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Alex
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The best choice for lovers of wildlife and culture, this trip includes the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu and a stay in the Amazon rainforest!
Trip Highlights
- Galapagos Islands
- Middle of the World Monument
- Quito
- Cuzco
- Lima
- Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers.
Activities
Some meals
Availability
Departures available until December 2023
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + $1,150
Add up to 3 nights to your stay
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Categories available
charm included
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Categories Available:
charm
From $4,899
- Accommodation in Charm category hotels.
- Santa Cruz Galapagos Island
Accommodation: 17 Nights
Itinerary
Arrive in Ecuador and touch down in Quito, before exploring the amazing Amazon in Tena. Fly to Santa Cruz, your gateway to the Galapagos Islands and discover the delights of the city of Guayaquil. Next, head to Lima, uncover the mysteries of the Sacred Valley and the Inca capital of Cuzco before exploring Machu Picchu.
Arrive at your Canadian departure airport, ready for a flight to Quito. Arrive in the capital of Ecuador, a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains and its ancient Incan significance. Transfer to your hotel and overnight stay in Quito.
If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
*Please note: The transfer from the airport to the hotel is a shuttle with a Spanish-speaking driver.
Breakfast at the hotel. Our local representative will give you all the information for the next few days. Today, spend the day in Quito at your leisure, exploring the city or simply taking some time to enjoy the beautiful climate and natural environment. We recommend enjoying our full-day excursion to Otovalo* for a true local experience. Overnight stay in Quito.
*Optional Otavalo Day Tour: Full-day tour to various towns in the Andean highlands where you’ll discover some of the local gastronomy and traditional way of life. Start off your experience by tasting the interesting Cherimoya fruits in Guayllabamba, carry on to try the local biscuits made by the community in Cayambe. You will then be guided around the indigenous markets in Otavalo, Peguche and Cotacachi and get to know the story of the native people.
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Baltra, in the incredible Galapagos Islands! From Baltra, transfer to the island of Santa Cruz, crossing the Itabaca Channel by ferry. Stop in the southern port town of Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora, where you’ll get to know the area accompanied by a local guide. The guide will illustrate the Galapagos people's ‘Galapagueños’ way of life, and take you on an exclusive visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station where you’ll learn about the formation of these magical islands and their inhabitants. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel in Santa Cruz and meet our representative on the island who will talk you through the itinerary for the coming few days. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying the spectacular shoreline and wonderful flora and fauna of this magical island. Why not go for a swim in the temperate waters and do some wildlife spotting. We recommend an optional half-day Bahia Tour*. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
*Optional Half-Day Bahia Tour: Discover Santa Cruz and its bays during this incredible experience. Visit some of the most beautiful and important areas of the island and learn about the importance of the archipelago. Discover the beautiful seascapes with your knowledgeable guide.
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying the beautiful beaches and wonderful wildlife. Why not look for sea turtles and brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crab at Tortuga Bay. We recommend an optional full-day excursion to the Santa Cruz Highlands* Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
*Optional Full-Day Excursion to the Santa Cruz Highlands (Parte Alta): This day trip includes a visit to the El Chato Reserve, where you’ll observe the renowned giant turtles in their natural habitat. Discover the Lava Tunnels formed when a flow of lava quickly goes cold as it comes into contact with the cold atmosphere thus creating these interesting tube-like formations. Following this, you’ll behold an incredible view of the Twin Craters, two mind-blowing volcanic material holes formed by a long process of slow subsidence of the land, where exceptional scalesia trees, ferns, mosses and orchids can be seen. Lunch included.
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying this extraordinary scenery. Why not discover more of the island and take in the unique wildlife and natural environment, with its bright red rocks, cacti and turquoise ocean. We recommend an excursion to the uninhabited islands of Seymour, South Plaza and Santa Fé, where you’ll encounter diverse wildlife such as sea-lions, the rare blue-footed boobies, land iguanas, prickly cactus and beds of brightly colored succulent plants among many other interesting species of flora and fauna.* Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
*Excursion can only be booked at the destination via local companies and is subject to weather conditions.
Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to the mainland, with a flight from Santa Cruz airport. Arrive in Quito, and join a shared transfer to your hotel. Spend the day in Quito at your leisure, exploring the city or simply taking some time to enjoy the beautiful climate and natural environment. Overnight stay in Quito.
*Please note: The transfer from Quito airport to the hotel is with a Spanish-speaking driver.
Breakfast at the hotel. Start your day with a Colonial City Tour, visit the beautiful colonial center of Quito known as one of the most well-preserved in Latin America, walk through its small streets, enjoy its beautiful squares and taste typical Ecuadorian fruits in a local market. Afterwards, leave Quito behind and continue to the Ecuadorian highlands, towards the highest point of the road in the Papallacta moors and down to the eastern jungle of the country, until you reach the Cotundo.
Surprise excursion in the evening, enjoy a special experience where you explore the Amazon in a unique way, on a night walk. Overnight stay in Cotundo.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a day at your leisure and explore the wonders of the mighty Amazon rainforest. Relish the opportunity to enjoy the Ecuadorian part of this jungle and immerse yourself in its sounds and its wondrous sights. Make the most of your last day and discover what the otherworldly Amazonia has in store for you. Why not explore the surrounding area independently or take part in one of the optional activities.* Overnight stay in Cotundo.
* Optional Exclusive Chocolate Making Experience: A true experience for all your senses. Really get to know this key ingredient in Ecuadorian culture. Uncover the magical properties of cacao, from its indigenous roots. You will learn its origins, uses and also make your own chocolate. Learn the entire process through practice, all the way from the cultivation of this sacred plant to creating your own chocolate sauce. A truly enchanting experience.
** Optional Waterfall Walk: Join this incredible walk where you will be guided to spectacular views of the Waterfall, and learn about the tropical fauna and flora along the way.
*** Optional Half-Day Amazonia Excursion: Discover Paikawe Lagoon on a canoe ride, with curious large fish that you can see swimming and coming to the surface. Head to Misahualli Monkey Village, this sleepy jungle town where you can meet its most popular inhabitants, the monkeys! Finally visit the Amupakin community, to understand the traditional local way of life. Including lunch.
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning enjoy free time to take in your last moments of the Amazon as it’s time to head back to Quito. On route, visit the celebrated ‘Middle of the World’ where you will have the unusual opportunity to stand on the imaginary line that divides the northern and southern hemispheres. Continue your journey to the capital city and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or try some delicious food in the gastronomic neighborhood of La Floresta. Overnight stay in Quito.
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to take a flight to Lima. Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, situated on the Pacific Coast. Transfer to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's colonial streets and magical plazas at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an informative and interesting city tour of Lima, including its Historic Centre and the Santo Domingo Convent. Start by exploring the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the Historic Center. Visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo and walk to the Plaza de Armas to admire the exquisite colonial architecture that surrounds it. Next, stop in the Parque del Amor, from where you can take beautiful photos of the Peruvian coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Cuzco. Arrive in Cuzco, the former Inca capital, and transfer to the Sacred Valley, on the way stop at Awanakancha (no guide, only driver) and savour the opportunity to explore this living museum, where ancient customs and traditions have been preserved across the centuries. Watch local communities creating beautiful handmade textiles and soak up the beautiful views, unchanged by time. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the lively immaculate scenery of this iconic region. Overnight stay in Sacred Valley.
Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting visit to Machu Picchu awaits you this morning as you set off for the train station to board the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes, admiring the landscape along the way. Arrive and transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu*, a true wonder of the world and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Spend some time discovering the ruins and being amazed by the terraces and enjoying a tour of the different sections of the site. Return to Sacred Valley. Arrive and overnight stay in Sacred Valley.
Note: The baggage policy on board the Expedition train is 1 bag or backpack per person weighing a maximum of max. 5kg / 11lb.
* Backpacks or bags taken into Machu Picchu must not exceed 40x35x20cms or have a capacity larger than 20Lts and must not contain single-use plastic bottles or bags. Backpacks or bags that exceed the indicated measurements can be left in storage for approx. $2 per bag.
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in the Sacred Valley, an area in the Andean Highlands famed as the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. We recommend an optional Sacred Valley Excursion to experience the best of the region. * At the indicated time, take the train back to Cuzco. Arrive, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Cuzco.
* Optional Essence of the Sacred Valley Excursion: Visit Chinchero and the PARWA Centre, to appreciate the colourful traditional textiles. Next, visit the church of Chinchero before heading to the Racchi panoramic viewpoint for a fantastic view across the valley. Explore Ollantaytambo and its Inca fortress. Lunch and 'Boleto Turisitco' included granting entrance to the Sacred Valley and surrounding sights.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a fascinating half-day tour of Cuzco. Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Cuzco.
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Lima. Depending on your flight time, you have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore. Why not check out Miraflores? This bustling center attracts both locals and tourists and offers a fascinating array of food offerings and shopping. Overnight stay in Lima.
Breakfast at the hotel. Sadly it's time to end your trip to Ecuador and Peru. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Canada. Night on board.
Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in Canada today.
Arrive in Canada and end your trip.
19 days trip including flights*
18 days and 17 nights in destination
1
YTO - UIO
Quito
2
Quito
3
Santa Cruz
4
Santa Cruz
5
Santa Cruz
6
Santa Cruz
7
Quito
8
Amazonas
9
Amazonas
10
Quito
11
Lima
12
Lima
13
Urubamba
14
Urubamba
15
Cuzco
16
Cuzco
17
Lima
18
LIM - YTO
19
LIM - YTO
* It may change depending of your departure city, departure date and arrival date.
The calendar does not display internal flights, trains or other transportation included in the itinerary.
Included activities
Galapagos discover and Charles Darwin Research Station visit
Guided tour of the Galapagos peoples ‘Galapagueños’ way of life, and an exclusive visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the formation of these magical islands and their inhabitants.
Not included: Does not include: Lunch, Dinner, INGALA Card, National Park entrance tax
Colonial Quito City Tour with Native Fruit Tasting
A visit to the beautiful colonial center of Quito, walk through its small streets, enjoy its beautiful squares. Taste typical Ecuadorian fruits in a local market.
What's included: Transport and guide
Night Walk through the Amazon
Explore the wonders of the ancient Amazon rainforest at the time when it comes alive. Discover the nocturnal wildlife and listen to the mystical sounds of the jungle.
Visit the Middle of the World
Visit the celebrated ‘Middle of the World’ where you will have the unusual opportunity to stand on the imaginary line that divides the northern and southern hemispheres
What's included: Private transport
Available Activities
Unique Ecuador Package of 3 Excursions: Full-day Otavalo Tour, Half-day Amazonia Excursion & Local Experience
Full Day to Otavalo (day 2), half day excursion to the Amazon (day 9) and, enjoy a local experience. On day 2, check out the history, flavors and culture, on day 9 immerse yourself in the Amazon and, finish by preparing and tasting your own Canelazo.
What's included: Two excursions, one half-day and one full-day, also enjoy a local experience.
Full-day Otavalo Tour
Taste the Cherimoya fruits in Guayllabamba, try the local biscuits in Cayambe.Check out the markets in Otavalo, Peguche and Cotacachi and get to know the story of the native people.
Discover Galapagos Package of 3 Excursions: Bahia Tour, Highlands Excursion and Local Experience
Half-day Galapagos Bahia Tour (day 4) & Full-Day Excursion to Santa Cruz Highlands (day 5) and enjoy a Local Experience. Discover Santa Cruz and its bays on the 4th day, visit El Chato Reserve on the 5th day and, prepare and taste your own Ceviche Galapeño
What's included: Two excursions, one half-day and one full-day, also enjoy a local experience.
Half-day Galapagos Bahia Tour
Discover Santa Cruz and its bays. Visit some of the most beautiful and important areas of the island and learn about the importance of the archipelago.
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main Canadian airports.
- International flights: Canada - Quito, Lima - Canada.
- Internal flights: Quito - Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz - Guayaquil, Guayaquil - Lima, Lima - Cuzco, Cuzco - Lima. *more information
- Train Journey from Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes on board the Expedition Train. **more information
- 17 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.See hotels included
- 17 Breakfast.
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary with English speaking guide.See itinerary
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
Not included
Entrances, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
Transit control card (TCC)* (20 USD) and entrance to the Galapagos National Park * (100 USD).
* More information can be found in Offer Conditions.
* Documentation of the internal flights will either be available in the "My bookings" section in your "Customer Area" 14 days before your trip or delivered to you on arrival at your destination. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process.
** You can choose to upgrade to a different train for this journey in the next step of the booking process.
If you are interested in travelling on a date not included on our departures calendar, please contact our Customer Service Department.
We strongly recommend you consult your healthcare provider regarding the possible effects of altitude sickness.
For the flight to Galapagos we will transfer you to the airport 3 hours in advance in order to complete the required formalities.
- Entry requirementsYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Ecuador. Mandatory travel insurance.
- VisaCanadians do not require a visa for stays of less than 90 days in a 365-day period.
- CurrencyUS Dollar
- LanguageSpanish
- ElectricityTypes A and B, 110 V North American type plug
- HealthPlease consult your doctor regarding the vaccination against yellow fever and malaria prophylaxis. Travellers over 60 years must consult their doctor as the Yellow Fever vaccine can have serious side effects.
- Time zoneUTC -5
- Other useful informationIt is mandatory for tourists to carry a valid health insurance policy.
- Tourist Office websitehttps://ecuador.travel/en/
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category.
The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.
Galapagos transit control card (TCC) is mandatory and is checked at the airport in both Quito and Guayaquil before travel to the Galapagos Islands. Cost US$20 per person (subject to change) and made by cash payment.
At the airport Galapagos passengers must present their transit control card (TCC) with their passport and pay the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park. Cost: US$100 per person.
If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +1 778 807 9750 or via our contact form.
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