Andes & Galapagos (Multi country)

Andes & Galapagos (Multi country)

10 Days

Andes & Galapagos (Multi country)

10 Days Starting in Lima and ending in Santiago Island

Visiting: Lima, Cuzco, Yucay, Guayaquil, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Santiago Island

Tour operator:

Today Voyages

Tour code:

37299

Group size:

2 - 16

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Visit the best of the South American Pacific and the Andes with this 10-day seat in coach tour. The tour begins in Lima, where you will visit its colonial and pre-Hispanic side. The next destination is the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco and its surroundings, where you will connect with the mysticism of the Andes, crowning the visit in Machu Picchu, the New Wonder of the World. From the ‘Centre of the World’ the journey continues towards ‘Half of the World´. Arrive in Ecuador via Guayaquil and then head to Santa Cruz Island, located in the impressive Galapagos National Park. Once here, navigate, visit its beautiful sandy beaches and meet the giant tortoises, bred and protected by the Charles Darwin Research Station. In short, an unforgettable trip in two countries where you will live unique experiences. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Lima: Named as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, the Peruvian capital is a blend of history and modernity. Its historic centre maintains the colonial architectural complexes that coexist closely with the Pacific Ocean and a characteristic bohemian essence. Cusco: Discover the former Inca capital, observe the ruins of the former civilisation and the Spanish colonial legacy, and admire attractions such as the baroque Cathedral, the Sacsayhuaman, and Puka Pukara archaeological sites. Sacred Valley: Discover the ancient town of Pisac and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo among other interesting sights. Machu Picchu: The "lost city of the Incas" is the reason why thousands of people arrive in Peru. Hidden among the vegetation, get closer to our past through its rooms, temples, bridges and religious sites, built in communion with the surrounding landscape. Santa Cruz Island: This sleeping volcano is a refuge for the mythical giant Galapagos turtles and a paradise of white sand beaches.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival Lima

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Lima

Upon arrival at Lima airport, you will receive assistance from a representative and a transport service will take you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day free to get to know the city. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis and full of history, with about 10 million inhabitants, currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic changes.
Overnight in Lima.

Day 2 : Lima: City Tour

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Lima

After breakfast at the hotel. Pick up at the hotel at approximately 9 am and explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fascinating historic buildings. The route begins at the traditional Pueblo Libre district, where you visit the Larco Museum, located in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid from the seventh century. The museum boasts a complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Then visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Jeronimo de Aliaga. This is the only house from that time, still belonging to the same family. Continue with a scenic tour through the colonial downtown. See the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire. Admire Lima’s Cathedral, built during the 16th century. At the end of the tour return to your hotel at around 1 pm. Rest of day at leisure.
Overnight in Lima

Day 3 : Lima – Cusco: City Tour & Nearby Archaeological Sites (90 Min Flight)

Location: Cuzco

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Cusco

Breakfast at the hotel. A transportation service will take you to the Lima airport to take your flight to Cusco (Lima – Cusco flight not included). Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive not later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late. A representative will welcome you in the Imperial City and accompany you to your selected hotel. After a short break at the hotel, you will be picked up by your local guide to start the tour at 1 pm, enjoy a guided 4-hour tour of this charming city, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, built over the Inca Coricancha Temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, at approximately 5.30 pm return to your hotel.  
Overnight in Cusco.

Day 4 : Cusco – Chinchero Living Museum Of Yucay – Ollantaytambo Sacred Valley (110 Km – 3 Hrs)

Location: Yucay

Accommodation Name: AVA Spots

Breakfast at the hotel. During the morning , you will depart from the city to visit the town of Chinchero (On Sundays, also visit the local market in Chinchero), a traditional Cusco urban center located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. Here, there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Then, you will be transferred to the Living Museum of Yucay , an Andean interpretation center, where demonstrations of the elaboration of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware are carried out in the same way in which they used to in the past; an original recreation of Inca traditions. Also, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed! From here, continue to Ollantaytambo and visit its town , inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and enjoy a superior Andean gastronomy experience in a local restaurant. Later, visit the iconic fortress, built next to a mountain. At the end of this activity, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. 
Overnight in Sacred Valley.

Day 5 : Sacred Valley– Machu Picchu –Cusco (1,5 Hr By Train / 75 Km 2,5 Hrs By Land)

Location: Cuzco

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Cusco

Breakfast at the hotel. Your visit to Machu Picchu begins with an hour and a half train journey through spectacular Andean landscapes to Aguas Calientes, starting from the Ollanta station. Once there, you will be guided to the bus (25 minute bus ride) that takes you to Machu Picchu, the ´lost city of the Incas´. It is believed that the archaeological site was built around 1450 by Inca Pachacútec as his holiday residence. However, a century later, the city was abandoned after the Spanish conquest, saving itself from the destruction that reached other Inca settlements. Instead, the jungle slowly swallowed its stone constructions and hid it, protecting it. During the guided 2 -hours tour, you will learn about the origins of this impressive citadel, presenting its most outstanding monuments such as the main square, the royal rooms, the temple of the three windows, the sacred clock and the cemeteries. At the end of the tour return to Aguas Calientes to begin your transfer back to Cusco.  
Overnight in Cusco.

Day 6 : Cusco – Guayaquil (5.5 Hrs By Flight)

Location: Guayaquil

Accommodation Name: Palace

Breakfast at hotel. A transport service will take you to the Cusco airport to board your flight to Guayaquil (Cusco – Guayaquil flight not included). Upon arrival at the Ecuadorian airport, a representative and a transport service will take you to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.
Overnight in Guayaquil.

Day 7 : Guayaquil Galapagos (Santa Cruz Island)

Location: Puerto Ayora

Accommodation Name: Red Booby

Transfer from the hotel in Guayaquil to the airport to take the flight to Galapagos (Guayaquil – Baltra Island flight not included). We suggest booking the earliest flight from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands, as well as the later flight from Galapagos to Guayaquil so you can enjoy the Islands longer. Once at the Galapagos airport, after completing the entry procedures, a representative will wait for you to accompany you on your transfer that will take you to the port. After 15 minutes, arrive at the port to take the ferry that will take you from the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island in a 20-minute journey. Once in the upper part of the island, you will visit a beautiful Ecological Reserve: Cerro Mesa or El Chato. Within these reserves, it is possible to observe the giant turtles in their natural habitat, as well as learn about the local endemic flora. After the experience, head to the town of Puerto Ayora, where you visit the Charles Darwin station, a scientific research centre on the evolution of species and the history of the islands. Finally, you will be transferred to your Puerto Ayora hotel.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora.

Day 8 : Galapagos (Santa Cruz Island) Island Navigation

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation Name: Red Booby

Enjoy the day while sailing to one of the impressive islands that make up the Galapagos archipelago. During the morning, you will be transferred to the pier to begin the excursion. The route takes place according to availability to one of the following Islands (a few days before starting your trip we will reconfirm the route): Isabela, San Cristóbal, Bartolomé, Plazas, Seymour Norte or Santa Fe. Get in direct contact with nature and discover the impressive biodiversity that has captivated explorers and visitors for centuries. Enjoy a delight and light lunch. At the end of the excursion, you will return to the hotel in Puerto Ayora .
BARTOLOME ISLAND
Bartolome is famous for its Pinnacle Rock, which is one of the most representative geological and photogenic landmarks of the Galapagos. Clumsily walking around the rocks at the base of Pinnacle Rock is a small colony of the Galápagos Penguins, one of the smallest species of penguin in the world and the only one found north of the Equator. The visit to Bartolome includes a climb to the highest point of the island for spectacular views of the surrounding lava scenery, an area often referred as the Galapagos “moonscape”. The site is an open textbook of geology, featuring small craters and some amazing rock, ash and lava formations of varied types and origins, as well as some “pioneer” plants colonizing the fresh lava and ash-flows.
ISABELA ISLAND
At the Puerto Ayora dock board the boat to navigate to Isabela Island (approximately 2 hours navigation). Upon arrival to Isabela Island start the visit of this fascinating island. The first stop will be at the Flamingos lagoon to closely watch these beautiful birds in the natural habitat. Continue to visit the town´s Breeding Center and learn about the natural history of the Galápagos Islands and finally visit Concha Perla Beach, located a few meters from ¨El Embarcadero pier which can be reached along by a wooden walkway; the path runs through a mangrove forest and a small colony of sea lions up to a calm bay enclosed by natural rocks and fed by the sea with shallow and clear waters. It is the idea place for observing the incredible array of marine life. You will be able to swim and snorkel alongside tropical fish, sea lions, penguins and turtles.
PLAZA SUR ISLAND
One of South Plaza´s main characteristics is its unusual vegetation which includes another species of Opuntia Cacti and the colorful Sesuvium plants. These are a native variety of a succulent plant that stores water on its tubular leafs, forming a reddish carpet that spreads over the gray lava rocks. A colony of Galapagos land iguanas is found over parts of the small island. The sheer cliffs of the southern shore are an unparalleled bird observatory and the perfect habitat for several sea-birds, including blue-footed boobies, pelicans, swallow-tailed gulls and the very colorful red-billed tropic birds.
SANTA FE ISLAND
Santa Fe has one of the most beautiful bays of all the visitor sites in the Galápagos. It boasts a turquoise-color cove protected by a narrow peninsula that extends along the northern shore. The sandy beaches are often covered with colonies of Galapagos sea-lions. A marked rocky trail leads to interior and Cliffside areas where the Santa Fe endemic species of land iguana can be found within a very picturesque forest of Opuntia or prickly-pear Cacti. These endemic cactus trees are the largest of their kind in the islands. After the hike you can swim in the calm waters of the bay or snorkel amongst often playful sea lions.
SEYMOUR NORTE ISLAND
Flatter than other islands, North Seymour is one of the islands uplifted by underground seismic activity. Located north of Baltra, where the Archipelago’s main airport is found; this Island is one of the best places to see blue-footed boobies nesting on the flat rocky areas near the coast of the island. Following the trail that leads to the interior of the island, visitors will find one of the largest colonies of Magnificent Frigate birds. During the mating season, an explosion of bright red pouches inflated by male frigates to attract females provides some of the most spectacular sights in the Galápagos.
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
You will be picked up at hotel and transferred to Puerto Ayora dock to board a small boat to navigate to San Cristobal (Approximately 2 hour’s navigation). Upon arrival to San Cristobal take the navigation excursion to a nearby site: Lobos Island or Ochoa beach or Kicker Rock. This visit will allow you to discover the fascinating flora and fauna of the archipelago.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora.

Day 9 : Puerto Ayora Santa Cruz Island

Location: Puerto Ayora

Accommodation Name: Red Booby

Recharge your energy with a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Then the meeting point will be at the dock (the time will be coordinated previously with the guide) to begin your tour of the island of Santa Cruz, a unique tour of its rich bay. You will depart to the first destination: the Lobería, a small island where you can swim with curious sea lions. After that, you will continue browsing Love Channel, Sharks Channel, Cracks and Los Perros Beach. Enjoy the sighting of sharks, blue-footed boobies, iguanas, rays and many other species during this impressive tour. When finished, you will return to Puerto Ayora at 12.30 pm approximately and have the afternoon at leisure to rest.
Overnight in Puerto Ayora. 

Day 10 : Departure Galapagos

Location: Santiago Island

Breakfast at the hotel and at the agreed time, transfer to the port of Santa Cruz Island, where you will board a ferry that will cross the Itabaca Canal. After a 20-minute tour, arrival at the port and transfer to the Baltra airport to take the flight back to Continental Ecuador for your departure (not included). 

What's Included

  • Operated with a Local English and Spanish - speaking guide on shared basis.

  • Operated with a local naturalist English and Spanish speaking guide on day 8

  • 9 night’s accommodation

  • 9 breakfasts

  • 3 Lunches on day 4 5 and 8

  • Private arrival and departure transfer from the airport to hotel in Lima

  • Private arrival and departure transfer from the airport to hotel in Cusco

  • Shared transfers from and to the train stations

  • Roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail)

  • Bus Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes.

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What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses drinks and meals not explicitly mentioned in the programme.

  • Tips for driver and guide.

  • Additional optional visits.

  • International flights to Peru and Ecuador.

  • Domestic flights: (Lima – Cusco on day 3) / (Cusco – Guayaquil on day 6) / (Guayaquil – Baltra Island on day 7)

  • Domestic and foreign airport taxes

  • International departure tax quoted according to the airport

Check out our Q&As

  • How does Today Voyages work?

    We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.

  • Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?

    Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.

  • What is an additional excursion or tour optional?

    Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!

  • What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?

    If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.

  • When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?

    If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.

  • What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?

    It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!

  • What happens after I book?

    The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!

Reviews of this operator

Paula  

Unforgettable tour in the US National Parks

04-May-2022

I booked a guided tour in the National Parks through Today Voyages and couldn't have been happier! Our guide was great, he knew the destination very well and gave us great advice for the best hikes and view points. The itinerary was well-packed and we were amazed at the scenery of the South West. We would definitely consider booking another tour next year.

Date of experience: May 04, 2022
Emily  

Helengeli island is stunning

12-Apr-2023

Wow, Helengeli island is stunning. The resort is clean, the staff are so attentive, the grounds are pristine, and the food is 5*. Spending a week at this resort was simply paradise, white sand, crystal blue ocean, what more could you want! As I wasn't able to tailor-make my holiday, the Today Voyages team helped me find the tour that best matched my expectations, and they definitely didn't disappoint!!!

Peter  

Good Bali experience

03-Feb-2023

There is no better place on Earth than Bali to celebrate your honeymoon. We are so glad we came across this tour. Two unforgettable weeks of jungle adventures, beaches and snorkeling, massages, nature. And the price was great. We cannot be happier! Planning Vietnam for 2024!

Date of experience: January 29, 2023
Chetcu  

Top Experience!

03-Feb-2023

The Las Vegas and the National Parks Hiking Tour is a deal not to be missed. What a phenomenal trip! We were 14 people in our minibus and it was great to connect to all of them. So many stories to share. The cool thing about this tour is that it attracts hikers of all kinds: laid back hikers as well as more experienced ones could find beauty in every single destination this tour took us to. I will for sure join another tour soon. Thank you guys, also, for the assistance provided throughout the trip. Loved it!

Date of experience: October 19, 2022
Emmanuelle  

Amazing affordable trip!

20-Jan-2023

I booked a self-drive vacation to Greece for my family. The trip was amazing, easy communication, great customer service since we had an issue on the road with the car and we got immediate assistance.

Date of experience: September 22, 2022
Adelaide  

Unforgettable 8-day trip to Kenya

01-Mar-2023

I just came back from an unforgettable 8-day trip to Kenya. A mix of relaxation and adventure. I had never traveled with a group before and, honestly, I was a little skeptical at the beginning. Pauline at Today Voyages convinced me that this was the right tour and the right destination for me. And the truth is... she was right. Tsavo and Watamu are such awesome destinations, our guide was impeccable and it was a small group: a family of 4, a young couple, and us. We became friends. Highly recommended!

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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