Thinking about visiting the Galapagos Islands & Machu Picchu?

Take a moment to listen to Karolina's advice on the different options available in each location, and make the itinerary uniquely YOURS:

Ready to discuss and review pricing?

Email: info@satedventures.com

Itinerary discussed on the video above:

FLAVORS OF ECUADOR & PERU 2026

Private Tour for 2

ITINERARY:

Day 1 - January 16, 2026Home - Ecuador

Take your international flight to Quito. Reception by the Sated Ventures team and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel downtown. Welcome to Ecuador!

Plaza Grande Hotel - royal suite

Day 2 - January 17, 2026

Quito

B, L

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a private tour of the highlights in Quito. Enjoy a private full day private exploration of Quito. This morning’s tour begins with a visit to the neo-Gothic Basilica with its unique gargoyles depicting native animals of Ecuador – can you spot the Galapagos Tortoise? A chance to climb the vertigo-challenging towers if you dare. In the nearby chocolate museum we can learn all about how cacao beans end up as bars of chocolate. Taste chocolate from distinct regions of Ecuador, what makes them all taste so different? Continuing onto Independence Square (Plaza Grande) we discover the cathedral and government palace with its colorful purple uniformed guards. Walking a short distance, we come to the impressive La Compañia de Jesus Church. Inside the walls shine with gold, it’s not to be missed! From here we jump in our private vehicle and drive up to El Panecillo, the statue of the Virgin of Quito, which overlooks the city. The panoramic views across Quito’s historical center are fantastic. 

In the afternoon we continue onto the Mitad del Mundo, where the equator line crosses Ecuador. Lunch is included in a local restaurant. At the Inti Ñan Museum, take part in some of the quirky trick experiments on offer – watch how the water runs in different directions in the northern and southern hemisphere and balance an egg on a pinhead. Have your photo taken with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one foot in the southern Hemisphere! Return to your hotel and rest.

Day 3 - January 18, 2026

Quito

B, L, D

Private Full Day Cotopaxi Tour - Early this morning, enjoy a private excursion to the Cotopaxi National Tour.. This morning we head south from Quito along the picturesque Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Cotopaxi province. In the local hacienda we are kitted out in chaps, ponchos and helmets before getting acquainted with our horses. Our 2-hour horse ride through the beautiful stark paramo scenery takes us onto the foothills of the Rumiñahui Volcano, with panoramic views of Cotopaxi, Pasochoa Sincholagua Volcanos. This activity is suitable for beginners. Lunch is included in a local mountain lodge. After lunch we explore the Cotopaxi National Park where we can undertake an easy one-hour walk around the Limpiopungo Lake in the ever-present shadow of one of the world’s highest active volcanoes – the perfectly cone shaped, snow-capped Cotopaxi. As well as the immense and interesting geological features created by the volcano’s past eruptions, we are on the look-out for paramo wildlife including wild ponies, white tailed deer, Andean fox and the endangered Andean Condor. Return to Quito.

Tonight enjoy dinner at the famous NUEMA restaurant, with driver arranged.  

Day 4 - January 19, 2026

Quito

B, L

Indigenous Market and Indigenous family fun cooking class 

After breakfast, meet your private guide and we will head north to visit Otavalo. We start with the world-famous Indigenous Market, the largest in South America. Here is where vendors proudly offer a stunning variety of weavings such as the famous ponchos, among other textiles like rugs, mittens, and scarves. This market is like a rainbow due to the colors of the textiles exhibited. Without a doubt, it is an ideal place to find handicrafts, jewelry, and other artisanal craftwork. 

Then we will have time to have a great experience with a local family - the Angla indigenous community. During this visit you will have authentic insights into the community’s everyday life, actively learning about their traditions and experiencing unforgettable cultural encounters. You will also create cherished memories with the community by making traditional beverages and feel the peace of being surrounded by the awe-inspiring Imbabura Volcano and the stunning San Pablo Lake. This visit will undoubtedly immerse you in Ecuador’s indigenous culture. The family will also enjoy a fun cooking class at Kawsaymi. Kawsaymi is an Andean destination that offers ancestral experiences through the Otavalan cuisine and culture. Immerse yourself with us in an ancestral journey full of charm and flavor, and enjoy lunch here. Then we return to your hotel.

Day 5 - January 20, 2026

Quito - Galapagos Islands - Board CruiseB, L, D

This morning after breakfast, return transfer to the airport where you will meet your Galapagos assistant. Here, proceed with all Galapagos requirements and check in, before flying to the Islands. Your entry fees and ID cards are all included. Upon landing in the Galapagos, meet the cruise crew and continue to the yacht for lunch. Welcome to the Galapagos! Lunch and a welcome briefing.

“David Rodriguez” Breeding Center

This is a new visitor site in the northeast part of San Cristobal Island and can now be reached in roughly one hour by road from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. In the Breeding Center, you will be able to admire the hatchling turtles from their birth until the are 120 days old when the grown turtles are taken to their natural habit.

Puerto Chino

Located (15.2 miles / 24.5 km) away from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and a few miles from the Breeding Center Cerro Colorado, this walk takes approximately 30 to the beach.

Possible Activities: Short hike (0,6 mi / 1Km)

Difficulty: Easy / moderate

Type of Landing: Dry

Highlights: Giant tortoises in captivity, snorkeling with sea lions, land and sea birds, blue-footed boobies, hatchling turtles.

Infinity Yacht - balcony stateroom

Islands you will visit on this departure:

San Cristobal Island Santa Fe Island South Plaza Island Isabela Island Fernandina Island Santiago Island Bartholomew Island North Seymour Island

Day 6 - January 21, 2026

Galapagos Islands

B, L, D

Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest.

Highlights: Land iguanas, giant tunas

Possible Activities: Hiking

Type of Landing: Dry landing

Difficulty: Moderate

South Plaza Island

In the morning, you will head to South Plaza Island. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.

Highlights: Land iguanas, sea lion colony, Audubon's shearwaters, swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, amazing landscape with cliffs

Possible Activities: Hike (1.5 miles / 2 ½ km)

Type of Landing: Dry landing

Difficulty: Moderate

Day 7 - January 22, 2026

Galapagos Islands

B, L, D

Charles Darwin Station / Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to turtles ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. Subspecies of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own.

Highlights: Giant tortoises in captivity

Possible Activities: Walking

Type of Landing: Dry landing

Difficulty: Easy

Los Gemelos (Twin Craters)

Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, are located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.

Highlights: Pit craters, Scalesia forest

Possible Activities: Short hiking

Type of Landing: Dry landing

Difficulty: Moderate

Day 8 - January 23, 2026

Galapagos Islands 

B, L, D

Moreno Point

Moreno Point is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along path through lava rock leading to tide pools and mangroves create a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tide pools, green sea turtles or white-tip sharks can be spotted.

Highlights: Flamingos, gallinules, pintail ducks, turtles, white-tip reef sharks.

Possible Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride & hike (1.2miles/2km)

Type of Landing: Dry landing

Difficulty: Moderate / difficult

Elizabeth Bay

Elizabeth Bay is located on the east coast of Isabela Island. The bay contains many islets which can be visited by dinghy. Penguins and blue-footed boobies can be spotted on the rocky islets. With an abundance of marine life and clear water, the area is perfect for snorkeling and viewing schools of colorful fish, sea lions, and perhaps even sharks.

Highlights: Mangrove forest, sea turtles, penguins, rays, herons, sea lions.

Possible Activities: Two-hour dinghy ride

Type of Landing: No landing

Day 9 - January 24, 2026

Galapagos Islands

B, L, D

Urbina Bay

Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.

Highlights: Land iguanas (the biggest in the Galapagos), hawks, coral reef, giant tortoises; snorkeling: turtles, rays, tropical fish

Possible Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride & hike, 2 trails: short (0.6miles/1 km), long (1.9miles/3km)

Type of Landing: Wet landing

Difficulty: Easy / moderate

Tagus Cove

Tagus Cove is located across from Fernandina Island near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves.

Highlights: Penguins, flightless cormorants, Darwin Volcano & Lake Darwin

Possible Activities: Long hike, snorkeling, dinghy ride

Type of Landing: Dry landing

Difficulty: Moderate / difficult

Day 10 - January 25, 2026

Galapagos Islands

B, L, D

Espinoza Point

No foreign species have ever invaded Fernandina Island, and therefore it is one of the world's most pristine island ecosystems. The volcano “La Cumbre” dominates the landspace with lava fields reaching the ocean. The island's highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.

Highlights: Flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, 'a'a lava, sea lions, penguins, active volcano “La Cumbre”

Possible Activities: Hike (1.2 miles/2 km)

Type of Landing: Dry and slippery at low tide

Difficulty: Moderate

Vicente Roca Point

Located on the northwestern coast of the island and comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola mola (sunfish) may be spotted here. This bay is great for diving and snorkeling.

Highlights: Penguins, blue-footed boobies, terns, Nazca boobies, sea lions; snorkeling: sea turtles, rays and puffer fish.

Possible Activities: Snorkeling & dinghy ride

Type of Landing: No landing

Difficulty: Easy / moderate

Day 11 - January 26, 2026

Galapagos Islands

B, L, D

Egas Port

Also known as James Bay, Egas Port is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to a coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur sea lions bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.

Highlights: Fur sea lions, Galapagos sea lions, tidal pools and “grottos”, Galapagos hawk, oyster catchers, marine iguanas, finches; snorkeling: reef sharks, turtles, rays, nice underwater formations.

Possible Activities: Snorkeling, hiking (1.2 miles/2 km)

Type of Landing: Wet landing

Difficulty: Easy / moderate

Bartholomew Island

Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.

Highlights: Pinnacle rock, panoramic view, moonlike landscape, penguins, pioneer plants, lava cactus; snorkeling: penguins, reef sharks, rays, and great colorful fish.

Possible Activities: Dinghy ride, snorkeling & hiking (1.2 miles/ 2 km)

Type of Landing: Dry and wet landings

Difficulty: Moderate/difficult. Walk up to the top of volcano 114 meters, 375 wooden steps

Day 12 - January 27, 2026

Galapagos - Quito - Lima 

B

North Seymour Island

Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lava containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.

At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for flight to the mainland, and connect with flight to Lima, Peru.  Reception at the Lima airport by the Sated Ventures team, and private transfer to your hotel. Welcome to Peru!

Iberostar Miraflores Souma Hotel - superior room

Day 13 - January 28, 2026

Lima 

B, L

Half Day Lima Gourmet – This is the ultimate Lima food tour and city experience that covers the best of what to see in Lima, Peru in one day. It includes exclusive restaurants, trendy districts, top must-see attractions and hands-on activities. Enjoy five stops spread between three districts that include an organic Peruvian coffee and a fruit tasting and tour at a traditional market.  Have fun trying one of the many varieties of Peru's flagship Pisco Sour accompanied by the freshest, and most creatively prepared superfood dishes around.  Follow with gourmet dishes amid views of pre-Incan ruins at the Huaca Pucllana. This route leads you on a spectacular Miraflores food tour, combined with a brief Barranco walking tour, that highlights the best of Peruvian food culture and Lima culture in general.

Afternoon free to explore the city, the oceanfront shopping and lovers park, take a cooking class or a professionally guided city tour. You may also dine in one of the world’s best restaurants here. 

Day 14 - January 29, 2026

Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley

B, L

After breakfast, transfer back to the airport and take your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, meet our Cuzco Sated Ventures team as we whisk you away to the Sacred Valley. Altitude is lower here, making acclimation much easier. 

Discovering Exploring Maras, Moray and Chinchero

En route to our hotel, you will enjoy a panoramic visit of the Maras salt mines, where the finest salt in the world is extracted: Maras salt. Then, you will head to Moray, a fascinating archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You will visit its huge concentric terraces, which the Incas used as a botanical laboratory. Afterwards, you will head to Chinchero to enjoy a visit to a traditional Andean town, with a panoramic view of Chinchero´s Church, which was built by the Spanish in 1607 and remains standing until today. Continue with the visit to the Chinchero ruins, where you will find an important Inca center in which terraces and aqueducts were built. 

Lunch will be provided at Iskay Maras home, a reservations only farm to table experience. Afterwards, rest at your hotel.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba - Superior Deluxe Room

Day 15 - January 30, 2026

Sacred Valley 

B, L

Iconic Sacred Valley: Misminay and Ollantaytambo - full day private tour

You will leave your hotel in Cusco and head to the Raqchi viewpoint, from where you will have an impressive view of the Sacred Valley. Then, you will visit the Misminay community, where the residents will give you a warm welcome with music and typical dances. 

Here, you will participate in preparing lunch with the community, using local products and the pachamanca ceremony. After the meal is prepared, sit with the community to break bread and share stories - a truly remarkable moment! 

At the end of your meal, you will head to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will find one of the most representative architectural complexes of the ancient Inca Empire and one of the few places where the Spanish conquerors lost an important battle. You will tour the town, visit the ruins and see the Inca’s wonderful architectural work. Before leaving, you will stop at the traditional town market, where you will have the opportunity to buy some local handicrafts. 

Day 16 - January 31, 2026

Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

B, L, D

Breakfast at the hotel, then at the scheduled time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station. Board the scenic Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu and enjoy the glass dome ceiling. The natural beauty of the surroundings makes the train ride the best way to start your visit. Upon arrival, meet your guide and enjoy the ruins together! Our porters will meet you at the station and handle the luggage, so that you can focus on visiting the citadel. 

You will visit one of the most important tourist destinations in the world: Machu Picchu. This visit will, without a doubt, be one of your most memorable experiences. After you reach the top, you will take a tour of Machu Picchu, learning the history and mysteries of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. And, with amazing sceneries all around, you will surely have more than one spectacular photo-op. Then, it’s back to Aguas Calientes. Lunch included in the village, and tonight, dinner at your hotel.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo - Superior Deluxe Room

Day 17 - February 01, 2026

Machu Picchu - Cuzco

B, L

Early this morning, meet with your guide to return to the ruins for a sunrise return to the ruins. Today you have the opportunity to climb up to Mount Huayna Picchu (2490 meters), Quechua for “Young Mountain”, on the eastern side of the Central Cordillera. The trail is steep and parts of it include several sections of stone staircases carved directly into the mountainside. For those who prefer a little less thrill, we encourage the easier trail on Huchuy Picchu - options can be discussed prior to arrival. After the sunrise visit, enjoy lunch at the famous Sanctuary Lodge at the top of the mountain before heading back to the village. 

Free time to explore the small town and market, then board your train to Cuzco. Finally, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Palacio del Inka - classic room

Day 18 - February 02, 2026

Cuzco

B, D

Day to sleep in, you deserve it! This afternoon, enjoy a private City Tour Cusco, with San Pedro market and nearby archaeological sites. Meet your local guide to explore Cuzco together - You will visit the city of Cusco, known as the Imperial City and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you will start your tour at the iconic San Pedro market, a local market where you can explore the colors, flavors and traditions of modern Cusco. The visit continues with the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun God, above which the order of the Dominicans built a church, which remains standing to this day. You will continue ascending to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture. Afterwards, you will explore Q’enqo archeological site, where important Inca ceremonies took place. Finally, you will arrive at the Plaza de Armas (main square), where you will visit the Cathedral, the most important temple in the city. 

Finally fully acclimated, end the tour with our Cuzco cocktail visit. Visit 3 of our favorite restaurants in the Imperial City, to learn about local recipes of cocktails, while enjoying great atmosphere, landscapes and delicious appetizers that match perfectly the prepared drinks.

Tonight, finish with dinner inside the local museum. Farewell!

Day 19 - February 03, 2026

Cuzco - Lima - Home  

B

After breakfast and checking out, private transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima, and then connect with your international flight home. Safe travels! 

Ready to discuss and review pricing?

Email: info@satedventures.com