Galapagos & Peru Adventure
Price- $7,585
24 Days | Take an adventure tour through Ecuador, Galapagos, Peru and Bolivia
Visit South America and travel to the Galapagos Islands, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. Discover unique creatures, as well as the island's outstanding natural beauty, by foot, boat and bike. Back on the mainland, enjoy the delights of Peru – from the tough but rewarding Inca Trail to the joy of interacting with friendly locals and experiencing cities full of colour, energy and passion.
Trip overview
StartQuito, Ecuador
EndLa Paz, Bolivia
DestinationsPeru, Ecuador, Bolivia
StyleOriginal
AgesMin 15
Group SizeMin 1 - Max 16
ThemeExplorer
Trip CodeGGSYC
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Quito, Ecuador. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America, sitting at an altitude of 2850 m with a view of Volcan Pichincha on the horizon.
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This morning, you'll take an early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island. After joining up with your fellow travellers and your local naturalist guide, you’ll head to La Loberia and put on your snorkelling gear for the first time. Go for a swim among the sea lions and maybe even spot sea turtles, too! After, you’ll return to town, where you have a free evening to head out with the group and get to know each other better. Maybe find some fresh seafood to enjoy or wander the shores at your own pace.
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Take a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) today. On the way, you might be able to spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You might even get the chance to swim among the sea lions again. At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays and maybe the harmless Galapagos shark. Eat lunch on the boat, then head to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the 'Enchanted Islands' history and the conservation projects that seek to preserve them. Continue to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) – it's quite a climb to the top but well worth the amazing views of the bay. Later, return to town in the afternoon for a free evening.
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Take an early morning boat ride towards Isla Floreana this morning. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including dolphins and whales. Snorkel in the clear blue waters and then break for lunch. After, venture to a black-sand beach that belongs to the Witmers – descendants of some of the first settlers on the Galapagos. The town here – Puerto Velasco Ibarra – has about 150 residents and an intriguing history involving deaths, disappearances and murders. Later in the afternoon, wave goodbye to Floreana and continue to Isla Isabela, where you’ll spend the night.
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This morning, you’ll hop on a small Zodiac boat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley), looking out for blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. Take a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site, then snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is also frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. Return to Isla Isabela and visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. After learning about the thousand turtles that are preparing for life here, you’ll head to a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, take a kayak around the island before finding your sandy resting spot and soaking in your first Isabela sunset – arguably the most beautiful of all the islands!
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Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading towards the Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater! Weather permitting, you’ll take a challenging hike of around 17 km up the rocky mountain. After, make your way back to town for some free time to curl up with a book, soak your tired muscles or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.
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Jump aboard a private speedboat this morning and head to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive, leave your bags at the hotel and head to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Your first stop is a local farm, where giant tortoises roam the grounds. Here, you’ll have a cooking class with an expert chef who will teach you how to make the famed encebollado – a local soup considered one of the best in the world! This hearty dish uses slow-cooked albacore tuna and a savoury broth made of onions, cilantro and spices. The dish is traditionally served with yuca (a starchy root vegetable) and garnished with lime and green onions. Enjoy the fruits (or soups) of your labour for lunch, then spend some time wandering the grounds with the slow-paced residents. After lunch, you’ll visit an organic sugar cane farm run by a local family for a trapiche tour (a sugar cane mill used in artisanal sugar production). See how the family harvests and processes sugar cane as well as cacao and how it really is a community effort.
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Take a morning walk in Tortuga Bay after breakfast. Along the way, keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies. After returning to town for lunch, you’ll pass through a local fish market on the way to The Galapagos Conservancy. Here, they help protect the Galapagos' unique biodiversity. Learn how The Intrepid Foundation supports the Galapagos Conservancy Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, which provides critical capital for sustainability initiatives and builds the entrepreneurial capacity of Galapagos women. After, head to the Charles Darwin Research Station – an international non-profit organisation that’s dedicated to the scientific research and conservation of the archipelago’s environment and biodiversity.
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Say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands today and in the morning, take a flight back to Quito (the flight will make a stop in Guayaquil). You'll arrive back in Quito in the late afternoon, where you have the rest of the evening free. Maybe head out for dinner or explore Quito's well-preserved centre, rich with 16th and 17th-century churches that blend European, Moorish and Indigenous styles.
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Say hasta luego to Quito and board a flight to Lima, where your journey into the Sacred Land of the Inca begins. With Indigenous cultures dating back millennia, Peru is an indomitable land of Amazonian rainforests teeming with wildlife and mountain peaks harbouring secret cities. Your adventure continues with another meeting at 2 pm at your hotel in Lima, where you'll meet your local leader and new travel group. After, dive into life in Lima and jump on public transport to head downtown for a guided walking tour of the city's historical centre. Take in the ornate spectacle of the mansions, palaces and churches that line the streets. Following the walk, you have the rest of the afternoon and evening free. You might want to visit the Museum of the Inquisition, where you can learn more about the brutal reality of Spanish colonialism in Peru. Or take a lighter approach and maybe wander until night falls.
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Rise and shine early today for your journey into the wilds of the Peruvian Amazon. Take an early transfer to Lima airport, then fly to Puerto Maldonado. Here, you’ll pack a small duffle bag with essentials for the next two days. Board a motorised canoe and cruise deep into the jungle. The journey to your eco-lodge in the Madre de Dios region will take a couple of hours, so you’ll stop for lunch along the way. Settle into your thatched-roof lodge before a short orientation walk of your surroundings. Spend the evening taking in the sights and smells of the jungle and enjoy an I’m-so-far-from-home moment.
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Get ready for an unforgettable day exploring the depths of the jungle! Set out on a half-day trek guided by local experts on the area's flora and fauna. Learn from your guides about the medicinal and practical uses for some of the plants that grow here, which Indigenous people have been studying and using for thousands of years. On your walk, keep an eye out for rainbow macaws and butterflies, and listen for the barking call of the peccaries and chattering of monkeys that call the jungle home. This part of the Amazon is also known to house capybaras, giant otters and jabirus, so keep your eyes peeled for these exotic creatures. Return to the lodge for lunch and some free time to relax. Once the sun goes down, venture out on a night walk in search of some of the jungle's nocturnal inhabitants (caimans, jaguars and anacondas).
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Leave behind the natural wonders of the Amazon for the man-made wonders of Cusco. Return to Puerto Maldonado to collect your luggage, then take a short flight. If Lima is Peru's head, then Cusco is definitely the heart. Once you've spent some time acclimatising to the altitude of 3450 m, head out on an orientation walk with your leader. See the ancient, colonial and contemporary architecture styles, including the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the San Pedro Market, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. This tour will also include the most significant temple in the ancient Inca empire – Qoricancha. Despite being covered with a Baroque facade in the 17th century by the Spanish, the original Inca masonry has been uncovered in some areas. The rest of the day is yours to spend how you like.
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Hop on a private bus this morning and travel through the lush terraces of the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo – one of the few places where the Inca defeated the Spanish. On the way, stop at a village to enjoy lunch and conversation in a community that still practices many Inca traditions. If you’d like, you can head to the archaeological park or if you're feeling energetic, climb to the top of the squared terraces and gaze down over the valley. Then, visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba for afternoon tea – this café is dedicated to working with single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley, where there are few opportunities for childcare and employment. As all the ingredients used here are grown and purchased locally, the establishment also prides itself on its organic and locally focused practices. Enjoy a coffee, tea or juice with a slice of vegan beet cake or a homemade cookie and continue your journey to Ollantaytambo. Tonight, maybe you’d like to sit down for a dinner of quinoa and alpaca stew at one of the local restaurants.
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Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days you’ll be either hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1), hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2) or staying in Cusco for two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (Route 3). All routes visit Machu Picchu.
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Route 1 Inca Trail
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Route 1 Inca Trail
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Route 1 Inca Trail
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Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cusco's many sights. Maybe rest your weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head to the San Pedro Market where you can find vegetables, meats, local cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and many local handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or ingredients for a picnic. The market is also where many locals (and daring travellers) go to eat ‘mystery soups.’ Some may be just chicken – however, the most popular among the locals usually contain frogs or offal. For those looking for something active, why not try mountain biking in the hills that surround Cusco?
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This morning after breakfast, travel through the dramatic scenery of the high altiplano to Puno – located on the shores of serene Lake Titicaca. At an altitude of 3800 m, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake. Today includes a bit of a long drive, but it’s worth the first glimpse of immense Lake Titicaca, whose seemingly endless waters stretch into the horizon. Puno is a melting pot of Indigenous Aymara and Quechuan culture and traditional Andean customs, and it wears its traditions on its sleeve. If you're lucky, your trip will coincide with one of the many cultural festivals here. Ask your leader where you can get the best grilled trout tonight – a true local specialty perfect for dinner.
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This morning, you’ll take a tour of the immense lake by motorboat, stopping at the floating Uros Islands that look like they could come from a Pixar or Studio Ghibli movie. Built by the Uros people to protect themselves from encroaching Inca forces hundreds of years ago, the islands are constructed from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. Get a closer look at contemporary life on the shores of the lake with a homestay in a local community. Help your host family with their daily activities, try out a few words in the Quechua language and maybe even join a local soccer game to make some friends on the makeshift pitch. Tonight, sit down and swap stories with your hosts, who will cook you a feast full of traditional Peruvian favourites.
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This morning after breakfast, board another motorboat and cruise to Taquile Island – known for the intricate, hand-knitted textiles the locals produce. Here, knitting is strictly a male domain and women do the spinning. It's a great place to pick up some high-quality, locally knitted goods, with the added bonus of supporting the local community. Then, take an hour uphill trek to the main area of the island, where you can shop for handicrafts. After, descend about 500 steps to the boat. Return to Puno, where you might like to gather your group and find a local watering hole to enjoy a drink or two – try a chilcano or indulge in another pisco sour.
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This morning, head to the bustling highland city of La Paz in Bolivia. At the border, say goodbye to your Peruvian leader and welcome your new Bolivian leader. After border formalities at the Peruvian migration office and document checks as you cross the border, you’ll discover the colonial architecture of La Paz. Browse the markets on a walking tour, taking in the vibrant expressions of culture. Over the last decade, grassroots activism and a shifting political landscape have created space for various Indigenous cultures to live openly. After the walking tour, why not head to the Witches' Market in search of folkloric remedies, potions and totems? It's a great place to pick up a last-minute souvenir!
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With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave after breakfast. If you’d like to stay in Bolivia for longer, just speak to your booking agent.
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Inclusions
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Meals 21 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 6 dinnersTransport
Transport Plane, Speed Boat, Canoe, Train, Private Vehicle, Public busAccommodation
Accommodation Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (17 nights), Jungle Lodge (2 nights)
Activities
- Quito - Historic District Walking Tour
- Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)
- San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands
- Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
- Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)
- Floreana - Snorkeling
- Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley (2.5 Hours)
- Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit (30 Minutes)
- Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
- Isla Isabela - Kayaking
- Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
- Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)
- Santa Cruz – Organic Farm Tour
- Santa Cruz – Encebollado Cooking Class
- Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
- Isla Santa Cruz - The Galapagos Conservancy visit
- Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre
- Lima - Leader-led walking tour
- Amazon Jungle - Jungle activities
- Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
- Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
- Sacred Valley - AMA Snack and Drink
- 3 Night/4 Day Inca Trail (or 2 Night/3 Day Inca Quarry Trail) guided hike(s) with porters' support. Or guided Cusco stay (Machu Picchu by train)
- Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour
- Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay
- La Paz - Orientation Walk
Add On Activities
- Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - USD100
- Quito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) - USD70
- Cotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour - USD95
- Quito - Urban Adventures: Legends and Culture Tour - USD50
- Wetsuit (shortsleeve) hire for 5 days - USD60
- Lima - Museum of the Inquisition - Free
- Lima - Archaeological Museum (entrance fee) - PEN15
- Lima - Coast Biking Tour - Urban Adventure (Price based on 2 participants) - USD52
- Lima - Guided tour of San Francisco Monastery including The Catacombs Admission Fee - PEN20
- Lima - Private: Home Cooked Tour Ceviche experience Urban Adventure (Based on 2 Participants) - USD85
- Lima - Lima Discovery + San Francisco and Pisco Sour - Urban Adventures (Price based on 2 participants) - USD39
- Lima - Lima Eat Street (Based on 4 participants) - USD75
- Lima - Private Larco Museum (Based on 4 participants) - USD50
- Lima - Lima Pisco Making (Based on 4 participants) - USD35
- Lima - Bohemian Barranco (Based on 4 participants) - USD75
- Lima - Lima Water Show (Based on 4 participants) - USD40
- Ollantaytambo - Archaeological site - PEN70
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN135
- Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN75
- Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee) - PEN15
- Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee - PEN40
- Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD105
- Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline - USD95
- Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) - USD57
- Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) - USD85
- Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) - USD170
- Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) - USD100
- Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD130
- Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class - USD70
- Cusco - 4 Ruins + Qorikancha (Price based on 4 participants) - USD40
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