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.
Machu Picchu and the Galápagos
16 days from $9,795 | includes airfare, taxes and all fees
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.
Tour Details
TOUR BROCHURE
brochureWHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
- Dann, Z.My first guided trip... I was overwhelmed with how well Smithsonian Journeys ran and led this 15-day trip through Peru and Ecuador. We already booked another Smithsonian Journeys Trip!
- Steve and Nancy S.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!
- Andrew K."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!"
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
Overview
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.
- Dann, Z.My first guided trip... I was overwhelmed with how well Smithsonian Journeys ran and led this 15-day trip through Peru and Ecuador. We already booked another Smithsonian Journeys Trip!
- Steve and Nancy S.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!
- Andrew K."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!"
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
2025 Itinerary
Day 1-2 — Depart the U.S. for Lima, Peru
Depart for Lima and transfer directly to your hotel upon arrival.
The next day, trace 3,000 years of Peruvian history at the excellent Museo de Arte de Lima. Then explore colonial Lima on an afternoon tour, followed by a welcome dinner at your hotel. (1B,1D)
Day 3 — Cusco and Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca, set high in the Andes. Visit the Incan temple of Koricancha, dedicated to the Sun God, before descending into the the beautiful Sacred Valley. Here, Inca sites and traditional Andean villages are scattered among rolling fields and dramatic peaks. Make a first stop at Pisac, known for its colorful Andean market, and reach your hotel late this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo and Chinchero
At the far end of the Sacred Valley, discover the village of Ollantaytambo, where the old town, built upon the original Inca grid, is flanked by steep slopes covered with terraced Inca ruins. Then ascend to the farming town of Chinchero, where Andean residents live much as their ancestors did, keeping ancient Inca traditions alive. Attend a Pachamama, or “offering to the Earth” ceremony, before dinner this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Early this morning, travel by train to Aguas Calientes, a scenic hour-and-a-half ride that follows the Urubamba River deep into the mountains. Upon arrival, board a bus for the final ascent to Machu Picchu. Set out with a guide for your first visit to the stunning “Lost City of the Inca” late this morning. Your small group will move nimbly through the ruins, enjoying ample time to absorb the beauty and mystery of this site. Check in to your hotel at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain late this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Machu Picchu and Cusco
Ascend to Machu Picchu early this morning for your second guided visit to this World Heritage site. Return to Aguas Calientes for some free time before your mid-afternoon train to Cusco. Upon arrival, check into your hotel in the historic city center and enjoy an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 7 — Cusco
Set out on a morning tour to get acquainted with this World Heritage site, once the epicenter of the Inca Empire. On a special visit to the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, you’ll have an up-close look at gold, silver, and ceramic objects that shed light on the indigenous cultures of Peru. Continue to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a historic fortress that exemplifies Inca masonry. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before an afternoon at leisure. (B,L)
Day 8 - 9 — Quito
Early today, fly via Lima to Quito, arriving in the late afternoon. In the evening, gather for a briefing and dinner at a local restaurant. The following day, tour the beautifully preserved historic center of Quito, built in the 16th century atop an Inca city high in the Andes foothills. Your tour includes a visit to the Intiñan Museum and the Middle of the World Monument. (2B,1L,1D)
Day 10 — Baltra and Santa Cruz Island, the Galápagos
Fly to the island of Baltra then transfer to Santa Cruz, your island-based home for your Galápagos exploration. En route to the hotel, stop to see Los Gamelos, the huge twin craters formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Arrive at your beautiful hotel in the highlands adjacent to Galápagos National Park in time for lunch. This afternoon, observe giant Galápagos tortoises in the wild, and explore naturally formed lava tunnels on the grounds of your hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 11 — Santa Fe Island
Embark on your excursion today aboard the Santa Fe, your privately chartered yacht. Your destination is small in size but rich in flora and fauna: Santa Fe Island. During a nature walk, keep an eye out for local residents such as the Galápagos snake, rice rats, the Santa Fe land iguana, blue-footed boobies, and perhaps even the Galápagos hawk. Later this afternoon, take part in a reforestation program sponsored by your hotel, planting an endemic tree that is critical to the island’s ecosystem. (B,L,D)
Day 12 — North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach
Embark once again aboard your privately chartered yacht, the Santa Fe. Your first destination is North Seymour, where an easy walk with naturalists will bring you up close to a wide range of species, from magnificent frigate birds to land iguanas and lava lizards. Return to Santa Cruz island after lunch and weigh anchor off Bachas Beach, where you’ll have the chance to see flamingos, nesting sea turtles, and Darwin’s finches on a nature walk. Then cruise to Punta Carrion, where you have the opportunity to snorkel in the calm waters of a shallow cove teeming with colorful reef fish. (B,L,D)
Day 13 — Santa Cruz Island, Baltra and Quito
After a morning at leisure, transfer to Baltra for your return flight to Quito, arriving mid-afternoon. (B,D)
Day 14 — Quito
Set out on a full-day excursion to a rose plantation outside Quito. Learn how the flowers are cultivated and what makes Ecuador one of the world’s most prominent rose producers. Enjoy lunch before returning to Quito. Tonight celebrate your adventure at a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Days 15-16 — Quito/Depart for the U.S.
Get acquainted with the World Heritage site of Quito, built in the 16th century atop the ruins of an Inca city. Your morning tour includes Plaza de la Independencia in the Old City, the baroque La Compañía church, Carondelet Palace, the Church of San Agustín, and the Monastery of San Francisco. The remainder of the day is yours for exploring, shopping, photography, or simply relaxing. This evening, transfer to the airport your flight home, arriving the next morning. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)
2025 Itinerary (February 22 and March 15 departures)
Day 1-2 — Depart the U.S. for Lima, Peru
Depart for Lima and transfer directly to your hotel upon arrival.
The next day, trace 3,000 years of Peruvian history at the excellent Museo de Arte de Lima. Then explore colonial Lima on an afternoon tour, followed by a welcome dinner at your hotel. (1B,1D)
Day 3 — Cusco and Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca, set high in the Andes. Visit the Incan temple of Koricancha, dedicated to the Sun God, before descending into the the beautiful Sacred Valley. Here, Inca sites and traditional Andean villages are scattered among rolling fields and dramatic peaks. Make a first stop at Pisac, known for its colorful Andean market, and reach your hotel late this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo and Chinchero
At the far end of the Sacred Valley, discover the village of Ollantaytambo, where the old town, built upon the original Inca grid, is flanked by steep slopes covered with terraced Inca ruins. Then ascend to the farming town of Chinchero, where Andean residents live much as their ancestors did, keeping ancient Inca traditions alive. Attend a Pachamama, or “offering to the Earth” ceremony, before dinner this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Early this morning, travel by train to Aguas Calientes, a scenic hour-and-a-half ride that follows the Urubamba River deep into the mountains. Upon arrival, board a bus for the final ascent to Machu Picchu. Set out with a guide for your first visit to the stunning “Lost City of the Inca” late this morning. Your small group will move nimbly through the ruins, enjoying ample time to absorb the beauty and mystery of this site. Check in to your hotel at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain late this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Machu Picchu and Cusco
Ascend to Machu Picchu early this morning for your second guided visit to this World Heritage site. Return to Aguas Calientes for some free time before your mid-afternoon train to Cusco. Upon arrival, check into your hotel in the historic city center and enjoy an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 7 — Cusco
Set out on a morning tour to get acquainted with this World Heritage site, once the epicenter of the Inca Empire. On a special visit to the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, you’ll have an up-close look at gold, silver, and ceramic objects that shed light on the indigenous cultures of Peru. Continue to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a historic fortress that exemplifies Inca masonry. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before an afternoon at leisure. (B, L)
Day 8 — Lima
Depart on a short flight to Lima, and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the city's museums or historic neighborhoods. Meet for dinner together this evening. (B,D)
Day 9 — Quito
Depart Peru on a flight to Quito, and enjoy lunch together upon arrival. On a visit to the Middle of the World Monument, set on the Equator, learn how the line was determined in the 18th century. Check in to your hotel and take the remainder of the day to discover Quito and its dining scene on your own. (B,L)
Day 10 — Baltra and Santa Cruz Island, the Galápagos
Fly to the island of Baltra then transfer to Santa Cruz, your island-based home for your Galápagos exploration. En route to the hotel, stop to see Los Gamelos, the huge twin craters formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Arrive at your beautiful hotel in the highlands adjacent to Galápagos National Park in time for lunch. This afternoon, observe giant Galápagos tortoises in the wild, and explore naturally formed lava tunnels on the grounds of your hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 11 — Santa Fe Island
Embark on your excursion today aboard the Santa Fe, your privately chartered yacht. Your destination is small in size but rich in flora and fauna: Santa Fe Island. During a nature walk, keep an eye out for local residents such as the Galápagos snake, rice rats, the Santa Fe land iguana, blue-footed boobies, and perhaps even the Galápagos hawk. Later this afternoon, take part in a reforestation program sponsored by your hotel, planting an endemic tree that is critical to the island’s ecosystem. (B,L,D)
Day 12 — North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach
Embark once again aboard your privately chartered yacht, the Santa Fe. Your first destination is North Seymour, where an easy walk with naturalists will bring you up close to a wide range of species, from magnificent frigate birds to land iguanas and lava lizards. Return to Santa Cruz island after lunch and weigh anchor off Bachas Beach, where you’ll have the chance to see flamingos, nesting sea turtles, and Darwin’s finches on a nature walk. Then cruise to Punta Carrion, where you have the opportunity to snorkel in the calm waters of a shallow cove teeming with colorful reef fish. (B,L,D)
Day 13 — Santa Cruz Island, Baltra and Quito
After a morning at leisure, transfer to Baltra for your return flight to Quito, arriving mid-afternoon. (B,D)
Day 14 — Quito
Set out on a full-day excursion to a rose plantation outside Quito. Learn how the flowers are cultivated and what makes Ecuador one of the world’s most prominent rose producers. Enjoy lunch before returning to Quito. Tonight celebrate your adventure at a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Days 15-16 — Quito/Depart for the U.S.
Get acquainted with the World Heritage site of Quito, built in the 16th century atop the ruins of an Inca city. Your morning tour includes Plaza de la Independencia in the Old City, the baroque La Compañía church, Carondelet Palace, the Church of San Agustín, and the Monastery of San Francisco. The remainder of the day is yours for exploring, shopping, photography, or simply relaxing. This evening, transfer to the airport your flight home, arriving the next morning. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)