Machu Picchu & the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita - 17 Days

Arrive at any time.

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.

Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a the tour operator-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 the tour operator-supported Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn about the the tour operator for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Visit Darwin Bay and marvel at the sheer number of birds along the many trails. Head to El Barranco in the afternoon to see the many types of boobies, including red-footed boobies.

Visit Bartolomé for a guided tour to see the island's dramatic volcanic features. Continue to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral-sand beach.

Early landing in the small town of Puerto Villamil before beginning the hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. In the afternoon, explore the tortoise breeding centre in the Puerto Villamil area.

Pay a morning visit to Elizabeth Bay which offers amazing bird and marine life viewing opportunities. Head out on the pangas and explore the shallows and mangroves to look for sea turtles and penguins. Visit Urbina Bay, located at the base of the Alcedo Volcano. Hike the trail for a chance to see land tortoises in the wild, watching for land iguanas along the way.

Stop for a visit at Tagus Cove and hike to a lookout to get a stunning view of the bay. Spot old graffiti on the cliffs from whalers and pirates who once visited the the cove. Continue to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina, the youngest of the Galápagos Islands. Witness the large colony of marine iguanas and a variety of bird life.

Enjoy a morning panga ride in Buccaneer Cove, watch for sea lions, shorebirds, and interesting lava formations. Take an afternoon excursion to the red sand beaches of Rábida to see a lagoon and sea lion colony. Enjoy snorkelling nearby with schools of tropical fish and sea lions.

View Daphne from the boat, the tiny conical island is home to nesting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Darwin's finches, after, fly back to Quito. Enjoy an evening in Quito.

Depart at any time.