Peru, Ecuador and Galapagos Adventure Sabbatical
55 days from £12,200 pp
This Peru, Ecuador and Galapagos Adventure Sabbatical is a private, 55-day tailor-made journey, travelling mostly overland from Lima and the Colca Canyon to Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, then through Ecuador’s cloud forest, Cotopaxi and the Amazon to the Galapagos Islands. Prices start from £12,200 per person and include all accommodation, private guides, transport and excursions. Ideal for a career break or retirement adventure, it gives you two months to hike, kayak and spend real time with Andean communities. Planning a career break? See all our sabbatical trips.Planning a career break? See all our sabbatical trips. Shorter on time? Our 22-day Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos Adventure covers the highlights in three weeks.
Trip Highlights
- Remote areas of Peru, away from the tourist crowds
- Get active; kayak lakes, hike waterfalls and cycle through cities
- See mighty condors flying high above the Colca Canyon
- Spend time with an Andean community, learning traditional skills
- Trek through Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes
- Wildlife, wildlife and more wildlife in The Cloud Forest, The Amazon and on The Galapagos Islands
Our Expert Tip
”Spend as long as you can in The Sacred Valley in Peru, ideally a week. There is a vast range of activities, cultural immersion experiences, unreal scenery and hidden gem highlights to discover”
Sam, Founder
Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos Sabbatical Itinerary: Day by Day
Day 1-5: Lima, Peru
Arrive into the gastronomic capital of South America, Lima. Rest and relax in a stylish boutique hotel, then head out to really discover and explore this amazing city. Take street art and gastronomy tours, with rooftop sun-downers and vibrant markets. Enjoy a cycling trip through the city and have the time to amble through the streets independently, soaking up the sights. Be sure to try a meal in one of the world’s top restaurants.
Day 6-9: Arequipa, Peru
Today meet your guide, and head out in your private vehicle for a long drive day, taking in incredible scenery as you go. Stay in a boutique hotel and spend your evening trying delicious local food. Arrive at Arequipa, the ‘White City’. Head out with your guide for a walking tour to explore the main plaza, San Francisco church and the remarkable Santa Catalina Monastery. A must-visit on your holiday to Peru.
Day 10-13: Colca Canyon, Peru
Take an incredible scenic drive through landscapes dominated by volcanoes. Arrive at the banks of the Colca River where you will overnight in a charming lodge to explore the region properly. The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world and is an amazing sight to behold. Witness Condors flying high above the canyon. With several walks to try around the canyon, the area is a hiker’s paradise.
Day 14-16: Lake Titicaca, Peru
With your guide set off for the beautiful driving route to Lake Titicaca, witnessing landscapes and nature along the way that you would otherwise have missed by flying. Relax and take in the bright blue waters of Lake Titicaca. Escape the crowded tourist routes and explore by kayak, savouring a delicious local lunch with traditional music while discovering the culture in a more peaceful setting.
Day 17-21: Sacred Valley, Peru
Want to do something different on your sabbatical? Head to the Sacred Valley for a unique community immersion – one of our flagship excursions. Spend time with the Andean Misminay community, taking part in traditional skills such as textile weaving, cooking and brick making. Learn about agriculture and gastronomy by trying local delicacies such as guinea pig, then head out to the fields to see where and how the produce is grown. Discover first-hand the community’s reforestation projects, and learn about Andean ecosystems. There is a variety of activities to choose during your time in The Sacred Valley, from kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, to trekking, bird watching and finding peace away from the crowds. Enjoy a delicious Pisco sour at the end of each day.
Day 22-24: Machu Picchu, Peru
A highlight of any trip to South America is of course Machu Picchu. Enjoy dramatic views over the ruins after an unforgettable trek to the famous site. Hearty lunches and local stories led by your expert guide will make this a lifetime travel highlight.
Day 25-29: Cusco, Peru
After the dramatic scenery and impressive landscapes, mix things up driving to Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relax in a gorgeous boutique hotel, take it slow and take it all in. Enjoy some quieter down-time by ambling the streets, buying some local delicacies, exploring local markets and taking in the colourful cultures of this vibrant city. Ask our Peru experts or your local guide for some restaurant recommendations during your stay here.
Day 30-32: Quito, Ecuador
Having ticked off Peru, continue your sabbatical through South America by catching a flight to Quito, for your next adventure. Stay in the heart of Quito in B-Corp listed Hotel Carlota. Choose from walking tours, chocolate tasting, gastronomy experiences, or visit artisan workshops. Your local guide will be on hand to show you the best of this exciting city.
Day 33-35: Otavalo, Ecuador
This morning meet your guide and driver and head north by car to Otavalo, a fascinating town with a proud Kichwa indigenous culture. There is so much to do and see here, take lakeside hikes, enjoy horse-riding, try your hand at a cookery class and include a visit to the workshop of the ‘Master Weaver’ Miguel Andrango. A true Travel Differently highlight.
Day 36-38: Cloud Forest, Ecuador
Explore the dense green eco-system of the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest. For nature and outdoor lovers, The Cloud Forest is regarded as one of the best bird-watching destinations in the world. Try zip lining, river tubing, swim in waterfalls and have an expert guide point out rare species and colourful birds you might have missed. In The Cloud Forest Stay at Mashpi Lodge, a luxury lodge with a bird’s-eye view over the surrounding forest, or at El Monte, an adventure lodge that our guests consistently rate highly.
Day 39-41: Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Out of the jungle and into unbelievable mountain scenery. Cotopaxi National Park really packs a punch. Cotopaxi National Park is all about snowcapped mountains and hiking. Feel the wind in your hair galloping on horseback as the mountain range comes into focus. Spend an amazing few days filled with adventures in rich landscapes. The national park is an ecological hot spot teeming with rare birds, flora and fauna.
Day 42-45: Amazon, Ecuador
Head off-the-beaten track and into the Amazon basin for a wildlife packed holiday within a holiday. Avoid flights and take a unique road trip as frontier towns give way to more traditional cultures as you head deeper into the wild. Thick jungle and beautiful river tributaries reveal the incredible flora and fauna of the region. With your guide, spot incredible wildlife, from monkeys and macaws to caiman and tapir. Enjoy peaceful river boat trips, hikes, kayaking and evening wildlife safaris.
Day 46-48: Avenue of Volcanoes, Ecuador
Leaving the Amazon with your private driver, head towards the Southern section of the Avenue of Volcanoes, discovering Baños and the incredible Inca complex of Ingapirca. Finish the Ecuador leg of your sabbatical journey in the colonial city of Cuenca, ahead of your Galapagos wildlife adventure.
Day 49-54: The Galapagos Islands
Finish your Peru and Ecuador Sabbatical in one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife destinations; the Galapagos Islands. A once in a lifetime experience and a must-see on any slow trip to South America. Our Galapagos experts will talk through your options, from a small-ship cruise, a luxury private boat or land-based island hopping. Our top tip? You can do both, especially as this lengthy sabbatical offers the extra time required. This will be the ultimate wildlife experience. Walk with Giant tortoises, swim with sea lions and turtles, look out for hammerhead sharks at sites such as Kicker Rock, hike with iguanas and blue footed boobies, and sunset paddle-board alongside turtles. An iconic and once in a lifetime experience.
Day 55: Depart
Fly from the Galapagos to Quito or Guayaquil to connect with your international flight home.
When to Go
Best time for a Peru, Ecuador and Galapagos sabbatical
The best time to start this trip is May or June. You’ll be in Peru’s Andes during the dry season, with clear skies over the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu, then reach Ecuador as the highland dry season begins. The Galapagos can be visited all year; from July to September the water is cooler but marine life is at its richest. December to March is the rainy season in the Peruvian Andes. Ask us which start date suits you best.
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
