Wonders of the Galápagos & Machu Picchu 2025
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This exciting South American adventure combines two bucket-list destinations in one incredible journey. Begin with a cruise of the GalápagosIslands, our guides revealing giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and more with a host of exciting snorkeling, kayaking and shore excursions. Then, explore the enduring heritage of the Sacred Valley and join a site expert to discover the wonders of Machu Picchu.
Cruise the Galápagos’ Northern Islands for four nights aboard a purpose-built adventure cruiser
Expert guides lead twice-daily shore excursions on your cruise
Choose from a range of cruise activities including kayaking, snorkeling, light trekking and beachcombing
Witness a Pachamama ceremony at a remote village in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Visit a project supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy
Add on an optional trek of the Inca Trail from KM 104 to Machu Picchu
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Guayaquil, Ecuador
Arrive in tropical Guayaquil, gateway to the Galápagos, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 | Guayaquil - Baltra, the Galápagos
Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos Islands. After a welcome briefing, enjoy lunch on board. This afternoon, begin exploring the Galápagos, starting at South Plaza Island. Observe the native flora, such as the prickly pear cactus, a favorite snack of the land iguana that roam the island like real-life dragons. Scan the coastline for playful sea lion and colorful wild birds. Tonight (and each evening) back aboard your expedition ship, enjoy a variety of all-ages activities designed to capture the imaginations of young explorers, including fun quizzes, making handicrafts and learning some Spanish words.
Day 3 | Cruising the Galápagos - Life of Tortoises
Today, discover Santa Fe Island, boarding a panga (small boat) for a brief ride to its idyllic sandy-white beaches. Walk the onshore terrain, keeping a lookout for wild residents: a curious sea lion coming to greet you, a Galápagos hawk perched atop salt bushes or a Santa Fe land iguana sunning itself on a rock. Then, snorkel and swim along a natural wave barrier or ride in a glass-bottom boat for a cool glimpse into life beneath the waves. Break for lunch back on board as you set a course toward San Cristobal Island. Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and drive to the breeding center for highly endangered giant tortoise at Cerro Colorado, set in a fantastic deciduous forest.
Day 4 | Cruising the Galápagos - Bartolomé & Santiago Islands
Land on San Cristobal Island and set out on a trail that ascends from the beach to a lookout offering you spectacular shoreline views. Observe frigatebird and a colony of sea lion, and, if conditions are favorable, swim from the beach. After lunch on board, take a panga to Cerro Brujo and walk the same sandy shore once trod by Charles Darwin, the 19th-century English naturalist whose theory of evolution began with the firsthand observations he made of life in the Galápagos.
Day 5 | Cruising the Galápagos - Punta Suárez
Begin at Punta Suárez, walking on lava terrain to visit the island's seabird colonies. Depending on the time of year, you may spy soaring waved albatross, booby or swallow-tail gull; watch for marine iguana, too. After lunch aboard, cruise Gardner Bay and go ashore to observe sea lion, mockingbird and various species of finch. The bay has a magnificent beach, a great place to snorkel, kayak or ride a glass-bottomed boat.
Day 6 | Guayaquil & Lima, Peru - Begin a Peruvian Adventure
Disembark on Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about the captive rearing program for giant tortoise. Transfer to the airport to fly to mainland Ecuador, and then board a connecting flight to Lima, Peru. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 7 | Cusco - Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco, located more than 11,000 feet above sea level, where you are met and transferred to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route, visit a sanctuary to interact with the South American camelid species living there — such as llama and alpaca — and learn about the valuable fibers created from their coats. Then, visit the beautiful Hacienda Sarapampa for a Chef 's Table experience. Enjoy lunch with the owner, who cordially shares his family's history in farming and shows you around the farm.
Day 8 | Sacred Valley - Like a Journey Back in Time
Today, visit Moray, a fascinating archaeological site comprising a series of concentric agricultural terraces, some almost 500 feet deep. Then, journey to a remote mountain village, where you experience ancient agricultural methods used for centuries, on an A&K-exclusive experience. Continue to the Children of the Rainbow school, a project supported by A&K Philanthropy, where you enjoy lunch and take in an equestrian performance featuring Paso Fino horses. Return to your hotel to enjoy a relaxing Scenic Sundowner before dinner.
Day 9 | Machu Picchu - Bingham's Stunning Find
Visit the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, with its massive stone terraces, and journey deep into the Andes toward Machu Picchu by train. Alternatively (at an additional cost), start toward Machu Picchu by train, stopping at KM 104 to disembark and hike to the Sun Gate above the Incan citadel. Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire. Although this "Lost City” was revealed to the rest of the world by American Hiram Bingham in 1911, its location was long known to locals. Its original purpose, however, remains a matter of some conjecture, as the Incas left no written records. As you wander amid the age-old stone walls, picture life here as it might have been. Tonight, stay in the only hotel on site, just steps from the entrance.
Day 10 | Machu Picchu - Walk the Spectacular Ruins
Rise with the sun and join your expert guide to walk through Machu Picchu in the early morning mist before the crowds arrive. After your explorations, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Ollantaytambo by train, savoring incomparable views of the mountain scenery that surrounds you. On arrival, transfer to your Cusco hotel, a 400-year-old architectural treasure that was once a monastery. Tonight, relax or stroll this ancient Incan capital on your own.
Day 11 | Cusco - Plaza de Armas & Colossal Sacsayhuaman
Discover Cusco on a city excursion that includes the Gothic Renaissance-style Cathedral Basilica on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas' principal religious building. Later, visit Sacsayhuaman, a testament to Incan architectural skill. Compiled from colossal stones, its walls were cut and placed together with incredible precision and without a drop of mortar to hold them in place. Back in Cusco, stop for lunch at a local restaurant near the plaza. Afterward, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax or shop. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner at an elegant Cusco restaurant.
Day 12 | Depart Lima - Design Your Day
This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:
- Visit the San Blas Neighborhood, a unique, bohemian enclave where you find the workshops of artisans.
- Stroll San Pedro Market and Visit the Inca Museumfor a taste of local fruits and cheese, and a glimpse into history.
- Join a Photographer in Cuscowho helps you capture authentic images of the city's architecture and people.
Later today, fly to Lima and connect with your homebound flight.
Interested in a similar itinerary but want to Travel Privately?
Our Travel Experts are here to craft your perfect tailormade holiday.
Itinerary
Itinerary:
Arrive in tropical Guayaquil, gateway to the Galápagos, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Itinerary:
Interested in a similar itinerary but want to Travel Privately?
Our Travel Experts are here to craft your perfect tailormade holiday.
Hand Selected for an Unmatched Experience
La Pinta
Cruise the Galápagos aboard La Pinta and discover the wonders of this incredible region, returning each night to your comfortable, spacious cabin.
Dining on board features Ecuadorian dishes and a range of international fare. You need not pack anything dressier than smart-casual wear for dinner, and many meals may be enjoyed outdoors in the Observation Lounge Bar.
Inclusions & Offers
Save 50% on the single supplement on select departures.
Day 6 in Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
This departure operates on the Eastern Islands route. Please contact A&K for details.
Travelling Bell Boy® Luggage Handling
English-Speaking Resident Tour Director® and Local Guides
Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
Traveller’s Valet® Laundry Service
Internet Access
Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
24/7 A&K On-Call Support
Internal Air Included (Economy Class, $2,000 value) Guayaquil/Baltra/Guayaquil/Lima/Cusco; Cusco/Lima
Dates & Prices
Choose a date to view available Suites
Includes walking over steep, uneven terrain
Minimum age is 10 years old
Welcome briefing at 6:15 a.m. on Day 2
Return to Lima airport in the afternoon on Day 12
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests
Maximum is 11,200 ft. in Cusco
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adventures
12 Days
|
from $17,495
|
18 guests
