Independent Galapagos at the Finch Bay Resort & Peru
Independent Galapagos at the Finch Bay Resort & Peru
Independent Galapagos at the Finch Bay Resort & Peru
14 Days Starting in Quito, Ecuador and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Quito, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Island, Guayaquil, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ISC1-2025
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
How deep is your love of adventure? Is it deep enough to follow the course of Charles Darwin to discover your own love affair with the wildlife paradise of the Galápagos Islands? And delve further south to soar higher in the Andes and the heart of Peru? If so, this Globus Independent tour in Ecuador and Peru is pointing you in the right direction. Depart for parts unknown where blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and diving iguanas of the Galápagos give new meaning to mind-blowing discoveries. Sail in luxury upon pristine waters to discover the perfectly evolved creatures who thrive on this volcanic archipelago. Stroll the sand where sea lions bask and albatross brace against the updrafts above the cliffs. Sail, snorkel, and simply stay in a state of astonishment through the islands of Santa Cruz, South Plaza Island, and other island sanctuaries of spectacular species. Then, set your compass to the heart of Peru to ignite your independent spirit in Lima, Cusco, and magnificent Machu Picchu to find the “Lost City of the Incas.” Explore ancient ruins that defy explanation and encounter the captivating cultures that live on in the Sacred Valley and Cusco. Timeless temples, textiles, and tantalizing dishes are all on the menu with the I-time you crave on this free-spirited sojourn in South America.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Quito,Ecuador
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito
Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast
QUITO • Your included private city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows. (B)
Day 3: Quito,Baltra,North Seymour,Santa Cruz
Location: Galapagos Islands
Accommodation Name: Finch Bay Eco Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
QUITO–BALTRA–NORTH SEYMOUR–SANTA CRUZ • Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos. • Upon arrival, board a yacht bound for North Seymour, an island teeming with life. You might have to give way to a passing sea lion, marine iguana, or blue-footed boobies that nest here. As you walk along the shore, see large flocks of pelicans in a dive-bomb feeding-frenzy, and one of the Galápagos’ largest nesting sites of the magnificent frigatebird. In the bushes you can see the males up close with their puffed-up scarlet throat sacs. • Return to the yacht and continue to the Finch Bay Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Santa Cruz. Excursion To The Highlands
Location: Santa Cruz
Accommodation Name: Finch Bay Eco Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO THE HIGHLANDS • Transfer to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to a farming area called El Manzanillo on the edge of the Giant Tortoise Reserve. Here, tortoises can be seen grazing year-round, along with woodpecker finches, mockingbirds, and flycatchers. • After lunch, visit a local farm, where coffee, sugar cane, and cocoa beans are grown, harvested, and prepared. • Return to the hotel and perhaps spend time on the private beach. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Santa Cruz. Excursion To Punta Carrion & South Plaza Island
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation Name: Finch Bay Eco Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO PUNTA CARRION & SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND • This morning, travel to Punta Carrion on Santa Cruz Island for some time to snorkel. The shallow reefs and mangroves make this an ideal site to snorkel with plenty of reef fish as well as occasional sea lions and sharks. • Next, sail to South Plaza Island, a small island full of fascinating wildlife, both along its shore and along its dramatic, wind-swept cliffs. Here you will see large, yellow land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, masked and blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and much more during your guided walk. • Return to the hotel this afternoon.(B,L,D)
Day 6: Santa Cruz. Excursion To Divine Bay
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation Name: Finch Bay Eco Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO DIVINE BAY • Today’s adventure takes you to wildlife-rich Divine Bay on Santa Cruz Island. Marine iguanas, herons, noddy terns, blue-footed boobies, and tropicbirds are commonly seen here. You may explore by boat or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take to the sea by kayak. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks as you cruise the tranquil waters. • Return to the hotel for lunch, followed by an afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, established to help conserve the Galápagos’ natural habitats and protect the area’s famous giant tortoises. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Santa Cruz,Baltra,Guayaquil
Location: Guayaquil
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast
SANTA CRUZ–BALTRA–GUAYAQUIL–LIMA• Depart the hotel this morning for the airport in Baltra. • Then, fly to Lima where you will be met by your Local Guide who will take you to your hotel. (B)
Day 8: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast
LIMA • Your included city tour focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in the early 19th century. See the cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin, and the Santo Domingo Convent to see the relics of three famous Peruvian saints—Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macias. (B)Today’s I-Time Tips This evening, you may choose to head over to a nearby park to witness the largest electronic water fountain complex in the world, certified by the Guinness Book of Records. You will enjoy a wonderful show of water, lights, music, and images.
Day 9: Lima,Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
LIMA–CUSCO • Fly to Cusco, high in the Andes, where you will be met by your Local Guide. • Your guided tour visits the cathedral in Plaza de Armas and Santo Domingo Monastery, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. • Take a short drive outside the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons. Followed by the amphitheater of Kenko, and the red fortress of Puca Pucara. (B)
Day 10: Cusco,Sacred Valley
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY • Today, a short drive into the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will learn about the importance of the alpaca for Inca cultures, as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today. • Continue to the market town of Pisaq, where you can buy handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewelry at bargain prices. • At the other end of the valley, visit Ollantaytambo to see some of the finest examples of Inca masonry. (B,L)
Day 11: Sacred Valley,Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU • Embark on a train trip bound for Machu Picchu and cut a path through the Sacred Valley to this “Lost City of the Incas,” discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.• On a guided tour of Machu Picchu, explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Machu Picchu,Sacred Valley,Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
MACHU PICCHU–SACRED VALLEY–CUSCO • A morning at leisure allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. • Return to Cusco by train. (B)
Day 13: Cusco,Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast
CUSCO–LIMA • Fly to Lima today. (B)
Day 14: Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
LIMA Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at Hilton Colon Quito, Finch Bay Eco Hotel, Hotel Pullman Miraflores, Casa Andina Premium Cusco, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas, and Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel.
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Meals
Buffet breakfast daily, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.
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Private City Tour in Quito
A private city tour in Quito showcasing the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards is included.
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Excursions in Galapagos
Excursions to North Seymour, Santa Cruz Highlands, Punta Carrion, South Plaza Island, and Divine Bay are included.
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Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
A guided tour of Machu Picchu, including a train trip through the Sacred Valley, is included.
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City Tour in Lima
A city tour in Lima focusing on its rich colonial history and modern city is included.
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Guided Tour in Cusco
A guided tour in Cusco visiting the cathedral in Plaza de Armas, Santo Domingo Monastery, and the ruins of Sacsayhuaman is included.
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Excursion to Sacred Valley
An excursion to the Sacred Valley, including visits to Pisaq market town and Ollantaytambo, is included.
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Second Entrance to Machu Picchu
A second entrance to Machu Picchu to see the sunrise is included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, and Peru are not included.
Meals
Buffet breakfast daily, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Notes
Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary and include private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights. Internal flights to/from the Galápagos are included. Local guide service is provied in Quito, Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu. A Naturalist in the Galápagos is also provided. Intra-vacation flights to and within Peru are not included but can be added. Maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. Maximum elevation on this tour is 12,200 ft. On the Galapagos Islands, we use a small vessel (20 guests) that has 3 crew members, emergency washrooms and a snack bar. The excursions are day cruises with landings on the islands, some of which are wet landings. Departure times vary depending on what islands we visit. At times we may visit 1 island but we land on different parts of it. These sailings are subject to change and weather related depending on what island we are visiting. The day sailings are around 5 to 6 hours per day which includes the landings and sightseeing.
UNESCO Sites
City of Cusco|City of Quito|Galapagos Islands|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Accommodation
Quito: Hilton Colon Quito - MET, Santa Cruz Island: Finch Bay Eco Hotel - Finch Bay Room, Lima: Hotel Pullman Miraflores, Cusco: Casa Andina Premium Cusco, Sacred Valley: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas, Machu Picchu: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on North Seymour Island?
On North Seymour Island, you can expect to see sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and magnificent frigatebirds with their puffed-up scarlet throat sacs.
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What activities are included during the visit to Santa Cruz Island?
During the visit to Santa Cruz Island, activities include a transfer to the highlands to see giant tortoises, a visit to a local farm where coffee, sugar cane, and cocoa beans are grown, snorkeling at Punta Carrion, and a guided walk on South Plaza Island to see various wildlife. Additionally, you can explore Divine Bay by boat or kayak and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
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What can I expect during the city tour in Quito?
The city tour in Quito includes visits to Independence Square, the San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows. The tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards.
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What is the significance of the Charles Darwin Research Station?
The Charles Darwin Research Station was established to help conserve the Galápagos’ natural habitats and protect the area’s famous giant tortoises.
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What historical sites will be visited in Lima?
In Lima, the city tour focuses on its rich colonial history and includes visits to the cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin, and the Santo Domingo Convent to see the relics of three famous Peruvian saints—Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macias.
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What can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?
During the visit to Machu Picchu, you will embark on a train trip through the Sacred Valley to the 'Lost City of the Incas.' The guided tour will explore the intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, there is an option for a brisk one-hour walk to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas.
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What are the physical requirements for this tour?
The tour requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceed 10,000 feet, which can make even modest exertion a challenge. In the Galápagos, there will be 'wet landings' requiring guests to jump in the water and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. The terrain is rocky and uneven.
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What is included in the meals during the tour?
The tour includes a buffet breakfast daily, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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