Galápagos & Machu Picchu

Aboard the M/Y La Pinta

Two Wonders of South America in Ecuador and Peru

Type of Trip: Nature & Wildlife Length: 14 days Season: April-December Rating: Grade II

A comprehensive 5-day itinerary aboard one of the finest vessels in Galápagos, the M/Y La Pinta, is paired with our classic 7-day Machu Picchu discovery tour. After a visit to Quito, we catch a flight to Baltra Island and start exploring aboard our comfortable 48-passenger, first-class expedition boat. 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 Galápagos 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, 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 Blue-footed and Red-footed boobies
• Snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles, tropical fish and other sea creatures
• Explore Genovesa, aka Tower Island — one of Galapagos’ most pristine areas
• Witness the creative juices of the volcanic forces that shaped the islands
• Join Quechua villagers at the traditional market in Pisac, Peru
• Take the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, crown jewel of Inca architecture
• Discover the cobbled side streets of Cusco and visit the nearby pre-Columbian sites

DAY 1 (SAT) USA / QUITO
Arrive this evening to Ecuador’s Andean capital of Quito (9,350′).

DAY 2 (SUN): QUITO
A full-day city tour of Quito includes the colonial center with La Compañía or San Francisco churches, the Panecillo hill, the Inti-ñan solar museum and a delicious traditional lunch.

DAY 3 (MON): QUITO / BALTRA ISLAND / SANTA CRUZ (GALAPAGOS)
Flight to Baltra, meet your naturalist guides, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and board the M/V La Pinta.

DAY 4 (TUE): SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Take a zodiac ride to see wildlife by Eden Islet and walk along Sombrero Chino island, with good swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

DAY 5 (WED): BARTOLOME AND SANTIAGO ISLANDS
Hike to the summit of the iconic Bartolome Island for panoramic views. Enjoy the nearby beach and snorkeling with sea lions and maybe penguins. Afternoon visit to Santiago Island’s Sullivan Bay.

DAY 6 (THU): GENOVESA ISLAND
Highlights on this unspoiled island are Darwin Bay and the Prince Philipe Steps. Find nests of Great Frigatebirds, Nazca and red-footed boobies, and snorkel or paddle sea kayaks.

DAY 7 (FRI): BALTRA ISLAND / GUAYAQUIL / LIMA
Disembark on Baltra Island and board a flight to Lima, Peru via Guayaquil.

DAY 8 (SAT): LIMA / CUSCO / SACRED VALLEY
Fly to Cusco, and descend into the warmer Sacred Valley to the market town of Pisac. Enjoy a typical lunch and explore Pisac’s Incan ruins above town.

DAY 9 (SUN): CHINCHERO / OLLANTAYTAMBO
Deepen exploration of the Sacred Valley in two of its traditional Andean towns. Learn about their textiles, farming, cuisine and crafts heritage.

DAY 10 (MON): MACHU PICCHU
Arrive by a scenic train ride to the spectacular ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Tour the main sectors of the ruins and walk to the Inca Drawbridge.

DAY 11 (TUE): MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO
Witness the sunrise at the citadel. Afternoon return by Vistadome train and bus from Machu Picchu to the colonial city of Cusco.

DAY 12 (WED): CUSCO
Morning private tour of Cusco’s historic center, Main Square and cathedral, and nearby pre-Columbian sites.

DAY 13 (THU): CUSCO / LIMA / USA
Flight to Lima and guided sight-seeing in Colonial downtown and the fascinating Larco Herrera Museum before boarding an overnight flight home.

DAY 14 (FRI): 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.

On request any week from April-December, subject to availability.

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p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy. Price does not include international or local flights. Southwind ticketing affiliate helps coordinate flights to match your itinerary.

*This trip is a total of 14 days and features a 5-day cruise.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.