Ecuador & Peru · 10 days · Moderate
10-Day Machu Picchu & Galápagos
The two things most people fly to South America for, in one trip, sequenced so the connections work. Peru first while you have the energy for altitude, then a travel day to Quito, then the islands — which is the right way round, because nobody wants Machu Picchu after a week of early boats.
Highlights
- Machu Picchu with a guided circuit, and the Sacred Valley before it
- Both Galápagos snorkelling headline sites: Las Tintoreras and Los Túneles
- A full navigable day tour to an uninhabited island
- The border logistics handled — this itinerary crosses two countries and four airports
How this trip moves
9 nights, 5 places to unpack
The thing most itineraries hide is how much of your holiday is spent getting somewhere. Here it is up front.
Where you sleep
- Lima 1 night
- Cusco 3 nights
- Quito 1 night
- Puerto Ayora 2 nights
- Puerto Villamil 2 nights
The shape of it
- Flight
- Boat
- Road
- Train
Day by day
- Day 1
Welcome to Peru
Met in Lima and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Lima
- Day 2
Lima to Cusco — city tour
Morning flight to Cusco, then the Cathedral, Qoricancha, Qenqo and Sacsayhuamán at an easy pace. You are at 3,400 m; today is deliberately light.
Overnight: Cusco
- Day 3
The Sacred Valley
Pisac and Ollantaytambo, with lunch in the valley.
Overnight: Cusco
- Day 4
Machu Picchu
Train, bus, guided circuit, free time, and the return down the valley.
Overnight: Cusco
- Day 5
Cusco → Lima → Quito
A travel day across two countries. We hold the connections, handle the transfers and make sure the Ecuadorian entry paperwork is done before you land — including the customs form.
Overnight: Quito
- Day 6
Quito to the Galápagos
Morning flight to Baltra, biosecurity, the park fee desk and the crossing to Santa Cruz. Highlands and the Charles Darwin Station in the afternoon if the timing allows.
Overnight: Puerto Ayora
- Day 7
Full-day navigable tour
A day boat to an uninhabited visitor site: landing, guided walk and snorkelling.
Overnight: Puerto Ayora
- Day 8
Isabela — Las Tintoreras
Speedboat to Puerto Villamil and out to Las Tintoreras: reef sharks, marine iguanas, penguins.
Overnight: Puerto Villamil
- Day 9
Los Túneles
The lava arches — sea turtles, seahorses, white-tipped sharks and nesting blue-footed boobies.
Overnight: Puerto Villamil
- Day 10
Baltra airport
Speedboat to Santa Cruz and the transfer across the island for your flight home.
What is included
- Nine nights’ accommodation with breakfast in both countries
- All transfers, inter-island crossings and ground transport
- Certified guides in Peru; National Park–licensed naturalists in the Galápagos
- Train to Machu Picchu and the Machu Picchu entrance fee
- All excursions listed, with snorkelling equipment in the islands
- A pre-departure pack covering entry requirements for both countries
What is not included
- International flights, and the Cusco–Lima–Quito and Quito–Galápagos flights
- Galápagos National Park entrance fee — US$200 per adult, cash on arrival
- INGALA transit control card — US$20
- Meals not stated, travel insurance, tips
Per person in double occupancy. Final price depends on your dates, party size and hotel category — high season and single occupancy carry supplements. The Galápagos National Park entrance fee (US$200 per adult, US$100 per child under 12, cash on arrival) and the INGALA transit control card (US$20, bought online before your flight) are collected from you personally and cannot be included in any operator’s price. Budget US$220 per adult on top of the figure above. Full breakdown →
When to do this trip
April to October works for both countries. Peru’s dry season and the Galápagos calm-water season overlap least in June–August, which is also when everything is fullest — book early.
Questions about this itinerary
How long is the 10-Day Machu Picchu & Galápagos?
10 days and 9 nights, starting in Lima and ending in Baltra airport, Galápagos.
How difficult is it?
Moderate. Group size: Private, or shared groups.
When is the best time to do this trip?
April to October works for both countries. Peru’s dry season and the Galápagos calm-water season overlap least in June–August, which is also when everything is fullest — book early.
What extra costs should I budget for?
Per person in double occupancy. Final price depends on your dates, party size and hotel category — high season and single occupancy carry supplements. The Galápagos National Park entrance fee (US$200 per adult, US$100 per child under 12, cash on arrival) and the INGALA transit control card (US$20, bought online before your flight) are collected from you personally and cannot be included in any operator’s price. Budget US$220 per adult on top of the figure above.