Best South America 12-Day Tour Itinerary

Destinations:

Ecuador

Duration:

12 Days / 11 Nights

Service:

Private Customized Packages

Language:

English / Spanish

Overview

Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a formally established tour operator in Peru, operating under the standards required by tourism authorities. We hold official certifications and work with authorized providers, ensuring safety, high-quality service, and a reliable travel experience throughout the journey. Our services comply with current tourism regulations and best practices for assisting both national and international travelers.

DAY 01: RECEPTION IN QUITO.
- Overnight at hotel in Quito (Ecuador).
DAY 02: QUITO COLONIAL – EQUATOR FULL DAY TOUR.
- Overnight at hotel in Quito (Ecuador).
DAY 03: MINDO FULL DAY TOUR.
- Overnight at hotel in Quito (Ecuador).
DAY 04: FLIGHT QUITO TO COCA – NAPO RIVER – YASUNÍ
- Overnight at hotel in Coca (Ecuador).
DAY 05: YASUNÍ CORE – BLACKWATER ECOSYSTEMS
- Overnight at hotel in Coca (Ecuador).
DAY 06: PARROT CLAY LICK – KICHWA CULTURE
- Overnight at hotel in Coca (Ecuador).
DAY 07: OBSERVATION TOWER – LIMONCOCHA RESERVE
- Overnight at hotel in Coca (Ecuador).
DAY 08: FLIGHT DE COCA – QUITO – GUAYAQUIL / GUAYAQUIL CITY TOUR
- Overnight at hotel in Coca (Ecuador).
DAY 09: FLIGHT GUAYAQUIL – GALAPAGOS/TRANSFER FROM GARRAPATERO BEACH
- Overnight at hotel in Guayaquil (Ecuador).
DAY 10: SPEEDBOAT TO ISABELA/ TINTORERAS ISLET TOUR OR KAYAK/PADDLEBOARD.
- Overnight at hotel in Galapagos Isabela island (Ecuador).
DAY 11: TUNNEL TOUR / SPEEDBOAT TO SANTA CRUZ.
- Overnight at hotel in Galapagos Isabela island (Ecuador).
DAY 12: TRANSFER TO BALTRA AIRPORT/ FLIGHT TO GUAYAQUIL

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Itinerary

Day 1: RECEPTION IN QUITO

According to the arrival time of your international flight, reception at Quito Airport by our staff and transfer to your hotel.
Arrival at the hotel and check-in.
Depending on the arrival time and the time available, the rest of the day will be free to rest after the journey or enjoy personal activities on your own.
Overnight at the hotel in Quito.

Day 2: QUITO COLONIAL - EQUATOR FULL DAY TOUR

07:00 – 08:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 AM: Pick-up from your hotel in Quito.
09:00 AM – 01:00 PM: Guided visit through the Historic Center of Quito, including some of its most important colonial landmarks such as the Basilica, Plaza de la Independencia, San Francisco Church, and other traditional sites of the city.
01:00 – 02:00 PM: Free time for lunch (not included).
02:00 PM: Departure to the Middle of the World Monument.
02:45 – 03:45 PM: Visit to the Middle of the World Monument.
04:00 – 05:00 PM: Visit to the Inti Ñan Museum.
05:00 – 05:30 PM: Return to Quito.
05:30 – 06:00 PM: Arrival at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Quito.

Day 3: MINDO DAY TOU

07:00 – 08:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 AM: Pick-up from your hotel in Quito to begin the excursion to Mindo.
10:00 AM approx.: Arrival in Mindo and start of the activities. During the day, you will enjoy the natural surroundings of this cloud forest area, known for its waterfalls, rivers, butterflies, orchids, and abundant wildlife. Depending on your preferences and the time available, you may enjoy activities such as canopy, tubing, hiking, visit the butterfly farm, a chocolate workshop, or explore some of the waterfalls in the area.
01:00 – 02:00 PM: Free time for lunch (not included).
03:00 PM approx.: Return to Quito.
05:00 – 06:00 PM approx.: Arrival at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Quito.

Day 4: FLIGHT QUITO TO COCA – NAPO RIVER – YASUNÍ

07:00 – 07:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel in Quito.
09:30 AM: Flight to Coca (Francisco de Orellana).
10:30 AM: Arrival, reception and transfer to the Napo River port.
11:30 AM – 01:00 PM: Motorized canoe ride, observing rainforest landscapes and riverside communities.
01:15 PM: Boarding the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer and welcome on board.
01:30 PM: Lunch on board.
03:30 PM: Navigation and free time to enjoy the observation deck and facilities.
07:00 PM: Dinner on board.
08:30 PM: Guided night jungle walk. Overnight onboard the M/V Manatee Amazon Explore

Day 5: YASUNÍ CORE – BLACKWATER ECOSYST

06:30 AM: Breakfast on board.
07:30 – 11:30 AM: Guided rainforest hike through terra firme forest, learning about medicinal plants, insects and wildlife interactions.
12:30 PM: Lunch on board.
02:00 – 05:30 PM: Canoe exploration through black water ecosystems, one of the most pristine habitats in the Amazon, ideal for spotting pink river dolphins, monkeys, exotic birds and possibly caimans.
07:00 PM: Dinner on board.
Overnight on board the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer.

Day 6: PARROT CLAY LICK – KICHWA CULTURE

07:00 AM: Breakfast on board.
08:00 – 10:30 AM: Visit to a local Amazonian community to learn about traditions, lifestyle and daily activities.
12:30 PM: Lunch on board.
02:30 – 04:30 PM: Relax onboard or enjoy presentations about Amazon biodiversity and culture.
04:30 – 06:00 PM: Exploration o observing unique river ecosystems and birdlife.
07:00 PM: Dinner on board.
Overnight on board the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer.

Day 7: OBSERVATION TOWER – LIMONCOCHA RESERVE

06:30 AM: Breakfast on board.
07:30 – 10:00 AM: Visit to the 37-meter observation tower, offering panoramic views of the rainforest canopy where birds, monkeys and wildlife are most active.
12:30 PM: Lunch on board.
02:30 – 06:00 PM: Visit to Limoncocha Biological Reserve, one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse areas with hundreds of bird and wildlife species.
06:30 – 07:30 PM: Night excursion using spotlights to observe the black caiman and other nocturnal animals.
08:00 PM: Dinner on board.
Overnight on board the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer.

Day 8: FLIGHT DE COCA - QUITO - GUAYAQUIL CITY TOUR

06:30 AM: Breakfast on board the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer.
07:00 AM: Disembarkation and transfer by speed canoe to Coca (approx. 2 hours).
09:00 AM: Arrival and transfer to the airport.
10:49 AM: Flight Coca – Quito.
11:25 AM: Arrival in Quito.
11:25 AM – 01:39 PM: Connection time.
01:39 PM: Flight Quito – Guayaquil.
02:32 PM: Arrival, meet & greet and transfer to the hotel.
03:10 – 03:40 PM: Check-in and rest.
04:00 PM: Start of the Private City Tour in Guayaquil.
04:00 – 04:40 PM: The visit to Malecón 2000.
04:45 – 05:05 PM: Seminario Park (Iguanas).
05:15 – 05:45 PM: Las Peñas neighborhood.
05:45 – 06:15 PM: Santa Ana Hill (viewpoint).
06:15 – 06:30 PM: Modern city drive.
06:30 PM: Return to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Guayaquil.

Day 9: FLIGHT GUAYAQUIL - GALAPAGOS/TRANSFER FROM TO GARRAPATERO BEACH

06:30 – 07:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
07:00 AM: Transfer from the hotel to Guayaquil Airport.
09:08 AM: Flight from Guayaquil to Galápagos.
10:05 AM: Arrival at Baltra Airport and reception by the guide.
10:15 – 11:00 AM: Transfer by bus to the Itabaca Channel and crossing by ferry.
11:00 – 11:30 AM: Continued transfer by local vehicle to the highlands of Santa Cruz.
11:30 AM – 01:00 PM: Visit to a ranch in the highlands to observe giant tortoises in their natural environment.
01:00 PM: Lunch included at the ranch.
02:30 – 04:00 PM: Visit to Garrapatero Beach, where you will have free time to relax and swim. Beach towels will be provided.
04:00 – 05:00 PM: Transfer to the hotel.
05:00 PM approx.: Arrival at the hotel and check-in.
Rest of the evening free. Dinner is not included, and you may choose from local restaurants in town. We recommend an evening walk along the pier, where juvenile blacktip sharks can often be seen.
Overnight at the hotel in Galápagos Isabela Island.

Day 10: SPEEDBOAT TO ISABELA/ TINTORERAS ISLET TOUR OR KAYAK/PADDLEBOARD

06:00 – 06:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
06:30 AM: Pick-up from the hotel and transfer to the pier.
07:00 AM: Departure by speedboat to Isabela Island.
09:00 AM: Arrival in Isabela and reception by our staff.
09:15 – 09:45 AM: Transfer to the hotel and check-in or luggage drop-off.
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Free time to enjoy the surroundings on your own. You may walk to the Flamingo Lagoon or relax at the beautiful beach located near the town.
12:30 – 01:30 PM: Free time for lunch (not included).
02:00 PM: Start of the afternoon activity, according to the option selected at the time of booking:

OPTION 1: KAYAK OR STAND UP PADDLE IN THE BAY

02:00 – 04:00 PM: Bay exploration by kayak or stand-up paddle, a peaceful way to observe wildlife without the noise of a motorboat.
Note: Depending on sea conditions, some days stand-up paddle may not be possible. The guide will make the final decision.

OPTION 2: TINTORERAS ISLET TOUR

02:00 – 04:00 PM: Boat excursion to Tintoreras Islet, where you may observe marine iguanas and sometimes white-tip sharks in a narrow channel visible from the islet. This excursion also includes a snorkeling session.
04:30 PM: Return to the hotel. Rest of the afternoon free.
Overnight at the hotel in Galápagos Isabela Island.

Day 11: TUNNEL TOUR / SPEEDBOAT TO SANTA CRUZ

07:00 – 07:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 AM: Pick-up from the hotel and transfer to the pier.
08:30 AM: Departure by boat to Cabo Rosa “Tuneles”, located about 45 minutes from the port.
09:15 AM – 01:30 PM: Excursion to Los Tuneles, a spectacular lava formation of arches and tunnels above and below sea level, located in a shallow bay. During the navigation and visit, it is possible to observe Galápagos penguins and occasionally blue-footed boobies.
The highlight of the excursion is the snorkeling session, where you may observe sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, sea lions, seahorses.
01:30 – 02:00 PM: Return to the port and transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the afternoon free to relax or enjoy personal activities on your own.
Overnight at the hotel in Galápagos Isabela Island.

Day 12: TRANSFER TO BALTRA AIRPORT

Breakfast at the hotel. Three hours before your flight departure time: Private transfer from the hotel to the Itabaca Channel.
Crossing of the channel by ferry.
Afterward, continuation by public bus for the final part of the journey to Baltra Airport.
Our staff will accompany you through the transfer and assist you until the check-in process at the airport.
Please note that the driver during the transfer is Spanish-speaking only.
PM: flight Baltra – Guayaquil. end of our services.

12 Days / 11 Nights

Best South America 12-Day Tour Itinerary

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What's included?

INCLUDED

Reception at Quito Airport and transfer to the hotel.
Quito Colonial and Middle of the World Tour with transportation, guide, and entrance fees.
Mindo Day Tour with transportation and guide.
Transfer from the hotel to Quito airport.
Flight Quito – Coca, including 23 kg checked baggage per person.
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) *Daily menu.
Transportation Coca-Manatee-Coca (Bus or Canoe).
Transfer from the hotel to Coca airport.
Flight Coca – Guayaquil, including 23 kg checked baggage per person.
Reception in Guayaquil and transfer to the hotel.
Guayaquil City Tour with transportation and guide.
Flight Guayaquil – Galápagos Baltra, including 23 kg checked baggage per person.
Reception in Galápagos and airport assistance.
Transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz, visit to the giant tortoise ranch, and continuation to Garrapatero Beach.
Lunch included during the arrival excursion in Galápagos.
Land and sea transfers indicated in the program within Galápagos.
Speedboat transfer to Isabela.
Tintoreras islet tour or kayak / paddleboard activity, according to the option chosen at the time of booking.
Los Tuneles / Cabo Rosa tour in shared service.
Box lunch during the Los Tuneles excursion.
Departure transfer to Baltra Airport, including ferry crossing and assistance until check-in.
Flight Galápagos Baltra – Guayaquil, including 23 kg checked baggage per person.
Daily breakfasts, according to the accommodation and itinerary.
Permanent assistance during the service.
Accommodation included:
- 03 nights at a hotel in Quito.
- 04 nights at a hotel in Coca.
- 01 night at a hotel in Guayaquil.
- 03 nights at a hotel in Galápagos.

NOT INCLUDED

Lunches and dinners not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Travel insurance (mandatory to have one that includes repatriation and loss of lug-gage)
Tips (guides expect tips, and the boat crew – for boat excursions / not for transfers between islands).
We will give you suggestions regarding tipping even if it is at every-one’s discretion
International retun flght from Guayaquil to your country at the end of the tour.

Prices & Options

Opción 1

Group Tours

From $7900 USD

Per person

COST WITH HOTELS 3*** CATEGORY:

DOUBLE ROOM

Opción 2

Group Tours

From $8200 USD

Per person

COST WITH HOTELS 4*** CATEGORY:

Travel Advisor

Freddy Huaman

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Joanne G

USA, 1 contribution

★★★★★

Unforgettable Experience

Recommended by a friend, this is an efficient, helpful and responsive agency.

We met our guide the day before the tour, which gave us a chance to get to know each other. Saul was very friendly; he adapted to our pace and enriched the tour with historical anecdotes about the site.

He even recommended places to visit in Aguas Calientes. Beyond the incredible cultural experience, it was also a wonderful human connection.

Written in May 2026

Evangeline Dionisio

Jurupa Valley, California · 14 contributions

14 Days Trip in Peru

My experience on this trip was wonderful. My tour guide Tatiana was excellent.

Written in Apr 2026

Chin L

2 contributions

15 Days In-Depth Tour of Peru

The tour was good but not very suitable for elderly travelers because of the early wake-up times.

The long bus trip from Nazca to Arequipa was especially tough. We left Nazca at 4 PM and arrived in Arequipa around 2:30 AM.

Tour guide Tatiana and all drivers did a very good job.

Martin K

Berlin, Germany · 1 contribution

Amazing Machu Picchu and Inca Trail Experience

I booked with MVP Experiences on the recommendation of a Peruvian friend and could not be happier.

Everything was organized perfectly and communication was excellent from start to finish.

Our guide Domingo was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Peru, the Inca Empire, and Machu Picchu.

After two days, it felt like we had been friends for years. Highly recommended.

Written in Mar 2026

Best South America 12-Day Tour Itinerary

Overview