Compare Peru & Ecuador in 20 days - Sacred Incas & Tropical Galapagos - Superior by Exoticca vs Independent Galapagos at the Finch Bay Resort & Peru by Globus

Day 1: US - Lima

It's time to discover two amazing South American countries, filled with natural wonders and amazing relics of ancient cultures. Arrive at your departure airport, ready for 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.

Day 2: 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. Stop in the Parque del Amor, from where you can take beautiful photos of the Peruvian coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 3: Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley

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 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.

Day 4: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Sacred Valley

Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting visit to Machu Picchu awaits you this morning as you set off for Ollantaytambo 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. Spend some time discovering the ruins and being amazed by the terraces and enjoying a tour of the different sections of the site. At the indicated time, return to the train station to catch the train back to the Sacred Valley. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in the 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.

Day 5: Sacred Valley - Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Cuzco, with the opportunity to enjoy optional Sacred Valley excursions along the way, to experience the best of the region.* Arrive in Cuzco and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the lively plazas at night. 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. Price per person with lunch and 'Boleto Turisitco' included granting entrance to the Sacred Valley and surrounding sights: $98.

Day 6: Cuzco

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.

Day 7: Cuzco - Puno

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Cuzco bus station to catch the bus to Puno. Leave the station and start your journey on the bus to Puno and enjoy the marvellous landscapes of the South Valley of Cuzco. Discover Andahuaylas, a beautiful 17th-century church, featuring an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Continue on the road and visit the ruins of Racqui, also known as the ´Temple of the God Wiracocha. After lunch, discover La Raya, the highest point on the highway between Cuzco and Puno for amazing views of the landscape. Visit the historic town of Pucara, once an important centre of the Inca civilisation. Arrive in Puno, home of Lake Titicaca, and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Puno.

Day 8: Puno

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on an unforgettable excursion to the islands of Lake Titicaca. Depart by boat to Taquile island, which dates back to pre-Inca times. The Islanders are famous for their beautiful clothing, their incredible knits, and textile industry. Next, visit the community of Huayllano, on the same island, where the locals show their traditional crafts and agriculture. Enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, visit the island of Uros situated in the middle of the national reserve of Lake Titicaca. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Puno.

Day 9: Puno - Lima

Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to the Andean highlands as you transfer to Juliaca airport for a flight back to Lima. Arrive in Lime and spend your last evening in Peru soaking up the ambience of the city's plazas and the cool sea breeze of its picturesque coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 10: Lima - Quito

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Quito. Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains, and its ancient Incan significance. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the relaxed culture of the Ecuadorian Sierra. Overnight stay in Quito.

Day 11: Quito

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, meet a local guide who will take you on a fascinating guided tour of some most emblematic sights of Quito. Explore the Historic Center, declared a World Heritage Site for its great beauty, and also discover the city's traditional market where you can taste a great variety of tropical fruits grown in Ecuador. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight stay in Quito.

Day 12: Quito

Breakfast at the 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. We recommend enjoying our excursion to Quilotoa.* Overnight stay in Quito. * Optional Quilotoa Excursion: Set off through the Andean Mountains, passing by the snow-capped peaks of Tungurahua and Chimborazo. Stop at a local market for a taste of the local culture and visit Quilotoa Crater Lake, known for its everchanging colour, depending on the sun and clouds.

Day 13: Quito - Otavalo

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Otavalo in the Andean Highlands. On the way, visit the experiential Inti Nan Museum, to learn about the history and heritage of the different tribes of Ecuador and their relationship with the equator. Here you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere! Arrive in Otavalo and take a walking tour of the village where you can enjoy the local market, the largest in the region. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Otavalo.

Day 14: Otavalo

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure in Otavalo, relaxing at your own pace or exploring the surrounding highlands and volcanic walking trails. Overnight stay in Otavalo.

Day 15: Otavalo - Galapagos (Santa Cruz)

Early morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Baltra, in the wonderful Galapagos Islands. From Baltra, transfer to the island of Santa Cruz by crossing the Itabaca channel on a ferry. On the way to the hotel visit Finca El Chato where you can see the mighty Galapagos Tortoise in their natural habitat. Arrive in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Centre to learn more about the significance of the Galapagos Islands. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay on Santa Cruz.

Day 16: Galapagos (Santa Cruz)

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying the beautiful beaches or the wonderful wildlife. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.

Day 17: Galapagos (Santa Cruz)

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the morning with a tour of Academy Bay discover the abundance of wildlife. Take a boat across the small channel to Academy Bay, also known as La Loberia. You may even be lucky enough to sight sea turtles and the famous Blue-Footed Boobies along the way. Enjoy a guided walk along a path to 'Playa de Los Perros', known for its amazing marine iguanas who rest on the rocks on sunny days. Admire the impressive flora of the bay and enjoy a snorkelling excursion along the shoreline before walking to Las Grietas. Return to Puerto Ayora and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.

Day 18: Galapagos (Santa Cruz)

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying the beautiful beaches or the wonderful wildlife. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.

Day 19: Santa Cruz - Guayaquil

Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to the mainland, with a flight from Baltra. Arrive in Guayaquil, and transfer to your hotel in the city center Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and is located on the coast. Later, enjoy a 2-hour walking tour, visiting the Malecon and Las Peñas neighborhood. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.

Day 20: Guayaquil - US

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.

Day 1: ARRIVE IN QUITO, ECUADOR

Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: QUITO

• Your included private city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows.

(Breakfast)

Day 3: QUITO–BALTRA–NORTH SEYMOUR–SANTA CRUZ

• Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos.
• Upon arrival, board a yacht bound for North Seymour, an island teeming with life. You might have to give way to a passing sea lion, marine iguana, or blue-footed boobies that nest here. As you walk along the shore, see large flocks of pelicans in a dive-bomb feeding-frenzy, and one of the Galápagos’ largest nesting sites of the magnificent frigatebird. In the bushes you can see the males up close with their puffed-up scarlet throat sacs.
• Return to the yacht and continue to the Finch Bay Hotel.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 4: SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO THE HIGHLANDS

• Transfer to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to a farming area called El Manzanillo on the edge of the Giant Tortoise Reserve. Here, tortoises can be seen grazing year-round, along with woodpecker finches, mockingbirds, and flycatchers.
• After lunch, visit a local farm, where coffee, sugar cane, and cocoa beans are grown, harvested, and prepared.
• Return to the hotel and perhaps spend time on the private beach.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 5: SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO PUNTA CARRION & SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND

• This morning, travel to Punta Carrion on Santa Cruz Island for some time to snorkel. The shallow reefs and mangroves make this an ideal site to snorkel with plenty of reef fish as well as occasional sea lions and sharks.
• Next, sail to South Plaza Island, a small island full of fascinating wildlife, both along its shore and along its dramatic, wind-swept cliffs. Here you will see large, yellow land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, masked and blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and much more during your guided walk.
• Return to the hotel this afternoon.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 6: SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO DIVINE BAY

• Today’s adventure takes you to wildlife-rich Divine Bay on Santa Cruz Island. Marine iguanas, herons, noddy terns, blue-footed boobies, and tropicbirds are commonly seen here. You may explore by boat or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take to the sea by kayak. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks as you cruise the tranquil waters.
• Return to the hotel for lunch, followed by an afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, established to help conserve the Galápagos’ natural habitats and protect the area’s famous giant tortoises.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 7: SANTA CRUZ–BALTRA–GUAYAQUIL

• Depart the hotel this morning for the airport in Baltra.
• Then, fly to Lima where you will be met by your Local Guide who will take you to your hotel.

(Breakfast)

Day 8: LIMA

• Your included city tour focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in the early 19th century. See the cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin, and the Santo Domingo Convent to see the relics of three famous Peruvian saints—Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macias.

(Breakfast)

Today’s I-Time Tips
This evening, you may choose to head over to a nearby park to witness the largest electronic water fountain complex in the world, certified by the Guinness Book of Records. You will enjoy a wonderful show of water, lights, music, and images.

Day 9: LIMA–CUSCO

• Fly to Cusco, high in the Andes, where you will be met by your Local Guide.
• Your guided tour visits the cathedral in Plaza de Armas and Santo Domingo Monastery, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature.
• Take a short drive outside the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons. Followed by the amphitheater of Kenko, and the red fortress of Puca Pucara.

(Breakfast)

Day 10: CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY

• Today, a short drive into the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, brings you to Awanakancha to learn about the importance of the alpaca for Inca cultures, as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today.
• Continue to the market town of Pisac, where you can buy handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewelry at bargain prices.
• At the other end of the valley, visit Ollantaytambo to see some of the finest examples of Inca masonry.

(Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 11: SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU

• Embark on a train trip bound for Machu Picchu and cut a path through the Sacred Valley to this “Lost City of the Incas,” discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.
• On a guided tour of Machu Picchu, explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 12: MACHU PICCHU–SACRED VALLEY–CUSCO

• A morning at leisure allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins.
• Return to Cusco by train.

(Breakfast)

Day 13: CUSCO–LIMA

• Fly to Lima today.

(Breakfast)

Day 14: LIMA

Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)