- ✓ Immerse yourself in the Amazon, staying in a jungle lodge
- ✓ Watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu on a 3-night Inca Trail hike
- ✓ Island-hop Galapagos, meeting giant tortoises, sea lions, and iguanas
Visit three of the world’s most iconic places as you sleep in a lodge deep in the Amazon, trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and visit the famous Galapagos Islands. You’ll also visit three of the continent’s most famous cities along the way, making this a holiday you’ll never forget.
Fancy spending a little longer in the Galapagos, or perhaps skipping the trek and taking the train to Machu Picchu? Just chat to your Travel Specialist, and we’ll tweak things until it’s just perfect.
Days 1 & 2 – Markets & plazas of Lima
You’ll start your Peru adventure in Lima. A proud Latino city, often cloaked in mist from the Pacific Ocean and with a famed food scene, Lima fizzes with energy and is more than just a handy starting point for your holiday. You’ll spend two nights in a cosy hotel in a pleasant part of town.
The following morning you’ll be shown around the lively Miraflores food market and the charming colonial centre by your local Limeño guide. You’ll learn a little about the history of the city, as well as trying some of the local snacks.
Days 3-5 – Into the Peruvian Amazon
You’ll transfer to the airport for a short flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. From here, you’ll travel by boat along the river to your comfortable jungle lodge, tucked away in the rainforest and surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle.
Over the next few nights, you’ll explore the forest on foot and by boat, heading out with expert local guides during the day and after dark. Your lodge is owned by the Native Community of Infierno, giving you the opportunity to meet some of the people who have lived in and cared for this rainforest for generations. With all meals and activities included, you can simply settle into the rhythm of jungle life.
Wildlife is at the heart of the experience, and the Tambopata region is home to an incredible variety of species. Keep an eye out for monkeys in the canopy, colourful macaws, parrots and toucans, as well as capybaras, caimans and an array of fascinating insects. If you’re lucky, you might spot giant otters along the river or even a jaguar on the riverbank. There’s also the chance to try your hand at fishing for piranhas.
Days 6 & 7 – Explore the cobbled streets of Cusco
You’ll return to Puerto Maldonado in time for your short flight to Cusco, the historic heartland of the Incas and a city full of colourful contrasts. You’ll spend two nights in a cosy pousada in the artistic San Blas district, a great base for exploring the city. Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, so it’s a lively meeting point for travellers heading into the mountains, with plenty of restaurants, bars and museums to explore.
The following morning, you’ll join an English-speaking guide for a walking tour focused on Cusco’s fascinating history. Around 500 years ago, the city was the beating heart of the Inca Empire, which at its height stretched from Ecuador to Bolivia and Chile. Today, Cusco is a lively modern city, but reminders of its Inca past can still be found around almost every corner.
Days 8-11 - Inca Trail: following ancient footsteps
After a few days acclimatising in Cusco, you’ll set off along the classic Inca Trail, following an ancient route through the Andes towards Machu Picchu. Over four days, you’ll trek around 44 kilometres through ever-changing scenery, from mountain valleys and high passes to lush cloud forest. Along the way, you’ll pass Inca ruins and checkpoints, with the toughest climb taking you up to 4,200 metres at Dead Woman’s Pass. You’ll camp each night with a small group, local guide and porters, with plenty of uphill walking balanced by some spectacular mountain views.
On your final morning, you’ll set off before sunrise and make your way through the cloud forest towards the Sun Gate. As the mist begins to clear, you’ll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu spread out below the mountains. After exploring the ruins, you’ll descend to Aguas Calientes and catch the scenic train back to Cusco, where a comfortable bed awaits. It’s a challenging few days, but reaching Machu Picchu on foot along this ancient Inca route makes it a memorable part of your Peru adventure.
Day 12 – Fly to Quito, Ecuador
After a final night resting your weary legs in Cusco, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito, Ecuador. The journey usually takes around 5.5 hours, including a stop in Lima. Set high in the Andes, Quito is Ecuador’s lively capital, where grand historic buildings, colourful streets and mountain views set the scene for the next part of your trip.
Days 13 & 14 – Galapagos Island Hopping: A taste of Santa Cruz
After a night in Quito, you’ll fly to the Galapagos Islands, a wildlife haven that’s also home to a surprisingly large local population. Each island has its own character, and three are inhabited: Isabela, Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal. You could easily spend a week exploring each one, but this trip gives you a taste of two.
On arrival, you’ll meet your driver and take the bus to the Itabaca Channel before crossing by ferry to Santa Cruz, home to around 24,000 people. From here, your driver will take you through the highlands towards Puerto Ayora. Along the way, you’ll stop at a local farm where giant tortoises roam freely. These impressive creatures live wild in the surrounding area and wander onto the farm to feed. After lunch, you’ll continue to your hotel in Puerto Ayora, where a local guide will talk you through the plans for the next few days. Later, head into town with your guide for a food tour, sampling some of the island’s local specialities.
The following day is free to explore at your own pace. Start with a short morning walk to Tortuga Bay, a beautiful beach where you’re likely to spot plenty of marine iguanas basking in the sun.
Days 15 & 16 – Galapagos Island Hopping: A taste of San Cristobal
After a leisurely morning, make your way to the pier for the 1.30 pm ferry to San Cristobal. The journey can be choppy, so you may want to take precautions against seasickness. In the port of San Cristobal, our local contact will be waiting to take you to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon, you have time to walk along the boulevard, where you can watch the sea lions that sleep there. If you prefer to relax, go to one of the nearby beaches. Later today, you’ll also learn how to make ceviche at Playa Mann. Your teacher used to sell this local delicacy at the harbour, but now she’s opened her own restaurant. Her fish dish is famous across the region.
We haven’t planned any activities for your second day in San Cristobal. But there are plenty of things to do. You can snorkel with sea lions at Playa Lobita, or we can arrange a snorkelling tour for you to an uninhabited island. Hike to the Cerro Tijeretas to spot the famous frigate birds, or take a half-day tour to the highlands of San Cristobal. We recommend ending the day with a cold beer at the local brewery.
Days 17 & 18 – Overnight in Quito and depart from Ecuador
This afternoon, you’ll have some final time to enjoy the Galapagos at your own pace before heading to the airport for your flight back to Quito. You’ll spend your last night in Ecuador’s capital, giving you one final evening to soak up the atmosphere before your journey home. The following day, you’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your international flight home, bringing your Ecuador adventure to an end.
Accommodation
