The Best of the Galápagos & Machu Picchu

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.

Ship Outside

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.

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.

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.

Edgar Vargas View biography

Edgar Vargas was born and raised in Ecuador's famous Galápagos Islands. He attended college in Guayaquil, on the mainland, with additional studies at the University of Colorado. Prior to becoming a naturalist in the Galápagos in 1990, Edgar taught environmental education for the Charles Darwin Research Station as well as biology and chemistry classes at a local high school. In the mid 1990's, Edgar became the head of tourism for the Galápagos National Park. Being a PADI diver, he is just as comfortable exploring the underwater world as he is living on land.

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.

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.

Holger "Paco" Mayorca View biography

As a child growing up in Cusco, Holger Mayorca became aware of Peru’s rich history and the beauty of the Andean landscape early in life. He earned a degree from the National University of San Antonio Abad and went to work as an assistant to the director of the Machu Picchu National Park. Studying further with the park’s archaeologist and biologist deepened Holger’s knowledge, and he has led many visitors of all ages around the Peruvian highlands and his beloved hometown of Cusco.

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.

Ana Lucia Huerta View biography

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.

Joel Mariño View biography

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.

Darwin Carpio View biography

Darwin Fernando Carpio hails from Cusco, Peru, a city steeped in history, where colonial Spanish architecture blends seamlessly with Inca foundations. Darwin studied archaeology at San Antonio Abad del Cusco National University. He formed a musical group called Los de América before joining Agrupacion Musical Expresion four years later. From 1993 to 2001, the group performed throughout Central America, and Darwin concurrently experimented on solo projects involving Andean and Trova music. Darwin continues to hone his singing/songwriting skills with his band and solo.

If you transfer or cancel:	Transfer Fee:	Cancel Fee:
less than 60 days prior to program start date	100% of trip total	100% of trip total
99 to 60 days prior to program start date	50% of trip total	50% of trip total
119 to 100 days prior to program start date	$1000.00	$1000.00
up to 120 days prior to program start date	$250.00	$250.00

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Protecting the Environment

At a Glance

Best of all, you’ll…

General Notes