Experience two life-list destinations—one cultural and one natural—on a rewarding journey that will have you exploring Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu as well as the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.

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Starting at: $9,795 * Price includes special offer * Includes airfare, taxes & all fees Make a Reservation Ask Us A Question or Call 855-330-1542

Machu Picchu

A pair of Blue-footed Boobies

Quechua woman out for an afternoon stroll Credit: Lola Akinmade

Llama overlooking Machu Picchu

Exploring the renowned stone work of Machu Picchu

The site of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Terraced landscape of Písac in the Sacred Valley

Town square in Lima

The historic city center of Cuzco

A tortoise and a traveler

Seals and Sally Lightfoot crabs

Mother and baby seal

Seals basking on the beach

A colorful Sally Lightfoot crab

A frigate bird

Iguana on the Galapagos Islands

Machu Picchu and the Galápagos

16 days from $9,795 | includes airfare, taxes and all fees

departure passengers

or Call 855-330-1542

Tour Details

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

Our tour with the Smithsonian to South America (Machu Picchu and Galapagos) was without a doubt one of the most fun, enjoyable, and educational journeys we have taken. Our fellow travelers quickly bonded and we are still in contact with many of them. We look forward to our next adventure with educated and thoughtful people.

- David L.

This was our first time with a tour group. An excellent experience in every way! The tour directors, expert, and guides were incredibly knowledgeable. I'm so glad we chose Smithsonian Journeys!

- Steve and Nancy S.

"The [journey] to Peru and Ecuador was meticulously planned. Its quick pace allowed us to cover a large number of places and this was a big plus. The Smithsonian Expert provided the crucial context of the pre-Inca and the Inca civilizations. He was a great source of knowledge to everyone: during his illuminating lectures, but also during the excursions to many places and museums that we visited together. One of the best trips that my wife and I have undertaken because of itinerary, the expert and tour directors, and excellent accommodations. We are already planning the next trip with the Smithsonian!"

- Andrew K.

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

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Accommodations

* Click on hotel name to visit hotel web-site.

Westin Lima Hotel

Lima, Peru

Located in San Isidro, Lima’s vibrant financial, cultural, and shopping district, the 301-room Westin Lima Hotel stands in close proximity to a wide variety of restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. Hotel facilities include two restaurants, bar, and lounge; fitness center; indoor pool; spa with massage treatments, sauna, and Jacuzzi; Wi-Fi Internet access (charges apply); boutiques; and laundry and dry cleaning services. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel

Sacred Valley, Peru

The Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel is located on a 17^th-century colonial hacienda in the heart of the Sacred Valley, a short drive from Ollantaytambo train station en route to Machu Picchu. A colonial-style lodging, the 115-room hotel’s amenities include two restaurants, bar, and sushi bar; fitness center; spa with hyperbaric chamber and massage treatments; complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access; beauty salon; boutiques; museum; art gallery; movie theater; library; and laundry service. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with Jacuzzi tub and hair dryer, in-room safe, ironing facilities, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (2024 departures only)

Machu Picchu, Peru

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel located adjacent to this ancient Inca citadel, offering its guests exceptionally easy access. Sit out on a terrace and savour Peruvian cuisine based on produce grown on the Lodge's own plot. This delightful hideaway is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the shadow of the Lost City. The Lodge's interior garden, apart from the beautiful panoramic view, has a variety of local flowers and orchids. Rooms are equipped with a telephone, satellite TV, radio/alarm clock with docking station, minibar, safety-deposit box, hair dryer and private bathroom with shower only. The hotel also offers a laundry service and guests can choose to dine in the privacy of their room.

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (2025 departures only)

Machu Picchu, Peru

Perched on the banks of the Urubamba River at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain, Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel offers an elegant base from which to explore the Inca citadel. Rooms and common areas are spacious, comfortable, and tastefully appointed, with an emphasis on Andean textiles and crafts. All 62 guestrooms include a sitting area and some feature balconies overlooking the river. Its leafy location at the edge of Aguas Calientes offers quiet seclusion just a short walk from the heart of the village. Onsite amenities include a spa and massage services as well as a restaurant featuring fine Peruvian cuisine and a café and bar.

Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Cusco, Peru

Originally constructed over 300 years ago as the San Antonio Seminary, the Belmond Hotel Monasterio (formerly Hotel Monasterio by Orient-Express) is a museum hotel providing all the comforts and quality of a modern property. The guestrooms reflect their origins as the home for the Jesuit seminarians, decorated in a combination of modern and traditional Spanish colonial styles. Set in the center of town, the hotel is surrounded by convenient shops where you can find local handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. Belmond Hotel Monasterio also offers a business center and two excellent restaurants. Enjoy breakfast in El Tupay, the original refectory of the monastery, or a refreshing beverage in the Lobby Bar. There is also 24-hour room service. All rooms are equipped with telephone, mini bar, in-room safe, cable TV, and hairdryer. Laundry service is available 24 hours a day. A limited number of oxygen enriched rooms (to help minimize the effects of altitude) are available at an additional cost.

Swissotel Quito

Quito, Ecuador

The 275-room Swissotel Quito is located near Quito's old town, close to shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Hotel facilities include five restaurants; indoor and outdoor swimming pool; fitness center; squash, racquet, and tennis courts; spa with Jacuzzi, sauna, and massage treatments; and laundry and dry cleaning services. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, mini-bar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, ironing facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Royal Palm Hotel Galápagos

Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands

The Royal Palm Hotel is a secluded hideaway nestled in the lush Miconia highland forests of Santa Cruz in the heart of the Galápagos. This property is a spacious and exclusive 480-acre private estate, only a 20 minute drive from the bustling port town of Puerto Ayora. With just eight casitas (little house) and 13 exclusive villas, guests can enjoy privacy, space, and quiet seclusion. This peaceful hotel is equipped with a restaurant, piano bar, small gym, and outdoor pool. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, ironing facilities, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Tour Extension

Amazon Rainforest Pre-Program Option – 4 Days, 4 Nights

Discover the Amazon’s amazing flora, fauna, and culture on this exceptional tour. Your tour extension price includes:

Round-trip air transportation Lima/Iquitos
4 nights’ accommodations: 1 night in Lima at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Hotel (First Class); 3 nights in the jungle at Ceiba Tops Lodge & Resort (Superior 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 tour representative
Private vehicle transportation
Gratuities for tour representative, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers

Accommodations:

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport
Located at the Lima International Airport, the 192-room Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel features woodwork and walls bearing the coats of arms of Lima and Pizarro Larcomar. The hotel has a restaurant serving both local and international cuisine, a bar, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, fitness center, spa, indoor pool, hair salon, gift shop, and laundry and dry cleaning services. Each air-conditioned guest room offers private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Ceiba Tops Lodge & Resort
This secluded 74-room jungle lodge is situated 25 miles down the Amazon River from Iquitos. Lodge facilities include a swimming pool, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access in public areas, bar and patio with hammocks, and an indoor/outdoor dining room offering both local and international cuisines in a buffet-style atmosphere. All guest rooms are air-conditioned with full private bath.

Activity Level

Expectations: This Classic Land Journey will feature long touring days, many full-day excursions, some steep ascents/descents, and more active options. Several days/nights in Peru will be spent in remote and/or rugged regions, and at high altitude (Cusco: 11,000 feet; Machu Picchu: 8,000 feet). Excursions require standing and walking for extended periods of time on uneven terrain (cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, ruins, steep trails with muddy and slippery conditions), embarking and disembarking a yacht, and walking in city centers where coaches are prohibited. The itinerary includes some early morning departures and late evening arrivals. Leisure time may be limited (sometimes only in the later evenings). On certain days, more active excursions are available, such as moderate hiking, swimming, and snorkeling.

Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, lead active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities, and expect some physical exertion.

Testimonials

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

Our tour with the Smithsonian to South America (Machu Picchu and Galapagos) was without a doubt one of the most fun, enjoyable, and educational journeys we have taken. Our fellow travelers quickly bonded and we are still in contact with many of them. We look forward to our next adventure with educated and thoughtful people.

- David L.

This was our first time with a tour group. An excellent experience in every way! The tour directors, expert, and guides were incredibly knowledgeable. I'm so glad we chose Smithsonian Journeys!

- Steve and Nancy S.

"The [journey] to Peru and Ecuador was meticulously planned. Its quick pace allowed us to cover a large number of places and this was a big plus. The Smithsonian Expert provided the crucial context of the pre-Inca and the Inca civilizations. He was a great source of knowledge to everyone: during his illuminating lectures, but also during the excursions to many places and museums that we visited together. One of the best trips that my wife and I have undertaken because of itinerary, the expert and tour directors, and excellent accommodations. We are already planning the next trip with the Smithsonian!"

- Andrew K.

Reading List

Highly Recommended

Lost City of the Incas (Phoenix Press)

By: Hiram Bingham

A special illustrated edition of Hiram Bingham's classic work captures all the magnificence and mystery of the amazing archeological sites he uncovered. Early in the 20th century, Bingham ventured into the wild and then unknown country of the Eastern Peruvian Andes--and in 1911 came upon the fabulous Inca city that made him famous: Machu Picchu. In the space of one short season he went on to discover two more lost cities, including Vitcos, where the last Incan Emperor was assassinated.

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The Voyage of the Beagle

By: Charles Darwin

In 1831, Charles Darwin embarked on an expedition that, in his own words, determined my whole career. The Voyage of the Beagle chronicles his five-year journey around the world and especially the coastal waters of South America as a naturalist on the H.M.S. Beagle. While traveling through these unexplored countries collecting specimens, Darwin began to formulate the theories of evolution and natural selection realized in his master work, The Origin of Species. Travel memoir and scientific primer alike, The Voyage of the Beagle is a lively and accessible introduction to the mind of one of history's most influential thinkers.

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DK Eyewitness Peru (Travel Guide)

By: DK Eyewitness

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Moon Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Travel Guide)

By: Pitts, Bethany

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Also Recommended

Lonely Planet Latin American Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary 9

By: Esposto, Roberto

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The Last Days of the Incas

By: Kim MacQuarrie

Book by MacQuarrie, Kim

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Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

By: Mark Adams

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!What happens when an unadventurous adventure writer tries to re-create the original expedition to Machu Picchu?In 1911, Hiram Bingham III climbed into the Andes Mountains of Peru and “discovered” Machu Picchu. While history has recast Bingham as a villain who stole both priceless artifacts and credit for finding the great archeological site, Mark Adams set out to retrace the explorer’s perilous path in search of the truth—except he’d written about adventure far more than he’d actually lived it. In fact, he’d never even slept in a tent.Turn Right at Machu Picchu is Adams’ fascinating and funny account of his journey through some of the world’s most majestic, historic, and remote landscapes guided only by a hard-as-nails Australian survivalist and one nagging question: Just what was Machu Picchu?

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The Heights of Macchu Picchu

By: Pablo Neruda

"The most important poet of the twentieth century--in any language."--Gabriel Garcia Marquez"'The Heights of Macchu Picchu' is a poem of ascension. . . . In its final passages, Neruda's poetry jumps from a personal hope to a global one; from a poetry dealing with the poet's heart to a poetry centered on humanity's struggles."--BBC"The Heights of Machu Picchu" has been called Pablo Neruda's greatest contribution to poetry--a search for the "indestructible, imperishable life" in all things. Inspired by his journey to the ancient ruins, Neruda calls the lost Incan civilization to "rise up and be born," and also empowers the people of his time. This new translation by poet Tomás Q. Morín includes an introduction by Morín and Neruda's Spanish original.I stare at the clothes and hands,the carvings of water in a sonorous hollow,the wall rubbed smooth by the touch of a facethat with my eyes gazed at the earthly lights,that with my hands oiled the vanishedplanks: because everything, clothes, skin, dishes,words, wine, breads,went away, fell to the earth.Pablo Neruda (1904-73), one of the world's most beloved poets, was also a diplomat and member of the Chilean Senate. In 1970 he was appointed as Chile's ambassador to France; in 1971 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.Tomás Q. Morín is a poet and translator.

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Galapagos: A Natural History, Revised and Expanded

By: Michael H. Jackson

Twenty thousand copies of the first edition of Galápagos were sold. An attractive and comprehensive guidebook, this work has been completely revised and updated by the author. The reader will find an easy-to-use text which details the natural history of the plants and animals found in the Galápagos Islands. Management and conservation of the Galápagos National Park is discussed, and visitor information and notes about the various tourist sites are given. An index and checklist of plants and animals with page references and a glossary of technical terms are provided. New photographs have been added.

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Galapagos Wildlife: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Animals (A Pocket Naturalist Guide)

By: James Kavanagh, Waterford Press

One of the most unique ecosystems in the world, the Galapagos Islands feature a bizarre diversity of wildlife, with many species endemic to the islands. This beautifully illustrated guide highlights over 140 familiar and unique species of mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, seashore creatures and butterflies/insects. Also features a unique map that shows the location of the top 10 most sought-after species including the Galapagos tortoise and the flightless cormorant. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, pocket-sized folding guide is an excellent source of portable information and ideal for field use by eco-tourists visiting the islands. Made in the USA.

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The Lima Reader: History, Culture, Politics (The Latin America Readers)

By: Ingramcontent

Covering more than 500 years of history, culture, and politics, The Lima Reader seeks to capture the many worlds and many peoples of Peru’s capital city, featuring a selection of primary sources that consider the social tensions and cultural heritages of the “City of Kings.”

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Ecuador: A Travel Journal (Marlboro Travel)

By: Henri Michaux

Avant-garde poet Henri Michaux boarded a steamship bound for Ecuador in December 1927 as "a man who knows neither how to travel nor how to keep a journal." He set out to record a journey, but his vivid descriptions, his unexpected leaps of thought, provide a narrative unlike any other. The result is a work of pointed observation and sensual poetry and prose.Obsessed not with how a traveler interacts with the world but with how the world invades and changes the traveler, Michaux recognized that stepping out of everyday life opens one up to images and reflections otherwise hidden. In Ecuador, Michaux bravely lays out what may be found if one dares to take such a voyage.

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Galapagos: Islands Born of Fire

By: Tui De Roy

Ever since Charles Darwin visited there in 1835, the Galapagos have fascinated us like no other spot on Earth. This richly illustrated book captures the ethereal, haunting quality of the Galapagos and of the birds and animals that make these islands their home. Acclaimed wildlife photographer and writer Tui De Roy has spent her life exploring the Galapagos and recording their secrets. Here, in spectacular full-color images and in her own words, she shares her intimate knowledge of the islands and her deep love and respect for the natural wonders they conceal. De Roy takes readers from vibrant coastlines to sheltered interiors, photographing penguins, turtles, and marine iguanas. She visits active volcanic calderas, where life hangs in the balance each time the volcano remakes itself. De Roy follows the seasons of the giant tortoise, dives into the twilight world of sperm whales and hammerhead sharks, and treads on still-steaming volcanic crust. She also makes an impassioned plea for conservation. This updated tenth-anniversary edition of De Roy's celebrated book offers an unforgettable photographic tour of the Galapagos. Explore with her the incredible diversity of wildlife and habitats that rank these islands among the most fascinating and exotically beautiful places in the world.Features 245 stunning full-color photographs Includes De Roy's insightful commentary Showcases some of the award-winning photographer's finest work Brings the natural wonders of the Galapagos to life

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A Lifetime in Galápagos

By: De Roy, Tui

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Evolution's Workshop

By: Edward J. Larson

More than any other place on Earth, the Galápagos Islands are the workshop of evolution. Isolated and desolate, they were largely overlooked by early explorers until Charles Darwin arrived there in the 1830's. It was Darwin who recognized that Galápagos' isolation and desolation were advantages: the paucity of species and lack of outside influences made the workings of natural selection crystal clear. Since then, every important advance and controversy in evolutionary thinking has had its reflection on the Galápagos. In every sense-intellectually, institutionally, and culturally-the history of science on these islands is a history of the way evolutionary science was done for the past 150 years.Evolution's Workshop tells the story of Darwin's explorations there; the fabulous Gilded Age expeditions, run from rich men's gigantic yachts, that featured rough-and-ready science during the day and black-tie dinners every night; the struggle for control of research on the Galápagos; the current efforts by "creation scientists" to use the Galápagos to undercut evolutionary teaching; and many other compelling stories.

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The Fire of Peru: Recipes and Stories from My Peruvian Kitchen

By: Zarate, Ricardo, Garbee, Jenn

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The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time

By: Jonathan Weiner

Winner of the Pulitzer PrizeWinner of the Los Angeles Times Book PrizeOn a desert island in the heart of the Galapagos archipelago, where Darwin received his first inklings of the theory of evolution, two scientists, Peter and Rosemary Grant, have spent twenty years proving that Darwin did not know the strength of his own theory. For among the finches of Daphne Major, natural selection is neither rare nor slow: it is taking place by the hour, and we can watch.In this dramatic story of groundbreaking scientific research, Jonathan Weiner follows these scientists as they watch Darwin's finches and come up with a new understanding of life itself. The Beak of the Finch is an elegantly written and compelling masterpiece of theory and explication in the tradition of Stephen Jay Gould.

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History of the World Map by Map (DK History Map by Map)

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Additional Recommended Reading for Amazon Extension

Learn about Teddy Roosevelt's Perilous Expedition on the Amazon in Smithsonian Magazine.

Tree of Rivers: The Story of the Amazon

By: Hemming, John

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The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey

By: Millard, Candice

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Tales of a Shaman's Apprentice: An Ethnobotanist Searches for New Medicines in the Amazon Rain Forest

By: Plotkin, Mark J.

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Smithsonian Atlas of the Amazon

By: Michael Goulding, Ronaldo Barthem, Efrem Jorge Gondim Ferreira

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*As an Amazon Associate, Smithsonian Journeys earns from qualifying purchases.

Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.

In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.

To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.