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Machu Picchu Tour Combined with a Galapagos Islands Cruise

Combine the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands with the ancient mysteries of Machu Picchu

Total Duration: 13+ days
This trip combines two of our most popular tours, exploring the mysterious lost city of Machu Picchu and cruising the famed Galapagos Islands. Your thrilling adventure takes you first to the bustling colonial town of Cusco, Peru to begin your Machu Picchu tour through the legendary Sacred Valley, stopping at villages and ancient Inca ruins along the way. A scenic train ride takes you to the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu where you’ll spend two days exploring the captivating ruins and the majestic mountains that surround them. Then you’ll fly to the magical country of Ecuador to embark on a Galapagos cruise of the "Enchanted Isles" that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution. The islands' unique ecosystem sustains extraordinary plant and animal diversity, where visitors on Galapagos tours may observe wildlife close up and take amazing photos. The combination of these two world-renowned destinations makes for the South America adventure of a lifetime.
To arrange a private departure for the Machu Picchu Tour & Galapagos Island Cruise Custom Combo tour, please regarding details and private departure costs.

ABOUT ECUADOR TRAVELING TO ECUADOR GALAPAGOS WEATHER

WHEN TO VISIT GALAPAGOS
= J F M A M J J A S O N D =

GALAPAGOS ISLAND DESCRIPTIONS GALAPAGOS FAQ GALAPAGOS ISLANDS MAP MAP OF ECUADOR RECOMMENDED READING

Itinerary for Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands

• Day 1 ARRIVE LIMA View Lima accommodations picture gallery Arrival and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, we can arrange optional tours to explore the city, including museum visits, and other sites of interests.
  View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 2 LIMA - CUSCO View Cusco accommodations picture gallery Morning departure for your flight to Cusco, center of the Inca Empire. Your Peru tour begins as Southern Explorations' guides pick you up at the airport, stopping for a quick tour of the colonial Plaza de Armas. From there, you will be taken to your hotel and be free for the rest of the day to explore the city and acclimatize to the altitude (10,856 ft). (B)
• Day 3 CUSCO View Cusco accommodations picture gallery This morning, your Peru travels take you on a guided walking tour through the colorful markets of Cusco, the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a lunch of regional cuisine, depart for an afternoon tour of prominent Inca sights in and around Cusco. You'll see the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small Puka Pukara fortress that protected the royal capital from attacks; and the water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel to relax or further explore the fascinating mix of Cusco cultures. (B)
• Day 4 CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY View Sacred Valley accommodations picture gallery Today's day-long guided excursion journeys through snowcapped mountains to the legendary Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, your Peru tour takes you past Inca terracing that climbs steep valley walls, then on through the ruined temples of Pisac with panoramic views of the jagged granite peaks before stopping in the town to visit one of the best textile markets in the Andes. There, you'll be able to browse for souvenirs and learn about the local culture. After lunch, the next stop is Ollantaytambo(9,185 ft.), a small town with an impressive Inca fortress. Stay overnight at a hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B)
• Day 5 SACRED VALLEY - OLLANTAYTAMBO - MACHU PICCHU View Machu Picchu accommodations picture gallery
  
  

  Explore the famous ruins of Machu Picchu at 7,875 ft.

  Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and take a refreshing walking tour of the Ollantaytambo ruins and surrounding town before heading to the Ollantaytambo train station for today's unforgettable trip. Making its way toward the Amazon and Machu Picchu, the train follows the Urubamba River into a magnificent cloud forest, arriving at the station. Here take a traditional lunch before meeting the bus waiting to take you the rest of the way to Machu Picchu (7,875 ft.). Spend the afternoon exploring the famous ruins, returning in the late afternoon to nearby Aguas Calientes where you'll be spending the night. You'll have time for a soothing soak in the hot springs and a tasty dinner before turning in early. (B)
• Day 6 MACHU PICCHU - CHINCHEROS ARTISAN MARKET - CUSCO View Cusco accommodations picture gallery Today, take the opportunity to see an unmatched sunrise at Machu Picchu before the crowds arrive and spend the rest of the day among the numerous ruins a climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu or a picturesque walk to the Temple of the Moon. Return midday to the town of Aguas Calientes for lunch and your early afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. Meet your private van at the train station to travel to the collective Chincheros textile market, featuring an explanation of the traditional weaving methods of the Sacred Valley and some of the best textiles available in Peru. This is the ideal place for last minute shopping before returning to your Cusco hotel for the evening. (B)
• Day 7 CUSCO – LIMA – QUITO View Quito accommodations picture gallery In the morning you'll be taken to the airport for the return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight to Quito. Arrival and transfer to your Quito hotel. (B)
• Day 8 QUITO – GALAPAGOS Morning transfer to the Quito airport for a flight to the Galapagos Islands to board your cruise. (B,L,D)
• Day 9-11 GALAPAGOS CRUISE
  
  

  See the Galapagos from above and below sea level

  Spend these full days exploring the Galapagos Islands from the comfort of your cruise. Itinerary specifics vary based upon the yacht you select and include four, five, or eight day cruises. Please to send you available cruise options during your timeframe. (B,L,D)
• Day 12 GALAPAGOS – QUITO View Quito accommodations picture gallery Your final morning will include one last island visit before being transferred from the vessel to the airport for your return flight to Quito. Arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to your comfortable Quito hotel. (B)
• Day 13 QUITO - HOME Transfer to the airport for the international departure home, the end of Southern Explorations services. If you are interested in more Galapagos tours, trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Quito, we would be happy to arrange them. (B) View Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner

GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR EXTENSIONS

PERU EXTENSIONS

ARTICLES & INFORMATION ABOUT GALAPAGOS
TOURS AND TRAVEL

SOUTHERN EXPLORATIONS
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CONTACT US

CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111

2013 TRIP DATES

Departure dates depend on the duration of your Galapagos cruise and the boat of your choice. Please for more details.
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

Included in tour cost

Meals as indicated

All hotel accommodations (twin shared basis)

All airport/hotel transfers

Entrance fees for all scheduled tours and archaeological sites (except Galapagos National Park)

Galapagos Cruise (Duration depends upon preference and availability)

English speaking certified guides

Southern Explorations pre departure services.

Excluded in tour cost

International airfare to Lima, Peru and from Quito, Ecuador

Domestic Airfare:

• $1,260 / $1,305
• Low Season: Jan 16 - June 15 / Sept 15 - Nov 30
• High Season: June 16 - Sept 14 / Dec 1 - Jan 15
• includes Lima > Quito
  Quito < > Galapagos
  Lima < > Cuzco

airport taxes international (around $70) and local (around $5)

Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100 Adult/$50 Child)

Tips and gratuities

Alcoholic beverages

Travel insurance

Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

ACCOMMODATION

Machu Picchu & Galapagos:

8 nights hotels
3-7 nights at sea

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.

Prices based on 3.5% cash discount