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The ancient stone structures of Machu Picchu

Peru and Galapagos Escape

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Islander II
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Experience Peru and the Galapagos on a 12-day adventure. Start in Lima and fly to Cusco to explore the Sacred Valley, Pisac market, and Ollantaytambo archaeological site. Board a scenic train to Machu Picchu and enjoy exclusive access after daytime visitors depart. Visit Chinchero to witness Inca weaving traditions and explore Cusco, including Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and Sacsayhuamán. Transfer to Guayaquil, Ecuador, and embark on on National Geographic Islander II to the Galapagos Islands. Hike, snorkel, kayak, and observe wildlife on Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Plaza Sur, Santiago, Sombrero Chino, and Genovesa. Discover penguins, sea lions, iguanas, and seabird colonies while crossing the Equator and exploring flooded calderas, volcanic landscapes, and endemic ecosystems unique to Darwin’s Islands.
A Marine iguana feeding underwater on algae in the Galapagos IslandsTwo Galapagos giant tortoises in green foliageInca ruins of Machu Picchu in the AndesWoman weaving on a backstrap loom in traditional attire in Sacred Valley.A Brown pelican near shore in sunset light in the Galapagos Islands.Up close to the Blue Footed BoobieThe ancient stone structures of Machu Picchu
Highlights
  • Explore Machu Picchu with exclusive post-visitor access and scenic train ride
  • Visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley
  • Learn Inca weaving traditions from Chinchero village cooperative women
  • Spot Galapagos penguins and other wildlife at Sullivan Bay lava fields
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: Lima, Peru

Arrive in Lima, Peru’s capital, and transfer to the Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel, located at the airport. Most international flights arrive in the evening. For an early start, consider a pre-voyage extension at the Country Club Lima Hotel to rest and explore this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Day 2: Lima | Cusco | Sacred Valley

Fly to Cusco in the morning and travel to the Sacred Valley, stopping at Pisac to explore its market and hilltop archaeological site. After lunch, continue through the valley and check in at Tambo del Inka for a two-night stay.

Day 3: Machu Picchu

Drive to Ollantaytambo and admire the archaeological site, then board the scenic train traveling along the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu. Perched at nearly 8,000 feet in the “eyebrow of the jungle,” the sanctuary is surrounded by tropical mountain forests with diverse birds and orchids. Linger after daytime visitors have departed, returning to Machu Picchu Pueblo for the train ride back to the Sacred Valley and Tambo del Inka this evening. Dinner is served aboard the first-class train.

Day 4: Sacred Valley | Cusco

Departing the hotel, drive through the Sacred Valley to Chinchero, a typical Andean village, where National Geographic Grantee Nilda Callañaupa gives us a demonstration of Inca weaving traditions with the women in her cooperative. Here, you'll enjoy a family-style lunch. Continue to Cusco and Sacsayhuamán, the emblematic monolithic stone site standing over the city from the northern outskirts. Like Machu Picchu, the ceremonial center was built during the reign of Inka Pacachuti. Opt to return to Cusco downhill on foot, walking through the eclectic San Blas neighborhood. In Cusco, check-in at the Belmond Monasterio Hotel on Plaza Nazarenas in the historic center for two nights. Dinner is on your own for the next two nights to explore nearby celebrated restaurants or rest and relax at the hotel.

Day 5: Cusco

This morning, explore Cusco, the center of the Inca universe and UNESCO-designated World Heritage site. Tour the ornate 17th-century cathedral and Plaza de Armas, as well as the sacred Inca Temple of the Sun. After lunch, the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at your own pace: relax, shop, wander or visit one of Cusco's many churches and museums. Dinner is on your own to delve into the culinary scene in this Andean cultural center.

Day 6: Cusco | Lima | Guayaquil, Ecuador

Bid farewell to Peru and continue to Ecuador for the second part of your expedition with flights from Cusco via Lima to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Overnight at Hotel del Parque. 

Day 7-10: Guayaquil | Baltra | Embark Ship

Fly on Day 7 to Galapagos. Each day here, you'll hike, swim, snorkel or explore by kayak or Zodiac—all the while witnessing incredible interactions between animals in their natural habitat. Start exploring on Isla Santa Cruz with a trip over the highlands of Santa Cruz upon arrival. Over these few days, walk in a cactus forest with endemic land iguanas on Santa Fe. Wander among sea lions and admire soaring sea birds on Plaza Sur. Search for penguins on stark black lava at Sullivan Bay on Santiago. Snorkel in crystal-clear water at Sombrero Chino. And sail across the Equator and into the flooded caldera at Genovesa, a seabird paradise where you'll bid farewell to Darwin's Islands. 

Day 11: Baltra | Disembark Ship | Guayaquil or Quito

Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland, where you'll transfer to Hotel del Parque in Guayaquil. In Quito there are several hotel options. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about joining a culturally rich post-voyage extension to Quito and Otavalo, a celebrated market town.

Day 12: Guayaquil or Quito

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Islander II

National Geographic Islander II

National Geographic Islander II

Launched in Galápagos in 2022, the sleek National Geographic Islander II sails year-round in the islands. A best-in-class expedition ship, expertly refitted to facilitate the active exploration at the heart of the Lindblad experience, and has the spirit and soul of a private yacht.
Cruising aboard National Geographic Islander II
Observation deck outdoor pool on the ship National Geographic Islander II
National Geographic Islander II, lounge

Lima - Hotels

Ikonik Miraflores

Ikonik Miraflores

Located in the heart of Miraflores, the Ikonik Miraflores is located a few steps from Avenida José Pardo, one of the main commercial avenues in the district. This hotel is modern and cosy, perfect for discovering a city full of history and culture and whose historic centre has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro Lobby

Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro

The hotel is situated just one block from Kennedy Park, right in the heart of Miraflores. Guests can easily walk to the Indian market, restaurants, bars, corporate buildings, and banks from this location.
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Casa Andina Premium Miraflores

Designed with an unmistakable local touch, the Casa Andina Premium Miraflores displays an exquisite collection of contemporary art as well as valuable colonial antiques that adorn the rooms and common areas.
Lima's San Martin square lit up in the evening

More Lima Hotels

A Lima tour helps you see the city’s best spots with ease—historic centers, coastal views, food markets, and local neighborhood so you get a deeper feel for the culture without the stress of planning everything on your own. Visit Lima, Peru with a personalized travel plan.

Cusco - Hotels

Tierra Viva Cusco Centro Hotel

Tierra Viva Cusco Centro Hotel

The Tierra Viva Cusco Centro Hotel was originally the Velasco Ordonez family residence. Now it has been transformed into a hotel with 43 rooms. It also offers a business center, an interior patio, common areas and a dining room.
Maytaq Wasin Hotel

Maytaq Wasin Hotel

Located in the heart of Cusco, only a few steps away from the main plaza, hotel Maytaq Wasin Boutique Hotel has 24 cozy rooms and a bright open terrace with breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
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Palacio Nazarenas

Palacio Nazarenas

The luxurious Palacio Nazarenas Hotel is located in the heart of Cusco, one of Peru's most interesting and culturally-rich cities. Prominently located, the hotel offers quick and easy access to the sights and mysteries of this fascinating region.
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.

Sacred Valley - Hotels

Explora Valle Sagrado

Explora Valle Sagrado

Explora is located in one of the region’s most remote ancient corn plantations, close to the Urquillos village. It is designed in line with its surroundings, generating a dialogue with the high Andean mountains around the valley, as well as the surrounding plantations that are still being harvested today by townspeople.
Pakaritampu

Tierra Viva Ollantaytambo

Pakaritampu is located in Ollantaytambo, 56 miles (90 Kms) away from Cusco, in the heart of the Inca's Sacred Valley. It is considered an ideal starting point for traveling to Cusco because it is located at a lower altitude
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Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado

Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado

Set on the banks of the rushing Urubamba River, the luxurious Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado was built in natural materials to resemble an authentic Andean village. Situated in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado was designed to create an authentic experience.
View the farmland of the Sacred Valley during your travels to Peru

More Sacred Valley Hotels

A Sacred Valley tour leads you to the iconic Pisac Inca terraces, Ollantaytambo fortress, and Chinchero’s colonial church. Walk through local markets, see alpacas grazing on terraced hills, and watch Andean condors soar above the Urubamba River, experiencing both history and living Andean culture.

Guayaquil - Hotels

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.
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.
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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

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Deals

No Single Supplement 30858
Book your cruise and enjoy waived solo supplement on qualifying cabins on select sailings with National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, and offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
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10% Special Group Offer 30949
Book by May 6, 2026, and receive 10% savings on cabin fare when you reserve a group of 6 or more guests on any voyage departing April 1, 2026 through 2028. Groups must include a minimum of 6 guests across at least 3 cabins. The discount is valid on new bookings only, and is subject to availability. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and cannot be combined with other promotions. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
Offer applies on voyage-based departures on April 1,2026, through 2028
Special 50% Family Savings 30950
Book your cruise by April 30, 2026, and take advantage of 50% savings on select 2026 voyages for children 18 and under at time of travel. Offer is valid on new bookings only for select 2026 departures, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice, not applicable on airfare or
extensions, and may not be combined with other promotions. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
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Per person starting at
$9,720 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Cabin Category Suite and Solo SuiteSuite and Solo Suite standard bathroom
Category SU
280 sq. ft. with two large windows, seating area with sofa, lounge chair.
Category Islander SuiteIslander Suite Sitting Area
Category IS
515 sq. ft. with four windows, dining area, separate living room with sofa, two chairs, large bath with rain shower and tub.
Suite and SoloSuite and Solo Suite standard bathroom
Category SO
280 sq. ft. with two large windows, seating area with sofa, lounge chair.

Child Discount

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions and airport transfers to and from flights arriving and departing within recommended window, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Exploration tools such as snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, cross-country skis, and snowshoes (where applicable)
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
  • Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Onboard physician consultations (where available)
  • 24-hour access to exercise equipment (where applicable)
  • All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
  • Hotels Ashore as Indicated in the Itinerary
  • Presentations and Guest Speakers in the Lounge
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • 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.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • 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. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, 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); charter airfare (where applicable, except when indicated as included); pre- and post-expedition extensions (except flights when indicated as included); additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans
  • Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
  • Private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Scuba Diving

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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.
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