Compare Classic Machu Picchu Tour & Galapagos Cruise by Andean Discovery

Day 1: Arrive Lima, Peru

Upon arrival in Lima this evening, a member of our staff will transfer you to your hotel, just steps away from the airport. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening.

Note: The listed hotels are 4/5 star. Please contact us for information on 3 star options.

Day 2: Fly to Cusco - Explore the Sacred Valley

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa

The capital of the Inca Empire awaits! This morning, Andean Discovery staff will assist with your check-in for the spectacular one-hour flight over the Andes Mountains to Cusco. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your Andean Discovery guide and descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Extending from Cusco to the intriguing 15th-century city of Machu Picchu and surrounded by the Andes, the Sacred Valley is home to archeological sites and small towns alike. Prepare to experience this balance of what was and what is—ancient civilization and modern life. The first stop is Chinchero, known for its colorful weaving traditions. Visit with a family that has been practicing traditional weaving techniques for generations and learn about the importance of weaving in Andean cultures. After lunch, continue on to the agricultural terraces of Moray, a sophisticated biological laboratory of the Incas. A series of circular terraces, resembling sunken amphitheaters, create a variety of climatic conditions. The lowest level of each agricultural complex is the warmest and you’ll actually feel the temperature rise as you descend. This ingenious technology allowed the Incas to conduct crop experiments and adapt plants to a variety of climates. After a short drive in the Sacred Valley, you’ll check in to your room at an Andean paradise with fragrant gardens and mountain views.

Day 3: Epic Train Ride to Machu Picchu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Experience one of the world’s great train rides, with stunning views of the Urubamba river gorge, on your way to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in the town of Aguas Calientes, you will be greeted by staff from your luxurious eco-lodge. This afternoon choose from several activities at the lodge, including a nature walk in the orchid pavilion, natural sweat lodge-sauna, bird observation, or relax on your own. An additional visit to the Machu Picchu ruins can be scheduled for this afternoon if desired. This evening enjoy dinner at the lodge.

Day 4: Visit Machu Picchu & Hike Wayna Picchu

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Picoaga Hotel Cusco

This morning take a short bus ride to the sacred ruins of Machu Picchu for a private tour. Explore the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, ceremonial fountains and baths, and the Sacred Plazas. Opt for an exhilarating one-hour hike up the steep trail to the summit of Huayna Picchu for a breath-taking bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu. (Tickets must be purchased in advance.) After your visit, transfer to Aguas Calientes for lunch and board the train for Ollantaytambo where you will be met by your driver and transferred to Cusco. This evening enjoy dinner on your own at one of Cusco’s many fine restaurants.

Day 5: Cusco & Surrounding Areas

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Picoaga Hotel Cusco

Travel by foot and private vehicle during a city tour that takes you down Cusco’s cobbled streets and narrow passageways with brightly painted balconies overhead. Visit the historic Plaza de Armas, the Coricancha, the Inca’s Sun Temple, the Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman, and the ceremonial pools of Tambo Machay. Enjoy lunch and dinner on your own.

Day 6: Fly to Quito, Ecuador

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Mercure Hotel Quito

Fly to Lima and then Quito, Ecuador. At 9,350 feet above sea level, Quito is the second highest capital city in Latin America. Despite the fact that it’s only 15 miles south of the equator, Quito’s elevation gives it a wonderful spring-like climate year-round. Upon arrival, you will be met by our staff and transferred to the hotel. Lunch and dinner are on your own.

Day 7: City Tour of Quito & Equator Line

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Mercure Hotel Quito

Explore colonial Quito’s cobbled streets, whitewashed adobe walls, and ornate balconies during a private tour. After lunch, transfer to the Middle of the World monument, zero degrees latitude, where you can straddle the equator. This evening enjoy dinner on your own.

Day 8: Fly to the Galapagos & Begin Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Santa Cruz

Fly to Baltra Island, Galapagos, and board the Santa Cruz in time for lunch and a welcome briefing. This afternoon visit Las Bachas beach, an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Look for wading birds, stilts, and flamingos at several brackish lagoons.

Day 9: Santiago Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Santa Cruz

This morning explore the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer’s Cove, which is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. Enjoy fantastic natural formations such as “Elephant Rock”, “The Bishop”, and an impressive natural cave. This afternoon explore Puerto Egas in search of land and marine birds along with Fur Sea Lions. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds. Take to the water for snorkeling before climbing aboard in time for dinner.

Day 10: Rabida Island | Bartolome Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Santa Cruz

Begin the day at Rabida Island’s red-colored beach, a result of the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. A large colony of sea lions is found here, as well as mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches. Snorkel from the beach or opt for a ride in the glass bottom boat. As the Santa Cruz motors to the next destination, keep an eye out for dolphins. This afternoon hike to Bartolome’s summit for fantastic views of the archipelago. Then climb aboard a panga for a ride around the colossal Pinnacle Rock followed by snorkeling. Keep an eye out for Galapagos Penguins, which are often found here.

Day 11: Genovesa Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Santa Cruz

The morning begins with a panga ride along the dramatic cliffs of Genovesa Island. Disembark and climb a steep staircase to a flat plateau where you will find yourself surrounded by birds unbothered by your presence. Observe large colonies of Nazca Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigate birds, and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs. Then take to the water for a chance to see hammerhead sharks and a variety of tropical fish. This afternoon snorkel in Darwin Bay and then take an easy stroll to observe hundreds of birds: frigates, Red-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, gulls, herons, finches, and mockingbirds among them.

Day 12: Fly to Guayaquil (or Quito / Lima)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mercure Hotel Quito

After breakfast you may opt to visit Cerro Colorado to learn about the giant tortoise breeding program. Return to town and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Quito. Lunch and dinner today are on your own.

Day 13: Depart

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.