Itinerary
- Day 1
Quito
You'll land in Quito, Ecuador's capital sitting high in the Andes mountains. The city mixes modern buildings with traditional architecture, and the Old Town has some interesting historic sites worth seeing. Your welcome meeting starts at 6 pm where you'll meet your leader and other travelers. If your flight arrives early, there are optional activities available like visiting Papallacta Hot Springs or Quilotoa Lagoon if you want to get started right away.
Optional Activities
- Day tour to Papallacta Hot Springs with thermal pools
- Visit to Quilotoa Lagoon with turquoise water
Landmarks Quilotoa Lagoon Papallacta Hot Springs - Day 2
Quito to Tena - Amazon
After breakfast you'll take a local bus from Quito heading to Tena in the Amazon region. Your lodge sits right on the Arajuno River and you'll arrive by canoe, which adds to the adventure. The eco-lodge uses all-natural materials and works with the local Indigenous community through the Selvaviva Foundation. Following dinner you'll take a night walk with your leader to listen to jungle sounds and look at the night sky.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at the eco-lodge)
Included Activities
- Transfer from Quito to Tena by local bus
- Canoe transfer to eco-lodge
- Eco-lodge exploration
- Night walk with leader through the jungle area
Landmarks Arajuno River - Day 3
Tena - Amazon
You'll have breakfast and then head into the rainforest with a local Indigenous guide. Along the hike you'll learn about bird species and plant life while seeing wildlife throughout the landscape. After lunch you'll visit an animal rescue center where you can learn about local wildlife and conservation work happening in the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Guided rainforest hike with local Indigenous guide
- Visit to animal rescue centre
- Day 4
Tena to Banos
A public bus takes you to Banos, a mountain town with hot springs, rivers and waterfalls all around. Once you arrive your leader takes you on a walking tour to get oriented and find good local restaurants. In the afternoon you'll visit Pailon del Diablo, a waterfall that drops 80 metres. The hike has lots of stairs but the views are worth it. Bring a waterproof jacket since the spray from the falls will soak you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Public bus journey from Tena to Banos
- Leader-led walking tour of Banos
- Visit to Pailon del Diablo waterfall
Landmarks Pailon del Diablo - Day 5
Banos
Today is free for you to explore Banos at your own pace and your leader can help arrange optional activities. You might consider visiting the Swing at the End of the World for an adrenaline rush, hiking to Bellavista Viewpoint for panoramic views, relaxing in the local hot springs, or checking out more waterfalls in the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Swing at the End of the World
- Hike to Bellavista Viewpoint
- Soak in local hot springs
- Visit to local waterfalls
Landmarks Bellavista Viewpoint Swing at the End of the World - Day 6
Cotopaxi National Park to Quito
You'll wake early and drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to reach Cotopaxi National Park at 3800 metres elevation. The hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon gives you views of Cotopaxi volcano, Ecuador's second-highest peak. Keep an eye out for condors, deer and spectacled bears. Lunch is at La Cienega, one of Ecuador's oldest haciendas with interesting architecture and gardens. On your way back to Quito you'll stop at a flower farm for a tour showing how flowers are grown and processed.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at La Cienega hacienda)
Included Activities
- Hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon
- Lunch at La Cienega hacienda
- Tour of La Cienega architecture, gardens and chapel
- Guided flower farm tour with cutting and touching of flowers
Landmarks Cotopaxi National Park Limpiopungo Lagoon Cotopaxi Volcano La Cienega Hacienda 
- Day 7
Cotacachi Community Stay
You'll travel north to Cotacachi to stay with Indigenous families in La Calera Community for a homestay. The day includes participating in the Pachamanca food ceremony, an ancient Andean cooking tradition using volcanic stones to prepare vegetables. While lunch cooks you'll visit local women's entrepreneurship programs and meet with families. Depending on the season you might help with feeding animals, milking cows or harvesting vegetables.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Pachamanca - traditional Andean vegetables cooked with volcanic stones)
Included Activities
- Pachamanca food ceremony participation
- Visit to women's entrepreneurship programs
- Community family time with optional seasonal activities
- Day 8
Cotacachi to Otavalo to Quito
After breakfast with your host family you'll catch a bus to Cuicocha Lagoon, which sits inside a collapsed volcanic crater. The lake's name means 'guinea pig lake' and refers to the two islands that look like guinea pig backs. You'll take scenic paths to viewpoints for the vast scenery. Then you'll head to the Otavalo Indigenous market, one of the best spots for finding hats, tapestries, ceramics and textiles. You'll return to Quito in the evening and can join other travelers for a group dinner with recommendations from your leader.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Home-cooked breakfast)
Included Activities
- Cuicocha Lagoon viewpoint walk
- Otavalo Indigenous market visit and browsing
Optional Activities
- Group dinner in Quito
Landmarks Cuicocha Lagoon Otavalo Market 
- Day 9
Quito
The second part of your trip starts with a 2 pm welcome meeting to meet your new group heading to the Galapagos Islands. Your new leader takes you on a tour of Quito's historic center. You'll take the metro to Parque de la Alameda and visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a striking neo-Gothic church with details representing Galapagos tortoises and Andean condors. You'll also see La Compania de Jesus, known as one of the Americas' most beautiful churches with seven tons of gold leaf inside. The tour finishes at San Francisco Square where you can head back to your hotel or explore Quito's Old Town with your new travel companions.
Included Activities
- Quito historic centre walking tour
- Visit to Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Visit to La Compania de Jesus church
Optional Activities
- Dinner in Quito's Old Town with group
Landmarks Parque de la Alameda Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus La Compania de Jesus San Francisco Square - Day 10
Quito to Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos
Early this morning you'll fly to Isla San Cristobal, your entry point to the Galapagos Islands. You'll meet up with other travelers starting their island trip. Your first stop is La Loberia for snorkeling with sea lions and watching for sea turtles. The evening is free so you can relax and perhaps enjoy fresh seafood with the group.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Flight to Isla San Cristobal
- Snorkelling at La Loberia with sea lions and sea turtles
Optional Activities
- Dinner with group to enjoy fresh seafood
Landmarks La Loberia Isla San Cristobal 
- Day 11
Isla San Cristobal
A 45-minute boat ride takes you to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), and along the way you'll watch for nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You might get another chance to swim with sea lions. At Leon Dormido you'll snorkel to spot sea turtles, manta rays and harmless Galapagos sharks. Lunch happens aboard the boat, then you'll visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the Galapagos' history and conservation. You'll climb Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) for bay views before returning to town for a free evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch on the boat)
Included Activities
- Boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock)
- Snorkelling at Leon Dormido
- Lunch on the boat
- Interpretation Center visit
- Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) hike and viewpoint
Landmarks Leon Dormido Cerro Tijeretas - Day 12
Isla San Cristobal to Isla Floreana to Isla Isabela
An early boat ride takes you to Isla Floreana where you might spot dolphins and whales. You'll snorkel in clear blue water, break for lunch, then visit a black-sand beach owned by the Witmers, descendants of the Galapagos' first settlers. Afterward you'll explore Puerto Velasco Ibarra, the island's small town with about 150 residents and an interesting history. In the afternoon you'll boat to Isla Isabela for your overnight stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Boat ride to Isla Floreana
- Snorkelling at Isla Floreana
- Lunch
- Visit to Witmers' black-sand beach
- Exploration of Puerto Velasco Ibarra
- Boat transfer to Isla Isabela
Landmarks Isla Floreana Puerto Velasco Ibarra Isla Isabela - Day 13
Isla Isabela
A small Zodiac boat takes you to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley) where you'll spot blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. You'll walk on this isolated islet, a popular iguana nesting area, then snorkel in a calm inlet with colorful fish and underground lava tubes. Watch for green sea turtles on the sandy bottom. Back on Isla Isabela you'll visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center to see giant tortoises at different life stages. You'll kayak around the island and end your evening watching the sunset from the sand.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Zodiac boat ride to Las Tintoreras
- Walk on Las Tintoreras islet
- Snorkelling at Las Tintoreras
- Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center visit
- Flamingo lagoon observation
- Kayaking around Isla Isabela
Landmarks Las Tintoreras Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center - Day 14
Isla Isabela
You'll head toward the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the Galapagos' most active volcanoes with the world's second-largest crater. Weather permitting, you'll tackle a challenging approximately 17 km hike up the rocky mountain. After returning to town you'll have a free afternoon to rest, read, soak tired muscles or take a refreshing swim before dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Sierra Negra Volcano hike (approximately 17 km, weather permitting)
Landmarks Sierra Negra Volcano - Day 15
Isla Isabela to Isla Santa Cruz
A private speedboat takes you to Isla Santa Cruz and you'll leave your bags at the hotel. You'll travel to the Santa Cruz Highlands to visit a local farm where giant tortoises roam freely. An expert chef will teach you how to make encebollado, a local tuna soup with slow-cooked albacore, onions, cilantro and spices traditionally served with yuca. You'll eat your prepared lunch then walk around with the leisurely tortoises. Later you'll visit an organic sugar cane farm to learn about their trapiche (sugar cane mill) and their production of sugar and cacao.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Encebollado - local tuna soup with slow-cooked albacore tuna, onions, cilantro and spices, served with yuca, garnished with lime and green onions)
Included Activities
- Private speedboat transfer to Isla Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz Highlands visit
- Local farm visit with free-roaming giant tortoises
- Encebollado cooking class and lunch
- Organic sugar cane and cacao farm tour
Landmarks Isla Santa Cruz - Day 16
Isla Santa Cruz
After breakfast you'll take a morning walk at Tortuga Bay watching for eagle rays, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies. You'll visit the local fish market for an authentic taste of island life, then head to The Galapagos Conservancy to learn about their biodiversity protection and the Intrepid Foundation's Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship program. You'll finish at the Charles Darwin Research Station, an international non-profit focused on scientific research and conservation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Tortuga Bay morning walk
- Local fish market visit
- The Galapagos Conservancy visit
- Charles Darwin Research Station visit
Landmarks Tortuga Bay Charles Darwin Research Station - Day 17
Isla Santa Cruz to Quito
You'll say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands and your Galapagos leader. A flight takes you back to Quito with a stop in Guayaquil along the way. You'll arrive in Quito in the late afternoon where an Intrepid representative will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. You'll have a free evening to relax and settle in.
Included Activities
- Flight from Isla Santa Cruz to Quito (via Guayaquil)
- Airport transfer from Quito airport to hotel
- Day 18
Quito to Lima
You'll say goodbye to Quito and take an included flight to Lima, one of South America's most beautiful cities. Peru has Indigenous cultures going back thousands of years, plus Amazonian rainforests, diverse wildlife and mountains. You'll be picked up from the airport and taken to your hotel. In the evening you'll meet your new leader and group members and maybe get to know them over some Pisco cocktails.
Included Activities
- Flight from Quito to Lima
- Airport transfer to hotel
Optional Activities
- Pisco cocktails with group
- Day 19
Lima to Cusco
You'll transfer to the airport and fly to Cusco, high in the Andes. Your new leader and group meet you at a 2 pm welcome meeting. Your leader takes you on a walking tour showing you main attractions like the Qoricancha temple and San Pedro market, plus lesser-known spots like the 12 Angled Stone and several squares. You'll head to Casa Intrepid in the evening for your trek briefing. After that you can explore Cusco at your own pace or find a dinner spot with your group to try local Peruvian food.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight to Cusco
- Leader-led walking tour of Cusco
- Visit to Qoricancha temple
- Visit to San Pedro market
- Visit to 12 Angled Stone
- Visit to main square
- Visit to Regocijo Square
- Visit to San Blas Square
- Trek briefing at Casa Intrepid
Optional Activities
- Dinner with group to try local Peruvian cuisine
Landmarks Qoricancha San Pedro Market 12 Angled Stone Regocijo Square San Blas Square - Day 20
Cusco to Ollantaytambo
You'll drive through the Sacred Valley (Wilcamayo to the Incas), a historic area where maize crops cover terraced walls and a sacred river flows below. You'll stop for lunch in a local community to learn about their traditional lifestyle and pick up some Quechua words. If it's market day you can browse local handicrafts like beads and ponchos. You'll visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba, a social enterprise providing employment for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. After a snack you'll continue to Ollantaytambo and can optionally explore the archaeological site with ancient Inca ruins and sweeping views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch in local community)
Included Activities
- Drive through Sacred Valley
- Lunch in local community
- Community learning experience
- AMA Restaurant visit and snack
Optional Activities
- Browse Ollantaytambo archaeological site
Landmarks Sacred Valley Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site - Day 21
Ollantaytambo to Inca Trail / Quarry Trail / Cusco
You'll choose your route for the next 4 days: Route 1 is a 3-night/4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. Route 2 is a 2-night/3-day Quarry Trail hike. Route 3 means staying in Cusco for 2 days then taking the train to Aguas Calientes. Your large luggage stays at your Cusco hotel. If hiking you'll get a small duffle bag (5 kg max) with porters carrying your gear. Route 1 starts with a minivan to the 82 km marker to meet your crew, then uphill to a 3100 m campsite. Route 2 leaves early to Choquequilla and high viewpoints. Route 3 involves a drive to Pisac market for shopping and optional San Pedro Market browsing.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Route 1: Lunch at campsite; Route 2: Lunch at midday stop; Route 3: Lunch in Pisac), Dinner (Route 1: Dinner prepared by cook at campsite; Route 2: Dinner at campsite)
Included Activities
- Route 1: Minivan transfer to 82 km marker
- Route 1: Meeting with porters, cook and guide
- Route 1: Uphill trek to campsite at 3100 m
- Route 1: Views of Inca sites (Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay, Llactapata) and Veronica Peak
- Route 2: Early departure and drive to Choquequilla
- Route 2: Climb to Qory Song'o (Golden Heart) hill
- Route 2: Exploration of sacred tombs with original wooden and leather structures
- Route 2: Perolniyoc Cascade lookout stop
- Route 2: Arrival at 3700 m campsite and Q'orimarca archaeological site exploration
- Route 3: Short drive to Pisac town
- Route 3: Pisac market visit for souvenir shopping
Optional Activities
- Route 3: San Pedro Market visit in Cusco for picnic provisions
Landmarks Ollantaytambo Huillca Raccay Llactapata Veronica Peak Choquequilla Qory Song'o Hill Perolniyoc Cascade Q'orimarca Pisac - Day 22
Inca Trail / Quarry Trail / Cusco
Route 1 has the most challenging day: you'll ascend a 5-hour steep path to 'Dead Woman's Pass' (Warmiwanusca) at 4200 m with valley views, then descend to Pacaymayo Valley campsite at 3650 m. Route 2 is the most challenging day with a 3-hour walk to Puccaqasa pass (approximately 4370 m) and scenic views. Then a 2-hour hike to Kuychicassa at approximately 4450 m. From there you descend to Intipunku (sun gate) with year-round views. Short walk to 3600 m campsite. Route 3 means taking a taxi to Tambomachay archaeological site and walking 2 to 3 hours back to Cusco, stopping at several sites. You'll return early afternoon with free time and optional art gallery visits.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Route 1 & 2: Lunch at campsite/trail; Route 3: Self-arranged), Dinner (Route 1 & 2: Dinner at campsite; Route 3: Self-arranged)
Included Activities
- Route 1: Ascent to Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman's Pass)
- Route 1: Descent to Pacaymayo Valley campsite
- Route 2: Walk to Puccaqasa pass
- Route 2: Lunch stop
- Route 2: Hike to Kuychicassa pass
- Route 2: Descent to Intipunku (sun gate)
- Route 2: Walk to campsite
- Route 3: Taxi transfer to Tambomachay
- Route 3: Walk from Tambomachay to Cusco
- Route 3: Visit to Puka Pukara
- Route 3: Visit to Quenqo
- Route 3: Visit to Saksaywaman
Optional Activities
- Route 3: Visit Merida art gallery
- Route 3: Visit Mendivil art gallery
- Route 3: Visit Olave art gallery and workshops
Landmarks Warmiwanusca Pacaymayo Valley Puccaqasa Pass Kuychicassa Pass Intipunku Nevado Veronica Tambomachay Puka Pukara Quenqo Saksaywaman - Day 23
Inca Trail / Quarry Trail / Aguas Calientes
Route 1 has the final and most spectacular leg: breakfast at 4 am, say goodbye to porters, then hike to Intipunku (Sun Gate) over 2.5 hours. Weather permitting you'll enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate for unforgettable views of the Lost City of the Incas. Route 2 and 3 take an early 6 am bus up to Machu Picchu, which was built around 1440 AD as a retreat for Incan nobility. You'll take a guided tour of temples, palaces and living quarters. For all travelers: after photos you'll bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch together, then a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo and a drive back to Cusco arriving in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Route 1: 4 am breakfast at campsite; Route 2 & 3: Standard breakfast), Lunch (Lunch in Aguas Calientes)
Included Activities
- Route 1: Final trek to Intipunku (Sun Gate)
- Route 1: Guided entry to Machu Picchu through Sun Gate
- Route 2 & 3: Early bus transfer to Machu Picchu
- Route 2 & 3: Guided tour of Machu Picchu ruins
- All routes: Bus transfer to Aguas Calientes
- All routes: Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- All routes: Scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo
- All routes: Drive back to Cusco
Landmarks Machu Picchu Intipunku Aguas Calientes Ollantaytambo - Day 24
Cusco
Your trip ends today with no planned activities. If you'd like to stay longer, contact your booking agent. You can purchase a Boleto Turistico (tourism ticket) for access to Cusco's fascinating museums including the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum and Qosqo Native Art Museum. Speak with your tour leader for more information.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Purchase Boleto Turistico (tourism ticket) for museum access
- Visit Contemporary Art Museum
- Visit Regional History Museum
- Visit Qosqo Native Art Museum
- Day 25
Cusco
Your trip wraps up today without any scheduled activities. If you want to extend your time here, contact your booking agent about options. You could pick up a Boleto Turistico if you're interested in exploring some of the city's museums on your own - the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum, and Qosqo Native Art Museum are all accessible with it.
Optional Activities
- Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites)
- Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites)
- Cathedral Entrance Fee
- Coricancha Temple visit
- Pisco Making Urban Adventure
- Pre-Colombian Museum
- Inca Museum
- Cusco Eat Street
- Cusco Cooking Class
- 4 Ruins + Qorikancha tour
- Rainbow Mountain Hike
- Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike
- Humantay Lake Hike
- Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline
- Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Landmarks Contemporary Art Museum Regional History Museum Qosqo Native Art Museum
