Discover two iconic world wonders in ten action-packed days aboard the 48-guest National Geographic Islander, a beautiful all-suite vessel that introduces a new level of style and comfort to the Galápagos. Enter Peru's Sacred Valley, the gateway to the famed Machu Picchu and Cusco, the Inca Empire's imperial capital. Then journey to the world's most fascinating islands, where you can discover diverse species and scenery both on land and underwater. Each voyage is designed to showcase the region's diversity.
Highlights
Soak in the scenery and culture of the Sacred Valley of the Inca.
See the famous blue-footed boobies in the Galápagos, among other wildlife.
See Machu Picchu, plus tour the Sacred Valley of the Inca.
Journey between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu by Inca Rail.
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.
Welcome to Lima! Head to the Wyndham Costa del Sol, conveniently connected to the airport. Most international flights arrive late, so check in quickly, get some rest, and gear up for the journey ahead!
Fly to Cusco this morning and drive through the Sacred Valley to Chinchero, a traditional Andean village. Enjoy lunch and a weaving demonstration by National Geographic Grantee Nilda Callañaupa. Then, continue to Tambo del Inka for a two-night stay, with dinner at the hotel tonight.
Day 3: Machu Picchu
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.
After breakfast this morning, depart for Cusco with a full day to explore. Tour the ornate 17th-century cathedral and Plaza de Armas, the sacred Inca Temple of the Sun and other treasures of this burgeoning cultural capital. Explore the center of the Inca universe, where colonial buildings stand atop Inca foundations. Check in at Palacio del Inka in the historic center. Dinner is on your own tonight to explore nearby celebrated restaurants or rest and relax at the hotel.
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.
Fly on Day 6 to Galápagos. Each day here, hike, swim, snorkel, or explore by kayak or Zodiac—all the while witnessing incredible interactions between animals in their natural habitat. Start exploring 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 Fé. 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, and bid farewell to Darwin’s Islands.
Day 10: Disembark | Baltra | Guayaquil
1 Breakfast
Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland, where you transfer to Hotel del Parque in Guayaquil. Guests may also opt for a post-cruise extension to Quito & Otavalo. Ask your Expedition Specialist for details.
Day 11: Guayaquil | Depart
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$8,9862-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Category SU
280 sq. ft. with two large windows, seating area with sofa, lounge chair.
Category IS
515 sq. ft. with four windows, dining area, separate living room with sofa, two chairs, large bath with rain shower and tub.
Category SO
280 sq. ft. with two large windows, seating area with sofa, lounge chair.
Initial deposit is depending on the destination and expedition you are reserving, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by Accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or check
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 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, 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
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
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, 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)
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
