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Galápagos Islands/Ecuador/Peru

The Best of the Galápagos and Peru: From Enchanted Islands to Machu Picchu

Program No. 18484RJ
The Galápagos and Machu Picchu are two of Latin America’s most renowned icons. Come see for yourself as you discover the unique wildlife and preserved ruins of these two sacred places.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
18 days
Program Begins
Quito
Program Concludes
Cusco
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
42 ( 16B, 14L, 12D )
Activity Level
Few other places inspire such wonder and awe as the Galápagos Islands and the Incan Lost City of Machu Picchu. Experience both of these destinations, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Quito in an intimate group setting that allows for optimal time to learn from Road Scholar's acclaimed experts.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Swim and snorkel in search of sea turtles, sea lions and rays.
  • Learn about the biology of the Galápagos giant tortoise.
  • Discuss the spiritual significance of Machu Picchu and spend the evening in Aguas Calientes for a longer, more relaxed visit to the site.
General Notes
Cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice. The park carefully monitors and controls the number of visitors to each site in order to minimize damage to local wildlife and habitats. Some dates of the program run in the reverse, starting in Lima and ending in Quito. Please refer to the date-specific detailed itinerary on the Road Scholar website to check on the vessel and visitor sites included in your program. The expedition-style Galápagos vessels hold 16 passengers in comfortable cabins. Due to the remote nature of the islands, listening devices are not available for the Galapagos Islands portion of the program.
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Gustavo "Tito" Leon
A native of Cusco, Gustavo "Tito" Leon found himself fascinated with the music of the Andean highlands. This affinity led him to devote his life to the research and preservation of Peru's Andean music. His research has focused on the origins of Andean music, its different forms, influences and instruments. Gustavo is a talented musician and an expert on native Andean woodwind, percussion, and string instruments. His interactive style will get your toes tapping as he performs the various song styles and instruments of the Andes.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
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Maywa Blanco
A lifelong resident of Cusco, Maywa Blanco is a university professor who teaches courses in genetics, the biodiversity of Andean crops and agricultural research. She attended the National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Peru and studied English at the Peruvian-North American Cultural Institute. She received a Fulbright Scholarship to study at Michigan State University, earned a master’s degree, and then returned to Cusco to work helping impoverished communities. In her free time, Maywa enjoys cooking, soccer and spending time with her family.
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Eliacin Palomino
A native of Peru, Eliacin Palomino decided to become a travel professional in Cusco in order to achieve his goal of being a cultural ambassador for his country. Leading programs in the Amazonian Jungle, he developed a deep knowledge and appreciation for the ecology of the Amazon and interconnectivity of humans and their natural surrounding. Eliacin possesses a wealth of information regarding the history and culture of Cusco and Peru in general. He likes to share his country's customs, beliefs, and food with groups.
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Ana Lucia Huerta
While in high school, Ana Lucia Huerta had the chance to travel a few times within Ecuador. Those experiences awakened a love of travel that only grew stronger over the years. She holds a bachelor's degree in ecotourism and is an advocate of mindful tourism; believing that every person has a part to play in making the world a better place. When she's not leading educational groups or exploring new destinations, she enjoys spending time outdoors birding. Other personal favorites include painting, reading and practicing her slackline skills.
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Jorge Carrera
Jorge "George" Carrera is an accomplished Ecuadorian group leader and a veteran with decades of field experience. He recalls as a child, being drawn to studies focused on history, geography and politics. Later, while studying for a degree in the travel industry, he also developed a passion for art, archaeology, ethnic studies and cultural anthropology. Jorge has traveled extensively throughout Ecuador and spent time in some stunningly beautiful locations, ranging from Andean landscapes to lowland forests and coastal beaches.
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Patricia Alvarez
Patricia Alvarez hails from Quito, Ecuador's vibrant Andean capital. She studied hotel administration and tourism at the Instituto Técnico Particular (INSTUR) and has been a certified expedition leader since 1990. As a child, Patricia found herself drawn to art, culture, and archaeology. Her interest in Ecuador’s cultural heritage grew stronger in this city steeped in history, dating back to the Quitu and Inca civilizations. Patricia has a special interest in gastronomy and is an avid collector of masks and folkloric artefacts from around the world.
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Joel Mariño
Joel Mariño — "Joelito" to his friends — is a certified naturalist for the Galápagos Islands National Park. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood on Isabela Island, playing in the surf and joining his older brother on outdoor adventures. Becoming a naturalist was a calling, not a choice, and one that allows him to contribute to the preservation of the islands he loves. Photography is one of his favorite hobbies; he takes pleasure in capturing the unique beauty of the islands and sharing those images with loved ones.
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Diego Barahona
Diego Barahona is a certified Galápagos Islands National Park naturalist and a chemist. He is a native Galápageño with a passion for science and travel. Diego studied abroad on scholarships and completed his B.S. in chemistry and M.S. in fundamental and applied chemistry at the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. After working for Petroamazonas and Ecuador’s food and drug administration, he gave in to the pull of his beloved islands and became a naturalist in 2017. Diego enjoys scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, and playing soccer.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Elevations of 11,000 feet. Ascending and descending many steps without handrails at archaeological ruins. Wet and dry landings by small Zodiac boat. Island activities require 3-5 hours of physical activity per day. Daily walks on sharp volcanic rocks and loose stones add another level of difficulty. Please view the Galápagos video "Galapagos Fitness Information - What to Expect" in preparation for your program activities: www.youtube.com/watch?v=U93d0TxTOQA&feature=youtu.be
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (21 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Assurance Plan

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Sustainable Travel

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