Machu Picchu & Galapagos

14 days
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Small Group Tour
This fascinating trip combines two truly outstanding places in South America. Flying into the Peruvian highlands, we explore Cuzco, a city replete with Inca and colonial architecture. A beautiful train ride through mountains and cloud forest then takes us to the extraordinary lost city of Machu Picchu. Then we visit Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago, one of the...
26%
$17,010
From$12,600
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Visit Machu Picchu to discover the incredible Lost City of the Incas
    • Discover historic Cuzco, former capital of the vast Inca empire
    • Optional day walk on the Inca Trail at no extra cost (please request at the time of booking)
    • Spend seven nights on a small catamaran in the Galapagos Islands
    • Enjoy the wildlife and volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos

What's this trip about?

    This fascinating trip combines two truly outstanding places in South America. Flying into the Peruvian highlands, we explore Cuzco, a city replete with Inca and colonial architecture. A beautiful train ride through mountains and cloud forest then takes us to the extraordinary lost city of Machu Picchu. Then we visit Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago, one of the leading ecological sites in the world, with incredible fauna on land and sea plus striking volcanic landscapes. We explore the islands from the comfort of our small catamarn, which grants us access to areas larger boats cannot reach.Discover the Lost City of the Incas in Peru and the Enchanted Isles of Ecuador

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 10 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityCuzco
End CityGuayaquil Airport

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Photography

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador
  • Peru

Attractions

  • Cusco
  • Darwin
  • Galapagos
  • Guayaquil
  • Machu Picchu
  • Quito

Activities

  • Culture
  • Educational/ learning
  • History
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • All accommodation
    • All land/sea transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader in Peru and registered naturalist guide in the Galapagos
    • Arrival and departure transfers
    • Flights between Cuzco and Quito (if booking incl. flights)
    • Return flights from Quito to the Galapagos

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Cuzco; afternoon walking tour

Welcome to Cuzco! Set high amid the altiplano, the imperial city of the Incas, was the centre of a vast empire, which stretched from Colombia to Chile at its peak. After Spanish conquistadors invaded the city, they started building on top of the Inca structures, resul...

Day 2 Free morning in Cuzco; optional Sacred Valley tour

This morning has been left free to explore the city in more detail. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people watching, and the Koricancha Sun Temple, in the Santo Domingo Church and monastery, is worth a visit. Outside the town are more Inca ruins, notably th...

Day 3 Train to Aguas Calientes; optional "One-day Inca Trail" hike via Wiñay Wayna ruins

This morning, we take the train to Aguas Calientes, a lively town in the valley below Machu Picchu. This afternoon and the rest of the day is free for visits to the hot springs or shopping in the large craft market. Our Machu Picchu entrance ticket is valid for tomorr...

Day 4 Morning tour of Machu Picchu; afternoon return to Cuzco

To beat the day-trippers from Cuzco, we get an early start for our 30-minute bus drive up the winding road to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is an architectural and engineering marvel with a mountain backdrop of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it, the Inc...

Day 5 Fly to Quito

We depart Cuzco on a flight to Quito via Lima. Quito (9,350ft/2,850m) has one of the best-preserved colonial centres in South America and plenty of vibrant markets to explore. Accommodation: Hotel Casona de la Ronda (or similar)

Day 6 Quito city tour

We have a half-day city tour of Quito, one of the smaller and more attractive of the South American capitals. In the western cordillera of the Andes, it is the second highest capital in the world and, as always at altitude, it is a good idea not to do anything too str...

Day 7 Fly to San Cristóbal Airport and visit Interpretation Centre

Morning: Fly to Galapagos Transfer to Quito Airport and fly to San Cristóbal Airport in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, you will pass through the airport inspection point to make sure no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the island, and to pay the natio...

Day 8 Sante Fe and South Plaza

Morning: Sante Fe Sante Fe is a jewel of the Galapagos, where the pale Barrington land iguana and practically every other creature is unique to the archipelago or this island alone. Afternoon: South Plaza Popular South Plaza is not to be missed! This Jurassic islet is the best place to see the emblematic Galapagos dragons, which crawl across it. Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 9 North Seymour and Chinese Hat

Morning: North Seymour North Seymour is another cruise highlight. It’s home to the most extensive seabird breeding colony in the archipelago and you can walk just a short distance from frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. Afternoon: Chinese Hat Chinese Hat is a 170f...

Day 10 Santa Cruz Island

Morning: El Chato Reserve – Twin Craters The native scalesia forest of El Chato Tortoise Reserve is the best place to search for Galapagos giant tortoises in their most authentic setting! Despite the interesting breeding centres – where you are guaranteed to find tor...

Day 11 Isabela Island

Morning: Moreno Point Moreno Point is on the north coast of Isabela Island, between the volcanoes Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. The trail runs along a solidified pahoehoe lava flow into a complex of coastal lagoons. The main attractions here are several bird species, ...

Day 12 Fernandina and Isabela islands

Morning: Espinoza Point (Fernandina) Fernandina is the third-largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor site: Punta Espinoza, at the northeastern tip. Here, marine iguanas gather in larger groups than on any other island. They bask in the sand, swim ne...

Day 13 Santiago and Rabida islands

Morning: Puerto Egas (Santiago) Puerto Egas is historic and the favourite site on Santiago for wildlife lovers; it’s even the best place in the archipelago to observe Galapagos fur seals. Afternoon: Rabida Upon landing at this remarkable red beach, you will usually be greeted by a large bachelor colony of Galapagos sea lions. Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 14 Disembark Santa Cruz; fly Baltra to Guayaquil and end

Morning: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz) and transfer to Baltra Airport Our last adventure is brief but enchanting and takes place en route to the airport. Explore by dinghy the green landscape of Black Turtle Cove, which is mostly comprised of mangrove trees that hos...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $12,600
Price per day$900
Last Updated: 6/5/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Supplement
Single Supplement
Availability
26 Nov 2024
09 Dec 2024
$12,600
$13,245
29 Apr 2025
12 May 2025
$13,800
$14,490
08 Jul 2025
21 Jul 2025
$13,800
$14,490
05 Aug 2025
18 Aug 2025
$13,800
$14,490
30 Sep 2025
13 Oct 2025
$13,800
$14,490
14 Oct 2025
27 Oct 2025
$13,800
$14,490
11 Nov 2025
24 Nov 2025
$13,800
$14,490
09 Dec 2025
22 Dec 2025
$13,800
$14,490

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Exodus Travels.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
12,476
Great
3,219
Average
601
Disappointing
137
Terrible
179
A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Truly amazing holiday!

Wow - what an amazing holiday. Truly a holiday of a lifetime! Incredible to see the scale and beauty of Machu Picchu. We walked to the Sun Gate and hiked down i...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fabulous Holiday

I had a fabulous holiday to two inspiring places - Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. Although the journeys were long and tiring everything worked like Clockw...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Lifelong ambition realised

The whole holiday exceeded our expectations. Our guides were exceptional and our group gelled immediately. The number of flights and time spent in airports was tir...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

Peru, Ecuador and Galapagos

Overall, I think that the trip was excellent. The Galapagos part of the trip was truly magnificent. The island of Genovesa was like stepping into the garden of Eden,...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

A big tick off the bucket list!

We researched options for visiting Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands on the same trip and found that the Exodus trip offered a great combination, allowing plent...

Write a Review

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
What they’re known for
Global trips to both classic and exotic destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and discovery of local culture.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Compulsory Galapagos taxes approximately US$120 (US$220 as of August 1st, 2024), paid locally
    • Flights between Cuzco and Quito (if booking excluding flights)

Accommodation

7 nights comfortable hotels, all en suite, 7 nights on Cachalote in twin cabins with en suite facilities Travel by flight, minibus, train and motor yacht Spends time at altitude Optional Inca Trail daywalk,
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
On the Galapagos boat, all meals are included and served as a buffet. There is a wide choice of food available, including vegetarian options. For the rest of the trip, we visit a variety of cafes and restaurants for any meals not included in the itinerary. Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffets, usually including bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or a cooked dish, sometimes fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee wheat-/gluten-free products are available for breakfast in all locations – you may wish to bring your own breakfast food if you have an intolerance. We provide a packed lunch on Day 3, whether you are taking the train or doing the optional walk to Machu Picchu. Drinking water is provided; please bring a reusable water bottle with you.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Six nights in hotels, seven nights on a catamaran in air-conditioned cabins
  • Optional Inca Trail day walk: request on booking
  • Group normally 2 to 14 plus local leader/staff. Minimum age: 16
  • Spends time at altitude
  • Travel by flight, minibus, train and catamaran
Trip ID
exodus-APG

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