Machu Picchu & the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita

Best price guaranteed

No booking fees

E-ticket/Mobile-voucher

Explorer Self Guided

Carbon neutral

17 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

8 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Lima, Peru

Ends

Quito, Ecuador

Highlights

Travel by train through the beautiful Urubamba Valley to the misty town of Aguas Calientes.

Witness the majestic mountains surrounding Machu Picchu.

Learn about the deep history of the Incas.

Spend seven nights cruising in the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita.

Explore the least visited islands of Isabela and Genovesa to see massive bird colonies and impressive volcanoes.

Hike to the top of the Sierra Negra volcano.

Go snorkelling with sea lions and search for turtles and rays

Hike to the top of the Sierra Negra volcano.

Go snorkelling with sea lions and search for turtles and rays

Itinerary

Experience the awe-inspiring highlights of Peru and Ecuador on this 17-day adventure, seamlessly blending the mysteries of the Incas with the wildlife wonders of the Galápagos Islands. Begin your trip in Lima, savoring its culinary delights before journeying by rail through the Sacred Valley to the legendary Machu Picchu. The adventure continues as you board the Yolita for an unforgettable expedition across the Galápagos—discovering Genovesa’s untouched beauty, Isabela’s volcanic landscapes, and white-sand beaches teeming with rare wildlife.

Hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano’s crater, snorkel alongside playful sea lions, and spot giant tortoises in their natural habitat. This moderate-paced tour package is tailored for experienced travelers seeking a journey that combines cultural immersion with nature’s most extraordinary spectacles. The unique selling point? A single itinerary that delivers the best of South America’s ancient heritage and pristine ecosystems, all with the comfort of a small group and expert guidance.

day 1 - Lima

Arrive at any time.

Accomodation:Lima Wasi Hotel (or similar)

Included Activity:Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting with G Representative

Optional Activities:Lima Cooking Class (4hrs) , Full Day Lima Experience , Lima City Tour

day 2 - Lima/Cusco

Fly to Cusco. Free time to shop and explore. Choose to pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class, or try out a city tour, and visit museums and archaeological sites.
Travel to the airport for the early morning flight to Cusco. Spend the day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city.

Our best advice for exploring Cusco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map, and set out to explore.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Prisma (or similar)

Transport:Plane Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr

Optional Activities:Cusco City Tour Tour runs from 2:00PM. All of it is done by car, with walks around the visited ruins. Clothing depends on the weather, sunblock and a hat are recommended., Inka Museum Get ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology., Cusco Tourist Ticket This ticket allows admission at 16 sights of the city of Cusco including many popular museums and cathedrals, the ticket also provides entrance to Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, and sights in the South Valley of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas., Cusco Cooking Class

day 3 - Cusco/Sacred Valley

Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Perhaps choose to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.

Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Hotel Inka Paradise (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.75 hr Distance : 94 km

Included Activities:Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit Duration : 1.0 hr, Cuyo Chico Pottery Making Demonstration, Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Ollantaytambo Storehouse Ruins and Hike Get your blood flowing on a steep hike up to the Pinkuylluna Incan storehouses. Perched on the hill, these ruins provide excellent views of the Sacred Valley and the Ollantaytambo ruins below. , Ollantaytambo Ruins Visit Explore this ancient site right in the heart of Ollantaytambo city. Learn about the principles of Incan architecture and get a first taste of climbing around a massive ruins site.

day 4 - Sacred Valley/Aguas Calientes

Journey to the beautiful town of Aguas Calientes and perhaps enjoy a visit to the local hot springs or explore the market.
Board a morning train that winds through the spectacular Urubamba Valley to the end of the line: the village of Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled in the hills beneath Machu Picchu. Enjoy the rest of the day taking advantage of the hikes and hot springs in the area.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Selva Terra Inn Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Train Duration : 1.5 hr

Optional Activities:Hot Springs Visit Soak your sore muscles in the local hot springs for which the town, Aguas Calientes, was originally named., 1-Day Inca Trail Hike

day 5 - Machu Picchu/Cusco

Start early to visit the 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu. Tour the ruins with an expert guide before returning back to Cusco.
Start early to catch the sunrise at the top. Take the bus up to the historic spiritual centre of the Incas, the 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu. Tour the ruins with an expert guide then explore on your own.

Later, return by train to Ollantaytambo and meet a private vehicle to head back to Cusco.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Prisma (or similar)

Transport:Local Bus Duration : 0.25 hr, Train Duration : 1.5 hr - 1.75 hr Distance : 31 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr - 1.75 hr Distance : 60 km

Included Activity:Machu Picchu Guided Tour

day 6 - Cusco

Enjoy a free Day in Cusco. Opt to visit the local market, a nearby archaeological site, or get a massage.
With plenty of free time you can choose to visit and hike the famed Rainbow Mountain. Pre-book on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Prisma (or similar)

Optional Activities:Mountain Biking Take to two wheels and head out into the hills around Cusco for some nature-meets-adrenaline fun. Try a trip to the Sacred Valley, perhaps, visiting an Inca ruin along the way., Inka Museum Get ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology., Cusco City Tour Tour runs from 2:00PM. All of it is done by car, with walks around the visited ruins. Clothing depends on the weather, sunblock and a hat are recommended., Cusco Tourist Ticket This ticket allows admission at 16 sights of the city of Cusco including many popular museums and cathedrals, the ticket also provides entrance to Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, and sights in the South Valley of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas., Horseback Riding Activity time: 3 and ½ hrs. Passengers take a taxi for 10 minutes to the barn. In both tours Sunblock and a hut are necessary. Clothing will depend on the weather conditions. No previous experience needed. Legs could be sore next day, specially if people are not used to horses., Rainbow Mountain Hike - Full-day Trip

day 7 - Cusco/Lima

Head to the airport and fly back to Lima where you will enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Lima Wasi Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Plane Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr Distance : 572 km

day 8 - Lima/Quito

Fly to Quito. Flight is unescorted and included in the price of the tour.
Your transfer to the airport and your flight to Quito are included in this trip. Please note that this flight is unescorted and your transfer will be waiting for you at the Quito airport and will bring you to your hotel.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Hilton Colon (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle, Plane Duration : 2.5 hr

Included Activity:Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos

day 9 - Mariscal Sucre International Airport/Seymour Airport

Take an early flight to the Galápagos Islands. Head to Bachas Beach to see Sally Lightfoot crabs, flamingos and marine iguanas.