Explore Machu Picchu & Cruise The Galápagos

14 days
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4.8/5 Excellent
64 reviews  
97%
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Small Ship Cruise
When it comes to visiting South America, the phrase, “too much to see, too little time” applies for most travelers. We’ve attempted to remedy that by designing an itinerary that includes two of the best of our South American adventures. First we'll visit Peru, where we'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire,...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Explore two of Latin America’s crown jewels on one amazing two-week adventure!
    • Discover rich Andean culture and deep history in the charming, UNESCO-listed city of Cusco and experience the wonder of Machu Picchu
    • Journey through the Galápagos on a private yacht and see incredible wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, giant tortoises, sea lions and much, much more
    • Enjoy moments of magical discovery every step of the way and learn from expert naturalist guides

What's this trip about?

    When it comes to visiting South America, the phrase, “too much to see, too little time” applies for most travelers. We’ve attempted to remedy that by designing an itinerary that includes two of the best of our South American adventures. First we'll visit Peru, where we'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, and the mystical ruins and misty peaks of Machu Picchu. Next we'll take a cruise through the enchanting Galápagos Islands on a privately chartered yacht and encounter unique species that exist nowhere else on earth. Along the way we'll be reminded that these incredible islands drew the attention of Charles Darwin when he visited here in 1835, later serving as the foundation for his theory of evolution. Throughout the trip, you'll enjoy luxurious accommodations and tours with expert guides. This is two South American bucket-list adventures in one!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range10 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityCusco
End CityGuayaquil

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Family Friendly
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador
  • Peru

Attractions

  • Cusco
  • Galapagos
  • Guayaquil
  • Isabela Island
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Sacred Valley
  • Santa Cruz Island
  • Urubamba

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Short Cruise
  • Snorkeling
  • Trains & Rail
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Expert leadership
    • Accommodations as noted in itinerary (or similar)
    • If applicable, tent accommodations and arrangements in the field, including camp and cook staffs, comfortable and
    • Roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment
    • Meals as noted in the itinerary
    • Airport transfers
    • Sightseeing as noted in the itinerary
    • Ground transportation
    • Additional guides and porters where necessary
    • Tips for lodge, hotel, or camp staff
    • Entrance fees and permits, unless noted separately in costs
    • Basic medical and evacuation insurance

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to Cusco

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Palacio del Inka-Cusco

Upon arrival in Cusco, you'll be greeted by a Mountain Travel Sobek representative and transferred to your hotel. Cusco was the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, and today it is a UNESCO Wor...

Day 2: Explore Inca ruins in the Urubamba Valley

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Sol y Luna

Near Cusco are several fascinating archeological sites from the Inca Empire, and this morning we'll take a private tour of four of them: the military ruins of Puka Pukara, the holy site of of Kenko, th...

Day 3: Take the train to Machu Picchu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

After breakfast, we'll continue exploring the valley, then board a train for the scenic, two-hour trip through the Urubamba Valley. From the Machu Picchu train station ...

Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Palacio del Inka-Cusco

Today, we'll get an early start so we can experience the morning light over Machu Picchu and explore the ruins in depth before the train arrives with day visitors. We’ll have a thorough wal...

Day 5: Fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hilton Colon

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll transfer to the Cusco airport for our flight to Lima, where we'll connect with an international flight to Ecuador. A Mountain Travel Sobek representative will meet you outside the customs and immigration area at the airport and escort you to your hotel in Guayaquil.

Day 6: Begin your Galápagos adventure

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: The Reina Silvia

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we'll fly from Guayaquil to the island of Baltra, marking our official arrival in the Galápagos Islands (cost of flight not included). Here, we'll board our boat and begin a delightful week of exploration and relaxation.

Days 7-12: Explore the “Enchanted Islands"

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: The Reina Silvia

While every Galápagos cruise itinerary is different, each day contains magical moments of discovery, with a naturalist guide by your side to show you all of the wonders of each of the isl...

Day 13: Return to Guayaquil

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hilton Colon

After returning to port, we'll transfer to the airport and fly to Guayaquil, arriving in the late afternoon. The evening is free to take in the last of Guayaquil’s sites or to pick up some last-minute souvenirs before heading home. Or, you could choose to fly home on a late red-eye flight if you wish.

Day 14: Fly home

Meals: Breakfast

For your final day, you'll transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound flight, or you can join us for one of our extensions.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,995
Price per day$571
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek).

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.

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MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek) Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
Excellent
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Other MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek) Reviews

T

Tish

Aug 2023

Written on

Recommend Japan hikes but not with Mt Sobek

First, let me say our tour guide Tomomi S. is hands down THE best tour guide I’ve ever had - knowledgeable, fun and made great efforts to ensure that we were comfor...

A

Anne

Dec 2019

MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek) Company Reviewsby MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek)

Spectacular scenery

Spectacular scenery, great hiking, and fascinating conversations with...

A

Andrea

Dec 2019

MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek) Company Reviewsby MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek)

Truly enjoyable

Thanks to MT Sobek this trip was seamless and truly enjoyable. The accommodations, logistics, and guides were all excellent. I always felt safe, cared for, and well ...

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Tour Operator

MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek)

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Mountain Travel began with the belief that there is a little bit of adventure in everyone. The early days were fueled by the passions of outdoor enthusiasts who loved exploring wild places. 40 years later, we offer almost 200 adventures to destinations worldwide.

Expert Guides: When you venture into foreign lands, tackle snowy peaks or raging whitewater, you want the best guides at your side. With decades of experience in the field, MTS guides offer inspirational enthusiasm, exceptional leadership, and sheer volume of knowledge (better than any guidebook!).

What makes us great!

At Mountain Travel Sobek, we are driven by two philosophies.

One is the credo by which we have guided our company for over 30 years. Mountain Travel Sobek is a continuing experiment in discovery: of new lands, of exotic cultures, and of wondrous wildlife far from fences and highways. We believe the best way to bring to light the marvels of nature, the people of the world and ourselves, is by traveling in small groups—treading lightly with responsibility and sensitivity—while enjoying firsthand the boundless beauty and variety of our miracle planet.

The other is our philosophy for you, our client. Plan nothing, enjoy everything. We take care of all of the logistics so that you can have more time to do what's most important: relax, enjoy the experience, and have fun!

Active Unique Itineraries

Our adventures are planned with reasonably paced itineraries, incredible attention to detail, and the right mix of fun, learning, and challenge that ensure a memorable vacation. You will find our adventures physically active and culturally rewarding. Whether you ride a camel in Rajasthan or climb to the top of Kilimanjaro, you'll experience firsthand the cultures and environments of the region you are visiting. And after a long day of adventuring, we ensure you a comfortable night's rest in deluxe accommodations from regional inns to our own private camps.

In keeping with our founders' adventurous spirit, Mountain Travel Sobek is constantly seeking innovative new trips throughout the world. You will always find an array of new trips to exotic locales in our trip list in addition to the classic adventures for which we are renowned. So whatever your level of adventure, there is a Mountain Travel Sobek adventure just right for you.

Small Groups

You're probably wondering about the people with whom you'll share your adventure. Chances are, they're a lot like you. Our guests come from all walks of life and are spirited travelers who share a passion for our wonderful world. They range in age from their late 20s to mid-80s, reminding us all that you can never be too young or too old to have fun!

Our groups are intentionally kept small—usually less than 15 people—to allow you a more intimate experience with the people and wildlife you encounter on your Mountain Travel Sobek adventure. With such a small number of people, we can take advantage of many unexpected invitations and opportunities that would be impossible with larger groups.

Our guides often have very close ties to the local community and we are readily welcomed into the lives of the local folk. We may be invited to share lunch with a Turkish family or visit an artist's studio in Tuscany. Don't forget to ask us about the time we spent Thanksgiving at a Fulani "festival of the cows" in the Dogon lowlands of Mali—now there's something we won't soon forget!

Private Adventures

Our Private Adventures are an incredible series of itineraries designed especially for small groups, whether it be families, couples, or treasured friends. These selected trips are ideal for reunions with family or old friends, a great way to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary - and can you imagine a more exotic honeymoon?

Like all Mountain Travel Sobek trips, you can count on an adventure that reflects Mountain Travel Sobek's time-tested commitment to authentic, personalized experiences and world-class service.

Customized Adventures

You can either book your group on one of our scheduled departures, choose your own dates for one of our regular trips, or let us create a special trip hand-tailored to your specific needs and wishes. If you can imagine it, we just might be able to make it happen!

Safety

Our safety record is unparalleled (good to know if you're stepping into a river raft for the first time or planning to trek in the high mountains of Nepal). The guides are fully trained, our equipment is state-of-the-art, and we continually monitor conditions with our worldwide team of outfitters to make certain every trip is run safely and with the highest standards of quality.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International airfare
    • Meals not noted on itinerary
    • Insurance other than basic medical and evacuation insurance
    • Optional tipping to leader, guides and local staff
    • Excess baggage charges
    • Airport taxes (international—varies by location)
    • Cost of medical immunizations
    • Items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Accommodation

,Hilton Colon — Quito, Ecuador This upscale, high-rise hotel, set in the La Mariscal neighborhood, is short walk from Parque El Ejido and 2km from Spanish Colonial Old Town Quito. Featuring city or mountain views, the subdued, contemporary rooms have flat-screen TVs with premium channels, plus marble bathrooms and desks. Wi-Fi and room service are available. There are three restaurants (including a sushi bar), as well as a refined snack bar/cocktail lounge. Other perks include a fitness room, an outdoor pool, and a business center.   Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel — Aguas Calientes A luxury boutique hotel just steps from the train, but a secluded natural paradise. Located in the small town of Aguas Calientes on the banks of the Urubamba River, the Pueblo Hotel was rated by Travel + Leisure readers  as a top 500 hotel of the world in 2006. Rustic elegance distinguishes the private bungalows, each with its own fireplace, and the lush gardens are home to orchids, exotic birds and other flora and fauna. Check out this fantastic video introducing Inkaterra   Palacio del Inka-Cusco — Cusco Housed in a 500-year old mansion, the exquisite Palacio del Inka is located in the historic center of Cusco. Just a five-minute walk from the main square and less than a mile from museums, markets, and restaurants, Palacio del Inka puts the best of Cusco at your fingertips. The rooms are beautifully appointed, decorated with Peruvian art, handcrafted furnishings and modern conveniences and comforts such as LED TV, high-speed Internet access, and Starwood Hotels' signature Luxury Collection beds—among the most comfortable you'll ever sleep in. If you have time, enjoy a relaxing day at the spa, which offers idigenous treatments and a therapy pool.   Sol y Luna — Sacred Valley

Transportation & flights

Air Travel Airfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. For air reservations, we recommend you contact the airlines directly, either by phone or the Internet. In addition, many travelers elect to use their “frequent flyer” miles when traveling with us. But please check with our staff before purchasing or obtaining your tickets. We need to verify your arrival and departure schedule and ensure we have enough participants to operate the trip
Ship & cabin information
The Reina Silvia
At 90 feet long, the Reina Silvia was redesigned to create a pleasant atmosphere for groups of 12-16 guests. With a highly trained crew, the Reina Silvia accommodates her guests in six double cabins, four of which can be used as triples, upon request. The four lower deck cabins feature two single beds (and one Pullman bed, to accommodate a third guest, if desired). The two upper deck cabins feature two beds in each that can be used separately, or joined to form king size accommodation.  All cabins feature en suite bathrooms with shower, vanity and lavatory.
Type: motor-yacht Length: 90 ft Beam: 22 ft Draft: 5.5 ft Cruising Speed: 10 knots Guests: 12-16 Crew & Naturalists on Board: 8 Electronics Available: TV, CD. DVD (In each cabin) & VHS (In lounge and dining area) Cell & Satellite phone are available on board Features: two bars. large covered outdoor lounge, library, swim platform, kayaks. TV CD/DVD, satellite telephone, water distillation system, water treatment system
Cancellation policy
  • If written cancellation is received 120 days or more prior to departure, Cancellation fee will be $400
  • If written cancellation is received 119 to 90 days prior to departure, Cancellation fee will be 25% of Land Cost
  • If written cancellation is received 89 to 60 days prior to departure, Cancellation fee will be 50% of Land Cost
  • If written cancellation is received 59 days or fewer prior to departure, Cancellation fee will be 100% of Land Cost
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

13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches and 9  Dinners

Age Requirements
10 years and up
Children 10 and up are welcome.
Additional Information
Trip ID
mtsobe-ExpMacMou

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