Machu Picchu & Galapagos Wonders featuring a 4-Night Cruise
Journey from the Land of the Incas to the Galápagos archipelago, enjoying a 4-night cruise aboard a personal yacht. Delve deep into ancient cultures at Machu Picchu – the fabled lost city. Explore UNESCO-designated Spanish colonial cities and stand between two hemispheres at the Equatorial Line. Experience the best of the Galápagos archipelago, where an abundance of natural wildlife recalls Darwin’s theories in a pristine world that’s virtually unspoiled. You’ll encounter hidden wonders in Peru, the “Middle of the World” in Ecuador, and see ethereal wildlife on a cruise along Eden-like islands.
Journey from the Land of the Incas to the Galápagos archipelago, enjoying a 4-night cruise aboard a personal yacht. Delve deep into ancient cultures at Machu Picchu – the fabled lost city. Explore UNESCO-designated Spanish colonial cities and stand between two hemispheres at the Equatorial Line. Experience the best of the Galápagos archipelago, where an abundance of natural wildlife recalls Darwin’s theories in a pristine world that’s virtually unspoiled. You’ll encounter hidden wonders in Peru, the “Middle of the World” in Ecuador, and see ethereal wildlife on a cruise along Eden-like islands.
Highlights
- Pisac is a small town in the Sacred Valley, known for its markets held several days per week. Villagers from the area come here to barter and sell their wares, varying from foods to woven goods to ceramics. There are also many handicraft shops near the market. Bargaining is possible with the vendors and it is a great place to see an authentic market. The symbol of the market used to be a huge spreading pisonary tree in the main square, but it was struck by lightning in 2003 and destroyed.
- Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of an Inca ruler in the 15th century and is still inhabited today. During the Spanish conquest, it was an Incan stronghold, partly defended by steep terraces below the main Temple Hill site. These terraces were also used to farm the steep hillside. Most of the ruins on the Temple Hill are incomplete, so it is believed that the site was still under construction by the Incas when it was abandoned, possibly due to a conflict among Incan groups. Ollantaytambo is the starting point for the Inca Trail hike.
- Learn to cook Peruvian favorites at a cooking class, hosted in a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Try your hand at concocting a quintessential dish and cocktail, and taste the fruits of your labor.
- This is a ceramics workshop and studio in the Urumbamba Valley opened by artist Pablo Seminario who has studied ancient Peruvian pottery techniques for almost 30 years. His current works are combinations of traditional and modern styles, and he has pieces displayed in the Field Museum in Chicago. He makes pieces that range from utilitarian, such as bowls and plates, to decorative, such as Peruvian masks and jewelry pieces.
- This is an Inca ruin dating from the 15th century, located in the Andes in Peru above the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It was thought to have been built as an estate for an Inca ruler and was abandoned after only about 100 years when many inhabitants died from diseases such as smallpox brought by the Spaniards, and transmitted to the site by travelers. The site was discovered by Hiram Bingham, a lecturer at Yale, in 1911 and National Geographic Magazine devoted a whole edition to it in 1913. It is now Peru’s most visited tourist attraction, and numbers have to be carefully controlled to minimize negative impacts on the site by too many people.
- This is a park located on the Equator about 16 miles from the center of Quito (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo in Spanish). It contains a 30 meter high stone monument which commemorates a mission by the French Academy of Sciences to investigate the shape of the Earth, and there is a small museum inside the monument of articles of Ecuadorian culture. The park also contains a planetarium, a miniature model of Quito and several restaurants.
- Spend 4 nights aboard a new, privately-chartered luxury yacht. Take in the beautiful views as this elegant ship takes you through the waters of Peru and the Galápagos islands. The ship is intimate and modern, including a comfortable lounge with large windows that look out across the ocean scenery.
Hotels
- Casa Andina Premium Miraflores — Lima
- Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley — Yucay
- Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu — Aguas Calientes
- Casa Andina Premium — Cuzco
- Mercure Hotel Alameda — Quito
- M/Y <I>Coral II</I> — Galapagos Islands
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Start City
- Lima
- End City
- Santa Cruz, Galapago
- Duration (Days)
- 14
- Activity Level
- Level 4
What's Included
- 27 meals included
- Inter-tour flights included
- Pisac is a small town in the Sacred Valley, known for its markets held several days per week. Villagers from the area come here to barter and sell their wares, varying from foods to woven goods to ceramics. There are also many handicraft shops near the market. Bargaining is possible with the vendors and it is a great place to see an authentic market. The symbol of the market used to be a huge spreading pisonary tree in the main square, but it was struck by lightning in 2003 and destroyed.
- Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of an Inca ruler in the 15th century and is still inhabited today. During the Spanish conquest, it was an Incan stronghold, partly defended by steep terraces below the main Temple Hill site. These terraces were also used to farm the steep hillside. Most of the ruins on the Temple Hill are incomplete, so it is believed that the site was still under construction by the Incas when it was abandoned, possibly due to a conflict among Incan groups. Ollantaytambo is the starting point for the Inca Trail hike.
- Learn to cook Peruvian favorites at a cooking class, hosted in a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Try your hand at concocting a quintessential dish and cocktail, and taste the fruits of your labor.
- This is a ceramics workshop and studio in the Urumbamba Valley opened by artist Pablo Seminario who has studied ancient Peruvian pottery techniques for almost 30 years. His current works are combinations of traditional and modern styles, and he has pieces displayed in the Field Museum in Chicago. He makes pieces that range from utilitarian, such as bowls and plates, to decorative, such as Peruvian masks and jewelry pieces.
- This is an Inca ruin dating from the 15th century, located in the Andes in Peru above the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It was thought to have been built as an estate for an Inca ruler and was abandoned after only about 100 years when many inhabitants died from diseases such as smallpox brought by the Spaniards, and transmitted to the site by travelers. The site was discovered by Hiram Bingham, a lecturer at Yale, in 1911 and National Geographic Magazine devoted a whole edition to it in 1913. It is now Peru’s most visited tourist attraction, and numbers have to be carefully controlled to minimize negative impacts on the site by too many people.
- This is a park located on the Equator about 16 miles from the center of Quito (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo in Spanish). It contains a 30 meter high stone monument which commemorates a mission by the French Academy of Sciences to investigate the shape of the Earth, and there is a small museum inside the monument of articles of Ecuadorian culture. The park also contains a planetarium, a miniature model of Quito and several restaurants.
- Spend 4 nights aboard a new, privately-chartered luxury yacht. Take in the beautiful views as this elegant ship takes you through the waters of Peru and the Galápagos islands. The ship is intimate and modern, including a comfortable lounge with large windows that look out across the ocean scenery.
Pricing
| Option | Price | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | USD 8,699.00 | 2027-01-18 | |
| Single | USD 12,699.00 | 2027-01-18 | |
| Double | USD 8,699.00 | 2027-04-12 | |
| Single | USD 12,699.00 | 2027-04-12 | |
| Double | USD 8,699.00 | 2027-05-10 | |
| Single | USD 12,699.00 | 2027-05-10 |
Itinerary
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Day 1: Lima, Peru
Touch down in Lima, the “City of Kings.” Across ancient lands and earthly legends, experience the mysticism of the Peruvian Andes. Due to late flight schedules, there are no scheduled activities today.
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Day 2: Lima
Become fascinated by Lima’s history on a tour through the historic center, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, where the elegant Cathedral at Plaza de Armas stands out among the colonial architecture. Visit the former home of a conquistador and feel the surge of colonial and republican life. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to discover Lima on your own. Get to know new friends over a menu of artful Peruvian dishes at a welcome dinner.
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Day 3: Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley
Fly over the Andes on your way to Cuzco – the heart of the Inca civilization. Follow the trails of this Andean paradise with a local guide to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop in Pisac village and browse a handicraft market full of vibrant colors. Discover why Peru has consistently been named the world’s top food travel destination during a fun-filled interactive cooking class where you will learn how to master ceviche and pisco sours. Settle into your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley and relax in the calming surround of the Andes.
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Day 4: Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo - Sacred Valley
Visit the terraced ruins of Ollantaytambo, the only Incan settlement that has remained continually inhabited since its inception. At the ceramic studio of artist Pablo Seminario, see how he utilizes the intricate techniques inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Deep dive into the cultures of modern Andean people and experience an Impact Moment as you mingle with a nearby community. Thanks to their effort and teamwork, tourism has become additional income for agriculture which has positively impacted their quality of life. Learn traditional methods of growing, harvesting and weaving, listen to their music and learn their dances before enjoying a farm-to-table meal of local specialties.
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Day 5: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
Prepare for an early morning departure as you hop aboard your train to Machu Picchu, where views of the Andes astound through panoramic windows as you climb toward the “Lost City of the Incas.” Uncover the mysteries of this “Lost City” at the meeting point between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin. Wrapped inside a semi-tropical jungle and hidden by mountains, Machu Picchu or La Ciudadela, (the Citadel), is one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites.
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Day 6: Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Enjoy some leisure time this morning. You may choose an optional excursion to visit Machu Picchu for a second time this morning, or maybe you’ll explore the local markets before boarding your train back to the Sacred Valley. Continue to Cuzco and feel the local culture at a special community dining experience.
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Day 7: Cuzco
This morning, it’s your choice! Travel above the city to discover the Incan ruins of Sacsayhuamán Fortress -OR- embark on a walking tour through the enchanting streets of Cuzco, going off the beaten path and uncovering the city’s best-kept secrets. After, come together for a tour of Cuzco, visiting the San Pedro Market, the Koricancha Temple, the central Plaza de Armas, and the Cuzco Cathedral. The rest of the afternoon is yours. This evening, enjoy flexible dining at a popular local restaurant featuring the local flavors of Cuzco.
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Day 8: Cuzco - Quito, Ecuador
This morning, fly to Ecuador’s stunning capital city – Quito, your home for the next two nights. An intersection of mountains and colonial architecture, this city is a UNESCO World Heritage site full of lively culture and vibrant history.
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Day 9: Quito
Today, tour the Presidential Palace in Quito’s colonial center. After lunch, stand at the “Middle of the World,” situated between two hemispheres, at the Equatorial Line Monument and Museum. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
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Day 10: Quito - Baltra - Embark Ship - Santa Cruz Highlands, Galápagos
Fly to the gateway of the Galápagos, Baltra to launch your eco-adventure aboard the M/Y Coral II,* an exclusive yacht that serves as your home for the next four nights. After dry landing on Santa Cruz Island, head from the coast to the dense humid forests and the Highlands Tortoise Reserve. In addition to famed Galápagos Giant Tortoises, you may also spot many different kinds of birds, such as tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets - usually found standing on the tortoises’ shells.
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Day 11: Isabela Island - Fernandina Island
On Isabela Island soak in the wonders of one of the richest marine havens on earth during deep-water snorkeling at the Bolivar Channel. Then, take a dinghy ride along the coast to observe a great diversity of sea and coastal birds; Nazca and blue-footed boobies, noddies, brown pelicans, penguins, and flightless cormorants. Continue on to make a dry landing on Fernandina Island, where the largest, most primitive-looking marine iguanas are found mingling with sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. You may even encounter flightless cormorants at their nesting sites, Galápagos penguins and the “King” of predators on the islands, the Galápagos hawk!
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Day 12: Isabela Island
Make a wet landing today on the volcanic black beaches of Urbina Bay - home to giant tortoises, land iguanas, and the unusual flightless cormorant. Here, colorful varieties of plants and flowers attract unusual insects, birds, and reptiles. Enjoy time to snorkel, possibly swimming alongside with sea turtles, sea lions, and countless tropical fish. Don’t miss the remarkable views of the Alcedo Volcano from the island’s uplifted coral reef. Travel from Urbina to Tagus Cove for a dry landing. Take the trail that leads to Darwin’s salt-water crater lake, offering excellent views of lava fields and volcanic formations. A dinghy ride along the shoreline full of marine wildlife highlights a variety of seabirds, such as Bluefooted Booby, Brown Noddy, terns, and - depending on the season - a large number of Galápagos Penguins which are only 35 cm tall and the only penguin species to live in the tropics. Keep an eye out for graffiti believed to have been left by 19th-century pirates.
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Day 13: Santiago Island
Walk in Darwin’s footsteps today on Santiago Island. Begin with a wet landing at Egas Port’s black volcanic sand beach, visited by Darwin in 1835. Take a unique trail formed of volcanic ash that transitions halfway to uneven terrain of volcanic basaltic rock. The unique, truly striking layered terrain of Santiago is home to the bizarre yellow-crowned night heron and marine wildlife such as lobster, starfish and marine iguanas that graze on algae alongside Sally light-foot crabs. Colonies of fur seals swim in volcanic rock pools. After landing in Sullivan’s Bay on southeastern Santiago Island, walk through the otherworldly landscape of solidified pa-hoe-hoe lava flows, formed during the last quarter of the 19th century.
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Day 14: Santa Cruz - Disembark Ship - Quito - Tour Ends
Your last landing in the Galápagos is on the north side of Santa Cruz at Bachas Beach where ponds entice Galápagos Flamingo’s to visit, iguanas to sunbathe, and coastal birds such as Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and gulls flit among the red and black mangroves. This beach is also one of the main sea turtle nesting sites in the Galápagos and home to the remains of barges that sank during World War II. Bid the Galápagos goodbye and return to Quito, where a day room will be available close to the airport before your flight home.