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Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery | Plus Machu Picchu (Western Route) (2025)

Name: Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery | Plus Machu Picchu (Western Route) (2025)
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 8634 USD
Availability: InStock

Country:

Peru

Flight:

Included

Favorite

Tour id:

268582

Operator:

Hurtigruten
Length:

10 days
Group size:

2 pax
Age:

6 to 90
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

13.09-22.09.25 scheduled
27.09-06.10.25 scheduled
11.10-20.10.25 scheduled
25.10-03.11.25 scheduled
08.11-17.11.25 scheduled
22.11-01.12.25 scheduled
14.02-23.02.26 scheduled
14.03-23.03.26 scheduled

Itinerary

Galápagos Islands Cruise | Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery Plus Machu Picchu\nExperience magnificent Machu Picchu and the incredible natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands on this combined land and sea adventure \nSee unique Galápagos wildlife, such as giant tortoises and marine iguanas, as you visit the islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, and Floreana \nLearn about these incredible islands and Charles Darwin’s research from your expert Expedition Team, comprised of local naturalist guides \nExplore the Galápagos Islands by kayak, glass-bottom boat, and stand-up paddleboard, and enjoy nature walks, hikes, snorkeling, and swimming

Tour program

Day 1

Your land adventure begins

Start your adventure in ancient and modern Lima Welcome to Peru, one of the most fascinating countries in South America! If you have time after your arrival in Lima before settling in at your hotel for an overnight stay, we suggest you wander historical center, which is packed with elegant Spanish colonial architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or why not walk along the oceanfront boardwalk in the upmarket Miraflores district. Here, you’ll find many restaurants and cafés, as well as shops if you need to purchase anything ahead of your adventure. Lima is considered the food capital of Latin America, so be sure to try local dishes like ceviche, which is raw fish marinated in lime juice with onion and chili. 

Day 2

City of the Incas and a cultural gem

Explore the ancient seat of the Inca Empire In the morning, you’ll take a flight to Cusco, the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. A local guide will take you to check in at your hotel, before inviting you on a guided tour of this enigmatic city.   You’ll see impressive Inca structures contrasted with ornate buildings from Spanish colonial times. Visit the 15th-century ceremonial compound of Sacsayhuaman, or admire the architecture of the Spanish Santo Domingo church, a convent built on the ruins of Koricancha, the Inca Sun Temple. After your tour of the highlights of this cultural and architectural gem, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 3

Back in time to a lost world

Discover the lost city of the Incas An early morning transfer will take you to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, from where you’ll catch a train along the narrow-gauge line to Machu Picchu, passing through stunning highland scenery along the way. After around two hours, we’ll stop at the small town of Aguas Calientes and take the short bus ride to Machu Picchu – the so-called Lost City of the Incas. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of this once-hidden settlement, marveling at the stonewalls, terraces and ramps that are carved into the mountain. You’ll love the peaceful atmosphere of Machu Picchu as you gaze at the lowland jungle from this city in the clouds. After lunch, we’ll return to Cusco where you’ll enjoy your final night at the hotel.

Day 4

Quito – city of eternal spring

Discover the vibrant city of QuitoThe day begins with breakfast at your hotel. We’ll then drive to the airport in Cusco for the morning flight via Lima to Ecuador. You´ll arrive in Quito in the afternoon. Your journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s packed with well-preserved colonial architecture as evidenced in colorful plazas, magnificent churches and handsome monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore.

Day 5

Visit historic Quito

Straddle the Equator at the Middle of the World City Today you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town – one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture – and sample some delicious chocolate made from finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way. Next, you’ll head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line of the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

Day 6

Your cruise begins

Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits. In the afternoon we’ll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands following the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón – Dragon Hill – where we’ll land. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish lagoon that’s frequented by shorebirds and American Flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as a chance to get a first look at some land iguanas.

Day 7

Wildlife-rich Isabela and Fernandina

Scan the coastline and seas for iconic species You’ll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca, on the north-western tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we’ll explore the coast by panga boat, learning about the dramatic geology of the area from your naturalist guides. This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for Flightless Cormorants, Galápagos Penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you’ll get to snorkel alongside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sun fish, and fur seals. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a big population of marine iguanas. Scan the coast for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks and penguins.

Day 8

Darwin’s Santa Cruz

Meet the famous giant tortoises of Galápagos Today, you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we’ll disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. A giant tortoise breeding centre, here you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches – the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. There’s also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that’s home to many land birds. Enjoy a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises shuffle about munching on grass and wallowing in pools. You'll have time for another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.

Day 9

Picturesque Floreana

Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlife After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a panga boat ride among the channels on Floreana’s north shore, before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later on, we’ll land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. After lunch, you’ll explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard our glass-bottom boat. Here, you can snorkel in one of the best spots in the archipelago. From there, it’s onwards to Cormorant Point, where we’ll take a walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon, where you can commonly see American Flamingos, Pintail Ducks and more.

Day 10

Back to Baltra

Your adventure comes to an end As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. We’ll also say farewell to our wonderful crew and naturalist guides as we disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. Please contact us at the time of booking to continue on to Quito at the end of your tour.To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our optional Post-Programs.

Tour Details

Accommodation

One night in Lima, two nights in Cusco, and two nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast. Dinner on Days 2–5.

Transport

Transfers between the airport and the hotel in Quito before the expedition cruise

Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

Flights in economy class from Lima to Cusco, and from Cusco to Quito (via Lima), including all taxes

Roundtrip flights in economy class (from Quito to Baltra, and Baltra to Guayaquil. Or, you can continue from Guayaquil to Quito. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. Please contact us to continue on to Quito at the end of your tour.)

Additional services

Flights in economy class from Lima to Cusco and from Cusco to Quito (via Lima), all taxes included

Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra, all taxes included

Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee

Transit Control Card for the Galápagos Islands

Access to the airport lounge at the Quito (or Guayaquil) airport upon return from the Galápagos Islands for guests flying internationally on the day of disembarkation

Stay in a cabin of your choice

Complimentary tea and coffee

Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†

Complimentary reusable water bottle

Range of included activities

Complimentary wetsuit rental

Welcome and farewell cocktails

In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team

Use of our Science Center, which features a small library and microscope

The Citizen Science Program allows guests to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects.

Our onboard professional photographer will give photography tips and teach techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife photos.

Use of the ship’s hot tubs and gym

Escorted landings with small panga boats

Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities

Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you.

All planned activities are subject to weather conditions

Your flight from Baltra will go to Quito. If you wish to end your expedition in Guayaquil, please advise your booking agent.

The land program in Peru and Quito, Ecuador takes place at high altitudes. At 11,100 feet and 9,350 feet above sea level, respectively, you might experience mild altitude sickness.

The land-based tour in Peru involves long stretches of active travel and walking over uneven terrain. Be prepared for climates varying from high altitude to tropical.

Excursions and activities are subject to change

Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements

No gratuities are expected

Additional services

Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings

International flights

Travel protection

Baggage handling

Meals

Tour package: Cusco and Machu Picchu, as described, including excursions with lunch, train tickets, entrance fees, and transfers from the hotel to the airport in Lima and within Cusco before the expedition cruise

Full-day excursion: Historic Quito and Middle of the World, including lunch, before the expedition cruise

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages*

Guide

English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore

Join informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings.

Good to know

Currency

PEN

Sol

Peru

Customer reviews

Operator

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.