DAY 1: Arrive in Lima

Fly home to Lima, Peru. Flights are not included, and can either be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel. For a quote, please let us know your home airport.

Upon arrival at the Lima Airport, after you collect you luggage and go through Immigration and Customs, you will walk to the Lima Airport Hotel. It’s less than 5 minutes walking from the arrival terminal, and you can’t miss it.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel or similar
Meals Included: none

DAY 2: Arrive in Cusco & Local’s Tour of Cusco

This morning you fly to Cusco (flight not included) – touch down, collect your luggage and meet your guide, then drive twenty minutes through the colorful South American streets to your hotel.

Meet in the Coffee Museum at 1pm to enjoy a tasty lunch and learn about the story and people behind this popular drink.

After lunch step out into the Cusco streets and explore with one of our carefully chosen guides. They are not only very knowledgeable but also great fun to be with. You do not want to cram too much in on your first day at altitude, so relax and get used to being up high with a gentle walk around this old Inca capital.

Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the Qoricancha temple of the sun and perhaps take in the sights, sounds and smells of San Pedro food market too.

If you normally shop in supermarkets and farmers markets, you are in for a surprise. Stands full of juicy exotic fruits, counters heaving with cow heads and sheep hooves and cheerful local women selling handmade cheeses, local breads, healthy juices and even toad soup.

The evening is free to relax and wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site city center.

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

DAY 3: 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 annual re-enactment of traditional Inca ceremonies such as Inti Raymi and Warachikuy. Sundays also see families from Cusco head up here to play, fly kites and dig the traditional huatias, a method of cooking potatoes in the ground.

Next is the Inca water temple of Tambo Machay lying at 3700m (12,000 feet) followed by a special picnic lunch. A trail through the fields leads you to the intricately carved Inca Temple of the Moon.

From here a beautifully preserved section of royal Inca Trail leads you down into the old San Blas district, home to the city’s artists and finally into the Plaza de Armas.

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

DAY 4: Moray to Maras Salt Pans Hike

Leaving Cusco behind you start your journey towards Machu Picchu. The hike starts at the fascinating circular ruins of Moray. While some think it was a landing pad for alien spaceships, most agree the Incas built this as an experimental agricultural centre.

Concentric circular terraces allowed them to simulate different facing slopes and different growing temperatures to see which crops would grow where. They then used this knowledge to cultivate the varied terrain of their vast empire providing abundant amounts of food to feed the people.

After exploring Moray you take a mainly downhill trail through the fields. Depending on the time of year, you may have a chance to stop and chat with local farmers digging their fields of corn or planting potatoes. Perhaps you could have a go with the hand tools that have been used for centuries.

Along the way you stop for a for a homemade picnic with marvellous views across to the snow capped Viilcanota mountains before carrying on down to the spectacular salt pans of Maras. Here you can stop and watch as local families extract the salt by hand, much as they have done for centuries.

You could even buy some of the famous Maras Pink Salt as a souvenir. Finally you take the old track down to the Sacred Valley, where once llamas, then horses carried out the salt to be sent across the empire.

Your support vehicle is on hand most of the day, should anyone prefer to take a ride rather than walk at any point.

Overnight in Ollantaytambo: Hotel Pakaritampu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5: Hike the Royal Inca Trail (km 104) to Machu Picchu

You start the day with an early transfer to catch the train towards Machu Picchu. Jumping off at km104 you pass through the control point and begin your Inca Trail trek.

First you visit the recently restored ruins of Chachabamba before gradually ascending through tropical cloud forest up towards the the base of Wiñay Wayna. Here you climb more steeply on old Inca stairways through these beautiful terraces, stopping to explore the various buildings and water features.

Here we can enjoy our packed lunch, with a great view. You then continue on perhaps the loveliest part of the whole Inca Trail. Lush vegetation flanks you on either side, the scent of wild orchids fills the air, and all around you brightly coloured tropical songbirds fill your ears with song.

Soon you will reach a final set of stairs to arrive at Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun. As you step through the old stone gate-way, 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 lively town of Machu Picchu Pueblo and a well-deserved hotel and shower.

Total hiking distance: 11 km / 7 mi. While walking all you need is your daypack, as your over-night luggage will be transferred to your hotel in Machu Picchu town to await your arrival.

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

DAY 6: Machu Picchu Ruins & Return to Cusco

Today you explore the pinnacle of Inca engineering – Machu Picchu.

For years it was lost to the jungle. Rediscovered in 1911 by the Yale professor Hiram Bingham, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Machu Picchu exceeds all expectations.

This astounding site lies in an even more astonishing location. Perched high on an inaccessible hilltop it is protected by huge cliffs and the raging Urubamba river. Things are slightly easier now than in the time of the Incas and so you start your day with a twenty minute bus ride up to the site.

You will arrive early, allowing you to explore the ruins in the company of your guide, before they get too busy. The guided tour takes around two hours leaving you a few hours free to wander amongst the old Inca walls and just sit and take in the scale of the place on your own.

For those who want to walk a bit more, you could take the hour long trail up to the Sun Gate, or a shorter trail to visit the Inca Bridge which once spanned a sheer cliff face.

Eventually the time comes to catch the bus down to Machu Picchu Pueblo and board your train back along the Urubamba River. The scenery is beautiful and the train jolts softly along, allowing you to sit, stare out the window and reflect on a wonderful week.

Overnight: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 7: Depart Cusco and Travel to Guayaquil, Ecuador

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Cusco Airport in time for your departing flight. Fly Cusco to Guayaquil, Ecuador (flights not included, they can be booked on your own, or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Upon arrival at the Guayaquil Airport, after you collect you luggage and go through Immigration and Customs, you will be met by the hotel shuttle, and they will take you to your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Oro Verde or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 8: Fly to the Galapagos, Visit Tortuga Bay, Explore Puerto Ayora

This morning, you’ll take the shuttle to the airport and fly from 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: Posada Del Mar or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: 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 10: 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: Hotel Albemarle or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11: 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: Casa Blanca or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12: 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: Casa Blanca or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13: Optional Visit to Interpretation Center and Tijeretas, Depart Galapagos

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 from San Cristobal to Quito or Guayaquil (flight included in trip price), and from either city, you will catch your international flight home (flight not included, it will be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel). You will arrive home the following day.

Meals Included: Breakfast