Combining South America’s cultural and natural mysteries, this 9-day tour unravels Machu Picchu and the Galapagos archipelago. Spend four days being immersed in history with intimate Incan experiences and expert guides that will narrate a surreal civilization and story. Partake in a small-boat cruise through the heart of the islands, discover the archipelago’s incredible wildlife, and traverse recent lava flows.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Urubamba Valley – Old Incan Culture
After flying to Cusco, you will head straight into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Halfway between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Urubamba Valley is packed with ancient settlements and indigenous markets. It will provide you with an instant introduction to the Incan world and a perfect preamble to the wonders of the Lost City. This day will be completely customizable. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to a boutique hacienda in the heart of the valley. There are salt flats nearby that remain unchanged and in use since Incan times. Pisac also has a lovely market, and there are small Incan fortresses all over the valley.
What's Included:
Day 2
Machu Picchu – Afternoon at Machu Picchu
Day 3
Cusco – The Wonders of Cusco
Day 4
Quito – Old-World Highlights
Day 5
Santa Cruz – Encounter Giant Tortoises
Day 6
South Plaza – Sea Lions and Marine Bliss
Day 7
Santa Cruz – Nesting Birds, Penguins, and Flamingos
Day 8
Santiago – Volcanic History and Wildlife
Day 9
Baltra – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Savor the ultimate Galapagos highlights on a five-day cruise around the best of the archipelago
- Journey into the wilderness for a majestic two-day experience at Machu Picchu
- Wander around magnificent nesting sites and get to know the islands’ incredibly rare birds
- Explore the old-world wonder of Urubamba, which is the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Stand next to giant Galapagos tortoises and discover how they evolved to different shapes on each of the islands
- Marvel at more Incan history with an afternoon in Cusco, which is the original Incan capital
- Immerse yourself in the wonders of seals, turtles, sharks, rays, and others
- Step back into another time with an overnight stay in UNESCO World Heritage Quito, which is a delightful transit point between Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands
- Uncover volcanic history by walking on recent lava flows and exploring the breadth of island nature
Detailed Description
Machu Picchu and Galapagos are two countries that represent the essence of South America’s culture and mysteries. Surreal and strange, these places are not like anything else on the planet. While they appear unreal in images, very few travel destinations can make you feel as alive as Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. Nine days is the shortest amount of time required to combine these two destinations comfortably. You will travel in style with this handcrafted best-of itinerary to many of the best of South America’s destinations.
You will begin your adventure in Peru with a flight to Cusco and a short transfer to the Sacred Valley, where strange fortresses and local markets highlight impress the Incan world. The following afternoon, you will rumble into the jungle by train, descending toward the Lost City. Your afternoon Machu Picchu experience will reveal ancient narratives and the site’s architectural highlights in addition to a few llamas and alpacas. Spending the night next to the site means that you can return at sunrise for a second immersion in the incredible Incan world. You will even still have time to discover the best of Cusco before flying to Quito on day four.
You will then indulge in a five-day boat cruise that connects six islands and the full range of natural highlights. You can discover unusual iguanas and stand next to giant tortoises, wander across lava flows, and fully explore Galapagos’ volcanic diversity. Luxury is imbued in every experience as you cruise through the islands for majestic close-ups with some of the world’s rarest animals.
Starting Price
$11,000 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
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.86 stars based on 902 reviews.
Zicasso’s travel agent managed to ensure we were able to see and do all the things on our list, plus more! It was an amazing family adventure. We only had one issue with an airline delay, but she went above and beyond to help us. The guides and drivers were also spectacular.
Reviewed By Pamela N.
Zicasso's travel consultant planned the perfect itinerary for our family trip to Peru. She really listened to the types of experiences we wanted to have and absolutely delivered on everything she planned. All of our travel logistics went smoothly, with no issues, hiccups, or delays. She was also very responsive prior to our trip and the few times we reached out during our travels. And the app she used was extremely intuitive and helpful. I would highly recommend Zicasso's tour operator!
Reviewed By Jenifer Z.
Our trip from start to finish was absolutely fantastic. The Amazon jungle was a blast. I paid for an extra full-day excursion to fish for piranhas, which was definitely a great decision and one of the highlights of our trip (we had the piranhas for lunch, and they were delicious).
The Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Machu Picchu were fabulous. And then, the Galápagos were extraordinary, from the unexpected serenity of the place to the crew of the boat, and, of course, the proximity to wildlife, including snorkeling with sea lions. It was especially meaningful to be in these places with our entire family (10 of us). Everyone understood how special it was and we will all cherish the experience all of our lives.
The Zicasso travel company was fantastic from start to finish. Our travel specialist went far beyond the call of duty to help us, especially when one family members could not make the trip. He helped us with replacing that person with another. He was remarkably prompt, clear, and informative in all communications, both in planning the trip and during it. He has a very kind heart and is a great human being. I cannot say enough positive things about him.
Reviewed By bradley P.
My adult daughter and I had the most wonderful trip planned by Zicasso's travel company. Their team was exceptional; educational, on time, and just a pleasure to be with. Our itinerary was just what we were looking for. From Lima to the Amazon Rainforest, Cusco, and ending with Machu Picchu, it was well planned and well executed. We have memories that will last us forever.
Our travel specialist was a pleasure to work with. She listened to our thoughts and improved our experience with her great knowledge of the country, cities, and historical sites we wanted to visit. The travel company exceeded our expectations on every level. Thank you to our specialist and the team she assembled. We now have fantastic memories that will last us forever!
Reviewed By Darrin G.
Zicasso's travel agent is a phenomenal trip planner and advisor, and he helped make my husband's and my 20th wedding anniversary trip exactly what we were hoping for. He listened to what we were interested in exploring, provided multiple options for tours and activities, and was incredibly responsive, even after we booked the trip. He patiently answered all of our questions and provided excellent recommendations for restaurants.
Furthermore, he paired us with an outstanding tour guide for our time at the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. He even left us a surprise at our hotel on the final leg of our journey! When we go back to visit South America, we will definitely reach out to him!
Reviewed By Kasha H.
Zicasso's travel specialist was spectacular in every way. From the inception of communication and planning, through arranging for all of our tickets, hotels, transport, and amazing dining experiences, to the incredible support and guides we enjoyed along the way... they were outstanding and we received five-star service.
We were a demanding group of 13, ranging in ages from 17 to over 60, and we all had an absolute blast! We had an absolutely amazing trip. The Lares Trail and Machu Picchu (and our climb up Huayna Picchu) are by far some of the most memorable experiences we've ever had.
Our guide and driver were awesome... kind, professional, and accommodating, and our guide especially was very knowledgeable, with so much respect and love for the surrounding nature and culture.
Our travel specialist was timely, attentive, and responsive to all of our requests, and helped us collectively achieve one of the greatest vacations we have ever experienced.
They were 100% accurate in terms of how to prepare us for the altitude and allow us enough time to acclimatize in Cusco (and with a great, long, mountain bike ride at high elevation). Our specialist provided excellent recommendations for how to fill some additional time in Cusco while we acclimated. We loved touring Cusco itself, and seeing Sacsayhuaman, several spots in the Sacred Valley, and the Maras Salt Mines were all unforgettable experiences. We also loved the hotel she had us at in Cusco. It was a great spot to be able to explore the city on our own time.
After seeing all of the coordination, especially for the Lares Trail and Machu Picchu, we're so relieved we chose to go through Zicasso for this trip and were connected with our travel specialist and her company. Everything was well planned and thought out, and if anything was not right, they sought to immediately correct it. Our guide was on top of every detail and it was great knowing our agent was just a text or phone call away.
Reviewed By Gary W.
