Peru & Ecuador with the Galápagos
Machu Picchu and Cusco, colonial Quito and four nights among the wildlife of the Galápagos.
This is a suggested itinerary to inspire your plans, not a fixed departure or bookable package. Dates, hotels, pace and destinations are all tailored to you, and pricing is confirmed in your personal proposal.
The journey
Two of South America’s most celebrated experiences in one journey. Spend the first week in Peru’s Inca heartland, then fly to Quito for its colonial centre before four nights in the Galápagos, either aboard a small expedition yacht or in a lodge, depending on your preference.
Highlights
- Private guided visit to Machu Picchu
- Quito’s UNESCO-listed historic centre
- Four nights in the Galápagos with naturalist guides
- Snorkelling with sea lions and turtles
- Giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands
Suggested itinerary
-
Lima
Days 1–21 / 3Arrive in Lima for a gentle start, with a private city walk and dinner in Miraflores.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Lima
- Accommodation
- Boutique clifftop hotel
- Altitude
- ≈150 m
-
The Sacred Valley
Days 3–41 / 3Fly to Cusco and continue to the Sacred Valley to acclimatise, visiting Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Sacred Valley
- Accommodation
- Valley hotel
- Altitude
- ≈2,870 m
-
Machu Picchu
Day 51 / 3Train to Aguas Calientes for a private guided visit to the citadel.
- Culinary inclusions
- Breakfast
- Location
- Machu Picchu
- Accommodation
- Hotel near Machu Picchu
- Altitude
- ≈2,430 m
-
Cusco
Days 6–71 / 3Two days to explore Cusco’s Inca and colonial heritage at your own pace.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Cusco
- Accommodation
- Historic-centre hotel
- Altitude
- ≈3,400 m
-
Quito
Days 8–91 / 3Fly via Lima to Quito. Explore the historic centre with a private guide and visit the Middle of the World monument.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Quito
- Accommodation
- Restored colonial hotel
- Altitude
- ≈2,850 m
-
The Galápagos Islands
Days 10–131 / 3Fly to the islands for four nights of guided landings, snorkelling and wildlife encounters.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Galápagos Islands
- Accommodation
- Expedition yacht or island lodge
- Altitude
- Sea level
-
Departure
Day 141 / 3Fly back to the mainland to connect with your international flight via Quito or Guayaquil.
- Culinary inclusions
- Breakfast
- Location
- Galápagos Islands
- Altitude
- Sea level
Where you might stay
We select each hotel for your preferences, availability and season. Properties are confirmed in your proposal.
Boutique clifftop hotel
Valley hotel
Hotel near Machu Picchu
Historic-centre hotel
Restored colonial hotel
Expedition yacht or island lodge
What your journey usually includes
- Accommodation in selected four- and five-star hotels and lodges
- Daily breakfast, plus meals noted in your itinerary
- Private airport and station transfers
- Private guided excursions as described
- Domestic flights and rail journeys within the itinerary
- Entrance fees for included visits
- In-country support while you travel
Arranged separately
- International flights
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
- Visas and entry fees where applicable
- Meals and drinks not stated
- Gratuities and personal expenses
Final inclusions are confirmed in writing in your personal proposal.
Frequently asked
Should I visit the Galápagos first or last?
Either works. Ending in the islands is a relaxing finale; starting there keeps the beginning at sea level.
How far ahead should I plan?
Galápagos yachts have limited cabins and Machu Picchu tickets are capped, so six to nine months ahead is ideal for peak dates.
Can I change this itinerary?
Yes, entirely. Add or remove destinations, change the pace or upgrade hotels. This route is simply a starting point.
How do I book?
Send an enquiry and a travel specialist will prepare a personal proposal with confirmed pricing. Nothing is booked until you approve it.
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Tell us your dates and preferences and we will adapt this route for you, with no obligation.