DAY 1: Arrive in Quito

Fly home to Quito (flights not included). Upon arrival at the Quito Airport, after you collect you luggage and go through Immigration and Customs, you will be met by a shuttle driver from the hotel.

Overnight: Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Fly to the Galapagos, Visit Tortuga Bay, Explore Puerto Ayora

This morning, you’ll fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Santa Cruz Island. Baltra Airport, to be exact (flight included in trip price). This little island off the coast of Santa Cruz is home to the airport. Your guide will be waiting for you and the adventure will begin right away! It is a bus-ferry-taxi combination ride to get from they airport to town, which is on another island.

After check-in, we’ll take a walk out to Tortuga Bay, which is often named among the best beaches in South America. that ends in white sand and luscious waves. Tortuga Bay is a gorgeous beach accessible only by foot and laden with choices.

Do you want to swim, sunbathe, bodysurf or do all three? A leisurely 45-minute path leads to the beach area and along the way you may spot lava lizards and birds in the surrounding trees.

Upon arrival at the first soft, white sandy beach, you’ll be greeted by some perfect surf. Further along you can reach Tortuga Bay, a calm bay that is sheltered by mangroves and ideal for swimming, sometimes friendly baby sharks can be seen here too! There’s a nice walk through a cactus forest, a chance to spot nesting blue-footed boobies or massive marine iguanas.

You are free to head back to town at any time, where you can wander the streets of the largest town in the Galapagos Islands. Santa Cruz is the most populated of all the islands and its bustling port city is the tourist capital of Galapagos.

Tonight, your guide will lead you to the Calle de los Kioskos (Kiosks Street). This little back street is closed down each night as the small stall restaurants set up table and chairs in the middle of the street for open-air dining. If you’re looking for where the locals eat, look no further!

Overnight on Santa Cruz Island: Hotel Posada Del Mar or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Optional Charles Darwin Research Station Visit, Visit Tortoises in the Highlands, Public Boat to Isabela

For those interested, an optional visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station is suggested this morning. You can learn about the successes the station has had in repopulating the islands with the once endangered land iguana and several species of giant tortoise.

From the collection of the eggs to the age of release, observe how the giant tortoises are raised and readied for life on their own. Lonesome George, the most famous Galapagos tortoise who died in 2012, is also on display in a special enclosure.

Puerto Ayora town has plenty ot see and do for those who are not interested in heading to the research station. A stop at the fish market is always an interesting insight into local Galapagos life!

Your first group activity today is a morning trip to the highlands to visit a private giant tortoise reserve. You’ll be able to see these massive creatures in their natural habitat cooling off in a watering hole or munching away on some tasty greens. You’ll also have the chance to explore some nearby lava tunnels and gain a better appreciation of the natural forces that created these islands.

After lunch in the highlands, we’ll hop on board for our boat ride to Isabela Island – the largest island in the Archipelago. After check-in, we’ll go for a stroll through the picturesque town of Puerto Villamil. Along its white sand beach we are sure to find the perfect spot to toast in our first Isabela sunset, arguably the most beautiful of all the islands.

SURFING: Sometimes it’s possible to surf or boogie board at Tortuga Bay. Please tell your guide ahead of time if this is something you’d like to do.

Overnight on Isabela Island: Hotel Albemarle or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4: Morning Hike Sierra Negra Volcano, Bay Kayak in Afternoon

Lace up your hiking boots – we’re hiking up a volcano! Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos; its last eruption was in October 2005.

As we hike to the perimeter of the caldera, we’ll be on the lookout for bird species found only in the highlands like the bright red Vermillion Flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl. Once we reach the rim, we’ll be met with a 9km view that stretches across one of the most active calderas in the world.

We’ll continue around the rim for a shor time, stopping at various lookouts along the way. Take some time to contemplate the powers of nature and how amazing it is that these special islands were formed in the middle of the ocean. After enjoying a hearty sense of accomplishment, we’ll make our way back to town.

Seafood is the name of the food game in the Galapagos, but there are always plenty of options available to choose from. One you’ve finished lunch today, get your water cameras and bathing suits on, as we are heading kayaking around the sheltered bay area of Puerto Villamil.

Galapagos penguins (the only penguin found north of the equator), sea turtles, sea lions and rays frequent these shallow waters and blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and pelicans may be seen resting along the shore and in some nearby mangrove trees.

If you prefer, you also have the option to rent a bike and head to the Wall of Tears. Return to town just in time for a sunset dip before your independent dinner. As always, your guide will be more than happy to help you find a local spot to dine.

Overnight on Isabela Island: Hotel Albemarle or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5: Tintoreras Hike and Snorkel, Fly to San Cristobal, Bike from Highlands to La Loberia

After breakfast, we’ll head off for a leisurely walk through some lava fields at Tintoreras. The boat ride over may get us close to penguins, so keep you eyes out for them! The lava fields at Tintoreras provide a great environment for nesting marine iguanas. It is mostly aa lava here, which is different from the big lava tunnels you would have sene on Santa Cruz.

Along with many marine iguanas, Tintoreras is a safe zone for sleeping sharks! They come to this area to rest, as it has many calm channels where they can relax without being disturbed – except for maybe a nosy sea turtle or sea lion swimming by.

This afternoon, you’ll take a flight to the island of San Cristobal, the oldest and eastern-most island of the Galapagos archipelago. You’ll arrive just in time for lunch before you head out for your first activity: a downhill biking adventure to La Loberia.

Mostly on a paved path, beside the road, it is a scenic and easy ride that takes you from La Soledad in the highlands, through El Progresso town, and onwards to the beach. You’ll be surprised by the contrast in landscapes from where you being the journey to where you end!

La “Loberia” is an area frequented by sea lions. In other words, it’s a sea lion hang out! There we’ll be able to watch sea lions sunbathing and vying for our attention. They play, they nap and sometimes, they pose for pictures! If you’re keen for a swim or snorkel, hop on in.

On the way back to town, your guide will point out their favorite spots to dine.

Overnight on San Cristobal Island: Hotel Casa Blanca or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6: Snorkel at Kicker Rock, Optional SUP

Today we take to the water to get a glimpse of the underwater world of Galapagos. First, we’ll cruise along the coast in our boat identifying shore birds like the great frigate and famous blue-footed booby. Then we’ll drop anchor for an introductory snorkel where we’ll get our fins wet in search of damselfish, puffer fish, and, hopefully, curious sea lion pups.

Next, we’ll continue to Kicker Rock, or Leon Dormido as it’s known by the locals, to explore the final remains of a tuff cone rising over 143 meters out of the ocean. If Kicker Rock were a building, it would have almost 50 floors!

Along the edge and through a channel of this drastic compact ash formation, we’ll be on the hunt for sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, chocolate chip starfish, and, with any luck, a Galapagos Shark or two. Don’t worry: they won’t be as interested in you as you are in them!

A beautiful beach accessible only by boat will be our final stop. After lunch on board, feel free to spend your time swimming in the turquoise water or snapping photos of Kicker Rock in the distance.

We’ll head back to town mid-late afternoon and have some time to explore town. Perhaps you’ll want to grab a sunset beer or cocktail by the waterfront and watch the spectacular sunset. Another optional activity is to grab a stand up paddleboard and head out for a SUP session.

Tonight, we head to one of our favorite spots for some open air dining. It’ll be a well-deserved farewell feast as this is your last night in the Enchanted Islands!

DIVING: the option to scuba dive instead of snorkel at Kicker Rock is possible if arranged in advance. Please inquire for availability. The additional cost for diving is +$225.00 per person (2020 rates).

Overnight on San Cristobal Island: Hotel Casa Blanca or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Optional Visit to Interpretation Center and Tijeretas, Fly to Guayaquil

Today is the last day of your tour and you get to choose how you’d like to spend your morning. Squeeze in some souvenir shopping, head to the beach for one last swim or visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the history and mystery of the archipelago.

This educational center explains how the islands were discovered and what makes them so special. You can learn about Charles Darwin’s visit and the present day efforts to protect this amazing World Heritage site. There’s a short hike to Tijeretas, a panoramic lookout over the town and Kicker Rock, for those who are interested.

This afternoon, you’ll fly to Guayaquil (flight included in trip pricing). Then you catch your connecting flight to Lima, Peru (flight not included).

Overnight: Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 8: Arrive in Cusco & Local’s Tour of Cusco

On arrival from your spectacular flight along the Andes to Cusco (flight not included), you will be met and escorted to your hotel. After some time to check in you are introduced to Cusco with the “Locals’ guide to Cusco” tour.

This short walking tour is a great way to get your bearings, stretch your legs after traveling and experience hiking at 3,300 meters. The beautiful historic center was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 with Inca and colonial architecture evident all around. At a convenient time your guide will arrange a full briefing for the days ahead.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Casa San Blas Boutique or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9: Cusco Ruins Hike

Today you stretch your legs with a delightful hike in the hills above Cusco. First you visit the impressive site of Sacsayhuaman. Huge stone ramparts surround a beautiful grass amphitheater. Once the scene of fierce battles it now hosts the recreation of traditional Inca ceremonies such as Inti Raymi and Warachikuy.

Next is the Inca water temple of Tambo Machay lying at 3,700 meters (12,000 feet) followed by a special picnic lunch. From here it is all downhill to Cusco, stopping at the Temple of the Moon and other historical sites along the way.

Hiking distance: 8km / 5mi
Hiking time: A full day includes time to explore
Hiking Elevation: 3750 to 3300m / 12,303ft to 10,827ft

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Casa San Blas Boutique or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10: Hike the Sacred Valley: Moray to Salt Pans

Leaving Cusco behind you start your journey to Machu Picchu. The hike starts at the fascinating circular ruins of Moray. While some think it was a landing pad for alien spaceships, more likely is that the Incas built this as an experimental agricultural center.

Concentric circular terraces allowed them to simulate different facing slopes and different growing temperatures to see what crops would grow where. With another homemade picnic along the way you hike on down, past the spectacular salt pans of Maras to end in the Sacred Valley.

Hiking distance: 11km / 7mi
Hiking time: 6 hours includes time to explore
Hiking Elevation: 3532 m to 4050m / 11,588ft to 13,288ft

Overnight in the Sacred Valley: Hotel Pakaritampu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11: Visit Ollantaytambo & Start the Inca Trail

Your five-day Inca Trail is carefully tailored to avoid the crowds. By leaving later than everyone else, and allowing an extra day, you spend the whole trail out of sync with other tourists. Thus you will literally have the trail to yourself.

This morning you visit the old Inca town of Ollantaytambo. After a look around and some lunch you have a short drive to the trailhead at Piscacucho (km 82). Here you meet the porters and cooks that will support your journey to Machu Picchu.

With the crowds now long gone, you hike an undulating trail above the Urubamba River to camp beside the spectacular ruins of Llactapata (2,788 meters/9,146 feet). While walking all you need to carry is a daypack. Your luggage is carried by the porters, your tents are put up for you and your food is prepared for you. All you have to do is shoulder your daypack and enjoy the walking.

Total distance: 5km (3.1mi)
Estimated walking time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,650m (8,690ft)
Campsite altitude: 2,650m (8,690ft)

Overnight: Comfortable tent camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: Inca Trail: Hike to Llactapata and Llulluchapampa

After a hearty breakfast you climb gently up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huayllabamba. This is the last inhabited place on the trail. A little steeper now, you head up the beautiful Inca path, past hummingbirds and stunted cloud forest to your camp at Llulluchapampa (3,680 meters/12,073 feet). This beautiful grassy area has outstanding views and you may be even see the Andean deer that come to feed here.

Total distance: 12km (7.5mi)
Estimated walking time: 5 – 6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,850m (12,590ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,850m (12,590ft)

Overnight: Comfortable tent camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13: Inca Trail Hike from Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca

Today is the most challenging day but also the most exhilarating. You climb to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,212 meters/13,819 feet) the high point of the trail before dropping into the Pacasmayo valley.

Climbing once more you pass the Inca control post of Runkuracay to the second pass of the day (3,998 meters/13,117 feet). On a clear day there are spectacular views toward Pumahuanca mountain in the Vilcabamba range.

You continue on well preserved Inca trail to Sayacmarca. Located at the junction of two old Inca roads, historians still argue over its exact purpose. A few more gentle ups and downs and you arrive to your stunning campsite for the night at Phuyupatamarca, or “the place above the clouds” (3,650 meters/11,975 feet).

Total distance: 15km (9.3mi)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,200m (13,780ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,600m (12,030ft)

Overnight: Comfortable tent camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14: Inca Trail: Hike from Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu

This is the day you finally reach Machu Picchu. As you step out of your tent the views are stunning. Perhaps you will see the sun rising over the snow-capped mountains of Salkantay (6,200 meters/20,341 feet) and Veronica (5,800 meters/19,029 feet).

Or perhaps you will have a cloud inversion, with the clouds filling the valleys beneath your feet. After saying a fond farewell to your porters it is time to put on your boots and head to Machu Picchu.

You descend through the cloud forest on beautiful Inca stairways, to Winay Wayna, another interesting ruin full of swallows and orchids. Finally you contour the hillside to arrive at Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun.

As you step through the old stone gateway Machu Picchu appears laid out before your eyes. After plenty of photos you carry on past this wonder of the world to catch the bus down to the colorful town of Machu Picchu Pueblo and a well-deserved hotel and shower.

Total distance: 11km (6.8mi)
Estimated walking time: 5 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,600m (11,770ft)
Hotel altitude: 2,400m (7,870ft)

Overnight in Aguas Calientes: El MaPi by Inkaterra or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 15: Explore Machu Picchu Ruins & Return to Cusco

Relaxed after a comfortable night, you head back up to Machu Picchu for your fully guided tour before the crowds arrive. There is time afterwards to hike to the Inca Bridge, Watchman’s Hut or to wander through the ruins soaking up the atmosphere. In the afternoon you descend to the waiting train to enjoy one of the great train journeys of the world back towards Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Casa San Blas Boutique or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 16: Free morning in Cusco then depart

Back once more in the old Inca capital you have time to enjoy all that this city has to offer. Museums, chocolate making classes, souvenir hunting or even just sitting in one of the many cafes and watching the world go by. The new late flights out of Cusco allow you to really maximise your time and get the most out of this holiday of a lifetime. You will be transferred to the Cusco Airport in time for your departure flight home (flights not included).

Meals Included: Breakfast