Galápagos Islands – Iconic Wildlife and Sublime Scenery Plus Machu Picchu
Cruise Overview
7-day Galápagos Islands expedition cruise plus Machu Picchu land adventure
Experience magnificent Machu Picchu and the incredible natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands on this land and sea adventure combination
See the unique wildlife of Galápagos, such as giant tortoises and marine iguanas, as you visit the islands ofSanta Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina and Floreana
Learn about these incredible islands and Charles Darwin’s research from your expertExpedition Team, comprised of local naturalist guides
Explore the GalápagosIslands by kayak, glass-bottom boat and stand-up paddleboard, and enjoy nature walks, hikes, snorkelling and swimming
South America land adventure
The first part of our adventure takes place on land. Setting off from Peru’s vibrant capital, Lima, we’ll fly to Cusco. At the ancient center of the Inca empire, we will discover a range of cultural and architectural wonders. Next, we travel up the Sacred Valley on a luxury train to the incredible mountain citadel of Machu Picchu before heading back to Cusco. We then fly to charming Quito, the ‘City of Eternal Spring’.
Darwin’s islands of evolution
After exploring Quito’s historic center and visiting the Equator, we’ll head to the Galápagos Islands for an unforgettable sea adventure. Your expedition cruise begins after a flight from Quito to Baltra Island in the Galápagos for an incredible sea adventure. In the Galápagos Islands, you’ll visit the islands of Isabela, Floreana, Fernandina, and Santa Cruz, each a unique illustration of evolution in action. Experience an array of ecosystems and picturesque landscapes, and see famed wildlife such as marine iguanas, giant tortoises, Nazca boobies, and Darwin’s iconic finches. Your ship, MS Santa Cruz II, is one of the few vessels operating in the Galápagos that comes equipped with a full range of exploration tools, including panga boats, kayaks, snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, and even a glass-bottom boat.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Your land adventure begins
Day 1
Your land adventure begins
Start your adventure in ancient and modern Lima
Welcome to Peru, one of the most fascinating countries in South America!
If you have time after your arrival in Lima before settling in at your hotel for an overnight stay, we suggest you wander historical centre, which is packed with elegant Spanish colonial architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Or why not walk along the oceanfront boardwalk in the upmarket Miraflores district. Here, you’ll find many restaurants and cafés, as well as shops if you need to purchase anything ahead of your adventure. Lima is considered the food capital of Latin America, so be sure to try local dishes like ceviche, which is raw fish marinated in lime juice with onion and chilli.
City of the Incas and a cultural gem
Day 2
City of the Incas and a cultural gem
Explore the ancient seat of the Inca Empire
In the morning, you’ll take a flight to Cusco, the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. A local guide will take you to check in at your hotel, before inviting you on a guided tour of this enigmatic city.
You’ll see impressive Inca structures contrasted with ornate buildings from Spanish colonial times. Visit the 15th century ceremonial compound of Sacsayhuaman, or admire the architecture of the Spanish Santo Domingo church, a convent built on the ruins of Koricancha, the Inca Sun Temple. After your tour of the highlights of this cultural and architectural gem, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner.
Back in time to a lost world
Day 3
Back in time to a lost world
Discover the lost city of the Incas
An early morning transfer will take you to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, from where you’ll catch a train along the narrow-gauge line to Machu Picchu, passing through stunning highland scenery along the way.
After around two hours, we’ll stop at the small town of Aguas Calientes and take the short bus ride to Machu Picchu – the so-called Lost City of the Incas.
You’ll enjoy a guided tour of this once-hidden settlement, marvelling at the stonewalls, terraces and ramps that are carved into the mountain. You’ll love the peaceful atmosphere of Machu Picchu as you gaze at the lowland jungle from this city in the clouds.
After lunch, we’ll return to Cusco where you’ll enjoy your final night at the hotel.
Quito – city of eternal spring
Day 4
Quito – city of eternal spring
Discover the vibrant city of Quito
The day begins with breakfast at your hotel. We’ll then drive to the airport in Cusco for the morning flight via Lima to Ecuador. You´ll arrive in Quito in the afternoon.
Your journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s packed with well-preserved colonial architecture as evidenced in colourful plazas, magnificent churches and handsome monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore.
Visit historic Quito
Day 5
Visit historic Quito
Straddle the Equator at the Middle of the World City
Today you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town – one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture – and sample some delicious chocolate made from finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way.
Next, you’ll head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line of the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
Your cruise begins
Day 6
Your cruise begins
Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands
After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits.
In the afternoon we’ll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands following the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón – Dragon Hill – where we’ll land. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish lagoon that’s frequented by shorebirds and American Flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as a chance to get a first look at some land iguanas.
Wildlife-rich Isabela and Fernandina
Day 7
Wildlife-rich Isabela and Fernandina
Scan the coastline and seas for iconic species
You’ll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca, on the north-western tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we’ll explore the coast by panga boat, learning about the dramatic geology of the area from your naturalist guides.
This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for Flightless Cormorants, Galápagos Penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you’ll get to snorkel alongside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sun fish, and fur seals.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a big population of marine iguanas. Scan the coast for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks and penguins.
Darwin’s Santa Cruz
Day 8
Darwin’s Santa Cruz
Meet the famous giant tortoises of Galápagos
Today, you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we’ll disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
A giant tortoise breeding centre, here you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches – the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. There’s also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that’s home to many land birds.
Enjoy a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises shuffle about munching on grass and wallowing in pools.
You'll have time for another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.
Picturesque Floreana
Day 9
Picturesque Floreana
Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlife
After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a panga boat ride among the channels on Floreana’s north shore, before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later on, we’ll land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.
After lunch, you’ll explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard our glass-bottom boat. Here, you can snorkel in one of the best spots in the archipelago.
From there, it’s onwards to Cormorant Point, where we’ll take a walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon, where you can commonly see American Flamingos, Pintail Ducks and more.
Back to Baltra
Day 10
Back to Baltra
Your adventure comes to an end
As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. We’ll also say farewell to our wonderful crew and naturalist guides as we disembark at Baltra Island.
A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. Please contact us at the time of booking to continue on to Quito at the end of your tour.
To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our optional Post-Programs.
What's included
Flights
- Flights in economy class from Lima to Cusco and from Cusco to Quito (via Lima), all taxes included
- Roundtrip flights in economy class (from Quito to Baltra, and Baltra to Guayaquil. Or, you can continue from Guayaquil to Quito. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. Please contact us to continue on to Quito at the end of your tour.)
Hotel
- One night in Lima, two nights in Cusco, and two nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast. Dinner on Days 2–5.
Transfers
- Transfers between the airport and the hotel in Quito before the expedition cruise
- Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra
Excursions
- Tour package: Cusco and Machu Picchu, as described, including excursions with lunch, train tickets, entrance fees, and transfers from the hotel to the airport in Lima and within Cusco before the expedition cruise
- Full-day excursion: Historic Quito and Middle of the World, including lunch, before the expedition cruise
Included Extras
- Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee
- Transit Control Card for the Galápagos Islands
- Access to the airport lounge at the Quito (or Guayaquil) airport upon return from the Galápagos Islands for guests flying internationally on the day of disembarkation
Expedition Cruise
- Stay in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages*
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
- Complimentary wetsuit rental
- Welcome and farewell cocktails
Onboard activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Center, which features a small library and microscope
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects.
- Our onboard professional photographer will give photography tips and teach techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife photos.
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs and gym
- Join informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings.
Landing activities
- Escorted landings with small panga boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you.
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Your flight from Baltra will go to Quito. If you wish to end your expedition in Guayaquil, please advise your booking agent.
- The land program in Peru and Quito, Ecuador takes place at high altitudes. At 11,100 feet and 9,350 feet above sea level, respectively, you might experience mild altitude sickness.
- The land-based tour in Peru involves long stretches of active travel and walking over uneven terrain. Be prepared for climates varying from high altitude to tropical.
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities are expected
What's not included
International flights
Travel protection
Baggage handling
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
Solo Traveler Benefit!
For a limited time, solo travelers pay no single supplement* on select expedition cruises to Alaska, Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, West Africa and the Canary Islands, and more!
Read more
offer
28 days left to take advantage of our best price guarantee
Make Waves & Save PLUS Price Promise
Book before November 30, 2023 to guarantee lowest price. If we lower the price, we’ll refund the difference.*
Read more
offer
58 days left to take advantage of our best price guarantee
Excursions & Activities
Learn more about what you can experience when going with us