Machu Picchu & Galápagos Island Hopping image
Save 15% off, code required, ends 2026-06-30
Operated by G Adventures

Machu Picchu & Galápagos Island Hopping

From
CAD 5,907
Duration
16 days
Countries
Ecuador, Peru
Activity
moderate

The adventure

Get ready to make every moment count on this epic 16-day adventure through Peru and the Galápagos. From the mainland to the islands, you’ll uncover the wonders of Machu Picchu and come face-to-face with unforgettable wildlife. Explore the rich culture and history of Cusco’s hills and soak up the breathtaking beauty of the Sacred Valley as you journey by rail to Aguas Calientes. Wander ancient ruins, browse vibrant markets, and lose yourself in the magic of the Andes before heading to the famed Galápagos Islands. There, hike rugged trails, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and encounter the incredible plants and animals that make this archipelago unlike anywhere else on Earth. Two iconic destinations, one unforgettable adventure.

At a glance

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

Where you'll go

Machu Picchu & Galápagos Island Hopping 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 at any time.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Fly to CuscoTravel to the airport for the early morning flight to Cusco. Spend the day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city. Our best advice for exploring Cusco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map, and set out to explore.
Travel to the airport for the early morning flight to Cusco. Spend the day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city. Our best advice for exploring Cusco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map, and set out to explore.
Day 3Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred ValleyTravel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Perhaps choose to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them. Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Perhaps choose to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them. Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.
Day 4Journey to the beautiful town of Aguas Calientes…Machu PicchuBoard a morning train that winds through the spectacular Urubamba Valley to the end of the line: the village of Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled in the hills beneath Machu Picchu. Enjoy the rest of the day taking advantage of the hikes and hot springs in the area.
Stunning aerial view of the historic Machu Picchu in the Andes mountains, showcasing its ancient architecture and lush surroundings.Machu Picchu
Board a morning train that winds through the spectacular Urubamba Valley to the end of the line: the village of Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled in the hills beneath Machu Picchu. Enjoy the rest of the day taking advantage of the hikes and hot springs in the area.
Map showing Machu Picchu
Day 5Start early to visit the 'Lost City'…Machu PicchuStart early to catch the sunrise at the top. Take the bus up to the historic spiritual centre of the Incas, the 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu. Tour the ruins with an expert guide then explore on your own. Later, return by train to Ollantaytambo and meet a private vehicle to head back to Cusco.
Explore the ancient stone ruins of Machu Picchu against a lush mountain backdrop.Machu Picchu
Start early to catch the sunrise at the top. Take the bus up to the historic spiritual centre of the Incas, the 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu. Tour the ruins with an expert guide then explore on your own. Later, return by train to Ollantaytambo and meet a private vehicle to head back to Cusco.
Map showing Machu Picchu
Day 6Enjoy a free day in CuscoWith plenty of free time you can choose 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.
With plenty of free time you can choose 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 7Head to the airport and fly back…Lima
A vibrant street parade featuring a brass band in brown jackets marching through a city street.Lima
Head to the airport and fly back to Lima where you will enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure.
Map showing Lima
Day 8Fly 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 9Transfer to the Quito airport and catch…
Aerial view showcasing Quito's urban landscape with rolling hills and colorful rooftops.Quito
Transfer to the Quito airport and catch a flight to the Galápagos. Arrive at Baltra and travel to the hotel in Santa Cruz. Later, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an introduction to some of the unique wildlife and history of the area before an evening welcome meeting to meet up with any travellers joining the group.
Map showing Quito
Day 10In the morning
In the morning, walk to "Las Grietas" located across Academy Bay, walk through a rugged cactus forest on the way to this stunning lagoon. In the afternoon, hop on a speedboat to nearby Floreana Island. Stay in the G Adventures-supported community guesthouses and eat meals in the community restaurants and help to support community tourism on the island.
Day 11Walk along the black-sand beach until Loberia
Walk along the black-sand beach until Loberia, and enjoy beach time or swimming. Head up to the seldom-visited highlands of Floreana. Enjoy guided walks to observe birds and other wildlife and learn about the area's natural history.
Day 12Travel to Isabela Island
Travel to Isabela Island. Hike up the active Sierra Negra Volcano and walk around the rim of the largest volcanic crater in the archipelago.
Day 13Enjoy free time in the morningExplore the surroundings with a short walk to observe pink flamingos in the wetlands and catch a stunning Isabela sunset on the beach. Along the way, stop at a lookout point, and visit natural pools, beaches, and mangrove swamps. In the evening, relax at the bar or on the beach and opt to enjoy a drink at sunset.
Explore the surroundings with a short walk to observe pink flamingos in the wetlands and catch a stunning Isabela sunset on the beach. Along the way, stop at a lookout point, and visit natural pools, beaches, and mangrove swamps. In the evening, relax at the bar or on the beach and opt to enjoy a drink at sunset.
Day 14Travel by speedboat back to Santa Cruz IslandIn the evening, enjoy free time to explore this bustling little town and sample some of the local restaurants and bars, or do a little last minute shopping.
In the evening, enjoy free time to explore this bustling little town and sample some of the local restaurants and bars, or do a little last minute shopping.
Day 15Travel back to Baltra to catch the flight…QuitoRetrace your footsteps to return to Baltra Island for the flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to the hotel for one last night in town. The G Adventures representative in Quito will be able to arrange many of the available day tours in and around Quito if you have time to spare. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation in this lively city.
Aerial view of Quito featuring Panecillo Hill and Virgin statue, capturing historic architecture and vibrant cityscape.Quito
Retrace your footsteps to return to Baltra Island for the flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to the hotel for one last night in town. The G Adventures representative in Quito will be able to arrange many of the available day tours in and around Quito if you have time to spare. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation in this lively city.
Map showing Quito
Day 16Departure 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.

Upcoming departures

15% off South and Central America · ends 2026-06-30
DatesPrice / personAvailability
21 Jun 20266 Jul 2026CAD 7,499unknownBook my trip
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