This 16-night trip delivers ancient Incan history; 16th century Hispanic colonial charm; indigenous peoples and colour ; plus stunning Andes vistas as you experience the iconic wonders of Peru’s Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca which you combine with a 3-night stay in the attractive UNESCO historical centre of Quito , the capital of neighbouring Ecuador; prior to the highlight end to your holiday with a bucket-list cruise to view the awesome wildlife on display in the Galapagos.
Highlights of Ecuador & Galapagos Bespoke Holiday:
- Savred Valley of the Incas
- Machu Picchu
- Scenic Train Journeys
- Chocolate Tour
- Galápagos Islands
- Isabela Island
The Best Time To Visit
December to May
The best time to visit the Galápagos Islands is from December to May, when the weather is warmer and calmer, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
Enquire TodayRegions You’ll Visit
View mapOur Suggested Day By Day Itinerary
This tour can be fully-personalized and upgrades are available.
Day 1: Departure from your destination
Depart from your home airport to begin your journey to Peru!
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Day 2: Arrival
Welcome to Peru!
You’ll be met at the airport by an Earth Trip representative and transferred to the Sacred Valley, specifically chosen to help you adjust to the regions altitude and relax into your holiday.
As you travel through the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas, you will stop in Chincheros, a small scenic town in the Peruvian Andes. Enjoy a talk and demonstration about how textiles are made here, and have been for hundreds of years.
At the end of the tour, transfer to your hotel in Sacred Valley.
Location: Sacred Valley | Hotel: Hotel Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado | Board: Bed and Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

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Day 3: The Sacred Valley of the Incas
The excursion starts at 7:00 from your hotel in Quito. Meet your guide and board a vehicle heading south of Quito and go along the Avenue of the Volcanoes and pass through the towns of Latacunga and Pujilí. Stop to visit an indigenous local house from the “Paramos” to learn about their traditions and way of life. Continue up to the Quilotoa volcano, where you will be able to descend to the lake located inside the crater or just walk around the crater. You will also be able to enjoy an unforgettable experience by kayak in the lagoon(optional). Lunch and drive back towards Cotopaxi National Park. Once you reach the National Park, you will visit the Interpretation Center and Limpiopungo lagoon. Take a short hike in the surrounding Limpiopungo valley. Overnight in Cotopaxi
Location: Sacred Valley | Hotel: Hotel Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado | Board: Bed and Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

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Day 4: Machu Picchu Pueblo
Today, you’ll have an early 6am pickup to head to the train station to travel to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Your excess luggage will be transferred to Cusco to await your return from visiting Machu Picchu. The two-hour train journey is a memorable experience in itself, as we pass through river canyons and rolling hills.
Your guide will pick you up from the train station, and walk to the bus departure point for the short but zigzagging ascent up the road to Machu Picchu. We’ll then pass through the gates to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site that is the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu and archaeological ruins.
Here you’ll begin your guided walking tour with an experienced and highly knowledgeable guide. Our tour of Machu Picchu will last about two hours, and will take you to all the most famous and most spectacular parts of the extensive archaeological complex. These include the House of the Guardian, Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and other key locations. And as we walk around, we’ll have spectacular views across the agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu and across to the surrounding
mountains and plunging gorges.
Once we’ve finished our tour of Machu Picchu, we will have lunch (not included), and then we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you can relax. Aguas Calientes is also surrounded by
thermal hot springs, and when we arrive, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy a dip in one of the steaming natural springs. You’ll also have time to walk around the town, exploring the colourful markets and general buzz of this unique Peruvian settlement.
Location: Machu Picchu | Hotel: El Mapi by Inkaterra | Board: Bed and Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

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Day 5: Machu Picchu Pueblo
Spend today at leisure.
After breakfast take a walk and a pre-booked tourist bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu for an
included 2nd- and self-guided – tour of the iconic site and an opportunity to further explore this amazing site at your own pace. You could choose to enjoy the sunrise over the ruins and watch the mist rise over this mountain top citadel at dawn or perhaps climb Huayna Picchu.
Also, the day offers another chance to take photos of this awesome location in case cloud cover or light had impacted the mages you took the day before. Later return to Aguas Calientes where you can experience one of the local volcanic geo-thermic natural hot springs or join an optional: orchids; or butterflies; or exotic tropical birding tour. Alternatively take an excursion to seek out the famous spectacle bears or simply visit the local colourful indigenous people’s market.
Location: Machu Picchu | Hotel: El Mapi by Inkaterra | Board: Bed and Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

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Day 6: Cusco
An Earth Trip’s representative will assist you with your 1.5 to 2-hour transfer (72 km / 45 miles) from Ollantaytambo Train Station (2,792 m / 9,160 ft) to your hotel in Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft).
Enjoy a scenic comfortable pan-Andes Vistadome train journey through the scenic Sacred Valley before an onward transfer to Cusco. Rest of day at leisure.
Location: Cusco | Hotel: Rumi Punku Cusco | Board: Bed and Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

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Day 7: Cusco
Following breakfast, you will be met at your hotel for an included 1/2-day tour of Cusco. Heading first to the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hill above Cusco. Here, you will witness some of the finest examples of Inca masonry and construction, including enormous boulders that were meticulously cut and perfectly fitted to form the walls.
After exploring Sacsayhuamán on our Cusco tours, we will climb the hill to Qenqo, one of the
most intriguing archaeological sites of the Inca civilization. This enigmatic sanctuary, whose name in Quechua means “labyrinth” or “zigzag,” offers visitors a fascinating mix of history, spirituality, and architecture. From here, you will also enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Cusco.
Next, we visit the Tambomachay Archaeological Complex. The exact purpose of this site is unknown, but it may have functioned, at least in part, as an Inca spa. Incan hydraulic engineering is evident here, with a series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls running through the terraced rocks.
We then continue to the wonderful Korikancha, adjacent to the Church of Santo Domingo. According to chroniclers writing during the period immediately following the Spanish conquest, the Korikancha was the most sacred and important temple in the Incan Empire. Its walls were covered in gold, and life
size statues of plants and animals, all made of pure gold and silver, decorated its rooms and hallways. Sadly, this wealth was stripped away by the Spanish conquistadors. However, it remains a magnificent temple, and your Cusco private tour guide will show you details that you would almost certainly miss if you visited without a guide.
After visiting the Korikancha, we will head to the Cusco Cathedral, located in the Plaza de Armas. Built between 1560 and 1654 on the foundations of an existing Inca temple, this spectacular cathedral houses many works of art from the Cusco School of painters.
Finally, our guide will show you the famous 12 angled Incan wall stone.
Spend the afternoon at leisure to enjoy and self-explore the squares, plazas, bars, cafes, boutiques, shops and stalls of this charming and soulful former 16th century Hispanic capital and the ancient metropolis centre of the Incan empire. The colourful buzzy local San Pedro market is worth a visit
Location: Cusco | Hotel: Rumi Punku Cusco | Board: Bed and Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

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Day 8: Puno
You will be met after an early breakfast for a comfortable and timely transfer to Wanchaq Train Station. Enjoy a smooth and hassle-free journey, ensuring you arrive at the station relaxed and ready for your next adventure.
Board the luxurious Titicaca Cusco to Puno Train for an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes that connect Cusco with the mystical Lake Titicaca. Over the course of a single day, you’ll traverse the towering Peruvian Andes and the expansive altiplano, where the beauty of the highlands will leave you speechless.
Along the way, immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant culture with traditional music and dances that bring the Andean spirit to life. Indulge in an exquisite onboard dining experience, featuring delicate snacks, a gourmet lunch, and a comforting afternoon tea. One of the highlights of the trip is a stop at Abra La Raya, the highest point of the route at 4,300 meters above sea level, where the meeting of sky and earth offers an awe-inspiring view.
This journey is a perfect blend of stunning scenery, cultural richness, and unparalleled comfort, making every moment truly memorable.
Embark on an exclusive and smooth journey with Valencia Travel’s private transfer service from the
Puno Train Station to your hotel located just outside the city. Experience the comfort and privacy of a specially equipped vehicle as you travel from the train station to your out of-town lake-side hotel.
Location: Puno | Hotel: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno | Board: Bed and Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

- Lunch

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Day 9: Puno
After breakfast your driver will meet you at your hotel for you to embark on a captivating journey starting with a transfer from the hotel to the city’s primary port. Board a modern motorboat with panoramic views, guided by an exclusive professional. The 30-minute journey reveals the breathtaking landscapes and diverse flora and fauna along the way, leading to our destination – the captivating Floating Island of the Uros.
Explore the unique lifestyle of the Uros people, descendants of one of the oldest cultures in the Americas. Living on blocks of aquatic plant roots and crafting their homes from totora reeds, the Uros engage in activities like fishing, hunting, and handicrafts.
Continue the adventure to the picturesque Taquile Island, celebrated for its scenic beauty and the warm hospitality of its inhabitants. Welcomed with music, dance, and cultural displays, embark on a guided walk-through stunning landscape, offering panoramic views of Lake Titicaca and the snow-capped Andes on the Bolivian side. Visit a local family’s home to witness their daily life and
experience the intricate art of textile craftsmanship. Indulge in the rich flavours of the region with lunch at a typical island restaurant.
Following this, unwind on the beach, taking in the pristine waters of Lake Titicaca.
Location: Puno | Hotel: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno | Board: Bed and Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

- Lunch

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Day 10: Quito
After breakfast is a hotel pick up for you to end your Peru stay with a transfer to the Manco Capac Airport in Juliaca to check in to your morning Latam flight to Lima, with a short onward connection to the 2nd-leg of your flight to Quito, Ecuador’s capital.
On arrival you will be met by Earth Trip’s representative to transfer you to your hotel in the
centre of Quito
Location: Quito | Hotel: GO Quito | Board: Bed and Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

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Day 11: Quito
After breakfast hotel, you’ll be picked up for an included tour of Quito, Ecuadors’ capital- a UNESCO World Heritage Site – has the best-conserved historic city in Latin American. This day trip includes the visit to the “old town” of Quito, through squares, churches and old streets.
The first stop will be at Basilica Church from where you will have a beautiful view of The Colonial 19th Century Hispanic Colonial Centre of Quito. After walking through the colonial streets, you will then stop at the Independence Plaza to admire the Cathedral and the Government’s Palace. The Cathedral, Campania church very well known as the Gold Church, Church of Sagrario and San Francisco. Finally, head to the most famous hill in Quito, Panecillo viewpoint, where you’ll notice the contrast between colonial and modern city.
In the afternoon continue to ‘the middle of the world’ where you have the opportunity to visit Intiñan museum just 200 meters north of the Mitad del Mundo monument, here the actual “Middle of the World” is marked. This museum showcases what modern-day GPS has proven to be the true site of the equator line.
Afterwards, head back to your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure.
Location: Quito | Hotel: GO Quito | Board: Bed and Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

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Day 12: Quito
Following breakfast your guide will pick you up at your hotel for a full day tour of the nearby Mindo Cloud forest.
Depart Quito and head towards the northwest of Pichincha Province. Cross some climatic zones and stop at the Pululahua Volcano. From a panoramic viewpoint, observe the crater of the majestic volcano. Observe some native plants such as bromeliads, orchids and some medicinal species. Feed hummingbirds from your hands and see toucans, tanagers, agoutis and squirrels.
After birdwatching in San Tadeo, arrive at the town of Mindo and immediately go to the butterfly farm. Marvel at the colourful exotic butterflies’ and learn something of their anatomy and reproduction in their natural state.
Continue to the cloud forest and take some trails to the waterfalls route. Take a cable car to pass to another section of the cloud forest and take a hike to the Nabilla waterfall Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route).
Afterwards, enjoy an included local lunch in a great, quiet and beautiful place. Finally, experience and taste some of the best artisanal chocolate in the world at Mindo before heading back to Quito
An alternative tour, available on request, is an included day trip to the iconic colourful indigenous peoples Otavalo Market. Simply ask on booking if your preference is culture and the local community over nature, as you may feel with the Galapagos to come that you have enough Eco Tourism on the trip!
Location: Quito | Hotel: GO Quito | Board: Bed and Breakfast
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

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Day 13: Galapagos
After an early breakfast hotel pick-up to transfer to Quito airport to fly to Baltra in the Galapagos via a brief touchdown in Guayaquil. Upon arrival in the Galapagos Islands, you are greeted at the airport by the cruise company’s knowledgeable guides who will accompany you on a short ten-minute bus ride to the pier where you will board the Coral I & Coral II to be allocated your private en-suite cabin for your 5-day/4 night island-hopping cruise. Included is expert-led nature and wildlife tours, incorporating two daily guided excursions per day -plus optional activities like snorkelling, kayaking, and dinghy rides.
Coral I and Coral II are elegant, comfortable sister yachts designed for travellers seeking a more intimate and personalised Galapagos experience. With capacities of 36 and 20 guests respectively, these vessels provide the perfect balance between charm, adventure, and exclusivity.
In the afternoon after commencing the cruise you will embark on your first excursion at Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island). On the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, accessible only by sea, four species of mangrove crowd and form an internal lagoon, turtles visit the calm waters, peaking their heads above the surface while fish and rays circle below. You may even spot white-tipped reef sharks and sea birds, including pelicans, herons and egrets.
This cove has been declared as a “turtle sanctuary”.
Location: Galapagos Islands | Hotel: Coral I & Coral II | Board: Full Board
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

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Day 14: Galapagos Islands
In the morning day 2 of the cruise you will have a guided tour to Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island), a spectacular site, surrounded by immense cliffs of an eroded volcano and studded with resting seabirds like brown noddies and Nazca boobies. Here is also superb snorkelling, with unique fish species, and even swim with penguins and green turtles.
In the afternoon you will visit Punta Espinosa (Fernandina Island). Pristine Fernandina, the marine iguana capital. Its desolate volcanic backdrop hosts a massive concentration of these enigmatic reptiles. Surprisingly, Galapagos penguins share the same shoreline. Snorkelling offers an exciting opportunity to witness marine iguanas feeding underwater, alongside penguins, turtles, and unique flightless cormorants.
Location: Galapagos Islands | Hotel: Coral I & Coral II | Board: Full Board
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

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Day 15: Galapagos Islands
Day 3 of your cruise in the morning includes Urbina Bay (Isabela Island). At the far end of a long level hike, we arrive at a strange phenomenon where large blocks of coral lie completely exposed after a dramatic geological uplift in 1954. Located at the western base of Alcedo Volcano, we hope to run into a few impressive land iguanas, and giant tortoises during the wet season.
In the afternoon you visit Tagus Cove (Isabela Island), a historic pirate hideout and anchorage, visited by Charles Darwin and the HMS Beagle in 1835. Hike past Darwin Lake and stunning volcanic landscape, revealing Isabela island’s dramatic northern volcanoes. Snorkel along a submerged wall with turtles, fish, penguins, and flightless cormorants. Enjoy a panga ride or kayak for added excitement.
Location: Galapagos Islands | Hotel: Coral I & Coral II | Board: Full Board
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

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Day 16: Galapagos Islands
Day 4 of your cruise involves a morning tour at Egas Port (Santiago Island). The black volcanic sand sets this landing apart from most. It’s best known for the dramatic shoreline where we meet a host of species that chose to live between land and sea. Among these are the endemic Galapagos fur seals, which maintain a small colony at the end of our walk.
In the afternoon is an excursion to Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island), which has an extensive feature relative to young pa-hoe-hoe lava flows formed during the last quarter of the 19th century. In the middle of the lava flow, older reddish-yellow-coloured tuff cones appear. Mollugo plants with their yellow-to-orange whorled leaves usually grow out of the fissures.
Walking on solidified lava gives the impression of being on another planet.
Location: Galapagos Islands | Hotel: Coral I & Coral II | Board: Full Board
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

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Day 17: Galapagos Islands
Day 5 of the cruise after breakfast sees your final morning tour in the Galapagos, to the Highlands Tortoise Reserve in the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where you have the best opportunity to interact at close quarters with totally wild, Galapagos giant tortoises.
A short walk among these huge, 600lb, reptiles will also offer the chance for more highland species, especially several species of the famed finches.
After this, you will be transferred to the Baltra Island airport to check in for your return flight to
Guayaquil, where you will connect with your onward overnight flight back to your home airport.
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Day 18: Arrival home
Land at your home airport, wrapping up your adventure across Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos!
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Note: Itineraries are subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last-minute weather conditions, and adjustment of Galapagos National Park policies
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Included:
- Private transportation in fully air conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Admission fees to all mention attractions
- English speaking guide as per itinerary
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport meet & greet in all airports
Not Included:
- Gratuities for services and guides
- Expenses on personal nature
- Anything else not listed in the itinerary
- Optional excursions
- Personal & medical insurances
- Flights are not included in the tour price, but we are happy to help you find the best and most suitable flight connections for your trip.
Tailor Your Tour - Potential Highlights
- Upgrade or change your hotels
- Add or remove attractions
- Stay longer in some locations
- Let us make it perfect for you.
If you love this tour but want to change some details our team will tailor this tour to match your interests. With our in-depth knowledge we will provide you with the best advice on every detail of the tour.
Unsure Where To Start?
Connect with a specialist to craft your journey.




Each specialist has travelled extensively in the countries they plan. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems or planning immersive cultural experiences, we design trips that go beyond the ordinary. Get in touch today!
Request A Video Meeting
Speak to our Ecuador & Galapagos travel expert today
Jeremy Snelling - Travel Specialist

Speak to our Ecuador & Galapagos travel expert today
Jeremy Snelling - Travel Specialist
Tailor Your Tour - Potential Highlights
- Upgrade or change your hotels
- Add or remove attractions
- Stay longer in some locations
- Let us make it perfect for you.
If you love this tour but want to change some details our team will tailor this tour to match your interests. With our in-depth knowledge we will provide you with the best advice on every detail of the tour.
Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos Combo 2027 & 2028












