Machu Picchu and Galapagos

15 days
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Small Group Tour
Combine two of South America's most iconic destinations in this superb highlights trip. First discover the spectacular 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu, before spending six days exploring one of the best wildlife experiences on earth; the Galapagos Islands. Cusco - Sip pisco sours as the sun goes down in this beautifully preserved colonial city; the old capital...
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$5,806
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • A two-week trip that combines two icons of wildlife and culture in Latin America
    • Discover the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos on a hotel-based exploration of several islands
    • Take the train to Machu Picchu and immerse yourself in the history of the ancient Inca civilisation

What's this trip about?

    Combine two of South America's most iconic destinations in this superb highlights trip. First discover the spectacular 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu, before spending six days exploring one of the best wildlife experiences on earth; the Galapagos Islands. Cusco - Sip pisco sours as the sun goes down in this beautifully preserved colonial city; the old capital city of the Inca civilisation Machu Picchu - Travel by train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to this awe-inspiring ancient site, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World Galapagos Islands - Spend one week getting up close to the remarkable wildlife of Darwin's paradise islands

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityCusco
End CityQuito

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador
  • Peru
  • Europe
  • Italy

Attractions

  • Aguas Calientes
  • Cusco
  • Darwin
  • Galapagos
  • Galapagos Islands
  • Guayaquil
  • Isabela Island
  • Machu Picchu
  • Ollantaytambo
  • Pisa
  • Puerto Villamil
  • Quito
  • Sacred Valley
  • Santa Cruz
  • Urubamba

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Cusco

Arrive in Cusco, the old heart of the Inca Empire and the archaeological capital of the Americas. The Spanish-style city of today, with its attractive pink tiled roofs, arcaded plazas and steep winding alleyways, stands upon tremendous Inca foundation stones. Its link...

Day 2 Walking tour of the old Inca capital; visit to Sacsayhuaman

This morning we take an immersive walking tour through the captivating city of Cusco, kicking things off in the colossal archeological site of Sacsayhuaman, a stone fortress still at the core of Cusco's traditions. Winding our way along an old Incan trail, we head dow...

Day 3 Explore the Sacred Valley, train to Aguas Calientes

Today we drive into the Sacred Valley, the ancient heartland of the Incas. We'll visit the complex of Inca ruins at Moray - huge semi-circular agricultural terraces that were used as a botanical laboratory by the Incas, an ancient experiment that shows how in tune the...

Day 4 Discover the majestic Machu Picchu, return to Cusco

Early this morning we take a public bus up to the mountain complex of Machu Picchu, the fabled 'lost city' of the Incas and probably the most spectacular feat of engineering in ancient America. The existence of this exquisite masterpiece of ancient civilisation remain...

Day 5 Free day in Cusco

We've left this day free for you to enjoy some time in Cusco. It's a fantastic place to take in the atmosphere, and there are plenty of museums to discover, or markets to wander. A hot chocolate at one of the coffee shops surrounding the Plaza de Armas is also a lovel...

Day 6 Fly to Quito

Today we transfer to Cusco Airport and fly via Lima to Quito. Quito is Ecuador's mountain capital and the second highest capital city in Latin America (2850m). One of South America's most beautiful cities, Quito lies in a narrow valley at the foot of the Pichincha Vol...

Day 7 Tour the Andean colonial capital

Ecuador's capital is one of the best preserved colonial cities of the Americas, and a UNESCO Heritage Site with a rich blend of colonial architecture, imposing churches and busy markets. A drive to the top of nearby Cerro Panecillo affords us one of the best views acr...

Day 8 Fly to the Galapagos

The Galapagos are an isolated chain of volcanic islands supporting a distinct and unique flora and fauna, including prehistoric creatures found nowhere else on earth. Of the extraordinary animals to be found in the Galapagos many are reptiles, such as the giant tortoi...

Day 9 Boat to Isabela Island, overnight in Puerto Villamil

This morning we leave Santa Cruz and journey west by speed boat for approximately 2.5 hours. Our destination is nearby Isabela Island, where we will spend the next two days. The largest of the Galapagos Islands, Isabela is formed from five volcanoes, of which two ...

Day 10 Sierra Negra Volcano walk, afternoon snorkelling

The beauty of staying on land during a trip to the Galapagos is having the opportunity to explore its volcanic side. The geological formation of the Galapagos lends itself to hiking, and the scenery is just as impressive as the wildlife. Today we start by taking a wal...

Day 11 Tintoreras Islets trip

Formed from volcanic lava flow, the tiny islets of the Tintoreras Islets are fantastic for viewing wildlife, and accessible by a short boat trip from Puerto Villamil. On land, there is an array of birdlife and an abundance of the famous marine iguanas that are endemic...

Day 12 Visit the turtle nesting ground at Tortuga Bay

This morning we take a walk to Tortuga Bay (5km return walk) where we have the opportunity to swim at one of the most spectacular beaches of the entire chain, an important turtle nesting ground. After lunch we will visit the nearby Charles Darwin Research Station ...

Day 13 Santa Cruz Bay boat tour

We will be discovering one of the smaller islands of the Galapagos today, and our plan is at the mercy of the yacht schedule departing from Santa Cruz. The island visited could be either Seymour, Bartolome, Santa Fe or Plazas Island - but no matter which island we wil...

Day 14 Fly back to the mainland

Leaving the Galapagos behind we fly to Quito on the mainland (there may be a touchdown in Guayaquil en route). On arrival we will once again transfer to our hotel in the Tumbaco suburb of the city and enjoy a last evening together as a group.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 15 Trip ends in Quito

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tumbaco, Quito. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Quitoat any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would li...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,720
Price per day$315
Last Updated: 5/15/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
26 May 2024
09 Jun 2024
$4,850
$640
13 spots left
28 Jul 2024
11 Aug 2024
$4,720
$650
12 spots left
08 Sep 2024
22 Sep 2024
$5,110
$650
10 spots left
06 Oct 2024
20 Oct 2024
$5,110
$650
14 spots left
20 Oct 2024
03 Nov 2024
$4,890
$650
10 spots left
10 Nov 2024
24 Nov 2024
$5,110
$650
7 spots left
22 Mar 2025
05 Apr 2025
$5,230
$660
15 spots left
10 May 2025
24 May 2025
$5,230
$660
13 spots left
31 May 2025
14 Jun 2025
$5,230
$660
15 spots left
09 Aug 2025
23 Aug 2025
$5,230
$660
13 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
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Disappointing
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T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Machu Picchu & Galapagos

We had two tour leaders. Fabian in Ecuador was excellent. Informative, engaging and willing to expand on the itinerary to include information about the country, peop...

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Vanessa

Dec 2023

Written on

Machu Picchu & Galapagos

Whole holiday was excellent. The itinerary was full on, but not too much and we got to see everything and more than I expected. The tour leaders were both lovely a...

P

Per Ola Jonas

Dec 2023

Written on

Machu Picchu & Galapagos

Seeing Machu Picchu and snorkelling in Galapagos

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Very good tour with lots of variety. As it’s a new tour I feel that it could be improved a bit. For eg personally I would rather have stayed in barranco than Mirrafl...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat, Flight,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat, Flight
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Driver(s), Local Guide(s), Naturalist(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Peru: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Please note we require a photocopy of your passport 3 month pre departure. Ecuador: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens, and your passport will be stamped on arrival into the country. In order for this entry stamp to be granted on arrival, you may be required to show proof of travel insurance valid for the duration of your trip. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry; this is a strict legal requirement from the Ecuadorean government. Without this minimum validity entry to the country will be denied. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Galapagos Islands: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 14
  • Lunch : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-GSM

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