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Llamas around Machu Picchu

Exploring Galapagos + Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca

Example 16 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Endeavour II
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Embark on a sweeping adventure that encapsulates all the wildness of Galápagos balanced with cultural and historic experiences of Machu Picchu & the Land of the Inca. Explore the Galápagos in-depth aboard the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II, a fully-equipped expedition ship with tools for exploration. Journey to contemporary Lima and historic Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Plus, overnight at Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over this fabled city.
Pinnacle rock on BartolomeKayaking through the beautiful tropical waters.Family photo at Moray agricultural terracesAerial view of a plaza in Lima.Llamas around Machu Picchu
Highlights
  • Have up close encounters with incredible wildlife
  • Experience the Galápagos undersea, too
  • See daybreak over the ruins at Machu Picchu from the fabled Sun Gate
  • Explore the massive stone Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador | Overnight Hotel

Arrive in Guayaquil, and transfer to the Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil, a convenient locally-owned hotel, for an overnight stay. Most international flights arrive in the late evening. If you wish, you may instead fly into Quito, Ecuador’s historic capital city in the highlands, elect a pre-voyage extension to Mashpi Reserve in the tropical Andes, or arrive a day early in Guayaquil to rest and relax. Or opt for the full-day excursion from Guayaquil to Hacienda La Danesa.

Day 2: Fly to Galapagos | Embark the Endeavour II

This morning, fly to the Galápagos and board National Geographic Endeavour II. After lunch, begin your exploration of the islands and their remarkable wildlife.

Day 3-8: Explore the Galápagos Islands

Listed below is a sample of islands you may visit during your expedition. All ship itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.

North Seymour
Follow coastal trails past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, and blue-footed boobies dance, and you may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cacti.

Isabela
Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye open for whales and dolphins, sea turtles, and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, land in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, and look for wildlife along the wildly eroded volcanic shore.

Fernandina
One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins, and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows.

Española
See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this birdy paradise, also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the wide sand beach, and snorkel offshore, at Gardner Bay.

Floreana
Follow a trail past a rose pink-tinted lagoon frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the famous barrel at Post Office Bay.

Santa Cruz
Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George, and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. See the giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.

Bartolomé
Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim and snorkel from the beach. You might even see Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest.

Santiago
Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.

Genovesa
Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos, surrounded by warmer tropical waters.

San Cristobal
Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost island, and dig your toes into the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.

Day 9: Galápagos | Disembark | Guayaquil | Lima, Peru

Depart Galápagos this morning and fly to Lima, Peru, via Guayaquil. Check into the Belmond Miraflores Park, set on a wide promenade overlooking the Pacific, where you spend two nights.

Day 10: Lima

Explore World Heritage-designated colonial Lima this morning, stroll the Plaza Mayor, and delight in a private welcome lunch with a special musical presentation at Casa Aliaga, one of the oldest houses in Lima. Then visit the extraordinary Larco Museum dedicated to pre-Columbian art. Return to the hotel with dinner on your own to sample local fare.

Day 11: Lima | Cusco | Sacred Valley

Board a short scenic flight to Cusco this morning, and continue to Moray—a visually stunning Inca site with dramatic agricultural terraces in the heart of the fabled and fertile Urubamba Valley. After lunch and an opportunity to experience a local market, check into your hotel. In 2024, your hotel is Sol y Luna, A Relais & Chateâux property, stay in individual casitas set in verdant greens.

Day 12: Sacred Valley

Spend the day exploring the archaeological sites and culture of the Sacred Valley in the company of National Geographic expert Peter Frost (or a colleague), who has lived and worked in Peru for decades. He or a colleague joins us for a talk at the hotel and a visit to the massive Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo, set above a thriving Inca community. Lunch is at a working, family-owned hacienda, where you are treated to a show of Peruvian Paso horses, and National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa, founder of El Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco, demonstrates Inca weaving traditions.

Day 13: Sacred Valley | Machu Picchu

Marvel at the dramatic scenery and life along the river en route this morning by train to Machu Picchu, the Inca royal retreat famously introduced to the world by Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine. Check-in at the historic 31-room Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, adjacent to the World Heritage site, with the leisure to explore over two days in the company of the hand-picked tour director and local guides. Lunch and dinner at the hotel.

Day 14: Machu Picchu | Cusco

Awaken this morning at Machu Picchu, where local and veteran guides share their intimate understanding of this site, focusing on its history and far-reaching cultural influence. After lunch, return by train and bus to Cusco—the center of the Inca universe, a burgeoning cultural capital, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Check-in at the Belmond Hotel Monasterio on Plaza Nazarenas in the heart of Cusco for two nights. Occupying a monastery founded in 1592, the hotel—like much of colonial Cusco—is built atop Inca stones.

Day 15: Cusco

Explore the magnificently ornate 17th-century cathedral, sacred Inca Temple of the Sun, and other treasures of Cusco. Visit nearby Sacsayhuamán, where a series of imposing terrace walls, the most impressive yet, commanding views over the city. Relax, shop, or visit one of Cusco’s many churches and museums this afternoon. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 16: Cusco | Lima

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast and a final morning at leisure, say goodbye to the Land of the Inca and fly from Cusco back to Lima, connecting to flights home. Depending on your flight schedule, optional rooms at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel are available.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Endeavour II

National Geographic Endeavour II

National Geographic Endeavour II

Comfortably accommodating 96 passengers, the National Geographic Endeavor II is a classic expedition vessel ideal for Galapagos exploration. Onboard areas include a global gallery of art, a gym, library, lounge and bar, and bridge. Zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, snorkel gear, and kayaks are also available.
Endeavour II, Deck
Endeavour II

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport

Costa del Sol, Lima Airport

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport

This hotel has recently opened outside the international arrivals area at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport, making it a convenient option if you have a late arrival to Lima or an early departure the next day.
Costa del Sol, Lima Airport
Costa del Sol, Lima Airport
Costa del Sol, Lima Airport

Miraflores Park Hotel

Miraflores park hotel

Miraflores Park Hotel

Set in one of Lima's most fashionable areas, Miraflores Park takes you straight to the heart of all that's best about this great capital city. This luxury hotel combines personalized service, exceptional dining and indulgent facilities to create the perfect base from which to explore. Colonial architecture, superb museums with Inca gold and Pre-Columbian antiquities, and glamorous shops, bars and restaurants are all just moments from the hotel.
Miraflores park hotel
Miraflores park hotel Lobby
Miraflores Park Hotel

Sanctuary Lodge

Machu Piccu Sanctuary Lodge

Sanctuary Lodge

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is one of the world's most important heritage sites; the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a magical place of unforgettable sunrises and shimmering, moonlit nights. Set in its own gardens and the only hotel in such close proximity to the magical ruins, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge offers twenty-nine well-appointed rooms and two suites.
Machu Piccu Sanctuary Lodge
Machu Piccu Sanctuary Lodge
Machu Piccu Sanctuary Lodge

Sol y Luna

Sol y Luna

Located in the Sacred Valley in Peru, Sol y Luna is a hotel surrounded by beautiful gardens. They offer three types of cottages to stay in along with a restaurant, boutique, auditorium and spa.
Sol y Luna front desk
Jacuzzi

Cusco - Hotels

Taypikala Hotel Cusco

Taypikala Hotel Cusco

Taypikala Hotel is located in very quiet and warm surroundings, very close to the famous Convento del Qorikancha Convent or the Temple of the Sun, at only three blocks from the Plaza de Armas (Huacaypata) Main Square and of easy access for tourists.
Novotel Cusco

Novotel Cusco

Novotel Cusco offers a good setting near Tambomachay and features dry cleaning, housekeeping and room services. The building of this property has a colonial style.
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Casa Cartagena

Casa Cartagena

Experience Cusco's history during your stay at the luxurious hotel Casa Cartagena. This boutique hotel has 16 suites surrounded by beautiful Spanish patios blending time and tradition into serene hospitality. Casa Cartagena is located in one of the most elegant neighborhoods of Cusco surrounded by beautiful Andean landscapes.
Visit the Plaza de Armas in Cusco on your Peru tour

More Cusco Hotels

Cusco was, and still is, the epicenter of the Inca Empire. It's streets lined with monolithic Inca stone walls and colonial churches that used those same stones to build their cathedrals. Cusco is the ideal place to spend a few extra days exploring ruins, museums, and churches.

Guayaquil - Hotels

Grand Hotel Guayaquil

Grand Hotel Guayaquil

The Grand Hotel Guayaquil is unique; it shares a whole city block with the largest and the most spectacular Cathedral in Guayaquil. The Grand Hotel Guayaquil has a long tradition of personalized friendly service. The hotel's 175 rooms are generously sized, handsomely decorated and full of amenities. And the hotel's restaurants combine local history with tasty cuisine.
Wyndham Guayaquil

Wyndham Guayaquil

Situated just steps from the historic Santa Ana Hill and its famous Lighthouse, and minutes to the vibrant Malecon 2000, our 100% non-smoking high-rise hotel offers an ideal location near Guayaquil’s many attractions and offices, and convenient extras that both business and leisure travelers love.
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Hotel Petrohue

Hotel Oro Verde

Whether you are visiting Ecuador for leisure or business, Oro Verde is your ideal destination in Guayaquil, which is strategically located in the downtown commercial and banking heart of the city - the perfect place to begin an Ecuador tour.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Air Included up to $1200 25241
Book your Galapagos expedition by October 31, 2024, and take advantage of the roundtrip airfare included up to $1200 per person on select departures. Offer is valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
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2026-2027 Early Booking Offer 25363
Book by November 1, 2024, to take advantage of current rates on all 2026 and 2027 departures. The deposit must be made by Nov. 1, 2024. Valid for new bookings only on departures from Jan. 1, 2026, through Mar. 31, 2027, rates are capacity-controlled, subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers, and not applicable on airfare or extensions. Pricing will increase on Nov. 2, 2024. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
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Per person starting at
$12,576 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Endeavour II Cabin
Category 1
Upper Deck #201, 202—All cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed, armchair, and a large window.
Category 2
Upper Deck #214-219, 221-222, 224-231—All cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed, armchair, and a large window. Cabins 230 & 231 can accommodate a third person in an upper fold-down Murphy bed.
Endeavour II
Category 2 Single
Upper Deck #203-209, 211, 213—All cabins feature a single bed, armchair, and a large window.
Category 3
Lounge Deck #311, 313-318, 322, 324, 326, 328, 330—All cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed, armchair, and a large window. Cabins 326 & 328 can accommodate a third person in an upper fold-down murphy bed.
Category 3 Single
Lounge Deck #325, 327—All cabins feature a single bed, armchair, and a large window.
Endeavour II
Category 4
Bridge Deck #409, 411-418—All cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed, armchair, and a large window.
Endeavour II
Category AS
Lounge Deck Suite #320—Cabin features two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed, writing desk, bathroom suite, armchair, and a large window.
Endeavour II
Category BS
Bridge Deck Suites #420, 422—All cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed, writing desk, bathroom suite, convertible sofa to accommodate a third person and a floor to ceiling window.
Endeavour II
Category CS
Bridge Deck Suite #415 —The largest cabin on the ship featuring two windows, separate sitting area, arm chairs and sofa that can be converted into a single bed.Twin bed convertible to a queen, extra closet space, writing desk and chair, and larger bathroom.

Notes

*Rates include Galapagos National Park Fee

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender for the Category 1 and 2 cabins. Even if a cabinmate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
 

Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 15 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 15 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Bilingual Naturalist Guide 
  • Hotels Ashore as Indicated in the Itinerary
  • Adventure Life Pre-departure Services and In-Country Assistance (Quito Representative)
  • Shore Excursions, Swimming and Snorkeling 
  • Transfers and Baggage Handling in the Galapagos
  • Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12. Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Scuba Diving
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675
  • Crew gratuities
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 342 reviews
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1 week ago
The travel planner was very knowledgeable about the countries I will be visiting and was very helpful in booking my trip. It was a great experience in dealing with them - very personable and promptly address any of my concerns.
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Super smooth with questions answered & booking in just 2 days with Mary Curry. AND, the price was great!
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I am still finalizing plans with Adventure Life. So far my interaction with travel expert agents have been great!!
Carla Sottovia, PhD
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4 weeks ago
I wasnt thrilled with the island choices offered on our dates but my friend suggested cruising and you have good reviews
Joyce Schiavo
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2 months ago
Jess was very responsive and quick to address questions. She was patient when we wanted to make changes. We did check the BBB and found good reviews. We look forward to a fabulous Machu Picchu and Galapagos trip and hope to book many other trips with Adventure Life. Thank you.
Mary Westphal
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