Andes to Galapagos: Inca Wonders and Enchanted Isles

After breakfast, fly from Quito to Baltra in the Galápagos. Meet your naturalist guide and transfer toward Puerto Ayora, stopping in the highlands to observe giant land tortoises and enjoy the scenery. 

After lunch and check-in, visit Tortuga Bay on foot, walking through a cactus trail to Playa Brava and then onward to Playa Mansa. Here you may spot marine iguanas, seabirds, and pelicans, with time for swimming and relaxation. 

This morning, your guide meets you at the hotel lobby and escorts you to the dock to begin a full-day yacht excursion. Lunch is included on board, and you will visit only one island, depending on available spaces. 

Possible destinations include North Seymour for hiking and snorkelling among frigate birds and boobies, or Bartolomé for the archipelago’s most photographed volcanic landscapes. Plazas and Santa Fe are also options, offering marine life, unique coastlines, and excellent snorkelling. 

After the afternoon return to port, transfer back to your hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy a relaxed evening to recharge after a day of wildlife encounters and pristine island scenery. 

Enjoy a free day in Santa Cruz at your own pace. You may explore Puerto Ayora’s waterfront, browse local shops and cafés, or revisit nearby highlights such as Tortuga Bay for another peaceful walk along the coast. 

Another optional visit is the Charles Darwin Research Station, offering insight into conservation efforts that protect the islands’ unique species. This flexible day allows you to unwind and savour the Galápagos atmosphere without rushing. 

In the evening, gather for a special farewell dinner, a warm moment to share stories and celebrate your island-hopping experience. Overnight in Santa Cruz, preparing for tomorrow’s return to the mainland. 

After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for the transfer to Baltra Airport and assistance with your flight to Guayaquil. Connect onward to Lima, Peru, transitioning from island nature to a vibrant coastal capital. 

Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, receive a private transfer to your hotel in Miraflores or San Isidro. Settle in and relax, or enjoy a gentle walk along the Malecón for ocean views and fresh air. 

Lima is celebrated for its culinary scene, blending indigenous, European, Asian, and African influences. If time permits, enjoy dinner at a recommended local restaurant to begin discovering Peru’s flavours before your Andean journey. 

Start with breakfast at your hotel, then join your guide for a cultural tour of Lima’s historic centre, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Cathedral of Lima and the San Francisco Convent, including its famous catacombs. 

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel and spend the evening resting and acclimating to the altitude. 

After breakfast, explore Cusco’s fascinating blend of Inca and colonial heritage. Visit the Cathedral, the Plaza de Armas, and Koricancha, once the revered Temple of the Sun, reflecting the city’s spiritual and historical importance. 

Continue to nearby archaeological sites, including Kenko, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán. These landmarks showcase remarkable Inca stonework and defensive design, providing a deeper appreciation of the region’s legacy. 

Travel into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to visit Pisac, a charming town known for its vibrant indigenous market. Browse alpaca textiles and handcrafted products offered by artisans from surrounding communities, with time for friendly bargaining and cultural exchange. 

Continue to Ollantaytambo, a remarkable Inca fortress and living town where traditions remain strong. Explore terraces, temples, and the urban layout that once supported both administrative and military functions, then enjoy the included lunch as planned. 

Depart for Machu Picchu using a combination of train and bus transportation, including your planned tickets between Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, and the citadel. The route offers memorable scenery as the landscape shifts into lush mountain terrain. 

Visit Machu Picchu, Peru’s most iconic archaeological site, known for its temples, terraces, plazas, and masterful stone construction. Learn about its spiritual significance and its association with Inca Pachacútec during a guided exploration. 

In the afternoon, begin the return journey to Cusco. Arrive back in the city for the overnight, carrying unforgettable impressions of the legendary Lost City of the Incas and its dramatic Andean setting. 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and onward connection for your return home. Keep travel documents accessible and confirm flight schedules, as operational times may vary. 

This final day concludes a journey that combines Quito’s colonial beauty, the wildlife and pristine beaches of the Galápagos, and the cultural treasures of Peru. Share memories of Lima’s heritage, Cusco’s history, and the unforgettable Machu Picchu experience.