Machu Picchu and Galapagos
Overview
Highlights
- A two-week trip that combines two icons of wildlife and culture in Latin America
- Discover the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos on a hotel-based exploration of several islands
- Take the train to Machu Picchu and immerse yourself in the history of the ancient Inca civilisation
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Arrive in Cusco, the old heart of the Inca Empire and the archaeological capital of the Americas. The Spanish-style city of today, with its attractive pink tiled roofs, arcaded plazas and steep winding alleyways, stands upon tremendous Inca foundation stones. Its link...
This morning we take an immersive walking tour through the captivating city of Cusco, kicking things off in the colossal archeological site of Sacsayhuaman, a stone fortress still at the core of Cusco's traditions. Winding our way along an old Incan trail, we head dow...
Today we drive into the Sacred Valley, the ancient heartland of the Incas. We'll visit the complex of Inca ruins at Moray - huge semi-circular agricultural terraces that were used as a botanical laboratory by the Incas, an ancient experiment that shows how in tune the...
Early this morning we take a public bus up to the mountain complex of Machu Picchu, the fabled 'lost city' of the Incas and probably the most spectacular feat of engineering in ancient America. The existence of this exquisite masterpiece of ancient civilisation remain...
We've left this day free for you to enjoy some time in Cusco. It's a fantastic place to take in the atmosphere, and there are plenty of museums to discover, or markets to wander. A hot chocolate at one of the coffee shops surrounding the Plaza de Armas is also a lovel...
Today we transfer to Cusco Airport and fly via Lima to Quito. Quito is Ecuador's mountain capital and the second highest capital city in Latin America (2850m). One of South America's most beautiful cities, Quito lies in a narrow valley at the foot of the Pichincha Vol...
Ecuador's capital is one of the best preserved colonial cities of the Americas, and a UNESCO Heritage Site with a rich blend of colonial architecture, imposing churches and busy markets. A drive to the top of nearby Cerro Panecillo affords us one of the best views acr...
The Galapagos are an isolated chain of volcanic islands supporting a distinct and unique flora and fauna, including prehistoric creatures found nowhere else on earth. Of the extraordinary animals to be found in the Galapagos many are reptiles, such as the giant tortoi...
This morning we leave Santa Cruz and journey west by speed boat for approximately 2.5 hours. Our destination is nearby Isabela Island, where we will spend the next two days. The largest of the Galapagos Islands, Isabela is formed from five volcanoes, of which two ...
The beauty of staying on land during a trip to the Galapagos is having the opportunity to explore its volcanic side. The geological formation of the Galapagos lends itself to hiking, and the scenery is just as impressive as the wildlife. Today we start by taking a wal...
Formed from volcanic lava flow, the tiny islets of the Tintoreras Islets are fantastic for viewing wildlife, and accessible by a short boat trip from Puerto Villamil. On land, there is an array of birdlife and an abundance of the famous marine iguanas that are endemic...
This morning we take a walk to Tortuga Bay (5km return walk) where we have the opportunity to swim at one of the most spectacular beaches of the entire chain, an important turtle nesting ground. After lunch we will visit the nearby Charles Darwin Research Station ...
We will be discovering one of the smaller islands of the Galapagos today, and our plan is at the mercy of the yacht schedule departing from Santa Cruz. The island visited could be either Seymour, Bartolome, Santa Fe or Plazas Island - but no matter which island we wil...
Leaving the Galapagos behind we fly to Quito on the mainland (there may be a touchdown in Guayaquil en route). On arrival we will once again transfer to our hotel in the Tumbaco suburb of the city and enjoy a last evening together as a group.
Meals Provided : Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tumbaco, Quito. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Quitoat any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would li...
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Trusted Customer
Apr 2024
Machu Picchu & Galapagos
We had two tour leaders. Fabian in Ecuador was excellent. Informative, engaging and willing to expand on the itinerary to include information about the country, peop...
Vanessa
Dec 2023
Machu Picchu & Galapagos
Whole holiday was excellent. The itinerary was full on, but not too much and we got to see everything and more than I expected. The tour leaders were both lovely a...
Per Ola Jonas
Dec 2023
Machu Picchu & Galapagos
Seeing Machu Picchu and snorkelling in Galapagos
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May 2024
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Tour Operator
About Explore
We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.
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Transportation & flights
- Breakfast : 14
- Lunch : 1
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