Galapagos & Peru Adventure
Galapagos & Peru Adventure
Galapagos & Peru Adventure
24 Days Starting in Quito and ending in La Paz
Visiting: Quito, Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos, Isla San Cristobal, Isla Floreana/ Isla Isabela, Isla Isabela, Isla Isabela / Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Santa Cruz, Lima, Amazon Jungle, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail, Puno, Llachon community, La Paz
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GGSYC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Visit South America and travel to the Galapagos Islands, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. Discover unique creatures, as well as the island's outstanding natural beauty, by foot, boat and bike. Back on the mainland, enjoy the delights of Peru – from the tough but rewarding Inca Trail to the joy of interacting with friendly locals and experiencing cities full of colour, energy and passion.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Location: Quito
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Quito, Ecuador. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America, sitting at an altitude of 2850 m with a view of Volcan Pichincha on the horizon.
After the welcome meeting, join your local leader for a tour of Quito's historic center. Catch the Matro to the Parque de la Alameda and visit sites such as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a famous neo-Gothic church known for the details of its façade that represent Galápagos tortoises, Andean condors, and Amazon alligators. You’ll also visit La Compania de Jesus, considered by many to be the most beautiful church in the Americas. It's claimed that seven tons of gold leaf cover the interior whilst the exterior is decorated with statues, busts, sculpted heads, and a jungle of carved leaves.
The tour will finish at San Francisco Square, where you’ll have the option to return to the hotel, or why not get to know your new travelling companions and dine in Quito’s Old Town – your leader will have plenty of recommendations!
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos
Location: Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning, you'll take an early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island. After joining up with your fellow travellers and your local naturalist guide, you’ll head to La Loberia and put on your snorkelling gear for the first time. Go for a swim among the sea lions and maybe even spot sea turtles, too! After, you’ll return to town, where you have a free evening to head out with the group and get to know each other better. Maybe find some fresh seafood to enjoy or wander the shores at your own pace.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Isla San Cristobal
Location: Isla San Cristobal
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Take a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) today. On the way, you might be able to spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You might even get the chance to swim among the sea lions again. At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays and maybe the harmless Galapagos shark. Eat lunch on the boat, then head to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the 'Enchanted Islands' history and the conservation projects that seek to preserve them. Continue to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) – it's quite a climb to the top but well worth the amazing views of the bay. Later, return to town in the afternoon for a free evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Isla Floreana/ Isla Isabela
Location: Isla Floreana/ Isla Isabela
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Take an early morning boat ride towards Isla Floreana this morning. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including dolphins and whales. Snorkel in the clear blue waters and then break for lunch. After, venture to a black-sand beach that belongs to the Witmers – descendants of some of the first settlers on the Galapagos. The town here – Puerto Velasco Ibarra – has about 150 residents and an intriguing history involving deaths, disappearances and murders. Later in the afternoon, wave goodbye to Floreana and continue to Isla Isabela, where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Isla Isabela
Location: Isla Isabela
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, you’ll hop on a small Zodiac boat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley), looking out for blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. Take a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site, then snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is also frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. Return to Isla Isabela and visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. After learning about the thousand turtles that are preparing for life here, you’ll head to a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, take a kayak around the island before finding your sandy resting spot and soaking in your first Isabela sunset – arguably the most beautiful of all the islands!
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Day 6: Isla Isabela
Location: Isla Isabela
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading towards the Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater! Weather permitting, you’ll take a challenging hike of around 17 km up the rocky mountain. After, make your way back to town for some free time to curl up with a book, soak your tired muscles or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Isla Isabela / Isla Santa Cruz
Location: Isla Isabela / Isla Santa Cruz
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Jump aboard a private speedboat this morning and head to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive, leave your bags at the hotel and head to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Your first stop is a local farm, where giant tortoises roam the grounds. Here, you’ll have a cooking class with an expert chef who will teach you how to make the famed encebollado – a local soup considered one of the best in the world! This hearty dish uses slow-cooked albacore tuna and a savoury broth made of onions, cilantro and spices. The dish is traditionally served with yuca (a starchy root vegetable) and garnished with lime and green onions. Enjoy the fruits (or soups) of your labour for lunch, then spend some time wandering the grounds with the slow-paced residents.
After lunch, you’ll visit an organic sugar cane farm run by a local family for a trapiche tour (a sugar cane mill used in artisanal sugar production). See how the family harvests and processes sugar cane as well as cacao and how it really is a community effort.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Isla Santa Cruz
Location: Isla Santa Cruz
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Take a morning walk in Tortuga Bay after breakfast. Along the way, keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies.
After returning to town for lunch, you’ll pass through a local fish market on the way to The Galapagos Conservancy. Here, they help protect the Galapagos' unique biodiversity. Learn how The Intrepid Foundation supports the Galapagos Conservancy Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, which provides critical capital for sustainability initiatives and builds the entrepreneurial capacity of Galapagos women. After, head to the Charles Darwin Research Station – an international non-profit organisation that’s dedicated to the scientific research and conservation of the archipelago’s environment and biodiversity.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Quito
Location: Quito
Meals Included: breaksfast
Say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands today and in the morning, take a flight back to Quito (the flight will make a stop in Guayaquil). You'll arrive back in Quito in the late afternoon, where you have the rest of the evening free. Maybe head out for dinner or explore Quito's well-preserved centre, rich with 16th and 17th-century churches that blend European, Moorish and Indigenous styles.
Day 10: Lima
Location: Lima
Say hasta luego to Quito and take an included flight to Lima, one of the most beautiful cities in South America. You will be picked up from the airport and transferred straight to the city's historical centre for a walking tour. Take in the ornate spectacle of the mansions, palaces and churches that line the streets. Following the walk, dive into local life by taking public transport to your hotel. There, you’ll meet your new leader and group members - perhaps get acquainted over some Pisco cocktails.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 11: Amazon Jungle
Location: Amazon Jungle
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Rise and shine early today for your journey into the wilds of the Peruvian Amazon. Take an early transfer to Lima airport, then fly to Puerto Maldonado. Here, you’ll pack a small duffle bag with essentials for the next two days. Board a motorised canoe and cruise deep into the jungle. The journey to your eco-lodge in the Madre de Dios region will take a couple of hours, so you’ll stop for lunch along the way. Settle into your thatched-roof lodge before a short orientation walk of your surroundings. Spend the evening taking in the sights and smells of the jungle and enjoy an I’m-so-far-from-home moment.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Amazon Jungle
Location: Amazon Jungle
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Get ready for an unforgettable day exploring the depths of the jungle! Set out on a half-day trek guided by local experts on the area's flora and fauna. Learn from your guides about the medicinal and practical uses for some of the plants that grow here, which Indigenous people have been studying and using for thousands of years. On your walk, keep an eye out for rainbow macaws and butterflies, and listen for the barking call of the peccaries and chattering of monkeys that call the jungle home. This part of the Amazon is also known to house capybaras, giant otters and jabirus, so keep your eyes peeled for these exotic creatures. Return to the lodge for lunch and some free time to relax. Once the sun goes down, venture out on a night walk in search of some of the jungle's nocturnal inhabitants (caimans, jaguars and anacondas).
Day 13: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: breaksfast
Leave behind the natural wonders of the Amazon for the man-made wonders of Cusco. Return to Puerto Maldonado to collect your luggage, then take a short flight. If Lima is Peru's head, then Cusco is definitely the heart. Once you've spent some time acclimatising to the altitude of 3450 m, head out on an orientation walk with your leader. See the ancient, colonial and contemporary architecture styles, including the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the San Pedro Market, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. This tour will also include the most significant temple in the ancient Inca empire – Qoricancha. Despite being covered with a Baroque facade in the 17th century by the Spanish, the original Inca masonry has been uncovered in some areas. The rest of the day is yours to spend how you like.
Included Activities:
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Day 14: Ollantaytambo
Location: Ollantaytambo
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Hop on a private bus this morning and travel through the lush terraces of the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo – one of the few places where the Inca defeated the Spanish. On the way, stop at a village to enjoy lunch and conversation in a community that still practices many Inca traditions. If you’d like, you can head to the archaeological park or if you're feeling energetic, climb to the top of the squared terraces and gaze down over the valley. Then, visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba for afternoon tea – this café is dedicated to working with single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley, where there are few opportunities for childcare and employment. As all the ingredients used here are grown and purchased locally, the establishment also prides itself on its organic and locally focused practices. Enjoy a coffee, tea or juice with a slice of vegan beet cake or a homemade cookie and continue your journey to Ollantaytambo. Tonight, maybe you’d like to sit down for a dinner of quinoa and alpaca stew at one of the local restaurants.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 15: Inca Trail
Location: Inca Trail
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days you’ll be either hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1), hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2) or staying in Cusco for two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (Route 3). All routes visit Machu Picchu.
While away from Cusco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave, you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. You won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and travel with only a small bag for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Route 1 Inca Trail
Today, travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, your cook and your guide. Your first day will include uphill trekking to the campsite, which sits at 3100 m above sea level. On the way, you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal prepared by your cook.
Route 2 Quarry Trail
Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. From here, you’ll head to the small community near Qory Song’o (Golden Heart) hill, where you’ll climb to the top for the incredible views of the Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo valleys. There are also several sacred tombs in the area, protected by the locals, which you can explore with your leader and even see some of the original structure crafted from wood and leather. These remains have never been seen by travellers before, so you can be a part of this exclusive experience. Carry on to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout, where you can stop for some snacks and photos. Arrive at the campsite, 3700 m above sea level, around lunchtime. After, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas.
Route 3 Cusco:
After spending the night in Ollantaytambo, take a short drive to the town of Pisac. Pisac is well known for its market. Here you’ll have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and perhaps try some local empanadas. Arrive back at Cusco in the afternoon, where your leader will take you to San Pedro Market, where you have the option to buy some local favourites for a picnic tomorrow.
Included Activities:
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Day 16: Inca Trail
Location: Inca Trail
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Route 1 Inca Trail
This is the most challenging day of the trek, as you ascend a 5-hour long steep path to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4200 m above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3650 m.
Route 2 Quarry Trail
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. A 3-hour walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa, about 4370 m high. After enjoying the picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. After, make the 2-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4450 m. From here, descend to the sacred site that the Incas called Intipunku. This is a sun gate, where the sun will stream through at particular times of the year and there are views of the Nevado Veronica mountain year-round. The Incas built several sun gates, the most notable overlooking Machu Picchu. Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away and at 3600 m.
Route 3 Cusco
Today, take a taxi to Tambomachay, an archaeological site just outside of Cusco. From here you’ll take a 2 to 3 hours walk back to Cusco. On the way, stop to admire some of the archaeological sites, including Puka Pukara, Quenqo and Saksaywaman. Arrive back in Cusco in the early afternoon and enjoy some free time. Maybe visit the Merida, Mendivil and Olave art galleries and workshops before finding a great spot to sit down and enjoy some dinner.
Day 17: Inca Trail
Location: Inca Trail
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Route 1 Inca Trail
Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass at 3980 m. Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca at 3850 m, also known as the 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the 2-hour descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site.
Route 2 Quarry Trail
Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo when you finish your trek. This is where you’ll meet with the travellers in your group who didn't hike, before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes.Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Route 3 Train to Aguas Calientes
After a 1.5-hour drive to Ollantaytambo. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Quarry Trail. You’ll catch a 1.5-hour train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Day 18: Inca Trail
Location: Inca Trail
Meals Included: breaksfast
Route 1 Inca Trail
This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu – one of the famed Wonders of the World. The day starts before dawn, with breakfast at 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking. Once the final checkpoint opens at 5 am, you’ll begin the final 2.5-hour trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate). Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Route 2 and 3 Machu Picchu to Cusco
Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 6:00 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for the Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. This is a day to remember!
For all travellers, after taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to catch the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stop for lunch together. From here, take a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo, then drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 19: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: breaksfast
Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cusco's many sights. Maybe rest your weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head to the San Pedro Market where you can find vegetables, meats, local cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and many local handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or ingredients for a picnic. The market is also where many locals (and daring travellers) go to eat ‘mystery soups.’ Some may be just chicken – however, the most popular among the locals usually contain frogs or offal. For those looking for something active, why not try mountain biking in the hills that surround Cusco?
Optional Activities:
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Day 20: Puno
Location: Puno
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning after breakfast, travel through the dramatic scenery of the high altiplano to Puno – located on the shores of serene Lake Titicaca. At an altitude of 3800 m, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake. Today includes a bit of a long drive, but it’s worth the first glimpse of immense Lake Titicaca, whose seemingly endless waters stretch into the horizon. Puno is a melting pot of Indigenous Aymara and Quechuan culture and traditional Andean customs, and it wears its traditions on its sleeve. If you're lucky, your trip will coincide with one of the many cultural festivals here. Ask your leader where you can get the best grilled trout tonight – a true local specialty perfect for dinner.
Day 21: Llachon Community
Location: Llachon community
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
This morning, you’ll take a tour of the immense lake by motorboat, stopping at the floating Uros Islands that look like they could come from a Pixar or Studio Ghibli movie. Built by the Uros people to protect themselves from encroaching Inca forces hundreds of years ago, the islands are constructed from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. Get a closer look at contemporary life on the shores of the lake with a homestay in a local community. Help your host family with their daily activities, try out a few words in the Quechua language and maybe even join a local soccer game to make some friends on the makeshift pitch. Tonight, sit down and swap stories with your hosts, who will cook you a feast full of traditional Peruvian favourites.
Included Activities:
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Day 22: Puno
Location: Puno
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning after breakfast, board another motorboat and cruise to Taquile Island – known for the intricate, hand-knitted textiles the locals produce. Here, knitting is strictly a male domain and women do the spinning. It's a great place to pick up some high-quality, locally knitted goods, with the added bonus of supporting the local community. Then, take an hour uphill trek to the main area of the island, where you can shop for handicrafts. After, descend about 500 steps to the boat. Return to Puno, where you might like to gather your group and find a local watering hole to enjoy a drink or two – try a chilcano or indulge in another pisco sour.
Day 23: La Paz
Location: La Paz
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, head to the bustling highland city of La Paz in Bolivia. At the border, say goodbye to your Peruvian leader and welcome your new Bolivian leader. After border formalities at the Peruvian migration office and document checks as you cross the border, you’ll discover the colonial architecture of La Paz. Browse the markets on a walking tour, taking in the vibrant expressions of culture. Over the last decade, grassroots activism and a shifting political landscape have created space for various Indigenous cultures to live openly. After the walking tour, why not head to the Witches' Market in search of folkloric remedies, potions and totems? It's a great place to pick up a last-minute souvenir!
Included Activities:
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Day 24: La Paz
Location: La Paz
Meals Included: breaksfast
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave after breakfast. If you’d like to stay in Bolivia for longer, just speak to your booking agent.
What's Included
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Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay
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Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)
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San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands
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Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
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Floreana - Snorkeling
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Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)
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Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
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Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit (30 Minutes)
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Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley (2.5 Hours)
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Isla Isabela- Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
- Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)
- San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands
- Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
- Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)
- Floreana - Snorkeling
- Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley (2.5 Hours)
- Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit (30 Minutes)
- Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
- Isla Isabela- Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
- Kayaking - Isla Isabela
- Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)
- Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
- Lima - Leader-led walking tour
- Amazon Jungle - Jungle activities
- Cusco - Orientation Walk
- Cusco - Chocolate Museum Visit & Hot Chocolate
- Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
- Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour
- Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay
Transport
- Plane , Speed Boat , Canoe , Train , Private Vehicle , Public bus
Accommodation
- Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (17 nights), Jungle Lodge (2 nights)
Important Information
- 1.Ecuador has implemented COVID-19 testing requirements for entry to the country, including special conditions for Galapagos. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advice for the most up to date information.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 11,12 (Amazon Jungle) and Day 21(Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 3.Inca Trail permits are sold on request basis only. Once deposit is paid and passport details provided, Intrepid will endeavor to secure a permit for you.
- If Inca Trail permits are unavailable by the time you book, you can opt to hike the Inca Quarry Trail instead https://www.intrepidtravel.com/machu-picchu-peru/quarry-trail
- The Inca Trail closes in February to allow cleaning and restoration works. If the trek portion of your trip starts in February you will be automatically booked to hike the Quarry Trail.
- 4. Parts of your trip go above 2800 m /9200 ft where it is common for travelers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness.
- 5. A Galapagos Transit Card fee of $20 is payable on departure from Quito Airport (or whichever airport in Ecuador you are flying to the Galapagos from). The Galapagos park fee ($100) and Isabela Port fee ($10) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment.
- From the 1st of August 2024 the Galapagos Islands National Park fee will be increasing from USD100 to USD200
- Your passport must match the booking details provided to us; otherwise it could cause issues with your transit card and internal flights resulting in purchasing a new card and flights at your own expense.
- 6. Please note that from June to August the water is rougher than usual. Consequently travel times will be longer than usual. If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period.
- 7. Nationals from the United States and South Africa need a visa to enter Bolivia and you we highly recommend you obtain this visa in advance from your nearest Bolivian consulate or Embassy. Not obtaining the visa in advance is likely to cause long delays at the border. Please see the visa information on these Essential Trip information (ETI) for more information."
- 8. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase Entrance fees to certain sites. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
- 9. While hiking the 4 Day Inca Trail or the 3 Day Inca Quarry trail portion of this trip you may be joined by other Intrepid and/or non-Intrepid travelers.
- 10. Most hotels in highlands should have oxygen cylinders available, however, you may be asked to pay surcharge for use of oxygen longer than 5 - 10 min at the time.
- 11. Depending on the time of year, and flight availability, your Quito-Lima flight may depart in the very early hours of the morning to ensure you arrive in time for the welcome meeting. Please speak to your booking agent to confirm what time your flight is noting that the flight is purchased 30 days before departure.
- 12. As you can choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train), there is a small chance you may be the only traveller on your selected option.
- 13. At the time of booking, please advise whether you would like to hike the classic Inca Trail, Inca Quarry Trail or take the train. When available, the Inca Trail will be booked as the default option. Fees may apply to changes made after the time of booking, and availability on other options cannot be guaranteed.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
The only way to access many islands is by boat. The good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication and by consulting a health professional before your trip.
This trip includes a 17 km hike (approximately 6 to 7 hours) on rocky terrain. We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes that offer good support.
The sun in the Galapagos Islands is incredibly strong due to its proximity to the equator, so it’s hot and easy to burn. Make sure you bring sun protection and wear layers to combat the heat.
Snorkelling excursions are included throughout the itinerary. Confident swimming skills are required to take part in these activities.
The Galapagos is a great place to switch off and take a break from your phone, as internet access can be patchy and wi-fi is not always available or reliable.
Hot water can be sporadic in some parts of the Galapagos, so there may be a few cold showers on the trip.
This trip visits places that are at high altitude, which can cause altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details on travelling at altitude and ensure you are familiar with signs of AMS.
Be sure to wear sturdy footwear that's suitable for hiking. See the ‘What to Take’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more information.
The Amazon Jungle can be very hot and humid, so it's important to drink plenty of water and wear light cotton clothing. Be sure to bring tropical-strength insect repellent.
According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Please refer to the itinerary for details.
Travellers who choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train), will not follow the same routes within Machu Picchu. This means that you may not be able to have photos together, overlooking Machu Picchu. This applies to travellers on the same booking or separate bookings. -
Are internal flights included in this tour?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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