Self-Launched Machu Picchu & Galápagos Adventure

Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). Cuzco sits at 3,400m so take it easy today — drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and rest. Check into your hostel in the historic centre, ideally near Plaza de Armas. Wander the cobbled streets at your own pace and grab a welcome dinner of ceviche or lomo saltado at a local restaurant. San Pedro Market is a short walk away and great for a cheap, authentic lunch if you arrive early.

🚌Pre-book a taxi from the airport to the city centre (~£5-8). Alternatively, walk 20 minutes or take a mototaxi for ~£2.

🛏Pariwana Hostel Cusco or similar — dorm from ~£10/night, private from ~£25/night

• →Arrive and check into hostel near Plaza de Armas
• →Acclimatise walk around Plaza de Armas and the historic centre
• →Dinner at a local Peruvian restaurant (~£6-8)

Purchase the Cuzco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico, ~£25) which covers entry to Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, PucaPucara, Tambomachay, Qoricancha and more. Head uphill to Sacsayhuaman fortress in the morning — you can walk up (30-40 mins) or take a taxi (~£3). In the afternoon, explore Qoricancha Temple and the Cathedral on Plaza de Armas independently. English-language audio guides are available at the main sites. Alternatively, book a half-day guided city tour via GetYourGuide for ~£12.

🚌Walk or take a taxi to Sacsayhuaman (~£3). All afternoon sites are walkable from the city centre.

🛏Pariwana Hostel Cusco or similar

• →Visit Sacsayhuaman fortress (included in Boleto Turístico)
• →Explore Qenqo, PucaPucara and Tambomachay
• →Self-guided walk through historic Cuzco centre
• →Visit Qoricancha Temple and Cathedral on Plaza de Armas

Book a shared Sacred Valley day tour from Cuzco via GetYourGuide or a local agency (~£20-25 per person). These depart daily and cover Chinchero (traditional weaving community), the salt ponds of Maras and the circular terraces at Moray. Lunch at Chinchero is typically included or available for ~£5-8. The tour finishes in Ollantaytambo where you overnight. If you'd prefer to go independently, hire a shared taxi colectivo from Cuzco to Pisac (~£2), then onwards to Ollantaytambo (~£4), visiting sites en route.

🚌Shared Sacred Valley day tour from Cuzco (~£20-25) or colectivos (~£6 total). Tour drops you in Ollantaytambo.

🛏KB Tambo Hotel or Hostal Iskay, Ollantaytambo — from ~£15-25/night

• →Visit Chinchero weaving community and try local pachamanca-style food
• →Explore the ancient salt ponds at Maras
• →Visit the circular agricultural terraces at Moray
• →Arrive in Ollantaytambo and explore the town

Board the PeruRail Expedition or Inca Rail train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (~£30-40 one way; book in advance at perurail.com or incarail.com). If you want to hike the Km104 Inca Trail section to Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate, you must pre-book an Inca Trail permit (~£70-90) well in advance — permits sell out months ahead. Non-hikers have free time to visit Ollantaytambo ruins (included in the Boleto Turístico Parcial, ~£15) before catching the train. In Aguas Calientes, visit the hot springs (~£5) or browse the craft market in the afternoon.

🚌PeruRail or Inca Rail from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (~£30-40). Book at perurail.com or incarail.com.

🛏Hostal Machu Picchu or El MaPi by inkaterra — dorm from ~£14, private from ~£35

• →Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (~£30-40)
• →Optional Inca Trail hike via Wiñay Wayna to Sun Gate (permit ~£70-90, pre-book months ahead)
• →Visit Ollantaytambo ruins if not hiking (~£15 Boleto Parcial)
• →Relax in the Aguas Calientes hot springs (~£5) or explore the craft market

Book your Machu Picchu entrance ticket well in advance at machupicchu.gob.pe (~£35-45 depending on circuit). Take the early Consettur bus from Aguas Calientes up to the ruins (~£14 return) — buses start at 5:30am. Arrive early to beat the crowds. Explore for 3-4 hours; Circuit 3 covers the lower terraces and classic viewpoints. In the afternoon, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and catch the train back to Ollantaytambo (~£30-40), then a shared colectivo or taxi to Cuzco (~£5-8).

🚌Consettur bus Aguas Calientes–Machu Picchu (~£14 return). Train back to Ollantaytambo (~£30-40). Colectivo/taxi Ollantaytambo–Cuzco (~£5-8).

🛏Pariwana Hostel Cusco or similar

• →Early morning visit to Machu Picchu (pre-book ticket online, ~£35-45)
• →Consettur bus up to ruins from Aguas Calientes (~£14 return)
• →Explore Circuit 3 — lower terraces and iconic viewpoints
• →Afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, then colectivo to Cuzco

Fly from Cuzco (CUZ) to Quito (UIO) via Lima — typically with LATAM or Avianca (~£120-180 depending on how far in advance you book; prices are lower booked 6-8 weeks out). The journey usually takes 6-8 hours including the stopover. On arrival in Quito, take the Aeroservicios airport bus to the city centre (~£2) or a taxi (~£15-20). Check into your accommodation in the historic La Mariscal or Old Town neighbourhood. Rest and acclimatise — Quito sits at 2,850m.

🚌Flight CUZ–LIM–UIO (~£120-180). Airport bus to city centre (~£2) or taxi (~£15-20).

🛏Community Hostel Quito or Secret Garden Hostel — dorm from ~£10, private from ~£28

• →Fly Cuzco–Lima–Quito (book via Skyscanner or direct with LATAM/Avianca, ~£120-180)
• →Airport bus or taxi to city centre (~£2-20 depending on mode)
• →Check in and explore the La Mariscal or Old Town neighbourhood

Explore Quito's stunning UNESCO-listed Old Town independently. Walk to Plaza Grande, the historic main square, and visit the Cathedral and La Compañía de Jesús church (entrance ~£3). Climb El Panecillo hill for panoramic views over the city — take a taxi up (~£3) and walk down. In the afternoon, consider the optional trip to the Mitad del Mundo monument and the nearby Intiñan Equator Museum (~£6 entry), 40 minutes north of Quito — take a shared bus from La Ofelia terminal (~£1) or join a half-day tour via GetYourGuide (~£15).

🚌Walk most of Old Town. Taxi to El Panecillo (~£3). Bus to Mitad del Mundo from La Ofelia terminal (~£1 each way).

🛏Community Hostel Quito or Secret Garden Hostel

• →Self-guided walk around Plaza Grande and Old Town
• →Visit La Compañía de Jesús church (~£3)
• →Climb El Panecillo for city views (taxi up ~£3)
• →Optional: Mitad del Mundo and Intiñan Equator Museum (~£6 entry + ~£1-2 bus)

Transfer to Quito Airport (allow 30-40 minutes by taxi, ~£15-20) for the flight to San Cristóbal via Guayaquil — operated by LATAM or Avianca (~£200-280 return from Quito; book as far in advance as possible). On arrival, pay the compulsory Galápagos National Park entrance tax (US$200/~£160) in cash. Hire snorkel gear in town (~£8/day) and head to La Lobería beach for a self-guided snorkel session among sea lions and marine iguanas, or walk the Puerto Baquerizo Moreno coastal trail to Charles Darwin's first landing spot.

🚌Taxi Quito hotel–airport (~£15-20). Flight Quito–San Cristóbal return (~£200-280).

🛏Casa de Nelly or Casa Blanca Hostal, San Cristóbal — from ~£20-30/night

• →Fly Quito–Guayaquil–San Cristóbal (~£200-280 return, book early)
• →Pay Galápagos entrance tax on arrival (US$200/~£160, cash only)
• →Hire snorkel gear in town (~£8/day)
• →Snorkel at La Lobería beach or walk the Puerto Baquerizo Moreno coastal trail

Book a half-day or full-day boat tour to Isla Lobos through a local agency in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (~£35-55 per person). Tours visit this small uninhabited volcanic island for birdwatching (frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies) and snorkelling with sea lions, turtles and reef sharks. Lunch is usually included. In the afternoon, the tour typically stops at Playa Ochoa, a white-sand beach ideal for swimming and relaxing. Book tours the day before at agencies along the main waterfront street.

🚌Boat tour departs from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno pier — included in tour cost.

🛏Casa de Nelly or Casa Blanca Hostal, San Cristóbal

• →Half or full-day boat tour to Isla Lobos (book locally, ~£35-55 including lunch)
• →Birdwatch for frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies
• →Snorkel with sea lions, turtles and whitetip reef sharks
• →Relax at Playa Ochoa white-sand beach

Take a shared speedboat from San Cristóbal to Floreana Island (~£30-40 one way; book at local agencies or via galapagosislands.com). On Floreana, join a local guided highlands tour (~£20-30) to visit the lava tubes (pirate caves) and see giant tortoises in the wild. In the afternoon, board another speedboat from Floreana to Isabela (~£30-40). Speedboats run on a loose schedule — check departure times locally. Note: inter-island speedboats can be rough; sit in the middle of the boat if you're prone to seasickness.

🚌Shared speedboats between islands (~£30-40 each leg). Book at local agencies in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno the day before.

🛏Hostal Loja or La Jungla Hostal, Isabela — from ~£20-30/night

• →Shared speedboat San Cristóbal–Floreana (~£30-40)
• →Guided highlands tour on Floreana: pirate lava caves and giant tortoises (~£20-30)
• →Speedboat Floreana–Isabela (~£30-40)

In the morning, join a guided boat tour to Las Tintoreras Islet (~£25-35 per person, book locally). This wildlife-rich islet is home to Galápagos penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions and whitetip reef sharks resting in the shallow channels. Snorkelling here is outstanding. In the afternoon, hire a bike in Puerto Villamil (~£5-8) and cycle the flat dirt track to the Wall of Tears (El Muro de las Lágrimas), built by prisoners of a former penal colony, with great views from the top. The ride is about 6km each way.

🚌Boat to Las Tintoreras departs from Puerto Villamil pier (included in tour). Hire bike for Wall of Tears (~£5-8).

🛏Hostal Loja or La Jungla Hostal, Isabela

• →Morning boat tour to Las Tintoreras Islet (~£25-35): snorkel with sharks, penguins and sea lions
• →Afternoon: hire a bike (~£5-8) and cycle to the Wall of Tears
• →Hike to viewpoint above the Wall of Tears for panoramic island views

Take a shared speedboat from Isabela to Santa Cruz (~£30-40). On arrival in Puerto Ayora, drop your bags and walk (free) to the Charles Darwin Research Station — a 15-minute walk from the main pier. See giant tortoises up close and learn about conservation efforts. In the afternoon, walk or take a water taxi (~£1) to the trailhead for Tortuga Bay, a stunning 2.5km walk through dry forest to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos. Swimming, marine iguanas and sharks in the lagoon await. Entry is free but register at the park entrance.

🚌Shared speedboat Isabela–Santa Cruz (~£30-40). Water taxi to Tortuga Bay trailhead (~£1).

🛏Hostal Sol y Mar or Casa del Lago, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz — from ~£18-30/night

• →Speedboat Isabela–Santa Cruz (~£30-40)
• →Free visit to Charles Darwin Research Station (15-min walk from pier)
• →Walk to Tortuga Bay (2.5km each way, free entry with registration)
• →Swim and snorkel at Tortuga Bay lagoon

Book a full-day island-hopping boat tour from Puerto Ayora (~£60-90 per person including lunch) through any local agency on Charles Darwin Avenue. Popular day-trip destinations include Bartolomé Island (iconic Pinnacle Rock, penguin snorkelling), North Seymour (frigatebirds, land iguanas, sea lions) and Santa Fé Island. These shared tours depart around 7-8am and return by 5pm. Snorkel gear is usually provided. This is a highlight of any Galápagos visit — book at least a day ahead.

🚌Boat tour departs from Puerto Ayora main pier — included in tour price.

🛏Hostal Sol y Mar or Casa del Lago, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

• →Full-day guided boat tour to uninhabited island (Bartolomé, North Seymour or Santa Fé — ~£60-90 including lunch and snorkel gear)
• →Snorkel with penguins, sea lions and tropical fish
• →Wildlife spotting: frigatebirds, land iguanas, blue-footed boobies

Fly from Baltra Airport (GPS), just north of Santa Cruz, back to Quito via Guayaquil (your return Galápagos flight, already booked). From Puerto Ayora, take a public bus to the Itabaca Channel (~£2), then a short ferry across (~£1), then a bus to Baltra Airport (~£2). Allow 1.5-2 hours from Puerto Ayora. On arrival in Quito, take the airport bus or taxi back to your hostel. Spend the evening exploring La Mariscal nightlife or enjoying a farewell dinner.

🚌Public bus Puerto Ayora–Itabaca Channel (~£2), ferry across (~£1), bus to Baltra Airport (~£2). Flight included in earlier booking.

🛏Community Hostel Quito or Secret Garden Hostel

• →Bus and ferry from Puerto Ayora to Baltra Airport (~£5 total)
• →Flight Baltra–Guayaquil–Quito (return leg of earlier booking)
• →Airport transfer to city centre — bus (~£2) or taxi (~£15-20)
• →Farewell dinner in La Mariscal or Old Town Quito

Your adventure ends in Quito. If your flight is in the afternoon or evening, use the morning for any last sights — the Basilica del Voto Nacional is free to enter and offers a great city view from its towers (~£2 tower access). La Floresta neighbourhood is great for a final brunch. Head to the airport by taxi (~£15-20) and allow at least 2.5 hours before international departure. Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) is around 40 minutes from the city centre.

🚌Taxi to Quito Airport (~£15-20). Allow 2.5 hours before international flights.

🛏Check out — tour ends today

• →Morning visit to Basilica del Voto Nacional (~£2 for tower access)
• →Brunch in La Floresta neighbourhood
• →Transfer to Quito Airport for onward departure (~£15-20 taxi)