Fly early from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra; arrival includes park control checkpoints and a short bus & ferry transfer to Santa Cruz island. Important: Galápagos National Park entry ~USD100 and Transit Control Card ~USD20 collected on arrival.
Visit the humid highlands, lava tunnels, and see Galápagos giant tortoises in semi-wild enclosures; tours run mornings and afternoons—open generally 8:00am–5:00pm.
Relax on Tortuga Bay (permit required) or book a short snorkeling trip to see marine iguanas, reef fish, and sea turtles; Tortuga Bay is typically open daylight hours and requires a 20–30 minute walk.
Full-day guided boat excursion to a visitor site—excellent birdlife, sea lions, marine iguanas, and snorkeling opportunities; typical operator tours run 7:30am–5:00pm and cost USD150–350 depending on vessel.
Early departure for a half- or full-day boat trip to Bartolomé (iconic viewpoint and Galápagos penguins) or Española (sea lion colonies and waved albatross in season). Boat trips operate daily; check operator schedule.
Early flight from Baltra to Quito or Guayaquil; transfer to international flight to Lima. Allow full day for connections—flight time Quito/Guayaquil → Lima ~3–4 hours including layover.
Full-day Sacred Valley tour: Pisac market and ruins (great for condor & Andean bird sightings around cliffs), then on to Ollantaytambo; tours operate 8:00am–6:00pm.
Explore the fortress and town, an excellent preservation of Inca engineering; prepare to board train to Aguas Calientes early next morning for Machu Picchu.
Bus from Aguas to Machu Picchu: 25–30 minutes; Machu Picchu site is open typically 6:00am–5:30pm but entry times are assigned—plan an early slot for fewer people.
Relaxed morning—confirm Manu expedition details, pack insect repellent, long-sleeves, and rain gear. Consider visiting the regional museum if time permits.
Most reversed-zone Manu tours (4–5 days) drive southeast from Cusco, entering progressively lower forest zones—expect long travel times the first day; guided multi-day lodges provide transfers; tours depart early.
Arrive at jungle lodge—night walk for nocturnal species (frogs, caimans and night birds) often organized after dinner; lodges operate year-round though schedules depend on river levels.
Early-morning birdwatching and canoe trips provide chances to see macaws, toucans, parrots and primates; guides are expert at spotting species—activities scheduled by lodge (dawn–midday).
Visit clay licks with high concentrations of macaws and parrots—some of the best wildlife spectacle in the Amazon; departure times vary by tour but often very early.
Depart before dawn for Geysers del Tatio (4:00–11:00 typical window); sunrise views over geysers and possible Andean flamingos at high-altitude lagoons—dress very warmly.
Bus or private transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales (~3 hours) or overnight bus—arrive and check into local accommodation to prepare for Torres del Paine.
Enter the park (park entrance fee approx USD35) and begin short hikes/en route photo stops—typical visitor hours are dawn-to-dusk; check seasonal road closures.
Choose a hike matching your fitness—Base of the Towers is iconic (~8–10 hours return if you do full trek). Expect sightings of guanacos, foxes, and birdlife; bring layered clothing.
Day trip to Perito Moreno glacier: walkway viewing platforms and optional boat trip in front of the glacier; park open typically 8:00am–6:00pm, boat schedules vary.
Full-day iconic trek to Laguna de los Tres for classic Fitz Roy views—6–9 hours depending on pace; bring snacks, layered clothing and water. Trails open daylight hours.
Explore extensive walkways to Devil’s Throat and upper/lower circuits; park typically open 8:00am–6:00pm. Great for close-up views and birdwatching (toucans, hummingbirds).
Visit the Brazilian side for panoramic vistas (Parque Nacional do Iguaçu), walk the main trails and take the elevator/viewpoint to Devil’s Throat; park open usually 9:00am–5:30pm—check border/visa requirements beforehand.
Optional visits: Bird Park (excellent for parrots and local species) or short helicopter flights over the falls (prices higher—advance booking recommended).
Use this day as a buffer for any missed activities, extra birding, or to rest before international flights home; optional cultural visit to local Jesuit ruins or craft markets.