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Machu Picchu to the Galapagos

2024

From $8,493
total price from Miami
$7,595 air & land inclusive plus $898 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
16 days
Tour Membership
12-20 guests
Pre-Tour Option

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

They rank as two of South America’s greatest treasures, and a small group tour is the natural selection for both: the enigmatic ruins at Machu Picchu, where we overnight at an intimate on-site hotel; and the fascinating Galapagos Islands, Darwin’s “living laboratory,” for a four-night island-based adventure.

Tour Details

Machu Picchu to the Galapagos

2024

From $8,493

total price from Miami
$7,595 air & land inclusive plus $898 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
16 days

Tour Membership
12-20 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
16 days

Tour Membership
12-20 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

They rank as two of South America’s greatest treasures, and a small group tour is the natural selection for both: the enigmatic ruins at Machu Picchu, where we overnight at an intimate on-site hotel; and the fascinating Galapagos Islands, Darwin’s “living laboratory,” for a four-night island-based adventure.

Small Group Highlights

  • Lima touring
  • Historic Cuzco and beautiful Sacred Valley
  • Overnight stay at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, adjacent to Machu Picchu
  • Two guided visits to Machu Picchu
  • Four-night Galapagos stay at beautiful hotel in lush Santa Cruz highlands
  • Day cruises on privately chartered yacht, plus island-based exploration
  • Expert Galapagos naturalist guide
  • Unique Galapagos wildlife
  • Quito city tour

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Please note:  Cuzco’s high altitude (11,150 feet) could pose problems for travelers with certain health conditions. Please consult your physician if you have concerns.

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart U.S. for Lima, Peru
Depart U.S. for Lima, Peru

We depart today for the Peruvian capital. Upon arrival we transfer directly to our hotel.

We depart today for the Peruvian capital. Upon arrival we transfer directly to our hotel.

2
Lima
B
D
B
D
Lima

We meet our Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director and fellow travelers at a briefing, then embark on a tour of colonial Lima and the MALI art museum. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel.

We meet our Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director and fellow travelers at a briefing, then embark on a tour of colonial Lima and the MALI art museum. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel.

3
Lima/Cuzco/Sacred Valley
B
L
D
B
L
D
Lima/Cuzco/Sacred Valley

Arriving in Cuzco today, we stop at the important Incan site of Koricancha, dedicated to the Sun God. Then we continue on to Sacred Valley, a region of Inca sites and indigenous villages. We visit the colorful Indian market at Pisac before reaching our hotel late afternoon.

Arriving in Cuzco today, we stop at the important Incan site of Koricancha, dedicated to the Sun God. Then we continue on to Sacred Valley, a region of Inca sites and indigenous villages. We visit the colorful Indian market at Pisac before reaching our hotel late afternoon.

4
Sacred Valley
B
L
D
B
L
D
Sacred Valley

Today we explore Ollantaytambo, both a living town and site of massive Incan ruins that still inspire wonder. Then we visit the Incan farming town of Chinchero, where residents live much as their ancestors did and where we see a traditional weaving demonstration. Before dinner at our hotel tonight, we attend a native “Offering to the Earth” ceremony.

Today we explore Ollantaytambo, both a living town and site of massive Incan ruins that still inspire wonder. Then we visit the Incan farming town of Chinchero, where residents live much as their ancestors did and where we see a traditional weaving demonstration. Before dinner at our hotel tonight, we attend a native “Offering to the Earth” ceremony.

5
Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu
B
L
D
B
L
D
Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu

This morning we board a train for the 1½-hour journey to Aguas Calientes, where we transfer by shuttle bus to our hotel for lunch. Then we embark on our first guided visit of the stunning ruins at Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Thanks to the small size of our group, we are able to move nimbly through the ruins and have the leisure to absorb both the beauty and the mystery of this impressive site. With an overnight stay here, we have the rare privilege of seeing the ruins after the tourists have departed.

This morning we board a train for the 1½-hour journey to Aguas Calientes, where we transfer by shuttle bus to our hotel for lunch. Then we embark on our first guided visit of the stunning ruins at Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Thanks to the small size of our group, we are able to move nimbly through the ruins and have the leisure to absorb both the beauty and the mystery of this impressive site. With an overnight stay here, we have the rare privilege of seeing the ruins after the tourists have departed.

6
Machu Picchu/Cuzco
B
L
B
L
Machu Picchu/Cuzco

This morning before the day trippers arrive, we enjoy our second guided tour of this UNESCO site. Following lunch at our lodge, we return to Aguas Calientes with some free time before our mid-afternoon train to Cuzco.

This morning before the day trippers arrive, we enjoy our second guided tour of this UNESCO site. Following lunch at our lodge, we return to Aguas Calientes with some free time before our mid-afternoon train to Cuzco.

7
Cuzco
B
L
B
L
Cuzco

Known for its Incan and Spanish colonial heritage, Cuzco is the archaeological “hub” of the Americas and the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. This morning we tour this UNESCO site then stop at the ruins of Sacsayhuaman fortress, a masterpiece of Incan architecture. We enjoy lunch today at a local restaurant.

Known for its Incan and Spanish colonial heritage, Cuzco is the archaeological “hub” of the Americas and the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. This morning we tour this UNESCO site then stop at the ruins of Sacsayhuaman fortress, a masterpiece of Incan architecture. We enjoy lunch today at a local restaurant.

8
Cuzco/Lima/Quito
B
D
B
D
Cuzco/Lima/Quito

Early today we fly via Lima to the Ecuadorian capital of Quito, arriving late afternoon. This evening, we attend a briefing about our Galapagos adventure and then dine together at our hotel. 

Early today we fly via Lima to the Ecuadorian capital of Quito, arriving late afternoon. This evening, we attend a briefing about our Galapagos adventure and then dine together at our hotel. 

9
Quito
B
L
B
L
Quito

Nestled in the Andes foothills, Quito boats a well-preserved historic center, as we see on today’s city tour that includes the Middle of the World Monument

Nestled in the Andes foothills, Quito boats a well-preserved historic center, as we see on today’s city tour that includes the Middle of the World Monument

10
Quito/Baltra/Santa Cruz Island
B
L
D
B
L
D
Quito/Baltra/Santa Cruz Island

Today we fly to the island of Baltra then transfer to Santa Cruz, our island-based home for our Galapagos exploration. We reach our beautiful hotel set on 370 lush, unspoiled, and secluded acres in the highlands within Galapagos National Park in time for lunch. Then we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see and learn about the giant Galapagos tortoises.

Today we fly to the island of Baltra then transfer to Santa Cruz, our island-based home for our Galapagos exploration. We reach our beautiful hotel set on 370 lush, unspoiled, and secluded acres in the highlands within Galapagos National Park in time for lunch. Then we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see and learn about the giant Galapagos tortoises.

11
North Seymour Island/Bachas Beach
B
L
D
B
L
D
North Seymour Island/Bachas Beach

This morning we embark on our first excursion aboard the Santa Fe, our privately chartered yacht. We set out for North Seymour, a flat, low-lying island with ample opportunities for close encounters with the wildlife on our naturalist-led walk. After lunch, we head back to Santa Cruz island for a nature walk.

This morning we embark on our first excursion aboard the Santa Fe, our privately chartered yacht. We set out for North Seymour, a flat, low-lying island with ample opportunities for close encounters with the wildlife on our naturalist-led walk. After lunch, we head back to Santa Cruz island for a nature walk.

12
South Plaza Island/Punta Carrion
B
L
D
B
L
D
South Plaza Island/Punta Carrion

Today’s destination is the small in size but rich in flora and fauna island of South Plaza. Boasting abundant wildlife and colorful flora, and surrounded by turquoise waters, South Plaza ranks as one of the most popular (and colorful) of the Galapagos islands. During our nature walk, we are on the lookout for such local residents as land and marine iguanas, bright orange Sally Lightfoot crabs, red-billed tropicbirds, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and a male colony of sea lions (“the bachelors”). Then we cruise to Punta Carrion, where we have the opportunity to snorkel in the calm waters of a shallow cove.

Today’s destination is the small in size but rich in flora and fauna island of South Plaza. Boasting abundant wildlife and colorful flora, and surrounded by turquoise waters, South Plaza ranks as one of the most popular (and colorful) of the Galapagos islands. During our nature walk, we are on the lookout for such local residents as land and marine iguanas, bright orange Sally Lightfoot crabs, red-billed tropicbirds, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and a male colony of sea lions (“the bachelors”). Then we cruise to Punta Carrion, where we have the opportunity to snorkel in the calm waters of a shallow cove.

13
Santa Cruz Island
B
L
D
B
L
D
Santa Cruz Island

Today we explore Santa Cruz itself, the second largest of the Galapagos islands. We see the giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat; the huge twin craters of Los Gemelos; and Garrapatero, a secluded white-sand beach where we see an abundance of marine and terrestrial wildlife.

Today we explore Santa Cruz itself, the second largest of the Galapagos islands. We see the giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat; the huge twin craters of Los Gemelos; and Garrapatero, a secluded white-sand beach where we see an abundance of marine and terrestrial wildlife.

14
Santa Cruz Island/Baltra/Quito
B
D
B
D
Santa Cruz Island/Baltra/Quito

This morning we transfer to Baltra for the flight to Quito, arriving mid-afternoon. Tonight we celebrate our adventure at a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

This morning we transfer to Baltra for the flight to Quito, arriving mid-afternoon. Tonight we celebrate our adventure at a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

15
Quito/Depart for U.S.
B
B
Quito/Depart for U.S.

This morning we visit Quito’s Botanical Gardens, featuring an orchidarium with more than 1,200 species of orchids; and Iaquito Market, a colorful riot of fresh produce and spices. Then we return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure before tonight’s transfer to the airport for our overnight flight to the U.S.

This morning we visit Quito’s Botanical Gardens, featuring an orchidarium with more than 1,200 species of orchids; and Iaquito Market, a colorful riot of fresh produce and spices. Then we return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure before tonight’s transfer to the airport for our overnight flight to the U.S.

16
Arrive U.S.
Arrive U.S.

We arrive in the U.S. this morning and connect with our return flights home.

We arrive in the U.S. this morning and connect with our return flights home.

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; all flights within itinerary
  • 14 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe and Superior First Class hotels
  • 34 meals: 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees; Galapagos National Park fee of $100
  • Services of local Odysseys Unlimited Tour Directors; plus, experienced naturalist guides while in the Galapagos
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
  • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Lima 79 83 83 80 74 68 67 66 68 71 74 78
Cuzco 66 64 65 66 67 66 66 66 67 68 67 66
Quito 70 66 66 66 66 67 67 67 68 67 67 66

Average Temperature (°F )

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Lima 79 83 83 80 74 68 67 66 68 71 74 78
Cuzco 66 64 65 66 67 66 66 66 67 68 67 66
Quito 70 66 66 66 66 67 67 67 68 67 67 66

Dates & Prices

Please wait while we retrieve this information.

Pre-Tour Option

Amazon Rainforest

4 days, 4 nights
From
$1,395
+ $235 Single Supplement

Amazon Rainforest

4 days, 4 nights
From
$1,395
+ $235 Single Supplement

Discover the Amazon’s amazing flora, fauna, and even villages on this exceptional – and comfortable – tour.

Pre-Tour Option Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation Lima/Iquitos
  • 4 nights’ accommodations: 1 night in Lima at Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport (First Class); 3 nights in the jungle at Ceiba Tops Lodge (First Class)
  • 10 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing, including guided Canopy Walkway tour and visit with ribereños (Amazon river people)
  • Fully escorted by an Amazon-born naturalist guide as your Odysseys Unlimited representative
  • Private vehicle transportation
  • Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers

Land only guests: $1,495

Accommodations

Tour Directors

Ofelia Larco

“I cannot compliment Ofelia enough. She had to deal with a multitude of issues due to labor strikes in the area … She was magnificent! Our tour did not miss a thing.”

Pixie & Duane Lafont
Tampa, FL

Sheila Carpio

“Based on our prior experience with Odysseys, we expected excellent service. Sheila surpassed even our high expectations. Not only was she informative and personable, she was extremely attentive.”

Chris Kollenberg
Houston, TX

Marco Ayala

"I wish there was a rating higher than excellent. I feel that Mr. Marco Ayala added tremendously to the experience via personal interactions, suggestions, and taking care of details…"

Irena Paronis
Darien, IL

Romy Bustamante

“ ... showed much love of country … very knowledgeable about history and sites.”

Jeff & Candy Tyler
Coronado, CA

Efraín Vidalón

“Efrain was fantastic. He was well-informed and did everything possible to make our tour ‘special.’ He was very attentive and seemed to connect with the whole group.”

Martha Schaffert
Kingswood, TX

Fabricio Yepez

“Fabricio was very knowledgeable and very good on all sides—excellent.”

Charles & Genevieve Patterson
Charlotte, NC

Robby Delgado

“Incredibly smart, outgoing, helpful, and caring.”

Linda Reid
Pittsburgh, PA

Ernesto Riedner

“Ernesto was the best we have ever had. He was more like a Peruvian friend than a company tour guide. A wonderful person, organized, caring, knowledgeable.”

John & Dola McNown
Overland Park, KS

Victor Colunga

“Victor Colunga was a superb tour director… His quiet concern and helpfulness to the individual tour members was marvelous. You can be very proud of him.”

Mrs. Dwight Pounds
Bowling Green, KY

Oscar Oviedo Velasco

“Oscar was great – can’t say enough good things about him. He made our experience in Peru perfectly wonderful.”

Larry & Juanita Ferguson
Durango, CO

Ramon Andrade

“Ramon was exceptional – very knowledgeable as he lives in Quito, enthusiastic, energetic, good attention to all participants. We’d love to have him as our Tour Director again.”

John & Barbara Mitchell
Madison, WI

Isabel Ramos

“Isabel Ramos was excellent. Good commentary on Ecuador. Excellent communication … She’s great!”

Carl E. Martin
Denver, CO

Tomas Palma

“Tomas Palma was such an energetic, positive guide for each day’s activities. His knowledge of little-known facts of wildlife and history made each day very interesting.”

Judith & Don Jacobsen
Jefferson, OR

Tour Directors

Sheila Carpio

“Based on our prior experience with Odysseys, we expected excellent service. Sheila surpassed even our high expectations. Not only was she informative and personable, she was extremely attentive.”

Chris Kollenberg
Houston, TX

Efraín Vidalón

“Efrain was fantastic. He was well-informed and did everything possible to make our tour ‘special.’ He was very attentive and seemed to connect with the whole group.”

Martha Schaffert
Kingswood, TX

Ramon Andrade

“Ramon was exceptional – very knowledgeable as he lives in Quito, enthusiastic, energetic, good attention to all participants. We’d love to have him as our Tour Director again.”

John & Barbara Mitchell
Madison, WI

Robby Delgado

“Incredibly smart, outgoing, helpful, and caring.”

Linda Reid
Pittsburgh, PA

Ofelia Larco

“I cannot compliment Ofelia enough. She had to deal with a multitude of issues due to labor strikes in the area … She was magnificent! Our tour did not miss a thing.”

Pixie & Duane Lafont
Tampa, FL

Romy Bustamante

“ ... showed much love of country … very knowledgeable about history and sites.”

Jeff & Candy Tyler
Coronado, CA

Tomas Palma

“Tomas Palma was such an energetic, positive guide for each day’s activities. His knowledge of little-known facts of wildlife and history made each day very interesting.”

Judith & Don Jacobsen
Jefferson, OR

Oscar Oviedo Velasco

“Oscar was great – can’t say enough good things about him. He made our experience in Peru perfectly wonderful.”

Larry & Juanita Ferguson
Durango, CO

Victor Colunga

“Victor Colunga was a superb tour director… His quiet concern and helpfulness to the individual tour members was marvelous. You can be very proud of him.”

Mrs. Dwight Pounds
Bowling Green, KY

Fabricio Yepez

“Fabricio was very knowledgeable and very good on all sides—excellent.”

Charles & Genevieve Patterson
Charlotte, NC

Isabel Ramos

“Isabel Ramos was excellent. Good commentary on Ecuador. Excellent communication … She’s great!”

Carl E. Martin
Denver, CO

Ernesto Riedner

“Ernesto was the best we have ever had. He was more like a Peruvian friend than a company tour guide. A wonderful person, organized, caring, knowledgeable.”

John & Dola McNown
Overland Park, KS

Marco Ayala

"I wish there was a rating higher than excellent. I feel that Mr. Marco Ayala added tremendously to the experience via personal interactions, suggestions, and taking care of details…"

Irena Paronis
Darien, IL

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

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Guest Photos & Testimonials

A great opportunity to get a full view of the places we visited, excellent tour guides, wonderful fellow travelers, high-quality accommodations.
Daniel Levine
Kensington, CA
We really enjoyed that the days were mostly packed with activities. The quality of the accommodations and dining options exceeded our expectations and made for a very interesting and enjoyable experience.
Kenneth Humphries
Leesburg, VA
A great opportunity to get a full view of the places we visited, excellent tour guides, wonderful fellow travelers, high-quality accommodations.
Daniel Levine
Kensington, CA
We really enjoyed that the days were mostly packed with activities. The quality of the accommodations and dining options exceeded our expectations and made for a very interesting and enjoyable experience.
Kenneth Humphries
Leesburg, VA
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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