Galápagos Multisport & Machu Picchu Tour

In the morning, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Cusco, center of the Inca Empire. Meet your guide at the airport and begin a day-long excursion through snowcapped mountains to the Incas’ legendary Sacred Valley. The first stop is Pisac’s hilltop citadel, featuring the civilization’s agricultural terracing along the steep valley walls, panoramic views of jagged granite peaks and the temple ruins. Descend down to the town of Pisac, known for one of the best Andean textile markets in Peru. After taking in some of the local culture and enjoying a traditional lunch, depart for Ollantaytambo (9,185 feet), a small town with an impressive Inca fortress. Stay overnight at a hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B,L)

Spend another day exploring the well preserved archaeological sites and dramatic landscapes of the Sacred Valley. This morning, pass small farms situated in the fertile Urubamba Valley surrounded by snowcapped mountains to reach Moray. This mysterious site includes three circular terraces, thought to have been used by the Incas as an open-air crop experimentation station. Continue past the small village and pre-Inca settlement of Maras. At this photogenic spot, a geo-thermally heated stream feeds hundreds of small salt terraces which create a striking white-on-brown landscape that has been used for salt mining since well before the Incas. Return to your Ollantaytambo hotel in the late afternoon. (B,L)

OPTIONAL ADD-ON: PACHAMANCA LUNCH

In the afternoon, gather for a special Pachamanca lunch where meat, several varieties of potatoes, corn, beans and other produce are cooked in the ground under hot stones. This traditional cooking practice has existed since the time of the Inca Empire. Enjoy your meal al fresco, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Sacred Valley. Return to your Sacred Valley hotel in the late afternoon. (B,L)

Start the day off with a refreshing walking tour of the Ollantayambo ruins. Next, head to the train station, where you’ll board the Vistadome train for the first leg of today’s unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu! Enjoy the panoramic views as the train follows the Urubamba River into the lush cloud forest, before arriving at the Aguas Calientes train station. Stop for lunch in town and then board a bus that will take you to the gates of Machu Picchu (7,875 feet). Spend the afternoon exploring the famous ruins with your guide. Return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time to relax and enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Machu Picchu during the early morning hours. Explore the numerous ruins including an optional climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu. By midday, you return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and an early afternoon train ride back to Ollantaytambo. Your private vehicle will be waiting at the station to deliver you to the Chinchero textile market, where members of the local weavers’ collective will explain the traditional weaving methods of the Sacred Valley. Continue on to your Cusco hotel for the evening. (10,856 feet) (B)

Huayna Picchu Hiking Details: 1.25 miles; approximately 2-3 hours hiking, the trail is narrow and very steep.

Altitude min/max: from 7,875 ft to 8,835 ft.

Today begins with a guided walking tour through Cusco to see the colorful markets, the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a lunch of regional cuisine, you tour the remaining prominent Inca sights in and around Cusco. These include the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; Puka Pukara the small fortress that once protected the royal capital; and the water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to the comfort of your hotel to relax or continue to explore Cusco on your own. (B)

In the morning, you are transferred to the airport for the return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight to Quito. Upon your arrival in Quito, a Southern Explorations representative meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. (B)

In the morning, an SE representative meets you in the hotel lobby and transfers you to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island. After arrival and orientation, you’ll have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Interpretation Center and learn about the unique natural and human history of the Galápagos. Hike to Frigate Hill along natural trails lined with lava rocks and surrounded by native plants like Galápagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and opuntia cacti. Spot blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds, and finches in the vegetation and sea cliffs. Listen to your guide interpret the amazing flora and fauna in the context of the natural history that you see before your eyes. Take in the scenic views of the rugged coastline, Kicker Rock in the distance, and the tranquil town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Your final stop is Darwin Bay, where Charles Darwin disembarked for the first time in the Galápagos! Here, enjoy your first snorkeling activity with playful sea lions and colorful fish. Afterwards, walk back to town and settle into your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight. (B,L,D)

Transfer to the coastline where your kayaks await! Paddle along the coastal bays and coves of San Cristobal’s north coast, full of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, and sea turtles. Keep your eyes out for rays swimming below and marine iguanas perching on lava rocks along the coast. In the afternoon, leave your kayaks and continue to explore by boat. The visitor site will depend on the day of the week, according to Galapagos National Park regulations. You will swim with sea lions and snorkel all while on the lookout for spotted eagle rays, golden rays, Galápagos sharks, starfish, clams, and fish of every shape, size, and color. With luck, you might even see some menacing but harmless hammerhead sharks! Enjoy dinner on your own this evening. (B,L)

This morning, you travel via small plane to the small town of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, the largest and most volcanically active island in the Galápagos. Hop on mountain bikes and ride through the town’s sandy streets toward the Wall of Tears. Along the scenic coastal path, take in gorgeous views of white sand beaches and the sparkling ocean beyond. Stop at a brackish lagoon for an opportunity to spot flamingos before turning inland. Hop off your bike and walk up the steps to the lookout tower offering expansive views of historic lava fields, Puerto Villamil town, beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Continue along a rolling track with mild ups and downs until you reach the final climb that takes you up to the Wall of Tears (Muro de las Lagrimas). Your guide will explain the history of this lava rock wall built by prisoners between 1946 and 1959, when Isabela was used as a penal colony. Next, head to Concha y Perla for a snorkeling opportunity before returning to your hotel. This evening you are free to relax, enjoy the beach and even join the locals by giving surfing a try!  Stroll along the beach at sunset followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Biking Details: 8 miles, mostly flat with some hills. Multiple stops along the way at places of interest. Not into biking? No problem! Tell us and we’ll arrange an alternative activity.

Get ready for an exhilarating day – you’re heading up a volcano!  Sierra Negra Volcano is one of the island’s most active volcanoes and last erupted in October 2005. As you hike to the perimeter of the caldera, be on the lookout for bird species found only in the highlands, such as the bright red vermillion flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl. Once you reach the rim, you’ll be met with a panoramic view that stretches 6 miles across one the largest calderas in the world. Traverse the vast lava fields of Volcan Chico en route for a lookout boasting breathtaking views reaching north of Isabela. The trip back to town includes a stop for lunch in the highlands. You’ll have some free time this afternoon to enjoy the gorgeous white sand beach of Isabela followed by a beautiful sunset. (B,L,D)

Hiking Details: 10 miles, approximately 5 hours. This hike is easily adaptable if you prefer a shorter hike.

Alternate Option: Los Tunnels instead of Sierra Negra (Subject to availability, additional cost). Today, set out by small boat to Los Tunnels, an extraordinary snorkeling location consisting of lava tunnels and arches, both above and underwater.  Snorkel with sea turtles, rays, white tipped reef sharks, and other exciting marine life. After the excursion, return to town for some leisure time. Stroll the gorgeous, long white sand beach of Puerto Villamil in search of wildlife, walk around town, or visit the flamingo lagoon.

After breakfast, it’s time to enjoy some time on the water! You’ll slip into ocean kayaks and paddle through a maze of rocky mangrove areas at a place called Tintoreras, a group of small islets south of the town of Puerto Villamil. Here you will see one of the smallest penguin in the world, also endemic to Galápagos. Watch as they perch ashore and whiz by you in the water! Paddle in company of playful sea lions, spotted eagle rays, turtles, iguanas, as well as blue footed boobies and other marine birds, all from your kayak. This afternoon, pass through a manzanillo forest surrounded by wetlands, home to the famous giant pink flamingos! The path leads you to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, where you’ll have the opportunity to see hatchlings and adolescent tortoises up close. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening. (B,L)

After bidding a very early morning farewell to Isabela, you’ll board a public speed boat for a scenic ride to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival, you’ll head inland to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a misty forested land perfect for giant tortoises. Your first stop is at El Chato Natural Reserve, where you hike in search of the iconic giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Spot them taking mud baths in the ponds and slowly traversing the forest through the lush vegetation. This is a healthy native forest area that hosts the unique orchid of the islands among other endemic vegetation.  Next, had to a highland farm for a locally prepared lunch with the people of Galápagos and learn what life is like for people who were born and raised in this land we consider a wildlife paradise. After lunch, drive back to town and set off on a short hike through a distinctive dry cacti forest to the stunning, pristine beach of Tortuga Bay. Along the way, you will see many native birds, lizards, and plants. Emerge from the forest onto the spectacular Tortuga Bay, home of one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos. Soft, white, fine sand and pristine turquoise waters welcome you for a perfect and relaxed day.  Tonight, enjoy a culinary delight as you embark on our Galapagos culinary tour! This experience is a fantastic way to bid farewell to the Enchanted Islands. (B,L,D)

Galápagos Food Tour: Cuisine is likely the last thing you are thinking about when planning a trip to the Galápagos Islands. Most people spend their time researching wildlife and few people realize that there are inhabited islands. This is an exciting way to learn about what it is like to grow up in such a unique place, all while sampling incredible dishes and local beverages. Your host, a Galápagos native, and takes you to several establishments where you will taste delicious food from sustainable menus. From your host, you will learn about the food you are eating, where it came from, and tales of life in the Galápagos Islands. This is a very unique culinary experience that you will not regret!

This tour can be adapted for your dietary requirements as long as you notify us in advance. If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have any food allergies or restrictions, please advise us at the time of booking.

After breakfast you are transferred to Baltra Island, where you bid farewell to the Galápagos and board your return flight to Quito, where you will spend your final night in Ecuador. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your international flight home. We can arrange trip extensions to other regions for those with more time! (B)