Machu Picchu & the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita image
Operated by G Adventures

Machu Picchu & the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita

From
CAD 12,399
Duration
17 days
Countries
Ecuador, Peru
Activity
moderate

The adventure

Combine the awe-inspiring wonders of the Incas with the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos on this unforgettable 17-day adventure through Peru and Ecuador. Glide through the Sacred Valley by rail en route to the legendary Machu Picchu, savour the culinary magic of Lima, and set sail aboard the Yolita to explore the hidden gems of the Galápagos. From the untouched beauty of Genovesa in the north to the volcanic landscapes of Isabela in the west, every stop offers something extraordinary. Hike to the crater rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, relax on pristine white-sand beaches, and snorkel alongside playful sea lions. Experience the best of both worlds in two of South America’s most enchanting countries.

At a glance

Duration
17 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 & the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita 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 9Take an early flight to the Galápagos Islands
Take an early flight to the Galápagos Islands. Head to Bachas Beach to see Sally Lightfoot crabs, flamingos and marine iguanas.
Day 10Visit Darwin Bay and marvel at the sheer…
Visit Darwin Bay and marvel at the sheer number of birds along the many trails. Head to El Barranco in the afternoon to see the many types of boobies, including red-footed boobies.
Day 11Visit Bartolomé for a guided tour to see…
Visit Bartolomé for a guided tour to see the island's dramatic volcanic features. Continue to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral-sand beach.
Day 12Early landing in the small town of Puerto…
Early landing in the small town of Puerto Villamil before beginning the hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. In the afternoon, explore the tortoise breeding centre in the Puerto Villamil area.
Day 13Pay a morning visit to Elizabeth Bay which…
Pay a morning visit to Elizabeth Bay which offers amazing bird and marine life viewing opportunities. Head out on the pangas and explore the shallows and mangroves to look for sea turtles and penguins. Visit Urbina Bay, located at the base of the Alcedo Volcano. Hike the trail for a chance to see land tortoises in the wild, watching for land iguanas along the way.
Day 14Stop for a visit at Tagus Cove…
Stop for a visit at Tagus Cove and hike to a lookout to get a stunning view of the bay. Spot old graffiti on the cliffs from whalers and pirates who once visited the the cove. Continue to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina, the youngest of the Galápagos Islands. Witness the large colony of marine iguanas and a variety of bird life.
Day 15Enjoy a morning panga ride in Buccaneer Cove
Enjoy a morning panga ride in Buccaneer Cove, watch for sea lions, shorebirds, and interesting lava formations. Take an afternoon excursion to the red sand beaches of Rábida to see a lagoon and sea lion colony. Enjoy snorkelling nearby with schools of tropical fish and sea lions.
Day 16View Daphne from the boatQuito
Aerial view of Quito featuring Panecillo Hill and Virgin statue, capturing historic architecture and vibrant cityscape.Quito
View Daphne from the boat, the tiny conical island is home to nesting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Darwin's finches, after, fly back to Quito. Enjoy an evening in Quito.
Map showing Quito
Day 17Departure 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

DatesPrice / personAvailability
20 Jun 20266 Jul 2026CAD 12,799unknownBook my trip
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