Bucket List South America: Machu Picchu & The Galapagos
World Heritage beauty and culture
Check two of South America's most popular cultural and natural treasures off your bucket list: Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Lima (LIM), out of Baltra (GPS)
- All airport and rail station transfers
- 2 nights in Lima at the Jose Antonio Deluxe Hotel, or similar
- Lima Colonial & Modern City Tour with San Francisco Monastery & Larco Herrera Museum (5 hours)
- One-way economy class flight from Lima (LIM) to Cusco (CUZ)
- 2 nights in Cusco at the Costa del Sol Ramada Hotel Cusco, or similar
- Tour of Cusco and surrounding ruins (4 hours)
- Round-trip vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Round-trip shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu ruins (2.5 hours)
- One-way economy class flight from Cusco (CUZ) to Quito (UIO)
- 3 nights in Quito at the Hotel Mercure Alameda Quito, or similar
- Quito city tour with Equatorial Monument (5.5 hours)
- Otavalo Indian Market Tour with lunch (full-day)
- One-way economy class flight from Quito (UIO) to Baltra (GPS)
- Visit to the Highlands of Santa Cruz, with lunch (en-route from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora hotel)
- 3 nights in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) at the Fiesta Hotel Galapagos or similar
- Full-day boat excursion, with lunch*
- Visit to La Grietas
- Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
- Breakfast daily
**Please note additional fees to be paid in destination:
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee - $100.00 (USD) per person
- Galapagos Transit Control Card - $20.00 (USD) per person
***Please note that the altitude in some parts of this itinerary may not make it ideal for small children.
Great Ways to Explore
-
Travel across cities and villages in Peru and Ecuador as you discover ancient history and astonishing scenery!
- Arrive in seaside Lima, Peru's vibrant capital, then fly to the heart of Incan culture in historic Cusco.
-
Catch your breath as you reach the entrance to Machu Picchu, a magnificent 7th World Wonder!
-
Visit one of the largest markets in Latin America in Otavalo and observe the daily life of Ecuador's indigenous people.
-
Explore the Galapagos, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean that is considered one of the world's top destinations for wildlife-viewing.
Meet a friendly llama in Peru, then swim with a giant tortoise in Ecuador. Live out your wildest dreams on this vacation across mystical lands filled with ancient ruins and scene-stealing wildlife!
Arrive in Peru's capital, Lima, to kick-start your adventure. Enjoy a guided tour taking you to the city's old and new highlights, then savor fresh ceviche and wash it all down with Peru's national cocktail, Pisco Sour. Fly to Cusco and visit the historic city that was once the capital of the Incas. Pack comfortable walking shoes and make sure your camera is charged for Machu Picchu, the magnificent Inca citadel!
From Cusco, fly to Ecuador's capital of Quito nestled high among the Andes mountains. Stand right on the equatorial line (the middle of the world!) on a city tour, then spend the day in Otavalo, home to an indigenous market that's famous for its textiles and crafts. Your last destination takes you to the world-renowned Galapagos Islands! Mingle with giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Helpful links for travel to Ecuador:
Helpful links for travel to Peru:
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Lima (LIM), out of Baltra (GPS)
- All airport and rail station transfers
- 2 nights in Lima at the Jose Antonio Deluxe Hotel, or similar
- Lima Colonial & Modern City Tour with San Francisco Monastery & Larco Herrera Museum (5 hours)
- One-way economy class flight from Lima (LIM) to Cusco (CUZ)
- 2 nights in Cusco at the Costa del Sol Ramada Hotel Cusco, or similar
- Tour of Cusco and surrounding ruins (4 hours)
- Round-trip vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Round-trip shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu ruins (2.5 hours)
- One-way economy class flight from Cusco (CUZ) to Quito (UIO)
- 3 nights in Quito at the Hotel Mercure Alameda Quito, or similar
- Quito city tour with Equatorial Monument (5.5 hours)
- Otavalo Indian Market Tour with lunch (full-day)
- One-way economy class flight from Quito (UIO) to Baltra (GPS)
- Visit to the Highlands of Santa Cruz, with lunch (en-route from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora hotel)
- 3 nights in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) at the Fiesta Hotel Galapagos or similar
- Full-day boat excursion, with lunch*
- Visit to La Grietas
- Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
- Breakfast daily
**Please note additional fees to be paid in destination:
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee - $100.00 (USD) per person
- Galapagos Transit Control Card - $20.00 (USD) per person
***Please note that the altitude in some parts of this itinerary may not make it ideal for small children.
-
Travel across cities and villages in Peru and Ecuador as you discover ancient history and astonishing scenery!
- Arrive in seaside Lima, Peru's vibrant capital, then fly to the heart of Incan culture in historic Cusco.
-
Catch your breath as you reach the entrance to Machu Picchu, a magnificent 7th World Wonder!
-
Visit one of the largest markets in Latin America in Otavalo and observe the daily life of Ecuador's indigenous people.
-
Explore the Galapagos, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean that is considered one of the world's top destinations for wildlife-viewing.
Meet a friendly llama in Peru, then swim with a giant tortoise in Ecuador. Live out your wildest dreams on this vacation across mystical lands filled with ancient ruins and scene-stealing wildlife!
Arrive in Peru's capital, Lima, to kick-start your adventure. Enjoy a guided tour taking you to the city's old and new highlights, then savor fresh ceviche and wash it all down with Peru's national cocktail, Pisco Sour. Fly to Cusco and visit the historic city that was once the capital of the Incas. Pack comfortable walking shoes and make sure your camera is charged for Machu Picchu, the magnificent Inca citadel!
From Cusco, fly to Ecuador's capital of Quito nestled high among the Andes mountains. Stand right on the equatorial line (the middle of the world!) on a city tour, then spend the day in Otavalo, home to an indigenous market that's famous for its textiles and crafts. Your last destination takes you to the world-renowned Galapagos Islands! Mingle with giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Helpful links for travel to Ecuador:
Helpful links for travel to Peru:
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Lima!
Welcome to Peru! Arrive in Lima then enjoy a transfer to your accommodation. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizzaro, Lima is a modern metropolis filled with colonial richness. Also known as the “City of Kings,” Lima is divided into 43 districts, each with its own magic and magnetism.
The weather tends to be warm and humid throughout the year, with a thick fog called the “garua” during the winter months (May to December).
The capital is synonymous with gastronomy, so on your first night enjoy a typical Lima meal - ceviche and a pisco sour!
Transfer to Lima hotel
Check-in - Hotel Jose Antonio Deluxe
Escape to the elegant Jose Antonio Deluxe hotel, nestled right in the heart of Lima's posh Miraflores District! Step into a crisp, fresh space of contemporary decor, modern amenities, and beyond-friendly service. Head up to your room and open the door to large plush beds, cable TV, free WiFi, air conditioning, and much more. Unpack your swimsuit and head up to the sparkling rooftop pool! Take a refreshing dip, lounge in the warm sun, and gaze out at breathtaking views of the city below. Burn off some extra energy in the top-notch fitness center, or pamper yourself with an indulgent massage.
When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at the hotel's sophisticated restaurant. Spend the night clinking glasses and unwinding in the trendy bar area!
Day 2. Lima
Today, enjoy a 5-hour tour taking you to Lima's modern and historic highlights! Stroll through the Plaza de Armas, feel the cool ocean breeze at El Parque del Amor and see ancient art at the Larco Herrera Museum.
After the tour, pay a visit to the Church of Santo Domingo and its massive convent. Originally completed in the 16th century, this impressive pink church has a beautiful shady courtyard lined with baroque paintings and clad in vintage Spanish tiles.
Lima Colonial & Modern City Tour with San Francisco Monastery & Larco Herrera Museum (5 hours)
Embark on a city tour through old and new Lima! Begin at the Plaza de Armas with its colonial buildings like the Government Palace, the Municipality, the Palace of the Archbishop and the Cathedral, among others. All these buildings are gathered around the history-laden square.
Then visit San Francisco Monastery with its maze of tunnels and catacombs that served as a mass grave. After touring the historic city center, head to the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. In San Isidro, stroll through the Olive Park (El Olivar) where old olive trees stand tall next to modern shopping centers. In Miraflores, visit the Park of Love (El Parque del Amor) from where you have a view over the cliffs and the Pacific.
Ending the tour, you will visit the fascinating Larco Herrera Museum. With more than 45,000 objects of pre-Columbian ceramics, textiles and gold and silver pieces, it houses one of the most impressive collections in Latin America. It is also known for its exhibition of erotic ceramics of the Mochica culture.
Day 3. Lima - Cusco
Transfer to Lima airport this morning for your flight to Cusco! South America's archaeological capital and oldest continuously inhabited city is now one of Peru’ most important and most frequented tourist destinations.
Nevertheless, it iretains its vivid legacy as the hub of the Inca Empire: Quechua-speaking Inca descendants can still be found strolling the centuries-old stone-walled city streets. Cusco also boasts magnificent repositories of colonial art – fine examples can be found in the Cathedral and Museum of Archaeology.
Transfer to Lima airport (LIM)
Fly to Cusco!
Transfer to Cusco hotel
Check-in - Hotel Costa Del Sol Ramada Cusco
Located in the heart of Cusco's charming historic center, the Hotel Costa Del Sol Ramada boasts the perfect mixture of traditional architecture, contemporary decor, and modern amenities. What's better than a luxurious retreat just steps from the famous Plaza de Armas!? Step into the bright lobby filled with rich colors and cozy seating, then head up to your spacious room. Open the door to a peaceful atmosphere of large plush beds, crisp white walls, WiFi, cable TV, and much more.
Settle in, then treat yourself to a delicious welcome meal at the elegant on-site Paprika restaurant! Once you're all energized, strap on your walking shoes and take a stroll to the area's beautiful parks, like Plaza San Francisco and Plaza Regocijo!
Tour of Cusco and surrounding ruins (4 hours)
Go on a city tour of Cusco with visits to the most important landmarks of both Inca and Spanish Colonial times! Begin at Qoricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun and the most important temple of the Incas. A catholic monastery, Santo Domingo, was built over the Inca temple in 1572, and the fascinating contrast can still be seen today.
Continue to Cusco Cathedral, considered the best repository of colonial art from the Cusco School. Built over the palace of the Inca Wiracocha, it was considered the religious and political center of Cusco during the Inca era. After ooing and awing at the cathedral, walk through the Inca Street of Loreto, a fine sample of the old town and its remarkable Inca walls.
Leave the city to the outer parts of Cusco with important ruins of the Inca Empire. Between them, the most important is the archaeological park of the fortress-temple Saqsaywaman which shows precise zigzags of massive stone to which centuries could not do any harm.
Day 4. Cusco - Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Transfer from your hotel to Ollantaytambo in Peru's Sacred Valley. Board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, the town that serves as the base for exploring Machu Picchu. Ride past snow covered mountains, scenic river valley, small villages and diverse flora until you reach the train station at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Wind up a twisting road by shuttle bus and arrive at the most famous Inca ruins in the world where you will embark on a 2.5 hour tour.
In the late afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes by bus and take the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cusco.Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station
Train to Aguas Calientes!
Bus to/from Machu Picchu
Train to Ollantaytambo
Transfer to Cusco hotel
Guided tour of Machu Picchu ruins (2.5 hours)
Machu Picchu, the "lost city of the Incas," is not only one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, but also the biggest treasure of Peru’s past and the empire of the Incas. Undiscovered by the Spaniards and forgotten over centuries, it was in 1911 that the American scientist Hiram Bingham came upon it accidentally.
Still today, the ruins leave scientists with numerous questions and riddles on how it was built and for which purpose. Theories vary but one thing is for sure: Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive and exciting places in the world, sublime and majestic on top of the mountain and surrounded by impenetrable rainforest.
Enjoy a guided tour of the marvelous citadel, visiting the main plaza, the Temple of Three Windows, the circular tower, the sacred sun dial and the burial grounds!
Day 5. Cusco - Quito
Say goodbye to Peru as you transfer to Cusco airport for your flight to Ecuador's capital of Quito! Set in a hollow at the foot of the volcano Pichincha, Quito is a bustling city surrounded by hills and several snow-capped mountains. It is known for its treasures of Colonial churches, monasteries, paintings, sculptures and carvings and the magnificent blend of Spanish, Flemish and Moorish architecture.
In 1978, Quito was declared by UNESCO as a “Patrimony of Mankind." Altogether the city has 86 churches and monasteries of the 16th and 17th century. Due to its beautiful churches and monasteries, Quito is called and known as the “Convent of America”.
This attractive city is located only 13.7 miles away from the “Middle of the World," the Equatorial Line.
Transfer to Cusco airport (CUZ)
Fly to Quito via Lima!
Transfer to Quito hotel
Check-in - Hotel Mercure Alameda
Surrounded by restaurants, cafes and bars, and shops, the Mercure Alameda Hotel rests in the heart of the tourist area of Quito. The hotel offers delicious meals in either of their two restaurants, a snack bar for on-the-go food, two different coffee shops that will keep you running all day, a 24-hour business center, and a bar to unwind at as the day comes to a close.
All rooms at the Alameda feature a satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a safety-deposit box, free bottled water, a private bathroom and a bathtub. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk away from the Casa de Cultura Ecuatoriana, and is about 20 miles from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport. With free on-site parking available and an airport shuttle for a small fee, this hotel thrives on convenience.
Day 6. Quito
Wake up and enjoy a 5.5-hour tour of Quito's highlights including Panecillo Hill and the “Middle of the World” - the Equatorial Line.
Later, head to Quito's Old Town and admire its picturesque plazas and magnificent churches. San Francisco Square is a great place to get a true sense of the city!
Quito city tour with Equatorial Monument (5.5 hours)
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Quito through the historical center of this culturally diverse city! See the Independence Square with the Government Palace and the Cathedral (outside), admire the facade of church La Compania de Jesus. Afterwards, visit the famous hill of the old town, Panecillo (little bread) where you will see the angel statue “Virgen de Quito.”
Later, visit the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World” where you get a truly rare experience to stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously!
The Equatorial Monument marks the spot where an 18th-century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator. The area has been built as a typical colonial town, with restaurants, gift shops and Post Office with philatelic sales. Visit the monument and Ethnographic Museum, which shows the history of the Indian cultures of Ecuador.
Day 7. Quito
Take an approximately 2-hour bus ride today to Otavalo, a town in the Andes that hosts a famous crafts market dating back to pre-Incan times.
Once in Otavalo, visit the traditional Indian market and be amazed at the colorful textiles, clothing and more on display! Then head to Cotacachi village, famous for its leatherworks.
Otavalo Indian Market Tour (full-day)
Discover the world-famous Indian handicrafts market in Otavalo. Otavalo's indigenous residents have achieved economic prosperity as a result of their skill in weaving a tremendous variety of designs in belts, tapestries, ponchos and other clothing items. Residents have a long tradition as artisans and traders and they commonly travel to Europe and other countries in the Americas to sell their wares.
See families wearing their colorful clothes and speaking Quichua as their first tongue and Spanish as their second in this typical indigenous city. Enjoy the unique variety of handicrafts at the giant market and take some new souvenirs with you.
Continue to the town of Cotacachi, known as Ecuador’s center for leatherworks. Here you can stroll along the small streets and pop into the various shops to pick up a unique leather souvenir.
Day 8. Quito - Galapagos
Depart Quito and fly to Baltra Island in the stunning Galapagos! From the airport, take a bus to the Itabaca Canal where you will board a ferry to the other side of Santa Cruz island.
Santa Cruz is the second largest island of the Archipelago and is the most important harbor. Colonized since the 1920s, Puerto Ayora is the main tourist hub and is home to the Galapagos National Park headquarters and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
En route to your accommodation, enjoy a tour of the Santa Cruz highlands where you will see the Twin Craters (Los Gemelos)!
Transfer to Quito airport (UIO)
Fly to Baltra!
Transfer to Puerto Ayora hotel
Check-in - Hotel Fiesta Galapagos
Enjoy your down time in the game room or munch on snacks at the bar while staying at the Hotel Fiesta Galapagos. This hotel features a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi, and is only 500 feet away from the diving centers.
Rooms boast private bathrooms, balconies, room service, air conditioning, cable TV, and a safe. Some balconies look out over the pool. Tortuga bay is just a quarter mile away from the hotel, while the Baltra airport is a 45-minute drive.
Santa Cruz Highlands Tour with lunch (en-route to Puerto Ayora hotel)
Visit the Santa Cruz highlands and see the Twin Craters, also known as Los Gemelos. Located side by side and connecting Puerto Ayora to Baltra, the magnificent Twin Craters were formed as a result of the collapse of the crust into the crater. There are many craters of this type in this area, signaling the possibility that these craters are all elements of the same fissure.
The vegetation of this area is dominated by Scalesia trees, giving the whole landscape a lush green feel. See a lava tunnel and take a short walk where you can observe the famous giant tortoise in its natural environment. Have lunch in the highlands.
Day 9. Santa Cruz Island
Pack lots of sunscreen and water because today you are going on a full-day boat excursion to one of the Galapagos Islands! Depending on time of year and availability, you will visit either North Seymour, South Plaza, Bartholomew, Santa Fe or Dragon Hill. Each island is unique and offers plenty of opportunity for exploration and wildlife viewing.
Full-day boat excursion, with lunch
On this full-day boat excursion, visit one of the Galapagos islands and witness the astonishing wildlife all around you. Enjoy lunch on board.
You will visit one of the following islands:
- North Seymour: Located North of Baltra, North Seymour is one of the best places to see blue-footed boobies and Frigatebirds. Blue-footed boobies are found on the flat area near the coast and nest from May to November. Continuing the trail to the interior, stumbles upon the biggest congregation of Frigatebirds in the island. While on North Seymour, there is a high chance of seeing a Frigatebird robbing a booby, a gull or even another Frigate bird for food.
- South Plaza: This island is famous for its extraordinary flora like the towering cacti "trees" that form the principal diet for both the land iguanas and the cactus finch. Other birds that may flutter by include lava gulls, yellow warblers and red-billed tropicbirds with their elaborate tails. You also might see a large colony of sea lions lounging in the sun!
- Bartholomew: A tiny island of just 0.5 square miles, Bartholomew offers one of the most spectacular views of the Archipelago. Located near the west coast of James, on the other side of Sullivan Bay, the island is famous for its Pinnacle Rock, which is the representative characteristic of Bartholomew. The climb to the high peak is both challenging and worth-doing. On your way up, you will encounter different formations of volcanic origin like spatter and tuff cones, lava flows and lava tubes. Once on the summit, admire the spectacular view of the surroundings.
- Santa Fe: The island of Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands of the archipelago. Its age and isolation have allowed several endemic animals to evolve, including species of land iguana, rice rat and gecko. On the northern coast, visit Bahía Barrington, a small tranquil bay where you can observe green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and Frigatebirds. Sea lions are the most obvious sight on Santa Fe with two large colonies on the beaches and pups playing with snorkelers in the bay.
- Dragon Hill: This rocky, low-lying hill on the northwestern side of Santa Cruz Island is home to an impressive population of Galapagos land iguanas, or miniature dragons. Explore the desert-like landscape, pass through forests of cacti and fragrant Palo Santo trees and see flamingos at the lagoon!
*The excursion is shared with international travelers and accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Day 10. Santa Cruz Island
Journey to an unforgettable snorkeling and swimming spot in the Galapagos, known as Las Grietas. Under the shade of steep cliffs, you will have the chance to observe the colorful fish pass beneath you!
Later in the day, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a biological research station and breeding center housing an extensive collection of preserved specimens of Galápagos plant life and the famous giant tortoise.
Visit to La Grietas
Las Grietas (The Cracks) is a rocky bay surrounded by high cliffs and an amazing spot to snorkel! See the colorful fish below the crystal clear water of many shades of blue. Reach this gem after a short water taxi ride from the pier of Puerto Ayora and a 15-minute walk along the incredible volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands. On the way, pass the Playa de los Alemanes (Beach of the Germans), where you can stop for a break to enjoy the sun and swim in the refreshing ocean.
Visit to Charles Darwin Research Station
When Charles Darwin came to the Galapagos Islands in 1835 he found some truly incredible species of animals and in turn, became inspired to develop his theory of evolution. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and find the famous giant tortoises, the baby-tortoise house, iguanas and more!
See how the conservation of the islands is conducted and understand the huge efforts of scientists, park rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Above all, the reduction of brought-in animals is very important to the natural balance of the archipelago. The Research station supports scientists all over the world with their work at Galapagos.
Day 11. Depart Ecuador
Today marks the end of your bucket list vacation in South America. At the scheduled time, transfer to Baltra airport for your flight home. Look over your photos as you start planning your next adventure!