Islands & Ruins of Ecuador, Peru and Mexico | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

, - , ,

Islands & Ruins of Ecuador, Peru and Mexico

PRIVATE TOUR - 19 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 19046

Private Tour Highlights

  • Visit to the church and monastery of San Francisco, the oldest Ecuadorian church
  • Admire collections of paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century
  • Taste of traditional Quito inspired by painters, poets, musicians and historians
  • The main Monument honoring the correct location of the equator
  • See the brightly colored flamingo lagoon, marine iguanas, various sea birds, and turtles
  • Visit Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island or ‘bird island’ due to its thousands of feathered occupants
  • See tiny lava lizards scurrying around the rocks as well as all three species of the Galapagos booby
  • Make friends with a colony of sea lions and other native inhabitants
  • Kicker Rock, a magnificent rock that jets out 500 feet high from the middle of the ocean
  • Private walking tour of Cusco and the Temple of the Sun
  • The renovated Casa Concha museum with over 360 archaeological pieces from Machu Picchu
  • San Pedro Market, a lively, local market where one can interact with the locals
  • Head through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to the Lost City of the incas, Machu Picchu
  • Optional return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu or relax in Aguas Calientes
  • The ancient archeological site of Chichen-Itza and its famous Mayan pyramids
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Travel to Ecuador, Peru, and Mexico with Yampu Tours. We will guide you to the most interesting sites, including a five day Galapagos Islands cruise with city tour of colonial Quito, a stay in the Inca capital of Cusco with train ride to the Inca “lost city” of Machu Picchu, and tours to the Mayan ruins along Riviera Maya in Mexico. This tour also includes enough leisure time to enjoy the sand and blue waters of the Caribbean.

Included in the itinerary is a First Class cruise. 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
Price includes international and domestic airfare as stated in the itinerary; cabin aboard a Galapagos First Class Catamaran including all meals; hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast; all transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling; guided tours in English including all entrance fees, meals where specified. Also included in the price is the $100 Galapagos Park fee used towards the conservation of the islands and the $10 a Transit Control Card fee.

*Note: Cost includes Expedition train for 3-star category, and Vistadome train for 4-star category and above. Expedition train features comfortable seats, fixed tables, backpack storage, panoramic windows as well as heating and air conditioning. 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. Upgrades available from Expedition to Vistadome; please add $46 per person.

*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. Does not operate on Sundays. Upgrades available from Vistadome to Hiram Bingham Deluxe; please add $575 per person.

*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 departure taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Airfare taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are included in the cost. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included in the rates.

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 19046

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

Day
1

Flight to Cusco

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.

Day
2

Full Day Colonial Quito Tour & The Equator

This tour begins 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, visit the recently restored 24 De Mayo Boulevard, named after the battle which sealed Ecuador´s independence. 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. Travelers will visit the main Monument honoring the correct location of the equator and visit the Ethnographic Museum, located inside the Equator Monument. One can instead visit the Inti Nan Museum, a scientific and cultural Museum located in the exact place where the Equator Line crosses. ...read less

Quito-Panoramic-View-Ecuador
Day
3

Quito- 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, 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, see the brightly colored flamingo lagoon, encounter marine iguanas, various sea birds, and sea turtles. This is a good location to swim and snorkel.

snorkeling
Day
4

Genovesa Island

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 may also see the short-eared owls as they hunt the storm petrels during the daylight hours.
...read less

Darwin_Center_Bird_Ecuador
Day
5

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 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 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.

Galapagos-marine-Iguana-Ecuador
Day
6

San Cristobal Island- Kicker Rock- Isla Lobos

This morning, visit Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island
This unusual volcanic formation is located in the northeast of San Cristobal Island. Here, 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.
...read less

Day
7

San Cristobal

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 the flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel.
...read less

San-Cristobal-Ecuador
Day
8

Lima- Cusco

This morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Lima, connecting with 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). Also, if one is to take a day flight to Lima, Yampu can accommodate a night at the airport hotel (at extra cost). Please ask a Yampu Travel Consultant.
...read less

Cusco_Peru_Weaver
Day
9

Cusco

This morning, enjoy a private walking tour of Cusco and visit the Korikancha Temple, or Temple of the Sun, and the Cathedral and its Art Museum. During this private tour, 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.
...read less

Calles_ciudad_Cusco_Peru
Day
10

Machu Picchu

Early morning private 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 private tour of the ruins with a Cusco guide. 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 to confirm entrance to the ruins. Machu Picchu entrance tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable. ...read less

Train-to-MP-JessV
Day
11

Aquas Calientes 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, 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, 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).

MP-ruins-close-up-JessV
Day
12

Cusco- Lima

This morning be met at the hotel in Cusco and transferred to the airport for a flight to Lima. Upon arrival, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel.


In the afternoon enjoy a private city tour of Lima, one of the most important cities in South America since its founding in 1535. Journey through the historic center of the city and 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 the tour, 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.
...read less

Lima-Coastline
Day
13

Day at Leisure

Late this afternoon, transfer to the airport for an overnight flight to Cancun.

Late this afternoon, transfer to the airport for an overnight flight to Cancun.

rocks-cancun-mexico
Day
14

Day at Leisure

Upon arrival in the Cancun airport transfer to the hotel in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Enjoy a day at leisure.

Upon arrival in the Cancun airport transfer to the hotel in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Enjoy a day at leisure.

playa-del-carmen-mexico
Day
15

Chichen-Itza

In the morning head to the ancient archeological site of Chichen-Itza. The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichen-Itza are more than 1,500 years old. The site is divided into three sections. The north grouping of structures is distinctly Toltec in style. The central group appears to be from the early period. The southern group is known as “The Old Chichen.” Find a large ball court where Mayan men played a game called pok ta pok, full of symbolism and drama. Breakfast and lunch included.

In the morning head to the ancient archeological site of Chichen-Itza. The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichen-Itza are more than 1,500 years old. The site is divided into three sections. The north grouping of structures is distinctly Toltec in style. The central group appears to be from the early period. The southern group is known as “The Old Chichen.” Find a large ball court where Mayan men played a game called pok ta pok, full of symbolism and drama. Breakfast and lunch included.

chichen-itza-pyramid-mexico
Day
16

Isla Mujeres

Take a boat tour of Isla Mujeres, a small island, a short distance off the coast of the northeast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea. While on the boat enjoy an included lunch and an open bar!

Take a boat tour of Isla Mujeres, a small island, a short distance off the coast of the northeast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea. While on the boat enjoy an included lunch and an open bar!

Mexico_yucatan_Chichen_Itza_pillars
Day
17

Archaeological Site of Tulum

In the morning, head to the archaeological site of Tulum. Mounted on the edge of a cliff, this abandoned city towers above the deep turquoise of the Caribbean and a beautiful white sandy beach. Although the site dates back to earlier times, Tulum reached its peak in the Post-classic period between 1,000 and 1,600 AD. Originally called Zama or City of the Dawn, the sun rises from the sea above the city walls and for the ancient Maya, begins her dance across the sky. The city within the walls was only inhabited by the nobles, high priests and esteemed citizens such as astronomers whereas the lower classes lived in simple wood and thatch huts beyond. The buildings in the city were originally covered with brilliant paintings and carvings – stark white, deep red or vibrant blue, but only faint remnants of these now remain. ...read less

Tulum-2-Mexico
Day
18

Day at Leisure

Enjoy a day of leisure to explore independently or add additional optional activities.

Enjoy a day of leisure to explore independently or add additional optional activities.

tulum-2-mexico
Day
19

Flight Home

Transfer to the airport for a flight home or overlap with another Yampu program.

Transfer to the airport for a flight home or overlap with another Yampu program.

Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador

Lima, Peru

Cusco, Peru

Machu Picchu, Urubamba Province, Cusco, Peru

Cancún, Mexico

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Places You'll See

  • Peru_Cusco_city

    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).

  • Quito-Ecuador-Hillside

    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.

  • 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.

  • Peru_Lima_city

    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.

  • 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.

  • cancun-mexico

    Cancun

    From historical relics of Mayan civilization, to sandy beaches, Cancun has it all. Visit El Meco, a substantial archeological site on the mainland, or The Interactive Aquarium of Cancun where you can get acquainted with all sorts of aquatic life, and even swim with dolphins. If an aquarium isn’t exciting enough, dive into the sea with some of Cancun’s best scuba diving instructors.

  • playa-del-carmen-mexico

    Playa del Carmen

    With a distinctive European touch, Playa del Carmen is a relaxed coastal resort town that can be enjoyed in many ways. Enjoy snorkeling and diving while learning about the local aquatic creatures including the kind sunfish, chasing sardines or maybe glimpse the peaceful manatee. Aside from the aquatics, one can walk the cobblestone streets and enjoy the nightlife and shopping offered as well.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Quito : Stubel Suites

Quito : Vieja Cuba Boutique

Quito : NU House

Lima : El Tambo 2

Lima : Hotel Jose Antonio

Lima : Allpa Hotel & Suites

Lima : Casa Andina Standard Miraflores Centro, Lima

Machu Picchu : La Cabana

Machu Picchu : Casa Andina Standard, Machu Picchu

Cancun : Presidente Intercontinental

4 Star Properties

Quito : La Casona de la Ronda

Quito : Casa Aliso

Lima : Dazzler Lima

Lima : Hotel Atton (San Isidro)

Lima : Doubletree El Pardo, Lima

Lima : Airport Lima Hotel: Wyndham Costa del Sol

Machu Picchu : El MaPi

Machu Picchu : Tierra Viva

Machu Picchu : Casa del Sol

Cancun : Westin Resort & Spa

5 Star Properties

Quito : Swissotel

Quito : Le Parc Hotel

Quito : JW Marriott in Quito

Lima : Country Club Hotel (San Isidro)

Lima : The Westin Lima Hotel (San Isidro)

Machu Picchu : Sumaq Hotel

Machu Picchu : Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo

Cancun : Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun

Cancun : Hotel Casa Turquesa

Luxury Properties

Quito : Plaza Grande

Quito : Casa Gangotena

Lima : JW Marriott, Lima

Lima : Miraflores Park Plaza

Machu Picchu : Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo (Suite Room)

Machu Picchu : Sanctuary Lodge (standard Room)

Testimonials

Let Us Customize This Trip For You

Our World Experts offer full support and dedication to customizing this tour to fit your wishlist - We can mix and match experiences, hotels and highlights to fit your budget and taste.

Similar Tours