Highlights

Amazon Jungle Lodge, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, Galapagos Island Cruise,

Physical Rating:

Moderate
i

This Trip is Rated: Moderate

Our moderate trips require an average level of fitness. Itineraries may include walks or short hikes of up to two to three hours with little elevation gain, sustained walking at higher altitudes, and/or other similar level physical activities. Many activities are optional.

How We Rate Our Trips

Easy: Our easy tours generally require fairly little exertion. Each day will involve walking, sightseeing and general travel-related activities such as getting in/out of vans, planes, boats, and zodiacs.

Moderate: Our moderate trips require an average level of fitness. Itineraries may include walks or short hikes of up to two to three hours with little elevation gain, sustained walking at higher altitudes, and/or other similar level physical activities. Many activities are optional.

Difficult: Our difficult trips may involve hiking over uneven terrain, with some hikes including significant elevation gain or loss and at higher elevations (up to 12,000 ft). Itineraries may include three to six hour hikes and other activities such as horseback riding, mountain bicycling, rafting and kayaking, which require no previous experience. On many trips, passengers may elect to skip a day's activity, depending on logistics.

Most Difficult: Our most difficult expeditions are for the adventurer who is in good physical condition. Itineraries may involve multi-day hiking and trekking excursions over steep, rugged terrain and/or where altitude may exceed 14,000 feet. Many trips include camping in remote areas and/or high altitude sites in varying temperature and weather conditions. Trips may also involve many days of demanding Class IV-V rapids, longer sea kayaking trips, horseback riding, and/or mountain bicycling. Training for the physical demands of these tours is highly encouraged. 

Galapagos, Machu Picchu & Amazon Tour

This most scenic of Ecuador Peru eco-tours includes three top South America destinations. You'll marvel at one of civilization's greatest achievements, Machu Picchu, witness the unparalleled biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, one of nature's true wonders, and experience the otherworldly destination of the Galapagos Islands where wildlife rules. In your Andean travels learning about Peru culture, you'll explore the charming colonial town of Cusco, once the center of the Inca E... READ MORE >>
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Day 2: Quito - Galapagos Islands Cruise
Day 3-5: Galapagos Islands Cruise
Day 6: Galapagos Islands - Lima, Peru
Day 7: Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley
Day 8: SACRED VALLEY - MORAY & MARAS
Day 9: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
Day 10: Machu Picchu - Chinchero Artisan Market - Cusco
Day 11: Cusco
Day 12: Cusco - Amazon Jungle Lodge
Day 13: Amazon Jungle Lodge
Day 14: Amazon Jungle Lodge - Lima - Home
Be Inspired

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Most Popular Galapagos & Machu Picchu Trips & Tours

Trip Price Days Highlights
Galapagos MultiSport & Active Machu Picchu $7,245 17 Days Lima and Cusco, Peru, Machu Picchu and Inca Trail, Galapagos Islands , Hiking, Rafting & More......
Galapagos, Machu Picchu & Amazon Tour $5,440 14+ Days Amazon Jungle Lodge, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, Galapagos Island Cruise
Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Custom Combo Tour $5,140 13+ Days Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, Galapagos Island Cruise, Wildlife
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito

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.

Day 2: Quito - Galapagos Islands Cruise

Morning transfer to the Quito airport for a flight to the Galapagos Islands to board your cruise. (B,L,D)

Day 3-5: Galapagos Islands Cruise

Here you'll spend exciting days exploring the Galapagos Islands and observing the unique Galapagos wildlife, staying on a comfortable yacht. Itinerary specifics vary based on which Galapagos cruise vessel you select. Please Contact Us to discuss available Galapagos cruise options during your timeframe. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Galapagos Islands - Lima, Peru

You return to mainland Ecuador today where you'll connect with your international fight to Lima, Peru. (B)

Day 7: Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley

Embark on a day-long guided excursion through the Andean countryside of the legendary Sacred Valley, passing Inca terraces along the steep valley walls before reaching the ruins of Pisac temples that offer panoramic views of granite peaks. In the town of Pisac, you'll find bargains at one of the best textile markets in the Andes. After lunch, you reach the small town of Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft.), to visit its famous Inca fortress and spend the night. (B,L)

Day 8: SACRED VALLEY - MORAY & MARAS

Today you pass small farms above beautiful Urubamba Valley to reach Moray. Here three circular terraces, thought to have been used by the Incas as an open-air crop experimentation station, are located. You continue past the living village and pre-Inca settlement of Maras. At this photogenic spot, a geo-thermally heated stream feeds hundreds of small salt terraces which create a bizarre white-on-brown landscape that has been used for salt mining since well before the Incas. Return to your Ollantaytambo hotel in the late afternoon. (B,L)
 

Day 9: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

You'll enjoy a satisfying breakfast at your hotel before beginning a walking tour of the Ollantaytambo ruins and town. By midmorning, you'll take a leisurely walk from the hotel to the train station at Ollantaytambo. Following the Urubamba River through a scenic cloud forest, you arrive at the station in time for lunch before boarding a bus that will take you to the hidden citadel of Machu Picchu (7,875 ft.). Here you'll spend an unforgettable day, learning about Machu Picchu history as you explore the famous ruins. You'll return in the late afternoon to nearby Aguas Calientes for a soak in the local hot springs, a dinner of Peru cuisine and overnight at a nearby hotel. (B)

Day 10: Machu Picchu - Chinchero Artisan Market - Cusco

If you choose to wake before dawn, you can see a once-in-a-lifetime Machu Picchu sunrise with few other visitors. Your morning will be spent exploring Machu Picchu on your own which might include a climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu or a walk through the lush cloud forest to the Temple of the Moon. You'll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then take the mid-afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. Your private van will travel to the cooperatively run Chinchero Market, source of some of the most remarkable textiles in Peru. Here you'll enjoy an informative session with weavers, learning how they shear, dye, spin and weave using traditional methods. This is a perfect opportunity for last-minute shopping before returning to Cusco and a final evening at the hotel. (B)

Day 11: Cusco

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 12: Cusco - Amazon Jungle Lodge

Accommodations at Posada Amazonas OR Hacienda Concepcion depending on availability. A morning transfer gets you to the airport for a flight to Puerto Maldonado in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. To reach your accommodations, you'll take a one-hour motorized canoe ride up the Tambopata River. After unpacking and relaxing a bit, you'll be welcomed and receive a briefing about the lodge and Ecotourism Project before the afternoon's amazing Amazon Rainforest activity, climbing the Canopy Tower. The Canopy Tower is a 115-ft scaffold that offers spectacular views of the river and the surrounding Amazon Rainforest. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Amazon Jungle Lodge

Accommodations at Posada Amazonas OR Hacienda Concepcion depending on availability. Early in the morning, you visit the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake where fascinating wildlife is sure to be found. After breakfast, you'll depart from Posada Amazonas by boat and take a brief walk to the shore followed by a long, easy canoe ride around the lake. Here you may see giant river otters, turtles, hoatzin and wading birds. Returning to the Amazon Rainforest eco-lodge trails, you'll visit a small parakeet clay lick where dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of parakeets congregate on clear days to ingest clay. This afternoon's Amazon Rainforest tours consist of an excursion to the community's ethno-botanical center and a hike along the surrounding trails with a resident guide who will explain the everyday uses of forest resources in medicine, construction, food and fiber. The relaxing evening will be spent at the lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Amazon Jungle Lodge - Lima - Home

Transfer to the airport for the international departure home, the end of Southern Explorations services. (B)

Weather

When to Visit
  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

PERU

Peru is a diverse country. With beaches, mountains, rainforest and desert, there is no off-season. But it does pay to know a bit about where you're going, and what you'll need on your Peru tour:

The Andes - Though officially part of the dry season, April and May are considered the Andean spring, while June through October marks the Andean summer. Mid-day temperatures range from 70 to 80 F in the sun. Nighttime temperatures in Cusco range in the 40s F and can dip into the 30s F. Weather is usually clear in the morning with clouds accumulating in the afternoon. Rain can happen in any season, so quality rain gear is essential.

The Amazon - A rainforest environment, the Peruvian Amazon has varied weather conditions and frequent unpredictable rain showers. It is generally hot and humid during the day with more comfortable temperatures through the night. Daytime high temperatures average between 82° and 93° F, and the average nighttime low is between 62° and 73°. Nevertheless, in some areas cold fronts can sweep into the Amazon and push daytime high temperatures down to 50° F and nighttime lows to 43° F. Any time of year, one should always be prepared for cooler temperatures and rain showers. Around 80% of the annual average 79 inches of rainfall occurs during the rainy season (December through March) when heavy rain may continue for hours or days.

Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
 

GALAPAGOS

The great weather of the Galapagos Islands makes them a fantastic destination for travel year-round. Every month of the year is a good time to enjoy a tour of the region. The Galapagos Islands have a subtropical climate that is almost completely determined by sea currents. Although most believe the Galapagos to be a very hot destination, the cool water currents in the area keep the climate more temperate year-round. The islands’ equatorial location ensures twelve hours of sunlight daily, all year long. The mild variations in weather from month to month result in an overall climate of warm days, cool nights and low humidity. Anytime is a great time to travel to the Galapagos; while visiting one can expect to see plenty of sunshine, blue skies and a possible chance of light rain.

There are two seasons in the Galapagos:

  • The hot or rainy season arrives with the coming of the warm Panama current. The warmest months are December through June with temperatures ranging from 72-90°F (22-32°C), with February and March being the hottest and sunniest. The sea is at its warmest (in the 70°F range) and tends to be calmer during this time. Although the islands receive slightly more rainfall during these months, most of the lower elevations remain quite arid. Expect blue skies and sunshine and with a chance of short afternoon showers.
  • July through November is the dry or garua season, which begins with the arrival of cold ocean currents. One can expect cooler temperatures and a light mist in the morning during these months. The skies are also a bit cloudier and air temperatures a bit cooler, in the range of 60-75°F (15-24°C). The garua is a mist that forms in the highlands, providing moisture and usually tapering off by midday, leaving skies slightly overcast or sunny for the afternoon. The air temperature can be slightly lower, but the Equator is still a warm place to visit. During this time of year a cold ocean current from the south, called the Antarctic Humboldt current, causes the water temperature to drop slightly, ranging from 60°F- 72°F (15-22°C).

Within both seasons, there are other variants, like altitude, that affect the weather.
The lowest point of elevation is sea level and the highest is Wolf Volcano, Isabela Island (5,600ft or 1,710m). There are seven vegetation zones ranging from arid coastal zones to evergreen cloud forests to treeless shrubless pampa zones, all of which are affected by moisture levels, temperature and sunlight. During the garua season, the coast is very dry while the highlands are much wetter. The hot season may or may not have a rainy period which normally lasts four to six weeks, or in the event of El Nino, a longer period. During the hot season, the coastal zones remain arid. Prevailing winds from the southeast keep the southern sides of the major islands much moister then the northern sides, which fall into a rain shadow resulting in the arid zones reaching a much higher elevation. The months of May and December are changeover periods and weather and sea temperatures in these months tend to vary from year to year depending on the change in the water currents. Occasionally, one will feel humidity, predominantly on the south side of major islands. Compared to the humidity levels in the Amazon or the US South, the humidity in the Galapagos is very low and will not disturb activities.

Snorkeling is an activity offered on all Galapagos trips.
Wetsuits, available onboard most cruises and for all land tours, are recommended June through November. Though sea temperatures vary significantly from island to island, generally all travelers will use a wetsuit during this time. Snorkeling in shallow waters offshore or in protective coves tends to be warmer. Waters to the north, near Genovesa are warmed by the Panama Current, whereas snorkeling off the western island of Isabela is always chilly due to the cold Cromwell undercurrent. The Humboldt Current, or the South Equatorial Current, brings cold sub-Antarctic water that flows through the archipelago eight or nine months a year keeping sea temperatures low. One will experience a variance in sea temperatures while snorkeling on any trip during any time of the year. During the hot season, travelers tend to spend more time in the water, especially at midday when the temperatures are the hottest and wildlife is less active. Snorkeling is an optional activity and those who are not interested in snorkeling have other options.

Sea Conditions are a concern of many cruise travelers.
All Galapagos vessels are small; the largest accommodates only 100 passengers. Naturally, some movement will be felt on all vessels regardless of the time of year or the size of the vessel. The seas around the Galapagos are generally shallow and despite being the crossroads of several currents, the waters are not terribly rough. The seas are at their calmest January through April. December, May and June are transitional months during which one will experience relatively calm seas, though it varies year to year depending on the shift in the currents. July through November, one will find choppier seas, with August through October being the roughest. Certain vessels are more stable than others and cabin location can also help avoid seasickness. Most travel is done at night while passengers are sleeping with the only exception being the short midday transit (two hours or less). During the day, vessels dock in calm waters near shore. Passengers spend most of the day on land or snorkeling. These factors lessen the risk of seasickness. We recommend that you bring over-the-counter or prescription motion sickness medication, though many cruisers discover that the seas are much calmer than anticipated. If you are concerned about motion sickness, please contact us for more details on how to select the right vessel for you.
 

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN70-841.0
FEB74-861.0
MAR73-882.0
APR72-861.5
MAY72-820.8
JUN66-780.3
JUL67-760.5
AUG64-750.3
SEP62-750.5
OCT64-770.3
NOV66-780.5
DEC68-800.5

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
 

QUITO

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN50-664.5
FEB50-665.1
MAR50-666.0
APR51-666.9
MAY51-664.9
JUN49-671.9
JUL49-670.8
AUG49-671.0
SEP49-683.1
OCT49-675.0
NOV49-674.3
DEC50-664.1

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

LIMA

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN68-790.0
FEB69-800.0
MAR69-800.0
APR67-760.0
MAY63-720.0
JUN61-690.1
JUL60-670.2
AUG60-660.1
SEP60-670.1
OCT60-690.1
NOV62-720.0
DEC64-760.0

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
 

CUSCO

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN44-656.3
FEB44-655.2
MAR43-664.3
APR41-671.8
MAY39-670.3
JUN33-660.1
JUL32-660.2
AUG35-670.3
SEP39-680.9
OCT42-691.9
NOV43-693.1
DEC44-694.7

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

PUNO

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN38-625.2
FEB38-624.3
MAR38-623.8
APR33-621.5
MAY25-620.4
JUN19-610.1
JUL18-610.1
AUG22-630.2
SEP29-640.8
OCT33-651.5
NOV35-662.0
DEC37-643.6

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
 

PUERTO MALDONADO

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN71-8813.6
FEB70-8712.8
MAR70-8811.9
APR69-876.1
MAY66-864.2
JUN63-842.3
JUL62-852.2
AUG64-882.5
SEP66-903.9
OCT69-906.5
NOV70-899.3
DEC70-8812.1

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

Maps

Galapagos, Machu Picchu and Amazon Tour

Pricing
Starting at
$5,690
Cruise Class4D/3N5D/4N8D/7N
Tourist Superior+$5690+$6490+$8090
First Class+$5890+$6490+$8190
Cruise Ship+$5745+$6345+$8190
Luxury Cruise+$6890+$7490+$10,690

This tour combines any Galapagos cruise of your choice with our Amazon & Machu Picchu trip  Your trip costs depend on which vessel and cruise duration you select.  Prices listed here are per person starting at rates.

Internal Airfare:
Lima/Puerto Maldonado/Cusco/Lima: $550
Lima/Quito: $495
Galapagos: $560


Entrance to Galapagos to National Park $100 Adult / $50 Child
Galapagos Transit Control Card $20

Peru Single Supplement: $740
A single supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. A single supplement also applies to single travelers in a private cabin on Galapagos cruises. Single travelers willing to share a cabin with another passenger of the same gender can avoid the single supplement on certain vessels.

Included in tour cost
  • 2 nights' accommodations in Quito or Guayaquil
  • All land and sea transportation during the itinerary
  • All meals on Galapagos cruise
  • Ferry ticket
  • Galapagos cruise
  • Local Quito or Guayaquil representative
  • Naturalist guide while on cruise
  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • All hotel accommodations
  • All listed activities
  • English-speaking certified guides
  • Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
  • Meals as indicated
  • Southern Explorations pre-departure services
Excluded from tour cost
  • Airport taxes, international and local
  • Domestic airfare within South America
  • International airfare to and from Central & South America
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Domestic airfare to and from Galapagos Islands
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 Adult/$50 Child)
  • Galapagos Transit Control Card ($20)

Galapagos, Machu Picchu and Amazon Tour

Trip Dates
Departure dates depend on the duration of your Galapagos cruise and the boat of your choice. Please contact us for more details.
Saturday, January 1, 2022 to Saturday, December 31, 2022
Available
Guayaquil
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Quito
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Aguas Calientes
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Amazon
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Cusco
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Lima
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Sacred Valley
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.

One Day

Multi-Day

machu picchuWe had such a wonderful trip. Thanks to Southern Explorations helping to plan every detail.   -Kathleen & Tony V. (Galapagos Island Cruise & Machu Picchu)

galapagos sea lions

I cannot begin to tell you what a wonderful experience we had with Marisa and Southern Explorations on our trip to the Galapagos and Peru. Every reservation and transfer and hotel was perfect. It was truly a trip of a lifetime and cannot recommend them highly enough. You are truly in for a perfect trip if you let Southern Explorations help you!   -Shirley and family (Galapagos Island Cruise & Machu Picchu)

machu picchu travel

Great trip -- we had a wonderful time. Thank you for the help in organizing a wonderful trip.   -Dennis and family (Machu Picchu & Galapagos Island Cruise)

machu picchu hikingThis was the first organized tour that we have ever taken, but now that we have experienced what a great job Southern Explorations does, it will not be the last. We are now spoiled and will expect any other trip we take to measure up to their standards.   -Dan & Randy Busch, Arkansas (Machu Picchu & Galapagos Island Cruise)

machu picchu trekkingWe have been home almost a week and are still going through all the photos of our wonderful trip to Peru and Ecuador.  Many amazing sights and many great memories made! Our guide in Machu Picchu not only made sure we saw the highlights and explained a lot about the Andean way of life and the history of the Incas, but also made sure his photo crazy charges had the best places to take photos and time to do so.  He took charge and everything went smoothly and efficiently with tickets, trains, buses etc.  We didn’t have to worry about a thing. The Galapagos trip was also great!  I really liked the boat we chose (The Odyssey) with Lisa’s help.  The cabins and bathrooms were really spacious.  The common areas both inside and on the upper decks were large and had nice outdoor furniture and chaise lounges. Our nature guide was very knowledgeable and attentive.  He made sure we didn’t encounter other groups much on the islands.  The crew was very helpful and attentive.  The food was good and plentiful with a variety of choices.  We saw a ton of animals and birds!  It was a naturalists and photographer’s paradise! All in all, the trip was an amazing experience.  We felt safe and didn’t get sick except for mild altitude sickness. Your staff took care of our every need and we didn’t have to worry about a thing, just relax and learn and see the sights. I would (and already have) highly recommend Southern Explorations to my friends.  You did a great job for us!  It was a once in a life time trip!  (although I do hope to get back to South America and Peru in the future).  Thanks for a job well done! - Alice Chang (Machu Picchu & Odyssey)

machu picchu hikeWe had the trip of a lifetime to Peru and Ecuador. This included visits to Machu Picchu, the Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands.  The guides and drivers were fantastic, as was the food and accommodations everywhere we went.  The itineraries were planned out perfectly with a variety of activities but not overwhelmed.  Kudos! - Brad Hoover (Machu Picchu & Galapagos)
 

We cannot tell you how much we appreciated the extraordinary job Southern Explorations did to coordinate the logistics of the complicated travel arrangements required for our Peru and Galapagos trip (and you did it all on very short notice). The travel, accommodations, and food arrangements were generally seamless and the guides where knowledgeable, resourceful and fun! Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime! - Becky Jessen & Tom Moore (Machu Picchu & Galapagos Island Cruise)

I just wanted to thank whoever set us up with our guide. He was an absolutely incredible guide!! We all felt so blessed to have him with us to show us Peru. He was extremely knowledgeable, organized, prepared, willing to share recommendations for our dinners out, approachable, and warm. Our entire experience was enhanced by his passion for his country, his history, and his people. One more "Thank You" for the experience of a lifetime. I would also like to give a shout out to the Southern Exploration agent. Without exception, every time I called SE to talk with her, about something concerning the trip, she was very helpful, and truly and assisted me in creating a trip that was fashioned to my particular wants and expectations. Thank you for your guidance, it was greatly appreciated. - Ellen & Ronald Blickenstaff, USA (Machu Picchu & Galapagos Island Cruise)

 

 
Our guide was "Johnny on the spot," ensuring that everyone had an opportunity to participate in daily activities or alternatives to the same. We were impressed with his positive attitude, ability to keep us on track through multiple activities, passion for the Galapagos Islands, and the fact that he went above and beyond the call of duty by staying with the group one evening after dinner and taking us to a local pharmacy where some of the individuals in the group who were ill could find OTC medications. - Patria McGee (Machu Picchu & Galapagos Multisport)
 
Our guide in Cusco and Machu Picchu, was one of the best guides I have ever had. He was knowledgeable, accommodating, and gracious. He made the trip extra special with his considerable knowledge. - Mary Helen Smith (Machu Picchu & Galapagos Island Cruise)

We just wanted to let you know we had a great time on this trip. We saw the birds in the Amazon, the Incan history in Cusco/Machu Picchu and all the animals/landscape in Galapagos. The highlights were the macaws in the Amazon, and the dolphins (hundreds), penguins, turtles and birds in the Galapagos. The food was excellent the entire trip. The guides were fantastic.  -Joseph Polli, USA (Machu Picchu & Galapagos Island Cruise)

The all day hike to Machu Picchu was one of the hardest things I've done physically. The guide paced us really well, I always felt safe and nothing could have prepared me for how awesome the view was when we came through the Sun Gate. It was worth every inch of the trek and all the more satisfying that I had worked hard to get there. Breathtaking! Best guide we could have asked for. Thanks Southern Explorations for making this trip of a lifetime everything I'd hoped it could be. - Karin & Michael Johnston, USA (Machu Picchu & Galapagos Island Cruise)
We were amazed how Marissa had it all so organized. We traveled with 4 couples for the first half of the trip and then 4 of us went on our separate way. It all worked perfectly. There was always someone there to meet us and guide us to our next step. All of the guides were great! - Caroline Pettit, Washington (Machu Picchu & Galapagos Island Cruise)
 

Galapagos & Machu Picchu - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose an itinerary?
A: We can combine any of our Galapagos tours or cruises with any of our Peru itineraries. In Peru, we do have a few classic itineraries that work for most people such as Experience Machu Picchu, Amazon and Machu Picchu or the Classic Inca Trail, but the options are limitless. In the Galapagos, you will have an amazing experience no matter what islands or visitor sites you see. We ask that travelers first decide the type of trip (land-based or cruise) and travel dates in order to see what is available before focusing on the specific itinerary.
Q: Can I make changes or additions to these tours?
A: Yes! We are happy to put together a custom Galapagos and Peru itinerary for you if our existing itineraries are not exactly what you are looking for. You can also check out our extensions in mainland Ecuador and Peru extensions to make additions to our existing trips. Contact an Adventure Travel Coordinator for recommendations.
Q: When is the best time to go to Galapagos & Machu Picchu?
A: Both the Galapagos and Peru are great year-round destinations. Many travelers like to visit Peru between the months of April and October, when the chances of rain are much lower. Avoid the height of summer and the Christmas holiday season for smaller crowds and the best selection of accommodations or cruises.
Q: What is the weather like in Galapagos & Machu Picchu?
A: The Galapagos has a sub-tropical climate with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to high 80s throughout the year. There are two seasons caused by different prevailing ocean currents. The warmer, wetter season runs from December to May, and a cooler, dryer season takes over from June – November. Even in the wet season, rain is generally confined to brief afternoon showers and shouldn’t disrupt your trip.
 
The most traveled section of Peru, where Cusco and Machu Picchu are locate, also has a dry season (April – October) and a rainy season (November – March) with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s and lows in the 40s. Rainfall and temperatures vary in other regions depending on season and elevation. Please see the weather tab on your specific trip for more details.
Q: What is a typical day like in Galapagos & Machu Picchu?
A: A typical day Galapagos and Machu Picchu will vary from tour to tour, but generally, you can expect to start your excursions right after breakfast with a full day of scheduled activities or sightseeing.  The schedule in the Galapagos is set by the National Park and will include set visitor sites in the morning and afternoon. Your schedule will be more flexible and variable in Peru. A lunch break is included throughout the trip and you’ll retire to your hotel or cruise in the late afternoon with evenings free.
Q: How physically fit do I need to be to enjoy a trip to Galapagos & Machu Picchu?
A: Our trips in both destinations vary in level of activity, so the requirements differ based on itinerary. Please check our physical ratings for each itinerary to see what may be required of you when assessing your ability to enjoy a trip. If you have any specific questions, please contact your Adventure Travel Coordinator. We have personal experience with these activities and can help you decide whether a trip is right for you. 
Q: How much time do I need to visit Galapagos & Machu Picchu?
A: We can put together a Galapagos and Peru trip that is as short as 10 days, but we recommend about two weeks in order to have enough time in each destination. 
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: The Galapagos Islands are relatively busy year-round and cruises usually sell out.  Peru is also a popular destination and space at the most desirable hotels fills up quickly. As a rule, the further in advance you can plan, the more options you will have. For the best selection of cruises, plan at least six to nine months in advance throughout the year, and a year or more ahead of time for anything over the Christmas holiday season or May through July
Q: What are your booking and cancellation policies?
A: Click here to see our booking and cancellation policies.
Q: Do you use certified guides?
A: Our guides have been carefully selected for their knowledge, professionalism, experience and ability to effectively manage groups with finesse. We hire only guides who are native to the destination and are licensed and/or certified in accordance with the government regulations of their country. All are fluent in Spanish and English, and some also speak indigenous languages. Most have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, native culture or other related field. All guides are experienced in the outdoors and trained in basic first aid.
 
All guides on Galapagos cruises are freelance and hired directly by the vessels. Guides on any of the cruises we offer will be experienced, fluent in English and hold a degree in a related area. Cruises that are mid-range or above will have the best guides possible. Our more economical options will also have great guides, but they may have a little less experience or have slightly more basic English skills. Please note that many of the best guides in the Galapagos now choose to skip formal certification process that defines the level of each guide because of the high costs and the time it demands. Because of this, the designations of Level I, II, III are no longer an accurate indicator of the quality of your guide.
Q: What kind of accommodations can I expect?
A: In major cities we offer a variety of hotels including boutique hotels and larger business style hotels. Throughout the rest of your trip we work with a combination of historic haciendas, traditional Ecuadorian or Peruvian-style hotels and remote lodges. The majority of the properties are family-run or locally owned. All of our accommodations are clean and comfortable with private bathrooms and hot water. We offer basic or luxury options in many locations, depending on taste and budget.
Q: Do tours include airfare?
A: Travelers are responsible for their own international airfare. Internal flights are quoted separately from our base trip costs. We will include any necessary internal flight pricing in your quote.
Q: How many people are on your tours?
A: In the Galapagos, this will depend on the type of tour. There is a maximum of 12 travelers on land tours. For a cruise, this will depend on the capacity of the vessel, but there will never be more than 16 travelers to one guide. Most of our Peru tours are private when paired with a Galapagos cruise. The maximum number of travelers on a group tour is eight, unless otherwise noted.
Q: Will I get more information on packing, vaccines, currency, electricity, etc.?
A: After booking you will receive a link to our online trip portal which includes all of the need-to-know information that is specific to your itinerary.  This includes packing lists, restaurant recommendations, tipping guides, FAQs, vaccine recommendations and currency information. Your Adventure Travel Coordinator will also be a great resource for any other information you may need.