Amazon to the Andes & Galápagos South & Central Islands image
Operated by G Adventures

Amazon to the Andes & Galápagos South & Central Islands

From
Price on request
Duration
21 days
Countries
Ecuador, Peru
Activity
active

The adventure

Experience the iconic highlights of South America in one incredible adventure. Hike the Inca Trail to the Lost City of Machu Picchu, explore the steamy Amazon from the comfort of our intimate G Lodge Amazon, spend seven nights exploring the Galápagos aboard the Xavier III and snorkel the waters of the Galápagos. Our exclusively operated fleet of yachts offers great value and in Peru, we run our own treks, ensuring the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment as you follow the Inca Trail to majestic Machu Picchu.

At a glance

Duration
21 days
Route
Lima → Quito
Countries
Ecuador, Peru
Activity level
active
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Amazon to the Andes & Galápagos South & Central Islands image

Day by day

Breathtaking aerial shot of Cotopaxi Volcano with a lone house in El Corazón, Ecuador. Perfect for nature lovers.
Your journey through

Ecuador & Peru

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive in Lima at any time. There are no planned activities so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. There is a welcome meeting in the evening.
Arrive in Lima at any time. There are no planned activities so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. There is a welcome meeting in the evening.
Day 2Hop on a flight to CuscoTake a transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city, and getting used to the altitude.
Take a transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city, and getting used to the altitude.
Day 3Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).
Day 4Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where…
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.
Day 5Start early to climb the long steep path…
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.
Day 6Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek
Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Day 7The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn…Machu Picchu
Stunning aerial view of the historic Machu Picchu in the Andes mountains, showcasing its ancient architecture and lush surroundings.Machu Picchu
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the ruins, before your train back towards Cusco.
Map showing Machu Picchu
Day 8Continue to explore Cusco on a free day in the cityOpt to visit and hike the famed Rainbow Mountain, pre-book on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Opt to visit and hike the famed Rainbow Mountain, pre-book on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Day 9Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized…AmazonFly to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the lowlands of the Amazon Jungle. After a brief stop in town to store large luggage, drive to the pier and travel by covered motorized boat to the jungle lodge. En route, spot bird species typical of the river and forest edge. The Tambopata Rainforest area holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area. Local community members make up the majority of lodge staff, including multilingual naturalist guides. Take the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich flora and fauna and locals' extensive use of medicinal plants and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting.
Beautiful landscape of the Tena River with lush green forest and blue sky.Amazon
Fly to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the lowlands of the Amazon Jungle. After a brief stop in town to store large luggage, drive to the pier and travel by covered motorized boat to the jungle lodge. En route, spot bird species typical of the river and forest edge. The Tambopata Rainforest area holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area. Local community members make up the majority of lodge staff, including multilingual naturalist guides. Take the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich flora and fauna and locals' extensive use of medicinal plants and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting.
Map showing Amazon
Day 10Enjoy guided excursions led by expert naturalists…Head out early to catch the jungle at its wildest (and coolest). Walk slowly through the forest searching for wildlife before heading out on an oxbow lake by canoe. Search for anaconda, the elusive giant river otter, or black caiman. Even if you don't spot these shy creatures, there are plenty of other birds, interesting plants, and other animals about.
Head out early to catch the jungle at its wildest (and coolest). Walk slowly through the forest searching for wildlife before heading out on an oxbow lake by canoe. Search for anaconda, the elusive giant river otter, or black caiman. Even if you don't spot these shy creatures, there are plenty of other birds, interesting plants, and other animals about.
Day 11Fly back to Lima for an optional final dinner and night outEnjoy a delicious Amazonian breakfast before heading back to the airport by motorized boat and van. Fly to Lima and opt for a final night out for dinner or Pisco Sours.
A vibrant street parade featuring a brass band in brown jackets marching through a city street.Lima
Enjoy a delicious Amazonian breakfast before heading back to the airport by motorized boat and van. Fly to Lima and opt for a final night out for dinner or Pisco Sours.
Map showing Lima
Day 12Fly to QuitoYour transfer to the airport and your flight to Quito are included in this trip. Please note that this flight is unescorted and your transfer will be waiting for you at the Quito airport and will bring you to your hotel.
Aerial view of Quito featuring Panecillo Hill and Virgin statue, capturing historic architecture and vibrant cityscape.Quito
Your transfer to the airport and your flight to Quito are included in this trip. Please note that this flight is unescorted and your transfer will be waiting for you at the Quito airport and will bring you to your hotel.
Map showing Quito
Day 13Fly to San Cristóbal IslandIn the afternoon, transfer to the boat. Continue to Isla Lobos, a small island home a friendly population of sea lions. While snorkelling in the calm clear waters watch as the curious pups blow bubbles, swim in circles and frolic in the waves.
In the afternoon, transfer to the boat. Continue to Isla Lobos, a small island home a friendly population of sea lions. While snorkelling in the calm clear waters watch as the curious pups blow bubbles, swim in circles and frolic in the waves.
Day 14Explore two tiny islands that are big on wildlife
Explore two tiny islands that are big on wildlife. North Seymour offers great views of nesting seabirds, including frigatebirds and Mosquera is home to large colonies of sea lions.
Day 15Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness…
Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral sand beach. Continue to Bartolomé Island for a guided tour to see the dramatic volcanic features before hiking to a panoramic viewpoint.
Day 16Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see…In the morning, arrive in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the second biggest island in the Galápagos, and has the largest population. Puerto Ayora is its main town. In the afternoon, there may be the opportunity to visit the highlands and see giant land tortoises in the wild.
In the morning, arrive in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the second biggest island in the Galápagos, and has the largest population. Puerto Ayora is its main town. In the afternoon, there may be the opportunity to visit the highlands and see giant land tortoises in the wild.
Day 17Land at Rábida Island for a visit…
Land at Rábida Island for a visit to a saltwater lagoon and sea lion colony. Afternoon excursion to Bachas Beach for walks to observe the bird and wildlife as well as free time for swimming and snorkelling.
Day 18Land at Punta Cormorant on Floreana IslandMorning visit to Punta Cormorant on the northern part of Floreana. This is a perfect spot to go snorkelling, as the waters are home to a multitude of colourful fish and sea lions. Please be sure you are a comfortable swimmer, the water here can be rough and the currents are strong. In the afternoon, visit Post Office Bay, which has an older and less mysterious history. A short hike up past the post barrel takes you to an interesting lava cave.
Morning visit to Punta Cormorant on the northern part of Floreana. This is a perfect spot to go snorkelling, as the waters are home to a multitude of colourful fish and sea lions. Please be sure you are a comfortable swimmer, the water here can be rough and the currents are strong. In the afternoon, visit Post Office Bay, which has an older and less mysterious history. A short hike up past the post barrel takes you to an interesting lava cave.
Day 19Visit Punta Suárez and Gardner Bay on Española Island
Visit Punta Suárez and Gardner Bay on Española Island. Enjoy guided walks to observe wildlife and free time for swimming or snorkelling.
Day 20Visit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal Island…QuitoReach San Cristóbal in the morning. Disembark after breakfast then visit the Interpretation Centre, and transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Transfer to the group hotel upon arrival, and enjoy one last night on the town.
Aerial view of Quito featuring Panecillo Hill and Virgin statue, capturing historic architecture and vibrant cityscape.Quito
Reach San Cristóbal in the morning. Disembark after breakfast then visit the Interpretation Centre, and transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Transfer to the group hotel upon arrival, and enjoy one last night on the town.
Map showing Quito
Day 21Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover Ecuador

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Majestic view of Cotopaxi volcano surrounded by vibrant wildflowers under a clear blue sky.
Stunning aerial view of Quilotoa Crater Lake surrounded by mountains under a vibrant blue sky.
A stunning aerial view of the hillside towns and lush greenery in Quito, Ecuador.
Breathtaking view of Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador, showcasing barren, eroded landscapes and clouds.
Explore the tranquil beauty of a remote lake nestled amid lush mountains, offering a peaceful escape.
Operated by G Adventures

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