landing in Lima, the capital of Peru, which houses over 8.5 million residents, you will find it to be the largest city in Peru and one of the largest in South America. Lima is situated along the coast of the Pacific Ocean and stretches across the valleys of the Chillon, Rimac, and Lurin rivers, forming a continuous metropolitan area with the port city of Callao.

 

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and prepare for the adventures ahead. In Lima, you will experience a rich culture, fascinating history, and a diverse cuisine renowned as one of the best in the world.
Overnight in Lima.

Day 2

Day 2: Lima - City Tour - Cusco - Sacred Valley

After breakfast, we will embark on a day of exploration in Lima. We will visit Avenida de la República, Plaza San Martín, and Plaza Mayor, which was built in 1535 and designed by Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima.

 

Next, we will tour the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral, constructed in 1625 in the Baroque-Renaissance style, featuring a collection of unique paintings and sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries. We will also visit the Municipal Palace and upscale neighborhoods such as San Isidro, Miraflores, and Larcomar.

 

Afterward, we will continue to the Larco Herrera Museum, where we will admire one of the largest collections in the world of pre-Columbian ceramics and pottery. The museum also showcases pottery from the Nazca and Inca cultures. Lunch is included.
Following our museum visit, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Cusco. According to legend, Cusco was founded by the first Inca, Manco Cápac, in the early 12th century; however, archaeological evidence suggests that the city was inhabited for centuries before the rise of the Incas. Today, remnants of its prosperous past can be found throughout its streets, making the visit a journey through time. The city is situated at an altitude of 3,395 meters above sea level, with temperatures accordingly.

 

Upon arrival, we will travel to the Sacred Valley.
After reaching the Sacred Valley, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

 

Please note the altitude warning.

Day 3

Day 3: Sacred Valley

After breakfast, we will embark on a day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, The Urubamba. We will pass through picturesque villages and see terraced fields that are used for local agriculture, employing techniques that have remained unchanged by modern advancements.

 

Our first stop will be in Ollantaytambo, a village that has preserved its Inca structure almost perfectly. We will climb through the Inca streets to reach the fortress overlooking the Urubamba River.
Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

 

Afterward, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Day 4

Day 4: Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Sacred Valley

After breakfast, we will transfer to the train station for a ride on the Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes.

 

Upon arrival, we will take a bus to visit the impressive and mysterious Inca site of Machu Picchu. This city, which was discovered only in the 20th century, is situated on a mountain with steep slopes, deep in the jungle. We will enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas,” which is a significant symbol in the history of the Inca Empire. Lunch is included.

 

After the tour, we will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes and transfer to the train station for the ride back to the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Day 5

Day 5: Treasures of the Sacred Valley - Cusco

After breakfast, we will visit the Maras area, known for the Inca salt mines. We will drive down the mountain to reach the salt terraces, which were established by the Incas centuries ago.
Next, we will continue to the Moray ruins, where you can see the unique circular terraces located just a short drive from Maras. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

 

Following our visit, we will head to the Chinchero Market. This vibrant and authentic market is located in the village of Chinchero, which sits above the Sacred Valley at an altitude of 3,800 meters. The villagers endure the harsh cold of the Andes as herders of llamas and alpacas and cultivators of potatoes. The women of the village weave colorful and high-quality textiles, which are showcased at the market held on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

 

After our market visit, we will drive to Cusco. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Cusco.

Day 6

Day 6: Cusco and Surroundings

After breakfast, we will embark on a day tour of Cusco and its surroundings. Our first stop will be the Koricancha Temple, once a significant Inca temple dedicated to the sun. We will stroll through the narrow streets and artisan workshops, visiting Santo Domingo Church, the San Blas artisan district, the Inca Roca Palace, the main square, and the Cathedral.
Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

 

Next, we will head outside the city for a tour of the Sacsayhuamán fortress, built with some of the largest cut stones in the world. We will continue to visit additional sites, including Puca Pucara, Qenqo, and Tambomachay.

 

After the tour, we will transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Cusco.

Day 7

Day 7: Cusco - Lima - Quito

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Lima. From there, we will continue on a flight to Quito, the capital of Ecuador.

 

Few cities in the world enjoy such a perfect location as Quito. Nestled at an altitude of 2,850 meters between volcanoes, with the most famous being Pichincha, the city was originally established during the Inca Empire and later rebuilt by Spanish conquerors in 1534.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Quito.

Day 8

Day 8: Quito - City Tour - Mitad del Mundo - Quito

After breakfast, we will embark on a tour of the historic center of Quito, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit Independence Square, the San Francisco Church, the Gothic Basilica, and the famous statue of the Virgin Mary (El Panecillo).

 

Next, we will drive 22 kilometers north of Quito to the equator line—Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). There, we will explore the viewpoint and the Half of the World Museum.

 

After our visit, we will return to Quito.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Quito.

Day 9

Day 9: Quito - Otavalo Market - Cotacachi and Cuicocha Lagoon - Quito

After breakfast, we will drive approximately an hour and a half to the city of Otavalo. On the way, we will stop in the town of Cayambe to taste the local delicacy—biscuits baked over an open fire.

 

Continuing our journey, we will visit the famous Otavalo Market, a vibrant marketplace where locals sell their diverse goods. The indigenous people in the area are known for their traditional clothing, with men wearing white tunics over pants, dark ponchos, and black felt hats, while women adorn themselves with embroidered blouses, gold necklaces, long skirts, and head coverings. Upon arrival, you will have free time to wander through the stalls of handicrafts and artisanal goods.

 

Afterward, we will drive to the picturesque village of Cotacachi, known for its leather industry, and then continue to Cuicocha Lagoon, featuring two green islands at the foot of the Cotacachi volcano.
After our visit, we will take a drive back to Quito, where we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Quito.

Day 10

Day 10: Quito - Galápagos

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon landing, you will be transferred to the yacht for a 5-day/4-night cruise around the Galápagos Islands.

 

During these days, you will enjoy exploring these wild islands, where pristine nature is fiercely protected, and human impact has been minimal. On some islands, you will have the opportunity to get close to the unique wildlife that inhabits the area and is not afraid of humans.

 

Accommodation during the cruise will be on the Coral Yacht.

 

Cruise Itinerary:
• Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island)

 

Three meals per day are included during the cruise. On the day of arrival, only lunch and dinner are provided, while on the departure day, breakfast will be included.
Please note: The order and nature of the visits may change without prior notice due to weather conditions and navigation permits.

Day 11

Day 11: Galápagos

Cruise Itinerary:
• Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island), Punta Espinosa (Fernandina)

 

Day 12

Day 12: Galápagos

Cruise Itinerary:
• Urbina Bay (Isabela), Tagus Cove (Isabela)

 

Day 13

Day 13: Galápagos

Cruise Itinerary:
• Egas port- Sullivan Bay (Santiago)

 

Day 14

Day 14: Galápagos - Quito - Airport

Cruise Itinerary:
• Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island)

At the conclusion of the cruise, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, you will connect to your onward flight home.

 

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