Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Introduce your students to the deep history, vibrant nature, and rich culture of Ecuador, the Galápagos, and Peru. In Quito, your students will learn about the lasting influence of colonialism during visits to Independence Plaza. In Peru, your class will visit the can’t-miss landmarks of Cusco and Lima and spend a full day exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu. Your group can also look forward to visiting a tortoise breeding and conservation centre and touring the Darwin Research Station.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Quito
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 2
Quito guided sightseeing tour
Independence Plaza, Palacio de Carondelet, San Francisco Church visit, Mitad del Mundo visit
Day 3
Fly to San Cristóbal Island
Interpretation Centre visit
Discover the rich human and natural history of the Galápagos Islands through engaging exhibits and stories.
Tijeretas Bay excursion
Take a coastal hike of Tijeretas Bay and observe frigatebirds, rays, sea lions, and other wildlife.
Playa Mann beach time
Day 4
La Galapaguera visit
This tortoise breeding and conservation centre is dedicated to increasing the population of the island’s vulnerable tortoises. Follow a winding trail through a spacious park where giant tortoises roam freely, then visit the pens where younger tortoises are grouped by age before being released into the wild.
Hike to El Junco Lake
Walk among lush green ferns and watch as White-cheeked Pintails and colourful Gallinules swoop and swim around you in one of the few freshwater lakes in the Galápagos.
La Loberia Beach excursion
Snorkel at La Loberia Beach and spot sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and lava lizards.
Day 5
Transfer to Santa Cruz Island via boat
Darwin Research Station guided visit
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, where decades of scientific work have helped protect the Galápagos’ rarest species. Observe giant tortoises bred for survival, explore exhibits on marine conservation, and witness the legacy of evolution in the very place that inspired it.
Tortuga Bay beach time
Day 6
Transfer to Baltra Island via Itabaca Canal
Twin Craters visit
Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, sit opposite each other along the road from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. Though not true craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material into underground fissures and chambers. After a moderate hike, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view.
Fly to Quito
Day 7
Fly to Cusco
Cusco guided sightseeing tour
Colourful Cusco was once a vital Inca centre, and the surrounding sites reflect the empire’s power. Begin your tour at Tambomachay, ritual baths likely used by nobility, where underground water bubbles over intricately carved stone platforms. At Qenko, priests once poured llama blood over a zigzagging stone to predict planting season luck. Puca Pucara, possibly a hunting lodge or imperial retreat, offers sweeping views of southern glaciers. You'll also visit the impressive Sacsayhuamán Fortress, known for its massive stone walls and strategic significance in Inca history.
Day 8
Sacred Valley full-day sightseeing tour
Train ride to Agua Calientes (Machupicchu Pueblo)
The train passes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Aguas Calientes.
Day 9
Explore Machu Picchu
Board a train and travel through the Sacred Valley on a full-day excursion to Machu Picchu, Peru’s most famous site. Set high on a mountaintop and surrounded by jungle, this remarkable Inca city remained hidden from the outside world until 1912.
Transfer back to Cusco
Day 10
Fly to Lima
Lima guided sightseeing tour
Discover Lima’s rich history and vibrant culture on a guided tour of its most iconic landmarks. Visit the neo-colonial Government Palace, City Hall, and the Cathedral of Lima with its 14 side doors. Explore upscale San Isidro, scenic Miraflores, and the historic San Francisco Convent, all overlooking the Pacific coast.
Fly home
Day 11
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions.
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Scenes from Galápagos and Machu Picchu
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.