Machu Picchu & The Galapagos Islands
A cross-continental journey connecting the mist-shrouded Andes of Peru with the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands.
"Booked a Machu Picchu & Galapagos trip for me and my family and it was wonderful."
— Stephen Massey
11+ Days
Lima or Galapagos
Custom
Moderate
April - October
Two Wonders, One Mindful Journey
This exclusive itinerary brings together South America's most iconic destinations. Start by immersing yourself in the ancient history of the Incas, culminating in a sunrise visit to Machu Picchu.
Then, trade the mountains for the sea as you fly to the Galapagos Islands for a curated expedition cruise. Walking among giant tortoises and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, this is not just a vacation; it's a deep dive into nature and history.
Machu Picchu & Galápagos Trip Highlights
What This Journey Typically Costs
Because every Machu Picchu & Galápagos journey we design is fully custom, pricing varies based on travel dates, accommodations, cruise selection, and internal flights.
As a general guideline
Starting from approximately $5,500 per person, based on double occupancy. Final pricing varies by season, hotel class, cruise selection, and internal flights. Every itinerary is custom-quoted.
These estimates include regional flights, guided experiences, and carefully selected accommodations. International airfare is typically quoted separately.
We’ll walk you through the options transparently and recommend what makes the most sense for your trip.
Daily Itinerary: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley & Galápagos
A carefully curated 11+ day expedition through the heart of the Inca Empire and the pristine wilderness of the Galapagos Islands.
Arrival in Lima
Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival at Lima airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Take the evening to relax and settle in after your journey.
Highlights
- Personal Meet & Greet
- Evening at leisure
Fly to Cusco & Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco and immediately transfer to the lower altitude of the Sacred Valley to help with acclimatization. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local hacienda, where you'll have the opportunity to sample local cuisine while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Highlights
- Scenic flight to Cusco
- Traditional Sacred Valley Lunch
- Private transfer service to Sacred Valley hotel
Exploring the Sacred Valley
Deepen your connection with Inca culture. Visit the circular agricultural terraces of Moray and the fascinating Maras salt mines, followed by the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo.
Highlights
- Moray terraces
- Maras Salt Mines
- Ollantaytambo Fortress
Machu Picchu Expedition
Board the Vistadome train for a scenic journey to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a private guided tour of the Lost City. While we typically return to Cusco in the evening, we can easily arrange an overnight stay if you'd like to revisit the ruins for sunrise the next day.
Highlights
- Vistadome train ride
- Private guided tour
- Return to Cusco
City Tour of Cusco
Explore the imperial city of Cusco. Visit the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), the Cathedral, and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Enjoy a free afternoon in the San Blas artisan quarter.
Highlights
- Cusco City Tour
- Coricancha Temple
- Sacsayhuaman ruins
Fly to Quito via Lima
Transfer to Cusco airport for your flight to Quito, Ecuador, with a brief connection in Lima. Upon arrival in Quito, a local representative will transfer you to your hotel.
Highlights
- Flight to Ecuador
- Private airport transfer
Quito City Tour & Equator
Discover the best-preserved colonial center in South America. Visit the Panecillo for views, the Basilica, and then head to 'Middle of the World' to stand on the Equator line.
Highlights
- Quito Historic Center
- Middle of the World
- Intiñan Solar Museum
Galapagos Cruise Expedition
Fly to the Galapagos and embark on your expedition cruise. While this itinerary includes a 4-day cruise, we can extend your stay to 5, 6, or 8+ days to explore more of the archipelago's 'living laboratory' of evolution. Snorkel with sea lions, walk among giant tortoises, and spot iconic blue-footed boobies.
Highlights
- 4 to 8+ Day Expedition Cruises
- Wildlife encounters
- Snorkeling excursions
What’s Included
Optional Extensions & Variations
Because every journey we design is fully custom, we can adjust timing and add extensions based on what you’re most excited about. Common options include:
Explore More Journeys
Looking for something slightly different? These itineraries offer alternative perspectives on Peru and the Galápagos.
Traveler Stories
"Booked a Machu Picchu & Galapagos trip for me and my family and it was wonderful. At each and every point, someone met us as scheduled for transfers and private tours."
— Stephen Massey · Verified Review
"We had a memorable experience in the Amazon, Galapagos and Machu Picchu. Thanks to Max for his meticulous planning, all went like clockwork. We saw remarkable places, met interesting people, and have fond memories of the trip."
— Greg Epstein · Verified Review
"My family and I worked with Max Levitt of Mindful Travel to arrange our trip to Peru. Max planned a wonderful week to Cusco and Machu Picchu. The whole experience was delightful, and I would use Mindful Travel again for future trips."
— Lynn Stevens · Verified Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your Journey
Ready to explore Peru and the Gal\u00e1pagos? Fill out the form to connect with a dedicated travel designer. We'll customize this combined itinerary to fit your exact preferences and reply within 24 hours.
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