Active travelers looking to combine the stunning wildlife of the Galápagos Islands with the deep history of Peru’s Inca Trail should explore this incredible 17-day adventure. Stay onshore while visiting lesser-visited islands and spending your days with playful sea lions, majestic manta rays, and the famous Galápagos tortoise. Then, head to Peru and take on the iconic 4-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, surrounded by mountainscapes, cloud forests, and jungle views. This is a journey that will inspire and impress at every turn.
16 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Allow USD315-410 for meals not included.
Plane, speed boat, van, pickup truck, local bus, panga, private vehicle, hiking
Quito: Arrive at any time.
Quito/Santa Cruz Island: Catch an early flight to the Gal?pagos Islands. On arrival, head up to the highlands of Santa Cruz for lunch on your own, and to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat before continuing to Puerto Ayora.
Santa Cruz Island: Walk from Puerto Ayora along a 2.5 km raised causeway to the stunning white sand and beach of Tortuga Bay for a kayak excursion with time for snorkelling and swimming before returning to town for lunch. In the afternoon visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Santa Cruz Island/Floreana Island: Spend a free morning enjoying Santa Cruz, before crossing by speedboat to Floreana Island. Get settled at the G Adventures-supported community guesthouse and opt to swim or snorkel at Black Beach.
Floreana Island: In the morning, head on a visit to Loberia, where there are opportunities to swim and snorkel. Opt to explore the area around Black Beach. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the seldom visited highlands of Floreana.
Floreana Island/Isabela Island: Travel to Isabela Island. Hike to viewpoint of the Sierra Negra Volcano to see the second-largest crater in the world and enjoy a downhill bike excursion. Once back in town, opt to take surfing lessons on the nearby beach.
Isabela Island: Spend a free morning trying the optional activities in the area. Maybe hit the waves for surf lessons on the nearby beach. Then, enjoy a kayak and snorkel excursion near Tintoreras.
Isabela Island/Santa Cruz Island: This morning stop by the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre before traveling back to the island of Santa Cruz. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Island/Quito: Transfer across Santa Cruz Island to Baltra. Fly back to Quito.
Quito/Lima: Explore Quito before flying to Lima in the evening.
Lima/Cusco: Hop on a flight to Cusco. Enjoy a free day of shopping and exploring the city. Choose to pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour.
Cusco/Ollantaytambo: 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).
Inca Trail: 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.
Inca Trail: Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwa?usca, 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.
Inca Trail: 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 Wi?ay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Machu Picchu/Cusco: 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.
Cusco: Depart at any time.
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