Machu Picchu And Galapagos Combo Tour: South America Highlights
Trip Overview
(Biking, Hiking, Kayaking and Snorkelling) The adventure begins in the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco, the longest-continuously inhabited city in South America. Cuzco has much to offer in and of itself and we’ll witness first-hand the traditional lifestyles of the locals as we pass by countless artisans and weavers.
We’ll then visit Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, before visiting legendary Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas,” to complete the Peru portion of your trip.
Next, this trip continues onward to the Galápagos Islands, a living laboratory of evolution. On this Galapagos adventure, we’ll witness everything from blue-footed boobies and lava lizards to equatorial penguins and pink flamingos. We will travel far from the crowds and cruises and view the islands from a very different perspective. We will bob through the ocean surf by sea kayak, paddling alongside giant sea turtles and seals, spend a day inland on bikes and spend time snorkelling the turquoise waters.
WOW FACTORS
- Exploring the stunning ruins of legendary Machu Picchu overlooking the Urubamba River
- Snorkelling with a myriad of tropical fish, sea lions, and starfish
- Kayaking Santa Cruz Island, paddling through multiple lava channels of calm, turquoise water
Itinerary & Map
Day 1
Lima - Cusco
Arrival & Walking
Early this morning you'll arrive into Lima and immediately connect with a domestic flight into Cuzco (11,500 ft / 3,500 m). The streets of Cuzco are filled with artisans selling sweaters, pottery, and a variety of other handicrafts. In the afternoon, we'll head out for a walking tour of the historical City of Cuzco, visiting the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and Qoricancha (Inca Sun Temple). We'll then drive above the city of Cuzco to visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: None
Day 2
Cuzco - Pisac ruins/market - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Sightseeing & Train
After breakfast, we'll transfer to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas" by bus driving alongside the Vilcanota River. Our first stop will be the town of Pisac, famous for its hilltop ruins and artisan market. After exploring the ruins and market, we'll continue to Urubamba where we'll stop for a buffet lunch of typical Peruvian dishes. After lunch, we’ll drive to Ollantaytambo and walk up the steps of this impressive fortress and explore the town. We'll then board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Hiking & Train
We have a full day dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu. There is also the option to climb Huayna Picchu, a young peak adjacent to Machu Picchu. If you are keen to climb this, only a certain number of people can climb Huayna Picchu a day as permits are required. These permits sell out well in advance and are subject to availability at time of booking. The hike is a challenging one, but the views are well worth the effort! A much less busy alternative is the Sun Gate, where the Inca Trail finishes. We highly recommend this option. Afterwards, our guide will give us a tour of Machu Picchu explaining the history and significance of the major sites. The tour takes about 2 hours after which you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own. In the afternoon, after lunch in Aguas Calientes, we'll take the train through the Urubamba valley destined for Cuzco. We'll be met at the train station and transferred back to our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Cuzco - Lima - Quito
Transfer Day
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima. From here, you'll connect with your flight to Quito. Upon arrival into Quito, a BikeHike Adventures representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to a comfortable hotel in downtown Quito. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Quito - Santa Cruz Island
Hiking
In the morning, we'll be transferred back to the airport to connect with our flight to the Galapagos Islands, located 625 miles / 1,000 km off the coast of mainland Ecuador. After landing on Baltra Island, we'll shuttle up to the humid tropical parts of the island to visit the giant Galapagos turtles living in the wild here. We’ll also stop to walk through some lava tunnels. Afterwards, we'll transfer to our hotel in the quiet, charming harbour town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival to the town of Puerto Ayora we'll check in at the hotel and head out for dinner together.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Bartolome Island
Hiking & Snorkelling
We drive 35 minutes to our boat and then head north for three hours to one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago, Bartolome. The effort to get there is worth every minute. This beautiful island offers the most well known views of the Galapagos, with its tuff cones, spatter cones, enormous lava flows on Santiago Island, the Pinnacle Rock and two golden sand beaches. After a hike to the look out point, we'll visit one of the golden sand beaches for some excellent snorkelling under the Pinnacle Rock, admiring the sea life. If we're lucky, sea lions will play around us. In the afternoon, we return to Santa Cruz Island.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Santa Cruz Island
Biking & Coffee Plantation
In the morning, we'll ride our bikes up to the look out point of Cerro Mesa, visit the largest pit crater on the island and then enjoy a great down hill bike ride to the beach of Garrapatero where we can refresh with a dip in the ocean. We'll then take a vehicle up to one of the first coffee and cane plantations on Santa Cruz Island. We'll learn about the process of making organic coffee and sugar. Overnight at same hotel in Santa Cruz.
Biking: 32 km / 20 mi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Pinzón Island
Snorkelling
Today is a great day for snorkeling. We'll cruise to the island of Pinzón, stop by a white coral beach on the way and enjoy lots of snorkeling close to the island of Pinzón. Lunch is served on board the boat. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Santa Cruz Island
Kayaking
In the morning, we'll go kayaking and navigate around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada, paddling through multiple lava channels of calm, turquoise waters. Within the channels, white-tipped sharks and stingrays patrol beneath the waves, while colonies of blue-footed boobies, tropic birds, herons and marine iguanas perch along the jagged cliffs. We have the afternoon free to explore the town, visit the Darwin Station or simply relax by the pool. Lunch and dinner on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10
Santa Cruz Island - Quito
Transfer & Leisure time
Today we start with an early breakfast and shuttle to the airport on Baltra Island for our flight back to Quito and the mainland of Ecuador. In the afternoon, we'll tour the old town of Quito, the largest colonial centre of Latin America. After dinner in the old town we can explore the night life of Quito before returning to our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11
Quito
Departure
You'll be transferred to the international airport for your flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
TRIP INCLUSIONS:
All accommodation (twin shared), meals as indicated, equipment, internal transportation (excluding domestic flights in the Galapagos and Peru and the international flight from Peru to Ecuador), airport transfers and English-speaking guides.
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Galapagos Park Entrance Fee ($200 US), Galapagos internal flights (Quit -Baltra-Quito - cost $775 US), international flight from Lima - Quito, domestic flights Lima-Cuzco-Lima, airport departure taxes, gratuities, meals not indicated and items of a personal nature.
MEALS:
10 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 4 Dinners
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel: 10 Nights
Trip Facts
Weather in Peru
Generally the Andean trekking season, April-November is clear, dry, and cool. During the transitional months of April/May and October/November, one can experience variable weather patterns with a general build up of afternoon clouds and possible showers that rarely last throughout the night. Andean nights are cold, ranging from 25 to 40°F (-4 to 5°C) depending on the elevation, while the days are pleasantly warm with temperatures between 60 to 80°F (15 to 26°C). In spite of warmer temperatures, trekking during the Andean rainy season (Jan- March) is not recommended because of the high risk of mudslides, rock fall or lightening. Also, trails and high passes may be closed due to heavy snowfall. Expect showers or mist on most departures. The daytime temperatures will be warm between 70 to 85°F (21 to 30°C), with the nighttime temperatures around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C).
Weather in Galapagos
The Galapagos resembles a temperate region with a very dry climate. Air temperatures range from 68 to 86°F (20 to 30°C) and water temperatures are between 61 and 82°F (16 and 28°F). The Galapagos has two seasons, one warm/wet (January – June) and the other cool/dry (July-December). During the warm/wet season, warm currents from the north dominate the surrounding waters and warm the inland air. Skies are generally clear, however rain showers are frequent. The cool/dry season is referred to as garua because of the light drizzle that falls, as well as the cooler air and water temperatures (a result of the Humboldt current which is responsible for the churning of the waters and the rich food supply that feeds the animals). Animals are active throughout the year making any season the right time to visit.
Travel Documents
Canadian and US citizens require a valid passport with an expiry date that is beyond six months from the date of entry. A visa is not required for North American citizens for stays up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries should contact their embassies for specific entry requirements.
Food and Water
One of the delights of Peruvian adventure is the delicious cuisine. Some of the popular traditional dishes are lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with onions, vinegar, ginger, chili, tomatoes, and fried potatoes) ceviche (shrimp or sea bass marinated in lemon, chili, and onions), papas rellenas (stuffed baked potatoes), palta rellena (avocado stuffed with chicken salad), and picarones (deep fried flour fritters made with eggs and served with honey).
While in Peru, it is best to drink only bottled water. Milk should be treated with suspicion. If you do drink milk, make sure it has been pasteurized. Fruit juices, soft drinks and tea are all widely available and safe to drink. Drink plenty of fluids and try to avoid alcohol when you first arrive into higher altitudes.
Recommended Ecuadorian dishes include cuy (the local delicacy of guinea pig), ceviche, (seafood marinated in lemon, onions, and spices), and llapingachos (fried mashed potato and cheese pancakes). While in the Ecuador, it is best to drink only bottled water or treated tap water. This also pertains to brushing your teeth. Fruit drinks, soft drinks, coffee and tea are all widely available and safe to drink.
FAQ
Our adventures are built for small groups, with a maximum of 12 travellers on each guided tour. Each group is diverse, comprised of men and women of many different nationalities and ages. By travelling in small groups we leave minimal ecological impact, cause less disruption to the native life and are able to gain a better appreciation for our surroundings. Small numbers also allow greater flexibility and spontaneity: a dinner in a local home, an impromptu village wedding invite and any such experiences that can become among the most memorable experiences of your BikeHike adventure.
We understand that people come in many fitness levels, so we've graded our trips accordingly. There are four difficulty levels on our trips: Easy, Moderate, Challenging, and Strenuous.
This is a “moderate” trip. These trips include 4-5 hours of physical activity throughout the day, with many breaks along the way. The biking portions of BikeHike Adventure’s trips are the most cardiovascular portions of the trips. During the biking section, our travellers don’t have to carry anything on their backs as any packs can be carried in the support vehicle. During the hiking portions of the trip, the most you would have to carry on your back is a daypack.
BikeHike Adventures has been operating since 1994.
The logistics of organizing tours to remote corners of the world can be very complex. Our trip development department spends long hours researching destinations, routes, ground operations and equipment. All itineraries are screened without clients before they are added to our growing repertoire of adventures. Nothing is untested.
Our travellers share a common love for outdoor adventure. Most are looking for a physical adventure in an unfamiliar destination. A typical trip is comprised of men and women of varied ages and nationalities. Most of our clients on this trip are regular mortals in good physical condition, who exercise regularly and are invigorated by a personal challenge.
As well, the age range on this trip is typically from 35-60, although we occasionally get younger and older travellers as well.
Can I take this trip if...
Many of our travellers (both men and women) join as singles. On average, BikeHike groups are 75% single travellers and 25% couples. Unlike many adventure travel companies, we don't charge single supplement fees to solo travellers. Instead, we pair you with another traveller of the same gender. If we can't find you a roommate, you get your own room at no additional charge. A single private room supplement fee is only required if you specifically request a confirmed private room for the duration of the trip. Learn more about solo travel with BikeHike.
We will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests (e.g. vegetarian, gluten free, etc.), but ask that you please discuss your request with us when signing up for a trip.
While most of our trips are created with adults in mind, many of our itineraries are suitable for strong and active teenagers. This trip is generally good for older children or teenagers. However, we do offer many Family Focused trips, some of which are able to accommodate children as young as six.
Accommodation
Most of our trips include comfortable mid-range accommodations.
This trip includes the following types of accommodation:
HOTELS
This includes mid range accommodation that provides a clean and comfortable experience in characterful surroundings that reflect the destination. To build stronger connections with the communities and support the local economies, we avoid using large international chain brands on BikeHike trips. Instead, in an effort to keep money in the communities we visit around the world, BikeHike prefers small hotels, bungalows, and haciendas that showcase the character and local flair of each destination.
Click HERE for more information about accommodation styles.
Trip At A Glance
| Day | Destination | Activity | Lodging | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Lima - Cuzco
|
Arrival & Walking
|
Hotel
|
— |
| 2 |
Cuzco - Pisac ruins/market - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
|
Sightseeing & Train
|
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 3 |
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
|
Hiking & Train
|
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 4 |
Cuzco - Lima - Quito
|
Transfer Day
|
Hotel
|
b
|
| 5 |
Quito - Santa Cruz Island
|
Hiking
|
Hotel
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 6 |
Bartolome Island
|
Hiking & Snorkelling
|
Hotel
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 7 |
Santa Cruz Island
|
Biking & Coffee Plantation
|
Hotel
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 8 |
Pinzón Island
|
Snorkelling
|
Hotel
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 9 |
Santa Cruz Island
|
Kayaking
|
Hotel
|
b
|
| 10 |
Santa Cruz Island - Quito
|
Transfer & Leisure time
|
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 11 |
Quito
|
Departure
|
— |
b
|
Reserve a Spot on This Adventure
Reserve NowTrip Reviews
Have You Experienced This Trip?
Submit a ReviewI joined this trip as a solo traveller, and was immediately welcomed with open arms. I met some amazing people in our small group, and our guides felt like family. The behind the scenes work at BikeHike led to a seamless experience, and everything was taken care of for us. I had a fantastic trip, and it was a great combination of history, culture, and adventure. I particularly enjoyed snorkelling with about 10 white tipped sharks in the Galapagos!
Submit a Review