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The Ultimate Bucket-List Trip

Galápagos & Machu Picchu Wildlife Walking Tour

10 DaysStarting at $9,995

Overview

Now you can fulfill two of your biggest travel dreams on one amazing vacation. From eye-level encounters with the wildlife of the Galápagos to a soaring visit to Machu Picchu, there are almost too many high points to count! First, the Galápagos Islands off the Ecuadorian coast. Your naturalist-guides will introduce you to giant land tortoises, sea lions, blue-footed boobies and other creatures found nowhere else on earth—often in extreme close-up. You’ll have abundant chances to walk, kayak and snorkel, and you’ll stay in exceptionally-sited waterfront boutique hotels, rather than being marooned on a cruise ship. The contrasts couldn’t be more extreme as you make the seamless transition to the mainland and ascend to Machu Picchu. Your first view of the famed ruins will give you the shivers just like you knew it would. On this unforgettable journey, you'll spend two days at the site. Plus you have leisurely exposure to the rest of Peru with its conquistador-tinged history, indestructible Inca architecture and spectacular geography. And your guide is a native Quechua who'll make you as comfortable in Cusco as you'll be among mountain villagers and llama herders.

Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.”
Travel + Leisure

Highlights

Download Full Daily Itinerary

• Your Galápagos getaway begins on Santa Cruz Island where you'll walk among 500-pound tortoises 

• Boat to Santa Fe Island for a day of snorkeling and a memorable beach barbeque

• Explore Isabela Island, taking to the water to kayak with sea lions, green sea turtles and marine iguanas

• Walk through otherworldly volcanic terrain to the awesome caldera of Volcán Chico for a very civilized picnic

• Fly to the mainland for a leisurely evening in Guayaquil before continuing your adventure in Peru

• Explore Cusco and the imposing ruins of Sacsayhuaman

• Visit a bastion of ancient weaving techniques that are also a breeding center for llamas, alpacas, and vicunas

• Meet with local children in the tiny Incan village of Ollantaytambo

• Take a cinematic train ride that lifts you up to Machu Picchu for a 2-day visit to experience the legendary site with experienced guides

• Watch the first rays of the morning sun strike the site

• Return to Cusco to explore the grand colonial city on foot at eye level

Download Full Daily Itinerary

Map

  • Starting Point:

    Guayaquil – 6:00 am – Wyndham Guayaquil – hotel lobby
  • Ending Point:

    Cusco – 5:00 pm – Cusco Airport
Itinerary Map

Click map to enlarge

Walking Level

  • Daily Mileage Options: 2-8 miles

  • Route Notes:

    Easy to moderate on good trails and coastal paths.

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

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Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Internal Air

$1120: This tour includes flights between Peru, mainland Ecuador, and the Galapagos. This also covers the Galápagos Islands entry fee.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

We believe in creating authentic connections by immersing you into the history and culture of a people and place. So we find the most well-connected local guides who share their relationships and knowledge with us. And with them, we handcraft walking tours in cinematic settings that allow you to see the world on foot and at eye level.

It’s why Travel + Leisure magazine has named Classic Journeys as the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times, and the editors of T+L say, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you every time you travel with us.

  • Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
  • Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
  • Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
  • Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
  • Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
  • Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
  • Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

Accommodations

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

This contemporary hotel with colonial inspiration is located in the heart of Urubamba Valley. From the comfort of this luxurious Andean property, you can discover the history, nature and charm of the Sacred Valley.

Galapagos Iguana Crossing hotel

Iguana Crossing

The ocean laps at this beautiful eco-friendly hotel, with beach access out front and a National Park nearby. Enjoy staying in their comfortable rooms with modern amenities and swimming in their outdoor pool or roof-deck jacuzzi.

Angermeyer Waterfront Inn

Built of native lava rock and driftwood, this first-class hotel is situated right on the waterfront. Guests enjoy peace and total privacy, plus a perfect chance to experience what the owners call the true ‘Galápagos spirit’.

What’s Included

  • All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Full-time experienced guide
  • All activities in the itinerary, including gear for snorkeling and kayaking in the Galápagos
  • Admissions to tastings, historic sites and other scheduled events as noted in the detailed daily itinerary
  •  Gratuities for hotels, meals, and baggage
  • All land transportation during the trip

Above & Beyond Benefits

Invisible Check-In

  • When your group arrives, we whisk you and your bags to your room immediately. No waiting – no tipping.

Privileged Access Events

  • One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places and activities arranged just for you.