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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.

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itinerary
Please Note:
The itinerary for this program is different on certain dates.
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

Ship Outside
Accommodation Details

A cabin with a window or porthole to view the outside.

May 10 - May 27, 2023
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 8,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

May 17 - Jun 3, 2023
Ship Outside 8,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Jun 14 - Jul 1, 2023
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 8,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Jun 28 - Jul 15, 2023
Ship Outside 8,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top II. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Jul 26 - Aug 12, 2023
Ship Outside 7,999
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top II. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Aug 23 - Sep 9, 2023
Ship Outside 7,999
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Aug 30 - Sep 16, 2023
Ship Outside 7,999
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Sep 13 - Sep 30, 2023
Ship Outside 8,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Sep 27 - Oct 14, 2023
Ship Outside 8,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Oct 18 - Nov 4, 2023
Ship Outside 8,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Oct 22 - Nov 7, 2023
Ship Outside 8,199
Itinerary Note

This 17-day program starts in Quito and ends in Lima and spends 6 nights in the Galápagos Islands; 3 nights at a lodge on Isabela Island and 3 nights sailing on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Nov 15 - Dec 2, 2023
Ship Outside 8,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Nov 16 - Dec 2, 2023
Ship Outside 8,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Lima and ends in Quito and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Nov 30 - Dec 16, 2023
Ship Outside 8,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Lima and ends in Quito and stays at a lodge on Isabela Island for 3 nights and sails on the Tip Top V for 4 nights. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Dec 13 - Dec 30, 2023
Ship Outside 8,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

DATES & PRICES

Ship Outside
Accommodation Details

A cabin with a window or porthole to view the outside.

May 10 - May 27, 2023
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 10,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

May 17 - Jun 3, 2023
Ship Outside 10,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Jun 14 - Jul 1, 2023
Ship Outside 10,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Jun 28 - Jul 15, 2023
Ship Outside 10,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top II. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Jul 26 - Aug 12, 2023
Ship Outside 9,999
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top II. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Aug 23 - Sep 9, 2023
Ship Outside 9,999
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Aug 30 - Sep 16, 2023
Ship Outside 9,999
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Sep 13 - Sep 30, 2023
Ship Outside 10,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Sep 27 - Oct 14, 2023
Ship Outside 10,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Oct 18 - Nov 4, 2023
Ship Outside 10,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Oct 22 - Nov 7, 2023
Ship Outside 10,199
Itinerary Note

This 17-day program starts in Quito and ends in Lima and spends 6 nights in the Galápagos Islands; 3 nights at a lodge on Isabela Island and 3 nights sailing on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Nov 15 - Dec 2, 2023
Ship Outside 10,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Nov 16 - Dec 2, 2023
Ship Outside 10,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Lima and ends in Quito and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Nov 30 - Dec 16, 2023
Ship Outside 10,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Lima and ends in Quito and stays at a lodge on Isabela Island for 3 nights and sails on the Tip Top V for 4 nights. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

Dec 13 - Dec 30, 2023
Ship Outside 10,199
Itinerary Note

This program date starts in Quito and ends in Lima and sails on the Tip Top V. Cruise Itinerary varies by date. Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galápagos National Park and can be changed without prior notice.

At a Glance

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.
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
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Swim and snorkel in search of sea turtles, sea lions and rays.
  • Learn about the biology of the Galapagos 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.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
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 this program.

Profile Image of Gustavo "Tito" Leon
Gustavo "Tito" Leon View biography
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.
Profile Image of Eduardo Borja
Eduardo Borja View biography
Although he is a native of Quito, Eduardo Borja lived in the U.S.A. for a time as a child, then perfected his English at the American School of Quito after returning to Ecuador. Following high school, he rediscovered his passion for Ecuador’s wonders and his enjoyment of sharing them. He returned to the U.S.A. to earn a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management. Today, Eduardo lives in Quito and enjoys both the city’s cultural offerings and the natural beauty of Ecuador’s countryside.
Profile Image of Enrique Castillo
Enrique Castillo View biography
An appreciation for wildlife led Enrique Castillo to work for a zoo in Peru for 12 years. Born in Lima, he earned degrees in both zoology and business administration prior to beginning his career. He enjoys sharing his expertise in Peru’s flora, fauna and culture with Road Scholar participants and other travelers. Enrique’s own travels have taken him to various regions of Peru, other South American countries, the U.S.A. and Europe. He is an avid birdwatcher and likes to collect field guides.
Profile Image of Maywa Blanco
Maywa Blanco View biography
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.
Profile Image of Eliacin Palomino
Eliacin Palomino View biography
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.
Profile Image of Jorge Carrera
Jorge Carrera View biography
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.
Profile Image of Fabrizio Prado
Fabrizio Prado View biography
Fabrizio Prado is a certified Galapagos Islands National Park naturalist and an experienced expedition leader. A native Galapageño, he spent much of his childhood at the beach or hiking near his family home on San Cristóbal Island. He has worked for the Galapagos National Park Service and Charles Darwin Research Station, participating in many local environmental projects throughout the years. Some of his favorite experiences included the reforestation of islands using native and endemic plants and projects involving giant tortoises, sea lions, and marine iguanas.
Profile Image of Diego Barahona
Diego Barahona View biography
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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Heights of Macchu Picchu
by Pablo Neruda
An indispensable contribution to 20th-century poetry, Neruda’s ode to Machu Picchu celebrates the Incan civilization while abhorring that the ancient estate was built by slave labor.
The Inca Trail, Cuzco & Machu Picchu
by Alexander Stewart
An excellent overview of local culture and history, including chapters on exploring Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Lima. Fifth edition.
Insight Guide Peru
by Insight Guides
Panoramic in scope, this illustrated overview brings Peru to life in color photographs and vivid essays on history, archaeology and culture.
Galapagos, Islands Born of Fire
by Tui De Roy
A stunning celebration of the landscapes, wildlife and habitats of the Galapagos by a photographer who was raised in the archipelago. Tenth anniversary edition.
Galapagos Wildlife
by Pocket Naturalist
A fold-up, laminated card featuring color drawings and short descriptions of commonly encountered birds, mammals and reptiles of the Galapagos.
Voyage of the Beagle
by Charles Darwin
The wide-eyed tale of a young man on a five-year voyage that changed his life -- and our way of thinking about the world. First published in 1839, it's still a marvelous introduction to the wildlife, nature and allure of South America.
Understanding Galapagos: What You'll See and What it Means
by Sehoya Cotner, Randy Moore
An excellent introduction to the flora and fauna of the Galapagos and a stellar overview of evolutionary biography on the islands. Accessible for readers from all backgrounds.
The Incas
by Carmen Bernard
Featuring archival drawings and photographs, a chronology and chapters on Atahualpa, the Conquistadors and Hiram Bingham, this handy book (previously published as People of the Sun) illuminates the daily life, monuments and history of the Incas.
Galapagos, A Novel
by Kurt Vonnegut
In this madcap classic, Vonnegut's narrator lives in a future where the human race has been wiped out -- all except for a small group who boarded the "nature cruise of the century" only to get stranded in the Galapagos.
Machu Picchu, Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas
by Richard L. Burger (Editor), Lucy C. Salazar (Editor)
Burger and Salazar vividly evoke the art, architecture, culture and society of Machu Picchu in this illustrated, up-to-date survey. With Hiram Bingham's original report, archival and modern photographs and excellent chapters on recent archaeology at the site.
Moon Spotlight Quito
by Ben Westwood
A slim, authoritative guide to Quito and the Ecuadorian Andes. What Moon guides lack in flash, they more than make up for in personable, clear writing, expert recommendations and advice. The text is interspersed with color photographs and maps.
Art of the Andes, from Chavin to Inca
by Rebecca Stone-Miller
This authoritative and concise illustrated survey of Andean art and architecture covers not only Machu Picchu and additional Inca monuments, but also Chan Chan, Nasca and other archaeological sites and cultures.
Satan Came to Eden
by Dore Strauch
The original memoir of Dore Strauch, early settler to the Galapagos and participant in the fascinating unsolved mystery known as The Galapagos Affair, the subject of a new documentary. First published in 1936, it's back in print after 80 years.
Galapagos, A Natural History
by Michael Jackson
This comprehensive guide to the natural history of the Galapagos is practically mandatory reading -- the single best introduction to the geology and climate, habitats, plants, birds, animals, ecology and evolution.
Galapagos Islands Map
by ITMB
This full-color map of the Galapagos at a scale of 1:420,000, printed on water and tear-resistant paper, shows in detail major features, topography and visitor sites. With a large city plan of Quito on the reverse.
Galapagos, World's End
by William Beebe
This wry, wonderfully evocative account of a 1924 scientific expedition includes an excellent chapter on the human history of the Galapagos.
Lost City of the Incas
by Hiram Bingham
This first-rate adventure story by the man who brought Machu Picchu to the attention of the world is not just a gripping tale of exploration and archaeology, it also sets the scene for any visitor to the site.
Stone Offerings
by Mike Torrey
Torrey captures the dramatic setting, solitude and intricate construction of the Inca site of Machu Picchu in 100 striking color photographs taken over a few days at summer and winter solstice.
Galapagos Wildlife, A Visitor's Guide
by David Horwell, Pete Oxford
With chapters on visitor sites, history, conservation and habitats, this compact photographic guide introduces birds, reptiles, marine and other life of the archipelago.
Inca Trail: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Map
by Lima 2000
This fact-filled map shows the whole of the Sacred Valley, from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, on one side, and, on the reverse, the area surrounding the sanctuary in splendid, topographic detail (1:50,000). It's the best map for those making the trek from kilometer 88 to the site and an excellent choice for those exploring by bus or train.
Peru, Travellers' Wildlife Guides
by David L. Pearson, Les Beletsky
Featuring 500 illustrations of the birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and insects of the Amazon, Andes and Pacific Coast.





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