G Adventures
Machu Picchu & the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita
Machu Picchu & the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita
Combine the awe-inspiring wonders of the Incas with the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos on this unforgettable 17-day adventure through Peru and Ecuador. Glide through the Sacred Valley by rail en route to the legendary Machu Picchu, savour the culinary magic of Lima, and set sail aboard the Yolita to explore the hidden gems of the Galápagos. From the untouched beauty of Genovesa in the north to the volcanic landscapes of Isabela in the west, every stop offers something extraordinary. Hike to the crater rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, relax on pristine white-sand beaches, and snorkel alongside playful sea lions. Experience the best of both worlds in two of South America’s most enchanting countries.
Highlights
Travel by train through the beautiful Urubamba Valley to the misty town of Aguas Calientes, Witness the majestic mountains surrounding Machu Picchu, Learn about the deep history of the Incas, Spend seven nights cruising in the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita, Explore the least visited islands of Isabela and Genovesa to see massive bird colonies and impressive volcanoes, Hike to the top of the Sierra Negra volcano, Go snorkelling with sea lions and search for turtles and rays
Accommodation
Hotels (9 nts), aboard the Yolita in twin-share cabins (7 nts).
Group Leader
G Adventures Representatives in Lima, Cusco and Quito, specialist Inca Trail CEO (Chief Experience Officer) for Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu., CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/Naturalist Guide while in the Galápagos Islands (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority)
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Meals Included
16 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners
What’s Included
Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women’s Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo
Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay
Your Discover Moment: Cusco. Sacred Valley guided tour. Pottery making demonstration. Train to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu guided tour. Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island). Highlands and wild tortoise excursion. Kayak and snorkel excursion. Snorkelling at Black Beach and Loberia (Floreana Island). Biking excursion (Isabela Island). Sierra Negra Volcano hike. Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre visit. Isabela Municipal Tax. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
| Day 1 |
Lima's sprawling size and unique embrace of both past and present make it an unforgettably unique destination. Colonial architecture, gastronomical delights, and art are all part of the fabric of this city. Visitors flock to Plaza De Armas De Lima, the spectacular birthplace of Lima, and Huaca Pucllana, a vast adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima. Additionally, UNESCO World Heritage Site Basilica y Convento de San Francisco (St. Francis Monastery) is a can't-miss part of the historic city center. This busy metropolis faces the Pacific Ocean and its popular seaport is Callao, about eight miles from the city center. |
| Day 2 |
Lima's sprawling size and unique embrace of both past and present make it an unforgettably unique destination. Colonial architecture, gastronomical delights, and art are all part of the fabric of this city. Visitors flock to Plaza De Armas De Lima, the spectacular birthplace of Lima, and Huaca Pucllana, a vast adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima. Additionally, UNESCO World Heritage Site Basilica y Convento de San Francisco (St. Francis Monastery) is a can't-miss part of the historic city center. This busy metropolis faces the Pacific Ocean and its popular seaport is Callao, about eight miles from the city center. |
| Day 3 |
The Sacred Valley, located in the Andes and divided by Urubamba River, was part of the larger Inca Empire, along with Machu Picchu and the closeby town of Cusco. Tourists will see green agricultural landscapes and Spanish hamlets like Ollantaytambo and Pisac, the latter featuring a Sunday market. While most travelers understandably focus on getting to Macchu Picchu, the picturesque Sacred Valley is a highly worthwhile stop on any Peruvian itinerary. Cusco, a one-hour flight from Lima, is an ideal base for exploring Sacred Valley, and guided tours are widely available. |
| Day 4 |
The Sacred Valley, located in the Andes and divided by Urubamba River, was part of the larger Inca Empire, along with Machu Picchu and the closeby town of Cusco. Tourists will see green agricultural landscapes and Spanish hamlets like Ollantaytambo and Pisac, the latter featuring a Sunday market. While most travelers understandably focus on getting to Macchu Picchu, the picturesque Sacred Valley is a highly worthwhile stop on any Peruvian itinerary. Cusco, a one-hour flight from Lima, is an ideal base for exploring Sacred Valley, and guided tours are widely available. |
| Day 5 |
Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. At more than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, this symbol of the Incan Empire was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. |
| Day 6 |
Cusco is the South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, the gateway to Machu Picchu and once was the capital of the Inca Empire. Make sure you get to Plaza de Armas, the main square and center of the city. Walk through the nearby San Pedro Market to find a special gift for loved ones (or yourself!) or view the Sun Temple Coricancha. |
| Day 7 |
Lima's sprawling size and unique embrace of both past and present make it an unforgettably unique destination. Colonial architecture, gastronomical delights, and art are all part of the fabric of this city. Visitors flock to Plaza De Armas De Lima, the spectacular birthplace of Lima, and Huaca Pucllana, a vast adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima. Additionally, UNESCO World Heritage Site Basilica y Convento de San Francisco (St. Francis Monastery) is a can't-miss part of the historic city center. This busy metropolis faces the Pacific Ocean and its popular seaport is Callao, about eight miles from the city center. |
| Day 8 |
Lima's sprawling size and unique embrace of both past and present make it an unforgettably unique destination. Colonial architecture, gastronomical delights, and art are all part of the fabric of this city. Visitors flock to Plaza De Armas De Lima, the spectacular birthplace of Lima, and Huaca Pucllana, a vast adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima. Additionally, UNESCO World Heritage Site Basilica y Convento de San Francisco (St. Francis Monastery) is a can't-miss part of the historic city center. This busy metropolis faces the Pacific Ocean and its popular seaport is Callao, about eight miles from the city center. |
| Day 9 |
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| Day 10 |
Named after the Italian city of Genoa, Genovesa Island is a dormant volcano in the Galápagos Islands. Its nickname, Bird Island, stems from the large and diverse bird population including storm petrels, red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and more.
Its unique horseshoe shape is the result of the eruption of a shield volcano followed by the collapse of one side of the caldera wall. This formed Darwin Bay and its surrounding cliffs, home to many of the afore-mentioned birds. Lake Arcturus, a salt-water crater lake, lies at the center of the island. Adventurous visitors can also climb up Prince Philip's Steps, also known as El Barranco. This steep, rocky path leads to a marvelous viewpoint at the top of 82-foot cliffs but its initial incline can be daunting. |
| Day 11 |
Small island in the Galapagos popular for its volcanic landscapes and scuba diving. |
| Day 12 |
Isabella Island is the largest of the Galapagos islands, on the western end of the archipelago. Shaped like a seahorse when viewed from above, Isabella is home to more wild tortoises than any other island, as well as a wide variety of other animal, bird and marine life.
On Isabella's west coast lies Tagus Cove, a natural protected harbor where centuries ago whalers safely spent the night and left their ships' signatures painted on the rocks. Near Elizabeth Bay, Moreno Point is a birdwatcher's delight. Further inland, visitors will find six volcanoes, five of which are still active and two that sit directly on the Equator. At the base of Alcedo Volcano is Urbina Bay, a perfect spot for snorkeling and home to the biggest land iguanas in the Galapagos. To the north, located at the "mouth" of the island, is Punta Vicente Roca. Although it's a marine-only site (meaning it can only be accessed via dinghy or SCUBA diving), the formation nonetheless draws plenty of visitors eager to see its spectacular sea life - penguins, seahorses, sea turtles, sunfish, and more. |
| Day 13 |
Isabella Island is the largest of the Galapagos islands, on the western end of the archipelago. Shaped like a seahorse when viewed from above, Isabella is home to more wild tortoises than any other island, as well as a wide variety of other animal, bird and marine life.
On Isabella's west coast lies Tagus Cove, a natural protected harbor where centuries ago whalers safely spent the night and left their ships' signatures painted on the rocks. Near Elizabeth Bay, Moreno Point is a birdwatcher's delight. Further inland, visitors will find six volcanoes, five of which are still active and two that sit directly on the Equator. At the base of Alcedo Volcano is Urbina Bay, a perfect spot for snorkeling and home to the biggest land iguanas in the Galapagos. To the north, located at the "mouth" of the island, is Punta Vicente Roca. Although it's a marine-only site (meaning it can only be accessed via dinghy or SCUBA diving), the formation nonetheless draws plenty of visitors eager to see its spectacular sea life - penguins, seahorses, sea turtles, sunfish, and more. |
| Day 14 |
Isabella Island is the largest of the Galapagos islands, on the western end of the archipelago. Shaped like a seahorse when viewed from above, Isabella is home to more wild tortoises than any other island, as well as a wide variety of other animal, bird and marine life.
On Isabella's west coast lies Tagus Cove, a natural protected harbor where centuries ago whalers safely spent the night and left their ships' signatures painted on the rocks. Near Elizabeth Bay, Moreno Point is a birdwatcher's delight. Further inland, visitors will find six volcanoes, five of which are still active and two that sit directly on the Equator. At the base of Alcedo Volcano is Urbina Bay, a perfect spot for snorkeling and home to the biggest land iguanas in the Galapagos. To the north, located at the "mouth" of the island, is Punta Vicente Roca. Although it's a marine-only site (meaning it can only be accessed via dinghy or SCUBA diving), the formation nonetheless draws plenty of visitors eager to see its spectacular sea life - penguins, seahorses, sea turtles, sunfish, and more. |
| Day 15 |
Though Santiago Island is uninhabited and has comparatively little vegetation, it draws a good number of visitors on cruises through the Galapagos Islands. The island consists of two overlapping volcanoes, and the resulting rock formations provide some fascinating landscapes. It's also a great location for bird watching and scuba diving. |
| Day 16 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
| Day 17 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
11/22/25 - 12/20/25 |
Starting At $8,899 |
Get A Quote | |
|
01/17/26 - 02/14/26 |
Starting At $8,599 |
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|
03/14/26 - 03/30/26 |
Starting At $8,899 |
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|
04/11/26 - 05/09/26 |
Starting At $9,199 |
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|
06/20/26 - 12/19/26 |
Starting At $8,899 |
Get A Quote |
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
