Jewels of South America: Galapagos Islands & Machu Picchu Overland Adventure (Single)
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Port
General San Martin (Pisco), Peru
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All,68
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$8499
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
7 Days/6 Nights
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Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1 (D)
On the first day, your journey begins with a motorcoach transfer to Lima Airport, where you’ll board a domestic flight to the historic city of Cusco. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, later a significant Spanish colonial center, and now a vibrant cosmopolitan destination, Cusco is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable cultural and architectural heritage. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred directly to your hotel to settle in, enjoy dinner, and rest for the adventures ahead.
Palacio del Inka Hotel
Day 2 (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we begin our journey into the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. As we travel through a tapestry of stunning landscapes, we make our way to the train station where we board panoramic railcars bound for Machu Picchu. The train ride itself is a memorable experience, winding through narrow valleys flanked by dramatic gorges, snowcapped peaks, and ancient archaeological sites.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we pause for a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the highlight of the day: the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu, often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas." During your guided walking tour, you’ll explore the intricate terraces and aqueducts leading to the Temple of the Three Windows. Witness the sun’s rays illuminating the Sacred Plaza and examine the mysterious stone block believed to function as a solar clock.
As you wander through this remarkable Inca sanctuary nestled between Huayna Picchu (Young Peak) and Machu Picchu (Old Peak), you’ll be struck by the ingenuity of its construction. Many of the granite blocks, some weighing over 50 tons, are so precisely carved and fitted that even a thin blade cannot pass between them—despite the absence of mortar.
Following the tour, we return by train to Ollantaytambo, where a boxed dinner will be served en route. Upon arrival, we transfer back to our hotel in Cusco for the evening.
Palacio del Inka Hotel
Day 3 (B, L, D)
After breakfast, transfer to Cusco Airport for your flight to Guayaquil, with a connection in Lima. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, proceed through immigration, collect your baggage, and clear customs. An Akorn representative will greet you at the airport and escort you to a local venue for lunch.
Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and principal harbor, is situated along the banks of the Guayas River. Home to approximately 3 million residents, the city is a dynamic blend of rich cultural traditions and modern architecture. Its bustling port, Puerto Maritimo, handles the majority of the country’s imports and exports, making Guayaquil a vital commercial and industrial hub. Located about 60 kilometers from the Gulf of Guayaquil and the Pacific Ocean, the city offers a unique coastal charm.
Following lunch, enjoy a panoramic city tour of Guayaquil. Highlights include the scenic Malecón 2000 waterfront promenade, the Civic Plaza, the iconic Moorish Tower, City Hall, and the Rotonda Monument, among other notable landmarks.
After the tour, transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight accommodations. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Hilton Colon Guayaquil Hotel
Day 4 (B, L, D)
After breakfast at the hotel, your guide and driver will accompany you to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, a certified Galápagos Naturalist Guide will greet you, assist with your luggage, and escort you to a public bus that travels to the Itabaca Channel—the narrow waterway separating Baltra from Santa Cruz Island.
A short ferry ride across the channel brings you to Santa Cruz, where a private vehicle awaits to transfer you to Puerto Ayora, located on the opposite side of the island. As you drive through the island’s rural interior, you’ll witness the agricultural landscape and diverse native flora. Keep an eye out for the famous finches that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Lunch will be served at a local venue in the highlands before your first excursion: a visit to the Santa Cruz Highlands, home to the iconic Galápagos giant tortoises. In their natural habitat, you’ll observe these remarkable creatures—ranging from young tortoises with gleaming shells to older ones bearing the marks of time. Listen for the rustling of leaves and the sounds of tortoises moving through the underbrush as your guide shares insights into their behavior and conservation efforts.
During the visit, you’ll also learn about the fascinating lava tunnels formed by ancient volcanic activity. These natural formations stretch from the highlands down to sea level and offer a glimpse into the island’s geological history.
After this enriching experience, you’ll transfer to your hotel for check-in. Dinner will be served at the hotel, concluding a memorable day in the Galápagos.
Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Day 5 & 6 (B, L, D)
Today and tomorrow, embark on a full-day boat tour to one of several nearby islands—each offering its own unique landscapes, wildlife, and experiences. The specific island visited will be confirmed prior to departure.
Bartolomé Island Departing early at 6:00 AM, transfer to the Itabaca Channel to board your yacht. Enjoy breakfast onboard as the sun rises over the Pacific, with possible sightings of dolphins and other marine life. Upon arrival at Bartolomé, climb approximately 300 steps through a surreal, moon-like terrain to reach the island’s highest viewpoint. From here, take in panoramic views of Santiago, North Seymour, Baltra, Santa Cruz, Rábida, and the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Afterward, change for a beach visit and take a dinghy ride to Sullivan Bay for snorkeling. Non-snorkelers may explore the coastline in search of Galápagos penguins. Relax on the beach and swim in shallow waters teeming with sea turtles, rays, starfish, and colorful fish. Lunch is served onboard before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Seymour Island & Bachas Beach Begin your day at 8:00 AM with a transfer to the yacht at Itabaca Channel. During the one-hour cruise to Seymour Island, watch the archipelago awaken. Disembark via dinghy onto a rocky shore lined with Palo Santo trees and explore the island’s famous bird colonies, including male frigate birds with their red throat pouches and dancing blue-footed boobies. You’ll also encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, and pelicans. After a freshly prepared two-course lunch onboard, sail to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz’s northern coast. Take a short hike to a flamingo lagoon, then enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the turquoise waters. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
South Plazas & Punta Carrión Depart at 8:00 AM for South Plaza Island, where vibrant red and green sesuvio plants blanket the terrain and sea lions greet you along the shore. Stroll an easy trail past land iguanas and nesting seabirds, reaching a cliffside viewpoint overlooking crashing waves and soaring gulls. Afterward, cruise to Punta Carrión for lunch onboard and enjoy snorkeling among rays, reef sharks, and tropical fish. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Santa Fe Island Santa Fe, formed by tectonic uplift rather than volcanic activity, boasts one of the most picturesque coves in the Galápagos. Hike a trail through saltbush vegetation where endemic species such as the Santa Fe land iguana, Galápagos hawk, and mockingbird roam. During beach time, playful sea lions often join swimmers and snorkelers. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Floreana Island Sail to Puerto Velasco Ibarra on Floreana Island (approx. 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, board a local “chiva” for a scenic 30-minute ride into the highlands, passing tropical farms and lush vegetation. Begin a nature walk through native flora and encounter giant tortoises. Visit Asilo de la Paz, a historic site tied to the island’s early settlers. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to La Lobería, a serene bay home to sea lions, marine iguanas, and possibly sea turtles. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Difficulty level: Moderate.
Isabela Island Cruise to Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island (approx. 3 hours). Visit the Tortoise Breeding and Interpretation Center to learn about conservation efforts and observe various tortoise species. Continue with a walk through the Humedales (Wetlands), a scenic area of lagoons and mangroves where flamingos and migratory birds thrive. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore Las Tintoreras, a lava-formed channel home to marine iguanas, sea lions, and white-tipped sharks. Snorkeling here may offer encounters with penguins, sea lions, and turtles. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Day 7 (B, L,)
After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, nestled within a striking forest of giant prickly-pear cactus. This facility serves as the central hub for scientific research, conservation efforts, and National Park administration in the Galápagos Islands. During your visit, gain valuable insight into the collaborative work of scientists, guides, rangers, and park officials dedicated to preserving this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The station also houses the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where giant Galápagos tortoises are carefully raised under the supervision of researchers. Once mature, these tortoises are reintroduced into their natural habitats, contributing to the long-term survival of this iconic species.
Following the visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival, a local representative will greet you and escort you on a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Manta Port. A boxed lunch will be provided during the journey.
Cancellation Policy:
90 Days prior to arrival in the excursion port. This excursion is non-refundable within 90 days of arrival into the excursion port. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour. This will include if a guest cancels their voyage within 90 days of arrival into the excursion port.
Passport information:
30 days prior departure. This excursion requires your passport information to secure flights and admission into Machu Picchu. You must have your passport details uploaded into your booking portal 30 days prior to departure. Late submission of passports will be subject to late fees.
Notes:
You must book this tour PRIOR to sailing. A minimum number of participants are required to operate this tour. Final hotel/flight manifests must be provided well in advance of the tour, therefore we recommend booking no later than 60 days prior to your voyage. This unusually long Overland Adventure requires your patience, stamina and understanding to make enjoyable and meaningful. While the journey itself is taxing, the memories of the experiences it offers make it entirely worthwhile. Participants are most welcome (and encouraged) to relax and/or nap on the flights and on the train rides; bringing earplugs and/or an eye mask may make this easier. The tour is guided on the Galápagos Islands and in Cusco/Machu Picchu; an escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. All meals are included unless specifically noted otherwise.
Special notes for Galápagos Islands: While rare, Galápagos National Park and force majeure conditions can cause unexpected changes in the itinerary. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Minimum age is 12 years. Each day in