Compare Machu Picchu & Galapagos by Exodus Travels vs Peru and the Galapagos Islands 2023 by Tauck

Day 1 Start Cuzco; afternoon walking tour

Welcome to Cuzco! Set high amid the altiplano, the imperial city of the Incas, was the centre of a vast empire, which stretched from Colombia to Chile at its peak. After Spanish conquistadors invaded the city, they started building on top of the Inca structures, resulting in unique architecture, a fusion of Spanish colonial and Inca styles. This afternoon, we have a short walking tour around the compact city centre to get our bearings. It is recommended to take it easy upon arrival in Cuzco and to drink plenty of water to allow your body time to acclimatise to the altitude (11,155ft/3,400m). There is a welcome briefing in the hotel lobby this evening. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)

Day 2 Free morning in Cuzco; optional Sacred Valley tour

This morning has been left free to explore the city in more detail. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people watching, and the Koricancha Sun Temple, in the Santo Domingo Church and monastery, is worth a visit. Outside the town are more Inca ruins, notably the fortress of Sacsayhuaman where Inca armies made their last stand against the Conquistadores. After lunch, we transfer into the Sacred Valley to overnight in the charming town of Ollantaytambo with an option to visit the ruins above the town. Alternatively, you may wish to take an optional visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the incredible ruins at Pisac. Various other optional activities can be arranged from Cuzco ending in the Sacred Valley – your leader has the details. Accommodation: Tunupa Lodge (or similar)

Day 3 Train to Aguas Calientes; optional "One-day Inca Trail" hike via Wiñay Wayna ruins

This morning, we take the train to Aguas Calientes, a lively town in the valley below Machu Picchu. This afternoon and the rest of the day is free for visits to the hot springs or shopping in the large craft market. Our Machu Picchu entrance ticket is valid for tomorrow; however, should you wish to visit the ruins today as well, you need to purchase an extra ticket. Please inform your leader at the start of the tour if you would like to purchase an extra entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. For those who wish to hike to Machu Picchu, there is an optional full-day trek that meets with the final section of the Inca Trail. The trail starts at Km104 and climbs 1.25mi (2km) to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, from where we continue to the Sun Gate for the iconic view of Machu Picchu and its magnificent backdrop. Although this optional hike is available at no extra cost, it must be pre-booked since numbers are strictly limited (and a permit is required). You should request this at the time of booking and note the first part of the hike is a steep climb. A packed lunch is included today. Accommodation: Hotel Hatun Inti Classic (or similar)

Day 4 Morning tour of Machu Picchu; afternoon return to Cuzco

To beat the day-trippers from Cuzco, we get an early start for our 30-minute bus drive up the winding road to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is an architectural and engineering marvel with a mountain backdrop of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records, and so Machu Picchu remained a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Please note, exploring the ruins involves a reasonable amount of walking, including up and down steep and uneven stone steps. After our tour, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min). From Ollantaytambo, we continue by private bus to Cuzco (1hr 30min) and a well-deserved rest. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)

Day 5 Fly to Quito

We depart Cuzco on a flight to Quito via Lima. Quito (9,350ft/2,850m) has one of the best-preserved colonial centres in South America and plenty of vibrant markets to explore. Accommodation: Hotel Casona de la Ronda (or similar)

Day 6 Quito city tour

We have a half-day city tour of Quito, one of the smaller and more attractive of the South American capitals. In the western cordillera of the Andes, it is the second highest capital in the world and, as always at altitude, it is a good idea not to do anything too strenuous at first! We explore the colonial centre with its narrow streets and hanging balconies. The tour usually includes the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Presidential and the Archbishop palaces plus La Compañia Church with its impressive gold-leaf decorations. A short drive brings us to El Panecillo Hill for a panoramic view of the city and to admire the 145ft (45m) tall statue of the Virgen de Quito, the only original Madonna with wings. Please note, entrance fees are not included. Accommodation: Hotel Casona de la Ronda (or similar)

Day 7 Fly to San Cristóbal Airport and visit Interpretation Centre

Morning: Fly to Galapagos Transfer to Quito Airport and fly to San Cristóbal Airport in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, you will pass through the airport inspection point to make sure no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the island, and to pay the national park entrance fee. Your guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour where a dinghy will take you to the yacht. Afternoon: Interpretation Centre The Interpretation Centre provides a perfect explanation of this unique archipelago – the exhibition reveals what makes it so unique. Information panels, pictures, documents, maquettes and dioramas delve into the background and conservation stories of the islands. Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 8 Sante Fe and South Plaza

Morning: Sante Fe Sante Fe is a jewel of the Galapagos, where the pale Barrington land iguana and practically every other creature is unique to the archipelago or this island alone. Afternoon: South Plaza Popular South Plaza is not to be missed! This Jurassic islet is the best place to see the emblematic Galapagos dragons, which crawl across it. Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 9 North Seymour and Chinese Hat

Morning: North Seymour North Seymour is another cruise highlight. It’s home to the most extensive seabird breeding colony in the archipelago and you can walk just a short distance from frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. Afternoon: Chinese Hat Chinese Hat is a 170ft (52m) high volcanic cone, forming another islet right off the rocky coast of Santiago, where a small colony of Galapagos penguins have settled. Approaching Chinese Hat from the north, you will understand the meaning of the name. This is an excellent place to learn more about volcanoes, lava bombs and lava tunnels. You arrive just in time to see how this barren islet is being colonised by pioneer plant species! Beautiful beaches of white coral sand and holes in the eroding lava fields are filled with lava sand, which enables rooting. Galapagos sea lions and countless marine iguanas contribute to fertilisation and thus create many favourable options for newcomers, such as saltbush and the sesuvium carpet. Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 10 Santa Cruz Island

Morning: El Chato Reserve – Twin Craters The native scalesia forest of El Chato Tortoise Reserve is the best place to search for Galapagos giant tortoises in their most authentic setting! Despite the interesting breeding centres – where you are guaranteed to find tortoises in their corrals – there is nothing better than to observe them in their wild environment. Though it can be quite moist and muddy, your visit may turn into an adventurous quest when they have left their favourite pond silently. The Twin Craters are found on either side of the road leading to Puerto Ayora. These impressive formations are not really volcanic craters but were formed by magma domes, which hardened on the outside while the lava flowed inside, leaving huge, empty magma chambers that eventually collapsed and left two large holes. The craters lie within a lush scalesia cloud forest, a high-altitude plant species that are endemic to the Galapagos. This area is also home to the carpenter finch, which uses tools to search for food. There may also be opportunities to see the vermillion flycatcher, a small red-breasted bird. Afternoon: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center On a tour of the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, you can see the tortoises of Española Island, ending in the tortoise exhibit corral. Tortoises of this corral are accustomed to humans – an excellent chance to photograph them. Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 11 Isabela Island

Morning: Moreno Point Moreno Point is on the north coast of Isabela Island, between the volcanoes Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. The trail runs along a solidified pahoehoe lava flow into a complex of coastal lagoons. The main attractions here are several bird species, which are found around the lakes and mangroves. Afternoon: Urbina Bay Urbina Bay runs along the west coast of Isabela, between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove and close to Alcedo Volcano. It's home to large, colourful land iguanas, giant tortoises, and lots of Darwin finches. Additionally, the coastline here underwent a major uplift in 1954, which caused the shore to expand 0.75mi (1.2km) out. As a result, you can now find corals, shells, and many other calcareous organisms exposed above the water. Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 12 Fernandina and Isabela islands

Morning: Espinoza Point (Fernandina) Fernandina is the third-largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor site: Punta Espinoza, at the northeastern tip. Here, marine iguanas gather in larger groups than on any other island. They bask in the sand, swim near the shore and sometimes block the way at the landing dock. Fernandina is also home to the flightless cormorant, which can longer fly but has wings, tails and feet perfectly adapted for finding food in the ocean. Afternoon: Vicente Roca Point (Isabela) While having lunch, we cross the Bolivar Channel for the last time to Vicente Roca Point, just at the mouth of Isabela’s seahorse-shape. While entering a dark cave below a spectacular arch, the roar of waves accompanies you and, just around the corner, the collapsed amphitheatre of Volcan Ecuador offers an impressive view. The calmer cove waters are well-protected against the ocean swell and are fairly cold, but a great place for snorkelling among various species of shark, penguin, puffer fish and even seahorses. Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 13 Santiago and Rabida islands

Morning: Puerto Egas (Santiago) Puerto Egas is historic and the favourite site on Santiago for wildlife lovers; it’s even the best place in the archipelago to observe Galapagos fur seals. Afternoon: Rabida Upon landing at this remarkable red beach, you will usually be greeted by a large bachelor colony of Galapagos sea lions. Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 14 Disembark Santa Cruz; fly Baltra to Guayaquil and end

Morning: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz) and transfer to Baltra Airport Our last adventure is brief but enchanting and takes place en route to the airport. Explore by dinghy the green landscape of Black Turtle Cove, which is mostly comprised of mangrove trees that host innumerable aerial and aquatic species. The quiet emerald lagoon and surrounding shallow bays enable the easy observation of sea turtles and groups of sharks. Then, assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we take the airport shuttle. From here, we fly to Guayaquil where it's possible to connect with international flights from 6pm onwards.

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Tour begins: Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel. A transfer is included from Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport to the five-star Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, located in an oceanfront section of Lima – the perfect place to begin one of our most popular Peru tours, paired with a Galápagos cruise.

LODGING : Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Lima, Peru

Day 2 Eclectic Culture in Lima

Your day in Lima begins in the city's Barranco ("cliff") district, known for its historic houses painted in bright colonial colors, and its iconic wooden Puente de los Suspiros ("Bridge of Sighs"). The bohemian heart of the city since the end of the 19th century, it became a favorite haunt of writers, poets, sculptors and painters drawn by its lovely coastal scenery. Next, visit the Pedro de Osma Museum; dedicated to preserving Peru's cultural heritage through art, the museum showcases the private collection of the philanthropist Pedro de Osma Gildemeister and is housed in what was his private home. After lunch at Casa Garcia Alvarado – a restored Art Deco mansion in Lima's Miraflores district – enjoy some free time before visiting one of several surviving colonial period homes in the city's historic center. Later, join us for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the Larco Herrera Museum, which features pre-Columbian treasures and artifacts housed in an 18th-century vice-royal palace – including ancient Peruvian jewelry, crowns, garments, masks, and pottery, and a gallery that offers a comprehensive view of cultures that existed in Peru for thousands of years before the Spanish arrived.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Lima, Peru

Day 3 Enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas

A flight to Cusco, high in the Peruvian Andes, leads you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas – a stunning landscape of verdant farmlands, villages, and ancient ruins amid cloud forests, terraced hills, and towering mountain ranges. Enjoy lunch and a performance of folk dancing and horsemanship featuring Peruvian Paso horses – a breed famous for its smooth, elegant gait and athletic dancing ability – at Casa Orihuela in the Sacred Valley. Arrive at your hotel, built to resemble an Andean village along a bank of the Urubamba River, in a tranquil setting of gardens and streams that echo Incan water channels. Dinner at your hotel this evening is preceded by a private performance of Andean music and dance.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel

Day 4 Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu

Head for Machu Picchu this morning (just about 8,000 ft. above sea level), stopping first at the town and archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, and its ruins of an Incan fortress containing a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, adobe houses, aqueducts, and the remains of a stone temple, the best example of Incan urban design in existence. Then board a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. The village is a former railroad camp in a gorge surrounded by cliffs and cloud forests, the closest access point to the mountaintop ruins. From here you'll ride up a winding mountain road of hairpin turns to reach the "lost citadel," steeped in legend and mystery. Its purpose and original name are unknown; when Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911, he followed the directions he was given to the place beside the Old Mountain (Machu Picchu), which was the name he gave it. Guided by a local expert, tour this mystical complex of giant walls, stone terraces, steps, ramps, and astronomically aligned structures, described by UNESCO as "the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height," surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes. After the guided tour enjoy free time to explore on your own.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Machu Picchu, Peru

Day 5 Peruvian discoveries from Machu Picchu to Cusco

You have a choice this morning of a second Machu Picchu tour, an early-guided walk through the citadel, or sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Return to Ollantaytambo by train, and then drive to Sacsayhuaman, a mountaintop Incan fortress overlooking Cusco, originally built by the Killkes, who preceded the Incas. Behind rows of massive stonewalls its plan centers around a giant solar calendar and includes citadels, cisterns, baths, and underground chambers. Also, visit a camelid breeding center and learn about the four different kinds of South American camelids: Huanaco, Llama, Alpaca and Vicuña. You'll also meet weavers from over 12 communities from southern Peru who alternate exhibitions of threading, dying and weaving traditional Andean textiles. Next, a visit to Sacsayhuaman Fortress for a guided tour of this ceremonial compound; a magnificent example of Inca military power that boasts a panoramic view of Cusco city. Continue on to your hotel in Cusco where dinner tonight is at your leisure.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Machu Picchu, Peru

Day 6 Your Choice in Cusco

Today choose from two excursions – one to the highlands outside Cusco, visiting several villages and the Maras salt fields; or a tour of southern Cusco and the valley south of the city. The highlands adventure begins with a visit to Chinchero – an authentic Andean village with a colonial church housing a large collection of painting from the Cusqueñan School of Art; a bartering system in which townspeople gather in the main square to trade their products; and lots of character. Next, visit the salt fields of Maras and its seemingly never-ending terraces, where salt has been extracted from springs and stored for local use for centuries, even before the time of the Incas; the variety of colors created by the reflection of the sun's rays in the salt deposits – and the Incas' striking ability to generate resources – is impressive. Continue on to the rural community of Mullak'as Misminay – where your local hosts, dressed in their outfits used for special occasions, will greet you with a traditional welcome prior to an agricultural experience, a cooking lesson and a textile demonstration. Should you choose the Cusco tour, you'll visit the San Pedro Market, a typical mercado offering local produce ranging from fruits, vegetables and meats to hand-woven sweaters other apparel and crafts. Then drive south of Cusco through the South Valley, which runs parallel to the Vilcanota River, to visit three ancient churches along the "Andean Baroque Route"… Andahuaylillas, Huaro and Canicunca. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening as you wish.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Cusco, Peru

Day 7 Journey to Guayaquil, Ecuador

Get set for your Galápagos cruise as you fly back to Lima, then take a connecting flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city and the gateway to the Galápagos Islands. Overnight in the downtown business district of this major port city, featuring a pleasant tropical climate, at Oro Verde Guayaquil.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Wyndham Quito Airport

PORTOFCALL : Quito, Ecuador

Day 8 Cruising Begins in the Galápagos

From Guayaquil, fly to Baltra at Santa Cruz, 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast and home to wildlife found nowhere else in the world – the starting point of your 6-night Galápagos cruise aboard Tauck's comfortable expeditionary-style yacht, Isabela II, topped by an observation deck. After boarding the ship, an orientation briefing and lunch begin the afternoon. Then head out for a wet landing on "Las Bachas Beach" (named for the US military barges, referred to as "bachas," that were beached and abandoned there after WWII) – an important nesting area for the green sea turtle. On a guided hike around a saltwater lagoon today, look for flamingos, pintail ducks, sandpipers and stilts. Back aboard ship, relax with a welcome cocktail, be briefed on tomorrow's activities and enjoy dinner aboard ship.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Isabela II

Day 9 Punta Pitt and Cerro Colorado Breeding Center

This morning, arrive at San Cristóbal Island; a wet landing takes you to Punta Pitt for a stroll (for the adventurous, an optional walk over uneven terrain that is rewarded with dramatic views). This is one of the only destinations in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies (blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca) can be found together. Weather permitting, you have a choice between swimming, kayaking or snorkeling at the beach, or you can cruise by panga* along the coast. Return to Isabela II for lunch; this afternoon, transfer by panga* to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, another destination on San Cristóbal Island. Following a short drive to the island's southern shore, visit Cerro Colorado, a breeding center for highly endangered giant tortoises set amidst a deciduous forest that is home to dozens of species of animals including the San Cristóbal mockingbird and lava lizard. Return late afternoon to Isabela II for an enjoyable evening aboard ship as you cruise to Española Island.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Isabela II

Day 10 Española Island

Go ashore at Gardner Bay on Española, also known as Hood Island, where there are extensive nesting grounds for Waved Albatrosses and sea turtles, and a sea lion colony. Get a close up look at sea lions who love to bask and sleep on the glorious white sand beach, careless of the presence of humans. The bay and inlets provide swimming and kayaking opportunities today. Following lunch onboard Isabela II, a mid-afternoon wet landing brings you to Punta Suarez, on the island's western point, where sheer cliffs provide thermal currents on which seabirds soar; Galápagos Hawks, cactus finches, and Hood Mockingbirds, the only carnivorous members of the species, may be seen here. Waves crash against the rocky coast and a blowhole sends water spouts skyward, 75 feet high.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Isabela II

Day 11 Gems of Floreana Island

Today Isabela II makes her way to Floreana Island, the southernmost island within the Galapagos. Board a panga for a wet landing on Punta Cormorant and its radiant green beach, caused by the drifting of Olivine crystals from nearby volcanic sites to the beach's edge over the years. Walk along this rare, global phenomenon as you make your way to the other side of the island, a white sand beach famous for being a nesting point for the local sea turtles. At Champion Islet, you have choice of activities; Snorkeling, a panga ride or a ride in a glass-bottom boat, viewing the beautiful aquatic ecosystem below you! This afternoon, a dry landing takes you to Post Office Bay for a visit to the historic barrel that has served as an informal post office within the archipelago for over two centuries! Enjoy snorkeling off the beach before returning to your ship for the evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Isabela II

Day 12 Explore Isabela & Fernandina

In the 1950s, geological activity on Isabela Island caused a mass of land to lift up some 15 ft., leaving the coastline pushed further out to sea and the underwater marine life stranded ashore. After a wet landing at Punta Moreno, join us for a walk along the rugged trails of the island, a perfect opportunity to view the unique lava formations, lava cacti, scalesia tress and of course, the abundance of wildlife that calls this place home; such as the Galapagos penguins, sea lions, herons, marine iguanas, brown pelicans and Sally Lightfoot crabs. After lunch aboard the ship, board a panga for an adventure along the coastline of Punta Mangle, the archipelago's youngest ecosystem. Filled with tiny bays, tall mangroves and tranquil coves, stay on the lookout for the Galapagos penguins and green-eyed flightless cormorants or the sea turtles and rays gliding beneath the ocean surface. Depending on the conditions of the waters, snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat ride may be possible.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Isabela II

Day 13 Santa Cruz & North Seymour

This morning, board a panga for a wet landing on Eden Islet. Located off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, this small island (less than 2,000 square feet) is perfect to observe the blue-footed boobies, reef sharks and frigates that inhabit this island. Your Galapagos adventure takes you to North Seymour Island this afternoon for one of the archipelago's hidden gems. Disembark for a walk along the interior of the island, passing by nesting frigatebirds and witness the males display their vibrant, balloon-like red gular sacs (you also have the option to explore the coast by panga). Please join us tonight for a farewell cocktail aboard your ship.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Isabela II

Day 14 Return Flight to Guayaquil

Disembark Isabela II in Baltra then fly back to Guayaquil for another night at the Oro Verde Guayaquil. Spend some free time at your hotel or perhaps a stroll along the city's waterfront promenade, El Malecon. Tonight, we invite you to share favorite experiences from your Galápagos cruise with your fellow travelers at our farewell cocktail party and dinner.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Oro Verde Guayaquil

PORTOFCALL : Guayaquil, Ecuador

Day 15 Journey Home

Tour ends: Guayaquil. A transfer is included from the Oro Verde Guayaquil to Guayaquil International Airport; allow 3 hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Guayaquil, Ecuador