11 Day itinerary in Ecuador, South America
Wonders of Ecuador and Peru: Epic Adventure 11D/10N
Experience natural and cultural wonders: start in Quito, encounter unique wildlife in the Galápagos, explore breathtaking landscapes, dive into Lima’s rich history, and be amazed by the magic of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. An unforgettable journey through two legendary countries.
By Diego
Overview
Physical Difficulty
Average
Recommended Age
Everyone
Operated in
English, Spanish
GUIDANCE
On Some Day Trips
starting point
Quito
trip type
Private
trip attributes
Walking tour
Machu Picchu Adventures
Nature & Widlife
Landscapes & Sceneries
Photography
City Life
Culture & History
Start
Night
End
Highlights
Encounter giant tortoises and rare wildlife in the Galápagos Islands.
Marvel at the ancient engineering and history of Machu Picchu.
Explore Lima’s vibrant blend of colonial heritage and modern culture.
Connect with Andean traditions in the Sacred Valley’s welcoming communities.
Encounter giant tortoises and rare wildlife in the Galápagos Islands.
Marvel at the ancient engineering and history of Machu Picchu.
Explore Lima’s vibrant blend of colonial heritage and modern culture.
Connect with Andean traditions in the Sacred Valley’s welcoming communities.
Itinerary
Accommodation Categories
Day 1
Day 1: Welcome to Quito
Touch Down in Quito (Anytime)
Arrive in Ecuador’s capital city. You’ll be escorted from the airport straight to your hotel, ensuring an easy and hassle-free welcome after your flight.
Rest easy.
Settle in at the Wyndham Airport Quito (or similar), letting anticipation for your island adventure build.
Included: Private transportation from airport to hotel
Overnight: Wyndham Airport Quito (Standard Room) or similar
Day 2
Day 2: Into the Galapagos
From Andes to Archipelago
Island Takeoff & Landing
After breakfast, catch the hotel shuttle to the airport and board your morning flight to Baltra Island—the doorstep to the Galápagos.
Galápagos Greeting (approx. 10:30 AM)
Land on Baltra, navigate its eco-friendly airport, and meet your English-speaking naturalist guide.
Santa Cruz Highlands Adventure
Ferry to Santa Cruz and begin your island exploration:
Giant Tortoises in the Wild: Stroll through lush private reserves, spotting Galápagos tortoises roaming free.
Lava Tunnels: Venture into these otherworldly underground marvels.
The Twin Craters: Marvel at these colossal volcanic sinkholes while birdwatching for iconic local species.
Evening in Puerto Ayora
Continue to Puerto Ayora and relax at your chosen hotel.
Not Included: Galápagos Park fee & Transit Card
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Day 3: Coastal Wonders in Santa Cruz
Exploring Santa Cruz’s Wild Side
Morning: Bay Exploration
Begin the day with a boat excursion around Puerto Ayora’s coastline.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot sea lions, sharks, blue-footed boobies, iguanas, and stingrays en route to Los Perros Beach.
Las Grietas: Snorkel in impossibly clear waters among unique rock formations.
Overnight: Puerto Ayora
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4
Day 4: Galápagos by Sea
Sailing with Locals
Yacht Day (Full Day)
Join a former Galápagos fisherman and naturalist guide for a truly local sea adventure.
Explore Remote Islands: Navigate the archipelago by yacht to rarely visited sites.
Snorkel & Swim: Dive into crystalline waters teeming with marine life—schools of fish, rays, and maybe even playful sea lions!
Sustainable Travel: Learn how locals are protecting ocean life through eco-friendly tourism.
Lunch (on board)
Overnight: Puerto Ayora
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Day 5: To Lima via Mainland Ecuador
From Islands to Lima’s Night Lights
Fly from the Galápagos to mainland Ecuador, then connect onward to Lima. Take a private transfer downtown for your first night in Peru.
Depart the Galápagos
After breakfast, head to Baltra’s airport for your flight back to Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil options).
Continue by evening flight from Ecuador to Lima.
Arrival in Lima
Welcome at the airport and private transfer to your downtown hotel for the night.
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6
Day 6: Discovering Lima’s Heart
Lima’s Living History & Larco Museum
Morning: Contemporary & Colonial Lima (Approx. 5 hours)
Streets of the City: Drive through stylish Miraflores and San Isidro, then transition to the historical center.
Main Square: Stroll among grand colonial facades: the Government Palace, Cathedral, and Archbishop’s Palace.
Convent of Santo Domingo: Explore an ancient convent housing relics of Peruvian saints.
Afternoon: Larco Museum
Uncover thousands of pre-Hispanic artifacts and mysterious ceramics in a world-renowned collection.
Visit the famous “erotic room” and marvel at intricate jewelry and textiles.
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Day 7: To the Imperial City
Cusco Arrival & Optional City Secrets
Morning: Flight to Cusco
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you from your Lima hotel to the airport.
Board a morning flight into the high Andes, arriving in mystical Cusco.
Afternoon:
Relax and acclimatize, or choose an optional half-day city tour (not included).
Overnight: Cusco
Day 8
Day 8: Sacred Valley Immersion
Ancient Valleys & Andean Cultural Exchange
Full Day Tour (Approx. 7 hrs)
Maras: Snap photos of thousands of dazzling salt ponds.
Moray: See swirling rings of ancient agricultural genius.
Misminay Community: Experience local life—join in traditional music, farming, or weaving and share a home-cooked Andean lunch.
Overnight: Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9
Day 9: Machu Picchu Magic
Machu Picchu by Daylight & Rail
Train Journey:
Transfer to Ollantaytambo Station, then board the Voyager Train through scenic valleys to Aguas Calientes.
Citadel Exploration:
Take a short bus ride and gaze up at Machu Picchu’s terraces and temples. Your guide will unravel myths and secrets as you wander among the stones.
Return:
Lunch and free time in Aguas Calientes; afternoon train and private transfer back to your Cusco hotel.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10
Day 10: Colors of Cusco or a Day to Wander
Free Day or Rainbow Mountain Trek
Day at Leisure in Cusco
Relax, explore local markets, or sip coffee in historic plazas at your own pace.
Optional Full-Day Rainbow Mountain Tour: (Not Included)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11
Day 11: Farewell, Peru
Departure Day: Until Next Time
Cusco Departure (Timing flexible)
Enjoy breakfast, check out, and take a private transfer to the Cusco airport. Allow time for your onward connection in Lima.
End of your journey!
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included
Meals
- Breakfast (9)
- Lunch (4)
Transport
- Airport pick up
- Airport drop off
- Hotel Trans Puerto Ayora
- Aiport Galapagos Drop Off
- Private | Transfer from airport to hotel
- Private | Transfer from hotel to airport
- Private | Transfer from Cusco airport to Cusco hotel
- Private | Transfer from SV hotel to Ollanta station
- Private | Transfer from Ollanta train station to Cusco hotel
- Private | Transfer from Cusco hotel to Cusco airport
Activities
- Giant tortoise reserves
- Lava tunnels
- Twin Craters
- Bay Exploration
- Yacht Tour
- Lima Downtown
- Larco Museum
- Maras Moray
- Misminay
- Machu Picchu
Not Included
- Flight to the Galápagos.
- Flight Galápagos / Guayaquil or Quito
- Flight Guayaquil or Quito / Lima
- Flight Lima / Cusco
- Flight Cusco/Lima
- Personal Expenses
- Souvenirs (consider bringing extra cash if you wish to purchase souvenirs)
- Optional - Cerro Meza & Kayak at Garrapatero (This tour replaces the Bay Exploration.
- Galápagos National Park entrance fee and Transit Control Card.
- Optional - Half Day City tour, San Pedro market & nearby ruins
- Optional Full Day Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain –
Travel that Makes a Difference
By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.
Let’s regenerate the planet together
We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.
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