This South American adventure-of-a-lifetime combines hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, and rich cultural experiences. Explore Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu, then meet the dynamic wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos Islands—up close and unforgettable.
Start - End: Cusco - Quito
Total trip: 13 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.
to Loberia Beach
Pedal toward the coast with the sun on your back and a salty breeze in your hair. At Loberia Beach, sleepy sea lions bask in the sand, waiting to greet you.
Sacsayhuamán fortress
Wander along ancient stone paths to the mighty Sacsayhuamán fortress, where massive Inca stonework meets sweeping views over Cusco. It's a hike rich in history, mystery, and jaw-dropping panoramas.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas
Trek through the heart of the Sacred Valley, where golden fields, soaring Andean peaks, and timeless villages bring the legacy of the Incas vividly to life.
To Huchuy Qosqo
Hike a scenic, seldom-traveled trail to the hidden ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, perched high above the Sacred Valley. You'll find that the dramatic landscapes and ancient history collide in spectacular fashion.
Sierra Negra Volcano & Santa Cruz
Hike the dramatic rim of Sierra Negra Volcano, with sweeping views over vast lava fields, then explore the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, where giant tortoises roam and ancient lava tunnels reveal the island’s volcanic soul.
Tortuga Bay
Paddle around Tortuga Bay, where turquoise waters reveal curious sea lions, marine iguanas bask on black lava rocks, and every stroke brings you closer to the magic of the Galapagos.
Visit Machu Picchu
Stand in awe at the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, where mist-shrouded peaks, ancient stone terraces, and a sense of wonder make this a moment you’ll never forget.
Explore Cusco, Lima and Quito
Dive into vibrant city life as you explore the rich history, colorful markets, and delicious flavors of Cusco, Lima, and Quito. Each city is bursting with culture and stories waiting for you to discover.
Lava Tunnels
Step inside a fascinating lava tunnel — an underground world carved by ancient volcanic forces, where every twist and turn reveals nature’s raw, volcanic artistry.
Ollantaytambo archaeology tour
Explore the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, where ancient terraces, stone temples, and winding cobblestone streets tell stories of ingenuity and timeless culture.
Giant tortoises and iguanas
Get up close with the legendary giant tortoises and quirky iguanas of the Galapagos. They're ancient marvels of nature that have roamed these islands for centuries.
Kicker Rock Swim & Snorkel OR Dive
Dive or snorkel alongside towering Kicker Rock’s dramatic cliffs, where colorful marine life and graceful sea turtles create an underwater playground like you've never experienced before.
Every day on your adventure promises incredible views, culture, fun-filled moments, and discovery.
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. 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’.
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 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).
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 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. Please come prepared with light clothing, an extra layer, trail shoes/or boots, and your daypack ready for your first hike
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 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.
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.
