Bucket List South America: Machu Picchu & The Galapagos
Overview
Highlights
- Travel across cities and villages in Peru and Ecuador as you discover ancient history and astonishing scenery!
- Arrive in seaside Lima, Peru's vibrant capital, then fly to the heart of Incan culture in historic Cusco.
- Catch your breath as you reach the entrance to Machu Picchu, a magnificent 7th World Wonder!
- Visit one of the largest markets in Latin America in Otavalo and observe the daily life of Ecuador's indigenous people.
- Explore the Galapagos, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean that is considered one of the world's top destinations for wildlife-viewing.
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Details
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Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Lima (LIM), out of Baltra (GPS)
- All airport and rail station transfers
- 2 nights in Lima at the Jose Antonio Deluxe Hotel, or similar
- Lima Colonial & Modern City Tour with San Francisco Monastery & Larco Herrera Museum (5 hours)
- One-way economy class flight from Lima (LIM) to Cusco (CUZ)
- 2 nights in Cusco at the Costa del Sol Ramada Hotel Cusco, or similar
- Tour of Cusco and surrounding ruins (4 hours)
- Round-trip vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Round-trip shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu ruins (2.5 hours)
- One-way economy class flight from Cusco (CUZ) to Quito (UIO)
- 3 nights in Quito at the Hotel Mercure Alameda Quito, or similar
- Quito city tour with Equatorial Monument (5.5 hours)
- Otavalo Indian Market Tour with lunch (full-day)
- One-way economy class flight from Quito (UIO) to Baltra (GPS)
- Visit to the Highlands of Santa Cruz, with lunch (en-route from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora hotel)
- 3 nights in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) at the Fiesta Hotel Galapagos or similar
- Full-day boat excursion, with lunch
- Visit to La Grietas
- Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
- Breakfast daily
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Itinerary
Welcome to Peru! Arrive in Lima then enjoy a transfer to your accommodation. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizzaro, Lima is a modern metropolis filled with colonial richness. Also known as the “City of Kings,” Lima is divided into 43 districts, ea...
Today, enjoy a 5-hour tour taking you to Lima's modern and historic highlights! Stroll through the Plaza de Armas, feel the cool ocean breeze at El Parque del Amor and see ancient art at the Larco Herrera Museum.
After the tour, pay a visit to the Church of San...
Embark on a city tour through old and new Lima! Begin at the Plaza de Armas with its colonial buildings like the Government Palace, the Municipality, the Palace of the Archbishop and the Cathedral, among others. All these buildings are gathered around the history-lade...
Transfer to Lima airport this morning for your flight to Cusco! South America's archaeological capital and oldest continuously inhabited city is now one of Peru’ most important and most frequented tourist destinations.
Nevertheless, it iretains its vivid legacy...
Go on a city tour of Cusco with visits to the most important landmarks of both Inca and Spanish Colonial times! Begin at Qoricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun and the most important temple of the Incas. A catholic monastery, Santo Domingo, was built over the Inca...
Transfer from your hotel to Ollantaytambo in Peru's Sacred Valley. Board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, the town that serves as the base for exploring Machu Picchu. Ride past snow covered mountains, scenic river valley, small villages and diverse flora until ...
Machu Picchu, the "lost city of the Incas," is not only one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, but also the biggest treasure of Peru’s past and the empire of the Incas. Undiscovered by the Spaniards and forgotten over centuries, it was in 1911 that the American sc...
Say goodbye to Peru as you transfer to Cusco airport for your flight to Ecuador's capital of Quito! Set in a hollow at the foot of the volcano Pichincha, Quito is a bustling city surrounded by hills and several snow-capped mountains. It is known for its treasures of C...
Wake up and enjoy a 5.5-hour tour of Quito's highlights including Panecillo Hill and the “Middle of the World” - the Equatorial Line.
Later, head to Quito's Old Town and admire its picturesque plazas and magnificent churches. San Francisco Square is a great place to get a true sense of the city!
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Quito through the historical center of this culturally diverse city! See the Independence Square with the Government Palace and the Cathedral (outside), admire the facade of church La Compania de Jesus. Afterwards, visit the famous hill of ...
Take an approximately 2-hour bus ride today to Otavalo, a town in the Andes that hosts a famous crafts market dating back to pre-Incan times.
Once in Otavalo, visit the traditional Indian market and be amazed at the colorful textiles, clothing and more on display! Then head to Cotacachi village, famous for its leatherworks.
Discover the world-famous Indian handicrafts market in Otavalo. Otavalo's indigenous residents have achieved economic prosperity as a result of their skill in weaving a tremendous variety of designs in belts, tapestries, ponchos and other clothing items. Residents hav...
Depart Quito and fly to Baltra Island in the stunning Galapagos! From the airport, take a bus to the Itabaca Canal where you will board a ferry to the other side of Santa Cruz island.
Santa Cruz is the second largest island of the Archipelago and is the most im...
Visit the Santa Cruz highlands and see the Twin Craters, also known as Los Gemelos. Located side by side and connecting Puerto Ayora to Baltra, the magnificent Twin Craters were formed as a result of the collapse of the crust into the crater. There are many craters of...
Pack lots of sunscreen and water because today you are going on a full-day boat excursion to one of the Galapagos Islands! Depending on time of year and availability, you will visit either North Seymour, South Plaza, Bartholomew, Santa Fe or Dragon Hill. Each island is unique and offers plenty of opportunity for exploration and wildlife viewing.
On this full-day boat excursion, visit one of the Galapagos islands and witness the astonishing wildlife all around you. Enjoy lunch on board.
You will visit one of the following islands:
Journey to an unforgettable snorkeling and swimming spot in the Galapagos, known as Las Grietas. Under the shade of steep cliffs, you will have the chance to observe the colorful fish pass beneath you!
Later in the day, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station...
Las Grietas (The Cracks) is a rocky bay surrounded by high cliffs and an amazing spot to snorkel! See the colorful fish below the crystal clear water of many shades of blue. Reach this gem after a short water taxi ride from the pier of Puerto Ayora and a 15-minute wal...
When Charles Darwin came to the Galapagos Islands in 1835 he found some truly incredible species of animals and in turn, became inspired to develop his theory of evolution. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and find the famous giant tortoises, the baby-tortois...
Today marks the end of your bucket list vacation in South America. At the scheduled time, transfer to Baltra airport for your flight home. Look over your photos as you start planning your next adventure!
Transfer to Baltra airport (GPS)
Fly home!
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