Galápagos & Machu Picchu
Aboard the M/V Santa Cruz II
Two Wonders of South America in Ecuador and Peru
Combine two of South America’s treasures: Galapagos and Peru! A comprehensive 5-day itinerary aboard one of the finest vessels in Galápagos, the M/V Santa Cruz II, is paired with our classic 7-day Machu Picchu discovery tour. After a visit to Guayaquil, we catch a flight to Baltra Island and start exploring aboard our comfortable 90-passenger, first-class expedition ship. Accompanied by some of the best English-speaking naturalist guides in the Galápagos, we learn about the natural history of these enchanted islands.
Following the cruise, we fly to Guayaquil and connect for the flight to Lima and, the next morning, on to Cusco. Here we spend a couple of days exploring impressive ancient sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After a visit to Ollantaytambo we wake up and take the train to Machu Picchu, where we have plenty of time for in-depth explorations of the Inca’s Lost City before returning to Cusco. We end our journey with a tour of colonial Lima before returning home.
Trip Highlights:
- Snap photos of brightly colored animals such as the Blue-footed booby
- Snorkel with sea lions, sea urchins, sea turtles and other sea creatures
- Walk by the friendly sea lions that are lounging in the sun
- Join Quechua villagers at the traditional market in Pisac, Peru
- Take the train to Machu Picchu, crown jewel of Inca architecture
- Wander the cobbled streets of Cusco and visit the nearby pre-Columbian sites
Galápagos & Machu Picchu
Aboard the M/V Santa Cruz II
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1 (TUE): USA / GUAYAQUIL
Arrive this evening to Ecuador’s coastal, vibrant center city of Guayaquil.
DAY 2 (WED): GUAYAQUIL
A full-day city tour of Guayaquil’s historical sites and parks includes a scrumptious traditional lunch.
DAY 3 (THU): GUAYAQUIL / BALTRA ISLAND / SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Flight to Baltra, meet your naturalist guides and board the M/V Santa Cruz II, begin your 5-day Galapagos wildlife tour.
DAY 4 (FRI): ISABELA / FERNANDINA ISLANDS
Explore Isabela by zodiac and snorkel in the marine rich waters. Look for flightless cormorants at Punta Espinosa on the northern side of Fernandina.
DAY 5 (SAT): SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, see the Galápagos tortoises and drive up to the highlands of Santa Cruz. Afternoon optional mountain biking, kayaking in Tortuga Bay or hiking.
DAY 6 (SUN): FLOREANA ISLAND
Land on Floreana to visit to Post Office Bay. Zodiac and glass-bottom boat rides to discover the underwater wonders around Champion Islet. At Cormorant Point, walk looking for bird species such as greater flamingos, pintail ducks and herons.
DAY 7 (MON): BALTRA ISLAND / GUAYAQUIL/ LIMA
Return to Baltra off Santa Cruz Island and transfer to the airport, flight to Lima via Guayaquil.
DAY 8 (TUE): LIMA / CUSCO / SACRED VALLEY
Fly to Cusco, follow a scenic road descending into the Sacred Valley to the market town of Pisac.
DAY 9 (WED): CHINCHERO / OLLANTAYTAMBO
Deepen exploration of the Sacred Valley in two of its traditional Andean towns.
DAY 10 (THU): MACHU PICCHU
After a spectacular train and bus ride arrive to discover the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.
DAY 11 (FRI): MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO
Witness the sunrise at the ruins and hike up to Huayna Picchu. Afternoon return by train and bus from Machu Picchu to the colonial city of Cusco.
DAY 12 (SAT): CUSCO
A private tour of Cusco’s best highlights, the Inca’s Sun Temple, the Main Square and cathedral, stone walls of Inca palaces and nearby pre-Columbian sites.
DAY 13 (SUN): CUSCO / LIMA / USA
Flight to Lima and guided sight-seeing in historic downtown and see the fascinating Larco Herrera Museum before boarding an overnight flight home.
DAY 14 (MON): USA
Arrive in the US this morning and make onward connections home.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.
Galápagos & Machu Picchu
Aboard the M/V Santa Cruz II
Dates & Rates
Departures
On request any week from April-December, subject to availability.This trip is customizable according to your travel dates and preferences.
Plan ahead to secure your space!
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2022 Land Cost
(Expedition Deck Explorer cabins)
$11,360 p.p.d. (2-3 participants)
$10,860 p.p.d. (4-6 participants)
$10,460 p.p.d. (7-12 participants)
$1,385 Single Supplement (hotels only)
(Panorama Deck Explorer cabins)
$11,510 p.p.d. (2-3 participants)
$11,010 p.p.d. (4-6 participants)
$10,610 p.p.d. (7-12 participants)
p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.
Galápagos & Machu Picchu
aboard the M/V Santa Cruz II
Accommodations
MIRAFLORES PARK HOTEL
Located on the Malecon de la Reserva, the 5-star Miraflores Park Hotel has 81 suites offering guests the ideal space for work and rest. Enjoy ample private bathrooms in marble and granite, comfortable king-size beds, and a splendid ocean view.
JW MARRIOTT HOTEL
Enjoy a view of the Pacific Ocean against the shoreline at one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top-20 Latin American hotels, the JW Marriott Hotel Lima. This 5-Star facility has prime location near the Larcomar shopping and entertainment center, and luxurious amenities.
SANCTUARY LODGE
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, by Bemond, enjoys a unique position at the entrance of the Inca Citadel ruins. The unequaled location of this upscale 4-star hotel allows guests easy access to Machu Picchu, as well as breathtaking scenery and bird watching.
MONASTERIO HOTEL
Built in 1592, the original monastery was given the seal of royal approval in 1692. The San Antonio Abad Seminary and was converted into Cusco’s best and most delightful 5-star hotel in 1995. Only two blocks from Cusco’s main square, the Monasterio Hotel features 109 guest rooms.
Galápagos & Machu Picchu
aboard the M/V Eclipse
Extensions
Length:3 Days/2 Nights from Quito
Season:Year-round
A 2-hour drive north from Quito lie the fertile valleys of the Lake District. Here we find the charming and historic Haciendas Cusin or Pinsaqui. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, cycling, birding, and meeting local residents.
Length: 3 days/2 nights from Quito
Season: Year-round
Choose one of three unique lodges as a base. Each is located in the lush, pre-montane cloud forest. Enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, nature hikes to secluded waterfalls, biking rolling hills, or the zip-line at Mindo.
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Cusco or Lima
Season: April to December
Families and travelers with limited time, who want a taste of the Amazon Basin rainforests, will enjoy the Reserva Amazonica or Sandoval Lake lodges, 45 min by motor boat from Puerto Maldonado.
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Cusco
Season: April to November
For those who want to experience authentic Quechua culture first-hand and feel like you’ve traveled back in time, nothing beats a visit with a family on Taquile Island.
Length: 5 days/4 nights from Lima
Season: Mid-April to mid-November
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca in southern Peru is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Since its walls are not as vertical, the valley is filled with small towns that preserve their traditions.