Photo Tours & Travel - Destinations - Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands

Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands

Suggested 13 day itinerary

Day 1 – Fly to Cusco. City Tour

After a stunning flight over the Andes Mountains you will arrive in Cusco and be met at the airport. We will transfer you to your hotel where you can rest up before your afternoon city tour in which you will visit several iconic destinations including Saqsayhuaman – an old stone fortress perched above the city, Qoricancha – the Sun Temple, and the historical Cathedral located in the Plaza de Armas.

Day 2 – Sacred Valley - Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Salt Mines

Today you will visit the Sacred Valley and get a glimpse of rural Andean life, encounter sacred locations and also have the opportunity to see an ancient salt mining process. We will start in the pueblo of Chinchero and then move on to Moray. After your visit of Moray we will head to the village of Maras. Maras, known for its Spanish doorways and small-town dusty roads is a photographer’s paradise. After exploring Maras you will have the option to walk along a path most people know nothing about through the valley until you reach the salt mines. If you wish not to walk our transport will take you to the salt mines. Tonight’s accommodations will be in the Sacred Valley.

If you wish not to walk our transport will take you to the Salt Mines. Today you will get a glimpse of rural Andean life, encounter sacred locations and also have the opportunity to see an ancient salt mining process. Tonight’s accommodations will be in the Sacred Valley.

Day 3 – Sacred Valley – Pisaq & Ollantaytambo

This morning we will travel to Pisaq. We will start with a visit to the local market. Then we will have some time to explore the small town, full of friendly people and vibrant culture. You will then be transported to the top of the Pisaq archeological site for an amazing view into the Urubamba Valley. You will have the option to hike to the top - and if you do so be prepared for a challenge! You will be rewarded by the amazing views you have into the Valley’s bosom as well as the random things you will encounter along your journey. In the afternoon we will head to Ollantaytambo in order to visit the historical site and watch the sunset.

You will have the option to hike to the top - and if you do so be prepared for a challenge yet be rewarded by the amazing views you have into the Valley’s bosom as well as the random things you will encounter along your journey. In the afternoon we will head to Ollantaytambo in order to visit the ruins and watch the sunset.

Day 4 – Train to Machu Picchu and Tour

Today you will catch an early morning train and travel through lush cloud forest until you reach Machu Picchu. Shortly after your arrival you will have a guided tour in order to give you full appreciation of the historical wonder. After your tour you will have free time to relax and explore the sanctuary.

Day 5 – Machu Picchu 2nd day

Today you will visit Machu Picchu again, take time to continue exploring at your own pace. You may choose to wake up early and watch the sunrise, venture onto the Inca trail and walk to Inti Punku the Sun Gate, or Climb Huayna Picchu both with different perspectives of the marvelous Machu Picchu. You may also desire some quiet time relaxing in meditation. This evening you will take an train back to Cusco.

Day 6 – free day in Cusco

Cusco is a wonderful city full of charm. We encourage travelers to have a free day to relax and explore the city on their own. There are a number of sites and museums on your “Cusco Tourist Ticket” which are not visited during the city tour, and some of them may interest you.

These are: Museo de Sitio de Qoricancha, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo, Monumento al Inca Pachacutec, Convento de Santa Catalina, Museo de Arte Popular & Museo Histórico Regional.

Day 7 – fly from Cusco to Guayaquil

Fly from Cusco to Lima then connect with international flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador in order to start the second segment of your amazing journey. Depending on the time of year, you might have to stop over in Lima for the evening before another flight to Guayaquil the next day. Upon arrival in Guayaquil you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Days 8 — 12 (recommended 5D/4N cruise) (B,L,D)

Today you will be transferred to the airport in order to connect with your flight to the Galapagos. In the Galapagos you will be met at the airport and transferred to your ship. Chose between larger vessels of 90-100 passengers and the smaller, more intimate vessels (16-30). Chose the ship that best suits you; whatever your choice you will have a comfortable cabin, excellent food throughout and naturalist guides who can explain in great detail all the fascinating things you will encounter.

Itineraries vary depending on your ship and its particular cruising route, but every full day you will have two excursions/options - boarding a panga (motorized raft) to go ashore and walk with your guide through mangrove, cactus forest, beaches, and other terrain to encounter diverse playground of wildlife and vegetation.

You will get up close and personal with a wide range of creatures – more personal than anywhere else in the world! Because of the relative lack of predators, many creatures show no fear of even human presence. Go snorkeling with seals and sharks, be amazed by unique volcanic rock formations and meet some cool creatures such as iguanas – land and marine, sea turtles, tortoises, flamingoes and happy penguins. On a typical day: you will rise early and have breakfast on the ship, then get ready to go ashore to walk around one of the Islands with your guide.

You will reach it by panga (motorized raft), stepping directly onto a dock (dry landing) or on a shallow beach (wet landing - knee deep). Your naturalist guide will help you see and understand the diversity that embraces you. Depending on your interest, some will have the opportunity to snorkel near the landing, while others can join the guide and group for the walk. Do what you prefer! Then it´s back to the ship for lunch, while it pulls up anchor and moves on to the next part of the Island.

As you did in the morning, you will head inland you may again chose to snorkeling on the beach or for a more in-depth experience. After the second tour it´s back to the ship to put away your gear, have a shower and get ready for a well-earned dinner and lounge on the deck. Videos will be shown and educational seminars take place throughout the day. Tonight the ship sails on to the next destination.

Day 13

Today your final day on the Islands, you will have one last local visit and then be brought to the airport for your flights back to Guayaquil, Quito or Lima and onwards home.