Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

  • 13 Days
  • 14 People Max

    5 - 14 guests

  • Activity Level 3
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Cuzco
  • 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 Cuzco, 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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Cuzco, 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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Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Cuzco Trip End: Quito
  • Day 1Arrive in Cuzco, 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 Cuzco, afternoon flight to Lima

  • Day 7Fly to Quito and explore the Old Town

  • 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 Cuzco, hike Sacsayhuaman Fortress

    Our trip starts in Cuzco, 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 Cuzco 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 Cuzco street markets. If you prefer, you can take some time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cuzco’s lively town square and meet up again later for an evening meal.

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

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

  • Day 6

    Free morning in Cuzco, afternoon flight to Lima

    Cuzco 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 Cuzco’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 Cuzco’s most popular temples, museums, churches, and fortresses. There’s no shortage of great food and entertainment in Cuzco, 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 and explore the Old Town

    This morning we’ll take a flight from Lima up to Ecuador’s capital. Quito is a mesmerizing 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. After lunch, we’ll go and explore the Old Town, and then in the evening, we’ll chat with our guides about the Galapagos journey that lies ahead.

    Hotel EB, 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 $8999/per adult
25 Jun 2023
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Included

  • All guiding services with experienced guides
  • 7:1 guest to guide ratio
  • Our 'Red Carpet' pre-trip customer care service available to answer questions
  • Travel Wallet: a resource for everything you need to know about your trip in one secure space!
  • All accommodation for duration of your trip
  • Most meals (except where indicated, so you can experience local cuisine independently!)
  • Trekking and 'in-between-meal' snacks
  • All drinking water and puritabs (when drinking water not readily available)
  • Specially curated tour 'Wow' moments throughout your trip
  • All activities described in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment where indicated in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation from trip start to end (including buses, boats, trains and included domestic flights)
  • All hiking permits
  • All Park entry fees (except for additional fee of US $120 per guest for ALL Galapagos trips)

Not Included

  • International/Domestic Flights before and after your trip
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Optional additional activities
  • Travel insurance (Mandatory for this destination)
  • Rental equipment available as per your itinerary
  • Gratuities for your guides at the end of your fabulous trip

Interactive Trip Map: Click on the map icons to read details for each day

What Our Guests Say About the Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

view all

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - August 2022

Incredible trip of a lifetime!

"A trip where you fly-take trains- ride bikes- take boats- kayak- snorkel with Hammerhead sharks-… read more

"A trip where you fly-take trains- ride bikes- take boats- kayak- snorkel with Hammerhead sharks- hike- travel to places you never imagined you would see. To go to Manchu Picchu with Wilson,our guide was an amazing experience. He helped us touch the culture and appreciate all that it meant then and now. Pepo in the Galapagos did the same with the sea lions. Iguanas, fish and sharks..This was one of the best put together trips I have ever taken and we will travel with Active again!! read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Anna, United States

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - May 2022

Amazing Iguana Trip

"This is our second Active Adventures trip and it did not disappoint! Peru is a… read more

"This is our second Active Adventures trip and it did not disappoint! Peru is a beautiful country and I loved everything about it. Our guide, Wilson, was very knowledgeable and did a wonderful job providing a good cultural experience. The hikes were perfect and provided a great way to see the countryside. The food throughout Peru was simply amazing. Exploring Machu Picchu was also a highlight. Our time in the Galapagos was unforgettable. Pepo, our guide, was fantastic. He’s from San Cristobal and was able to share his love for the islands which made for a rich experience. We snorkeled, hiked, kayaked & biked so it was my perfect kind of vacation! Thanks to Wilson & Pepo for giving us such a wonderful experience in Peru & the Galapagos! read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Beth, United States

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - August 2021

INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE

"This trip was wonderful, amazing, spectacular, inspirational. Active adventures made everything so easy for me.… read more

"This trip was wonderful, amazing, spectacular, inspirational. Active adventures made everything so easy for me. All I had to do was fully enjoy every aspect of this exceptional trip. The wildlife was incredible. The guides were so knowledgeable and personable. I had so much fun, and I am very grateful to have had this experience. The Galapagos is an incredible place. read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Dana, United States

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - February 2020

Active Adventures - you did it again

"The Iguana trip with Active was my fourth one with the company. I keep coming… read more

"The Iguana trip with Active was my fourth one with the company. I keep coming back as this trip like the others gave me a wonderful experience I will remember for many years. Peru and the Galapagos Islands were wonderful and unique in their own way. Wilson our guide in Peru was amazing and made our trip enjoyable. The local team in Galapagos Island was so resourceful, solving any issue - without us even noticing. I highly recommend anyone to take the Iguana trip - you will not regret it read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Yoram, Israel

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - January 2020

Magical!

"Everything about this trip made it a magical adventure … the people - those in… read more

"Everything about this trip made it a magical adventure … the people - those in our group and those we met along the way, the scenery, the food, the activities, and, of course, our guides! The combination of a week in each location was perfect. I have memories I will cherish forever! read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Janet, United States

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - January 2020

Iguana 2020

"Our trip to Peru and Galapagos was absolutely spectacular. Active Adventures didn't miss a… read more

"Our trip to Peru and Galapagos was absolutely spectacular. Active Adventures didn't miss a detail and their primary objective was to make us happy and safe in everything we did. Our family of four - my husband and me, and our two college-age kids, loved all the activity which included hiking, biking, kayaking, scuba, and snorkeling. We started every day early in the morning and didn't end until well after 8:00 pm. The trip also included planes, trains and automobiles that was much like the movie of that name, but no reason to dwell on that. I felt like we got to be with the local culture and were immersed in our South American environment. Our group was also fantastic and will hopefully travel again with our new friends. read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Amy, United States

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - November 2019

Our Second Great Adventure

"We travelled with Active Adventures on the Rimu New Zealand trip. When considering a… read more

"We travelled with Active Adventures on the Rimu New Zealand trip. When considering a company to book with we looked at Active Adventures. The Iguana trip seemed to go to all the places we wanted to see in Peru and Ecuador, we were right it was the right company. read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Lesley, Canada

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - November 2019

Iguana 2019

"Great trip. Loved the pace of the trip. Enjoyed doing all the activities biking, hiking… read more

"Great trip. Loved the pace of the trip. Enjoyed doing all the activities biking, hiking and snorkeling. read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Georgia, United States

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - September 2019

Iguana Trip September 2019

"We are so happy we found Active Adventures and booked the Iguana trip. Our… read more

"We are so happy we found Active Adventures and booked the Iguana trip. Our guides were truly outstanding — they were personable, knowledgeable, and there was not a single detail that was overlooked. All of the arrangements were completed without a single hitch — hotels, rides, trains, planes, meals, tours, etc. were planned and executed perfectly. We truly had a trip of a lifetime, and will be looking at trip options with Active Adventures for our next destination - New Zealand! read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Patti, United States

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - May 2019

The best!

"Awesome trip! It is obvious Sergio loves his country of Peru and passionate about its… read more

"Awesome trip! It is obvious Sergio loves his country of Peru and passionate about its history. Every detail of the trip organization was done extremely well. read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Susan, United States

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - May 2019

Peru and Galapagos

"Just had the most wonderful trip to South America. Peru was wonderful and our guide,… read more

"Just had the most wonderful trip to South America. Peru was wonderful and our guide, Sergio was Brilliant!! He organized everything so well, took us to the most interesting and delicious restaurants, has so much knowledge of his country, history...everything!
Galapagos was amazing and our guide Zambo was great. At the end he made a compilation video for us to keep of our trip. read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Tina, United States

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - May 2019

Peru and Ecuador

"We travel....a lot, and this was an epic adventure! What we saw was amazing but… read more

"We travel....a lot, and this was an epic adventure! What we saw was amazing but even more impressive was the logistics behind our travel. Our trip was flawless. All the transportation and local guides were on time and extremely nice. Our main guides, Sergio and Tambo were very special people. Wonderfully knowledgeable and went out of their way to make our trip special. I will highly recommend Active Adventure to everyone. read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Steve, United States

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - May 2019

Trip of a Lifetime

"This trip was truly a trip of a lifetime for me. Not only did… read more

"This trip was truly a trip of a lifetime for me. Not only did I see sights about which I had dreamed my whole life, I got to experience everything close up and personal. The Peru segment was fantastic - only vacation I have been on where I came back in better shape than I left - the hikes were glorious and wonderfully challenging. Seeing Machu Picchu was more than I ever expected. The Galapagos are a water and marine life lovers dream. Best snorkeling we have ever done, and the different islands were all so unique. I don't have enough good things to say about this tour. Well organized, educational and most of all, fun! We don't usually take tours, but this one made us feel like we hit the jackpot. Excellent! read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Moya, United States

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - April 2019

February 2019 Iguana Trip

"The Iguana trip was wonderful, it truly was a trip of a lifetime. The… read more

"The Iguana trip was wonderful, it truly was a trip of a lifetime. The guides Erick and Zambo were fantastic! I would highly recommend the Iguana trip and Active Adventures. read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Gavan, United States

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - January 2019

Packed In All The Highlights Of Peru And Galapagos

"This trip was exactly what we hoped for - packed with gorgeous views, amazing history,… read more

"This trip was exactly what we hoped for - packed with gorgeous views, amazing history, beautiful handcrafts and lots of time being out in the beautiful landscapes. Our time in the Galapagos was equally magnificent - we swam with turtles and sharks, saw many unique birds and enjoyed the unique culture on 3 separate islands. The guide were incredibly knowledgeable and skilled at managing the group. We were thrilled with this second trip with Active after a wonderful time in New Zealand last year. read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Audrey, United States

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - January 2019

December 2018

"We had a fun, exciting, wonderful trip of a lifetime! We did not want… read more

"We had a fun, exciting, wonderful trip of a lifetime! We did not want to be driven around on a bus with old people, and this sure was nothing like that! It also was manageable for those of us who wanted to be outdoors and active, but are not military buff. Erick was very accommodating about adjusting the trip activities to fit our abilities, and he was fast thinking, capable and resourceful about getting help when I got in trouble with altitude sickness and its effects. He and Pablo were both enthusiastic, fun and engaging guides. They both took us to a wonderful variety of great restaurants with fabulous food throughout the trip. read less

5 Stars (60 reviews)

Amy, United States

Austin PIF 2

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. 

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

T+Cs Apply.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Cuzco 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 Cuzco, 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 Hotel EB 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 Cuzco 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 Cuzco 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 – Mauro – will meet you once you arrive into Quito and transfer you to our Quito hotel for the evening. 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 ‘Tortuga’ trip.

While 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 Iguana trip and the best time will be during our two night stay in Cuzco (during the free day).

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You’ll need one piece of luggage plus a sturdy daypack (25-30 litres/2000 cubic inches) for your days out hiking. Your main piece of luggage can be anything from a backpack, to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase.

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) once you arrive into Quito. 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 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 snorkelling stops to make the most of what’s out and about that day.

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.

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.

Tell me about the Optional Activities on this trip?

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

Snorkelling the Galapagos
As much snorkelling 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 snorkelling during this trip and it’s always nicer to use your own!

We provide 3mm wetsuits with short arms and legs for snorkellers 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.

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!

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.

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.

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 and S/100 (US$30) to be shared amongst your trekking crew on the Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure (Classic Inca, Lares Inca guide and porters). 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.

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