Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

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.
Accommodation: Wyndham Costa del Sol, Cusco
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 1.2 miles (2 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent

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.
Accommodation: Sonesta Posada del Inka, Yucay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 12 miles (20 kilometers), 2-4 hours (flexible)

Hiking: 4.3 miles (7 kilometers), 2-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,476 feet (450 meters) ascent, 1,476 feet (450 meters) descent

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!
Accommodation: Hatun Inti Boutique, Aguas Calientes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 8.4 miles (13.5 kilometers), 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,900 feet (579 meters) ascent, 5,000 feet (1,524 meters)descent

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. You’ll soak up incredible views of the Andes Mountains and marvel at the intricate Inca architecture up close.

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’.
Accommodation: El Arbergue Hotel or similiar, Ollantaytambo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 1-3 hours,
Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent

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.
Accommodation: Wyndham Costa del Sol, Cusco
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), 1-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent

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 evening we will make our way to Lima.
Accommodation: Hotel Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport, Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The 6-day Classic Machu Picchu Adventure trip ends today in Cusco.

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 Jimenita 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.
Accommodation: Hacienda Jimenita, Quito
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The 7-day Classic Galapagos Islands Adventure trip starts today in Quito

We’ll hop back on the plane 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 lush greenery.

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore nearby lava tunnels, gaining a deeper understanding of the geological forces that shaped these unique islands.
Accommodation: Hotel Ikala or similar, 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