Galapagos & Andes(Without Inca Trail Trek,Start Quito, End Lima)
Overview
Highlights
- Locally Guided City Tour
- Visit Panecillo lookout
- Visit the Equator and internan Museum
- Snorkelling experience
- Wildlife kayaking adventure
- Explore Kicker Rock
- Boat cruise and off shore bird spotting experience
- Galapagos Feast
- Visit Puerto Grande Beach
- Visit Cruz del Condor
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Popular Trips
Itinerary
With plenty of Latino magic ahead of us, the mood will be sky high as we gather in Ecuador's capital. This modern day city (nicknamed the 'light of America') is built on ancient Incan ruins and boasts one of the best preserved historic centres in America. It was also ...
Having dived deep into Quito yesterday we will wake up ready and raring for adventure, excited for the first of many dramatic changes in scenery on this trip. Our first journey on the road leads us to what is known as the 'cinnamon capital of Ecuador'. But even more...
Today is yours to roam the city and jungle to your hearts content. Maybe unwind over a few hot sugar cane and cinnamon drinks and a traditional canelazo brew, or opt to visit a local indigenous community - a pretty cool way to truly go local and give back on your trip...
Good morning, Amazonian roamers! Today we're off to the adrenaline capital of Banos, so time to shimmy our way out of the rainforest - our next adventure awaits... Sitting amidst tumbling valleys, waterfalls, and the still active Volcán Tungurahua, Banos is a big de...
The adventure opportunities are endless today, with horseback riding, canyoneering and ziplining all on the menu. And trust us, this isn’t just any regular old zipline – we’re talking aerial bridges, rock climbing and speeding through the skies, Superman style – prett...
Adios Baños, you've been real. Today we're hearing the call of Ecuador's largest city and economic hub - our last stop on the mainland before we find ourselves clocking on to island time. Once in Guayaquil, start getting acquainted with Ecuador's urban side at the c...
We’ve arrived in Ecuador’s largest city and are ready and raring to conquer it all. Getting out of here pretty early we’ll take to the skies, bound for the glorious Galapagos Islands. Excited much? You should be. On arrival we’ll appease our rumbling stomachs with som...
Well good morning paradise. The ocean is calling, and who are we to resist her? Our wildlife kayaking adventure will see us taking to the seas with beady eyes on the lookout for green sea turtles.
We’ll wake up hungry for the day this morning (that’s what island life does to you), and for good reason – Santa Cruz is on the horizon. After settling in to the Santa Cruz way of life, we’ll stroll down to the beach and the cosy Tortuga Bay. Wildlife fanatics will b...
Our stint on Santa Cruz wraps up this morning with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station where one of the island's most famous residents once lived, Lonesome George, the now deceased 100-year old tortoise. The Research Station is something of a mini miracle i...
It’s our last day soaking up the natural beauty of the Galapagos, and what a day we’ve got planned. Bird-watching will kick us off, followed by a cruise to the 143-metre Kicker Rock – a natural phenomenon that protrudes from the ocean and is one of the greatest icons ...
We’ll wave goodbye to Ecuador this morning, but the sad faces at leaving this beautiful country won’t last for long. Why? 2 words…Peru, baby! Our included flight will land us in the seaside Peruvian capital of Lima. Arriving late, we’ll nevertheless be pumped at the ...
A new day, a new country – let’s do this! Steeped in Spanish colonialism yet buzzing with modern metro vibes, Lima is sure to ignite your love for Peru. Spend your morning marvelling at lavishly decorated churches and an underground tunnel cemetery overflowing with bo...
The skies are calling this morning as we board our included flight bound for the ‘White City’ of Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city which lies in the shadow of three majestic volcanoes. The town of Arequipa, or La Ciudad Blanca, is both culturally and aesthetically...
Are you ready for another nature masterclass? Waving farewell to Arequipa this morning, we’ll pass through Salinas and Aguada Blanco national reserve on route to one of the world’s deepest canyons. After a journey of windswept landscapes, sandstone cliff & stops ...
This morning promises to be pretty mega as we hop out of bed in search for the King of the Andes, otherwise known as the Andean Condor, which boasts a mega 3-metre wingspan. Fingers crossed luck is on our side – some days we may spot 10 condors, other days none – but ...
Ready to explore this area in all its multi-coloured glory? We thought so. Jumping in a triciclo (a three-wheeled bike taxi) we’ll bump our way down to the port and get our first taste of life on the Lake (fun fact – Lake Titicaca is South America’s largest freshwater...
Heading out of Puno this morning we’ll make our way to Pukara to visit a small museum offering up archaeological findings and Peru’s iconic ceramic bulls. Hitting the road again we’ll journey through the snow-capped surrounds of La Raya, stopping for lunch in the town...
Another day, another incredible Latin American destination to uncover; today it's sun up 'til sun down in Cusco. Shop for artisan jewellery and woodworks, roam the cobble-stone streets or just stroll the San Pedro markets eating cacao buds and sipping on coca leaf tea. Today really is what you make it as you’re in total control…except for dinner with the crew – that’s on us.
Heading out of Cusco and bound for the Sacred Valley on our private coach, this is where our journey into the ruins and mystique of this land truly begins. But first, llamas. An iconic symbol of Peru, we’ll be stopping off at a llama farm to show some love to these fu...
For those embarking on our epic 1 day trek, we’ll catch the train to KM104 and the start of a day to remember. With just 3.5 hours on foot and 6-kilometres to cover, the enchanting site that awaits us will make it all worthwhile. Descending into the site we’ll take ...
Excitement levels at an all-time high, the day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here – it’s Machu Picchu time! Built around 1450 at the height of the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the new world. We’ll b...
The last few days have been pretty full on, so today is all about seeking out some much needed r’n’r. Grab a lie in at the hotel then sip fresh mountain coffee in the Plaza de Armas, or maybe take a stroll around town to pick up an alpaca sweater or ten (they are super snuggly). Can’t shake that taste for adventure? We hear you.
Saying a final farewell to Cusco, we’ll hop on our included flight over the Andes to the city of Puerto Maldonado. With the sound of macaws and toucans welcoming us in, this can only mean one thing…it’s jungle time. A quick tour of the city will reveal colourful fruit...
If the vibrant morning song of the jungle birds hasn’t roused you early doors, the prospect of the Tres Chimadas lake teeming with wildlife will. Our morning catamaran cruise will have us spotting prehistoric hoatzin birds and giant river otters, then after lunch we’l...
Today our Peruvian encounter comes to an end. As heartbroken as you'll be to wave goodbye to this incredible country, you'll be leaving with countless memories and a whole army of new friends. We'll arrive back in Lima where our trip ends on arrival. Sob. How about easing the pain by making reunion plans is somehwere equally exotic - Thailand, anyone?
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
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Nov 2024
Australia: Beaches and Reefs Sailing
The trip was absolutely incredible! As an Aussie, I was excited to explore parts of my own country I hadn’t visited before, and it turned out to be such a rewarding ...
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Nov 2024
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Pretty easy to book, I just did it online impulsively and I didn't really have any complications.
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We’re firm believers that life’s greatest experiences are made better by the people you share them with. That’s why Contiki invented group travel for young people in 1962 and we’ve spent the past 53 years perfecting it. You’ll explore amazing destinations with a group of 18-35 year olds from around the world who share your passion for adventure, good times and creating memories that define what it is to be young, wild and free.
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We're all about exploring the world with like-minded people, which is why we only run trips for 18-35 year olds, to celebrate being young, spirited and curious. You can expect to join a group of 18-53 awesome people from around the world on our Europe, Australia, North America and New Zealand trips, and in Asia and Latin America it's all about small group adventures with up to 25 travellers. Don't worry if you're not traveling as a couple or with a friend from home – though there are plenty of pairs, 50% of our travellers set off solo, meaning you'll have a ton of opportunities to make new friends.
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Contiki are the world leaders in social youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?
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