Machu Picchu & The Galapagos Islands
Peru's Andes and the wildlife of the Galápagos, in one trip — planned around you, start to finish.
"Booked a Machu Picchu & Galapagos trip for me and my family and it was wonderful."
— Stephen Massey
11+ Days
Lima or Quito
Custom
Two of South America's Best, in One Trip
This itinerary brings together two of South America's most remarkable places. You'll start in the Andes, exploring Inca history through the Sacred Valley and Cusco, building toward an early visit to Machu Picchu.
Then you'll trade the mountains for the sea, flying to the Galápagos for an expedition cruise — walking among giant tortoises and snorkeling alongside sea lions and rays. It's a real immersion in nature and history, at a pace that's yours.
Machu Picchu & Galápagos Trip Highlights
Daily Itinerary: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley & Galápagos
A sample 11+ day route through the Inca heartland and the Galápagos. Yours will be shaped around your dates, pace, and interests.
Arrival in Lima
Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival at Lima airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on the time of arrival, you can opt to visit downtown or enjoy some of the incredible cuisine this city is known for.
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 This Trip Costs — All In
Every trip is custom, so your final price depends on your travel dates, accommodations, and which Galápagos cruise you choose.
Starting from
$4,995
per person, based on double occupancy
Includes your regional flights within Peru and Ecuador, guided experiences, and hand-picked accommodations.
That's the real, all-in number. Many operators advertise a lower starting price, then add local flights on top.
We'll walk you through the options plainly and recommend what actually makes sense for your trip, not the most expensive version of it.
Explore Galápagos Vessels
Compare expedition vessels by class, capacity, and onboard style to understand what best fits your travel priorities.
What's Included
Optional Extensions & Variations
Because we design every trip from scratch, we can adjust the timing or add extensions around 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
Every Mindful Travel trip is planned personally by Max. Read our story →
Start Your Journey
Ready to plan Peru and the Galápagos? Send us a few details and we'll start shaping this trip around your dates and travel style. We reply personally, usually within 24 hours — no obligation, and no deposit to get a proposal.
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