Galapagos Islands and Peru Adventure

Arrive in Galapagos 

Your Galapagos trip begins as you fly into Baltra, where a Galapagos Unbound representative greets you at the airport. A short cruise away is Puerto Ayora, the capital of Santa Cruz Island, where you head up into the lush highlands for an exclusive visit to a giant Galapagos tortoise reserve. See these immense and long-lived creatures cooling off in a local watering hole or searching for some greens. Then, see what natural wonders lay below the surface as you explore nearby lava tunnels. 

This afternoon, head to Puerto Ayora where you check-in to your hotel before setting off to explore the most populated city in the Galapagos Islands. A highlight of your city tour is the Calle de los Kioskos, or Kiosks Street, where you can eat where the locals eat. Closed down each night, Kiosks Street comes alive as restaurants set up tables and chairs in the street for outside dining.

MEALS INCLUDED : Lunch, Dinner

Visit Tortuga Bay, Optional Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, Cruise to Isabela

After breakfast, see more of the Galapagos sites with a walk to the white sand beach of Tortuga Bay. Accessible only by foot, Tortuga Bay offers a variety of activities: swimming, sunbathing, bodysurfing and wildlife watching are all available here. Friendly baby sharks enjoy swimming in the peaceful, mangrove-lined bay, and blue-footed boobies and salt-spitting marine iguanas can be found in the nearby cactus forest. 

Spend as much time as you wish at Tortuga Bay before returning to Puerto Ayora. For those who wish, head to the Charles Darwin Research Station where you learn about the station’s ongoing conservation efforts to repopulate the archipelago with the at-risk land iguanas and several species of the endangered giant Galapagos tortoise. Witness how the giant tortoises grow and are prepared for the wild from an unhatched egg, baby tortoise to a mature adult. 
After lunch, cruise to the largest island in the archipelago: Isabela Island. Explore picturesque Puerto Villamil and watch the setting sun splash the white sand beach with color before dinner.

Note: It’s sometimes possible to surf or boogie board at Tortuga Bay. Please inform your guide if this is an activity you’re interest in ahead of time.

MEALS INCLUDED : Lunch, Dinner

Hike Sierro Negro Volcano and Volcan Chico*, Optional Sea Kayak

Today, witness the Galapagos’ volcanic heritage up close as you hike up Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes within the Galapagos archipelago. Trek up to Sierra Negra’s caldera, keeping an eye out for Galapagos birds only found in these highlands such as the red Vermillion Flychatcher and the short-eared owl. Relax up at top as you take in the panoramic views available from the lofty rim. 

Continue your hike around the rim as you continue to nearby Volcan Chico*. As you walk amongst both “aa” and “pahoehoe” lava flows, you can also see volcanic vents that perforate the surrounding landscape and colorful minerals that add depths of pigmentation to the lava rocks. Your otherworldly hike leads you to a lookout where you can see extensive views that stretch to the northern tip of Isabela. 

A return hike takes you back to town by early afternoon, after which you are free to relax or set off on another adventure. One option is to take a kayak through the becalmed bay of Puerto Villamin. Galapagos penguins, rays and sea turtles can be found enjoying the peaceful waters while blue-footed penguins, frigatebirds, pelicans and more can be seen flitting along the shore or in and out of the mangrove trees. Or, if you wish to discover some of the Galapagos Island’s history, you can rent a bike and pedal to the Wall of Tears, where island-bound convicts once labored to construct a wall out of volcanic rock. Enjoy an independent dinner in town this evening. 

Note: As of January 17, 2018, the Volcan Chico portion of the hike is closed due to volcanic activity and is expected to open when safe for visitor access.

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch

Visit Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, Fly to San Cristóbal, Visit La Loberia 

This morning, enjoy a relaxed stroll along a coastal lagoon where pink flamingoes can often be found among the mangroves. The path leads you to a Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, where you can witness nearly 1,000 giant Galapagos tortoises in all stages of their development as they prepare for the wild. 

After, take a short flight to San Cristóbal Island, the easternmost island of the Galapagos archipelago and also the oldest. Stop for lunch before setting off to La Loberia, where the sea lions are known to hang out. Watch the sea lions getting some sun, playing in the water or barking at one another. If you’re up for it, hop on in to swim with some sea lions. This evening, enjoy another evening exploring on your own and discovering one of the favorite local restaurants.

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch

Snorkel at Kicker Rock, Elective Bike Ride 

Explore the underwater world of the Galapagos Islands today. As you cruise to your first snorkel spot, look out for frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. Then, drop anchor and get your first glimpse of tropical fish such as puffer fish, damselfish and some sea lion pups that might be hanging around. 

Next up is your snorkel hotspot of the day: Kicker Rock, or Leon Dormido. This tuff cone that juts from the ocean is a beloved hangout for sea turtles, chocolate chip starfish, Galapagos sharks and spotted eagle rays. Swim alongside these incredible creatures before returning to town by late afternoon. Take some time to enjoy the sunset with a beverage of your choice or hop on a bike to explore the town before rejoining for a group dinner at one of our favorite restaurants with open-air dining. Enjoy this final evening in the Enchanted Islands.

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elective Visit to Tijeretas and Charles Darwin Interpretation Center, Travel to Guayaquil and Lima

Spend your final day in the Galapagos Islands as you choose, with souvenir shopping, a final swim or a visit to the Charles Darwin Interpretation Center, or a short hike to the lookout of Tijeretas as options for your morning activity. This afternoon, fly to mainland Ecuador to meet your flight to Lima. Upon landing, our Galapagos Unbound representative greets you and transfers you to the hotel. Enjoy an evening in Lima’s incredible gastronomy scene as you prepare for your morning flight to Cusco. 

ACCOMMODATION : Hotel Lima

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast

Travel to Cusco, Explore Sacred Valley Incan Ruins

Take an early morning flight to Cusco, where you are met with another Galapagos Unbound representative and taken to the Sacred Valley. During the drive, enjoy the passing andeans views and look out for the Pucara Bulls perched on the roofs of Andean houses—an amulet meant to bring weath to the households. 

Upon arrival in the Sacred Valley, stop at the colorful artisan market of Pisac, where locals from communities throughout the valley come to sell their wares, share their craftsmanship and interact with their neighbors. After, continue to Urubamba where you relax with lunch and a presentation of the famous Peruvian Paso Horse before continuing to the Incan ruins of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo embodies the best of Incan urban planning and is a marvel with its extensive military, astronomical and religious complex. Explore the site, wonder at the massive boulders weighing nearly 60 metric tons once relocated here by the Incas and enjoy your first introduction to Ecuador’s fascinating history. Your evening takes you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you can relax with a delicious Ecuadorian meal. 

Visit Wiñay Wayna

After breakfast, a brief train ride from Ollanta takes you to the trailhead from which you will begin your hike to the archaeological site of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. Taking approximately 4 hours, this worthwhile trek takes you to the agricultural center of Wiñay Wayna with its countless terraces, urban district and religious district. Take your time to explore this multifaceted site before continuing on to Inti Punku, or “The Sun Gate.” From here, you can take in panoramic views of Machu Picchu lying off in the distance. 

A return shuttle takes you back down to the village of Machu Picchu, where you can relax from your long day and look forward to tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit Machu Piccu, Hike Huayna Picchu Mountain

This morning, explore one of the world’s greatest wonders: Machu Picchu. A guided tour enriches your experience as you learn more about Machu Picchu’s mysteries and captivating past. After your visit to Machu Picchu, you have two options for your afternoon’s adventures. 

If you wish, you may continue to the Sanctuary where you begin your trek up Huayna Picchu. The lesser-known climb takes you up a rock staircase where stunning views greet you at every turn. Climb through a narrow tunnel to reach the peak, where you take a breath and take in the photo-hungry views of neighboring Machu Picchu and the verdant jungle that surrounds it. Many say that Huaya Picchu’s views rival those found at Machu Picchu itself! After, a return shuttle takes you down to the Villages of Aguas Calientes. 

If you don’t wish to hike Huayna Picchu, you continue to Montaña Machu Picchu, located to the southwest of Machu Picchu’s citadel. Standing tall at 10,007 feet above sea level, this mountian trek affords incredible views of Machu Picchu and the encircling mountains. From here you can appreciate how well Machu Picchu mingles with its natural environment as well see the towering Andean peaks and serpentine Urubamba River that comprise the vista. Beyond the impressive views, the summit also offers insight into Incan history, as Inca priests once performed rituals and greetings to Salkantay Apu here. After you explore this site, take a return shuttle to the village of Aguas Calientes. 

Relax and indulge in another independent night of exploration in the village.

Explore Cusco

Today takes you to the culturally and historically rich Cusco. A city tour takes you to Cusco’s fascinating historical monuments from both the Incan and Spanish Empires. Your tour includes stop at the Main Square, known as Huacaypata or the Warrior’s Square to the Incas, as well as the Cathedral. The Cathedral was once the Incan temple of Suntur Wasi before the church of El Triunfo was built over it. Continue to the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, built by Spanish Dominicans upon the foundations of the Incan temple of the Sun, or Koricancha. Constructed to worship the sun, Koricancha was once placed in sheets of gold according to chroniclers. 

You also have the opportunity to explore the historical wonders outside of city limits as you make your way to Sacsayhuaman, a massive Incan fortress constructed on three extensive platforms, as well as the Incan baths of Tambomachay. Marvel at the massive stone block carved in the form of a puma and learn about how the Inca’s worshipped water here. Your tour concludes at Puca Pucará, whose purpose as a military and administrative stronghold is visible in its terraces and turrets, vaulted niches and many passages. 

Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Cusco independently.

Fly to Lima; Return Flight Home

After a final Ecuadorian breakfast, fly to Lima to meet your return international flight home.