18 days in Peru & Galapagos Islands Itinerary
Created using Klarna Trips South America holiday planner
Start: Los Angeles, United States
Fly
1
Lima, Peru
— 2 nights
Fly
2
Arequipa, Peru
— 1 night
Fly
3
Cusco, Peru
— 2 nights
Drive
4
Machu Picchu, Peru
— 2 nights
Drive
5
Quillabamba, Peru
— 1 night
+2
Drive to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, Fly to San Cristóbal Airport, Drive to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
6
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador
— 2 nights
Ferry
7
Puerto Villamil, Ecuador
— 3 nights
Ferry
8
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
— 3 nights
+2
Bus to Santa Cruz Ferry Terminal, Ferry to Baltra Ferry Terminal, Fly to Los Angeles
End: Los Angeles, United States
Sat, Nov 14 - Tue, Dec 1
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Lima, Peru — 2 nights

City of the Kings
Founded in 1535 by Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro, Lima represents an interesting blend of modern attractions and preserved colonial architecture, much of it clustered in the World Heritage-listed city center.On the 15th (Sun), take an in-depth tour of Museo Convento San Francisco y Catacumbas, ponder the design of Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor), then take an in-depth tour of Museo Larco, and finally stroll around Circuito Magico Del Agua. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 16th (Mon): take in the spiritual surroundings of San Pedro Church (Iglesia de San Pedro), take a stroll through Miraflores, contemplate the long history of Huaca Pucllana, then shop like a local with Shopping Center Larcomar (Centro Comercial Larcomar), and finally stroll around Parque Alfredo Salazar.
To see photos, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Lima itinerary site.
Los Angeles, USA to Lima is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Pacific Standard Time (PST) to Peru Standard Time (PET) is 3 hours. Traveling from Los Angeles in November, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Lima, with lows around 63°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) so you can catch the flight to Arequipa.
Find places to stay Nov 14 — 16:
Highlights from your trip
Arequipa, Peru — 1 night

White City
In an area dominated three imposing volcanoes, Arequipa vacations allow visitors to admire well-preserved colonial architecture in a dramatic setting.Kick off your visit on the 17th (Tue): admire the landmark architecture of Plaza de Armas, take an in-depth tour of Museo Santuarios Andinos, then examine the collection at Santa Catalina Monastery, then take in the exciting artwork at Arte Colonial, and finally make a trip to Complejo de la Compania de Jesus.
For traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, use the Arequipa itinerary planning site.
Getting from Lima to Arequipa by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Lima in November, plan for slightly colder nights in Arequipa, with lows around 49°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) so you can fly to Cusco.
Find places to stay Nov 16 — 17:
Highlights from your trip
Cusco, Peru — 2 nights

Imperial City
Capital of the Inca Empire for three centuries, World Heritage-listed Cusco is now a major tourist destination, drawing nearly 2 million annual tourists with its well-preserved colonial architecture and proximity to Machu Picchu.Keep things going the next day: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cusco Cathedral, trek along Inca Trail, then admire the striking features of Centro Historico De Cusco, and finally explore the ancient world of Sacsayhuaman.
To see ratings, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Cusco road trip app.
Fly from Arequipa to Cusco in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. November in Cusco sees daily highs of 72°F and lows of 45°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Machu Picchu.
Find places to stay Nov 17 — 19:
Highlights from your trip
Machu Picchu, Peru — 2 nights

A symbol of the Incan civilization, the abandoned city of Machu Picchu represents a must-see on a Peru vacation.On the 20th (Fri), steep yourself in history at Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu and then admire the natural beauty at Mandor.
To see other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Machu Picchu trip planner.
Drive from Cusco to Machu Picchu in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sat) so you can travel to Quillabamba.
Find places to stay Nov 19 — 21:
Highlights from your trip
Quillabamba, Peru — 1 night

Start off your visit on the 21st (Sat): hike along Salkantay Trail.
For more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Quillabamba trip builder site.
Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Machu Picchu to Quillabamba. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) so you can travel to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
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For more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Quillabamba trip builder site.
Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Machu Picchu to Quillabamba. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) so you can travel to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Nov 20 — 22:
Highlights from your trip
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Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador — 2 nights

The capital of the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is located on easternmost island of the archipelago, San Cristobal.On the 23rd (Mon), learn more about the world around you at Interpretation Center, then pause for some photo ops at Estatua de Charles Darwin, and then explore the striking landscape of Cerro Tijeretas. On the 24th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: tour the pleasant surroundings at Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, kick back and relax at Puerto Chino Beach, and then stroll through La Loberia.
To see other places to visit, ratings, maps, and tourist information, go to the Puerto Baquerizo Moreno road trip site.
Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Quillabamba to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. In November in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, expect temperatures between 80°F during the day and 71°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Tue) to allow enough time to ride a ferry to Puerto Villamil.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Nov 22 — 24:
Highlights from your trip
Puerto Villamil, Ecuador — 3 nights
Located in the southeast of Isla Isabela, Puerto Villamil is home to the majority of the island's 2,200 inhabitants.Puerto Villamil is known for nature, parks, and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: get impressive views of Sierra Negra, step off the mainland to explore Turtle Island, make a trip to The Wall of Tears, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Concha de Perla.
To find traveler tips, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read our Puerto Villamil trip itinerary planner.
Traveling by ferry from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Puerto Villamil takes 6 hours. The time zone difference moving from Ecuador Time to Galapagos Time is minus 1 hour. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Fri) to allow enough time to ride a ferry to Puerto Ayora.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Nov 24 — 27:
Highlights from your trip
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador — 3 nights
The largest settlement in the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora offers visitors to the islands an array of facilities and things to do.Puerto Ayora is known for parks, wildlife, and nature. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: head outdoors with Think Galapagos, make a trip to Santa Cruz Fish Market, stroll through El Chato - Giant Tortoise Reserve, and take a leisurely stroll along Malecon de Puerto Ayora.
For other places to visit, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Puerto Ayora sightseeing website.
Traveling by ferry from Puerto Villamil to Puerto Ayora takes 3.5 hours. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Puerto Villamil to Puerto Ayora due to the time zone difference. November in Puerto Ayora sees daily highs of 80°F and lows of 71°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Nov 27 — 30:
Highlights from your trip
Peru travel guide
Land of the Incas
In a country renowned for its pre-Columbian archeological sites, no Peru vacation would be complete without an adrenaline-inducing hike to Machu Picchu, World Heritage-listed symbol of the once-mighty Incan Empire. Aside from visiting these spectacular ruins set against the backdrop of photogenic mountain peaks, most holidays in Peru also include an exploration of the country's pretty cities, boasting well-preserved colonial architecture and a slew of modern buildings housing fine museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants. Ideal for active vacationers, Peru trips are also tailor-made for gourmands, as the country's eclectic cuisine blends tasty influences from Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Galapagos Islands travel guide
Famous worldwide thanks to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, the remote World Heritage-listed Galapagos Islands are situated in the Pacific Ocean and belong to Ecuador. On a tour of Galapagos Islands, you can witness the staggering amount of endemic wildlife the archipelago is noted for. Besides a couple of cities on the main islands, the landscape remains mostly pristine, as the guided tours follow strict rules and limit visitor numbers. Fascinating creatures, untouched nature, unrivalled snorkeling, scuba diving, and more await you on your Galapagos Islands trip.