Galápagos Islands – Iconic Wildlife and Sublime Scenery Plus Machu Picchu

Price from $9,500
$8,120

Departure Dates
38 departures between Oct 2023 and Mar 2025
Duration
9 days
Ship

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.

Itinerary

We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay

Your land adventure begins

Day 1

City of the Incas and a cultural gem

Day 2

Back in time to a lost world 

Day 3

Quito – city of eternal spring 

Day 4

Visit historic Quito  

Day 5

Your cruise begins 

Day 6

Wildlife-rich Isabela and Fernandina 

Day 7

Darwin’s Santa Cruz 

Day 8

Picturesque Floreana 

Day 9

Back to Baltra 

Day 10

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

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