At a glance
- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Start/End:
- Lima, Peru to Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador
- From:
- $8,901
- Time of Year:
- January - December
On this exclusive 12-day Peru & Galápagos Escape aboard the 48-guest National Geographic Islander II, immerse yourself in two of the world’s most iconic wonders, Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands, on a journey designed for the curious and well-traveled.
Begin in Lima before flying to Cusco and exploring the Sacred Valley’s rich Incan heritage, culminating in a guided visit to the fabled citadel of Machu Picchu. Then, step aboard your elegant, yacht-like expedition ship for a voyage through Darwin’s living laboratory. For over 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has pioneered travel to these islands, unlocking close encounters with giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, playful penguins, and sea lions who greet you without fear.
Your days are filled with choice—guided hikes, photographic walks, kayaking through hidden coves, paddleboarding crystal waters, or snorkeling alongside marine life found nowhere else on Earth, always with a team of expert naturalists at your side. This is adventure refined, exploration redefined.
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 Grand Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel, located at 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.
Arrival Time: Anytime.
Arrival City: Lima, Peru
Day 2: Lima / Cusco / Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco this morning and transfer down into the Sacred Valley to Pisac, known for its market and the archaeological site that rises above the town. After lunch, continue through the Sacred Valley and check-in at Tambo del Inka, your hotel for the next two nights.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Days 7-10: Guayaquil / Baltra / Embark Ship
Fly on Day 7 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 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Departure Time: Anytime on day 12, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 11.
Departure City: Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador
