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Islands and Incas : Galapagos & Machu Picchu

$5020 single supplement US$435
Price above based on longer 8 day/7 night cruise on the Millennium. Prices from $3,920 - $7,655, depends on the Galapagos yacht.
Starting in Lima, Peru, and ending in Quito, Ecuador. 13-day option also available
|^|Beth Sullebarger|^|Jerome Gannon|^|Jerome GannonAt the local market in Cusco|^|Allison De JongLocal women weaving|^|Jerome Gannon
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Travel Highlights
  • Machu Picchu
  • Galapagos
  • Cusco
  • Sacred Valley
  • Lima
  • Quito
  • Ollantaytambo

Explore the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and Cusco surroundings and experience Darwin's enchanted islands in this magical two-week Peru and Galapagos tour. For your Peru tour, explore colonial Cusco, spend a night in a village nestled in the Sacred Valley, bargain at the Pisac market, then spend two days exploring Machu Picchu and learning about the ancient ways of the Incas and the traditions of Andean people today. After that, it's off to the Galapagos on board our yacht for 8 days of natural discovery and incredible wildlife. Come join us for an unforgettable tour!

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  • Nature Viewing
    Nature ViewingIncludes intentional opportunity to observe flora or fauna with an experienced guide.
  • Cultural Activities
    Cultural ActivitiesIncludes cultural activities such as a visit to a traditional village or a local market to give a unique perspective.
  • History
    HistoryVisit ancient ruins and historical sites.
  • Snorkeling
    SnorkelingIncludes opportunity for snorkeling or possibly SCUBA.
  • Expedition Cruising
    Expedition CruisingSmall ships and yachts travel in remote waterways with small-group guided excursions.
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Day 1 Arrive Lima lodge

Overnight.

Day 2 Fly Cusco lodge

Andean history comes alive in Cusco. Quechua speaking descendents of the Incas fill the streets and markets, colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the Conquistadors, and campesinos (Peru's rural farmers) in colorful dress move busily back and forth across the plazas. In the afternoon, you'll tour Cusco's largest open market and the adjacent witches' market. After tasting a few unique local foods, you will visit the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco, a local organization committed to preserving the region's weaving traditions. (If visiting the Sacred Valley on Sunday, you will visit their center in Chinchero instead). Watch weavers demonstrate their craft and learn about the history and processes of Peru's most well-known art form.

Day 3 Sacred Valley (L) lodge

This morning journey into one of the most beautiful areas of Peru. You'll test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You may hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac, or take a short walk through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Moras and the pre-columbian salt mines of Moray. Eventually, you will make your way to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo where you can relax for the night.

Day 4 Train to Machu Picchu lodge

Follow the Urubamba River as it tumbles its way towards the Amazon and the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Ancient canals still bring water from the high mountains to the baths used by Inca priests. As visitors, you're welcomed to respectfully dip your hands in the cool water. After your tour of the Machu Picchu, you'll return to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly called Aguas Calientes) to soak in the hot springs and dine on local trout fillets.

Day 5 Explore Machu Picchu lodge

Today is your chance to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu and to listen to the spirits of the city's past inhabitants before the hikers from the Inca Trail arrive. Later you can climb the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu or take a walk through the lush cloudforest to the Temple of the Moon. In the late afternoon you'll return to Cusco.

Day 6 Free day to shop and explore Cusco lodge

Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. Travelers can go on a city tour of the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of SUVs). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife.

Day 7 Fly Lima. Fly Quito. lodge

Fly from Cusco to Quito.  Transfer to your hotel and overnight in Quito.

Day 8 Galapagos (D)

An early morning flight from Quito brings you to the Galapagos Archipelago. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to our yacht -- your home for the next seven nights. This afternoon we head to our first island and the beginning of a week filled with mysteries of the natural world.

Days 9-14 Galapagos (6B,6L,6D)

We visit 8-10 islands during our unforgettable voyage. Each day we leave the comfort of our yacht and go ashore in our panga (the local word for dinghies, Zodiacs etc.) to remote areas of the islands for natural history walks through the Galapagos's unique ecology. This is everyone's chance to photograph strange marine iguanas, snorkel with playful sea lions, and just wonder at the strange landscape of ancient volcanic turmoil. Except for a few settlements, the entire archipelago is national park, and the beaches and meandering footpaths invite relaxation and fanciful dreams.

Day 15 Galapagos to Quito (B) lodge

This morning we say good-bye to Darwin's inspiration. Afterwards, transfer back to the airport for your late morning or early afternoon flight back to Quito. Overnight in Quito.

Day 16 Return Home

Tour Cost Summary
$5020Tour Cost per person
$1250Internal Flights (Lima-Cusco-Lima-Quito-Galapagos-Quito)
 Flight costs subject to change
$6270Total per person cost

    Includes

  • 15 Nights Accommodations
    • 8 Nights Hotel
    • 7 Nights Ship
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 5 Days Private Guide Service
  • 8 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service

    Excludes

  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Both International Arrival and Departure Transfers are excluded.
  • International Flights

    Recommended Budgeting
    (per person)

  • $160 Meals not Included
  • $85 Airport Departure Tax
  • $110 Park Entrance Fee
  • $80 Optional Excursions
    $55 for return visit to Machu Picchu

    Start Dates

  • 2010 : Sep 08, Sep 09, Sep 11, Sep 16, Sep 28, Oct 01, Oct 03, Oct 27, Oct 29, Nov 26, Dec 17, Dec 24, Dec 28
  • Exact start date depends on yacht choice.

    *Inti Raymi Departures for June 18 and June 22. Please add 1 day to your itinerary and $335 to the tour cost

  • Don't see your ideal date?
    Start your own departure at no extra cost! Contact us
  • Want a private trip?
    No problem. Contact us

For internal flights Lima-Cusco-Lima-Quito-Galapagos-Quito, please add US$1400 for Jun 15 - Sept 14 and Nov 1 - Apr 30; for all other months add US$1345 (specific flight costs based on travel dates and availablity).

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