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Machu Picchu Galapagos Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Machu Picchu Galapagos. We've got 24 trips going to Machu Picchu Galapagos, starting from just 11 days in length, and the longest tour is 30 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the most tour departures.

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24 machu picchu galapagos tour packages with 113 reviews.

Machu Picchu and Galapagos

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Peru Splendors with Galápagos Cruise

• Ocean Cruise

Peru & Galapagos Discovery - 15 Days

• In-depth Cultural

Spirit of South America with Amazon & Galápagos Cruise

Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Galapagos Cruise

• Christmas & New Year

1 Journey 2 Wonders: Machu Picchu & The Galapagos Islands

• River Cruise

From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon with Galápagos Cruise 2025

Discover the Galápagos & Peru 2024

• Sightseeing

From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon with the Nazca Lines & Galápagos Cruise 2025

Discover the Galápagos & Peru 2025

• Intl. Flights Included

South America's Big Five

• Flights included

Ultimate South America With Brazil's Amazon & Galapagos Cruise 2024

Ultimate South America With A Galapagos Cruise 2024

Highlights of Peru (Amazon, 13 Days, Intra Tour Air Cusco To Lima)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Mysteries Of The Inca Empire With A Galapagos Cruise 2024

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Machu Picchu, Ecuador Amazon & Galapagos Cruise

14 days | 100 passengers | from $6,290.

Machu Picchu, Ecuador Amazon & Galapagos Cruise

Visit three of the most fascinating destinations in South America in one trip. Explore the ancient ruins of the Inca civilization. Stay in a luxurious eco-lodge…

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• Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Visit three of the most fascinating destinations in South America in one trip. Explore the ancient ruins of the Inca civilization. Stay in a luxurious eco-lodge in the Amazon amidst scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, and countless other animals. Cruise the Galapagos Islands and view wildlife that inspired Darwin to introduce his theory of natural selection.

• TRIP LENGTH  14 days
• STARTING AT $6,290
• DEPARTURE DATES  Every Sunday
• BOAT CAPACITY 100 passengers

*Prices based on 2 travelers

• Explore the Sacred Valley & Cusco
• Visit an ancient Inca Fortress
• Trek through the Amazon rainforest
• View the forest from a canopy tower
• Watch parrots flock at clay licks
• Observe endemic wildlife in the Galapagos
• Private tours in Peru and mainland Ecuador
• Small group excursions on the Galapagos cruise
• All lodging in double or triple occupancy
• All activities per itinerary
• Airport transfers
• Internal airfare (additional cost)
• Detailed pre-departure materials
• Dedicated Andean Discovery US & South American staff assisting you every step of the way!
• International airfare to and from South America
• $120 per person Galapagos park fees
• Travel insurance (available upon request)

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Meet your Andean Discovery guide and transfer to your hotel.

Quito, Ecuador, is a spectacular city positioned just a few miles shy of the equator in a narrow valley surrounded by volcanoes. At 9,350 feet above sea level, it is the second highest capital city in Latin America and maintains a pleasant spring-like climate all year round. Quito is also the cultural epicenter of Ecuador, with a plethora of museums, expansive outdoor parks, and colorful festivals and fairs. Upon evening arrival into Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you will be met by Andean Discovery staff and transferred to your hotel to relax after the long flights.

Meals : On your own

Standard Lodging: NH Hotel Quito

Superior Lodging : Swissotel Quito

Options & Add-ons: Consider flying in a day earlier and enjoy a city tour or explore an Andean cloud forest.

Nature walk with blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and sea lions on North Seymour. Begin Legend Itinerary “C”.

This morning you will be met by Andean Discovery staff and transferred to the airport in time for your morning flight to Baltra Island, Galápagos. Upon arrival in the Galapagos, you will be met by your Galapagos naturalist guide and have lunch and a welcome briefing on board the Galapagos Legend. This afternoon you will disembark on North Seymour Island and enjoy a two-hour walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in-depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles and as well as sea lions. You will also observe sea lions, and land iguanas, and on a lucky day, you might even come across a Galapagos Snake.

Meals : B, L, D

Lodging: Galapagos Legend – Standard Cabin

Cabin Upgrades: Standard Plus Cabin , Junior Suite, Balcony Suite

Options & Add-ons: If you prefer a smaller boat, opt for the 20 and 36-passenger Coral I & II vessels or upgrade to a luxury 16-passenger catamaran or yacht

Nature walk on Bartolome and Santiago Islands. See the varied types of volcanic geology.

Bartolome Island

This morning, discover a fascinating moonscape formed by different volcanic parasitic cones spatter, cinder, and lava bombs as you hike to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone Pinnacle Rock. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies. Due to its geographical location, the lack of vegetation is immediately noticeable. Pioneer plants are observed, so called because they are the first to establish roots on new ground. They include Tiquilia nesiotica (which is endemic to the island), Chamaesyce (known as sand mat or spurge in English), lava cactus, and Scalesia bushes.

Sullivan Bay

This afternoon, explore Sullivan bay, a coral beach leading to an expanse of lava. Look for signs of plant life that have emerged over the past hundred years, since the most recent volcanic explosion. Explore the archipelago’s varied types of volcanic geology characteristics all in one spot.

High intensity hike along green beach and a volcanic tuff. White sand beaches and snorkeling at Wizard Hill.

Pitt Point / Pitt Islet

Wet landing followed by a high intensity hike on rocky terrain. The trail includes an olivine beach of 90 meters long and a path that climbs to the top of a volcanic tuff, through several magnificent viewpoints. This is probably the only site where the three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen together, as well as two species of frigate birds and a sea lion colony; it is also excellent for dinghy rides and snorkeling, where a good range of sea birds can be observed.

Wizard Hill

Wizard Hill or Cerro Brujo is an eroding tuff cone* that at several locations is composed of AA lava formations, and a beautiful white sand beach, great for snorkeling and sunbathing. We visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen: Black-necked Stilts, Ruddy Turnstones, Whimbrels, other sandpiper species, and White-cheeked Pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal, and the adjacent coast.

Cabin Upgrades: Standard Plus Cabin, Junior Suite, Balcony Suite

Visit giant tortoises and learn about conservation programs, stop in the port village, then begin the journey to Quito.

Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve Dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Passengers visit the San Cristóbal giant tortoise Breeding Center to learn about the National Park’s conservation programs. Enjoy a beautiful landscape on the way to the Reserve. Passengers will also have the opportunity to visit the port village, have a drink or shop for arts and crafts and other souvenirs. Transfer to the airport in Baltra in time for your flight to Quito. A light lunch/snack will be served on the flight. Additional lunch not included. Upon arrival at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you will be met by Andean Discovery staff and transferred to your hotel.

Standard Lodging: Rincon de Puembo

Superior Lodging : EB Hotel Quito Airport

Featuring the Napo Wildlife Center itinerary. Fly to the small town of Coca and make your way to your lodge by canoe.

This morning a 30-minute flight takes you to Coca, a small town located in the upper Amazon Basin. From there embark on a 2-hour motorized canoe ride along the Napo River. Look for marine birds, including herons and kingfishers, along the way. Next board traditional, dugout canoes for a majestic and peaceful 1- to 2-hour ride surrounded by trees overhead. You will be paddled along a narrow creek that connects to the lagoon where your lodge is located. Keep your eyes out for monkeys, toucans, parrot, and macaws. After arriving at the lodge and enjoying dinner, opt to look for caimans around the lake as you take in the evening sounds of the jungle.

Standard Lodging: Sacha Lodge

Superior Lodging : Napo Wildlife Center

Visit two parrot clay licks, enjoy hikes through the forest, then relax at your lodge and observe all different wildlife.

A native Anangu guide and a bilingual naturalist guide lead you during todays excursions, including visits to two parrot clay licks. Back at the lodge you may see a group of giant otters investigating near the dock, a large black caiman crossing the lake, a capybara looking for rest near the waters edge, or blue and yellow macaws soaring overhead.

See the Amazon canopy from a bird’s eye view a-top an observation tower, hike the forest, and end with a canoe ride.

After an early breakfast, climb a 120- foot canopy observation tower and emerge on top of a huge Ceiba tree. Here you cross onto a wooden platform that is built into the tree to experience the view formerly reserved only for the birds. Flocks of colorful tanagers pass through the tree canopy, Spider Monkeys search for fruit in nearby trees, and toucans call in the early mornings and afternoons. This afternoon hike into the forest interior where you may see lizards, colorful manikins, or the unique and endemic Golden mantle tamarin monkeys. Afterward, explore the lake and creeks by dugout canoe with great possibilities of running into a Giant otter family.

One last canoe ride to conclude your amazon stay before beginning your journey to Lima, Peru.

This morning board the canoes for a paddle upstream back to Coca for your flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito enjoy a late lunch at a nearby restaurant and transfer back to the airport in time for your international flight to Lima, Peru. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be met by Andean Discovery staff and transferred to your hotel.

Meals : B, L

Lodging: Wyndham Lima Airport

Options & Add-ons: Add an extra day in Lima to explore this vibrant city, boasting some of the best restaurants in all of Latin America

Meet friendly llamas and alpacas and enjoy lunch at a private Andean estate.

Wake up knowing the capital of the ancient Incan Empire awaits! An Andean Discovery staff member will ensure your journey to Cusco goes smoothly by assisting the check-in for your one-hour flight. After a spectacular trip over the Andes Mountains, your Andean Discovery guide and driver will greet you and you’ll begin your descent into the Sacred Valley. This area extends from Cusco, the Imperial City, to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. In this area, ancient civilization and modern life collide with an intriguing mix of archeological sites and vibrant small towns. Meet fluffy llamas and alpacas and learn about the important role of weaving in Peruvian culture, and visit an artisan textile market. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a private estate and peruse its fine collection of Inca and colonial artifacts. Later this afternoon, you’ll check into your room at an Andean paradise with fragrant gardens and mountain views.

Standard Lodging: Tierra Viva Sacred Valley

Superior Lodging : Hacienda Urubamba. Enjoy stargazing, panoramic views and more with this upgrade

Options & Add-ons: Visit a crafts market in Pisac and walk a trail up to ancient temples

Visit the fortress at Ollantaytambo and embark on the famous train ride through the cloud forest toward Machu Picchu.

This morning continue down the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, home to the royal estate of the ninth Inca, Pachacuti, one of the most important Inca rulers because of his role in expanding the empire throughout South America. Today, Ollantaytambo is thought to be the only remaining example of pre- Colombian urban planning. It still retains the original street plan and foundations designed by the Incas. Later this morning, experience one of the world’s great train rides as you embark on the journey to Machu Picchu. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views as the mighty Urubamba River carves its way through the Andean peaks outside your window. Descend into the cloud forest and arrive in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. If you opt for the upgraded lodging, our staff will assist you to your boutique eco-lodge, Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, situated in 13 acres of cloud forest garden along the Urubamba River. This afternoon is free to spend as you desire, with opportunities to visit thermal hot springs, a natural sweat lodge sauna, and a serene orchid pavilion.

Standard Lodging: Casa Andina MP

Superior Lodging : MP Pueblo Hotel. Enjoy hot springs, nature trails, and other activities in the cloud forest with this upgrade

Options & Add-ons: Extra visit to Machu Picchu – Short Inca Trail trek to MP

Travel back in time as you explore Machu Picchu with your guide and enjoy a hike up nearby Wayna Picchu.

Take a short bus ride through tropical mountain forests to reach Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. Flanked by steep Andean peaks on all sides and the mighty Urubamba River gorge below, it’s no wonder the Spanish were never able to find this secret Incan hideaway. Journey back in time with a walking tour through the complex and learn about the mysterious origins of this other- worldly citadel, which once served as a private retreat for Inca royals and their families. Marvel at the intricate and sophisticated stonework of its dwellings, sculptures, terraces and waterways, all of which make Machu Picchu one of the greatest architectural achievements of all time. Visit the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Plaza, and the famous Intihuatana stone, a sacred stone carved by the Inca to mark the solstice and determine the beginning and end of each agricultural year. After exploring Machu Picchu, relax and watch the clouds of mist roll in over the mountains or opt for an exhilarating hike up to the summit of Wayna Picchu for an unparalleled aerial view of the ruins. Return to Cusco this evening. Dinner on your own.

Standard Lodging: Casa Andina Cusco

Superior Lodging : Palacio del Inka

Options & Add-ons: Hike to the summit of Wayna Picchu for a birds- eye view of Machu Picchu

Visit the Coricancha sun temple, Sacsayhuaman, and a local food market, then fly to Lima and depart.

This morning you will explore Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire and known as the ”Navel of the World” in the Quechua language. Quechua- speaking descendants of the Incas fill the streets, proof that this ancient culture is still vibrant today. Meet your guide and wander down cobbled walkways admiring the architecture, a unique blend of Inca and Spanish influences. The first stop is a local, open-air market where Cusqueños buy their produce, meats, and cheeses. Discover exotic fruits, and several varieties of Quinoa, the Andean superfood, as well as unusual items like guinea pig and live frogs. Sample local delicacies, such as Chuta bread, which is cooked in traditional wood-burning ovens. Later this morning, visit the Coricancha, a temple dedicated to the sun that was once covered in sheets of gold and filled with golden figures and statues. This afternoon enjoy some free time to explore Cusco on your own. Explore the colorful artisan shops of the San Blas neighborhood and search for the famed twelve sided stone. Later this afternoon you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, check in for your international flight. Dinner not included.

Lodging: Overnight flight

Options & Add-ons: Peruvian cooking class and food market tour with a local Chef

• Day 14 Arrive Home

Swissotel | Quito, Ecuador

The Swissotel Quito is a luxurious hotel located in the Floresta neighborhood of Quito. Overlook the city of Quito from your room and enjoy the view of the mountains. Enjoy a relaxing stay in the wellness area after a long adventure, the wellness area includes an outdoor and indoor pool and a sauna. If you want to work out they also have a sports area and a gym and fitness centre. Amenities include free internet connection, air conditioning, and other modern amenities.

Galapagos Legend Cruise Ship

The Galapagos Legend provides luxury without formality. It has many social areas, such as the sun deck, pool and piano lounge. Guests dine on exceptional local and international cuisine buffet style in indoor and alfresco dining areas. 24 hr. room service is available. The conference room can accommodate 90 people. Seven multilingual guides lead guests on expeditions by foot and aboard a glass bottom boat to the islands' most popular sites. Guests can relax in the sauna, spa or massage room. The "Kids Korner" playground, games room and mini cinema ensure that children won't be bored.

EB Hotel Quito Airport | Quito, Ecuador

Conveniently located at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), the Eurobuilding Hotel is the perfect home base for day trips exploring Quito's historic district, or to spend a layover before heading to the Galapagos Islands or Amazon.

Napo Wildlife Center | Amazon, Ecuador

Located deep in Yasuní­ National Park, the Napo Wildlife Center is the most luxurious lodge in Ecuador's Amazon. It is 100% owned and managed by the native Añangu community, a pioneer in sustainable, culturally friendly tourism in Ecuador. The lodge consists of 12 luxury bungalows and a large dining hall with a library and a well-stocked bar. Attached to the bar is a 50-foot viewing tower from which you can see the Andes on a clear day! The surrounding rainforest is teeming with wildlife, including over 562 species of birds, troops of monkeys, giant river otters, and many other animals. Enjoy small-group excursions with a native guide and bilingual naturalist guide, both experts in spotting and identifying the wildlife of the Amazon.

Lima Airport Wyndham Hotel | Lima, Peru

Conveniently located within Jorge Chavez International Airport, the Lima Airport Wyndham Hotel offers guests first class accommodations and services.

Hacienda Urubamba | Sacred Valley, Peru

Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the luxurious Hacienda Urubamba is a contemporary hacienda-style lodge. Set on a 100-acre property, the lodge is surrounded by imposing green mountains and boasts awe-inspiring panoramic views. All 12 rooms in the Casa Hacienda and 24 stand-alone luxury casitas feature breathtaking views of the valley, immersing guests in open space, serenity and relaxing solitude. The architecture and interiors are inspired by the area's cultural history, with colonial furniture, handcrafted woodwork, and authentic Inca masks that add to the hacienda's local charm. An "Earth to Table" culinary concept is operated with its own 10-acre organic plantation where guests are welcome to pick their own produce. Carbon-free crops such as quinoa, Urubamba giant corn, medicinal herbs and a variety of potatoes are farmed with traditional hand tools and oxen, as done centuries ago.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel | Urubamba, Peru

Inkaterra Machu Picchu is an intimate 85-cottage luxury hotel tucked within 12 secluded acres of cloud forest. Waterfalls and streams gently cascade through acres of orchids, and multiple species of hummingbirds whiz around the property. Guests follow stone pathways to their rooms, located in comfortable one- or two-story whitewashed casitas.

Palacio del Inka | Cusco, Peru

A storied mansion dating back nearly five centuries, Libertador Palacio del Inka Hotel is perfectly located in the historic center of Cusco. Directly across from the Koricancha, the temple of the sun, it is a five-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas main square and less than a mile from an array of museums, markets, and restaurants. Uniting the past and present, Palacio del Inka offers traditional spa treatments and an indoor therapy pool. The Inti Raymi restaurant offers authentic Peruvian and international dishes.

Napo Wildlife Center

Located deep in Yasuní­ National Park, the Napo Wildlife Center is the most luxurious lodge in Ecuador’s Amazon. It is 100% owned and managed by the native Añangu community, a pioneer in sustainable, culturally friendly tourism in Ecuador. The lodge consists of 12 luxury bungalows and a large dining hall with a library and a

1-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Follow the footsteps of ancient Inca messengers to enter Machu Picchu through the famous Gate of the Sun, while sleeping in comfortable eco-lodges. This one-day trek allows you to enjoy the wonder and mystique of the Inca Trail in an abbreviated version. You’ll follow the final day of the classic 4-day Inca Trail Trek for a legendary introduction to the majestic citadel Machu Picchu.

Quito & Surrounding Areas: Day Tour Options

Discover all you need to plan your City Tour Colonial Quito & Yanacocha Nature Walk or Equator. Find photos, itineraries and custom made tours.

City Tour of Lima, Peru

Spend an afternoon visiting colonial-era Lima. Founded by the ruthless Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima went on to become a viceroyalty of the Spanish empire before it became the capital of the newly independent republic.

Nazca Lines & Paracas National Reserve

Fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines and explore Paracas National Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site. A boat trip to the Ballestas Islands offers great perspective of the desert coastline and up-close viewing of coastal birds, sea lions, and fur seals. Day 1: Depart Lima early this morning for Paracas, taking in magnificent coastal

Peruvian Cooking Class | Cusco

Peruvian cuisine is at once incredibly varied and surprisingly unique. It draws on the nation’s rich confluence of cultures and its diverse geography, which provides chefs with an extensive natural pantry. Peruvians have long been deeply proud of their gastronomic tradition but more recently the rest of the world has caught on to the fact

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Please fill out the form below and we will be in touch with you shortly with more details about this trip., reserve now, want to design your own trip please fill out the form below, and we will be in touch with you shortly to help you create an authentic experience defined by your travel style., customize a trip, best time to visit colombia.

Colombia is a great place to visit throughout the year because of its proximity to the equator. Although the official dry season is from December to March, the Caribbean coast and Medellin experience warm, dry weather all year round. The tourist high season is December to February and areas like Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park can be crowded during this time. Generally, Colombia requires light clothing suitable for warm to hot weather. During these months, the nights in the highlands can become chilly in areas of higher altitude so travelers should pack layers for when the sun goes down.

The lowlands enjoy similar tropical temperatures year-round but more frequent rain showers occur in April to June and again in October and November.

Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon climate is wet all year long. Pack very light clothing but long sleeves and trousers to prevent mosquito bites during the evenings. It is also essential to have waterproof clothing in preparation for downpours.

What to Pack

The style of clothing worn by local Colombians generally depends on the region they inhabit. To fit in with the locals, pack a selection of light, summer-friendly options for visits to tropical Cartagena and a variety of big-city brights and fashionable nightwear for cities like Medellin and Bogota. Dressing in lightweight, easy-dry layers is a great way to stay cozy and comfortable throughout your trip to Colombia as the weather varies in each region depending on the time of day you travel.

Residents throughout Colombia pride themselves on being fashion forward and formal dress is often expected for fancy dinners and night-time activities. Male visitors may wish to purchase a Guayabera, or “fancy white shirt” after they arrive in Colombia as these garments are favored by locals and are considered acceptable attire for nearly any social situation within the country.

Where You’ll Stay

Colombia is a popular hotspot for international tourists and South American natives alike and travelers have several options for accommodations during their stay. Our personalized Colombia tours offer a wide variety of lodging experiences and guests are able to choose from a huge selection of the best Colombia hotels available. We partner with several leading accommodation providers from small hostels to five-star hotels to ensure you have the best experience possible on your trip to Colombia!

Colombia’s tourism sector has experienced huge growth over the last decade – and for good reason! Read on to learn more about the top trips and tours in Colombia at Andean Discovery!

COFFEE TRIANGLE

Coffee lovers curious about the origin of their morning buzz will love exploring eje cafetero, home to world-renowned Arabica coffee. The area’s mysterious scenery, an assortment of flora and fauna, charming Andean villages, and tasty traditional trucha (trout) will captivate the interest of people who don’t even drink the famed beverage.

Colorful colonial history, tropical Caribbean setting, and wonderful weather come together in Cartagena. Enjoy a laidback ambiance as you explore Ciudad Amurallada, one of the world’s best-preserved walled cities containing a plethora of flowers, colorful buildings, and intimate plazas. Make sure to pack your dancing shoes because Cartagena has a variety of authentic salsa joints where the bands play as their pay depends on getting people to dance.

AMAZON CALANOA LODGE

View the Amazon rainforest from the comfort of a low-impact, small-scale settlement with easy access to natural marvels. The Calanoa Project promotes respectful tourism by working with nearby indigenous communities to preserve ancestral knowledge and cultural practices. They have planted hundreds of hardwood trees, fruits and palms have been planted in order to supply food, fibers, and building materials for a self-sufficient operation. You will also enjoy Calanoa’s cuisine, a fusion of local Amazonian traditions with Brazilian, Colombian, and Peruvian influences using organic and fresh local produce.

NATIONAL PARK TOUR

One of Colombia’s most popular national parks, Tayrona National Park, encompasses the Caribbean coast from the Bahí­a de Taganga near Santa Marta to the mouth of the Rí­o Piedras. Tayrona National Park includes beaches, a rainforest, and even an arid landscape with cacti and light-brown hills in the western section. The park is home to at least 56 endangered species.

NATURE RESERVE

Birders and wildlife enthusiasts shouldn’t miss El Dorado Reserve, considered to be a Holy Grail for birding in the Americas. This 1,600-acre reserve hosts the highest concentration of continental, range-restricted bird species found anywhere in the world, just a two hours drive from the tourist city of Santa Marta. You can also find endemic and threatened amphibian specie, as well as local flora and fauna.

A historically infamous city, Medellin is now gaining attention for its incredible rebirth and inventiveness. Colombia’s second-largest city even beat cities like New York and Tel Aviv to be awarded “World’s Most Innovative City” in 2013. Known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, the area boasts pleasant temperatures year-round and supports lush botanical gardens in its picturesque location in the Aburrá Valley. This vibrant city is filled with public art, modernist architecture, and impressive museums, but the party really starts when the sun goes down and rhythms of Colombian Salsa and Vallenato music fill the air. This city likes to eat, drink, dance, and watch soccer in its numerous bars and restaurants.

Little is known about the natives who inhabited the area that is now Colombia before the Spanish arrived in 1500.

Shortly after arriving, the Spanish established the colony of New Granada and built the settlement of Santa Fe de Bogota, which subsequently becomes known as Bogota. These new colonies thrived and many African slaves were taken to these cities to assist with building and maintenance. After a 14-year struggle, Simí³n Bolí­var’s Venezuelan troops defeated the Spanish at the battle of Boyacá in Colombia in 1819. The resulting Republic of Gran Colombia united Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, and Ecuador as a single country under one central leader. Due to regional differences, Gran Colombia dissolved in 1829-1830 when Bolí­var lost Venezuela and Ecuador to separatists.

In the 19th century, Colombia was a troubled country and suffered eight civil wars between its liberal and conservative parties as conservatives believed in a strong central government and a powerful church while liberals believed in a decentralized government, strong regional power, and a limited role of the church. Political instability continued through the late 19th century and culminated in the War of a Thousand Days which began in 1899 and resulted in the death of nearly 120,000 people.

In the early 20th century, social legislation was introduced and Colombia was generally peaceful and without conflict – trade unions were encouraged, the economy developed and the export of coffee increased. This period of rest was short-lived however and the assassination of the well-liked and respected left-wing mayor of Bogota in 1948 caused riots and began a civil war that lasted until 1957.

At the beginning of the 21st century, the situation in Colombia improved. In 2000, the United States pledged $1.3 billion to fight drug trafficking with “Plan Colombia”. Violence in Colombia declined after 2002 when President Alvaro Uribe increased Colombia’s security, aggressively campaigned against the drug trade, and passed several economic reform bills.

In 2012, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA) went into effect. This agreement eliminated tariffs and other trade barriers to the exchange of goods and services between Colombia and the United States. In the early 21st century, the Colombian economy grew rapidly and poverty and unemployment declined. Today, Colombia is booming, tourism is increasing and the country has a bright future.

History of Peru

The history of Peru (before the Inca era) as we know it today has been uncovered, in large part, through large archaeological excavation endeavors. Historical artifacts including ceramics, textiles, and cave drawings have been collected, sorted, and displayed throughout Peru’s archaeological museums – a collection of clues as to the lives of Peruvian inhabitants who lived and worked nearly 20,000 years ago. Advanced hunting tools and well-planned irrigation systems lead many to believe that these early colonies were cutting-edge, organized, and well-established.

The Incan empire ruled from around 1400 A.C. to 1500 and is widely considered one of the largest dynasties in American history before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. This small tribe of peoples was based out of Cusco, which served as the country’s capital city throughout Inca rule. Machu Picchu is one of the most well-preserved ruins left behind by the Incan peoples, and thousands of tourists flock to visit the historical site’s peak each year. The Incas grew to be one of the largest and most powerful forces in South America and had a complex and interesting society that is well studied to this day.

Spanish soldiers arrived in the South American land in 1532 and began plotting to take over the rule of the fertile and bountiful country. These European soldiers brought smallpox and other illnesses into Peru, killing thousands of “New World” inhabitants including Huayna Capac who served as the 11th Inca or King. Capac’s sons were each given half of his kingdom and a civil war that began between the brothers helped to quicken the downfall of the Incan empire. Spanish rulers changed the capital of Peru from the land-locked Cuzco to coastal Lima to accommodate arriving soldiers and facilitate trade.

Peru’s Independence Wars were fought from 1810 until 1824 when a battle led by General Antonio Jose de Sucre secured freedom from Spanish rule. Peru continued to fight for freedom throughout the 1800s and 1900s – defeating Spanish rulers in 1866 and losing a large piece of land to Chile in a war that spanned from 1879 to 1883. A war with Ecuador in 1941 over borders wasn’t resolved until 1998 when Peru agreed to allow Ecuador access to the Amazon rainforest in exchange for keeping control over the land.

In 2001 Peru elected its first Native Indian President, Alejandro Toledo. The country has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of South America and thousands of tourists visit to hike, swim, shop, and to learn more about Peruvian history firsthand through the exploration of archaeological sites and artifacts each year.

What to See in Peru

Peru is one of the most popular countries for tourist travel in South America. Although visiting Machu Picchu tops the bucket list of many adventurers worldwide, seasoned explorers know that this beautiful and eclectic country is not just a one-stop destination. Learn more about the top five things to do when visiting Peru below.

MACHU PICCHU

Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archaeological sites in all of South America and the popular peak has definitely earned its reputation for awe-inspiring views. Voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2001, the “lost city of the Incas�? contains so many historical monuments and examples of Inca architecture – it’s best to have a tour guide to walk you through the history, legend and folklore surrounding this mystical place. Travel to the peak of this historical mountain by hiking, or via a spectacular train ride via Ollantaytambo train station.

CUZCO (SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS)

This colorful city was once the capital of the Incan empire and remains a cultural hotspot to this day. This exciting town is extremely close to Machu Picchu and provides an excellent resting point for travellers who are looking to spend a bit of down time before they hike the popular summit. Visit an indigenous market in Pisac to purchase handmade crafts and to sample authentic Peruvian foods or take a brief hike throughout the cities’ ruins that previously made up the Incas’ agricultural system.

HIKING THE INCA TRAIL

This 26 mile trek isn’t for the faint of heart – but the satisfaction gained by finishing this challenging expedition more than makes up for the struggle of navigating a historical land. From beautiful mountain scenery to tropical jungle, hikers experience the beauty and wonder of many Peruvian landscapes. Begin your hike by crossing Cusichaca (aptly named “The Bridge of Happiness�?) and plan to spend around 6-8 hours hiking over a four day period to cross the finish line and enter Machu Picchu.

LAKE TITICACA

This large and diverse lake borders Peru and Bolivia and is home to over 500 species of aquatic life. Visit the floating islands of the Uros people to learn about a unique community with a spectacular way of living – or spend time in the small town of Puno, where folklore is cherished and celebrated in weekend festivals and markets.

COLCA CANYON & AREQUIPA

Peru’s epic Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and is home to large families of spectacular Andean Condors. Plan your trip from the comfort of Arequipa, a nearby town that offers hiking, hot springs and magnificent views.

Peru is one of the most popular destinations for travelers to South America and popular tourist areas offer a variety of hotels, hostels and lodges that are as diverse and eclectic as the country itself! Our local guides have an intimate knowledge of the Peruvian landscape and know which locations provide the best experience overall for tourists and travelers alike. We partner with high-quality hotels to make sure each and every guest has the adventure of a lifetime. Read on to learn more about some of the lodging options we offer for custom tours to Peru!

Peru is one of the most diverse countries in Latin America – with warm coastal deserts, cool rainforests and even snowy mountain regions. Located south of the equator, Peru experiences weather patterns that are opposite to those experienced by individuals living on the East Coast of the United States – so cold and snowy weather in Boston is a likely indicator of warm and sunny skies in Lima. If you’re planning to see everything that this amazingly unique country has to offer, you’ll need a wide variety of clothing options to keep you comfortable throughout the trip.

The weight limit for checked luggage on most internal flights, including Cusco and the Amazon is currently 20 kilos (44 pounds) per person. If you are over that limit, you’ll likely need to pay a surcharge.

Large suitcases are not permitted on the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, although these cases can be stored securely at the lodge during excursions. A small weekend bag is recommended as you’ll need a change of clothes and essential items when travelling to Machu Picchu overnight.

The typical dress code throughout the country is functional and casual – female travellers may want to bring one dress and a pair of dressier sandals for night-time outings or fancy dinner reservations.

Packing lightweight layers is an easy and effective way to make sure you’re prepared for any climate – fabrics should be waterproof whenever possible to allow for protection during short and sudden rainstorms.

Best time to visit Peru

Peru is made up of three distinct geographical subsections, each with their own weather and temperature patterns. The country is split (N to S) by the Andes mountains and contains parts of the Amazon jungle in the East. Although each of these locals experiences slightly different weather patterns, November through March is generally considered to be the “Wet season�? and April through October is generally considered to be the “Dry season�? throughout the entire country. Read on to learn more about the best times to visit Peru on your next vacation!

COASTAL REGION

Temperatures are generally warm throughout the year and the coastal region usually experiences little rainfall. High daytime temperatures (80+ F) and lower nighttime temperatures (50+ F) make for a relaxing vacation. The city of Lima can get quite foggy from April through October but the sun breaks through clouds the further out from Lima you travel. The capital city is warm and humid from November through March.

ANDES / MACHU PICCHU

Expect high temperatures and dry climates from April through October – although temperatures vary by altitude so light layers are encouraged for those planning to visit the peaks of Machu Picchu. Sudden, heavy showers occur from November through March so raincoats are a must.

AMAZON RAINFOREST

Humidity is high throughout the year and rainfall should be expected from November through March. Warm days and cool nights demand layers for travelers who expect to be outside for long periods of time.

History of Ecuador

Ecuador’s written history as we know it today begins with the concentration of early cultures of indigenous peoples throughout coastal areas that supported the majority of inhabitants from as far back as the year 9000 B.C. These early pioneers lived relatively peaceful lives in small clans and large tribes who survived by fishing, hunting, and eventually farming on the region’s fertile land. These wandering tribes eventually settled down into permanent societies including the Valdivia peoples who created intricate ceramic pottery creations, the Quitus peoples (after whom Quito is named) and the Caras who enjoyed considerable power and prestige in the region until the mid 1400’s when the small country was invaded by the Incas of Peru.

The Incas were ruthless in their pursuit of power over Ecuadorian land and many lives were lost defending the area – to no avail. Quechua, an Inca language still widely spoken in Ecuador was introduced to natives at this time and many great buildings and cities were built throughout the region. The Inca empire enjoyed its rule over Ecuador until the mid 1500’s when Spanish forces took the land in yet another series of bloody battles that ultimately led to the total conquering of Ecuadorian peoples. A period of enslavement ensued, and Spanish rulers continued to profit from the work of Ecuadorian citizens until major worldwide financial depressions caused economic downfall in the period between 1700 and 1800.

This collapse allowed for the possibility of native revolt and Ecuadorians from all walks of life banded together to retake the cities once ruled by their ancestors. Ecuador became fully independent in 1830 – but internal power struggles created a period of instability and fear. Democratic leadership and free elections in the 20th century helped to create a more peaceful society that has prospered over time – and tourism quickly became one of the fastest growing industries in this small South American hotspot.

What to See

Ecuador is truly a place of beauty and of diverse landscapes – offering a wide selection of travel options that include epic volcano treks, wildlife-rich island hopping tours and mysterious jungle adventures. From the Andean Highlands to the Galapagos Islands, this small country is packed full of experiences that are hard to pass up. Learn more about the top five things to do in Ecuador below!

TRAVEL IN STYLE TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

View the flora, fauna and wildlife of this unique and historical site on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Galapagos Islands!

VISIT THE ANDEAN HIGHLANDS

Travel throughout the colorful and welcoming indigenous villages that house generations of native Ecuadorian people. Visit authentic markets, view active volcanic peaks and discover the natural beauty of the land on a custom tour throughout the Highlands!

TOUR THE ECUADORIAN AMAZON

Venture deep into the heart of the largest existing rainforest on this planet to view native flora, fauna and wildlife on a customized tour in the Ecuadorian Amazon!

HIKE THROUGH THE CLOUD FORESTS

Be one with nature while visiting one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere – the Mashpi Reserve! Located on the western slopes of the Andes, this three-thousand acre reserve is home to a comfortable lodge that acts as the perfect homebase for nature lovers!

QUILOTOA LOOP TREKKING TOUR

Truly experience nature in all of its spectacular glory on this five-day hiking trek through one of South America’s most scenic routes: The Quilotoa Loop.

Ecuador is a small country with a big tourism industry and travelers generally have no problems finding accommodations that suit their specific travel style. Our customized Ecuador tours allow for a wide variety of choices in lodging that include everything from high-quality hotels to inexpensive hostels to luxury Galapagos cabin rooms! We work hard to ensure that each and every guest is given a safe and comfortable room that acts as a home-away-from-home throughout your stay. Read on to learn more about the lodging options we offer in Ecuador!

Ecuador Packing List

Ecuador’s unique landscape includes four diverse subregions that all have individual weather patterns and climates – so travelers should consult with their individual itineraries to pinpoint which areas they will visit during their stay. Although some areas (like Guayaquil and the Ecuadorian Amazon region) experience extremely high, humid temperatures at times during the year, other locations (like the country’s’ capital city, Quito) have consistently mild temperatures that hover below seventy degrees (fahrenheit) throughout the year.

If you are travelling to several regions during your stay, packing a suitcase full of light layers can help to accommodate temperature changes and keep you comfortable during your stay. Some areas at high-elevations experience light snowfall during the winter months, so a fleece jacket is recommended for travel during that time. All fabrics should be quick-drying as short rainshowers are common in many areas around the country.

The primary currency used in Ecuador is the US dollar and many personal-hygiene items are available for purchase so don’t bother loading your suitcase full of shampoo, toothpaste or the like. Purchasing clothing and shoes can be difficult, especially large sizes, as the average Ecuadorian is shorter than US travelers. No matter what region you will visit during your stay, make sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes that have been broken in before your trip to ensure comfort throughout your visit.

When to Visit Ecuador

Ecuador is a small country with a hugely diverse population and a wide variety of biologically unique plants and animals. The peak travel season for tourists runs from June through September and from December through January – although stable weather patterns create a friendly environment for visitors throughout the year. There are four major climate zones in Ecuador, so tourists are able to plan travel around the current climate of each zone.

The Andes Region, including Quito and the Andean Highlands experiences cool and dry temperatures throughout the winter season which lasts roughly from June through September. Warmer temperatures are enjoyed during the summer months (December through March) but this time period is also considered the country’s rainy season so visitors can expect to experience a few showers during their travels.

The Amazon region experiences rainfall year round but temperatures are generally high – reaching 90+ degrees fahrenheit throughout the year. Heading towards the Pacific Coast region, travelers can expect high temperatures and sunny days, mixed in with short rainshowers during the day. Cooler temperatures and cloudy skies from June to September mean it will be too chilly to swim during the dry season in this area.

Finally, the Galapagos Region experiences dry weather and cool temperatures from June to December with rainy conditions and warmer weather starting in late December and lasting until May.

The 15 Most Iconic Species of the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands Wildlife & Nature – a Trip Approach: The Galapagos Islands , named after the shells of saddleback Galapagos tortoises, is a mind-blowing experience. The animals have no instinctive fear of humans, allowing you amazingly close encounters with unique species. Nowhere else in the world can you experience such a diverse group of wildlife in such close proximity: swim and snorkel with sea lions, watch a penguin waddle into the water, scuba dive with hammerhead sharks, stand right next to two male iguanas fighting for a mate, view a waved albatross, with its 8-foot wingspan, soar along coastal cliffs, and ponder a 400-pound giant Galapagos Tortoises

Andean Discovery has compiled this handy list of the 15 most iconic Galapagos species. Whether you choose to do a Galapagos land-based tour or a Galapagos cruise , you are sure to have the wildlife experience of a lifetime.

Galapagos Islands Descriptions

Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are made up of 13 main islands and 48 islets. Scattered over an area of 36,000 square miles around the equator, none of the islands have ever been connected by land to any mainland area. The Islands are entirely volcanic and are considered to be one of the largest and most active sets of oceanic volcanoes in the world. The formation of the Islands began between three and five million years ago, very “young” in geologic terms. Volcanic eruptions broke through the ocean floor and initiated the building of underwater mountains, which continued to grow with successive eruptions and form the Galapagos Islands. The islands are still active today with new eruptions typically occurring in the western part of the archipelago.

Explore the Galapagos Islands visitor sites below and contact us to start planning your adventure!

GALAPAGOS CENTRAL ISLANDS

Santa Cruz Island |  Santiago Island |  Santa Fe Island |  North Plaza Island | Bartolome Island

GALAPAGOS WESTERN ISLANDS

Fernandina Island  |  Isabela Island

GALAPAGOS NORTHERN ISLANDS

Genovesa Island |  Darwin Island

GALAPAGOS SOUTHEASTERN ISLANDS

Floreana Island |  Espanola Island |  San Cristobal Island

History of the Galapagos

The first visitors to the Galapagos Islands were Native Americans from mainland South America . The islands bear no archaeological remains of dwellings or other structures, so it is quite unlikely that any native colonies were ever established there. Pirates and renegades first inhabited the islands during the early 1500s. They would hide and camp out on the islands after raiding Spanish colonial ports. Due to their inhospitable nature and lack of water, the Spanish paid the islands little attention, giving them the name “Las Encantadas” or bewitched islands.

A new period began in 1832 when Ecuador proclaimed its sovereignty over the islands. There were only a handful of permanent settlers at that time but their number had increased to around 300 by 1835 when the HMS Beagle arrived with Charles Darwin on board. Darwin spent five weeks in the Galapagos collecting and preserving specimens from four separate islands. His field observations led him finally to conclusions published in On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection in 1859. The first Galapagos colony was established on the island of Floreana. The archipelago experienced many attempted settlements from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century by individuals from Norway, the US, and the UK. During World War II, a United States Army Air Force base was established on Baltra Island. From Baltra, crews patrolled the eastern Pacific for enemy submarines and provided protection for the Panama Canal.

Paddle the shores while kayaking where Darwin first set foot on our  Galapagos Multisport Adventure  or board a  Galapagos Cruise  to navigate the archipelago.

What to See in Galapagos

Home to one of the most pristine ecosystems in the world, the islands of the Galapagos contain animals, flora and fauna that delight and mystify visitors and locals alike. Visiting the Galapagos Islands is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers of all ages – but tourists will want to reserve more than just a day trip in their itinerary to ensure they get the most out of this beautiful and historic area!

ISLAND ADVENTURE

Explore the islands at your own pace and take advantage of the many family-friendly activities available to travelers with Andean Discovery. Whether you want to head out for a bike ride to gain a scenic view of the coast or zip-line through a cloud forest to get your adrenaline pumping – we offer a wide variety of fun and fabulous things to do on the Galapagos Islands!

GALAPAGOS CRUISES

Experience the thrill of visiting pristine, white sand islands with all the comforts of home on a Galapagos Cruise! Travel in style on a cruise ship, luxury boat, or first class boat where you’ll have a cabin to yourself, air conditioning, and spectacular views! For travelers looking to add a bit of unconventional excitement to their trips, consider booking a snorkeling or scuba diving tour to view the majestic and stormy Galapagos sea from below!

MACHU PICCHU & GALAPAGOS CRUISE

Visit both of these popular tourist destinations on the same trip with one of our fully customizable Machu Picchu & Galapagos tours! You’ll have the time of your life seeing history in action as you explore the home of the ancient Inca culture in Peru. Then hop on one of our luxury cruise ships to the Galapagos and discover the natural atmosphere that inspired Darwin’s scientific breakthroughs. Our friendly local tour guides accompany you throughout the entire trip so you’re sure to have the time of your life!

MULTISPORT ADVENTURE

While some travelers prefer to sun themselves on the white sand beaches of the Galapagos, others like to get out there and get active! Thankfully, we offer several options for individuals who are hoping to make the most out of their time outdoors – ask about how you can kayak in the ocean along the Galapagos coast, hike through an active volcano or even snorkel with friendly Galapagos sharks when booking your trip with Andean!

DARWIN DISCOVERY TOUR

Travel back in history as you explore the famed islands once inhabited by Charles Darwin himself. Visit Isabela and Santa Cruz islands and observe the animals that led Darwin to discover the theory of evolution and that forever changed the world of science as we know it!

Whether you’re looking to book passage on a luxury cruise ship, hoping to sign up for an intimate small-yacht tour, or just trying to visit the islands during a day trip – our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides can help you pick out the perfect itinerary to create an island vacation that is sure to please!

Begin your adventure by deciding which method of travel you’d like to utilize to reach the islands – via luxury yacht, cruise ship, first-class boat, or airplane. Read on to learn more about the advantages of each and to find out how you can begin preparing for your travel today!

GALAPAGOS LUXURY BOATS

Luxury Boats boast deluxe sleeping cabins, spacious common areas, delicious international cuisine, and unmatched personal attention. An excursion aboard a Luxury Boat ensures you superior Galapagos Naturalist Guides who are eager to share the islands with you. Luxury Boats range in size from 100-passenger ships to 16-passenger yachts and catamarans. No matter which boat you choose, you will have access to several amenities, such as mini-pools, jacuzzis, glass bottom boats, and libraries.

Galapagos cruise ships are the largest vessels to sail the Islands and tend to be more luxurious and more stable in the water than most smaller yachts in the Galapagos. Cruise ships carry between 40 and 100 passengers, so they are still small compared to cruise ships that sail in other parts of the world, though it enables you to enjoy the Galapagos free of crowds.

FIRST CLASS BOATS

Take a cruise through the Galapagos Islands in one of our Galapagos first class boats, yachts, and catamarans such as the Galapagos Archipell I Catamaran , Millennium Catamaran ,  Eric, Letty and Flamingo , and more. First-class level cruises offer an excellent combination of value for your money and quality. Relax on the sun deck and soak in the beauty of the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the unique wildlife that the Galapagos has to offer in a more private setting.

Galapagos Packing List

Perfecting a packing list for the Galapagos can be difficult – even for the most seasoned traveler. The close proximity of these small islands to their home country of Ecuador means that domestic flights will likely be utilized at some point during the trip – so packing light is a must for individuals who wish to make weight limits for their flights! Individuals who will be flying from Quito should dress appropriately for the cool weather in the Ecuadorian town – a waterproof jacket is ideal and can be used several times throughout your trip.

The fewer things you actually bring on your trip to the Galapagos, the better – but tours often begin or end in other destinations that might require more substantial luggage arrangements. Packing a small, lightweight backpack that can act as a weekend bag is a great way to make sure you aren’t stuck with a ton of luggage on your trip. The Island’s proximity to the equator makes them a prime target for harsh sun rays, so a high UV blocking sunscreen is absolutely essential for any traveler who visits during the day.

Water shoes can be useful in protecting feet from coral and plant life so plan on packing an already-broken-in pair of comfortable sandals. If you’re heading out on a Galapagos cruise or chartered boat, make sure to speak with the captain to learn more about the luggage storage options available during your trip!

Galapagos Cruise vs. Land-Based

When making this once-in-a-lifetime trip, travelers have two main options to explore the islands: either through a land-based trip or a boat-based cruise through the islands. Find out what to expect and the relative advantages of each so you can choose the best option for making your Galapagos dreams come true.

What to Expect on a Galapagos Cruise

Your home for the duration of your Galapagos visit will be a live-a-board boat of your choice, ranging in size from 16-100 passengers. You will eat, sleep and relax on this vessel, which will be your base for the duration of your 4, 5, or 8-day expedition. Each morning, after a hearty breakfast, you will disembark into a 16-passenger dinghy, known locally as a “Panga” The Panga will take you for wildlife excursions, either onshore, or at snorkel sites. Your Galapagos naturalist guide will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the local wildlife, either on land or in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. After a morning of close encounters with some of the famous species of the area, you return to the boat for lunch and to prepare for the next excursion as the vessel navigates to another visitor site. Usually, your afternoon excursion will take you to a completely different island to add a whole new perspective to your Galapagos experience.

Advantages of A Cruise:

• Once you arrive in the archipelago, you can unpack your bags once and for all you’ll stay in the same room on the vessel for the entirety of your stay.
• Cruises are the most efficient way to visit the archipelago, especially remote islands without any human habitation.

What to Expect on A Galapagos Land-Based Trip

On land-based trips, you stay in eco-lodges or hotels in the port towns on the islands of Isabela, Santa Cruz, and San Cristobal. While you don’t visit as many islands as a cruise-based trip, land-based trips allow you to explore fewer islands in greater depth. From your land-based, you can get intimately acquainted with the island, independently exploring the wonders of the Galapagos in a small, private group with a Galapagos naturalist guide. Although it is impossible to visit as many islands as you would by sea, land-based trips will allow you to enjoy a variety of activities. For example, in the evenings relish fresh seafood at a family-run eatery then go for a sunset walk on Isabela’s beach and observe marine iguanas crawling out of the ocean onto the pristine white sand. During the day, active explorers might opt for sea kayaking, hiking on a dormant volcano, or mountain biking among coastal mangroves.

Advantages of a Land-Based Trip:

• Land-based excursions allow you to spend more time on each island, with opportunities to visit multiple sites and engage in a variety of activities.
• You will have more flexibility to experience the islands according to your own schedule and interests.

Both of these modes of exploration will allow you to meet most, if not all, of the iconic Galapagos species and expose you to many of the island’s distinct treasures. While your preference may depend on whether you prioritize flexibility or efficiency in visiting multiple islands, you cannot go wrong with either way of experiencing this extraordinary place.

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Best time to visit galapagos, wildlife year-round.

Because most of the wildlife remains on the islands year round, there’s always a lot to see. No matter when you visit, you’re guaranteed to encounter one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet!

The Galapagos Islands have a sub-tropical climate with two seasons, the Hot Season and the Dry Season. The seasons on the islands are set and defined entirely by the ocean currents that surround them. The Hot Season starts in December and gradually works its way until May . During this season, warm waters from the Panama Current move south and bath the islands creating tropical conditions. Seas are generally calm, and the warmer temperatures and evaporation cause occasional tropical showers, which turn the islands green and lush. Air temperatures are hot and humid and range from 79 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperature averages 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a great time to enjoy the warmer waters for snorkeling and to view green sea turtles that come into the islands to breed.

From June to November, the cooler Humboldt Current runs up the west coast of South America carrying rich oceanic upwellings from Antarctica that stimulate the breeding season for sea lions and sea birds. A desert spreads gradually in this tropical paradise. Evaporation decreases and this forms a thin layer of clouds over the islands that opens and closes throughout the day. This is known as the Dry Season with air temperatures ranging from 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit and sea temperatures averaging 67 degrees Fahrenheit (a wetsuit is recommended for snorkeling). This is the best time of year for observing dancing boobies, courting albatrosses, baby sea lions, whales, dolphins, and whale sharks.

• Amazon River
• Galápagos Islands
• Indonesian Archipelago
• Mekong River
• Irrawaddy River
• India Cruises
• Machu Picchu
• Iguazu Falls

• South America

Machu Picchu & Galapagos

Get ready for an incredible South American vacation with this Machu Picchu & Galapagos tour filled with adventure and mystery. Explore famous archeological ruins, historical sites, cultural towns, and the enchanted Galapagos Islands for a closer look at the wonderful things this part of the world has to offer.

This 13-day adventure is one of the best Peru, Ecuador and Galapagos tours for solo travelers, couples, families, or groups alike. You’ll stay in your choice of the best 4-star and 5-star hotels during your tours to Peru and Ecuador and relish the luxurious comforts aboard your Galapagos Islands cruise.

Peru and Machu Picchu

Start your adventure by touring the Peruvian capital city of Lima, a bustling metropolis filled with ancient history as well as modern amenities as the first part of your Machu Picchu Galapagos itinerary unfolds.

From Lima, you’ll venture into the Incan Sacred Valley for a delightful tour of the various towns here, which offer archaeological sites as well as colorful markets to explore. Visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray, and Chinchero and learn something unique about each one.

The day finally arrives for your journey to see the famous Machu Picchu, starting with a thrilling train ride through the mountains. Your private guide will lead you through the grounds of this amazing ancient citadel, and you’ll even have the chance to return for a rare second visit the next day.

Before the Peru portion of your tour ends, you’ll experience all the colonial charms the ancient Incan capital city of Cusco has to offer, including its many impressive historical sites and markets.

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

From Cusco, you’ll fly to Lima then on to Quito in Ecuador for the next part of your journey. After overnighting in Quito, a short flight takes you to Baltra Island in the Galapagos and to your awaiting Galapagos adventure’s floating accommodations, the high-end catamaran Elite.

The Elite is one of the most beautiful and luxurious ships available here and full of comfortable cabins and social spaces. You’ll stay in one of the nine Golden Suite cabins on board, each with its own hot shower bathrooms, private balconies, and panoramic views. While you may never want to leave your suite, the partially covered sky deck is the place to be for more spectacular views and service by the highly attentive crew on board.

A plethora of daily island visits provide you with chances to learn about and become familiar with the various landscapes and wildlife found here, as well as its unique history. Hike along volcanic craters, see lava tunnels, climb cliffs for incredible views, visit and snorkel in sheltered bays, look for trapped rays or fish in tidal pools, take a thrilling panga ride along the coast, and lounge on one of the pristine beaches.

You’ll feel like you’re on a safari, island-style, as you observe short-eared owls, red and blue-footed boobies, lava gulls, sea turtles, marine iguanas, sea lions, and colorful reef fish, to name a few. The Galapagos Islands are a birdwatcher’s paradise as well, so bring your binoculars and see how many you can find. A highlight of any visit to these isles is the giant tortoises. You’ll have chances to see them in the wild in the highlands of Santa Cruz and learn more about them at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

When it’s time to return to the Ecuadorian mainland, you’ll take with you so many memories of your Machu Picchu and Galapagos cruise to cherish and to share with loved ones back home.

Itinerary & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

Welcome to Lima!

Lima is a bustling, busy city and one of the most important in South America. Any trip to Peru will likely begin and end in the capital and visitors take advantage of the fact that Lima is widely regarded to be the culinary capital of the continent and home to many of the best restaurants in South America. Home of the ceviche and the Pisco Sour it is a city where the past and present mix beautifully, from the colonial center to modern Miraflores, through to the ancient Incan and pre-Incan culture which can be seen in Lima’s various museums.

A city of almost 11 million people, it is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains. This unique location means it enjoys a microclimate of zero rainfall and is spread along the coast atop cliffs that offer beautiful sunset views and peaceful “malecóns”, even a short trip is guaranteed to be richly rewarding and a perfect introduction to Peru and its culture.

Lima Through The Ages

Today is dedicated to the fascinating history of Lima from ancient pre-Incan times through to the colonial era and the Spanish influence on Peruvian culture, architecture, and development. Beginning from your hotel, at either 9 am or 2 pm, we take you through the modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro to visit a “Huaca”, an astonishingly preserved seven-tiered adobe and clay pyramid that predates the birth of Jesus. Located smack-bang in the upper-class, and supremely modern, area of San Isidro, this ancient monument which once acted as an important ceremonial and administrative hub for the city contrasts amazingly with modern-day Lima.

From there, enjoy an air-conditioned voyage to the historic center of Lima where we visit old colonial buildings, and the Santo Domingo convent and enjoy a guided tour of the Plaza de Armas, the de facto center of Lima. Rounding up our day is a visit to Lima’s finest museum, a vast collection of impeccably preserved jewelry, artifacts, and pottery from the history of Peru, the Larco Museum is a regular in Trip Advisor’s top spot for all museums in South America and the top 20 in the world. (5 Hours)

Lima to the Incan Sacred Valley

After a good night’s rest, enjoy a delicious breakfast before our air-conditioned private vehicle takes you to the airport for the next exciting installment in your Peruvian adventure. Assistance is provided so don’t worry about your bags! You will fly from Lima to Cusco, where you are met at the airport and transferred into the Sacred Valley. Our tours in the Cusco area always begin in the valley, which is approximately 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) lower in elevation than Cusco, so that guests may better acclimatize to the altitude.

Get ready to explore the most important ruins, which starts with a trip to historic Pisac. Our expert local guide will show you around the Temple of the Sun, ancient baths, altars, fountains, and ceremonial platform, and a type of sundial carved into the volcanic rock which was used for determining the time of year. At the side of the citadel, you will see the terraces that are still used to this day to grow crops.

After a quick visit to the colorful market of Pisac to buy souvenirs, we enjoy a traditional lunch in a restaurant in Urubamba. Afterwards, we take you to visit the impressive fortress town of Ollantaytambo as we continue our trip around the ancient ruins of the Sacred Valley. Perched atop a mountain it acted as the religious, military, financial, and agricultural center of the Inca culture and we also visit the town of the same name which maintains its Incan charm as a window into the past.

Meals: (B, L)

Maras, Moray and Chinchero

The Maras salt mines were an important part of the economy of the Inca culture and to this day the salt produced in these mines, recognizable by its pinkish hue, is amongst the most sought-after and expensive in the world. From there, we take you to the picturesque archaeological site of Moray which is a huge expanse of concentric terraces which the Incas used a botanical laboratory. Once finished with this leg of the tour, we enjoy a typical Andean lunch at the Casa de Barro restaurant.

Our next stop is at the PARWA Center in Chinchero, where you can learn about the centuries-old traditional textile making so important to the Andean people. You will have the chance here to buy traditional textiles and other souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Remaining in Chinchero we take in the 17th Century church built by the Spanish invaders and then the surrounding ruins, aqueducts, and agricultural terraces that sustained the local people hundreds of years ago.

The Grandeur of Machu Picchu

Today is the big day! Get ready to tick one of the New Seven Wonders of the World off your list as we head to Machu Picchu Citadel. Leaving the Sacred Valley by train, we enjoy a peaceful snake through the mountains, uphill to Aguas Calientes, situated at the foot of Machu Picchu. The views on the way to Machu Picchu itself are an intrinsic part of the trip itself and worth savoring. Built in the mid 1400’s it acted as a royal estate to two different Inca rulers, Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui and Tupac Inca Yupanqui. After 80 years of occupancy, it was abandoned, possibly due to Spanish infiltration in other parts of Peru, and remained abandoned until the early last century when efforts Hiram Bingham brought its existence to world attention.

Machu Picchu is divided into two sectors, the urban and the agricultural. Our expert guide will take you through both and show you the key spots in the ancient citadel such as the Temple of the Sun and the Room, the Intihuatana Stone, and the Room of Three Windows. The residential buildings feature exquisite stonework with no cement or mortar and are characterized by small trapezoid windows that face the morning sun. After our extensive tour, you return to your hotel in Machu Picchu town for a restful evening.

Sunrise & Huayna Picchu

After an early breakfast, we set off for a second self-guided visit to the famous citadel of Machu Picchu. A second trip means you get to experience something that not every visitor does, and get to see Machu Picchu from another angle. With your special second day pass you can enter via Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu’s smaller cousin or through Machu Picchu Mountain for a slightly softer option (Suitable for those that suffer from vertigo). Machu Picchu is a far larger sight than just the classic tour option and a second visit comes highly recommended for those with time. Those doing the 3.5-hour hike to Huayna Picchu are granted extra time to complete a second visit to the ruin so whichever of the two you choose; you won’t miss out on the astonishing extra sights such as the Inca Bridge and the Temple of the Moon.

Getting in nice and early to Machu Picchu is an option only feasible if you spend the night in Aguas Calientes. By doing this you can enjoy the sunrise over this incredible old citadel, a sight only the privileged few get to experience. As this is a largely visual experience you will not need a guide, just remember to take your time, and a camera as the views of Machu Picchu and the valley and river below are truly breathtaking. We finish with a comfortable ride back to Cusco or the Sacred Valley. For those riding back aboard the Luxury Hiram Bingham train, enjoy a cocktail and a delicious 4-course gourmet meal.

Ancient Inca Capital City

Today, we pick you up at your hotel for your tour of Cusco and its most important archeological sites. Cusco, known as the Imperial City, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is home to Inca structures with a smattering of colonial influence. You start your tour at the iconic San Pedro market, a local market where you can explore the myriad colors, flavors, textures and traditions of modern Cusco.

The visit continues with the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun God, above which the order of the Dominicans built a church. It remains standing to this day. Still standing to this day, this temple/church really is a remarkable building and an amalgamation of the two cultures. From there, we ascend to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture. Afterward, you will explore Q’enqo archeological site, where important Inca ceremonies took place before moving on to the Plaza de Armas, home to the Cathedral, and the centerpiece of the city.

Welcome to Ecuador!

AM: After breakfast, at the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and privately transferred to Cusco airport, ready to board your departure flight to Quito! You will take two flights connected via Lima, re-boarding here for your flight to Ecuador.

PM : Arriving in Quito, you can take the evening to rejuvenate and re-charge before your trip to the islands the following morning! Your Galapagos cruise awaits…

Departing Quito & Cruise Embarkation

AM: After breakfast, at the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and privately transfered to Quito airport, ready to board your departure flight to the Galapagos Islands!

Arrival at Baltra Island Airport. Reception and Assistance at the airport by our members and transportation to our first visitor site.

PM : The Fausto Llerena Giant Tortoise Breeding Center is managed by the Galapagos National Park Service and biologists from the Charles Darwin Research Station. The purpose of the center, named for a legendary park ranger, is to raise Galapagos tortoise hatchlings in a protected environment. When the tortoises are large enough to fend for themselves, they are released into the wild. The program has been a great success and in recent years hundreds of young tortoises have been released on several islands.

You will see different sub-species of tortoises in various species of development, from tiny young ones smaller than your fist to fully-grown behemoths lumbering about their enclosures. Your guide will accompany you and provide information about the programs and facilities.

The breeding center is located at the Charles Darwin Research Station, just outside of the town of Puerto Ayora. In addition to the tortoises, you may see finches, warblers, and other birds in and around the tall tree cacti, and tiny lava lizards scurrying about underfoot. After visiting the Research Station, passengers will be taken to the Puerto Ayora pier to board the M/C Elite.

Meals: (B, L, D)

Prince Philip's Steps, El Barranco & Darwin Bay

AM: Genovesa Island is famous for birdlife and neither of its two visitor sites disappoints. Genovesa is the remnant of a once-mighty volcanic crater, and the island still has a distinctive crescent shape. The body of water formed by the crescent is called Darwin Bay, in spite of the fact that Charles Darwin did not ever visit this particular island.

There are no large land animals on Genovesa: not even tortoises or land iguanas. Unlike other islands, Genovesa never had a problem with destructive introduced animals like feral cats or goats, which has allowed birdlife to thrive unmolested on the island for millennia. In the morning, you will visit the Prince Philip’s Steps site. Getting to the visitor site from the landing area is tricky and involves a bit of climbing skill, but once you’re up, Prince Philip’s Steps is a visitor favorite.

There is a magnificent view from the upraised plateau, especially on a clear day. An easy trail winds through a low, scrubby forest and ends up at a rocky ravine of sorts, where lucky visitors will spot the rarely-seen Short-eared Owl. Visitors may also see Red-footed Boobys, gulls, or other birds nesting or visiting the site.

PM: The Darwin Bay visitor site is on the interior side of the crescent-shaped island, protected from wind and currents. It is a wide, sandy beach with a short trail that leads off to one side of the beach and up into some rocky formations. There are many bird species here: visitors can expect to see Blue-footed Boobys, Frigate Birds, Lava Gulls, Herons, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and more.

It is one of the few visitor sites in the islands where you can see Red-footed Boobys. There are some tidal pools off the trail: lucky visitors may spot a ray or some fish trapped there until the tide returns. Following the visit, guests will get to snorkel in the sheltered waters of the bay. Although deep water currents can sometimes cause the water to be chilly or cloudy, the crescent shape of the island protects the bay from strong winds.

The bluffs along the side of the bay drop sharply into the water, which means that snorkelers can stay close to shore but still have deeper water off to one side. Lucky snorkelers might see sharks, rays, sea lions, sea turtles, and dazzling reef fish including parrotfish, wrasses, king angelfish, and damselfish.

Buccaneer Cove, Espumilla Beach & Egas Port

AM: Back in the days of the great sailing ships, the Galapagos Islands were well known as a place where a traveling ship could stock up on food and water. Among the visitors were pirates, and the sheltered bay now known as Buccaneer Cove was a favorite place for them to repair their ships. Your visit includes a panga ride along the coast, where guests will see some interesting rock formations as well as several species of nesting birds including gulls, boobys, and pelicans. The formations, eroded into the colorful red rock, are quite striking. You may get to see not only sea lions but also their more reclusive cousins, the Galapagos Fur Sea Lion. The panga ride is followed by a visit to unforgettable Playa Espumilla (“Foamy Beach” in English). The beach, known for reddish sand, is a favorite among guests: long, pristine, and beautiful, it is home to a colony of sea lions as well as countless crabs and marine iguanas. It is possible to do some light snorkeling off of the beach.

PM: The human history of the Galapagos Islands is often as interesting as the natural history, and a good example is Port Egas. Decades ago, an Ecuadorian named Hector Egas tried to make his fortune mining salt on Santiago Island. It worked for a while, but in the end, the enterprise failed. Port Egas bears the name of this intrepid entrepreneur, and there are still some remnants of the old salt mine facilities here if you know where to look.

Puerto Egas is a superb visitor site even without its history. The trail is a loop that goes through some low trees before swinging around along the coast. Along the inland part of the trail, look for finches and a medium-sized blackbird: this is the Smooth-Billed Ani, an introduced species which somehow arrived in Galapagos at some point in the 1960s. On the coastal portion of the trail, you can expect to see numerous sea lions, marine iguanas, and shorebirds.

The coast is rocky due to its volcanic formation, but easy enough to walk along. Look in the shallow tidal pools: you never know what might have gotten stranded in there when the tide went out, and you might spot a stingray or an octopus in addition to the small fish usually found there.

Bachas Beach, Twin Craters & Santa Cruz Highlands

AM:  Bachas beach is one of the more beautiful ones in all of Galapagos – and that’s saying something. It is a long stretch of pristine white sand where sea lions lounge and crabs scuttle back and forth. It was used by the Americans during World War Two: “Bachas” is a version of the word “barges,” which were once landed here.

Sea turtles nest in some of the dunes here, and your guides will ask you to stay clear of the marked areas so as not to disturb the eggs. A short distance away are two salty lagoons where flamingos are frequently seen. There is no real hike here: only the warm, sandy beach. After a stroll along the sand and a refreshing dip, some of our guests like to do some easy snorkeling in the gentle surf.

PM:  The Twins: The “twins” are a pair of sinkholes located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Created ages ago by collapsing lava tunnels, they are not far from the main road through the highlands. From the parking lot, it is a fun, easy hike through a lush tropical forest to the walkways which ring the top of the sinkholes. Butterflies and smaller birds such as finches, doves, and mockingbirds dart and flit through the dense forest on either side of the trail, and attentive visitors may spot the distinctive red flash of a vermillion flycatcher as well.

You will stay in the highlands of Santa Cruz island to see giant tortoises in the wild. This impressive animal gives the name to the archipelago. You can easily appreciate the Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, eating, walking among others. This is also a good place to see birds such as short-eared owls, Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, Galapagos rails, and paint-billed crakes. As part of this experience, you will visit underground lava tubes formed by cooled and solidified lava. Then we will continue our journey to board the M/C Elite.

Disembarkation

AM:  They say your culture influences the way you look at things, and Kicker Rock may just be the proof of that. Kicker Rock is a distinctive, boot-shaped rock formation located off of San Cristobal Island. In English, it gets its name from this shape. In Spanish, its name is “León Dormido,” or “Sleeping Lion.” Does it look more like a boot or a lion? You’ll get a nice close-up chance to look for yourself and make up your mind. Your final visit to the Galapagos Islands will be a memorable one: a panga ride up to and around the rock, with the chance for some snorkeling as well. The snorkeling here is excellent, although the currents can be rather strong. Hammerhead sharks are often seen in the murky depths around kicker rock, and fortunate snorkelers might even see a large ray or two.

We will disembark from the cruise at 8:00 AM from San Cristobal Port. After our early morning visit, passengers will get ready and then be taken to San Cristobal Airport. Our airport personnel will assist passengers with the check-in process. Farwell and boarding the flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Accommodations

Cruises & lodges.

Hotel Options

Aloft miraflores.

Hacienda Urubamba

Casa del Sol Machu Picchu

Wyndham Quito

Country Club

Tambo del Inka

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo

Aranwa Cusco Boutique

All itineraries are completely customizable. Contact our travel specialists to build your perfect vacation

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• All prices displayed are PER PERSON
• Child policies may apply to the cruise, lodge and/or excursions included with your tour
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Machu Picchu & Galapagos Tours

• Experience the best of South American history, culture, nature and adventure in one unforgettable trip – private tours with first-class and luxury hotels and lodges
• Take a train to Machu Picchu or hike the  Inca Trail
• First-class and Luxury Machu Picchu and Galapagos Tours from 10 days or more
• 4-day, 3-night Galapagos Cruise (or hotel-based stay) – extend to 5-8 days
• All itineraries are fully customizable – flexible travel dates

from 10+ Days

Includes transfers, tours & hotels – internal flights will be added

Sample Itinerary – Will Be Customized

Day 1: lima, peru.

Your trip starts from home with your international flight to Lima, Peru. Or Quito, Ecuador – if you do the trip in reverse! (That’s just fine) We’ll meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel – even if staying at the airport. If time permits or you add a day, we can bring you to stay in the tourist center, Miraflores, and on a tour of the city. 

Day 2: Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Today you fly from Lima over the Andes to the Inca capital of Cusco – 11,000 feet above sea level. Upon arrival we’ll pick you up and take you to stay in the Sacred Valley, located at a lower and more manageable altitude to acclimatize. If there’s time and you feel fine, we can stop by some local places, before checking-in to your hotel.

Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour

Today you’ll join a small group or private vehicle for a tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, accompanied by a professional, English-speaking guide. You’ll have the chance to visit the markets at Pisac – the most famous in the Valley – with wares from local vendors, and if there’s time, the ruins above the town. With a lunch break included, you’ll also visit the village and ruins of Ollantaytambo – a special Inca fortress with a unique history … and the departing point for trains to Machu Picchu. A private tour will also allow you take in the Salt Mines at Maras and the agricultural terraces at Moray. That evening, prepare a day bag only for the train and tour of Machu Picchu. Your luggage will be transferred to Cusco.  

Day 4: Machu Picchu !

Today we bring you to the station at Ollanta for your train to Machu Picchu town, where you will be met by your next guide. S/he will join you on the bus up to this amazing ancient Inca Citadel. Together you will explore this staggering archaeological and engineering masterpiece – and then have some time to enjoy the site at your leisure – taking more photos, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation. In the afternoon, you will head back down for lunch in the town and then your train and transfer back to Cusco and your hotel there.

Option:  Spend an additional night in the town below Machu Picchu, visiting again the following morning. Ascend the peak of Huayna Picchu – if you think the views are worth the steep and challenging climb! 

Day 5: Cusco – Lima

In the morning you should have some free time in Cusco to visit the city’s fabulous Cathedral or the Qoricancha (Incan Temple of the Sun). Or we can include a private tour, with small group tours in the afternoon (for those adding on more time here). At the appropriate time, we’ll take you to the airport for your flight back to Lima. For convenience we recommend the airport hotel this evening. 

Day 6: Lima – Guayaquil

Unless you add more travel days – and fly to Quito and explore Ecuador’s capital and  UNESCO world-heritage city, in the morning you will fly to Guayaquil – for the second part of your unforgettable journey: the Galapagos Islands! Its legendary status in natural history needs little introduction.

Day 7-10: Galapagos Islands Cruise

You will take the hotel shuttle to the airport, or we will pick you up, for your two hour flight to the Galapagos Islands – Baltra (Santa Cruz Island) or San Cristobal airport. You will be met there and transferred by bus (coach) to your ship – moored around the corner, or on the other side of Santa Cruz !  

The minimum 4 day cruise of the Galapagos Islands can be extended to 5 or 8 days. You can choose between larger vessels that hold 90-100 passengers or smaller, more intimate yachts or catamarans (16-20 passengers). Catamarans and largest vessels tend to be more stable in rougher seas (June-Oct). We’ll help you choose the ship that suits your preferred traveling style – and an itinerary with the islands and animals you want to see.  

Whatever your choice, you’ll have a comfortable cabin, excellent food throughout and, most importantly, a knowledgeable English-speaking naturalist guide, who will fascinate you with the incredible natural history of Galapagos. Itineraries vary depending on the cruise ship, but typically each full day you’ll have two excursions – boarding a panga (motorized raft) to go ashore and walk through mangrove, cactus forest and beaches – passing casually next to land and marine iguanas, sea lions, blue and red boobies, owls and many other fascinating birds. And/or snorkeling ! 

Typical cruises include:

• Walking in the highlands of Santa Cruz or San Cristobal with giant tortoises
• Snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles, sharks, sea lions, colorful tropical fish and Galapagos penguins
• Watching the world’s only marine iguanas huddle for warmth, then dive into the sea to eat algae from the rocks
• Listening to your local expert guide tell strange stories of the early inhabitants of Floreana Island
• Spotting flamingoes, albatrosses and the famous boobies

Day 10: Final Day Galapagos – Home

After a potential final morning excursion, we will bring you back to the airport, to fly to mainland Ecuador and connect with your international flight home … an unforgettable trip! 

All our trips are customised and leave on any day – mostly depending on the Galapagos ship itinerary.  Contact us  today and request your very own personalised tour program.

Peru, Machu Picchu  &  the Galapagos Islands

If you had to pick just two places to visit in South America, there’s no doubt that a tour of Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands should be top of your list.

These two destinations are not only unique to South America, but also in the entire world. With the Galapagos featuring wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, and the marvel that is Machu Picchu perched atop a cloud forest-clad mountain, together they hold the promise of a life-changing vacation.

The tour, in addition to Machu Picchu, gives you the option to visit Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire as well as the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas. You can take a train to Machu Picchu or hike there, on the Inca Trail. In the Galapagos, the minimum cruise duration is 4 days, and this can be extended to 5 or 8 days. Or you can stay in a hotel on the Islands and explore from there – land-based.

Tip:   Each cruise ship visits different islands, so if you have somewhere in particular on your Galapagos Islands bucket list, be sure and let us know!

• Machu Picchu & Galapagos Tours

Favorite Galapagos & Machu Picchu Peru Trips for 2024-2025

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• Santa Cruz Island : Home to the vibrant town of Puerto Ayora, where you can immerse yourself in the lively ambiance and charming waterfront of this Galapagos hub.
• San Cristobal Island : Discover the unique ecosystem and breathtaking landscapes of this island, renowned for its diverse marine life and the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
• Isabela Island : Be captivated by the secluded beaches and stunning volcanic scenery of this largest island in the archipelago. Don't miss the town of Puerto Villamil, a gateway to remarkable adventures.
• Genovesa Island : Experience the awe-inspiring birdwatching opportunities and discover the extraordinary wildlife, including frigatebirds and red-footed boobies.
• Santiago Island : Explore the rugged shores and volcanic landscapes of this island, where you can encounter diverse wildlife and witness the remnants of volcanic activity.
• Santa Fe Island : Relax on the pristine beaches and encounter the unique land iguanas that inhabit this picturesque island.
• North Seymour Island : Observe the magnificent frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies that call this island home, offering a captivating display of Galapagos wildlife.
• South Plaza Island : Witness the extraordinary blend of vibrant flora and fauna, including sea lions and land iguanas, on this small but stunning island.
• Baltra Island : Begin your Galapagos adventure at the Baltra Airport, the main gateway to the archipelago, and marvel at the natural beauty that awaits you.
• Fernandina Island : Witness the raw volcanic landscapes and encounter marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and Galapagos penguins.
• Floreana Island : Immerse yourself in the history of the Galapagos and visit Post Office Bay, where an intriguing postal system has been in place for centuries.
• Española Island : Discover the impressive wildlife, including waved albatrosses and colorful marine iguanas, as well as stunning natural features like Punta Suárez and Gardner Bay.

Hikes at Machu Picchu: Should I Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Galapagos wildlife.

• Intihuatana : Discover the sacred Intihuatana stone, an ancient Inca ritual stone that served as a solar clock and astronomical calendar.
• Temple of the Sun : Marvel at the impressive architectural craftsmanship of the Temple of the Sun, dedicated to Inti, the Inca sun god.
• Temple of the Three Windows : Admire the intricate stonework and trapezoidal windows of the Temple of the Three Windows, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Temple of the Condor : Witness the symbolic representation of a condor in flight within the Temple of the Condor, a sacred animal in Inca mythology.
• The Sacred Plaza : Experience the heart of Machu Picchu at the Sacred Plaza, a central gathering place surrounded by important structures and offering breathtaking views.
• The Residential Area : Explore the residential sector, where you can observe the distinctive stone architecture and imagine life within the ancient Inca city.
• The Agricultural Terraces : Marvel at the remarkable agricultural terraces that supported the city's self-sustainability, showcasing the Inca's advanced farming techniques.
• The Inca Bridge : Walk along the thrilling Inca Bridge, a marvel of engineering that provided access to Machu Picchu while also offering a strategic defensive position.
• The Gatehouse : Pass through the Gatehouse, the entrance point to Machu Picchu and a gateway to the extraordinary world of the Incas.
• The Temple of the Moon : Venture beyond the main site to the Temple of the Moon, a hidden gem with intricate carvings and a sacred underground chamber.

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Hidden Galapagos & Peru

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• 2024 Classic
• 2025 Classic
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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

Private Tauck Shore Excursions in the Galápagos Islands with expert naturalist guides – averaging two daily – for an up-close experience with some of the most unusual and intriguing species of the world

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

On-Tour Air (5 flights)

All gratuities to Tauck Director, guides, naturalists and ship staff

Exclusive 7-night Galápagos Cruise aboard the expedition ship Silver Origin – with no more than 40 Tauck guests

Your cruise may be a shared ship experience with non-Tauck guests onboard as well; all Tauck guests will be accompanied by one Tauck Director for approximately every 40 Tauck guests, and your itinerary will always be highlighted by exclusive, private Tauck shore excursions 

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

Cultural journeys and expeditions

A journey of cultural exploration and expeditionary discovery, from Incan citadels in the cloud forests of the Andes to the remote volcanic islands of the Galápagos, home to bird and animal species that exist nowhere else in the world.

Experience the mystery and wonder of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the colonial and pre-Columbian cultures in Peru. Cultural discoveries lead to natural wonders when you fly to the Galápagos archipelago for a seven-night cruise aboard Silversea's fabulous Silver Origin  expeditionary ship that takes you to isolated habitats that inspired Darwin, nesting grounds of rare birds, giant tortoises, iguanas, and sea lions, and beaches and lagoons that entice penguins and flamingos. Hike wildlife trails and lava roads, snorkel in the colorful depths of undersea calderas, kayak on bays and inlets of stunning beauty. As a guest aboard our small expeditionary cruise-ship you'll enjoy luxury amenities, expert guides, exclusive onboard lectures, and access to places large ships can't go – Galápagos Island vacation like no other!

See for yourself what Small Ship Cruising is all about

Enchanted islands - the galápagos.

insideTauck Presentation

Klaus Fielsch, Product Manager and expert naturalist for our travel partner Metropolitan Touring

Naturalist Klaus Fielsch has spent 20+ years working with Metropolitan Touring, our partner in the Galápagos; he shares his years of experience and insights in an informative, charming 1:00 hour insideTauck video presentation. Learn about life in Ecuador and the Galápagos, as well as wildlife and natural habitats you might see on a cruise to the "Enchanted Islands" – and we've also included a selection of videos, documentaries and podcasts for additional information.

Watch Video

"Lost" Machu Picchu

Exploring mystical machu picchu in peru's sacred valley.

The abandoned Incan "city" of Machu Picchu in Peru's Andes Mountains is a mystery. No one knows for sure why it was built, some 500 years ago – or why it was deserted. In fact, this ancient citadel was hidden from the western world until Hiram Bingham, an archaeologist from Yale University who was searching for other ruins from the empire of the Incas, stumbled upon it by accident in 1911, and dubbed it the "Lost City of the Incas." Maybe you can figure it out as you explore this amazing maze of a place, with what experts guess was a palace, dungeons, and over 100 staircases.

Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel

At the gateway to the inca empire.

The only hotel located at the entrance to Machu Picchu, Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, lets you beat the daily crowds that flock to Peru's centuries-old Inca citadel. Sitting in the shadows of the Lost City, this stylish retreat is an oasis of calm before or after a day exploring Machu Picchu. Unwind with a yoga session, take part in a traditional shaman ceremony in the garden, or sip muña tea in Tampu Bar. Tranquility, wonder and beauty are at the heart of the lodge's unique experience.

This was our first Tauck trip, and we were not disappointed. We went to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos. While it was a whirlwind trip, there was so much to see and do.

Douglas Kelner

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Welcome Aboard

• Silver Origin

Ship Specifications

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Deluxe Veranda Suite

Superior Veranda Suite

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Country club lima hotel, tambo del inka, a luxury collection resort & spa, valle sagrado.

Urubamba, Peru

Machu Picchu, Peru

Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel

Cusco, Peru

Nights 7 & 15

Hotel del Parque

Guayaquil, Ecuador

Nights 8-14 On Board

Tauck Small Ship

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Peru and Ecuador. You do not need a visa for this tour provided that you do not stay in Peru or Ecuador longer than 90 days.

If you are a citizen of another country , you should contact a consulate or embassy of Peru and of Ecuador to determine what travel documentation is required.

You will be issued a boarding card, which you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only Tauck guests are permitted onboard.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Cruise Regulations

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the ship, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $1,500 per person

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $1500 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour

Due to space limitations aboard the motor coaches and local aircraft, we urge that only one piece of checked luggage be brought on this trip. Additionally, space constraints and weight limitations aboard the train to Machu Picchu require guests to carry limited personal belongings. Each passenger is restricted to no more than 50 lbs (23 kg) of luggage. Therefore, we will provide you with a duffel bag (roughly 1 ft by 1 ft by 2 ft in overall dimensions, or 30.5 cm by 30.5 cm by 60 cm) to carry your clothing and personal items for your one-night stay in Machu Picchu. Meanwhile, checked luggage will be stored, at the Belmond Monasterio in Cusco during the Machu Picchu excursion and, if desired, the Hotel del Parque, in Guayaquil during the cruise. Small carry-on bags are permitted, but Ecuadorian airlines will check large wheeled carry-on's, if desired with the larger luggage. If you reside in the Continental United States the duffel bag will be sent to your home and should arrive approximately two weeks prior to your departure for Peru. Guests residing in Alaska, Hawaii or outside of the U.S will receive their duffels upon arrival in Lima. Each guest is also restricted to one carry-on bag weighing no more than 22 lbs (10 kg).

Checked Luggage – General

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc. For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

To fully enjoy this tour's itinerary, participants must be in good health. This is a rigorous tour and you need to be in good physical condition with good balance as the terrain varies from sandy beaches to uneven lava and rocks. Proper walking shoes with ankle support are essential. You may want to bring a walking stick. Walks range from 1 to 2 mi (3 to 6 km) in length and last from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

You will spend several days touring at high altitudes in Peru [especially Cusco at 11,200 ft (3,414 m)]. At these altitudes some visitors may suffer varying degrees of altitude sickness, including nausea. We have found that some guests may be more affected by the altitude than others. Medications are available to prevent altitude sickness, and we urge you to speak with your physician prior to your departure from home to discuss prophylaxis for safe travel.

All ship-to-shore transfers use Zodiacs or Pangas (capacity 9 to 12 persons). Occasionally you will get wet with spray. Some wet landings require guests to wade through knee-high deep coastal water.

There are eight decks on your Silversea vessal; there is an elevator.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES:  This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey.  Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters.

Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues. The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

We travel between the various islands so the areas in which we cruise are sheltered. If you are prone to seasickness, bring a non–drowsy, over-the-counter, anti-nausea medication. Anti-nausea wristbands are also a good idea. The anti-nausea patch is NOT recommended for use in the islands as it tends to impair vision in direct sunlight.

Bottled water is available throughout the trip, both in Peru and Ecuador. A stainless steel water bottle is provided onboard that can be filled with water and taken during onshore excursions.

Guests bringing a quantity of medication with them are advised to carry a doctor's certificate to avoid possible problems with customs officials.

Smoking is not permitted in any interior space on board the Silversea vessel .  Smoke and open fire will activate the smoke detectors. Smoking is permitted on designated areas on Deck 4 aft for cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking. Please do not throw your cigarettes overboard, as it is a violation of international maritime pollution laws and they can easily be blown back onto the ship. Please refrain from smoking on shore and in shore excursion vehicles and ship tenders. Smoking is also not permitted on the motor coaches. These regulations pertain to e-cigarettes as well.

The only islands with bathroom facilities are San Cristobal and Baltra, where there are visitor centers and airports. We will be returning back to the ship for lunch and dinner, and Zodiacs or Pangas will travel back and forth to the ship during shore excursions.

Your Silversea vessel is equipped with a medical center and a doctor is on call 24 hours. If you avail yourself of his/her services, a charge will be posted to your personal shipboard account.

If you are traveling as the guardian of a child or children, we strongly suggest you bring along a letter from both parents of the child authorizing any emergency treatment, as medical facilities may require permission from the child's parent or parents.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country.  These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here  and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here . You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting.  Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren't required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site.  It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective.  Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations.

If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Airline Disinsection

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a guidance letter that requires airlines and travel agents to disclose to consumers countries that require the use of insecticides by airlines. Please click  here for more information.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The Peruvian coast is generally sunny and hardly ever receives any rain, but from April to November there is a heavy sea mist. The highlands have a wet season (October to April) and a dry season (May to September), when the days are clear and sunny but cold at night especially at higher altitudes.

The Galápagos Islands lie almost on the equator about 650 miles (1,046 kilometers) west of the coast of Ecuador. The islands have an unusual climate in view of their proximity to the equator; rainfall is low and temperatures are lower than would be expected. There are no extremes of heat or cold, and temperatures range from 75° to 86°F (24° to 30°C) year round. The weather is hot and sunny in the islands and sea temperatures average 67° to 72°F (19° to 22°C). For guests planning on swimming, most swimming takes place at midday hours. Although there is more rain on the larger islands which are hilly (such as Seymour Island), rainfall is low at sea level and comes during the months of January to April. Light drizzle and even fog, however, are not uncommon at other times of the year.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

What To Pack

This is a very casual tour.  Dressy clothing is not required for the farewell dinner.  You may, however, want to bring one dressy outfit for our dinner at a private home on Night 2.  Most important are comfortable walking shoes with ankle support for walks over rocky, uneven terrain.  You will also need reef shoes or aqua shoes for beach landings. Your feet will get wet.  Bring a windbreaker, sweater or jacket for the cool nights at sea.

Bring a bathing suit for swimming and snorkeling (snorkeling equipment is provided or you can bring your own).  If you use a prescription snorkeling mask, you will need to bring it with you.  A wetsuit is recommended for snorkeling in September and October, as the water tends to be cooler.  A small selection of wet suits are provided on the ship for your convenience.

To assist in early morning wake-ups, we suggest bringing a compact, battery operated alarm clock. You can also arrange a wake-up call while on board.

A small backpack will be very useful during Galapagos shore excursions and our visit to Machu Picchu.

IMPORTANT: Sundries and toiletries are difficult to find in the Galapagos Islands.

Consider packing a number of garment combinations you can mix and match over four or five days before needing to do laundry. There are no guest laundry facilities available aboard ship, only a clothes dryer to dry wet clothing.

Beyond your normal wardrobe and personal grooming items, we suggest you also bring along:

• Comfortable walking shoes (VERY IMPORTANT!)
• Rain gear (lightweight slicker)
• Sunscreen, sunhat, lip balm with SPF 15 or higher
• Travel alarm clock/ cell phone with alarm function
• Small flashlight
• Prescription medicines (an adequate supply to last your entire journey), and written copies of your prescriptions from your doctor.  While it may be possible to refill prescriptions during your journey, the availability of refills cannot be guaranteed.  What's more, refilling prescriptions in foreign countries can be difficult and time-consuming.
• Insect repellent
• Swimming attire
• Teva-style sandals or water shoes
• Seasickness / high altitude medication
• Reusable zipper lock bags or other waterproof bags for cameras during ship-to-shore transfers
• Antibacterial lotion
• Small backpack
• Camera (with extra memory cards, telephoto lens, chargers and batteries)

We recommend that you pack any prescription medicines (an adequate supply for your entire journey) along with your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag, in order to minimize any inconvenience should your luggage be lost or delayed.  We also recommend, for your peace of mind and personal security, that all expensive jewelry and other valuables be left at home.

Please refer to the Necessary Gear website at  www.necessarygear.com  as one option available to you for renting and purchasing apparel, PPEs, and other items appropriate for your journey.

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What are the best Machu Picchu and Galapagos tours?

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Visiting South America gives you the opportunity to discover the Galapagos Islands, considered as one of the most wonderful creations of nature. As well as Machu Picchu, an iconic ruin from the Inca Empire, one of the wisest and organized ancient cultures of the World.

GalapagosIslands.com and its group of Galapagos & Machu Picchu experts can help you organize a trip filled with culture and the best of nature.

The Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu: The best of Nature and the Inca Empire

When visiting the Galapagos and Machu Picchu you will connect with the energy of nature, and the energy of the Earth, while living a close encounter with the unique Galapagos wildlife and marveling with how knowledgeable and ahead of time was the Inca Empire.

The Galapagos Islands:

Considered by many, one of the greatest natural wonders of the World, visit them and enjoy them to the fullest.

Unique wildlife

The only tropical islands where you will be able to find penguins, apart from a wide variety of endemic reptiles, birds, and wonderful mammals, on land and underwater.

Under the sea

Galapagos offers one of the best underwater experiences you can ever live. Here you can swim with sharks, colorful fishes, playful sea lions... and many more!

The Islands were born from the eruption of underwater volcanoes and the movement of the tectonic plates. Come and witness its amazing geography.

Charles Darwin got inspired in Galapagos to create his Theory of Evolution. Follow his lead and comprehend the source of his inspiration. Galapagos is the best way to get in touch with the world and its wonders. Get in touch TODAY with humanity and its ancient civilizations.

Contact us today and get the best deals on our Galapagos + Machu Picchu tours.

The Sacred Valley

The 70-mile strip of land peppered with historic towns and villages dating back to the ancient times of the Inca Empire, runs roughly from the old imperial capital of Cusco to the enigmatic fortress of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu

The Center of the Inca Empire: A citadel built over 500 years ago on mountain ridge 8000 feet above sea level, located on the Cuzco region over the Sacred Valley.

• Spiritual center of the Inca’s
• contains over 150 buildings ranging from temples, bathes, houses, and sanctuaries
• made of with over 100 pounds rocks, so well joint together that a piece of paper wont fin in between them.
• Rocks were taken to the complex without the help of wheels, but only with the strength of men.
• Machu Picchu one of the best places to experience how humans lived in ancient empires from centuries ago.

This ancient city was of high importance to the Inca Empire since they stablished their capital here. Nowadays is the entrance to attractions as Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.

Located in the Peruvian Andes, Cuzco is also well known for its archaeological remains of Spanish architecture from the Colonization time.

Traveling with the help of the Galapagos & Peru experts

GalapagosIslands.com the best way to make the most of your trip. For you, your friends and your family.

Click here and we’ll help you book you up with a special trip advisor

• Let us do the hard work. You focus on your enjoyment
• There are many nuances that need to be taken care of if you want to visit the prime places in South America
• There are permits to be taken care of, in Galapagos and in Machu.
• We’ll schedule your transportation to every visitor site and back, keep in mind that there is no international airport in Machu Picchu, nor in Galapagos.
• Whatever you may require, we’ll take care of it for you
• We’ve been empowering thousands of passengers from all over the world to get the most out of their Ecuador & Peru travel experience with us.
• We know all about permits and travel tip to improve your experience.
• Our schedules will guarantee that you spend most of your time enjoying the best of each site.
• We’ll handle and guarantee the best services and products for your accommodation, cruises, guidance, and anything else related to your trip.

PERU + GALAPAGOS

12 days / 11 nights.

This 12 days trip offers you the chance to do a Quito city tour, visit the Middle of the World and the Otavalo handcraft market. After a 4 day Galapagos cruise, you will get to see Guayaquil and Lima. You will enjoy a Cuzco city tour, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

*For rates for more than 4 people, please ask your trip advisor.

Peru + Galapagos Itinerary Details

Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights Type: What are the best Machu Picchu and Galapagos tours?

Inquire Here!

N/A: Not Available; B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Additional Information

• Tours for 1-3 pax will be provided with a driver/guide

Rates Include

• Private transportation
• Air tickets to / from Galapagos
• Meals mentioned
• Hotel nights based on double occupancy
• All transfers in/out mentioned
• Entrance fees
• English speaking guide

Not Included

• Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee
• Personal expenses and tips
• Air tickets to / from Peru
• Activities not mentioned
• Meals not mentioned

13 Days / 12 Nights

During this 13 day program, you will visit Quito and the Middle of the World before you start your 5 day cruise through the Galapagos. Afterwards, you will enjoy a Cuzco city tour, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.

Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights Type: What are the best Machu Picchu and Galapagos tours?

15 Days / 14 Nights

An 8 days Galapagos cruise surrounded by an exploration of the Ecuadorian Andes and Peru. You will see Quito, the Middle of the World and the Otavalo handcraft market during your stay on Ecuador's mainland. Lima, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu will amaze you in Peru.

Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights Type: What are the best Machu Picchu and Galapagos tours?

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Galápagos & Machu Picchu Wildlife Walking Adventure

• Dates & Prices

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Now you can fulfill two of your biggest travel dreams on one amazing vacation. From eye-level encounters with the wildlife of the Galápagos to a soaring visit to Machu Picchu, there are almost too many high points to count! First, the Galápagos Islands off the Ecuadorian coast. Your naturalist-guides will introduce you to giant land tortoises, sea lions, blue-footed boobies and other creatures found nowhere else on earth—often in extreme close-up. You’ll have abundant chances to walk, kayak and snorkel, and you’ll stay in exceptionally-sited waterfront boutique hotels, rather than being marooned on a cruise ship. The contrasts couldn’t be more extreme as you make the seamless transition to the mainland and ascend to Machu Picchu. Your first view of the famed ruins will give you the shivers just like you knew it would. On this unforgettable journey, you'll spend two days at the site. Plus you have leisurely exposure to the rest of Peru with its conquistador-tinged history, indestructible Inca architecture and spectacular geography. And your guide is a native Quechua who'll make you as comfortable in Cusco as you'll be among mountain villagers and llama herders.

• Your Galápagos getaway begins on Santa Cruz Island where you'll walk among 500-pound tortoises 

• Boat to Santa Fe Island for a day of snorkeling and a memorable beach barbeque

• Explore Isabela Island, taking to the water to kayak with sea lions, green sea turtles and marine iguanas

• Walk through otherworldly volcanic terrain to the awesome caldera of Volcán Chico for a very civilized picnic

• Fly to the mainland for a leisurely evening in Guayaquil before continuing your adventure in Peru

• Exlpore Cuscoa and the imposing ruins of Sacsayhuaman

• Visit a bastion of ancient weaving techniques that are also a breeding center for llamas, alpacas, and vicunas

• Meet with local children in the tiny Incan village of Ollantaytambo

• Take a cinematic train ride that lifts you up to Machu Picchu for a 2-day visit to experience the legendary site with experienced guides

• Watch the first rays of the morning sun strike the site

• Return to Cusco to explore the grand colonial city on foot at eye level

Starting Point:

Ending point:.

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887 .

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

$1120: Ecuadorian and Peruvian Air, Galápagos Entry & Tra

Why Choose Classic Journeys

We believe in creating authentic connections by immersing you into the history and culture of a people and place. So we find the most well-connected local guides who share their relationships and knowledge with us. And with them, we handcraft walking tours in cinematic settings that allow you to see the world on foot and at eye level.

It’s why Travel + Leisure magazine has named Classic Journeys as the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times, and the editors of T+L say, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you every time you travel with us.

• Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
• Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend . Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
• Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
• Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
• Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
• Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
• Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visitin g. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

Accommodations

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

This contemporary hotel with colonial inspiration is located in the heart of Urubamba Valley. From the comfort of this luxurious Andean property, you can discover the history, nature and charm of the Sacred Valley.

Iguana Crossing

The ocean laps at this beautiful eco-friendly hotel, with beach access out front and a National Park nearby. Enjoy staying in their comfortable rooms with modern amenities and swimming in their outdoor pool or roof-deck jacuzzi.

Angermeyer Waterfront Inn

Built of native lava rock and driftwood, this first-class hotel is situated right on the waterfront. Guests enjoy peace and total privacy, plus a perfect chance to experience what the owners call the true ‘Galápagos spirit’.

What’s Included

• All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners
• Full-time experienced guide
• All activities in the itinerary, including gear for snorkeling and kayaking in the Galápagos
• Admissions to tastings, historic sites and other scheduled events as noted in the detailed daily itinerary
•  Gratuities for hotels, meals, and baggage
• All land transportation during the trip

Above & Beyond Benefits

Invisible check-in.

• When your group arrives, we whisk you and your bags to your room immediately. No waiting – no tipping.

Privileged Access Events

• One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places and activities arranged just for you.

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Machu Picchu & Galapagos Tours

Home » Machu Picchu & Galapagos Tours

Our Machu Picchu & Galapagos Tours take you to two of South America’s most iconic destinations. In Peru, you will learn about the colonial history of Lima , and discover the cultural heritage of the Incas in Cusco and the Sacred Valley . You will then travel by train for a guided tour of Machu Picchu , the awe-inspiring mountain top site. In the Galapagos , you can explore the islands by ship or on a land-based tour . Naturalist guides will introduce you to the fascinating endemic and native species including giant tortoises , sea lions , and penguins , and and explain the volcanic origins of the archipelago.

Galapagos and Machu Picchu with 4 Day Galapagos Legend Cruise

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Galapagos, Machu Picchu, and Nazca Lines

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Combining the Galapagos with Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines is an excellent way to experience the best of Ecuador and Peru. You will begin…

Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel and Machu Picchu

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Experience the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands and the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu on this wondrous tour. The tour begins in Quito with…

Galapagos, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca

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Combining the Galapagos with Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca is an excellent way to experience the best of Ecuador and Peru. You will begin in…

Galapagos, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon

16 days/15 nights from $5,569.

Galapagos, Machu Picchu, and the Peruvian Amazon are three of the most popular destinations in South America. Your tour will begin in Quito, which has…

Galapagos and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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Galapagos and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu combines two of the most popular destinations in South America. Your tour begins in Quito, which has…

Galapagos, Machu Picchu, and Easter Island

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Useful Machu Picchu & Galapagos Information

Peru Weather

Peru Accommodations

Galapagos FAQ

Galapagos Weather

Galapagos Accommodations

When is the best time to travel to peru & machu picchu.

The weather along Peru’s desert coast is decidedly moderate, with little rain and temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees year round. In summer (December to March), there are warm days with several hours of morning sunshine, but in the winter a coastal fog called la garúa sets in and makes everything gray. The best months to visit cities like Lima and Trujillo are October, November, and April, when conditions are mild and the humidity is tolerable.

Weather in Peru’s sierra consists of wet and dry seasons; the former runs from November to March, the latter from May to September. The best time to go is from April to October, which coincides with several local festivities and peak tourist crowds. Even then, expect cool nights and occasional afternoon downpours.

The Amazon region also has wet and dry seasons, with strong heat and humidity all year. To maximize wildlife-viewing opportunities, go between June and September, since in other months the sudden onset of heavy rains can foil even the best-laid plans. See all Peru FAQ .

When is the best time to travel to the Galapagos?

It is always a good time to travel to a destination as unique and fascinating as the Galapagos. There are two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season runs from December to June, with higher daytime temperatures (80’s F) and humidity, and occasional rain showers. The ocean temperature is also higher (77 degrees F), making swimming and snorkeling more appealing. This is also the breeding season for land birds and sea lions, and nesting season for sea turtles.

The dry season runs from June to December. During this season, the weather and ocean temperature are cooled by the Humboldt Current, which brings cold water, nutrients, and plankton from the southern part of the South America. Temperatures average in the 70’s (F) during the day and lower at night. It is also windier, and the ocean is rougher. The nutrient rich waters attract fish, seabirds, and penguins. This is also mating season of the blue-footed boobies. See all Galapagos FAQ .

How To Plan A Galapagos Vacation

Planning a Galapagos vacation can seem like a daunting task when you are just starting out, but answering the following (basic) questions will make it easier for us to help you plan your trip…

• What is your budget per person not including international airfare?
• How many days do you have for your Galapagos vacation?
• When do you want to visit?
• Do you want a Galapagos Cruise or Galapagos Land Based Tour?
• What activities do you want to participate in?
• What type of wildlife do you want to see?
• What other destinations do you want to combine with the Galapagos Islands?

Contact one of our travel experts for help in planning your trip.

The Main Galapagos Islands and Visitor Sites

Marine iguanas that skitter up to you on seaside rocks, eyes darting. Frigatebirds, their crimson pouches inflating as they roost in bushes. Whitetip reef sharks, gliding past you as you snorkel in calm waters. Sound inspiring? It was to Charles Darwin, whose awe at the boldness of the Galapagos Islands’ wildlife was what set him on the path to his theory of natural selection. His 1831 voyage put this remote archipelago on the map, and ever since, the Galapagos’ fascination has continued to grow. Today, the natural marvels on this protected refuge are so abundant that choosing which of the main Galapagos islands to visit can be a challenge—even for the most serious eco-travelers…

Baltra Island / Bartolomé Island / Chinese Hat Islet / Eden Islet / Española Island / Fernandina Island / Floreana Island / Genovesa Island / Isabela Island / Mosquera Islet / North Seymour Island / Rábida Island / San Cristóbal Island / Santa Cruz Island / Santa Fe Island / Santiago Island / South Plaza Island

Top Galapagos Activities by Land or by Sea

So: you’ve deplaned at Baltra Island’s airport, been carted down to the docks on your shuttle, and just stepped off the barge onto Santa Cruz Island, the Galapagos’ main tourist hub. Congratulations—but don’t flop back in your hammock just yet. With 18 main islands, 107 islets, and 116 authorized visitor sites to choose from…

Top Galapagos Wildlife

American Flamingo

Blue-Footed Booby

Flightless Cormorant

Frigatebirds: Great and Magnificent

Galapagos Fur Seal

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Hawk

Galapagos Penguin

Galapagos Sea Lion

Land Iguana

Marine Iguana

Nazca Booby

Red-Footed Booby

Santa Fe Land Iguana

Waved Albatross

Galapagos wildlife calendar.

In the Galapagos Islands, wildlife is the main attraction. Below is a Galapagos Wildlife Calendar indicating what you can expect to see during each month of the year while on a Galapagos Cruise or Galapagos Land-Based Tour …

Galapagos Packing List: What To Bring On Your Trip

From wildlife-spotting cruises to climbing an active volcano, or snorkeling amid a rainbow of tropical fish—a visit to the Galapagos is always an adventure. But with its unique climate, remote location, and abundance of land and sea activities, it can be hard to know what to pack. Don’t worry; our Galapagos packing list…

Galapagos Cruise Ships

Galapagos Legend / Santa Cruz II / La Pinta / Isabela II / Coral I & II / Galapagos Sea Star Journey / Infinity / Natural Paradise / Horizon / Petrel / Treasure of Galapagos / Galapagos Seaman Journey / EcoGalaxy

Machu Picchu & Galapagos Travel Articles

Machu picchu, a guide to the main structures of machu picchu.

Machu Picchu isn’t just an archaeological wonder: It’s also an architectural masterpiece. With more than 200 buildings that we know of, intelligently divided into urban and agricultural sectors and an upper town and lower town, there are no finer examples of Inca planning and construction…

Hiram Bingham And The Discovery Of Machu Picchu

On July 24, 1911, a Yale lecturer of South American history stumbled through the dense jungle on the saddle of a steep-sided mountaintop in Peru. Cutting through the undergrowth, he began to see signs of a former settlement. Walls and archways, paths and structures, and monumental architecture…

Day Two At Machu Picchu: Four Top Options

So you’ve finally done it. You’ve bought your PeruRail tickets, your entrance pass, and your chuyo , and you’re on your way to Machu Picchu. Mission accomplished—at least the first stage. By now your envious friends are blowing up your Facebook page with “OMG! How exciting!” posts and asking…

Pirates, Captains And Castaways: The First Visitors To The Galapagos

Charles Darwin is the man most associated with the Galapagos Islands, but he certainly wasn’t the first person to reach this remote and endlessly fascinating archipelago. Whether by accident or objective, other seafarers had reached the islands before Darwin and the voyage of the HMS Beagle in 1835, with widely…

How Darwin’s Findings in Galapagos Contributed to His Theory of Natural Selection

In 1835, not long before arriving at the Galapagos Islands, Charles Darwin wrote a letter to his friend and mentor John Stevens Henslow. “In a few days’ time,” he wrote, “the Beagle will sail for the Galapagos Islands. I look forward with joy and interest to this, both as being somewhat nearer to England and for the sake…

The Best Places For Snorkeling In The Galapagos

The Galapagos Marine Reserve is the second largest marine reserve in the world, and the largest in a developing country. Due to its protected status, many areas of the marine reserve are off-limits to snorkelers and divers. But there are plenty of sites open to visitors, where with just some basic snorkeling equipment…

Galapagos Giant Tortoise: 23 Interesting Facts

When it comes to wildlife-watching opportunities, the Galapagos Islands are second to none. Blue-footed boobies waddle along the shores, marine iguanas lounge on the rocks, and Galapagos penguins splash around in the waters, not to mention sea lions, fur seals, and sea turtles everywhere you turn. However…

Encountering Giant Tortoises On Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Santa Cruz, the most populated and commercially developed island in the Galapagos, is also the most visited. Near the international airport some 650 miles west of mainland Ecuador, Santa Cruz is the site of the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galapagos National Park, which lead conservation programs…

Land, Sea, And Air: The Varied Wildlife Of San Cristobal Island, Galapagos

San Cristobal, the farthest east and second most populated of all the Galapagos Islands, is also the site of one of the two main airports serving the Ecuadorian mainland, some 600 miles away. But it would be a shame to simply fly in and head straight for other islands, because San Cristóbal offers some of the best…

Top Wildlife Viewing On Isabela Island, Galapagos

Isabela Island, by far the largest island in the Galapagos, is also one of the richest in wildlife. Home to more wild tortoises than all the other Galapagos Islands combined, it’s also the best place to spot penguins in the archipelago, which harbors the most northerly penguin colony on earth. (Isabela lies directly on…

The Fascinating Wildlife Of Fernandina Island, Galapagos

Lying across a narrow channel from the much larger Isabela Island, Fernandina Island is best known for its abundance of marine iguanas: reptiles that the revered Charles Darwin himself called “hideous-looking” and “imps of darkness” — and, indeed, they have a prehistoric look that only a mother could love…

Genovesa Island, Galapagos: Prime Territory For Birds

To reach little Genovesa, the most northeastern island of the Galapagos, cruise vessels must sail up to eight hours from other more visited islands. Large cruise ships have to bypass Genovesa – also called Tower Island – because the reef makes it risky for them to enter into and anchor at Darwin Bay, where passengers…

Have Questions? Call 1-888-268-9753 to Speak to An Expert.

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Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Tour Get Started -->

Our Most Popular Trip: Two of South America’s most spectacular destinations in one itinerary

Days: 12-15 | From: $8,850/person

• Includes accommodations at first class or luxury boutique hotels that reflect the best of local culture
• Includes excursions and tours with superb private guides; the finest small vessels in the Galapagos
• Ideal for couples, small private groups, and families; fully customizable to your dates and interests
• Vessel charters available in Galapagos

This is one of the world's best combination trips, done the right way. Enjoy world class cuisine in Lima, then renew your sense of wonder exploring lost Incan cities and contemporary Peruvian culture. Finish the trip by spending a week exploring the Galapagos Islands on an intimate yacht, discovering scenery and wildlife found nowhere else in the world. An incomparable journey.

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a glance

• Lima 1 night: renowned cuisine and world class museums
• Sacred Valley 1 night: Andean life and ancient ruins in this magnificent river valley
• Machu Picchu 1 night: time to explore this stunning icon in depth & at non-peak hours
• Cusco 2 nights: take in the captivating former Incan capital
• Quito 2 nights: walk the streets of this colonial city
• Galapagos 4-7 nights: enjoy a small ship expedition cruise through the Enchanted Isles

Customize this trip 1 (510) 548-8487

Sample itinerary

Welcome to lima.

Arrive to Lima, former capital of the Spanish empire in the Americas, and transfer to your first class hotel in Miraflores, Lima’s main cultural and commercial district. This is a great area for strolling around and is home to many of Lima’s best restaurants.

Private tours of Lima or visits to any of Lima’s museums can be arranged; we can also arrange culinary tours focusing on Peru’s increasingly renowned cuisine, or art tours for those with special interests.

Accommodations: Atemporal

Housed in a renovated 1940s townhouse in the chic Miraflores district, this six-room hotel provides a relaxed atmosphere with excellent service. Atemporal offers its guests an alternative lodging experience in three room categories: Grand, Charming, and Cozy. Atemporal is entirely private, meaning only guests and those they invite can use its exclusive spaces, with their offbeat but functional collector’s aesthetic, including a veranda, salon and private garden.

Fly to the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Fly over the Andes to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a long, fertile river valley surrounded by snowcapped peaks that lies between Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Visit Chinchero, a traditional small town situated on a plateau overlooking the Sacred Valley. Explore a colonial church with remarkable paintings and frescoes, which was constructed over the ruins of an Incan temple and is surrounded by impressive Incan terracing. Chinchero is also home to several highly-regarded weaving cooperatives known for their high-quality textiles. Peru is known for its intricate traditional weavings, many of which use symbols to tell stories or depictions of daily life.

Afterward enjoy lunch at a great small restaurant founded by a renowned local chef. Your private guide will be there to help you make the most of the entire experience.

Accommodations: Hotel Sol y Luna

The Sol y Luna Lodge is located in Peru's Sacred Valley of the Incas, not far from the town of Urubamba. Peruvian art adorns each of the first class, comfortable adobe cottages, whose terraces offer spectacular views of the mountains. A place that does things the right way, this hotel has long been among our traveler favorites due to the superb accommodations, location, and service. The property offers two outstanding restaurants. There is also a stable with beautiful horses that can be taken out into the surrounding mountains on horseback riding excursions. This is a Relais & Chateaux property.

Machu Picchu

Travel by train to Machu Picchu, one of South America’s most iconic sites.

Visit this remarkable site with a private guide and enjoy lunch at the famous Sanctuary Lodge before returning to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Accommodations: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

This hotel sits on its own 12 secluded acres in Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. The hotel is ideally located in natural surroundings, a short walk to the train station and the shuttles that take visitors to the ruins, but just outside the town, which is quite touristy. Guests follow stone pathways to their rooms, located in comfortable one- or two-story whitewashed casitas. Unlike the other hotels in Aguas Calientes, the Pueblo is set in a natural cloud forest, allowing you to experience the beauty of this unique ecosystem during your stay.

Machu Picchu and Cusco

Return to Machu Picchu in the early morning to explore and discover the citadel on your own. You’ll also have the chance to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, the mountain that towers above Machu Picchu. There is a lot to see in and around Machu Picchu.

After visiting the ruins, catch the afternoon train back to Cusco, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.

Accommodations: Inkaterra La Casona Cusco

A Relais & Chateaux property, La Casona is set in a restored 16th-century colonial manor house, which was built over an Inca complex and later occupied by the conquistadors of Peru. Its 11 suites surround an elegant courtyard, and the hotel offers a dining room, dining terrace, lounge and sitting area. La Casona graciously preserves the site's historic details while offering modern comfort and amenities. An exclusive boutique hotel experience, and one of the top options in Cusco.

Private Tour of Cusco: History, Culture, Architecture, and more

Get to know Cusco with your knowledgeable private guide, visiting the historical highlights of this fascinating city. Visit Sacsahuaman, the massive Incan fortress on the hills above the city, where you can enjoy views out over Cusco and the entire surrounding area. Afterward enjoy the afternoon to explore more of the city on your own.

Cusco is one of the highlights of a trip to Peru, an intriguing place built on the foundations of the former Incan capital. You can observe massive Incan walls along many of the streets of the city. The city has a vibrant atmosphere and many excellent restaurants.

Depart for Quito, Ecuador

Say goodbye to Peru and fly to Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your local guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel, located in the picturesque historic center of the city.

Accommodations: Illa Experience

The Illa Experience is located in the historic Old Town district of Quito, within walking distance of cultural attractions, cafes, and restaurants. Rooms are decorated with modern, comfortable furnishings and decor. Each floor of the hotel is inspired by a different historical period, and each room offers underfloor heating and large windows with views of the iconic calle Junín or the Virgen del Panecillo. The restaurant offers traditional Ecuadorian dishes crafted with local ingredients.

Colonial Architecture and One-of-a-Kind Artwork

Set out with your private guide to explore historic Quito, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Visit the highlights of the colonial “Centro Historico,” and go up to a lookout point on the Panecillo for a great view of the entire city. Afterward, head into the new town to visit the remarkable Fundación Guayasamin, which houses the art collection of Oswaldo Guayasamin, Ecuador’s most famous 20th century artist.

Seeing both parts of the city gives you a great overview of some of the different neighborhoods in this diverse Andean metropolis.

Fly to the Galapagos Islands

Fly from Quito about 600 miles out over the Pacific Ocean to arrive at the Galapagos Islands. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your vessel.

Visiting the Galapagos Islands is a unique experience: a combination of sheer natural beauty, amazing wildlife, beautiful vessels, and fascinating natural history.

Accommodations: Seaman Journey

Intimate yet spacious, the Seaman Journey is a comfortable first class option for exploring the Galapagos. This 16 passenger catamaran offers several sun decks, a dining room and bar/lounge, and a well-stocked “book nook.” All 8 cabins have air conditioning, private bathroom, and large ocean-view windows that open. The on board service is warm and attentive and excursions are led by a bilingual naturalist guide; excursion options include hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Cruising and Exploring the Islands

The exact itinerary varies from vessel to vessel, but you will spend these days exploring the islands in depth . Your boat will travel between several different islands so that you can experience a wide variety of the unique wildlife and environments that the Galapagos offers.

The giant Galapagos Tortoise, the marine iguana, the waved albatross, the Galapagos penguin, and flightless cormorants are just a few of the species you can come across. There will also be daily opportunities to snorkel, where you can see what’s below the surface: giant sea turtles, rays, and sea lions, to name just a few. Each day you will enjoy excellent cuisine and the company of an expert bilingual naturalist guide.

Return to Quito / Depart for Home or Your Next Destination

Enjoy a final morning in the islands before flying out from the Galapagos back to Quito, where you can connect with your international flight home or continue your trip in mainland Ecuador.

If you have a long layover before your flight, we can set up a visit to nearby hot springs or transfer you to a hotel to relax and have dinner before transferring back to the airport.

More Photos From This Trip

Popular ways to customize this itinerary.

Add a few nights in the Peruvian Amazon, easily accessible from Cusco, or the Ecuadorian Amazon, a short flight from Quito.

Add extra days in Lima, Cusco, or Quito: All three are worth exploring on your own, and we can arrange a variety of activities, including city tours, culinary excursions, visits to ruins and historical sites, and active options such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Visit some of the highlights of mainland Ecuador, including local markets, volcanoes, the cloud forest, and historic haciendas.

Take part in a Pachamanca , a traditional Andean cooking ceremony on the shores of Lake Piuray.

Hike to Machu Picchu: Get off the train at Kilometer 104 to walk the last four to six hours along the famous Inca trail. Or see our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu itinerary for information about hiking the whole trail over several days.

Include some downtime for rest and relaxation! Some free time to unwind or have a massage will allow you to feel refreshed and ready for the remainder of your trip. Many of our properties include excellent spas or wellness centers. We can help arrange these services or include properties that offer health & wellness amenities.

For additional ideas, check out our post on the Top 10 Ways to Combine Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands .

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.

Reviews From This Trip

Great attention to detail. Our leaders were amazing very knowledgeable and helpful. The trip was well planned and executed to perfection.

This was the most stress free trip we've ever taken. We normally do all our planning ourselves which can bring some anxious moments in foreign destinations. However, with Vaya we were always with experienced, thoughtful guides who took all the guesswork and uncertainty away.

The trip was fabulous. Every detail went according to plan. Loved it!!

All or our guides were fantastic. We enjoyed talking and listening to all of them.

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Galapagos tours.

8 Day Quito and Galapagos Cruise

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Customize your galapagos tours.

Visit the Galapagos islands aboard our cruises and land packages, including comfy accommodations and guided tours by industry experts. Explore the islands that helped Charles Darwin develop his theory of evolution while observing unique wildlife found only in the Galapagos archipelago. Check out our vacation packages below, and contact our expert travel advisers to tailor your perfect travel package to the Galapagos National park and top destinations in Peru.

Experience The Galapagos Islands

Few destinations can compare to the Galapagos Islands regarding wildlife photography, water activities, and exploration. The remote Galapagos archipelago offers the perfect chance to have a unique travel experience. Our travel specialists are ready to help you plan the ideal trip and customize your Galapagos tours.

Galapagos Wildlife

The unique ecosystem of the Galapagos islands has developed unique flora and fauna that drives researchers and travelers to the archipelago. For example, the giant Galapagos tortoise can grow larger than humans. The islands also house endemic bird species, including the finch species studied by Charles Darwin. In addition, the Galapagos islands have the only known population of Iguanas that dive into the ocean.

The Charles Darwin Research Station

The Charles Darwin Research Station is located on Santa Cruz Island. The famous research station is where travelers can visit to learn about the Galapagos Islands’ protection and how the ecosystem’s restoration has been taking place. The research center works as the operative branch of the Charles Darwin Foundation, whose job is to collect and preserve specimens to educate the public on the preservation of endemic wildlife and their habitats.

Pristine Beaches

If you are searching for relaxing white-sand beaches to lay on, while listening to the hypnotic sounds of the ocean, the Galapagos Islands has some unique places to do so. Travelers can also jump in the water and swim with local species of fish and sea turtles that feed nearby. The volcanic origin of the islands also produces different colored sand. On some islands, travelers see white sand, while others show red, green, and even black sandy beaches.

Galapagos Landscapes

Galapagos Islands’ topography allows for amazing scenery that travelers will love. Kicker Rock and Sierra Negra are notable landmarks among breathtaking landscapes.

Each of the islands in the Galapagos archipelago has distinctive characteristics that make the panoramic scenery unique and impressive.

Volcanoes & Lava Flows

Volcanic activity is still ongoing in the Galapagos Islands chain. All of the Islands were formed by volcanic activity.

Younger islands like Fernandina Island present different and much rougher terrain than one of the oldest, Island Espanola.

Water Activities

The Galapagos Islands have a wide assortment of water activities for all visitors.

From scuba diving to kayaking, snorkeling with sea lions, and taking glass-bottomed boat rides, your Journey Machu Picchu travel agent can tailor your trip to schedule additional water activities on your Galapagos Islands tour.

Galapagos National Park

The Galapagos Islands have a wide assortment of water activities for all visitors. From scuba diving to kayaking, snorkeling with sea lions, and taking glass-bottomed boat rides, your Journey Machu Picchu travel agent can tailor your trip to schedule additional water activities on your Galapagos Islands tour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Galapagos Tours

What will i see on a galapagos cruise tour.

Galapagos cruises give travelers the advantage of visiting different islands on the archipelago. Furthermore, this mobility allows travelers also to see other beaches and breeding centers for the Gian Galapagos tortoise. There is a wide variety of cruises, and due to local regulations, there will be multiple itineraries each manages. Itineraries can differ but will generally include the following: – Punta Cormorant, Floreana Island – Puerto Chino, San Cristobal Island – Suarez Point, Espanola Island – Breeding Center Jacinto Gordillo, San Cristobal Island – Gardner Bay, Espanola Island – Baroness Bay & Lookout, Floreana Island – Post Office Bay, Floreana Island – North Seymour Island – Santa Fe Island – Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island – Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island – Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island – Santa Cruz Highlands – South Plazas Island – Mosquera Islet – Bartolome Island – El Barranco, Genovesa Island – Chinese Hat, Santiago Island – Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island – Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island

Can I visit the Galapagos Islands on a budget?

Travelers on a budget will find that a land-based package Galapagos tour is more affordable than a cruise. The Galapagos archipelago is located several miles from the Ecuadorian coast, making them highly isolated and challenging to get to. Add the fact that they are a national reservation, and the Galapagos Islands are among South America's most expensive places to visit. The fact that there are hotels on various islands means that there are different price ranges for land packages compared to an all-inclusive Galapagos cruise.

When is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands?

If you are looking for sunny weather, warm water temperatures, tranquil currents, and good underwater visibility, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from December to May. However, if you are primarily looking to see some wildlife, the Galapagos Islands can be visited year-round.

What will I see in a Galapagos land package? 

Land packages are centered around taking day trips to visit nearby islands to their hotel's location and breeding centers for the Giant Galapagos tortoise. Land package itineraries can vary depending on which island in the Galapagos your hotel is located. Below is a list of possible destinations: – Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island – Charles Darwin Station, Santa Cruz – Los Gemelos, Santa Cruz Island – Cerro Mesa, Santa Cruz – Santa Fe Island – North Seymour Island – South Plazas Island – Los Gemelos, Santa Cruz Island – Wall of Tears, Isabela Island – Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela Island – Tintoreras, Isabela Island – Espanola Island – Kicker Rock, San Cristobal – Bartolome Island – Puerto Chino, San Cristobal

What animals will I see on a tour of the Galapagos Islands?

The biggest driver of tourism to the Galapagos Islands is the endemic wildlife. There are many species to photograph and get glimpses of in the archipelago. Below is a brief list of animals you'll get to see. But, of course, some depend on the time of the year you book your Galapagos tours.  – Marine Iguanas – Fur seals – Sea Lions – Land Iguanas – Giant Galapagos Tortoises – Manta rays – Endemic birds include fiches (studied by Darwin), Nazca boobies, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, and flamingoes. Up to 56 species in total.  – Green sea turtles – 33 species of sharks, including Galapagos, whitetip reef, hammerhead, and whale sharks – 450 species of fish

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Why Visit Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu are two of the most sought-after  tourist destinations in South America, and for good reason; the Galapagos Islands are an incredible wildlife viewing destination, with endemic wildlife species that aren’t afraid of humans, and Machu Picchu is one of the most fascinating historical sites in the world. Both probably are, and definitely should be (!), on your bucket list.

Read More About Traveling to the Galapagos Islands Here: Guide to Traveling To The Galapagos Islands Read More About Traveling to Machu Picchu and Peru Here: Peru Travel Guide View Galapagos and Machu Picchu Trips Here: Galapagos and Machu Picchu Trips

The Galapagos Islands​

Blue Footed Boobie doing its mating dance in the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a chain of volcanic islands straddling the equator, 600 miles west of the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. Due to their location and volcanic origin, all of the life there has traveled from the mainland in some way, and then has evolved into unique species of endemic animals. The Galapagos had a profound impact on Charles Darwin when he visited there in 1835, as he noticed that the animals on one island were different from those of the same species on another island.

These unique wildlife species are still on the Galapagos Islands in great numbers, and because they have never learned to fear man, they are very easy to see. Where else in the world can you see giant tortoises, blue footed boobies, penguins, and swimming iguanas all in one place?

98% of the Galapagos Islands are set aside as a National Park, and where you can go and what you can do are highly regulated. The traditional way to visit the Galapagos is on a 4-15 day cruise on a small yacht, going ashore in different sites each day with your trained and licensed naturalist guide. A newer type of trip is the island hopping trip, staying in one or more of the 4 inhabited islands, and taking day excursions to view the wildlife, although much of it is in or very near the towns. Also popular are multisport adventure tours where you kayak, hike, snorkel, and even bike each day to recreate and view wildlife.​

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu sits on a remote mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley, about 50 miles northwest of Cusco, Peru. It was built by the Incas around 1450, most likely as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. At the time, the Incas had expanded their territory to cover most of Western South America. They ruled this region in the 15th and 16th Century, before their defeat at the hands of the Spanish.

Machu Picchu had long been forgotten when it was "discovered" by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Much of the site has been reconstructed, and it is a magical place to visit, replete with great views and ancient mysticism. It is the best known and most recognized symbol of the Inca Empire. 

Machu Picchu itself is not a big site and can be experienced in half a day, but it is remote and takes time to get to. Additionally, Cusco, the jumping off city for trips to Machu Picchu, and the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas are both incredibly interesting and worth visits themselves.

​You can get to Machu Picchu from Cusco either by taking the train to the valley below the citadel, then taking a bus to the site itself, or on foot by hiking the Inca Trail

Why Visit Both In One Trip

If you are interested in seeing and experiencing both the culture and history of Machu Picchu, and the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, and if you aren't likely to take another trip to South America, combining the two destinations into one trip makes a lot of sense as they are relatively close to one another on the western side of South America. But, you need a minimum of 10 days to even slightly begin to experience both destinations adequately, and we recommend at least 14 days to give yourself time to really enjoy your trip. In addition, there is additional cost to visiting two destinations as it requires more flights and hotel times. 

Why Choose Only One Destination on Your Trip?

Assuming you are interested in both destinations, you may decide to choose to only visit one on your trip if your time (or budget) is limited so that you wouldn't be able to adequately experience both destinations fully. We firmly believe in traveling more slowly to allow yourself to experience the true nature of a destination, rather than rushing to lots of destinations to get stamps in your passport and checkmarks on your dream destination list, but really only experience planes, trains, and automobiles wherever you go. 

Keep in mind that combing the two destinations adds time and cost to your trip, as it requires additional flights and enough time to see both destinations properly. See more about this below. ​Machu Picchu is in the highlands of southern Peru near the town of Cusco​, and the Galapagos Islands are 500 miles west of the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. You cannot fly directly between the two destinations as you have to enter and depart Peru from Lima, and Ecuador from Quito or Guayaquil.

From Quito it is a 4-hour flight to the Galapagos Islands, and from Lima it is an hour by air, but then takes another 3-4 hours by bus and train to reach Machu Picchu. You will need to overnight in either Lima or one of the Ecuadorian citifies (Quito or Guayaquil) in order to combine the two destinations. 

How Much Time do I Need To Visit Both Destinations?

You can theoretically combine the two destinations in as little as 8 days, but frankly that would be a horrible trip as that is too fast to do anything other than be able to say you've been there (although you won't have really seen or experienced either one). At a bare minimum you need 10 days to even start to experience the two destinations, but you won't find many organized trips that are that fast as it really is too much travel and note enough time in either destination. Trips of 12 to 14 days are generally long enough to have a great experience in each destination. 

To have a decent trip you need a day to travel to either Peru or Ecuador, at least five days in the Galapagos, at least four days in Peru, and another day to arrive home, for a total of 11 days. In four days you can visit Machu Picchu, see the ruins in and around Cusco, and that's about it. We highly recommend spending more time in this area, as there is so much to see and do you could easily spend more than a week here. One more day in Peru, for a trip total of 12 days, adds greatly to your Peru experience.

Five days is really the minimum trip length for a Galapagos trip, as the first and last days of your trip are spent mostly getting to and from the islands, leaving only 3 full days to explore. For years the traditional Galapagos yacht trip was 8 days, while the traditional multisport adventure trip is 7 days. Plus you need one night before you fly to the Galapagos in either Quito or Guayaquil, as flights to the Galapagos depart early in the morning. ​That means you should really plan at least 6 days for the Galapagos portion

If you have less time than this we highly recommend visiting only one of the two destinations on this trip, so as to really experience it, and then plan a separate trip to visit the other. This may sound disappointing, but both sites deserve the time to really explore them, and you could easily spend 10 days to two weeks in either destination alone.

Best Ways to Experience The Galapagos and Machu Picchu

Types of galapagos trips.

​The traditional  Galapagos Islands trip is a naturalist cruise on a small yacht that visits a number of islands, with passengers going ashore twice a day at different sites with their naturalist guide for slow moving nature walks, panga (small boat) rides, and snorkeling excursions.

Galapagos Yacht at Anchor

A newer type of Galapagos trip is an island hopping journey, where you stay in hotels on several of the 4 inhabited islands, and do day trips to nearby sites from there. Finally, there are Galapagos multisport adventures that, like island hopping trips, base out of hotels on different islands, but rather than taking slow-moving nature walks you spend your days hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and biking to view the iconic Galapagos wildlife.

Types of Machu Picchu Trips

Machu Picchu itself is a relatively small site that can be seen in less than a day, but it is remote and hard to reach, making a visit there take at least several days. Best is to spend time exploring the Inca history and highlands culture in Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, both of which you must pass through on your way to Machu Picchu.

There are two ways to get to Machu Picchu itself: Hike the Inca Trail and enter Machu Picchu via the Gate of the Sun on foot, or take the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo and then take a short bus trip up the mountain to visit Machu Picchu.

Most people arrive by train, as they will can take cultural tours of Cusco and Sacred Valley Inca and colonial sites, or do a multisport adventure (hiking, biking, horseback riding and rafting to remote cultural sites) or a non-permitted trek, and still visit Machu Picchu by taking the train.

The Inca Trail is a 1, 4, or 5-day hike, that requires permits issued by the Government of Peru. Permits can sell out many months in advance (usually May and June hikes sell out in early January, followed by April, July, and August), so if you are considering this option you will need to plan way in advance.

Group at Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun at Machu Picchu

New for 2016 there are separate permits for hiking the 1-day, or Royal Inca Trail, which is the last day of the Inca Trail and allows you to arrive into Machu Picchu on foot via Inti Punku, or the Gate of the Sun. Permits of this option are not selling quickly, so if you want to arrive to Machu Picchu on foot this is a fabulous option that can be combined with another trek, a multisport adventure, or even a more cultural trip, even when permits are sold out for the full Inca Trail Trek.

How To Combine the Galapagos Island and Machu Picchu Into One Trip

​Combining the two destinations involves a number of flights, but it really isn't that complicated. Ideally your international flights will fly from home to Peru and then from Ecuador to home, or vice versa, as you can easily start in either destination. 

Can I Combine the Two Destinations Myself Or Do I Need To Book A Trip That Already Combines the Two Destinations?​

There are quite a few pieces to a combination trip to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu, but you it is quite possible to arrange everything on your own. It really depends on you - do you have the time to and do you enjoy researching logistics and finding trips​ for both destinations, or do you prefer to spend your time choosing between various trip styles and itineraries and letting a tour operator arrange everything for you?

You can save money if you arrange as much a possible yourself, but keep in mind that you will need guides in the Galapagos to see any Park sites outside of a town, and arranging the train to Machu Picchu can be a challenge.

If you don't plan to do it yourself in both destinations it probably makes sense to book a combined tour, as that will simplify everything and the tour operator will make sure the logistics all fit together.  

Which Destination Should I Visit First?

It really doesn't matter very much which destination you start with, unless you are traveling in March or December or January (see the ​weather section below). If traveling in March we would recommend that you start in the Galapagos so you go to Peru as late in March as possible, and if traveling in December or January we recommend going to Peru first so that you are in the Galapagos when the weather is most likely worst in Peru. 

Where Do I Fly To and From For A Combination Trip?

To do a combo trip you will need to either fly from home to Lima, Peru, and then return home from either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, or do the trip in reverse and fly from home to Ecuador, and then from Peru to home.

Obviously you will need another international flight to connect Peru and Ecuador in the middle, but flying in a triangle like this saves time and usually doesn't cost any more than buying a round trip ticket to either Peru or Ecuador, and a round trip from there to the other country for the middle portion.

And finally, you will need to fly round trip from Lima to Cusco in Peru, and round trip from Ecuador (either Guayaquil or Quito) to the Galapagos Islands.

Weather and When to Visit

Best times to visit machu picchu.

Generally the best time to visit the Machu Picchu region of Peru is from April or May to November. The rainy season starts in late November or early December and runs into March or even April. January and February are the rainiest months, so while you may get some rain in December or March, it generally won't rain all day or even every day.​ The Inca Trail is closed to trekking in February.

Best Times to Visit the Galapagos Islands

It is generally said that there is no bad time to visit the Galapagos, and this is true. as any time of year is good. The seas are roughest from June - December, when the skies can be overcast and the temperatures are cooler, but there is little rain. At this time you will want to wear a wetsuit if you like to snorkel and plan to stay in the water for long periods of time. Mid December until June can be hot, with brief showers, and calmer seas. You may not need a wetsuit for snorkeling at this time of year. September generally has the roughest seas.

March and late December are the busiest times for tourism in the Galapagos Islands, followed by the northern summer vacation months of June, July, and August, so these dates can sell out in advance, with December holidays selling out over a year in advance on some boats.​

Best Times For a Trip Combining Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands​

Combination Trips to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu are best from April to November so as to avoid the rainy season in Peru. Combination trips really are possible all year round, but we really recommend avoiding the month of February, as that is the rainiest time in Peru and floods can wash out roads and make travel difficult. The Inca Trail Trek is closed for maintenance during the entire month of February. December and March generally don't get too much rain in Peru, and even January usually is better than February.

How to Get There and Get Around

Your Galapagos and Machu Picchu trip may start in either Peru or the Galapagos Islands, and then it would end in the other destination. Your international flights would need to be like this: 

Home - Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador - Lima, Peru - Home​

Home - Lima, Peru - Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador - Home​

In Peru, you would also need to fly Lima - Cusco - Lima, and in Ecuador you would fly from Quito/Guayaquil - Galapagos - Quito/Guayaquil.​

Getting to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

International flights to Ecuador arrive and depart from either Quito or Guayaquil. These cities are also the jumping off spots for flights to and from the Galapagos Islands. You will fly to the Galapagos from either Quito or Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador early on the first morning of the Galapagos portion of your trip (flights depart between 7 – 11 a.m.), so you will need to arrive in mainland Ecuador by at least the night before your trip starts in order to make this flight. If coming from Peru, you can connect to Ecuador, most easily through Guayaquil, on the day you depart Cusco.

Getting to Peru and Cusco​

International flights to Peru all go through Lima, so you will need to fly into Lima and then connect on to Cusco in order to get to Machu Picchu. There are flights every hour during the day between Lima and Cusco, and the flight takes about an hour. Exito Travel has great rates on these flights. If starting your trip in the Galapagos Islands, we suggest connecting to Lima and staying in the airport hotel on the night you leave the Galapagos.

Connecting Peru and Ecuador​

​To connect the Galapagos and Machu Picchu you will need a flight that connects Lima, Peru, with either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador. This is a flight of just a few hours, and it is possible to connect to the next country on the day you leave either Cusco or the Galapagos Islands.

Air Tickets​

International and ​domestic flights are not included in the cost of the trip (except for any flights between islands within the Galapagos if indicated in your itinerary). We don't sell airfare, although we work closely with Exito Travel, a company that specializes in flights to and within America, and they can take care of all of your flight needs. We can give them your trip itinerary and then they match flights up with your trip to make the process simple and easy. You are welcome to arrange your own flights as well, and we suggest checking the following websites: Kayak.com or LAN.com.

Hotels in Lima or Guayaquil (or Quito) When Traveling Between Countries

If starting your trip in Peru, ​you will need a hotel in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on the day you travel from Peru to Ecuador. This will be included in the trip price if this is a set Galapagos and Machu Picchu package trip. Either way, this can be arranged for you as you plan your trip. 

If your trip starts in Ecuador, you will need a hotel in Lima, Peru, on the day you depart the Galapagos Islands. This will be included in the trip price if this is a set Galapagos and Machu Picchu package trip. Either way, this can be arranged for you as you plan your trip. You will also need at least one night's hotel in Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil) before the trip begins. This is not included in the trip price but we can arrange it for you. ​

We highly recommend not buying international flights or Galapagos flights before confirming your trip, as this can severely limit your trip options and we'd had to have you purchase flights but not be able to get a trip that fits those dates. 

Sample Popular Galapagos and Machu Picchu Trips

Essential Galapagos Multisport and Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu after acclimatizing with off the beaten path hikes to some of the best ruins and sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The unique 5-day Inca Trail Trek itinerary allows you to hike and camp apart from most of the crowds and gives you extra time to explore ruins and at Machu Picchu. Hike, sea kayak, bike and snorkel your way through the Galapagos. By joining onto shared tours (but with your own top-notch guides) you save on logistics while not skimping on quality. This trip offers an ideal mix of active excursions into the park and chill time to explore on your own. Trip Length: 17 Days Destinations:  Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, San Cristobal Island, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island Accommodations: 3-star and 3-star plus hotels & comfortable tent camping on the Inca Trail Activities: Trekking, Inca ruins, wildlife viewing, biking, sea kayaking, snorkeling, cultural experiences

Galapagos and Machu Picchu Family Adventure

For the adventurous family this is the ultimate active Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu adventure. Designed with families in mind, you will experience the best of Machu Picchu and the Cusco area by hiking, stand up paddle boarding, chocolate making, traditional barbecues, and Inca ruins, including arriving on foot into Machu Picchu on the 1-Day Inca Trail trek. Next you'll hike, sea kayak, and snorkel your way through three different Galapagos Islands, seeing all of the incredible wildlife up close. Trip Length:  14 Days Destination:  San Cristobal Island, Isabela Island and Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands, and Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the 1-day Inca Trail in Peru Lodging:  3-star and 3-star plus hotels Activities:  Day hikes, sea kayaking, snorkeling, biking, Inca ruins, stand up paddle boarding, wildlife viewing

View More Galapagos and Machu Picchu Trips Here: Galapagos and Machu Picchu Trips

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The Ultimate 14-Day Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands Itinerary

LAST UPDATED – 2/14/24 – Machu Picchu and Galápagos Itinerary

For many travelers, Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands are dream travel locations.  After all, both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with the Galápagos Islands being the very first, and the ruins at Machu Picchu are one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.  However, if you ask many travelers, they will tell you that while they dream of visiting such locations, they doubt they will ever get there in their lifetime.  For many, both the Galápagos Islands and Machu Picchu seem like logistically difficult places to visit.

While it is true that Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands both take a bit more planning to visit than your average beach vacation, visiting these two iconic destinations doesn’t have to be difficult.  In fact, if you do the proper planning, these two locations are relatively easy to visit during one exciting trip.  Believe me, I planned and took this trip myself, so I know that it is not only possible, but the trip won’t feel rushed in the least bit.

See Both Iconic Destinations in One Trip!

In this Machu Picchu and Galápagos itinerary guide, I am going to lay out a fourteen-day dream trip to see both Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands in one action-packed trip.  To help make sure that your trip is a success, I have included all of the logistics and planning details in one easy-to-locate spot for you to review. 

Using this itinerary, you will be able to pick the best time for you to plan your trip, make sure you make all the necessary pre-trip preparations book the necessary travel to get from one location to the next, find the ideal tours to make your trip special, and find the best accommodations to stay in as you travel.

The Machu Picchu and Galápagos Itinerary

Because both of these locations are more difficult to get to than most locations you are accustomed to traveling to, one of the most important aspects of your planning is going to be the logistics of getting from one location to the next. 

Not to worry, because I have already spent quite a bit of time working out the best logistical schedule for visiting these two iconic locations in one trip and I have put together a ready-made and traveler-tested itinerary for you to use, which I have outlined below.

Before You Go

Passport and Visa Requirements

One of the most important aspects of your pre-travel planning will be making sure that you have all of the necessary passport and visa requirements taken care of before you leave for your trip.  Because this trip involves travel to both Peru and Ecuador, you will need to make sure you are covered to travel in both countries.  To assist you in your preparations, I have included some notes on the requirements you will be expected to meet for both countries below.

Peru’s Passport and VISA Requirements

To enter Peru, you must have a passport that is valid for 6 months after the date on which you enter the country.  If you plan on staying in Peru for 90 days or less, you will not need a VISA to enter the country.  However, you must be able to show proof of return or onward travel to be admitted. 

Ecuador’s Passport and VISA Requirements

To enter Ecuador, you must have a passport that is valid for 6 months after the date on which you enter the country.  If you plan on staying in Ecuador for 90 days or less, you will not need a VISA to enter the country. 

Immunization Requirements

Before you leave for your trip to Peru and Ecuador, you need to make sure you have all of the proper vaccinations.  Not only to protect yourself but to protect others.  You may have questions on what immunizations you need and what to look out for when getting them. If you do, I have included some general guidelines I can pass on to you from my experience below.

• Most specialized travel clinics will not accept insurance so you will have to pay for your travel consultation and immunizations and then request reimbursement from your insurance company later.
• Some immunizations aren’t accepted by every insurance company, so check with your insurance provider before getting your immunizations.
• Check with your regular doctor first, as often they can do a travel consultation for you and write you the necessary prescriptions for your immunizations, even if they aren’t able to give them to you.  This way you can ensure that at least your travel consultant will be covered by your insurance up-front.
• Check with  Walgreens   or other drug stores that give flu shots to see if they have any of the immunization shots that you require before going to a specialized clinic that doesn’t accept insurance to get them.  Walgreens can give you many of the immunizations necessary for international travel, and they accept insurance up-front.
• The  Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website   can be a great resource for answering any travel immunization questions that you have.

Peru and Ecuador Immunization Recommendations

In case you are unsure of what travel vaccinations you might need, I have compiled a list below of some of what you might expect your physician to recommend.

• Typhoid  (either a shot, which is good for 2 years, or a live virus pill, which is good for 4 years).
• Yellow Fever – The Yellow Fever vaccination is not required to enter Peru, but it is required to enter Ecuador if you have previously visited an area that is considered high risk for Yellow Fever infection.  I would recommend consulting with your travel health clinic well before your trip to see if you will be required to have the vaccination.  There is a limited number of clinics that provide this vaccination, so do not wait until the last minute.  Please see the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) map of the areas where a Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for more detail.  You can also refer to the IAMAT website for more details on the Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements for Ecuador).
• Hepatitis A & B  (if you haven’t had them).
• Tetanus  (if you aren’t current).
• Rabies – Rabies is considered to have been eliminated from the Galápagos Islands, but there are still incidences of Rabies in both Peru and mainland Ecuador.  For more information on why I think getting the Rabies pre-exposure vaccinations is worthwhile, please see the article I linked to below.
• Dukoral  (gives you 3-month protection against travel diarrhea).

Packing Recommendations

Outside of taking care of the passport, visa, and immunization requirements so that you can get into the countries and don’t get sick, there is no more important pre-travel planning task than making sure you pack the right clothing and gear for your trip.  To help make sure you are properly packed and prepared, I have included links to some of my packing resources below for you to review.

DAY 1 – Flying to Lima

To start your trip, you will be flying into Lima, which is the capital city of Peru.  I suggest checking into your hotel and getting a good night’s rest so that you are ready to begin your adventure on Day 2 of your trip.

DAY 2 – Touring Lima

Lima is a beautiful city, so I strongly suggest that you take the day after arriving to explore the city and relax a bit before heading on to Cusco.  In addition to being able to explore the city, I always like to leave a day in between travel days when possible, as built-in flexibility in case there are flight issues or other delays.  If you would like some tips on what to see in Lima, where to eat, and where to stay while you visit, I have linked to my Lima, Peru Travel Guide for you to review below.

DAY 3 – Flying to Cusco

On Day 3 of your trip, you will be flying to Cusco, Peru.  This is where you will begin your final trek to Machu Picchu.  Depending on whether you would like to spend some more time in Lima or have more time to explore Cusco, you will want to pick either an early morning or evening flight from Lima to Cusco.

Be aware, that the city of Cusco sits at 11,152 feet (3399 meters) of elevation, so your body will need to adjust to the high elevation.  In fact, Cusco sits at a much higher elevation than Machu Picchu, which is only at 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) of elevation.  For some people, the elevation can be a bit much. 

If you feel like the elevation might be an issue for you, I would consider heading directly to the Sacred Valley once arriving in Cusco.  You can reach the towns of Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley by train from Cusco.  If you would like more information, I have included additional information in my Cusco Visitor Guide, which is linked below.

DAY 4 – Touring Cusco

The fourth day of your trip will be dedicated to exploring the beautiful and amazing city of Cusco, Peru.  This ancient city used to be the Incan Capital and is the gateway city for getting to Machu Picchu.  If you spent your first night in the Sacred Valley after landing in Cusco, I would strongly suggest taking a train back to Cusco at some point to explore this incredible city. 

If you would like some tips on what to see, where to eat, and where to stay while in Cusco, I have included a link to my Definitive Cusco, Peru Visitor Guide for you to review below.

DAY 5 – Visit Machu Picchu

The fifth day of your trip is when the real magic begins.  Get a good night’s rest because you will likely be getting up really early in the morning on Day 5 to begin your trek to Machu Picchu.  The day will involve an early morning bus ride to the train station in Ollantaytambo, and then a roughly 2-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, which is also known as Machu Picchu City.

Because you will be seeing both Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands on this trip, you won’t be able to hike the full Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on this 14-day adventure.  However, that doesn’t mean you can’t hike part of the trail if you would like to.  Once in Aguas Calientes, you have the option to take a bus up the switchbacks to the main gate of Machu Picchu, or you can choose to hike up from there.  If you choose to hike, make sure you allow yourself 2-hours to complete the hike.

Be aware, that you will need to have a guide to be allowed to tour Machu Picchu, and entry tickets are sold for three sessions throughout the day.  When purchasing an entry ticket, you will need to choose between these three sessions and will only be allowed to visit the site during the session time.  Because of this, you will need to manage your time wisely.  For more information on the sessions, the rules for visiting Machu Picchu, and more details on the logistics of getting there, please refer to the guides I have linked to below.

DAY 6 – Fly to Quito

After spending a few days exploring Cusco and Machu Picchu, you will leave Peru on the sixth day of your trip and fly to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador.  When I did my research for this trip, the flight options that I was able to find from Cusco, Peru to the Galápagos Islands were limited.  Not only that, but all had long layovers.  For this reason, and to build some flexibility into the itinerary in case of flight delays or other travel issues, I have made Day 6 of the trip a strictly travel day.

You will fly to Quito, spend the night, and then continue on to the Galápagos Islands the next day.  If you find an early morning flight from Cusco to Quito, you will have some time to explore the city before heading to the Galápagos.  If you are looking for some ideas on what to see, where to eat, and where to stay while in the city, I have included a link to my Visitor’s Guide to Quito, Ecuador for you to review below.  If you aren’t able to spend much time in Quito before heading to the Galápagos, don’t worry because you will have more time to explore the city at the end of the trip when you return.

DAY 7 – Fly to the Galápagos Islands

On Day 7 of your trip, you are going to want to get up early and fly to the Galápagos Islands to start the second phase of your amazing adventure.  Like Machu Picchu, the Galápagos can be a challenging place to get to.  If you are booking a tour, then a lot of the logistics will be handled for you. 

This is one reason that I strongly recommend booking a tour instead of trying to tour the islands on your own.  However, if you want to tour the Galápagos on your own, it isn’t an impossible feat.  No matter how you decide to visit, I would strongly recommend reviewing my Guide to Getting to the Galápagos Island below before you decide to make any travel arrangements.

DAY 8 – 12 – Tour the Galápagos Islands

The number of days you spend in the Galápagos will largely depend on how you plan to tour the islands (via a liveaboard tour, a land-based tour, or on your own).  As I mentioned above, I would strongly recommend booking a tour as they will handle most of the difficult logistics for you. 

If you would like to reach the outer island of the Galápagos to scuba dive with Hammerheads, whale sharks, and other marine wildlife, you are going to absolutely want to book a Liveaboard tour.  For more information on good Liveaboard tours and snorkeling and scuba diving in the Galápagos, please refer to my Galápagos Islands Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Guide linked below.

If you don’t plan on doing any scuba diving, get seasick easily, or just prefer to spend your nights on dry land, then you can book a land-based tour that includes snorkeling day trips.  These land-based tours typically stay around Santa Cruz and Isabela Island, so you won’t be able to reach the outer islands to explore.  Don’t let that discourage you, as there is plenty of wildlife to see around these islands. 

For a review of what wildlife lives in the Galápagos and where to see it, please see the link to my Galápagos Island Wildlife Guide linked below.  For suggestions on land-based tours and how to get around the Galápagos, my guide on Everything You Need to Know to Visit the Galápagos has all the information you need.

DAY 13 – Fly Back to Quito

After your time touring the Galápagos Islands, you will fly back to Quito and prepare for your journey home.  I would suggest you do not try and arrange transportation directly from the Galápagos Islands to home as flight issues and other travel delays may derail your trip.  For that reason, I suggest you spend a night in Quito before heading home.  If you would like to explore the city of Quito some more, this is an excellent opportunity for you to do so.

DAY 14 – Fly Home

On the fourteenth and final day of your trip, you will be heading home.  Hopefully, the trip to see two of South America and the world’s most amazing travel destinations will leave you with memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.  When I took this trip, I certainly made my fair share of memories that I still cherish to this day.

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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8 comments ›.

You write the most comprehensive travel guides I think I’ve ever read and make the destination feel exciting but achievable. Loved reading this and can’t wait for your next post.

Thank you so much for the kind words Anna!! So glad you enjoy the guides. You made my day! 😃

I think I like how Cusco looks when compared to Peru. This was a great and timeless article. I’m also of the opinion that it’s best to visit multiple places within the same location rather than planning separate trips. Thanks for sharing Josh!

Thank you so much for the kind words as always!! 😄

What a great way to spend two weeks! You guide is impeccable. Imagine how much you’d have Machu Picchu and the Galapagos to yourself if you were there right now!

Thank you so much for the kind words!! I have thought about that exact thing about a number of destinations. Would be amazing to have them all to yourself!!!

Thanks for such detailed information! Where did you stay the night after visiting Machu Picchu? I’m going to be doing the reverse trip, visiting the Galapagos first, and really appreciate your specific advice.

Thanks so much Brian! We flew from Lima to Cusco, used a day to acclimate, then visited Machu Picchu the following day and stayed back in. Cusco after our visit. If you have more time, I’d definitely recommend spending a full day in the Sacred Valley as well. Perhaps stay there following your visit to Machu Picchu.

You are going to LOVE your trip!

One piece of advice is to not book any sightseeing on your travel days. If it works out that you have time to sightsee, that’s a bonus. But building flexibility into your schedule is important because of flight delays, etc…

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Exclusive Machu Picchu & Galápagos

Peru, ecuador.

Immerse yourself in a captivating tour that explores legendary ruins, ancient culture, unique wildlife and extraordinary landscapes

• Indian Ocean Islands
• South America
• Lake Titicaca
• Machu Picchu
• Nazca Lines
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Your journey at a glance, embark on an extraordinary 12-day itinerary that highlights the beauty and adventure of ecuador and peru..

Immerse yourself in a spectacular 12-day adventure to the bucket list destinations of Peru and Ecuador. Your journey begins briefly in Lima, one of South America’s largest cities. Head to Cusco, once the political and geographical centre of the Inca Empire. This enchanting city balances age-old Peruvian traditions with Spanish colonial elegance and offers peaceful courtyards, centuries-old passageways, lively European-style squares, temples and sacred hillside sanctuaries for visitors to explore. Discover Peru’s most sought-after drawcard, the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. This enigmatic stone citadel is tangible evidence of the Inca Empire, when it was at the peak of its power and achievement. Journey to Quito, the bustling capital of Ecuador, steeped in a rich cultural history perfectly juxtaposed with a contemporary ambiance. Historically fascinating, the iconic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases an astounding array of monuments and colonial architecture, all built on the ruins of an Incan city. Your adventure culminates in the pristine chain of volcanic islands that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Galapagos. Made famous by Charles Darwin who studied the island’s fantastic array of species, this is an unforgettable experience brimming with marine iguanas, sea lions, giant tortoises and an exceptional array of wildlife and birds. An extraordinary adventure awaits you here.

1 night Lima | 1 night Cusco | 1 night Machu Picchu | 2 nights  Cusco | 2 nights Quito | 4 nights Galápagos Islands

TAILORMAKE YOUR STAY

Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake you stay to any of our destinations

A taste of what to expect…

Day 1-2: lima.

• Upon arrival at Lima International Airport, you will be welcomed by an &Beyond representative and escorted across the road to Wyndham – Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel

Day 2-3: Cusco

• This morning you will meet your &Beyond representative for your scheduled flight to Cusco.
• On arrival at Cusco Airport your guide will meet you and drive you to your hotel.
• Visit the Cathedral of Cusco, the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cusco; in addition to its official status as a place of worship, has become a major repository of Cusco’s colonial art, it also holds many archaeological artefacts and relics.
• Explore Koricancha Temple, the most impressive example of how Inca and Hispanic cultures fused together. The remains of the ancient Peruvians’ Sun Temple were used as foundations on which the Santo Domingo church and convent was built.
• Discover Sacsayhuaman, an imposing display of Inca architecture, there is still a question over its real purpose during the Inca period. At first, it was thought to have been a fort, but later it was considered to have been a ceremonial centre.
• Take pictures at Qenqo, an immense, rocky promontory marked by carved steps, wells and channels; Puca Puccara or Red Fort and Tambomachay where the architecture of this Inca baths consists of a group of structures built with precisely cut stones. Water from nearby streams runs through the site in aqueducts and small cascades.

Day 3-4: Machu Picchu Pueblo

• An exciting day awaits as you board the vistadome train to Machu Picchu.
• Explore the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu accompanied by your expert guide. They will lead you through the site, providing archaeological and historical information on key areas of interest, including Intihuatana (the Sun Dial), the Sacred Plaza and the Temple of the Sun.
• This is an opportunity to revel in the energy and atmosphere of one of the most significant and spectacular archaeological sites on the planet, surrounded by the cloud forest, Wayna Picchu and Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), the entrance to the Machu Picchu.

Day 4-5: Cusco

• This morning you may rise early, take the bus and enjoy the prospects of a walk-through Machu Picchu at sunrise, something which people of strong spirituality believe to be the highlight of a visit to Machu Picchu.
• Today you will have the option to do one or two of these hikes:
• Huayna Picchu, one of the highlights of a visit to Machu Picchu. The views of the Citadel and surrounding landscape are extraordinary from the top and well worth the climbing effort.
• Inti Punku or Sun Gate, it takes about an hour each way and is an uphill strenuous hike on the way out to the Gate.
• Inca Bridge constructed of a few narrow logs perched above a sheer vertical drop – is believed to have served as a secret entrance to Machu Picchu.
• Machu Picchu Mountain, large granite steps comprise most of its trail and wind all the way to the top. The steep climb is a challenging but rewarding hike and the 360-degree views at the top are a gorgeous reward.
• Depart on the deluxe Hiram Bingham train and enjoy a sumptuous dinner served on board.

Day 5-6: Pisac & Ollantaytambo

• This morning you will visit Pisac Market, renowned for its colourful market where locals meet to sell their merchandise as they have done for centuries. The handicraft market is open every day and is famous for its ceramic beads made into necklaces, earrings and other Peruvian artefacts.
• You will then continue to Pisac Archaeological Site, here there are many different buildings, plazas, temples, pools and other structures, all built between the 10th and 11th centuries AD. Inca architecture continues to stun admirers with the technique used to build its enormous walls, palaces and turrets with stone blocks, all done without any type of cement or adhesive.
• Lunch is at Hacienda Huayoccari, tucked away in the lush, vegetation-filled private estate of the Lambarri-Orihuela family in the village of Huayoccari. The Hacienda houses the owner’s private collection of pre-Colombian, Incan and colonial artefacts including an impressive collection of ‘Qeros’ the traditional drinking vessels.
• Explore Ollantaytambo, a lovely village that preserves the designs of Inca buildings. Among this place’s most impressive attractions are the ceremonial temple in worship of water and a fortress that guarded the entrance to the valley to repel any invasions. The fortress is a stone colossus that was built between two mountains to protect the valley.

Day 6-8: Quito

• This morning you will be driven to Cusco Airport for your scheduled flight to Lima and connect with your international flight to Quito Airport.
• Upon your arrival you will be welcomed by an &Beyond representative and driven to your hotel.
• Quito, Ecuador’s capital, sits high in the Andean foothills and is constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city.
• Enjoy a downtown city tour passing through the modern section of Quito towards the city’s historic district. Sit in Independence Square, flanked by the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the City Hall. Stroll past El Sagrario Church and marvel at the exquisite stone facade of La Compañía Church. Visit the San Francisco Church, built over the ruins of an Inca Palace in the 16th century.
• Ride up the road to the Panecillo or the Itchimbia hills for a breathtaking view of Quito.
• Savour a delicious chocolate tasting in Galeria Ecuador, where you will learn how to cultivate cacao plants, and the process of transforming the cacao plant into chocolate. You will be provided with
• Cooking implements and ingredients to prepare your very own chocolate truffles.
• Participate in a Cooking Class with the opportunity to create two typical Ecuadorian dishes. A professional chef will be your teacher during this activity. You will be shown how to prepare “ceviche” and the famous “helado de Paila” (an ice cream made with fresh typical pulp fruits, considered one of the most iconic foods of Ecuador).
• Visit the Equatorial Monument, built as a tribute to the French scientists who determined the shape of the earth in the 1700’s. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, where the colourful way of life of the different ethnic groups of Ecuador is on display. There is also the Intiñan interactive museum that reveals the different theories around the Incas.

Day 8: Galapagos Islands

• After breakfast you will be picked up and driven to the airport for your domestic flight to Galapagos Islands. You will have access to the VIP Lounge at Baltra Airport (GPS).
• The Pikaia Lodge representatives meet you and take to the Itabaca Channel for a seven-minute ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island followed by a 50minute scenic trip in private transport to Pikaia Lodge.
• Relax and familiarise yourself in the spectacular surroundings and unwind at the Sumaq Spa, swim in the infinity pool, workout in the gym, or go walking, jogging or cycling on the scenic trails within the boundaries. There is a good chance of encountering resident giant tortoises.
• Watch a fascinating 3D HD documentary on Galapagos filmed by Sir David Attenborough.

Day 9-11: Santa Fe, South Plaza, North Seymour, Mosquera and Santa Cruz Islands

• Enjoy full day yacht experiences with highly experienced naturalist guides who will explain the history, evolution and science of not only the beautiful location, but also the incredible animals you will encounter.
• Pull on wetsuits for a fun snorkelling activity or strap on your hiking boots for captivating hikes.
• Relish lunch buffets with traditional Ecuadorian food.
• See giant tortoises on a private estate located in the highlands, where these ancient reptiles search for water and lush vegetation.
• Splash at Garrapatero Beach, a gorgeous sandy beach surrounded by mangroves. A fresh wáter lake behind the beach is home to flamingos, herons, stilts and other shore birds. The beautiful turquoise waters provide a good opportunity for swimming and snorkelling.
• While sailing, you can rest, shower, or freshen up in your air – conditioned private cabins, soak in the jacuzzi, watch a Galapagos documentary, join a discussion with guides, sunbathe or watch for seabirds or dolphins.

Day 12: Departure

• After your breakfast you will be driven to Baltra Airport for your domestic flight to Quito. Upon arrival you will assisted to your international flight home.
• Wave a fond farewell as your journey with us comes to an end.

Stay here on this journey

• All nights of accommodation mentioned in the program
• Private transportation in Lima, Cuzco, Sacred Valley and Quito.
• Private Bilingual Guides in Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Quito.
• Naturalist Bilingual Guide for all excursions in Galapagos in sharing basis
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands.
• Migratory Cards to enter in Galapagos and all sites mentioned in the itinerary.
• Second visit to Machu Picchu Ruins
• Hiram Bingham Round Trip Train Tickets.
• Taxes included, where applicable
• International Airfare / Airport taxes
• Lima/Cusco/Lima approximately USD 120 per person
• Quito/Galapagos/Quito approximately USD 670 per person
• Early check in or late check-out charges
• Items of personal nature like laundry, phone calls, etc.
• Any video/still camera fee during the trip
• Excess of baggage
• Visas (visit our partner, Sherpa , for reliable and convenient access to all visa-related requirements, supporting information, and costs)
• Travel insurance (visit our partner, Global Rescue , for more information).
• Rates are valid for: 10 January - 30 September 2024
• Children and small group rates upon request*
• Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary.
• Prices are subject to change as per change in Government / Hotel / Airline policy without prior notice
• Please note, the names of hotels mentioned in our proposal only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels. It is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey the confirmations to you on receipt of your acceptance. However in the event of any of the above mentioned hotels not becoming available at the time of initiating the reservations, we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you.
• The rates quoted are subject to change without prior warning, should there be any increases in Park Fees, Fuel, Sales Tax or VAT, third party services, or any other circumstances beyond our control in the regions featured in this quote/booking
• All guests must take out comprehensive travel insurance covering them for personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, cancellation and curtailment
• &Beyond reserves the right to modify program itineraries, including arranged sightseeing, and substitute accommodations, including vessels and trains, at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond &Beyond's control. Every effort will be made to operate itineraries as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued.
• Rates are subject to change
• &Beyond Trading Terms apply

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Discover Ecuador and Peru

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The Esquire Travel Guide: Ecuador, the Galapagos, and Peru

S hould a trip to Ecuador or Peru be on your bucket list , know this; either destination alone is entirely worth travelling across the globe for.

Know also that a single trip will, inevitably, barely scratch the surface – rather than having ‘done’ these countries, you will instead find yourself filled with a persistent and insatiable desire to go back, to explore vastly more of each country’s rich and extraordinary culture, ecosystem, and cuisine.

And know, finally that, when you set foot on the shores of the Galapagos, you will almost certainly be greeted, immediately, by a sea lion, and it will take every ounce of willpower that you have not to stroke its furry fat belly.

There are, of course, infinite ways you could explore Ecuador, the Galapagos, and Peru – but here’s one, and it’s real good. Trust us, we’ve checked.

To begin in Quito is a win-win. The capital of Ecuador is a beautiful historic city in which to acclimatise to the altitude which will be your perennial companion (and occasional nemesis) throughout your trip.

Casa Gangotena , a beautifully-restored colonial mansion in Quito’s Old Town, is a perfectly-placed base from which to explore the relaxed, bustling neighbourhood. Up on the rooftop terrace, look out across the city and drink in both the spectacular view and one of the signature cocktails - go for the ‘ Diablada de Píllaro ’, a punchy combination of rum, apple, ginger and hot pepper, if you’ve got nowhere to be the next morning. Down in the restaurant , gorge on ceviche (NB. assume you’ll be gorging on ceviche more or less constantly throughout your trip) but do take pains to seek out the cream of potato soup - no, genuinely – which, with its delicate combination of truffle, poached egg, cocoa nibs and onion foam, is an absolute showstopper.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – full of ornate, beautiful cathedrals, tiny family-run shops, and street vendors offering everything from scarves to corn. For a concentrated hit of traditional commerce, head to Mercado Central – the vibrant and lively market. Amidst bustling stalls piled high with fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled meat counters, and vendors selling almost addictively-moreish herbal teas, the market is also home to the curanderas - traditional healers who use natural remedies to cure ailments and imbalances, both spiritual and physical.

Ecuador is home to some of the finest chocolate in the world – much of it made with the superior Arriba bean – so take a Chocolate Masterclass to learn all about it. Chez Tiff offers an immensely-enjoyable afternoon which deftly combines rigorous academic study with eating huge quantities of incredibly high-quality chocolate, so arrive hungry to learn (and, you know, in general).

A short cycle away from the Old Town is Quito’s beautiful Botanical Garden . Ecuador is also the orchid capital of the world – there are over 4500 species – and here a dazzling array are on display (along with a wide-ranging collection of bonsai trees, if that’s your thing).

And from more or less wherever you are, look up and you will be greeted by the enormous statue of the Virgen de El Panecillo, who overlooks the city. A pilgrimage up to her hilltop vantagepoint is well worth it.

THE CHOCÓ RAINFOREST

There’s no quick ‘n’ easy means of making it to Masphi Lodge , but the bumpy three-hour drive northwest of Quito is more than worth it. Deep in the heart of the Chocó Cloud Forest, through gates not unreminiscent of the entrance to Jurassic Park, Masphi Lodge is a lush modernist hotel and resort that blends entirely into its unique surroundings.

Mashpi began as an ecological project – the owner, Roque Sevilla, a businessman and former mayor of Quito, purchased the land in order to protect it from destruction at the hands of a timber company. Today the 6,178-acre nature reserve, which is entirely carbon neutral, is home to over 400 species of bird, frog, tree, and endemic species – many of which can be seen through the spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows which cover one entire side of the building. You’ll inevitably want to get up closer than that, though, and Mashpi’s expert team of guides offer round-the-clock expeditions in which to inspect the flora and fauna in thrilling detail. For a truly staggering view, ascend to the canopies and ride the Dragonfly gondola or the pedal-powered Skybike, which allow you to travel, suspended through the air, through the very tops of the trees, surrounded by endless forest on every side. It’s a dreamlike, awe-inspiring experience. And, before you leave, make sure you take in a night walk – it’s then that the forest seems to come truly alive, teeming with glass-bottom frogs, glow-in-the-dark spiders, skittish lizards, and umpteen more unseen (but loudly heard) creatures.

THE GALAPAGOS

A short series of flights and an entire universe away from the Ecuadorian mainland, the Galapagos - another UNESCO World Heritage Site - is an unreal destination.

Closely-monitored and carefully-preserved, the islands are a marvel of the natural world – both for what they contain, and the fact that they have been left so immaculately preserved. Much of the latter due to the fact that they are 97% national park – every visitor is accompanied by a well-trained National Guide, and preserving the sanctity of the ecosystem is paramount (no snack-smuggling onto the island is permitted).

For a restful hotel experience, Finch Bay Hotel is a winning destination. With a warm and welcoming team, and fresh seasonal food served at their poolside restaurant (you will also be attended by a number of friendly and helpful ducks), the hotel is a short water-taxi away from Santa Cruz island’s bars, shops and restaurants.

STAY, EXPLORE:

But there is, famously, more to the Galapagos than bars, shops and restaurants – you are in the midst of one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on the planet, and you’ll want to explore. So hop on board the Yacht La Pinta – the sunny and hugely-experienced crew run a tight ship, with expeditions which start bright and early in the morning, though you can opt out if you want to (NB. you don’t want to).

Each day will see you hopping into a dinghy and sailing off across a vibrant and pure blue sea which is the stuff of Hollywood films and screensavers. You’ll see Giant Tortoises – who give off a quiet hiss when they sense an approaching foe. You’ll hike across Islands formed entirely from cooled lava, the folds and rivulets of the flow forever hardened, but still giving off a feeling of rapid and powerful movement.

You’ll encounter basking sea-lions at every turn, scuttling crabs, languid iguanas, the occasional proud penguin stood, meerkat-like, surveying its surroundings before diving into the sea, and an array of mad-eyed staring blue-footed boobies (fear not, ‘I love boobies’ t-shirts are readily available in any and all of the Galapagos’ gift shops).

To snorkel in the Galapagos is to experience an embarrassment of riches. At a minimum, you’ll swim with darting schools of vibrantly coloured fish, but remain keen-eyed and you’ll likely find yourself dancing an aquatic dance with a sea lion or two (infinitely more elegant in the water than when blubbering happily across land), keeping pace with turtles as they soar angelically across the surface of the ocean, or coming into contact with dolphins, sharks (cheerfully benign), rays, and penguins.

Your life thusly changed forever, bid a fond farewell to your companions, both human and animal (it is not inconceivable that a sea lion may quite literally wave you goodbye upon your exit…) and make your way to Peru.

For a whistle-stop tour of The Land of the Incas, taking in the mighty Machu Picchu – but travelling, make no mistake, via the (incredibly) scenic route – look no further…

SACRED VALLEY

A short ride from Cusco airport, the Rio Sagrado is home to stunning views, gorgeous boutique rooms, and baby alpacas which guests can help milk twice-daily (a winning combination, overall). The property is in the lush and verdant Sacred Valley, a wonderfully-relaxing stopping off point as you begin the next leg of your expedition.

Visit the Catarata Poc Poc (Poc Poc Waterfall), a beautiful waterfall with a 30-metre drop, known as ‘the birthplace of the rainbow’.

HIRAM BINGHAM

All aboard the Orient Express of Peru – the Hiram Bingham is a fabulously-appointed luxury train which is simply the only way to get to Machu Picchu (NB. Many other ways to get to Machu Picchu are available).

A golden-age throwback, replete with cocktails on arrival, table service, a cocktail bar carriage with accompanying live band, and a gorgeous open-ended viewpoint at the back of the train, it’s the only train service in which a slower-than-expected journey time would be immensely welcome. You’ll set off from the Sacred Valley’s Ollantaytambo train station, and travel in fine style to a destination unlike any other…

MACHU PICCHU

Iconic, spectacular, and an almost-certainly-essential component of any first-time trip to Peru, Machu Picchu is a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2007 was voted one of the new seven wonders of the world. It’s not difficult to see why.

Sanctuary Lodge has the twin advantages of a) being extremely beautiful and b) being directly outside the entrance. You can’t go far wrong.

Though you’ll have seen all the photos, the Incan citadel is even more incredible in the, erm, stone. Set across vertiginous mountainside, the intricately-designed outpost seems utterly implausible.

Find a reputable guide, and hurl yourself into experiencing as much of Machu Picchu as your schedule, fitness and altitude acclimatisation permits. There are five day hikes available for the professional explorer – but one can glean a taste of the ancient Incan city in two or three hours, by starting at the top and marching downwards. Either way – come for the jaw-dropping ancient construction, and stay for the surprise community of llamas who will greet you utterly ignore you about halfway up.

Oh, and if you can manage it, set your alarm for 4.30am and get there bright and early, for a spectacular, brag-worthy, tourist-free photo of Machu Picchu in all its considerable glory.

Peru’s charming second city, Cusco can be reached from Machu Picchu via one all-too-short journey on the Hiram Bingham (or, again, via multiple ‘more sensible and less extravagant’ means, if you’re so inclined).

Palacio Nazarenas is a former nunnery, which has been converted into an exquisite, romantic hideout in the heart of the old city. The suites offer butler service – so enjoy a Pisco Sour made theatrically in your room, before heading down for dinner at Mauka, the hotel’s superb restaurant overseen by highly influential Peruvian chef Pía León (winner of World’s Best Female Chef in 2021).

Take a tour around San Blas, a short stroll from Cusco’s historic centre – it’s a beautiful artisan neighbourhood, and home to the remains of Pachacutec, the Incan leader who ordered the construction of Machu Picchu.

With reality on the horizon, finish your trip in Peru’s vibrant capital.

The grand, elegant Miraflores Park offers a rooftop infinity pool and a ground floor culinary treat. Tragaluz, the restaurant, is no vibeless corporate dining room, but a fully-fledged destination in its own right – offering a zingy modern menu and lethally-strong cocktails - that simply happens to be attached to the hotel.

Wander through the historic square of the Plaza de Armas, breeze through in the cafés and boutiques of the Barranco neighbourhood, and take in the pottery of the Larco Museum , replete with a vast array of treasures from across the Peru’s history, including more pre-Columbian erotic pottery than you can shake a stick at (though many of the subjects appear to be doing something along those lines).

Finally, before you leave, make sure you enjoy the ceviche you deserve. In one final shout-out to UNESCO, ceviche has been recognised by the organisation as an expression of Peruvian traditional cuisine, and appears on their ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ list, and there’s truly no better example of the dish than at Al Toque Pez. The hole-in-a-wall café is as rough and ready as they come, but there’s real magic in the soup – so work up your appetite in the queue, and treat yourself to a truly transcendent bowl of the good stuff.

And there you have it – a once-in-a-lifetime trip. The only snag being, you’ll immediately want to start planning your return.

Esquire was a guest of Belmond , Metropolitan Touring , and Rainbow Tours . Rainbow Tours can offer an 11-night Ecuador & Galapagos itinerary incorporating stays at Casa Gangotena, Mashpi Lodge, Finch Bay and a four-night cruise aboard the yacht La Pinta from £7,995 per person.