Tour Details
  • Starts in: Quito / Ends in: Quito
  • Departs: Sundays - May to December
  • No local payment required
  • Breakfast:8, Lunch: 7, Dinner: 7
  • Hotel Rating: 2 - 3 star
  • Tour Guide: Yes - Local and Naturalist
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Galapagos & Inca Express - 14 days

Experience the intense variety and striking beauty of two of South America's most dramatic regions: the famed Galapagos Islands home to an abundance of unusual animals, and the legendary land of the ancient Incas.

Day 1: Quito
Welcome to South America and the beginning of your adventure. We transfer to your hotel and you then have free time to explore this World Heritage city. Overnight - Quito
Day 2: Quito
Fly from Quito to the Galapagos Islands, transfer to our air-conditioned yacht, and begin cruising the magnificent islands!

Long before Darwin arrived in the Galapagos, seafarers knew these isolated islands as home to some of the strangest and most wonderful wildlife imaginable, including birds that could swim but no longer fly, aquatic iguanas, dragon-like lizards left over from prehistoric times, and the giant Galapagos tortoises for which the islands were named. Overnight - Galapagos motor yacht (B, L, D)
Galapagos & Inca Express - 14 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
An iguana on the rocks in the Galapagos Islands, with a Galapagos boat behind
Days 3 - 5: Galapagos Islands
Visit several islands, viewing wildlife and soaking up the spectacular scenery. Each day, travel with our naturalist guide from the yacht to the islands, via a small, motorized launch. On land, explore the islands as our guide interprets the natural history and educates us on the interesting wildlife. Most days you can snorkel among sea lions, or just relax out on deck.

On Santa cruz, visit Turtle bay - a pristine, white sand beach is a tranquil place, with white surf accentuating the Caribbean blues of the deeper waters. Follow the beach to a small peninsula; on the other side you find a large lagoon.

Download the Go Guide for more info on what you can do see in the Islands. Overnight - Galapagos motor yacht (B:3, L:3, D:3)
A Galapagos seal
Day 6: Galapagos Islands
Visit Seymour island - probably the most exciting island photographically. Bird life abounds, and close to the trail you will find many nesting pairs and young chicks. Seymour is also home to the Galapagos’s largest colony of Magnificent Frigate Birds. Their mating ritual is an ostentatious display: males expand the red sack at the base of their throat and perch atop a bush with wings fully extended, flapping furiously. Interested females circle overhead, and if so inclined, may join the male on terra firma. Further along the trail we can observe a colony of sea lions. Then back to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore. Overnight - Quito (B)
Day 7: Quito/Lima
Fly unescorted to Lima. Please note that this flight in not included in the tour. We can assist you with booking this flight so please contact us for details. We pick you up at Lima and transfer you to your hotel, with free time to explore this City of Kings. Overnight - Lima
A Blue Footed Booby in the Galapagos Islands
Day 8: Cuzco
Very early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco and onward transfer to your hotel. In Cuzco meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Relax or explore the ancient Inca spiritual sites of Sacsayhuaman and Tambo Machay. As well as the spectacular Plaza des Armas surrounded by café’s, bars and restaurants, there are also many interesting museums to explore. Don some comfy shoes and arm yourself with a map, and discover! Overnight - Cuzco
Day 9: Sacred Valley
Today travel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley, including the picturesque town and Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is your first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. The town and fortress of Ollantaytambo are strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. Overnight - Ollantaytambo
Days 10 - 12: Inca Trail
Depart Ollantaytambo for km82 and the beginning of the Inca Trail. At 42 kilometres long and reaching an elevation of 4200m, this trek is physically challenging, however ultimately rewarding. This ancient route will come alive as you proceed along its cobblestoned route, at times pausing, as your guide explains the Inca ruins which line the trail. Local porters and guides ensure that the trip is worry-free. Fascinating ruins and spectacular mountain scenery fill every day of the hike. Overnight - Inca Trail (B:2, L:3, D:3)
People walking the Inca Trail in Peru
Day 13: Machu Picchu
On the final day of the hike we climb the steps to the Sun Gate overlooking the peaks that surround Machu Picchu. When the morning is clear, there is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous site appears in front of you. This afternoon we take the train back to Cuzco.

NOTE: Those passengers who would rather not do the hike spend can 2 days in Cuzco, then travel by train to Aguas Calientes, where you will overnight. Next morning take the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance and rendezvous with the hikers at the ruins. If you decide not to do the hike we need to know prior to your departure in order to obtain train tickets. Overnight - Cuzco (B)
Day 14: Cuzco
Tour ends and the remainder of the day is free for you to explore Cuzco independently, souvenir shop of simply relax. Depart Cuzco.

Alternatives to trekking the Inca Trail
If you have always dreamed of trekking the Inca Trail be warned – the numbers are strictly controlled and the trail is periodically closed due to maintenance and/or inclement weather. So please book early!

If the Inca Trail is unavailable we will offer the Lares Trek as an alternative. With its breathtaking passes, glacial lakes and hot springs, this less crowded option, which also ends with a full day’s visit to Machu Picchu, is thought to be equally if not more spectacular than the Inca Trail and includes 2 nights camping, 1 night hotel – Aguas Calientes & comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu).

If you want to visit Machu Picchu but do not want to hike, then take a look at our Machu Picchu By Train bolt-on. Please specify either preference when making your reservation.