Explore the best of the Galápagos Islands on this seven-day island-hopping adventure. Snorkel Kicker Rock, cycle San Cristobal, hike volcanic landscapes, see incredible wildlife, kayak pristine waters, and get to know local life as you relax on land each night.
Start - End: Quito - Quito
Total trip: 7 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 2
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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.
Santa Cruz
You’ll stretch your legs on winding island trails, with birds calling from the trees and ocean views peeking through the greenery. It's a perfect welcome to the Galápagos.
Sierra Negra Volcano
This one’s a real adventure! Hiking across lava fields to the edge of one of the biggest volcanic craters on Earth, with views you won’t believe until you’re standing there.
to Loberia Beach
Hop on a bike and cruise to the coast. The ride’s fun, the breeze is warm, and chances are you’ll be greeted by sleepy sea lions when you reach the sand.
Tortuga Bay
Paddle through calm, clear waters where rays glide underneath and marine iguanas lounge nearby. It’s peaceful, playful, and pure Galápagos magic.
Lava Tunnels
Head underground into cooled lava flows that twist and turn like nature’s own subway system where' it's weird, wild, and a little bit like stepping into another planet.
Kicker Rock Snorkeling
You’ll snorkel through some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen, with sea turtles, reef sharks, and schools of fish swimming right alongside you.
Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
Get up close with the slow-moving legends of the Galápagos, from tiny hatchlings to massive old-timers. Your guides will share their extensive knowledge and you'll learn how they’re being protected for the future.
Every day on your adventure promises incredible views, culture, fun-filled moments, and discovery.
Your trip begins in Ecuador’s capital city, Quito. If you’re flying in early today, you’ll have a chance to journey to the city from the airport (or your hotel) to explore the beautiful town squares, quaint cafés and colonial architecture. Quito is a mesmerising city to visit, with its cobbled streets and towering cathedrals, nestled in a valley flanked by majestic mountains. On a clear day, several snow-capped volcanoes are visible from the capital. As well as being in a beautiful location, this colonial city is rich in history and much of the old town is well preserved, the buildings are unchanged and to walk down the narrow streets is to step into bygone eras.
You'll meet your guides in the evening to chat about the Galapagos journey that lies ahead, and to enjoy dinner together.
Accommodation: Hacienda Jimenita, Quito
Meals: Dinner
We’ll hop on a flight to Santa Cruz Island, in the heart of the Galapagos Archipelago. Once there, we head to the highlands to visit a private giant tortoise reserve. Here, you'll witness these enormous creatures in their natural habitat, whether cooling off in a watering hole or feasting on the lush greenery.
You'll also have the opportunity to explore nearby lava tunnels, gaining a deeper understading of the geoplogical forces that shaped these unique islands.
Accommodation: Hotel Solymar, Santa Cruz Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. Paddle through its calm, turquoise waters by kayak, spotting marine life along the way.
This afternoon, we’ll head to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galapagos.
Accommodation: Hotel Albemarle or Casa de Maritas, Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 4 miles (6.5 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Kayaking: 1-2 hours
Take a boat trip to Los Túneles, one of the archipelago’s most iconic snorkeling sites, known for lava arches, sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks, and take some time to explore this underwater world. In the afternoon, enjoy a walk through the wetlands to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, spotting flamingos and marine iguanas along the way.
Accommodation: Hotel Albemarle or Casa de Maritas, Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: 1-2 miles (1.6-3.2 kilometers)
Our hike today will take us towards the summit of Sierra Negra Volcano, rising nearly a mile above the ocean. 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 flycatchers that inhabit this region.
After lunch, fly to San Cristobal and enjoy a relaxed bike ride to La Lobería, where you can swim or snorkel with playful sea lions.
Accommodation: Hotel Seaside or Casa Blanca, San Cristobal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 213 feet (65 meters) ascent, 213 feet (65 meters) descent
Biking: 3 miles (5 kilometers),1 hour, flat
Today we’ll cruise to Kicker Rock off the coast of San Cristobal, where we’ll 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 500 feet (150 meters) above the surface of the water. Your trip leader will give you a full briefing and then we’ll take to the water to explore the walls of the volcano. There will be chances to see beautiful tropical fish, turtles and sharks as they skirt the edges of Kicker Rock!
Afterward, visit the 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.
Accommodation: Hotel Seaside or Casa Blanca, San Cristobal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Snorkel Kicker Rock: 30-45 minutes
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. 2 dives, 30-45 minutes each
Enjoy a peaceful final morning with time to relax, explore the town, or take a last walk along the beach before our flight back to Quito on the mainland, and departure 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 the Galapagos Islands.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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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.
*Terms and conditions apply - read more here.
Find answers to questions you may have about your epic adventure in Peru and the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador.
For more Destination Specific FAQs such as tipping guidelines, weather, and other general in-country expectations, please click this LINK (please note this information is found at the bottom of the page).
On the first day of the trip we’ll meet you at Hacienda Jimenita in Quito at 6pm for dinner with your fellow adventurers. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Quito, though you must make your own way to Hacienda Jimenita at the pre-designated time.
Your trip ends with a flight back to Quito Airport (UIO), in time for flights below. If you have left any luggage at Hacienda Jimenita, we can arrange for this to be transported to Quito Airport to meet us on arrival. If you're staying on in Quito, you'll need to arrange your own transport.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Quito by 12pm. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.
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.
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 not have to do laundry during your trip.
Our passion for exploration is rooted in a strong connection to the natural beauty of our home, New Zealand, and the drive to venture beyond its shores to discover a world different to our own.
We believe the best journeys don’t just take you places, they inspire you and ignite your spirit. Our unique and thoughtfully designed itineraries ensure you'll experience the very best of each destination.
Feel the heart and soul of each place you visit with our local people on the ground and knowledgeable guides, who take great care to ensure a truly authentic and immersive experience. This is the real deal.
We take the time to get to know you to ensure you have the very best experience on our trips. Our small group adventures are big on flexibility. No matter what your version of "active" is, we have options on each trip to suit every individual.
Traveling solo, as a pair, or as part of a group? No worries, you'll be comfortable on our trips. Every trip is personalized with care by our team so everyone feels supported and free to enjoy their unforgettable adventure.
Imagine a vacation that's fully guided, and everything is taken care of and included in the trip price — all accommodations, activities, transport on-trip, most meals, and more! Effortless and value-packed.
