GalaPicchu Insiders 10 Day Tour

This is the arrival day for all of our tour participants. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have the opportunity to explore one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, Quito’s Old Town, or simply rest at the hotel.

Our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 6:30 PM for the orientation meeting and briefing before the tour begins. During this meeting, you can clarify any questions or concerns you may have about the overall tour.

If you would like, we can also assist in arranging a full day of exploration in Quito or the surrounding areas, provided you inform us in advance.

THIS TOUR NORMALLY OPERATES FROM QUITO, HOWEVER YOU CAN ALSO START IN GUAYAQUIL, IF SO PLEASE LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: N/A

Early flight from Quito to San Cristobal, Galapagos. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in town.

The adventure begins with a pleasant kayak tour to Darwin Bay, where Darwin first landed. From Tijeretas Hill, you can admire the stunning bay, as well as observe Frigate birds and Blue-footed Boobies soaring around the cliffs.
You will also enjoy a fantastic snorkel at the bay and maybe play with sea lions underwater.

After the kayak tour, you will have the opportunity to walk and relax near the sea lions at Playa Man (on your own) , enjoying the breathtaking landscapes and a beautiful sunset. Finally, you will return to the hotel for the evening.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B

Today features some of the best snorkeling in the Galapagos with a day trip to Kicker Rock.

After breakfast, a comfortable speedboat will navigate along the coast of San Cristobal, offering stunning views of the birds and landscape from a unique perspective. At the rock formation, you will have the chance to snorkel through the channel in search of a variety of sharks, fish, turtles, rays, sea lions, and more.

Afterward, you will enjoy a delicious lunch on board , then some quiet beach time to relax before returning to town.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B - L

Today, you will take a speedboat to Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island (approximately a 2-hour journey). Upon arrival, you will check in at the hotel. Afterward, your guide will take you to the Charles Darwin Research Station, the most important research center in the entire Galapagos. You will then have some free time to explore the town and enjoy a quick lunch before the next activity.

Next, your guide will take you to visit a Tortoise Ranch in the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you can observe the large wild land tortoises in their natural habitat.

The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Puerto Ayora at your leisure, or you may choose to visit Las Grietas and the German Beach on your own. You may also take a walk to Tortuga Bay (independently). Finally, return to town for an overnight stay.

** Tip** Don´t miss the opportunity to dine at the QUIOSKOS street, where you can enjoy freshly caught lobster and a variety of seafood. Also, take a stroll to the pier in the evening to see baby sharks, rays, and many other marine animals up close.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B

This tour begins early from town, followed by a bus ride to Itabaca Canal, where you will board the yacht for this exciting excursion.

The program includes sightseeing, hiking, snorkeling, snorkel equipment, lunch on board, and much more. At the end of the day, you will be returned to Puerto Ayora for your last night in the Galapagos.

Bartolome Island is small, standing 114 meters high, and located near Santiago Island. When the volcano that formed Bartolome erupted, no water was present, which resulted in large amounts of basalt on the island (when water is present during an eruption, tuff is created). The basalt hardened together with air, creating very light rocks.

The island’s surface is covered with volcanic ash, which is believed to have been blown over from Santa Cruz Island. Bartolome consists of an extinct volcano and volcanic formations in a variety of red, orange, green, and shimmering black colors.

Pinnacle Rock is an eroded tuff cone formed when magma from an erupting volcano met seawater, causing an explosion. The resulting particles fused into layered rock. It is now one of the most photographed landmarks in the Galapagos and was once used as a target by the US military during World War II, with bullet holes still visible.

Galapagos Penguins live behind Pinnacle Rock, and a small submerged crater is visible offshore. To the east, there are small spatter cones. Two half-moon shaped beaches lie beside the rock, with the northern beach offering swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Do not miss this opportunity!

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B - L

Free morning, 10:00 am check out and transportation to Baltra's Airport to take a flight back to Guayaquil. Then you will wait few hours before your International flight to Lima (Peru).

Upon arrival, one of our Peru representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in downtown Lima for an overnight stay.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B

Early morning flight to Cusco City. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel to rest and acclimate to the altitude. In the afternoon, a city tour awaits, highlighting Cusco's rich history as the Capital of the Incas and its many treasures.

You will visit the central area of Cusco and explore several Inca temples, including Koricancha, Saqsayhuaman, Q’enqo, and Tambomachay. Finally, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B

In the morning, embark on a tour to the famous Sacred Valley, located in the Urubamba Valley. The tour includes visits to the Pisac Ruins, Urubamba, and the Ollantaytambo Temple. Enjoy a buffet lunch at Tunupa's Restaurant in Urubamba.

Afterward, you will board the Train Expedition from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (at this point you will see awesome andes views along the way. Upon arrival our representative will conduct you to the hotel for overnight.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B

Early in the morning, we will transfer you to the bus, which will take you and our guide to the breathtaking archaeological complex known as Machu Picchu, also referred to as the Sacred Mountain.

Upon arrival, you will have a 2 hour guided tour around the site. There will be plenty of time to capture memorable photos.

Afterward, you will be transferred back to Aguas Calientes, where you can explore the town and visit the local markets. Later, you will take the train back to Cusco for an overnight stay, enjoying the scenic views of the Andes.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B

Early morning flight to Lima, where our expert guide will take you on a fascinating walking tour of the historical center.

This tour offers a unique and classic experience, showcasing the palaces and castles hidden within the city. You will also visit the remarkable Saint Francisco Monastery and the impressive underground catacombs.

Other highlights include the Main Square, San Martin Square, the Archbishop's Palace, and the Municipal Palace. Additional notable sites include the Train Station Palace, the historic 'Cordano Bar,' colorful mansion palaces, the Jiron del Union pathway, the first Photoshop Palace in South America, the Post Office Palace, the Dominican tower, the Historical Rimac Bridge, and the beautifully surrounded wooden balconies.

Finally, you will learn about the city's next major project: the under-river subway.

** This hotel night is not included, so please let us know in advance the hotel you have chosen to drop you off at the end of the tour or if you prefer we can also drop you off at Lima´s Airport for your flight home. **

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Meals: B