At a glance
- Duration:
- 16 Days
- Start/End:
- Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador to Lima, Peru
- From:
- $11,935
- Time of Year:
- January - December
On this 16-day Exploring Galápagos, Machu Picchu and Peru’s Land of the Inca cruise itinerary aboard the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II or the 48-guest National Geographic Gemini, experience all the wildness of Galápagos and the sublime archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu. Experience the wildlife of Galápagos, legendary for its uniqueness and lack of fear.
See its endemic species and explore the undersea. Certified and experienced divers on select departures aboard National Geographic Endeavour II can take advantage of the option to scuba dive (divers must be pre-qualified and reserve their space in advance). Then discover the culture and history of Peru and the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu. Throughout you’ll explore with a top team of naturalists and historians who add layers of insight and interest to everything you do.
Few destinations are more iconic than the Galápagos Islands, where Lindblad Expeditions brought the very first group of citizen explorers more than 50 years ago. Sail among the varied landscapes of this magical archipelago to encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, playful penguins, and charismatic sea lions, all unfazed by your presence. With multiple ways to explore on land and at sea, including hikes, photo walks, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, every day reveals new discoveries interpreted by a team of expert local guides.
Exploring Galápagos, Machu Picchu and Peru’s Land of the Inca Highlights
- Have up-close encounters with Galápagos wildlife and explore the undersea, too
- Benefit from 50+ years of experience and relationships in Galápagos to see all you came for and more
- Explore fabled Machu Picchu, royal sanctuary of Inca Pachacuti, over two days
- Discover Cusco’s vibrant culture and explore the Sacred Valley of the Inca
- Explore the massive Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo
- With National Geographic Global Explorers, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this fascinating part of the world—from “sneezing” iguanas to giant tortoises
Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. Every member of our team—from our naturalists and photographers to our expedition leaders—is committed to ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. Many of our veteran guides are Galapagueños; in addition to sharing their extensive knowledge of island species and habitats, they also offer an authentic connection to the region’s culture. With a ratio of one naturalist for every 10 to 12 guests, you will hear different perspectives every day, and because there are no set groups, you can gravitate toward naturalists who share your interests. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
Exploring Galápagos, Machu Picchu and Peru’s Land of the Inca Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador
Arrive in Ecuador, either in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, or in the coastal city of Guayaquil, for an included transfer to your convenient hotel for an overnight stay. Both cities are well-served by international carriers, and Galápagos flights start and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil. Guests in Guayaquil stay at the locally owed Hotel Oro Verde and have the choice of several hotels in Quito, including a convenient airport hotel.
Arrive just one day earlier and join the See Quito Pre-Voyage Extension. You may opt for a pre-voyage extension to Mashpi Reserve in the tropical Andes outside Quito, a biodiversity hotspot. Or choose to reserve additional hotel nights and tours in Quito or Guayaquil.
Day 2: Guayaquil / Galápagos Islands / Embark Ship
This morning, fly to the Galápagos and board National Geographic Endeavour II. After lunch, begin your exploration of the islands and their remarkable wildlife.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-8: Exploring the Galápagos Islands
Listed below is a sample of islands we may visit during our 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, blue-footed boobies dance, and where we may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.
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 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / 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’ll spend two nights.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Lima
Explore World Heritage-designated colonial Lima this morning, where you’ll 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 your hotel with dinner on your own to sample local fare.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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. Sol y Luna, a Relais & Chateâux property, is where you’ll stay in individual casitas set in verdant greens.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 you for a talk at your 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’ll be 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. Don’t forget to pack your duffel bag for your 2-day trip to Machu Picchu.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 into 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 your hand-picked tour director and local guides. Lunch and dinner at the hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Machu Picchu / Cusco
Awaken this morning at Machu Picchu, where your local and veteran guides share their intimate understanding of this site, focusing on the 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 into 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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, command views over the city. Relax, shop or visit one of Cusco’s many churches and museums this afternoon. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16: Cusco / Lima
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, or join the Upper Amazon Expedition aboard Delfin II.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
