An Unfiltered Travel Guide & Photo Diary
Reaching the 4,215-meter summit of Dead Woman’s Pass on Day 14 requires serious acclimatization, starting at 2,850 meters in Quito on Day 1. Planners must prepare for the physical transition from kayaking in the Galápagos to high-altitude trekking in the Andes. The route involves a rough two-hour open-water speedboat crossing on Day 4 and a 16-kilometer trek over two passes on Day 15.
The route climbs from Tortuga Bay's coral sands and Sierra Negra's volcanic slopes to the high stone steps of Runkurakay, linked by flights and winding Sacred Valley roads.
Arrival in Quito
Day 1 of 17Arrive at any time in Ecuador's high-altitude capital. At 2,850m (9,348ft), the air is thin, so the first day is best used for settling in and acclimatizing. The city sits in a long valley flanked by mountains; on a clear day, snow-capped volcanoes are visible from the colonial center.
On the ground
Highlands of Santa Cruz
Day 2 of 17An early flight from the mainland brings you to the Galápagos archipelago. Upon arrival on Baltra Island, cross the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz. The first stop is an overland trip into the island's highlands, a lush, humid environment where Galápagos giant tortoises roam in their natural habitat. The day ends in the port town of Puerto Ayora.
On the ground
Tortuga Bay & Darwin Station
Day 3 of 17A 2.5km walk along a raised path leads to Tortuga Bay, a sweep of white coral sand. The morning is for kayaking and snorkeling in the calm bay, watching for marine iguanas and sea turtles. In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. The station is home to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where you can observe conservation efforts for giant tortoises and land iguanas.
On the ground
Speedboat to Floreana
Day 4 of 17After a free morning on Santa Cruz, a speedboat makes the two-hour crossing to Floreana Island. This open-water journey can be rough, particularly from July to December, with chances to spot dolphins or albatross en route. Upon arrival, settle into a community-run guesthouse. There's time to swim or snorkel from the dark volcanic sands of Black Beach before dinner.
On the ground
Sources
Floreana Highlands
Day 5 of 17Walk along the coast to La Loberia, a sea lion rookery, for a chance to swim and snorkel. Be aware that the water here can have strong currents and rough surf. The afternoon is dedicated to an excursion into the seldom-visited highlands of Floreana, a landscape with a history tied to pirates and early settlers, before returning for a meal at a local family-run restaurant.
On the ground
Sierra Negra Volcano
Day 6 of 17A morning speedboat takes you to Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago. The day's objective is the Sierra Negra Volcano. A hike leads to the viewpoint of its massive caldera, the second-largest in the world, with a landscape shaped by its 2018 eruption. From the highlands, the return to Puerto Villamil is a 12km downhill bike ride on a semi-paved road, offering wide views of the coastline.
On the ground
Kayaking at Las Tintoreras
Day 7 of 17The morning is free to explore Puerto Villamil, with options like taking a surf lesson on the local beach. In the afternoon, take a kayak out to the small islets of Las Tintoreras. Paddle through channels and mangroves, looking for whitetip reef sharks resting in lava crevices and the rare Galápagos penguin. The excursion includes time for snorkeling in the bay.
On the ground
Return to Santa Cruz
Day 8 of 17Before leaving Isabela, walk through the coastal wetlands to visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, a key conservation site. Around midday, board the speedboat for the 46km journey back to Santa Cruz Island and the town of Puerto Ayora. The afternoon and evening are free to revisit the town or explore its waterfront restaurants.
On the ground
Flight to the Mainland
Day 9 of 17The journey back to the mainland is a multi-stage process. An overland transfer crosses Santa Cruz Island to the Itabaca Channel, followed by a short ferry to Baltra Island. A public bus then completes the trip to the airport for the flight back to Quito. Settle back into the hotel for a final night in Ecuador.
On the ground
Andes to Coast: Quito to Lima
Day 10 of 17After a free morning in Quito, an overland journey leads to the airport for the evening flight to Lima, Peru. This unescorted flight marks the transition to the second half of the trip. On arrival in Lima, a driver will be waiting for the transfer to your hotel in the Miraflores district.
On the ground
Acclimatization in Cusco
Day 11 of 17A morning flight takes you from coastal Lima deep into the Andes, landing in Cusco. At 3,400m (11,152 ft), the altitude is significant, and the rest of the day is free for acclimatization. This is a crucial step before the trek. Explore the city's historic streets and plazas at a slow pace, and drink plenty of water.
On the ground
Sacred Valley Exploration
Day 12 of 17Today is a full-day exploration of the Sacred Valley, descending in elevation from Cusco. The route includes a stop at a women's weaving cooperative in Ccaccaccollo and a pottery-making demonstration in Cuyo Chico. Lunch is at the Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. The day ends in Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town, where you can hike to old storehouses overlooking the valley or explore the cobblestone streets.
On the ground
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Inca Trail: The First Steps
Day 13 of 17The trek begins. An early van from Ollantaytambo leads to Piscacucho, known as Km 82, the official start of the classic Inca Trail. Day one is a relatively gentle introduction, covering 11km over 5-6 hours. The trail follows the Urubamba River before climbing slowly away from the riverbank through high cactus and scrubland. The day's walk passes the Inca site of Llactapata before arriving at the first campsite near the village of Wayllabamba.
On the ground
Inca Trail: Dead Woman's Pass
Day 14 of 17Day two is the toughest day on the trail. The objective is Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,215m (13,829 ft). The day's 12km involves a sustained, steep climb of 1,215m, first through cloud forest and then on exposed stone steps above the treeline. After summiting the pass, a sharp 600m descent leads to the Pacaymayo valley campsite. Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with time to recover before the next day.
On the ground
Inca Trail: The Ridge Run
Day 15 of 17Today is the longest day, covering 16km and crossing two more passes. The trail climbs to the circular ruins of Runkurakay and the second pass at 3,950m. It then descends to the ruins of Sayacmarca before a gentle climb over the third pass at 3,700m. From here, the route plunges through cloud forest and past the impressive ruins of Phuyupatamarca, 'the town above the clouds'. A final long descent on stone steps leads to the Wiñay Wayna campsite (2,650m).
On the ground
Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
Day 16 of 17A pre-dawn start is required to tackle the final 6km of trail. The goal is to reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, as the first light hits the mountains. From here, get the classic first view of the ruins of Machu Picchu below. After descending to the citadel for a guided tour, take a bus down to Aguas Calientes. The day ends with a train journey to Ollantaytambo and a final overland transfer back to Cusco.
On the ground
Departure from Cusco
Day 17 of 17The trip concludes today. There are no planned activities, so you are free to depart from Cusco at any time. You can arrange for a transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport for your onward flight.
On the ground
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