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Trip Inspiration

18 Days: Ecuador and Peru

Galapagos Wildlife + Peruvian Landscapes

The combination of the bright blue waters of the Galapagos Islands and the ancient culture of Peru is perfect for the seasoned traveler or a first-time visit to South America. Explore the unknown by sea as you sail through the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/C Endemic, and enjoy the ever-changing landscape of Colca Canyon by rail on the Belmond Andean Explorer.

Trip Highlights

Locations

  • 1 night in Guayaquil at Hotel Del Parque
  • 4 nights in the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/C Endemic
  • 2 nights in the Sacred Valley at Hotel Sol y Luna
  • 1 night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
  • 2 nights in Cusco at Palacio Manco Capac
  • 2 nights aboard the Andean Explorer Train
  • 2 nights in Arequipa at Colca Lodge
  • 1 night in Lima at Villa Barranco

Activities

  • Witness the abundant wildlife of the Galapagos Islands
  • Swim with sea lions in crystal-clear water
  • Marvel at the Sacred Valley of the Incas
  • Visit the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu
  • Board the M/C Endemic yacht and Belmond Andean Explorer luxury train
What does “Trip Inspiration” mean?

At Travel Beyond, we believe your trip should be designed just for you, not for the masses. Our travel consultants create a custom itinerary for each client, offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. The itinerary below was planned for a past client, but we’re sharing it for travel inspiration and as an example of what a trip to Ecuador and Peru might look like. Let us know when we can design a trip just for you!

Day 1

Arrive Guayaquil, Ecuador

Welcome to Ecuador!

Upon arrival in Guayaquil, you will be met for your transfer to your hotel. You will spend one night in a Standard room at the Hotel del Parque. Breakfast will be included in your stay.

Hotel Del Parque Meals: N/A

Day 2

Guayaquil to Galapagos Islands

(Embark M/C Endemic)

This morning after breakfast and checkout, you will be met by your driver for your transfer to the Guayaquil Airport for your flight to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and crew for your transfer to the M/C Endemic, where you will spend four nights in a Golden Suite.

In the afternoon, visit Dragon Hill on the northwestern corner of Santa Cruz, where you will have the opportunity to view land iguanas, which were on the brink of extinction just a few decades ago. In addition, you will see flamingos, pintail ducks and other endemic birds such as flycatchers and warblers. After a short hike, an amazing view awaits you up the hill. Enjoy an easy snorkel from shore before returning to the yacht.

M/C Endemic Meals: BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

View Gallery

Day 3

Galapagos Islands

In the morning visit Kicker Rock, an impressive geological formation created by erosion and a nesting place for sea birds. Curious sea lions and marine life can also be found, including colorful fish, sea turtles, sharks and rays, which represent the main attraction for snorkeling. This is also a nice spot to take pictures.

The next stop is Cerro Brujo, a tuff cone hill located southwest of San Cristobal. A zodiac ride will take passengers into the rock formations along the shore. A white sand beach and crystal-clear waters are part of this enchanted location, and a great opportunity for snorkeling awaits.

In the afternoon you will be taken to Lobos Island, where a small population of nesting blue-footed boobies and great frigate birds can be observed. Snorkeling with sea lions in this calm bay is also part of the excursion.

M/C Endemic Meals: BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 4

Galapagos Islands

Española Island will be explored today. This is the southernmost island in the archipelago and home to abundant wildlife species, including masked and blue-footed boobies. In the morning, the first attraction is Gardner Bay, which provides an excellent beach for swimming and mingling with sea lions. Around the small islets nearby, snorkelers will find fish and sometimes turtles and sharks. The bay is also frequented by colonies of sea lions who like to swim with you. Alternatively, you can visit the Osborn and Gardner Islets that are amazing for underwater discovery. Snorkeling is a highlight at this visitor site.

After lunch, visit Punta Suarez, one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the archipelago, with a long list of species found along its cliffs and pebble beach. Here you will find the waved albatross between April and October and can observe them performing their ritual courtship dance or taking off from the cliffside “airport”. A spectacular blowhole is also found here and when a wave hits the hole in the rock, water shoots into the air.

M/C Endemic Meals: BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 5

Galapagos Islands

In the morning, visit Santa Fe Island, one of the most entertaining destinations for shore excursions, with one trail leading to the tallest Opuntia cactus in the Galapagos and another leading into the highlands, where land iguanas can be seen. After a long walk, the opportunity to swim in calm waters or snorkel with playful sea lions will be tempting!

In the afternoon, visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center (also known as the Charles Darwin Research Station) on the Island of Santa Cruz. Here you will find an information center, museum, library and a tortoise breeding station. Encounter tortoises of different subspecies as they are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats.

M/C Endemic Meals: BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 6

Galapagos Islands

(Disembark M/C Endemic)

In the morning, visit South Plaza Island. Here you will find colorful sesuvium plants and Opuntia cacti scattered across the landscape. Land iguanas are easily seen from the trail, often under the shade of cacti, waiting for a prickly pear to fall. South Plaza is also the only location where hybrid land/marine iguanas can be found. Sea birds soar and dive from the windy cliffside, while sea lions take their place along the shore.

Bid farewell to your crew and transfer with fellow passengers to the Baltra Airport. Here you will be met by your guide and cross by ferry to the island of Santa Cruz. The cool highlands of Santa Cruz are one of the best places in the Galapagos to see giant tortoises in the wild. Visit one of the area’s tortoise reserves, and wander the trails in search of these gentle giants. You will also visit Los Gemelos, “The Twins,” a pair of craters that are home to myriad bird life, including Darwin’s finches and the short-eared owl.

Following your tour, you will be transferred to Galapagos Safari Camp, where you will spend one night in a Standard tent, including all meals. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Galapagos Safari Camp Meals: BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

View Gallery

Day 7

Galapagos Islands to Lima, Peru

This morning after breakfast and checkout, you will be met be for your transfer to the Baltra Airport in time for your flight to Guayaquil, where you will connect to your ongoing flight to Lima, Peru.

Upon arrival in Lima, you will be met and assisted to the Wyndham Costa del Sol, located just in front of the airport, where you will spend one night on a Standard room. Breakfast is included in your stay.

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Meals: Breakfast

Day 8

Lima to Sacred Valley

This morning after breakfast and checkout, you will be met and assisted back to the Lima Airport for your commercial flight to Cusco.

Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met for a private road transfer to the Sacred Valley, with visits and lunch en route. Your guide will be with you for all scheduled excursions until you depart Cusco.

You will travel through a spectacular panorama of patchwork fields en route to the “Sacred Valley of the Incas.” The route includes picturesque Andean towns, agricultural terraces and archaeological sites. The mild climate, varied and dramatic scenery of snow-capped mountains, flowering meadows, lush green hills and spectacular flora and fauna make the Valley a prime adventure destination in South America. At a lower elevation than Cusco, the Valley is a warm and comfortable environment to begin your exploration of the region. Visit the village of Pisac, where you will have lunch. Wander the through the handicraft market in town, or visit the citadel in the surrounding hillsides. Continue to Awanacancha for a chance to see the iconic llamas and alpacas of the Andes, and learn how their fur is turned into beautiful and useful wares.

Your transfer will conclude at Hotel Sol y Luna, where you will spend two nights in a Deluxe Casita. Breakfast is included in your stay.

Hotel Sol y Luna Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

View Gallery

Day 9

Sacred Valley

Today you will be met by your guide for a full-day of touring in the Sacred Valley, including lunch.

Visit the ancient colorful salt pools of Maras. Originally mined by the Incans, these pools are now individually owned and tended by the local people. Marvel at the fascinating archaeological site of Moray, where you will find circular terraces, which some historians believe created mini micro-climates used to grow different crops. Enjoy a visit to the town of Ollantaytambo, centered around a large Inca plaza, and hike the ruins in the surrounding hillside.

Following your tour, you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your evening at leisure.

Hotel Sol y Luna Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 10

Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu

This morning after breakfast and checkout, you will be met by your Travel Beyond guide and driver for your transfer to Ollantatambo to board the Vistadome train for your journey to Machu Picchu.

Your journey aboard the Vistadome train begins in Ollantaytambo and ends in Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. As the name suggests, this train offers its passengers picturesque views though its panoramic windows, connecting you with nature like no other experience. Gaze at the bountiful scenery that surrounds you as you traverse the Sacred Valley. Whether you capture this experience mentally or by photo, this scenic adventure will leave a lasting and memorable impression.

Upon arrival to the village of Aguas Calientes, you will board the bus for a winding uphill journey to Machu Picchu. Here you will spend the afternoon with your guide, who will lead you through the mysterious maze of stone buildings at this magnificent site.

Machu Picchu, which means “Old Mountain,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven new wonders of the world. Lose yourself in awe in the “lost city of the Incas” as you admire the ruins. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported into a work of art as you marvel at the landscape of this iconic Inca civilization. Brought to world attention by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and believed to have been built to control the economies of neighboring communities, these ancient ruins evoke a time of innovation, artistry and expansion of one of Latin America’s most notable historic empires. Believed by some historians to be a sacred religious site due to its location, there is certainly a spiritual energy on this green mountaintop cloaked in clouds.

When you have finished your exploration, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes and check in to the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, where you will spend one night in a Superior Deluxe room. Dinner and breakfast are included in your stay.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

View Gallery

Day 11

Machu Picchu to Cusco

This morning after breakfast and checkout, return to Machu Picchu for further exploration with your guide, including lunch. Later, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, and board the Vistadome train.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, you will be met for a private road transfer to Palacio Manco Capac in Cusco, where you will spend two nights in a Superior Room. Breakfast is included in your stay. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Palacio Manco Capac Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 12

Cusco

This morning after breakfast, you will be met for your private tour of Cusco.

Start with a visit to the main sites around the Plaza de Armas, including the Cathedral, the Inca walls, and the Sun Temple of Koricancha, located inside the Santo Domingo Church. Experience the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, where you will view the impressive architecture of the Incans. You can form your own theories about how the Incans managed to move – and perfectly cut – the massive stones used in the fortress overlooking Cusco. Visit Qenqo, a labyrinth with carved stone walls, believed to be used for Incan rituals and worship. Continue to Puca Pucara, thought to be a defense fortress and is made up of large walls, terraces, and staircases. End your visit at the Incan bath and water temple of Tambo Machay.

Your guide will also direct you to the best shops, museums, markets and restaurants, based on your personal interests. Spend the remainder of your day at leisure.

Palacio Manco Capac Meals: Breakfast

Day 13

Cusco to Lake Titicaca

(Embark the Andean Explorer Train)

Today after breakfast and checkout, you will be transferred to Wanchaq Station where you will board the Belmond Andean Explorer luxury train for your two-night journey to the Colca Canyon. Settle down and unwind in your luxurious cabin as the train begins its journey southeast toward Puno. Savor your first lunch on board in one of the elegant dining cars. Refined Andean specialties are served with contemporary flair.

Your first stop will be to visit Raqch’i. Once an important control point for the Incas, it is today a fascinating archaeological site brimming with history. Return to the train just in time for tea. Soak up the sensational sunset over La Raya Mountain range before preparing yourself for an elegant dinner on board. Afterward, perhaps head to the bar car and chat with your fellow travelers as the train continues to Lake Titicaca, where it will stop for the evening.

Belmond Andean Explorer Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 14

Lake Titicaca

Awake early to catch the breathtaking sunrise across Lake Titicaca before enjoying a delicious breakfast on board. Today’s tours explore the eclectic beauty and right diversity of life on Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the entire world. First, you will take a traditional boat ride to the Uros Islands, stunning manmade lands carefully created from woven reeds that are constantly being replenished. Continue to Taquile Island, a beautiful island with a way life barely touched by time. Enjoy a private lunch on Collata Beach, with demonstrations from traditional dancers and artisanal workers.

Return to the train for tea as the journey continues. Tonight you can anticipate a delicious dinner before retiring to your cabin.

Belmond Andean Explorer Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 15

Lake Titicaca to Colca Canyon

(Disembark the Andean Explorer Train)

Enjoy breakfast onboard before setting off on an early-morning excursion to the spellbinding, rugged scenery of Lake Lagunillas, Afterward, visit Sumbay Caves, home to fascinating cave paintings that are estimated to be almost 8,000 years old! Return to the train for lunch before you bid farewell to your fellow travelers.

Disembark the train at kilometer 93, where you will be met for your transfer to Colca Lodge, where you will spend two nights. Spend the remainder of your day at leisure, perhaps enjoying a dip in the on-site hot springs.

Colca Lodge Meals: Breakfast

Day 16

Colca Canyon

This morning after breakfast, you will be met by your private guide for a tour of the Colca region.

Visit the Colca Canyon and Valley, where you can find Pre-Inca terraces still cultivated with Andean agriculture. See the magnificent flight of the Andean Cóndor at Cruz del Cóndor view point, where you can also appreciate the immense depth of the canyon. Along the way, pass by traditional villages and colonial churches typical of the area.

After your tour, you will be returned to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Colca Lodge Meals: Breakfast

Day 17

Colca Canyon to Lima

This morning after breakfast and checkout, you will be met for your private transfer to the Arequipa. Along the way, stop at the Lookout of the Volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, Ampato, and Mismi, which is the source of the Amazon River. See wild vicuñas in the National Reserve of Aguada Blan. Your transfer will conclude at the Arequipa Airport for your flight to Lima.

Upon arrival in Lima, you will be met for your private transfer to Villa Barranco, where you will spend one night.

Villa Barranco Meals: Breakfast

Day 18

Depart Peru

After a free morning, you will be met for a half-day city tour of Lima.

Get to know the most iconic sights of Peru’s capital city. Visit Museo Larco, where you will learn more about the fascinating history of ancient Peru. Housed in an 18th-century mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens, the museum boasts an extensive and fascinating collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. Enjoy lunch at the museum as you take in its lovely grounds overflowing with bougainvillea. Continue to Lima’s Plaza de Armas, located in the historic center of Lima and surrounded by some of the most important buildings in the city. From here, you will see the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima and the Municipal Palace. The architecture here remains largely the same as when Lima was founded, complete with a beautiful fountain in the square.

After your tour, transfer to the Lima airport to check in for departing flights home.

Meals: Lunch

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Quito & The Galápagos Islands – CCRF