At a glance
- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Start/End:
- Lima, Peru to Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador
- From:
- $8,986
- Time of Year:
- January - December
On this 11-day Peru and Galápagos Escape cruise aboard the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II, experience the best of Galápagos, and Machu Picchu too.
Discover two iconic world wonders in action-filled days. Starting in Lima, fly to Cusco and journey to the Sacred Valley and fabled Machu Picchu. Then venture to Darwin’s Galápagos Islands to encounter unique wildlife and landscapes on shore and under the sea. Sail aboard the sleek and elegant National Geographic Islander ll. With just 26 staterooms and suites, this vessel feels like a private yacht.
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.
Peru and Galápagos Escape Highlights
- Soak in the scenery and culture of the Sacred Valley of the Inca
- Journey between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu by Inca Rail
- Remain into the late afternoon at fabled Machu Picchu, introduced to the world by Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine
- Maximize your time in Galápagos with options to hike, Zodiac cruise, and snorkel every day
- Walk in a cactus forest with endemic land iguanas; wander among sea lions and admire soaring sea birds; and search for penguins on stark black lava
- 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
Peru and Galápagos Escape Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima, Peru’s thriving capital, and transfer to the convenient Wyndham Costa del Sol, connected to the airport. Most international flights arrive in the late evening. Opt to arrive early for a Lima pre-voyage extension staying at the iconic Country Club Lima Hotel. The extension adds just a day to the expedition and gives you a chance to rest, relax and see this UNESCO World Heritage designated city.
Day 2: Lima / Cusco / Sacred Valley
Upon arrival in Cusco, drive through the Sacred Valley to Chinchero, a typical Andean village, where National Geographic Grantee Nilda Callañaupa joins you for lunch and a demonstration of Inca weaving traditions. Continue to Tambo del Inka, where you’ll stay two nights. Dinner tonight is at the hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 forest 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Sacred Valley / Cusco
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 and center of theInca universe, where colonial buildings stand atopInca 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6-9: Guayaquil / Baltra / Embark Ship
Fly on Day 6 to Galápagos. 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 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 where you’ll bid farewell to Darwin’s Islands.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11: Guayaquil or Quito
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.
