Machu Picchu & Galápagos Island Hopping

This 16-day escorted tour combines the highland heritage of Peru with the wildlife wonders of the Galápagos Islands. It begins in Cusco, where the Andes slope into the Sacred Valley, and from where travellers board a morning train through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town below Machu Picchu. Here, a local guide explains the complex on a pre-assigned circuit, noting how the Inca adapted to mountainous terrain.

From there, the tour flies from Lima to Quito before heading offshore to the Galápagos. Life among these islands means encountering creatures such as giant tortoises at the breeding centre and undertaking hikes like the one to the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela Island. Community initiatives, like the women's weaving cooperative in the highlands and a community guesthouse on Floreana Island, offer a chance to engage thoughtfully with local culture. G Adventures leads the group in a small setting, typically around a dozen travellers, with opportunities for snorkelling in clear waters and guided walks among distinct ecosystems.

Throughout, the travel style is informal but structured, with a Chief Experience Officer to facilitate smooth transitions between diverse landscapes and activities. While the long flights and altitude changes require adjustment, the itinerary confines interesting variety within manageable travel days.