A 15-Day Peru and Ecuador Journey from Machu Picchu to the Galápagos

Touch down on Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galápagos, where dramatic volcanic landscapes and abundant wildlife set the stage for your extraordinary adventure. After arrival, transfer to the Hermes Mega Catamaran—the Galápagos’ first ultra-luxury cruise, offering all-suite accommodations with private balconies, jacuzzis, and panoramic ocean views. Settle into your suite, enjoy a welcome drink, and prepare for an unforgettable voyage. 

In the afternoon, cruise to Santa Cruz Island for your first landing at Bachas Beach, a pristine stretch of white sand backed by tranquil lagoons. Unwind on the shore, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or walk among coastal wildlife including flamingos, marine iguanas, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Overnight aboard the Hermes, surrounded by the magic of the Galápagos. 

Begin your day at Espinosa Point on Fernandina Island, the youngest and most pristine of the Galapagos Islands. Trek across surreal lava fields and get up close to dense colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and sea lions. This untouched landscape offers a powerful glimpse into the volcanic origins and thriving ecosystems of the archipelago. 

In the afternoon, cruise to Vicente Roca Point, a spectacular marine site off the coast of Isabela Island. Snorkel or dive along underwater cliffs buzzing with life—keep an eye out for mola molas (sunfish), sea turtles, and dazzling schools of fish. Above water, scan the rocky shores for blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, and striking volcanic formations. This day reveals both the wild beauty above and the thriving life below the Pacific’s surface. 

Uncover the rich history and natural splendor of Santiago Island, once a haven for pirates and whalers. Begin at Buccaneer Cove, a striking inlet lined with towering cliffs and home to thriving seabird colonies. Snorkel in clear waters teeming with colorful reef fish and sea turtles, or paddle along the coast by kayak or panga, taking in the dramatic volcanic shoreline. 

Later, visit Egas Point, known for its unique lava formations, black sand beaches, and fascinating tide pools. Spot fur seals lounging in rocky grottos and marine iguanas basking and feeding along the shore. This is a day filled with both geological marvels and intimate wildlife experiences—showcasing the Galapagos at its most raw and remarkable.

Before departing the Galápagos, enjoy a final excursion to North Seymour Island, a wildlife haven where you’ll stroll among colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and land iguanas. The easy loop trail offers incredible close-up encounters with iconic species amid low-lying vegetation and rugged lava landscapes. 

Afterward, transfer back to Baltra Island for your flight to the mainland. Departing from Seymour Airport (GPS) — one of the world’s first eco-friendly airports — you’ll leave the Galápagos with unforgettable memories of its extraordinary wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. 

Escape the city and journey into Ecuador’s serene coastal highlands with a full-day visit to Hacienda La Danesa, a historic family-owned estate just outside Guayaquil. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the hacienda’s tranquil charm—where rolling pastures, chocolate groves, and teak forests frame a day of hands-on cultural and culinary discovery. Participate in a bean-to-bar chocolate-making workshop, enjoy horseback riding or tubing along a scenic river, and indulge in a gourmet farm-to-table lunch crafted with fresh, local ingredients. With personalized service and authentic rural hospitality, this immersive experience offers a perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and Ecuadorian tradition. Return to Guayaquil in the late afternoon, enriched by a day of countryside elegance.