Private Tour Highlights
- Taking a walk through Independence Square in Quito, stopping off at the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, San Francisco Monastery and El Sagrario Church along the way.
- Encountering all manner of endemic wildlife in the Galapagos, from Blue-footed Boobies and Frigate Birds to Marine Iguanas and Sea Lions.
- Visiting the spectacle of Genovesa, or “bird island”, so called due to the many thousands of tropical birds who call it home.
- Glimpsing historic Lima and relishing lip-smacking Peruvian cuisine.
- Delighting in the colonial and pre-colonial architecture of Cusco on a private walking tour, with visits to the bustling markets.
- Setting foot in the magical Incan citadel, Machu Picchu; a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Tour Overview
Yampu’s Double Fun Galapagos Cruise and Machu Picchu Views in Peru and Ecuador tour will give you an overview of the wonders that both Ecuador and Peru have to offer. Combine Machu Picchu with the Galapagos and spend five days in the enchanted isles, the archipelago’s name deriving from galápago [meaning “saddle”] after the shells of saddleback Galapagos tortoises; enjoy a tour of Lima and Cusco before visiting the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes.
Included in the itinerary is a First Class cruise. Visit these amazing islands for a living museum of animals and wildlife. Visit Bird Island, see the red footed boobies, Frigatebirds, Galapagos finches. Swim with the sea Turtles and Sea Lions. Snorkel with Penguins and Sharks. Watch land iguanas scurry by. Walk with the to see the giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
Due to current Galapagos Islands regulations each cruise can only visit an island every 14 days. This sample 5 day itinerary runs every two weeks. However we are able to offer a variety of other Galapagos cruises. Depending on your dates of travel, we are able to customize your itinerary to match the Galapagos Cruise departures.
Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.
Inclusions
Note:
*Cost includes Vistadome train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Vistadome is ideal for travelers who want a personalized immersion of Andean culture with traditional dances and music along the way. This train features panoramic windows, leather seats, new table design as well as heating and air conditioning.
*Deluxe service Hiram Bingham train features an observation wagon with a bar and two dining cars. In addition, this train includes a gourmet brunch on board, exclusive bus return to Machu Picchu, entrance to Machu Picchu as well as a guided tour. Afternoon tea in the Sanctuary Lodge, pre-dinner cocktails and a 4-course, a la carte dinner is also included. The train does not operate on Sundays. Upgrades available from Vistadome to Hiram Bingham Deluxe; please ask your Yampu Tour Consultant for the cost of the upgrade.
*All Galapagos itineraries are subject to change.
*By traveling to the Galapagos with Yampu Tours, you will be making the choice to travel responsibly. As members of IGTOA (International Galapagos Tour Operators Association), Yampu donates $7 for every traveler that travels to the Galapagos with us. We are dedicated to helping preserve the islands while supporting sustainable ecotourism. As an IGTOA member, we are informed, involved, and concerned. There will also be an optional Galapagos Conservation contribution of $50 per passenger added to your final proposal.
The contribution will go towards:
•Creating benefits and educational opportunities for local people.
•Strengthening responsible tourism management.
•Building strong financial support for conservation among the travel industry and travelers.
•Promoting high professional standards for the tourist industry.
Exclusions
Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included.
Package Price: From £$ 12741
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Wednesday- Flight to Quito
Upon arrival in Quito be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel.
Upon arrival in Quito be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel.
Thursday- Full Day Colonial Quito Tour & The Equator
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The tour begins today with a visit to Independence Square where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. Visit the Church of La Compania (1605), and enjoy a brief visit to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). The oldest Ecuadorian church, the collection of artwork here includes paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Leaving the churches, one will visit the recently restored 24 De Mayo Boulevard, named after the battle which sealed Ecuador´s independence. One will also visit La Ronda Street in Old Quito. Lined with colonial houses and inspired by painters, poets, musicians and historians, this visit will give a taste of traditional Quito. The tour will then continue 30-minutes outside of Quito, towards the Middle of the World. One will visit the main Monument honoring the correct location of the equator and visit the Ethnographic Museum, located inside the Equator Monument. Or one can visit the Inti Nan Museum, a scientific and cultural Museum located in the exact place where the Equator Line crosses. ...read less
Friday- Quito to Galapagos
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight from Quito to Baltra in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, be greeted at the airport and transferred to the Galapagos cruise.
This afternoon, visit Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island.
Play de las Bachas is located on the northern coastline of Santa Cruz. Here one will be able to see the brightly colored flamingo lagoon, encounter marine iguanas, various sea birds, and sea turtles. This is a good location to swim and snorkel.
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight from Quito to Baltra in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, be greeted at the airport and transferred to the Galapagos cruise.
This afternoon, visit Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island.
Play de las Bachas is located on the northern coastline of Santa Cruz. Here one will be able to see the brightly colored flamingo lagoon, encounter marine iguanas, various sea birds, and sea turtles. This is a good location to swim and snorkel.
Saturday- Genovesa Island
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This morning, visit Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island
Genovesa is a collapsed volcano that ships are able to sail into through its large breached caldera and anchor at the foot of the steep crater walls. Genovesa is commonly referred to as ‘bird island’ because it is home to thousands of great frigate birds, red-footed boobies, noddy terns, lava gulls, tropic birds, doves, storm petrels, and Darwin’s finches.
This afternoon, visit Prince Philip’s Steps on Genovesa Island.
El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, has a trail through a Palo Santo forest to an open area full of nesting birds that include masked boobies, frigates, and red-footed boobies. At the end of this trail are thousands of band-rumbed storm petrels nesting in the crevices at the cliff’s edge. One will also be able to see the short-eared owls as they hunt the storm petrels during the daylight hours.
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Sunday- Plazas Island- Santa Fe Island
This morning, visit Plazas Island
Plaza Sur was originally formed by uplifted lava and the terrain includes an impressive cactus forest. On land see some delightful land iguanas, sea lions and several species of tropical birds.
This afternoon, visit Santa Fe Island.
Santa Fe is home to a cactus forest and a colony of land iguanas that are native to the island. Here one can also see the Galapagos mockingbird, magnificent frigate, brown pelican, and several species of Darwin’s finches.
This morning, visit Plazas Island
Plaza Sur was originally formed by uplifted lava and the terrain includes an impressive cactus forest. On land see some delightful land iguanas, sea lions and several species of tropical birds.
This afternoon, visit Santa Fe Island.
Santa Fe is home to a cactus forest and a colony of land iguanas that are native to the island. Here one can also see the Galapagos mockingbird, magnificent frigate, brown pelican, and several species of Darwin’s finches.
Monday- San Cristobal Island- Kicker Rock
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This morning, take a visit to Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island.
This unusual volcanic formation is located in the northeast of San Cristobal Island. Here, one is likely to see tiny lava lizards scurrying around the rocks as well as all three species of the Galapagos booby; Nazca, masked, and blue or red-footed boobies.
This afternoon, visit Kicker Rock and Isla Lobos.
Isla Lobos is a tiny rock island to see a colony of sea lions and a colony of blue-footed boobies.
Kicker Rock is a magnificent rock that jets out 500 feet high from the middle of the ocean and is shaped similar to a sleeping lion. The rock is split with towering vertical walls on either side that forms a narrow channel through which small vessels can investigate. There is no landing site here but the view from the boat will make a lasting impression.
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Tuesday- El Junco Lagoon
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This morning, visit El Junco Lagoon, San Cristobal.
This site is reached by road and is about a half hour drive from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The road goes through the small farming settlement of El Progreso. The lake itself is the caldera (collapsed cone) of an extinct volcano and is about 300 meters wide. The name El Junco is Spanish for sedge, which is present along the banks of the lake.
This afternoon, be transferred to the San Cristobal airport for a flight back to Quito and connect with a flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima be greeted for airport reception and transferred to hotel.
Day 8
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Wednesday- Private City Tour of Lima
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This morning is at leisure.
In the afternoon enjoy a private city tour of Lima, one of the most important cities in South America since its founding in 1535. During this journey through the historic center of the city, admire the beauty of San Martin and Major squares, the Cathedral, the Government Palace, and visit San Francisco Convent, a religious building from the late 16th century, and its catacombs. This tour also includes a drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Please note the Cathedral is open daily except on Sundays.
During this tour one will also visit the Museo Larco. Founded in 1926 the Museo Larco chronologically showcases the past 3,000 years of Peruvian history and culture including its pre-Colombian history. The museum is located in a beautiful 18th century vice-royal mansion built atop a 7th century pre-Colombian tomb. After exploring the Museo Larco enjoy a complimentary cocktail and appetizer at the onsite Larco Cafe overlooking the beautiful, surrounding gardens.
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Thursday- Cusco
This morning, return to the airport for a flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, be greeted and transferred to the hotel. This afternoon is at leisure to acclimate. Cusco’s elevation is approximately 3,400 meters (11,200 feet), so Yampu highly recommends resting upon arrival for a few hours and taking in some coca tea.
Note: Check-in is normally after 2 pm. Early check-in may be granted subject to availability (not confirmed).
This morning, return to the airport for a flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, be greeted and transferred to the hotel. This afternoon is at leisure to acclimate. Cusco’s elevation is approximately 3,400 meters (11,200 feet), so Yampu highly recommends resting upon arrival for a few hours and taking in some coca tea.
Note: Check-in is normally after 2 pm. Early check-in may be granted subject to availability (not confirmed).
Friday- Walking Tour of Cusco
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This morning, enjoy a private walking tour of Cusco to visit the Korikancha Temple, or Temple of the Sun, and the Cathedral and its Art Museum. During this private tour today there is the option to visit the Casa Concha museum or the San Pedro Market.
The Casa Concha museum was recently renovated and houses over 360 archaeological pieces from Machu Picchu, recently returned by Yale University.
San Pedro Market is a lively, local market where one will receive a briefing about the local Andean ingredients and have an opportunity to purchase them. This market visit is a great opportunity to interact with the locals either selling or purchasing items from the market.
This afternoon there will be time for lunch before continuing to the nearby water shrine of Tambomachay (the Inca Fountains), Puca Pucara (the Red Fortress), the amphitheater of Kenko and finally the Sacsahuaman Fortress. This afternoon, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Note: For more adventurous travelers, Yampu suggests an optional sunset horseback riding tour through the Sacsahuaman Ruins. Please ask a Yampu Travel Consultant for more information.
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Saturday- Machu Picchu
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Early morning transfer to the train station. The train will head through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, board a bus to Machu Picchu and then have a guided tour of the ruins. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, was a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, probably the gateway to the jungle marshes of the Inca Empire. The central buildings were erected with the polished stone works of the Cusco Imperial style, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. It was associated with the earth cult revolving around the coca leaf, which was a privilege of the Inca royal family and priests. Enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, at the entrance of the ruins, before returning to the hotel at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner at the hotel or in the town of Aguas Calientes.
Note: Government regulations limit the number of visitors to Machu Picchu daily. Entrance is subject to availability. Please book with plenty of notice so Yampu may confirm entrance to the ruins. Machu Picchu entrance tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
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Sunday- Machu Picchu at Leisure
Today is at leisure. One may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. In the afternoon, board the train to return to Cusco. Upon arrival, be greeted for train station reception and transfer to the hotel.
Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. Please contact a Yampu travel consultant to go back to the ruins or hike the Huayna Picchu at time of booking (subject to availability).
Today is at leisure. One may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. In the afternoon, board the train to return to Cusco. Upon arrival, be greeted for train station reception and transfer to the hotel.
Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. Please contact a Yampu travel consultant to go back to the ruins or hike the Huayna Picchu at time of booking (subject to availability).
Monday- Flight Home
Today, transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Lima, connecting with an international flight home.
Today, transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Lima, connecting with an international flight home.
Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
Lima, Peru
Cusco, Peru
Machupicchu, Cusco, Peru
Genovesa Island, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Plazas Island- Santa Fe Island
San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Kicker Rock
El Junco Lagoon, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Places You'll See
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Quito
The magnificent city of Quito is bursting with cultural, historical, and artistic character. Along with its scenic parks such as Parque La Carolina, visit its enchanting museums like the Museo del Banco Central. Take a trip to the Mitad del Mundo, or the “Middle of the World”, where the first measurements to prove the earth was round, were taken.
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Galapagos
Become enchanted by the unique and seemingly intrepid wildlife native to the Galapagos Islands. Dive in with the underwater life, or stay above water enjoying the other several water sports. For a dryer experience, relax on the sandy beaches soaking up the sun. Spend time with Giant Tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Center.
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Lima
Bursting with architectural history and culture, Lima has an eclectic array of attractions. Visit the Santo Domingo Convent, a religious and artistic staple of the city’s historic center. Take a walk along the cliffs of the Miraflores district, showcasing the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, and after, enjoy some shopping at the Larcomar Mall.
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Cusco
Once a powerful Incan city, Cusco is filled to the brim with relics of its grand history. Visit the ruins of the ancient Incan Koricancha Temple, where the Church of Santo Domingo now stands atop. Behold the many beautiful, colonial buildings in the Main Square, including the Cathedral and Church of La Compania de Jesus (Society of Christ).
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Machu Picchu
Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.
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Hotel Options
Featured Accommodation
Anahi Catamaran
The M/C Anahi is a Power Catamaran Yacht, built in Guayaquil, Ecuador, launched by the end of 2006 with high comfort standards. With unparalleled stability, your cruise is guaranteed to be a restful and relaxed one. The accommodation for sixteen voyagers is distributed amongst six 14m2 twin cabins on the main deck (2 transformable to double bed), and two 25m2 suite cabins on the upper deck. Every cabin includes large windows – portrait type – looking to the ocean, beautiful wooden floor and cozy private facilities with hot/cold water shower, besides to a locker, closet and air conditioning. Additionally, on the main deck, the yacht offers ample resting areas, library, TV-DVD room, comfortable dining room and lounge. On the upper deck, the yacht features a charming bar and an excellent area for relaxation, together with a Jacuzzi for six people. On top of the bar area we find the ample sundeck with resting chairs for eight people.
Galapagos , ECUADOR
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Testimonials
Dave from the UK
Traveled February, 2008
As I said, overall it was a brilliant experience,
As I said, overall it was a brilliant experience, although I guess we were probably spoiled with the number of occasions when we had a guide to ourselves!
Traveled To
Christina, from the UK
Traveled December, 2007
Brazil was fantastic
Happy New Year to you too! Brazil was fantastic. We had a wonderful time and that also thanks to your excellent itinerary. Everything was well organised, from the places we visited to the drivers and tour guides, we didn’t need to worry about anything. We were very lucky with the tours as we were alone most of the time and it was like we had our private tour guide. Not to mention how wonderful and helpful all of the tour guides and drives were. I’ll be very brief because I can talk (write in this case) for hours. Iguazu falls was breath taking, Rio de Janeiro was is a beautiful city, very picturesque, colourful, happy people and the Amazon. Amazing, no words to describe, I’m just happy I’ve been there and we are definitely going again. Thank you again for all your help.
Traveled To
Traveled May, 2011
Argentina will always hold a special place in my heart.
We are moving to a new home and I have been going through our many travel folders. One remains dear to my heart and that is the trip you planned for us to Argentina. It will be remembered as the best planned and culturally memorable trip that we have taken. You did an excellent job arranging our trip while our tour guides provided an outstanding feeling of the country and its people. I would like to thank you for this experience. Argentina will always hold a special place in my heart.
Traveled To