Peru & Galapagos Package Trip - 12 Days – Peru & Galapagos

Experience an unforgettable 12-day journey that combines the best of Peru and the enchanting Galapagos Islands. Start with 5 action-packed days in Peru, where you’ll explore the iconic Sacred Valley of the Incas, the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, and the vibrant hues of Rainbow Mountain. After diving into Peru’s top highlights, we’ll fly you to Ecuador’s bustling capital, Quito, where you'll spend 2 nights and 3 days uncovering the city's historic sites, cultural gems, and scenic views.

From there, set out on an adventure of a lifetime! A short flight over 620 miles across the Pacific Ocean will take you to the Galapagos Islands. This 6-day, land-based exploration of the world-renowned archipelago promises encounters with unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable moments in this pristine natural paradise.

Trip Highlights:

Explore Peru’s Sacred Valley, with its ancient ruins, colorful markets, and scenic terraces.
Marvel at Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas.
Hike to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain, a striking geological wonder in the Andes.
Wander through Quito’s historic sites, including the Middle of the World Monument.
Discover the Galapagos Islands, with unique wildlife, snorkeling, and pristine beaches.

This adventure combines Peru’s cultural treasures with the Galapagos’ natural wonders, creating an unforgettable journey.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1- Flight to Cusco & City Tour

Cusco Arrival & City Tour

Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, a FlashpackerConnect representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.

Cusco City Tour (4-5 Hours)

Your guide will meet you at the hotel to begin an immersive exploration of Cusco. Start at the iconic Plaza de Armas, where you’ll visit Cusco’s renowned Cathedral (entrance fee: 25 soles). Then, follow an ancient Inca-built street to the Q’oricancha (Temple of the Sun, entrance fee: 15 soles), where you’ll gain insights into the contrasting architectural styles of the Incas and the Spanish colonial era. This former spiritual center of the Incan Empire was the starting point for all roads that stretched across their vast domain and features a remarkable bronze altar.

From Q’oricancha, a short walk down Avenida El Sol brings you to your bus, which will transport you 25 minutes outside Cusco to Sacsayhuaman. Here, marvel at the mysterious 200-ton stone monoliths, learning from your guide before exploring the site independently.

Next, a brief bus ride takes you to Q’enqo, known for its intricate Incan altars, followed by Puca Pucara, a small, circular fortress. Conclude the tour with a stop at Tambomachay, a water temple believed to have been a sacred site for ritual baths.

Your journey wraps up with a return to Cusco’s main square, where the tour ends.

Overnight in Cusco - 3 Star Hotel (upgrades available on request)

Day 2 - Sacred Valley Tour & Journey to Aguas Calientes

Sacred Valley Tour & Journey to Aguas Calientes

Your day begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 7:00 and 7:30 am. Our first stop is Awanacancha Alpaca Farm, where you'll encounter Peru’s native animals like alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas. Your guide will share insights into the significance of these animals for the local economy. Here, you'll also visit a textile center, where you can admire exquisite handcrafted items, a testament to the remarkable artistry of the Incas.

From Awanacancha, we’ll head toward El Mirador del Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley Lookout Point), where you’ll take in breathtaking views of the Andes. Then, it’s on to Pisac Archaeological Site for a guided introduction to this incredible ancient city, followed by time to explore its terraces and ruins.

Continuing to Urubamba, we’ll stop for a buffet lunch featuring a wide array of traditional Peruvian dishes. After lunch, we’ll make our way to Ollantaytambo, the second most significant Incan site after Machu Picchu. Wander through the intricate ruins as your guide shares the site’s historical significance and architectural wonders.

In the afternoon, we’ll board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, a scenic journey of just under two hours, offering captivating views of the surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel with some free time to explore the charming village. Consider visiting the Machu Picchu museum, orchid exhibition, or butterfly garden (a 40-minute walk from town), or simply relax in the nearby hot springs.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes - 3 Star Hotel (upgrades available on request)

Day 3- Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco

Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco

Today marks the pinnacle of your journey with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. Depending on your assigned entrance time, your guide will advise on the best time to wake up. If you have an early entrance, you’ll rise around 4:00 am to catch the first bus up, giving you the magical experience of watching the sun rise over the ancient ruins. For later entrance times, enjoy a bit more rest before boarding the bus up to the site.

Upon arrival, your guide will lead a 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu, sharing fascinating insights into the history, architecture, and hidden wonders of this Incan marvel. If you’ve opted to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll have time to embark on your climb and later explore the ruins at your leisure.

In the afternoon, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you'll board the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private van will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, with an expected arrival between 6:00 and 8:00 pm.

Overnight in Cusco - 3 Star Hotel (upgrades available on request)

Day 4- Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Trek

Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Full-Day Trek

Duration: Full Day - 2:15 am to 3:00 or 4:00 pm
Distance: 8 km (5 mi) round trip
Elevation: 4460m (14,632 ft) - 5035m (16,520 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate

Your adventure begins with a 2:15 am pickup from your Cusco hotel, followed by a scenic 3.5-hour drive in a private van to the trailhead. Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional Peruvian breakfast prepared by our chef to fuel you for the journey ahead.

The trek to Rainbow Mountain covers 4 km (2.5 mi) and takes about 2 hours, leading you through vibrant green valleys framed by the towering, snow-capped Ausangate peak. Along the way, you’ll witness herds of alpacas and gain insights into the daily lives of the Quechua people. As you approach Rainbow Mountain, you’ll catch your first glimpses of the mineral-rich, multi-colored hills. Your guide will share fascinating details on the geological processes that created this unique landscape. A final push brings you to a panoramic viewpoint with breathtaking 360-degree views of the sacred landscape.

Enjoy a well-deserved break at the top, where you can savor snacks, coca tea, and the awe-inspiring vistas. After about an hour, continue to the Red Valley, a strikingly beautiful, lesser-visited gem that promises equally stunning views.

The journey back to the trailhead takes approximately 1 hour. Here, you’ll be treated to a gourmet lunch in a cozy, traditional mud-house setting before we begin the drive back to Cusco, arriving around 4:00 pm.

(Meals Included: B, L)

Overnight in Cusco - 3 Star Hotel (upgrades available on request)

Day 5- Depart Cusco-Flight to Quito

Today, you’ll be transferred to Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima and onward to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito, your bilingual guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Your guide will be available to assist with any needs or questions.

Overnight Accommodation in Quito - 3 Star Hotel

Day 6 - Quito City & Middle of the World Tour

Quito City & Middle of the World Tour

Begin your day exploring Quito’s historic downtown, one of the largest and best-preserved in South America. Our first stop is La Ronda, Quito's oldest street, once home to musicians, poets, and politicians. Here, immerse yourself in the city’s traditions, starting with a visit to the gastronomic district for a demonstration of local spices used in Ecuadorian cuisine. Next, explore a crafts workshop featuring handmade metal and wood pieces, designed primarily for the city’s traditional churches and decor.

Leaving La Ronda, we’ll make our way to Independence Square, surrounded by iconic historical buildings. Visit the Cathedral (16th century), Presidential Palace, El Sagrario Church (17th century), and La Compañía de Jesús (17th century), renowned as one of the most stunning baroque churches in South America. We’ll also stop at the Church and Monastery of San Francisco, constructed shortly after the Spanish arrived in the 16th century.

Our final stop in Quito is Panecillo Hill, where you’ll find the unique winged Virgin of Quito statue and enjoy panoramic views of the city, mountains, and volcanoes.

Afterward, we’ll drive 30 km north of Quito to the Middle of the World. Here, stand at the equatorial line where the northern and southern hemispheres meet. You’ll visit the main monument dedicated to the French expedition that determined the equator’s location in the 18th century. Explore the nearby Inti Ñan Museum, a scientific and cultural center located directly on the Equator Line.

Following the tour, we’ll return to Quito.

Overnight in Quito - 3 Star Hotel

Day 7- Flight to the Galapagos Islands

Arrival in Baltra & Santa Cruz Highlands Tour

Upon arrival in Baltra, we’ll board a shuttle to begin our journey across Santa Cruz Island, heading toward the lush highlands. Here, amidst vibrant green landscapes and open spaces, we’ll stop at a local ranch where you’ll enjoy your first sightings of the famous Galapagos Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. A delicious lunch will be served at the ranch.

Following our visit, we’ll continue to Puerto Ayora to check into a carefully selected hotel, where you can settle in and relax for the evening.

Overnight - 3 Star Hotel

Day 8- Galapagos Island Navigable Excursion

Galapagos Island Navigable Excursion

Today, you’ll have the chance to explore another island in the Galapagos, experiencing the rich diversity of this unique archipelago. Your day includes a guided hike around the island, followed by options to snorkel, swim, or simply relax. Based on availability, we’ll confirm one of the following exciting destinations:

Bartolome Island: Marvel at stunning landscapes and fascinating geological formations, with excellent snorkeling opportunities in crystal-clear waters.
North Seymour Island: Encounter unique wildlife, including Land Iguanas, the Magnificent Frigatebird with its vibrant red pouch, the famous blue-footed boobies with their unique courtship dance, and playful sea lions riding the waves.
South Plazas: Though small, this island boasts an incredible concentration of wildlife, dramatic cliffs, and a natural red carpet of algae contrasting beautifully with the landscape.
Santa Fe Island: Dive into diverse marine life in the lagoons, snorkeling alongside colorful fish, sea lions, giant tuna, and even small sharks that frequent these waters.

After a memorable day, you’ll return to Puerto Ayora for a restful evening.

Overnight - 3 Star Hotel

Day 9- Galapagos Island Exploration – Choose Your Adventure

Galapagos Island Exploration – Choose Your Adventure

Today offers yet another chance to explore a new island, each with its own unique blend of wildlife, geology, and landscapes. This day will be filled with the opportunity to discover a different island than the one you visited previously, allowing you to dive deeper into the rich diversity of the Galapagos. Your tour includes an interpretive hike across the island, followed by time to snorkel, swim, or simply relax. Based on availability, you may experience one of the following:

Bartolome Island: Admire breathtaking landscapes and fascinating geological formations, with excellent snorkeling opportunities to explore vibrant marine life.
North Seymour Island: Encounter Land Iguanas, Magnificent Frigatebirds with striking scarlet pouches, blue-footed boobies performing their unique courtship dance, and sea lions surfing the waves.
South Plazas: This small island is packed with wildlife, featuring dramatic cliffs, vibrant red algae, and stunning contrasts of color and texture.
Santa Fe Island: Known for its diversity, Santa Fe offers lagoons perfect for snorkeling, where you may spot colorful fish, sea lions, giant tuna, and even small sharks.

After your adventure, you’ll return to Puerto Ayora for the evening, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Overnight - 3 Star Hotel

Day 10- Charles Darwin Station & Transfer to Isabela Island

Charles Darwin Station & Transfer to Isabela Island

After breakfast, we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a hub of information on Galapagos habitats, conservation efforts, and fascinating ecological insights. The highlight of the station is the Tortoise Breeding Center, where you can observe giant tortoises of all sizes and shapes in their natural environment. Here, you’ll have the chance to walk among these incredible creatures and capture memorable photos. You’ll also encounter land and marine iguanas, along with a variety of native bird species.

In the afternoon, we’ll board a speedboat to Isabela Island, where we’ll check into our accommodation and settle in for the evening.

Overnight - 3 Star Hotel

Day 11- Excursion to Los Tunnels & Tortoise Breeding Center

Excursion to Los Tuneles & Tortoise Breeding Center on Isabela Island

After breakfast, we’ll set out for a visit to Los Tuneles, one of the most unique geological formations in the Galapagos. Our journey begins with a thrilling 45-minute speedboat ride, led by an experienced captain navigating the waves to reveal this hidden treasure. Formed millions of years ago by rivers of molten lava that reached the coast, these tunnels emerged as lava flowed under a hardened surface, creating hollow structures. Over time, fractures allowed seawater to flow inside, forming the intricate labyrinth of tunnels we see today.

Guided by a naturalist, we’ll snorkel through these remarkable formations, discovering vibrant marine life such as sharks, lobsters, penguins, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and marine turtles—along with other endemic species of the Galapagos. A light snack will be provided on board, and with a bit of luck, we may even spot giant manta rays feeding in the open waters.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue to the Tortoise Breeding Center on Isabela Island, where you’ll gain further insights into the conservation efforts for these iconic Galapagos tortoises and witness the breeding and care of these remarkable creatures.

Day 12- Transfer to Airport & Departure

Return to Santa Cruz & Departure

Early this morning, we’ll transfer to the port for a two-and-a-half-hour boat ride back to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival, a tour guide will be waiting to escort you to the airport, assisting with check-in for your flight back. Safe travels as you conclude your Galapagos adventure!

Additional Trip Info

Peru:

Airport transfers in Cusco
All accommodation - (3* hotel, upgrades available on request)
Entrance fees
Transfers to/ from your hotel to the tours
Fluent English / Spanish speaking local guides
Some meals
First aid / oxygen

Quito:

Private transfers
Accommodation in selected hotel
Meals mentioned in the program (B: Breakfast, BL: Box lunch, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
Excursions mentioned in the program
Private guidance during the mentioned excursions (English/ Spanish)
Contribution to the local community

Galapagos:

Transfer Airport – Hotel – Airport
Accommodation in Santa Cruz & Isabela in the selected hotel with breakfast.
Meals noted (B: Brekfast, L: Lunch, BL: Boxed Lunch, D: Dinner)
Excursions mentioned in the itinerary + snorkeling Equipment
Bilingual Naturalist Guide in all Excursions
Contribution to the local community

Peru:

Insurance
Gratuity
Extras
Services not indicated
Flights

Quito:

Drinks and not mentioned meals
Tips (is not mandatory)
Extra expenses & optional excursions
Travel Insurance

Galapagos:

Airfare to/from Galapagos( please ask for assistance for flights if needed!)
Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park (US$ 100 per person )
Galapagos Migration Card (US$ 20 per person)
Isabela dock fee entrance (US$ 10 per person)
Highlands optional activity (US$ 6 per person)
Not mentioned meals and drinks
Gratuity
Travel Insurance
Extra expenses

Note: Christmas and New Year supplement 50%, Children discount (under 12 years old): 10% from the rate, Single Supplement +50% from the rate

info@flashpackerconnect.com

+1 206-892-8877

Peru & Galapagos

Peru & Galapagos Package Trip - 12 Day

Experience the highlights of Peru and the Galapagos Islands on this 12 Day Adventure

Peru & Galapagos Package Trip - 12 Day

Experience the highlights of Peru and the Galapagos Islands on this 12 Day Adventure

Trip Itinerary

Day 1- Flight to Cusco & City Tour

Day 2 - Sacred Valley Tour & Journey to Aguas Calientes

Day 3- Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco

Day 4- Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Trek

Day 5- Depart Cusco-Flight to Quito

Day 6 - Quito City & Middle of the World Tour

Day 7- Flight to the Galapagos Islands

Day 8- Galapagos Island Navigable Excursion

Day 9- Galapagos Island Exploration – Choose Your Adventure

Day 10- Charles Darwin Station & Transfer to Isabela Island

Day 11- Excursion to Los Tunnels & Tortoise Breeding Center

Day 12- Transfer to Airport & Departure

Additional Trip Info

Have Questions?

Interested in building a custom trip? We want to help you travel to places you have dreamt about.

info@flashpackerconnect.com

+1 206-892-8877

Peru & Galapagos

Peru & Galapagos Package Trip - 12 Day

Experience the highlights of Peru and the Galapagos Islands on this 12 Day Adventure

Peru & Galapagos Package Trip - 12 Day

Experience the highlights of Peru and the Galapagos Islands on this 12 Day Adventure

Trip Itinerary

Day 1- Flight to Cusco & City Tour

Day 2 - Sacred Valley Tour & Journey to Aguas Calientes

Day 3- Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco

Day 4- Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Trek

Day 5- Depart Cusco-Flight to Quito

Day 6 - Quito City & Middle of the World Tour

Day 7- Flight to the Galapagos Islands

Day 8- Galapagos Island Navigable Excursion

Day 9- Galapagos Island Exploration – Choose Your Adventure

Day 10- Charles Darwin Station & Transfer to Isabela Island

Day 11- Excursion to Los Tunnels & Tortoise Breeding Center

Day 12- Transfer to Airport & Departure

Additional Trip Info

Have Questions?

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