A natural combination that takes in two of South America’s most awe-inspiring sites, the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands, inspiration behind Darwin’s theory of evolution. The journey takes you on a whistle-stop tour of Peru’s Inca highlights before whisking you north to Quito, Ecuador’s colonial capital and UNESCO world heritage site. From there, the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands await as you board an 8 day naturalist cruise, a fitting end to a wonderful itinerarey!
Itinerary Highlights
Explore the colonial and Inca wonders of Cusco
Marvel at the terraces, temples and majesty of Machu Picchu
Stand at the centre of the world with a foot in either hemisphere
Snorkel with rays, turtles and penguins in the Galapagos
Wander amidst sea-lions, marine iguanas and giant tortoises
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
14
Nights
Price Guide
$13000 – $18900 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Lima
Day 2-3
Cusco – Inca & Colonial Wonders
After overnighting in the Peruvian capital, fly to Cusco, the Inca capital and immerse yourself in the history, colours, culture and heritage of this fascinating city built on the ashes of the Inca empire. Explore the Korikancha Inca Temple of Sun and colonial cathedral; browse the workshops and galleries of San Blas; sample traditional dishes at San Pedro Market or wander through the vast ruined fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking the city.
For change of scenery, why not spend a day in the picture-postcard Sacred Valley, breadbasket of the Inca and a treasure trove of Inca ruins, colourful markets and spectacular landscapes.
Day 4-5
Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Inca
Machu Picchu! Boarding a train, you will journey through the beautiful Vilcabamba mountains following the path of the raging Urubamba River to reach Aguas Calientes. Here, you will continue by bus up to the magical citadel of Machu Picchu, the famous lost Inca of the Inca. For keen walkers, why not take on the stunning 1 Day Inca Trail that takes you high into the mountains to arrive at the citadel via the famous sun-gate. The following day, enjoy a second visit to Machu Picchu before you return by train to Cusco
Day 6-7
Picturesque Colonial Quito
Fly to Quito, Ecuador’s beautiful colonial capital and stay amidst the white-washed historic churches, cobbled plazas and traditional townhouses of the UNESCO protected old town. Experience Quito’s colonial legacy on foot browsing the museums, galleries and local workshops before you venture out to the “Mitad del Mundo” Museum and Monument which marks the official line of the Equator. Time-allowing, you may like to head into the breathtaking Cotopaxi National Park or experience the bustle of Otavalo, South America’s largest market.
Day 8
Start of your Galapagos Cruise
Fly to the Galapagos Islands for a breathtaking Galapagos cruise aboard your chosen vessel. Each day you will visit remote islands, enjoy daily excursions escorted by a naturalist guide and have the chance to swim, snorkel and paddle amidst incredible wildlife both above and below the water.
NOTE:- Each vessel operates its own unique cruise and the below itinerary is based around a comprehensive 7 night southern/central sweep of the islands. Please contact us for detailed information on the individual boats as well as the day-to-day cruise itineraries on offer.
After boarding your vessel, you will set sail for Leon Dormido, home to Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies and Frigate birds. In the evening, meet your fellow passengers and crew and enjoy the Captain’s welcome cocktail party.
Day 9
San Cristobal: Cerro Brujo & Punta Pitt
After breakfast, cruise to Cerro Brujo, a breathtaking white coral beach where you can snorkel, kayak or swim with sea lions. Next is Punta Pitt, a nesting site for Frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, Storm petrels and all three types of boobies: Blue footed, Nazca and Red-footed.
Day 10
Espanola: Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay
Disembarking at Punta Suarez on Espanola Island, you can wander amongst colonies of waved albatross (April to December) as well as Red-billed tropicbirds, Darwin’s Finches, marine iguanas and colourful sally light-foot crabs. From here, you continue to Gardner Bay to swim with sea lions or simply explore the bay or relax on the beach.
Day 11
Floreana: Devil’s Crown & Post Office Bay
Today, you visit Floreana, one of the Galapagos’ iconic islands, famous for its history and intrigue as well as its wonderful wildlife. Floreana’s shallow waters harbour a wealth of marine life including rays and nesting turtles while its brackish lagoon is home to pintail ducks, common stilts and Greater Flamingos. Enjoy wonderful snorkelling at Devil’s Crown before a visit to the historic “post-barrel” of Post office Bay.
Day 12
Santa Cruz: Highlands & the Charles Darwin Research Station
The cruise continues to Santa Cruz, the largest inhabited island where you head into the lush highlands. Here, amidst a series of lava tubes, pit craters and farms you will spot the iconic giant tortoises, a visit that leads you on nicely to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a breeding and study centre for the remaining tortoises.
Day 13
Bartolome: Las Bachas & Sombrero Chino
Heading north, you will cross the narrow channel to Bartolome for the iconic view of Pinnacle Rock. Here, you will have the chance to snorkel amongst schools of tropical fish and Galapagos Penguins. Next is Las Bachas beach and then Sombrero Chino where sea lions vie marine iguanas and penguins on a primeval landscape of volcanic rubble and cracked lava flows.
Day 14
South Plaza & North Seymour Islands
Skirting the coast of Santa Cruz, you will visit South Plaza, where Land Iguanas and bachelor sea lions bask in the sun alongside Swallow tailed gulls, Shearwaters and Red-billed tropicbirds. Finally, the cruise finishes on North Seymour Island amidst Blue-footed boobies and Land Iguanas before you return to the boat for a farewell dinner and the Captain’s cocktail party.
Day 15
Disembark your boat & Fly to Guayaquil
After an early visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre, you will disembark your boat and head back to the airport for a return flight to Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador (or Quito depending on your onward flight. Enjoy a final night in Ecuador and a well-deserved farewell meal.
Day 16
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $13000 – $18900 per person
When to travel
Ecuador sits on the equator and enjoys 12 hours of light (preferably sunshine!) each day. However, its climate is as diverse as the country’s landscapes and can be divided into 4 main zones:- the Pacific lowlands, the Andes, the Amazon and the Galapagos. On the coast, the country enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 23-26°C. The hottest months of February to April coincide with the rainy season where days are blighted by tempestuous downpours. The highlands follow a similar pattern, wettest in April, although a good bit cooler, 16°C on average although dropping close to zero at night. The steamy Amazon is hot and sticky all year though marginally more oppressive in January and February.
The Galapagos is a year round destination whose climate is determined by the prevailing ocean currents. From December to May, temperatures reach the 30’s with short, sharp showers although the warmer waters of the Panama current lend themselves to excellent snorkelling. From June to December, the Humboldt current dominates bringing milder temperatures (early 20’s) and cooler nutrient-rich water. The mornings coincide with a sea-mist (garua) that rapidly burns off in the sun. For a month-by-month wildlife calendar, please contact an Oasis Travel consultant.
Add on’s
A side trip to Ecuador’s Amazon would make a wonderful addition to the itinerary. There are a number of good lodges dotted along the Napo River or you may prefer a more leisurely Amazon cruise aboard the MV Anakonda or MV Manatee Amazon Explorer. A few days in Peru’s picturesque Sacred Valley would be a excellent way to acclimatise to the Inca highlands – and explore the fascinating Inca ruins, colourful markets and local communities. For walkers, Ecuador’s Cotopaxi National Park is just a short drive south og the capital.
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