South America's cultural and natural history combines on this Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour. Wander the enigmatic streets of history as you journey to Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Then, explore the Northern Galapagos on a lavish yacht and see giant tortoises, red-footed boobies, dazzling frigates, and unique marine worlds. The 5-day cruise offers an elegant connection of the archipelago's unusual and wonderful wildlife.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Relaxing in the Capital
Land in Lima and you're transferred from the airport to the Miraflores District, the city's cultural and commercial hub. Stretch your legs with an easy walk around streets that have many bars and restaurants, or take a peek into one of the museums located close to the hotel. After the flight, this calm and charming neighborhood is a great first glimpse of the continent and its atmosphere.
What's Included:
Day 2
First Incan History in the Beautiful Andes
Day 3
Dramatic Ruins Set Amongst Snow-Capped Peaks
Day 4
Enchanting Train Journey to Machu Picchu
Day 5
Another Day Exploring the World Famous Ruins
Day 6
Overnight in Another Ancient City
Day 7
Giant Tortoises Welcome You to the Galapagos
Day 8
Marine Exploration and Unusual Species on Santiago
Day 9
Dramatic Volcanic Remains at Bartolome and Sullivan Bay
Day 10
Millions of Famous Birds on Genovesa Island
Day 11
Sea Lions Wave You Farewell From the Island
Day 12
Departure from South America
Trip Highlights
- Explore the Northern Galapagos Islands on the luxury Yacht La Pinta with five days of cruising, combining elegance with endemic wildlife
- Marvel at the Incan city of Machu Picchu and wander enigmatic streets lost in time, including two visits to the ruins
- Spot millions of birds on Genovesa Island, the huge breeding ground bringing astonishingly intimate scenes of red-footed boobies and giant frigates
- Take the train through the Andean Mountains before hiking the final steps for the unforgettable first view of Machu Picchu.
- Discover other fabulous Incan ruins with a day trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Admire how colonial and indigenous architecture blends in the World Heritage city of Cusco, your base for the Machu Picchu excursion
- Walk across lava flows and wander onto dramatically red islands that revel in their volcanic history
- Snorkel and enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride to discover an eclectic marine world, including sea turtles, rays, and white-tip reef sharks
- Come face to face with most of the Galapagos's iconic wildlife, like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, and vivid red magnificent frigates
Detailed Description
South America's unique history is epitomized by two contrasting destinations on this Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour. Fascinating indigenous history is celebrated in Machu Picchu, an abandoned town perfectly preserved in the Andes. Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas continue the iconic narrative, allowing you to explore fully the remains of an almost-forgotten culture during your five days in Peru. Equally unique in their portrayal of an untouched world, the Galapagos Islands offer a surreal journey through endemic wildlife and evolutionary natural history. Aboard the luxury Yacht La Pinta, you encounter everything from red-footed boobies to giant tortoises, and white-tip reef sharks to the outrageous mating displays of magnificent frigates. The northern itinerary offers an eclectic overview of the islands' wonder and there's always an elegant view as you traverse the archipelago. By combining Incan and evolutionary history, this tour blends the continent's most fascinating attractions.
After an initial overnight in Lima, you spend your second day discovering the World Heritage Site of Cusco. Colonial charms mix with Incan ruins on the streets of this tranquil town, the eclectic architecture taking you on a journey through the centuries. Spend a day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a private guide. The Sacred Valley is Peru's second most important archaeological site, and you will have a chance to learn more about a forgotten civilization.
Next is Machu Picchu, accessed via a beautiful train ride through the Andes. You are guided around the famous ruins, and you will have another day to explore at your leisure. As you then travel from Cusco to the Galapagos, you overnight in another UNESCO-designated city, Quito. The old city streets make for an enchanting evening and another look at the history of the continent.
A Northern Galapagos itinerary on Yacht La Pinta offers a sublime blend of luxury and iconicity. The route connects habitats of many renowned species, culminating in a day on Genovesa Island, a nesting site for red-footed boobies and other flamboyant seabirds. Twice-daily excursions allow you to explore land and sea, with snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides accompanying the hikes across redolent volcanic landscapes. Multiple social areas offer downtime on board, with the sun deck offering a prime view as you cruise between the islands. Three naturalist guides provide the intriguing narrative while a team of chefs continue to surprise with their three-course meals. This is one of the islands' most luxurious vessels and an ideal opportunity to discover nature in comfort.
Starting Price
$14,700 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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