Essential Ecuador And Peru
Essential Ecuador And Peru
Essential Ecuador And Peru
11 Days Starting in Quito, Ecuador and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Quito, Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 22
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Essential Ecuador and Peru" tour, where you'll explore the natural wonders and cultural treasures of two captivating countries. Begin your adventure in the Galapagos Islands, where you'll encounter giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island, snorkel with sea turtles and sea lions at La Loberia Island, and hike to the Tunel del Amor. Continue to Peru, where you'll discover the colonial charm of Lima, traverse the Sacred Valley, and marvel at the ancient Incan sites of Cusco. The highlight of your trip will be a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and seamless transportation throughout this 11-day expedition.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito(Arrival)
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: hotel
Today, make your own way to your chosen airport to board your international flight to Quito. Upon arrival at Quito International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Quito
Day 2: Quito – Baltra (By Flight) — Santa Cruz (B/L/-)
Location: Santa Cruz
Accommodation Name: Puerto Ayora
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
You will be transferred back to Quito International Airport to check-in for your domestic flight to Baltra Island. This tiny island served as a military base during the Second World War and hosts the Islands principal airport. The airport was built using the most advanced environmental techniques to reduce emissions and energy use, some of which you will notice as you travel through the facility. It was the first ecological airport in the world.
Upon arrival, you will be picked up by your guide, and start your visit to the highlands, You will visit the shelters for giant tortoises, lava tunnels and the twins that are geological formations, formed by the collapse over time. You will also get a chance to visit a private farm that provides the opportunity to marvel at the celebrated Giant Galapagos Tortoise roaming in its natural habitat. You will have the option of visiting geological formations like a natural lava tunnel or the twin pit craters “The Gemelos” or both, depending on your energy level! The Twin Pit Craters, located in the Scalezia zone of the island, are a great place for bird watching. Look out for Darwin Finches, Galapagos Doves and Cattle egret.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora
Day 3: Loberia Islands – Punta Estrada – Puerto Ayora (B/-/-)
Location: Puerto Ayora
Accommodation Name: Puerto Ayora
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning you will explore Puerto Ayoras Bay. From the main dock, you will travel by boat to La Loberia Island, named after a sea lion colony that has made its home here. This small island is a great place to snorkel amongst sea turtles, a great variety of colorful fish, and friendly and inquisitive sea lions. For your next stop, you will hike to the Tunel del Amor with a great viewpoint from where, if lucky, you can watch the resting white-tip sharks. On the way back we will visit Punta Estradas dock, where we will head on a walk to watch marine iguanas.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora
Day 4: Galapagos (B/L/-)
Location: Galapagos
Accommodation Name: Puerto Ayora
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you will travel by motor yacht to spend the day exploring the remote islands of North Seymour and Bachas with lunch served on board.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora
*Note: Due to inclement weather conditions, todays activity may be changed without prior notice
Day 5: Galapagos – Baltra – Lima (By Flight) (B/-/-)
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Prepare to be transferred back to Baltras airport for your flight to Lima the capital of Peru, via Guayaquil or Quito. Upon arrival at Lima International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Lima
Day 6: Lima (B/-/-)
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will head on a half-day tour to explore the modern and colonial parts of Lima, the \"City of Kings\". Start your tour in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro. En route, you will see a Huaca or sacred pre-Inca site. There will be a stop at the Parque del Amor (Lovers Park) in Miraflores to see the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Discover the Historic Centre based on the Main Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Archbishops Palace, the Municipality of Lima, and the Cathedral are located, and head on a visit to one of the largest colonial-era convents. After your tour, you will have free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight in Lima
Day 7: Lima – Cusco (By Flight) (B/-/-)
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will be transferred to the Lima International Airport in time for your domestic flight to Cusco. Enjoy a full day at leisure for a unique experience filled with beautiful scenery, spectacular views, small communities, and opportunities to see wildlife. Adventures await! Dont miss the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, Palccoyo, or Humantay Lagoon which can be explored with one of the optional tours.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 8: Cusco — Sacred Valley (B/L/-)
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Sacred Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the best of the Sacred Valley of the Incas through this route. You will visit the Maras salt mines, an amazing place where the finest salt in the world is extracted: Maras salt. On the way, you will make a stop at the Raqchi viewpoint, from where you will have an impressive view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Then, you will visit the Misminay community. Upon arrival, the villagers will give you a warm welcome with music and typical dances. There, you will be able to learn about the Andean families' lifestyle, by sharing some of their daily activities with them. Then, you will enjoy a delicious and traditional lunch prepared with local products. You will continue with a visit to Moray, a fascinating archeological site with huge concentric terraces, which the Incas used as a botanical laboratory.
Overnight in Sacred Valley.
Day 9: Sacred Valley — Machu Picchu — Cusco (B/L/-)
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In time you will transfer to Ollantaytambo and board the train to Machu Picchu. Today you will visit one of the most important energy centers in the world: Machu Picchu. You will drive to the archeological site for an unforgettable experience seeing the ancient ruins with a professional tour guide who will share all the history that surrounds this mysterious and enchanting place. Once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, relax, or meditate. At the agreed-upon hour, you will descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch and board the train later in the afternoon for your return trip. Once you have arrived at either the Ollantaytambo or Poroy Station, you will be driven to your hotel.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 10: Cusco (B/-/-)
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure for a unique experience filled with beautiful scenery, spectacular views, small communities, and opportunities to see wildlife. Adventures await! Dont miss the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, Palccoyo, or Humantay Lagoon which can be explored with one of the optional tours.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 11: Cusco (Departure) – Lima - (B/-/-)
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will be transferred back to Cusco Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport to check-in for your onward flight.
What's Included
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Accommodation
10 Nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar.
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Meals
Daily buffet breakfast and 4 special lunches at local restaurants.
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Transfers
All arrival and departure airport transfers.
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Transportation
All transportation in air-conditioned modern vehicles.
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Guided Tours
Services of English-speaking guide during the tours.
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Sightseeing
All sightseeing as per the detailed itinerary.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary.
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Ferry/Boat Tickets
Ferry/boat tickets within the Galapagos Islands.
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Train Tickets
Return train ticket to Machu Picchu.
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Domestic Airfare in Ecuador
Domestic airfare in Ecuador (Quito–Baltra).
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees, if applicable.
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Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee
Galapagos National Park entrance fee (USD 200 per adult/100 per child under 12).
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Tourist Transit Card
Tourist transit card (Ingala) (USD 20 per person).
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Unlisted Items
Items not mentioned as included.
Mode of Transport
All transportation is provided in air-conditioned modern vehicles, including arrival and departure airport transfers, ferry/boat tickets within the Galapagos Islands, and return train tickets to Machu Picchu.
Accommodation
Enjoy 10 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
All transportation is provided in air-conditioned modern vehicles, including arrival and departure airport transfers, ferry/boat tickets within the Galapagos Islands, and return train tickets to Machu Picchu.
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What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy 10 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, daily buffet breakfast and 4 special lunches at local restaurants are included in the tour package.
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Will there be a guide during the tours?
Yes, the services of an English-speaking guide are provided during the tours.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included?
Yes, all entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary are included.
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Is airfare included in the tour package?
Yes, domestic airfare in Ecuador (Quito–Baltra), regional airfare (Baltra–Lima), and domestic airfare in Peru (Lima–Cusco–Lima) are included.
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What activities are available on Santa Cruz Island?
On Santa Cruz Island, you will visit shelters for giant tortoises, lava tunnels, and the twin pit craters 'The Gemelos'. You will also have the opportunity to visit a private farm to see the celebrated Giant Galapagos Tortoise in its natural habitat.
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What can I expect during the visit to La Loberia Island?
At La Loberia Island, you can snorkel amongst sea turtles, a variety of colorful fish, and friendly sea lions. You will also hike to the Tunel del Amor and visit Punta Estradas dock to watch marine iguanas.
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What will I see during the tour of Lima?
In Lima, you will explore the modern and colonial parts of the city, including the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, the Parque del Amor, the Historic Centre, and one of the largest colonial-era convents.
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What is included in the Sacred Valley tour?
In the Sacred Valley, you will visit the Maras salt mines, the Misminay community, and the Moray archeological site. You will also enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with local products.
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What will I experience at Machu Picchu?
At Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of the ancient ruins, followed by free time to explore the site on your own. You will also have lunch in Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco.
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Are there any optional tours available in Cusco?
Yes, during your leisure time in Cusco, you can explore the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, Palccoyo, or Humantay Lagoon with one of the optional tours.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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