Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

  • 13 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 3
    • Activity Level 3

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  • Trip Start: Cusco
  • Trip End: Quito
Peru and Galapagos Explorer

In under two weeks, discover the highlights and hidden gems of two incredible countries on our Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

There's no doubt you'll be mind blown by the contrasting landscapes, from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the crystal clear water of Isabela Island, on our 13-day Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure. Starting in Cusco, you'll cycle into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, hike the Huchuy Qosqo Trail, experience Machu Picchu and explore Pisac market. And that's just Peru! Afterward, take a short flight to Lima and then on to Quito, where you'll wander the colonial city unchanged from the colonial days. From here, it's just a hop over to the Galapagos Islands. The next 6-days will be yours to snorkel next to Kicker Rock, cycle the San Cristobal highlands, hike Sierra Negra Volcano, sea kayak near Isabela Island and get up close to all manner of wild creatures and relax on isolated beaches. If you're only likely to visit this part of South America once in your life, we'll make sure our Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure is an adventure you'll never forget.

Trip Highlights

Sacsayhuamán fortress

HikingHiking

The Sacred Valley of the Incas

HikingHiking

To Huchuy Qosqo

HikingHiking

Sierra Negra Volcano & Santa Cruz

HikingHiking

Isabela Island

KayakingKayaking

Machu Picchu

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Cusco, Lima and Quito

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Lava tunnel

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Ollantaytambo archaeology tour

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Giant tortoises and iguanas

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Kicker Rock Swim & Snorkel OR Dive

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Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Cusco Trip End: Quito

Download our Handy Trip itenary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive in Cusco, hike Sacsayhuaman Fortress

  • Day 2Cycle Sacred Valley, visit Pisac market, hike Pisac ruins

  • Day 3Explore Chinchero, hike to Huchuy Qosqo

  • Day 4Visit Machu Picchu

  • Day 5Ollantaytambo archaeology tour, hike to Las Salineras

  • Day 6Free morning in Cusco, afternoon flight to Lima

  • Day 7Fly to Quito

  • Day 8Fly to the Galapagos Islands

  • Day 9Visit Tortuga Bay, Charles Darwin Research Station

  • Day 10Hike Sierra Negra Volcano and sea kayak Isabela Island

  • Day 11Walk and Snorkel Tintoreras, San Cristobal Island, Cycle San Cristobel Highlands and visit la Loberia

  • Day 12Snorkel Kicker Rock

  • Day 13Visit interpretation center, fly to Quito, depart

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Cusco, hike Sacsayhuaman Fortress

    Our trip starts in Cusco, the heart of the Inca empire. After lunch, we’ll set off for a walk around this amazing ancient city and up to Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking the main Plaza and Cusco Valley. The fortress is a magnificent archaeological site representing a set of jaguar’s teeth with massive, perfectly fitted stones weighing up to 130 tonnes each and was the place where the Incas made their final stand against the Spanish conquistadores. No one really knows what the Incas used Sacsayhuamán for – some say it was a sanctuary and temple of the sun, others say it was a granary, and yet another theory is that it was the place where the old Inca king would play football using the heads of his enemies! No matter who is right, you’ll have a lot of fun hearing all the stories this amazing area inspires. Later, we’ll take a walk through the colorful Cusco street markets. If you prefer, you can take some time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cusco’s lively town square and meet up again later for an evening meal.

    Ramada Wyndham Costa del Sol, Cusco (Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 2 kilometers (1.2 miles, 1-2 hours, elevation +/- 200 meters (656 feet)

  • Day 2

    Cycle Sacred Valley, visit Pisac market, hike Pisac ruins

    We’ll head into the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas this morning, stopping just above Cusco, where we’ll jump on our bikes and ride down through breathtaking scenery, dotted with local villages and surrounded by the massive green slopes of the Andes. We’ll finish our ride in the small town of Pisac, where we’ll have a chance to check out the colorful mercado artesanal. From here, we’ll begin a spectacular hike up to the Pisac ruins. It’s a heart-pumping walk up through ancient agricultural terraces – you’ll never forget the views of Pisac and the Urubamba Valley! After exploring the ancient complex, we’ll descend the original Inca stairways and head further into the Sacred Valley. Our home for the night is the small village of Yucay, in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.

    Sonesta Posada del Inka, Yucay (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Biking: 20 kilometers (12 miles), 2-4 hours (flexible)
    Hiking: 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), 2-4 hours, elevation +/- 450 meters (1,476 feet)

  • Day 3

    Explore Chinchero, hike to Huchuy Qosqo

    We’ll set off early this morning and head to the remote market village of Chinchero. Said to be the birthplace of the rainbow, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time 500 years while we explore the cobbled alleyways and beautiful town square – still the main trading center of the Incas from over half a century ago. From Chinchero, we’ll drive past the Piuray Lagoon and on to the Andean village of Tauca, where we’ll begin our hike to Huchuy Qosqo. The dramatic mountain views of the Urubamba range and deep valleys below are off the charts! As we make our way over the Pucajasa Mountain Pass, we’ll pass through high mountain meadows, lagoons and indigenous communities that have little contact with the outside world. Shortly before lunch, we’ll arrive at the spectacular ruins of Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco), thought to be the remnants of an Inca hideaway village. After lunch, we’ll hike down to Lamay village and drive a short distance to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll take an unforgettable train ride down to the sub-tropical village of Aguas Calientes. You’ll have a chance to wander around this colorful little town before dinner and relax after a full day of hiking!

    Hatun Inti Boutique, Aguas Calientes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 13.5 kilometers (8.4 miles), 5-7 hours, elevation + 579 meters (1,900 feet), elevation - 1,524 meters (5,000 feet)

  • Day 4

    Visit Machu Picchu

    After an early breakfast, we’ll head up to the ancient city of Machu Picchu, where we’ll meet our local guide who will show us around this fascinating ancient city. Afterwards, you’ll have all morning to explore the many passageways and stone structures of this mysterious place on your own. We’ll also have the chance to hike to the Sun Gate for a unique perspective on these remote Inca ruins, set high on top of a mountain surrounded by lush peaks. After plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu, we’ll take a scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo, known to the locals simply as ‘Ollanta’.

    El Arbergue Hotel, Ollantaytambo (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 1-3 hours, elevation +/- 200 meters (656 feet)

  • Day 5

    Ollantaytambo archaeology tour, hike to Las Salineras

    Ollanta is dominated by two large ruins and is the best surviving example of Inca city planning, with narrow cobblestone streets that have been inhabited since the 13th Century! The Ollantaytambo ruins offer a fascinating insight into Inca archaeology, so we’ll spend the morning with a local guide discovering the site, placing our travels into context. Later, we’ll take an incredible hike into the majestic Valle Sagrado de Los Incas. After a visit to the town of Maras, we’ll hike down to the salt pans of Las Salineras with the Rio Urubamba and the Sacred Valley below us. These unique salt terraces have been used since Inca times and provide a great opportunity to hone your camera skills. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt-laden water that the Incas diverted into shallow pools to produce salt, and this is still done today.

    Ramada Wyndham Costa del Sol, Cusco (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), 1-3 hours, elevation +/- 200 meters (656 feet)

  • Day 6

    Free morning in Cusco, afternoon flight to Lima

    Cusco is the archaeological capital of the Americas and it’s a fabulous place to wander around and get a taste of an ancient city arriving in the 21st century! Walk along Cusco’s central streets, lined with massive Inca-built stone walls that form the foundation of the city and blend into the colonial and modern architecture that has been added over the years. You can take some time this morning to explore Cusco’s most popular temples, museums, churches, and fortresses. There’s no shortage of great food and entertainment in Cusco, with restaurants to suit any taste, cafés for coffee in the Plaza de Armas and great bars with local music. This afternoon we’ll take the short flight to Lima and arrive in time to have dinner together as a group.

    Costa del Sol Airport Hotel, Lima (Breakfast, Dinner)

    Notes: The 6-day trip option ends today in Cuzco

  • Day 7

    Fly to Quito

    This morning you’ll part ways with your Peruvian guide, take a flight from Lima up to Ecuador’s capital where you’ll meet our local representative. After transferring to Hacienda San José de Puembo you will have time to relax and enjoy the many amenities the hotel has to offer including a spa, gardens, and more. Then in the evening, we’ll chat with our local representative about the Galapagos journey that lies ahead.

    Hacienda San José de Puembo, Quito (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Notes: The 7-day trip option starts today in Quito

  • Day 8

    Fly to the Galapagos Islands

    We’ll hop back on the plane for a short flight to Santa Cruz Island, in the heart of the Galapagos Archipelago. Once there we’ll take a short stroll to the highlands where we’ll have a chance to see giant tortoises in their natural environment, along with intriguing birdlife like the vermillion flycatcher. Later, we’ll take a look inside the lava tunnels scattered throughout the highlands. These tunnels were formed by molten lava flowing beneath the surface, which left behind large tube-like caves, some almost a mile long!

    Hotel Solymar or similar, Santa Cruz Island (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  • Day 9

    Visit Tortuga Bay, Charles Darwin Research Station

    This morning we’ll hike to Tortuga Bay, one of the most stunning beaches in the Galapagos. Tortuga Bay is accessible only by foot and is home to hundreds of prehistoric-looking marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Later, we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the breeding programs that are saving vulnerable species of tortoises and land iguanas. Also, there will be a chance to see different types of carapaces that help differentiate the tortoise species. This afternoon, we’ll head to Isabela Island - the largest Island in the Galapagos.

    Hotel Albemarle or similar, Isabela Island (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 6.5 kilometers (4 miles), 1-2 hours

  • Day 10

    Hike Sierra Negra Volcano and sea kayak Isabela Island

    Our hike today will take us toward the summit of Sierra Negra volcano, rising nearly a mile above the ocean. See the lowland vegetation change before your eyes as we ascend through a lunar-like landscape on our way to the top. This is one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, and one of the most active. As we hike, we might be lucky enough to see Galapagos hawks, short-eared owls, finches and fly-catchers that inhabit this region. We'll head back down to sea level in time for lunch and then for a kayaking trip in the calm waters of Isabela Bay. Here we’ll have the chance to see some of the island’s most amazing wildlife up close. Marine iguanas bask in the sun, blue-footed boobies sit in pairs on the rock tops and Sally Lightfoot crabs scurry out of our way along the water’s edge. In the clear waters below us, rays gracefully swim by and turtles pop up for a breath of air.

    Hotel Albemarle, Isabela Island (Breakfast, Lunch)

    Hiking: 8 kilometers (5 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 65 meters (213 feet)
    Kayaking: 1-2 hours

  • Day 11

    Walk and Snorkel Tintoreras, San Cristobal Island, Cycle San Cristobel Highlands and visit la Loberia

    This morning, we’ll hop out for a short walk at Tintoreras or Shark Alley, an isolated islet and popular iguana-nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Afterward, you can test the waters for a snorkel in a calm inlet that’s home to a variety of colorful fish and green sea turtles who like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. Later, we’ll take a short flight to San Cristobal Island, the oldest and eastern-most island of the Galapagos archipelago. On arrival in San Cristobal, we’ll head up into the highlands for a scenic downhill bike ride. Starting at a panoramic viewpoint called La Soledad, we’ll bike through the tiny town of El Progreso and five different vegetation zones until we reach a beach called La Loberia - a beach that is home to a large sea lion colony and nursery. You’re not likely to see this many sea lions in one place anywhere else in the world! They play, they nap and sometimes, they pose for pictures! If you’re keen on a swim, hop on in.

    Casa Blanca or Blue Marlin Hotel, San Cristobal (Breakfast, Lunch)

    Biking: 14.5 kilometers (9 miles), flat, 2-3 hours

  • Day 12

    Snorkel Kicker Rock

    Today we’ll cruise to Kicker Rock off the coast of San Cristobal, where we’ll either snorkel or don wet suits, snorkels and masks (and tanks for the divers – diving option extra fees apply) and explore around the remains of an underwater volcano with a rock face rising 150 meters (500 feet) above the surface of the water. Afterward, we can visit one of three beaches - Manglecito, Puerto Grande and Cerro Brujo and enjoy lunch here. This evening, we’ll dine on local produce and fresh fish.

    Casa Blanca or Blue Marlin Hotel, San Cristobal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Diving/Snorkeling: Snorkel or dive Isla Labos & Kicker Rock: 2 snorkels, 30-45 mins each OR 2 dives, 30-45 minutes each
    Notes: Optional Kicker Rock diving experience (additional cost applies): You can opt to swap the snorkel for a dive if you wish. This option must be selected at the time of booking.

  • Day 13

    Visit interpretation center, fly to Quito, depart

    This morning, you're free to visit San Cristobal Interpretation Centre to learn about the history and mystery of the archipelago, from its discovery and what makes it so special, to Charles Darwin’s visit and the present-day efforts to protect this amazing World Heritage Site. Afterward, we’ll take a short flight back to Quito on the mainland, and depart for home. We’ll make sure you return home relaxed and refreshed from all the great activities, fine food and friendly people you’ll have met while traveling with us in Peru and the Galapagos Islands.

    No Accommodation (Breakfast, Lunch)

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure Departure Dates

  • Upcoming
  • 3 months
  • 6 months
  • 1 year

This trip is also available in 6 and 7-day options. The 6-day option starts on Day 1 of the itinerary and ends on Day 6. The 7-day option starts on Day 7 of the itinerary and ends on Day 13. Contact us for more information and prices.

USD $9499/per adult
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Included

  • Our own highly experienced trip leader, with you from start to finish
  • Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Travel Wallet’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • Flights as outlined in the itinerary
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!

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Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T&Cs Apply. Read more here.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Cusco airport (CUZ) (if your flight arrives by 11am) or Ramada Wyndham Costa del Sol at 12pm. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Cusco, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a flight to Quito Airport (UIO) and transfer back to Hacienda San José de Puembo to pick up any other luggage. We can transport you back to Quito Airport in time for flights below.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Cusco a couple of days before your trip begins to get accustomed to the 3,300 metres (10,000 feet) elevation. If this isn’t possible that’s okay – your trip is designed to begin very gently and ease you into being active at altitude! If you're flying in on the first day of the trip, we recommend arriving in Cusco by 10.30am.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Quito after 8pm for domestic and 9pm for international. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

Tell me about the group leaders?

This trip is split into two very different sections, and we have three trip leaders who will run this with you.

For the first section your Peru trip leader will start in Cusco and be with you all the way through to the Lima Airport – where they’ll check you in for your international flights on to Ecuador and say goodbye once you hop on your plane.

Our Quito-based representative will meet you once you arrive into Quito and transfer you to our Quito hotel for the evening, where you’ll dine and have a trip briefing. He’ll then transfer you back to the Quito airport the following morning and see you on your way out to the Islands.

We work in partnership with a local operator in the Galapagos Islands - Galakiwi. Depending on the size of your Active Adventures South America group, the local operator may have other clients joining the group for the island section of your trip.

Once you arrive in the Galapagos you’ll be accompanied by your experienced Trip leader, who’s there to keep you informed about the Galapagos and make sure that everything runs smoothly; a qualified naturalist guide, who will provide additional local knowledge of the flora and fauna; and your local boat Captain and his crew!

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

As an Activity Level 3 trip, you’ll need a solid level of fitness. Typically, hikes on this trip range between three and six hours to complete. So get out there with a daypack on and train so you’ll be ready to join us! While you don’t have to be extremely fit, you should be in the habit of doing regular aerobic exercise, ideally involving some up hills and down hills and carrying a pack! With a little preparation before your trip begins, you’ll enjoy the active and outdoor nature of your trip all the more.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

What accommodations do we stay at on this trip?

The Galapagos Islands are located in a unique and remote part of the world, and to maintain an eco-friendly relationship with the environment, large modern hotels aren’t built. We prefer to stay in locally owned accommodation, which can be fairly rustic, to give you a better opportunity to meet the locals and gain a real understanding of life in the islands. We’re also lucky to be able to stay on land every night of the trip where as some operators aren’t permitted to do this.

We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry once during your trip and the best time will be during our two night stay in Cusco (during the free day).

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You’ll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days. 

You’ll be given a 70 litres (4,000 cubic inches) duffle bag with sizing’s of around 80 x 30 x 30 centimetres (31 x 12 x 12 inches) on the first night of the trip. This is if you want to pack light for your time on the Galapagos Islands to make the transfers via boat easier. Any excess luggage and gear will then be stored securely for you at your Quito hotel until you return there on the last night of the trip. 

Please note: due to the remote nature of the Galapagos Islands, many products are either unavailable or considerably more expensive than home. If there are some things you simply can’t do without you might like to bring some from home (e.g. high-grade blister products and contact lens solution won’t be available). 

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 90 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement. 

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

How do we travel between the Galapagos Islands?

You’ll spend time journeying from island to island on board our boat, a 30 foot twin-decked launch with indoor and outdoor seating. We spend up to a few hours at a time on the boat, broken up by visits to smaller islands on a route chosen to make the most of each day’s ocean and weather conditions.
You’ll be able to enjoy the views and make unscheduled snorkeling stops to make the most of what’s out and about that day.

How flexible can this trip be?

The environmental impact of tourism in the Galapagos is under constant scrutiny from international bodies including UNESCO. This important issue sometimes results in park authorities bring in sudden bans on visiting certain areas or undertaking certain activities, leading to changes to our itinerary and as a responsible operator we must abide by the rules. We’ll always try and give you as much notice as possible of any changes – we simply ask for your understanding.

What park entrance fees are not included in the trip price?

The Ecuadorian government charges every person who enters the Galapagos Islands a US$100 park entrance fee. You’ll be asked to pay this when you arrive to the airport in Galapagos. INGALA, the coordinating body of Galapagos, also charges a US$20 Transit Control Fee, which is paid through the airline as you check in at Quito airport.

Tell me about the optional activities on this trip?

While we do lots of snorkeling during this trip, during our day at Kicker Rock you have the choice of the following two options:

Snorkeling the Galapagos
As much snorkeling as you like! You’ll be provided with 3mm short arm and leg wetsuits, mask, snorkel and fins.

Scuba Diving the Galapagos (extra fee applies)
Two dives including full dive briefings, a diver safety boat, 5mm full-length wetsuit, tank, BCD, regs, mask, snorkel and fins. Bring your diver certification card with you in order to dive!

Regardless of whether you snorkel or scuba dive, if you have your own mask, snorkel and fins we recommend bringing them with you - we do lots of snorkeling during this trip and it’s always nicer to use your own!

We provide 3mm wetsuits with short arms and legs for snorkelers and 5mm wetsuits with long arms and legs for scuba divers. Our wetsuit sizes are small to extra large – you’re welcome to bring your own if you would prefer. 

The surface temperature of the sea ranges from 18- 30ºC (65-85ºF) with February to April being the warmest months, and September to November being the coolest. The average is usually around 20ºC and you’ll be diving to a depth of 20 metres (65 feet) You’ll be provided with a wetsuit appropriate for your chosen activity and the conditions.

Please note that if you are 60 years or over and wish to participate in the Scuba diving option, you will need to provide a medical certificate in advance, and an additional fee will apply for an extra Dive Master to accompany you.

How experienced do I need to be to dive?

We only recommend the diving if you’ve done at least 10-15 dives and are a mid-level to advanced scuba diver. The diving in the Galapagos can be quite challenging, depending on the currents, so it’s only recommended if you’re a confident diver – if in doubt, please chat to us before making your selection.
If you’ve not previously experienced diving in open water, or it’s been two years or more since your last dive, then we highly recommend taking a refresher course prior to arriving too, to be better prepared.

Underwater visibility in the Galapagos is usually very good. You can often see from 15-25 metres (50-80 feet) ahead of you, sometimes up to 30 metres (100 feet) in most of the places. In some areas and in some seasons green waters are present, due to the richness of phytoplankton – this is normal.

You’ll probably dive in the Galápagos in medium to strong currents of between 1-4 knots/1-4 miles/2-6 kilometres per hour. In the Garúa season (from July to December) the Humboldt current coming from the southeast is present. In the warm season (from January to June) the Panamá current from the northeast arrives in the Galápagos.

The wildlife here is in such abundance and variety! Things that you might see where we go are: Tropical fish, Galapagos Shark, Batfish, Hammerhead Shark, Tagle and Goleen Rays, Moray Eels, Green Sea Turtles, Stingrays, Barracuda, Triggerfish, Boxfish, Frogfish and plenty more!

Is tipping expected in the Galapagos & Ecuador?

Most people do choose to tip their Active Adventures trip leaders/guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per trip leader/guide. During your Active Adventures trip, your trip leader/guide will take care of all included restaurants and service tips for you. For other restaurants or services during your time in the Galapagos, 5-10% is a typical gratuity amount.

What is not included?

Flights to and from trip start/end points
Pre/Post accommodation
Optional extra activities
Travel insurance
Gratuities for your guides
Rental gear

Is tipping expected in Peru?

Most people do choose to tip their Active Adventures guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per trip leader. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks in the larger towns of Peru. During your Active Adventures trip, your trip leader will take care of all included restaurants and service tips for you. For other restaurants or services during your time in Peru, 5-10% is a typical gratuity amount.

On the Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure you’ll be accompanied by a trekking crew and porters on the Lares trail, and we recommend S/100 (US$30) to be shared amongst them.

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Your Peru Local Guides

Why Travel With Us

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Experience adventure the way you want

You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.

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Crafting award-winning trips for decades - the New Zealand way

We're proud of our New Zealand roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!

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Every detail covered, to maximise your time

We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.

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Group travel for those who aren’t ‘group travelers’

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.

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Explore hidden gems through our expert local guides

All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.

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Over 10,000 5-star reviews - that’s pretty solid

We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.

Trip Inquiry

Central & South America

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

USD $9499/per adult
$500 USD deposit per person required to secure your place on the trip

What To Expect

  • Place your booking
  • Receive your confirmation email & details to set up your Travel Wallet
  • Our dedicated team will keep you up to date all the way to the departure date

Dates

2024
2025

March 2024

Sunday 31 March 2024
To Friday 12 April 2024
Full

Sunday 28 April 2024
To Friday 10 May 2024
Filling Up
10% OFF

Sunday 26 May 2024
To Friday 7 June 2024
Filling Up
20% OFF

Sunday 23 June 2024
To Friday 5 July 2024
Full

Sunday 7 July 2024
To Friday 19 July 2024
Open

Sunday 4 August 2024
To Friday 16 August 2024
Filling Up

Sunday 1 September 2024
To Friday 13 September 2024
Open
Sunday 29 September 2024
To Friday 11 October 2024
Open

Sunday 27 October 2024
To Friday 8 November 2024
Open

Sunday 24 November 2024
To Friday 6 December 2024
Open

Sunday 8 December 2024
To Friday 20 December 2024
Open
Sunday 15 December 2024
To Friday 27 December 2024
Open

Sunday 5 January 2025
To Friday 17 January 2025
Open

Sunday 2 February 2025
To Friday 14 February 2025
Open

Sunday 2 March 2025
To Friday 14 March 2025
Open
Sunday 30 March 2025
To Friday 11 April 2025
Open

Sunday 27 April 2025
To Friday 9 May 2025
Open

Sunday 25 May 2025
To Friday 6 June 2025
Open

Sunday 22 June 2025
To Friday 4 July 2025
Open

Sunday 6 July 2025
To Friday 18 July 2025
Open

Sunday 3 August 2025
To Friday 15 August 2025
Open
Sunday 31 August 2025
To Friday 12 September 2025
Open

Sunday 28 September 2025
To Friday 10 October 2025
Open

Sunday 26 October 2025
To Friday 7 November 2025
Open

Sunday 23 November 2025
To Friday 5 December 2025
Open

Sunday 7 December 2025
To Friday 19 December 2025
Open
Sunday 14 December 2025
To Friday 26 December 2025
Open