Go deeper in diverse Peru before island-hopping in the Galapagos
This trip combines our most comprehensive adventure through Peru with an immersive experience on the Galapagos Islands to become a breathtaking 30-day tour through ancient cities and beautiful landscapes. Cruise deep into the Amazon and spend two nights in jungle lodges, stay with a local family on Lake Titicaca’s floating islands, explore Colca Canyon and reach the famed Inca city of Machu Picchu by trek or train. Just when you think it can’t get any more amazing, prepare to have your mind blown all over on the Galapagos Islands. Encounter colourful, bizarre and beautiful wildlife and traverse volcanic landscapes. Walk among giant tortoises, hike to the top of a volcano on Isla Isabela and fall in love with sea lions.
Choose the classic Inca Trail, the quieter Quarry Trail or the scenic train route to reach Machu Picchu. It will be unforgettable, no matter how you get there.
Take a boat tour around the floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca and spend the night with a local family in a traditional island community.
Spend two nights deep in the Amazon Jungle, trekking with local flora and fauna experts through the ‘Lungs of the World’.
Huge giant tortoises, colourful marine iguanas and the puppies of the sea (AKA sea lions) – come face-to-face with these creatures and more on the Galapagos Islands.
Stay in locally-owned hotels in the Galapagos with daily island-hopping adventures by speedboat. The perfect way to see the best of the archipelago while supporting home-grown businesses.
Sometimes you’ve got to rough it to get amongst it. While most of the accommodation on this trip is tourist class, there will be some very basic accommodation when it makes sense. This includes the two homestays in rural Peru, the Amazon Jungle eco-lodges and (if you choose to trek to Machu Picchu) camping along the Inca or Quarry Trail. There'll be no power in these places and some won't have showers and hot water.
The Amazon can be hot, humid and sticky. While travelling in this region, it's best to wear light cotton clothing and come prepared with insect repellent.
Altitude sickness is always a possibility at the heights this trip reaches, regardless of age or health. Please see the ‘Medical and health information’ section of Essential Trip Information for more detail on this.
This trip involves a lot of walking, such as the 5—6 hour hike to the top of Sierra Negra Volcano in The Galapagos. If you choose to hike either the Inca or Quarry trails, they will be strenuous. The trip is recommended for those with at least a moderate level of fitness. Please bring durable footwear suitable to hiking. See the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for details.
This trip involves a lot of travel by speedboat between the various Galapagos Islands. The rides can be quite bumpy at times, but the good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication. Please consult a health professional to assess your suitability for such medication.
Close proximity to the equator means sun in the Galapagos Islands is incredibly strong. Ensure you are prepared with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. We also recommend a rash guard.
This trip includes multiple snorkelling excursions. Travellers often find snorkelling in the Galapagos to be the most memorable part of their journey, jut note that confident swimming skills are required to take part. Alternative activities will not be on offer.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
A single supplement is available on this trip. On the following nights the single supplement is not available:
- Days 18 & 19: Amazon Jungle
INCA TRAIL PERMITS:
Inca Trail permits are sold on request basis only. Once deposit is paid and passport details provided, Intrepid will endeavour to secure a permit for you.
If Inca Trail permits are unavailable by the time you book, you can opt to hike the Inca Quarry Trail instead.
The Inca Trail closes in February to allow cleaning and restoration works. If the trek portion of your trip starts in February you will be automatically booked to hike the Inca Quarry Trail.
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/machu-picchu-peru/quarry-trail
Should you choose not to hike at all, please let us know in writing at the time of booking so alternative arrangements can be made. Without this prior warning, local fees may apply.
GALAPAGOS PARK, TRANSIT CARD & ISABELA PORT FEES
A Galapagos Transit Card fee of USD 20 is payable on departure from Quito Airport (or whichever airport in Ecuador you are flying to the Galapagos from). The Galapagos park fee (USD 100) and Isabela Port fee (USD10) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment.
When booking, please ensure that your details are correct and they match your passport.
Your passport must match the booking details provided to us; otherwise it could cause issues with your transit card and internal flights resulting in purchasing a new card and flights at your own expense.
SEA SICKNESS – GALAPAGOS
Please note that from June to August the water is rougher than usual. Consequently travel times will be longer than usual. If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period.
INTERNET IN THE GALAPAGOS
Some of the hotels in the Galapagos do have internet connections however it's often very slow and and may not always be functional.
PASSPORT DETAILS REQUIRED
Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase Entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
INCA TRAIL OR QUARRY TRAIL
While hiking the 4 Day Inca Trail or the 3 Day Quarry Trail portion of this trip you may be joined by other Intrepid and/or non-Intrepid travellers.
ITINERARY CHANGES (2020):
Please note the flight from Lima to Quito on Day 21 will be included for all 2020 departures.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information