Machu Picchu & Galapagos

15 days
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Small Group Tour
Combine two of the great adventure destinations in one trip: Machu Picchu, one of the New Wonders of the World, and the wildlife-watching haven of the Galapagos Islands. Starting in Peru, we explore the Inca empire, first visiting Cuzco and the nearby ruins, before taking the train through mountains and cloud forest to the once-lost city of Machu Picchu – hik...
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$9,207
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Visit the standout attractions in both Peru and Ecuador on one unforgettable adventure
    • Take a beautiful train ride to Machu Picchu, one of the New Wonders of the World
    • Hike a section of the Inca Trail at no extra cost
    • Visit Isla Lobos to relax on white sands and, hopefully, swim with sharks
    • See pirate lava caves and giant tortoises in the highlands of Floreana
    • Snorkel the wildlife-rich islets of Las Tintoreras, home to sharks, penguins and sea lions

What's this trip about?

    Combine two of the great adventure destinations in one trip: Machu Picchu, one of the New Wonders of the World, and the wildlife-watching haven of the Galapagos Islands. Starting in Peru, we explore the Inca empire, first visiting Cuzco and the nearby ruins, before taking the train through mountains and cloud forest to the once-lost city of Machu Picchu – hiking a section of the Inca Trail if you wish. It’s then off to the Galapagos, exploring land and sea in search of sharks, giant tortoises, sea lions and more with an expert naturalist guide.Two wonders, one adventure: Discover the once-lost city of the Incas in Peru and the Enchanted Isles of Ecuador

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityCuzco
End CityQuito

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Galapagos
  • Machu Picchu
  • Quito

Activities

  • Culture
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 6

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts and five lunches included
    • All accommodation
    • All land/sea transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader in Peru and a second tour leader in the Galapagos
    • Arrival transfers
    • Flights between Cuzco and Quito
    • Return flights from Quito to the Galapagos

Itinerary

Day 1 Start Cuzco

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 built on top of the Inca structures, resulting in uniq...

Day 2 Morning city tour; afternoon free

Explore the heart of the Inca empire this morning, seeing the highlights of Cuzco both in and above the city. In the centre, Cuzco Cathedral and Qoricancha (Sun Temple) feature arguably the finest examples of Inca stone craft. On the hill overlooking Cuzco, we visit t...

Day 3 Sacred Valley tour; visit Chinchero community for a traditional ‘pachamanca’ lunch; overnight Ollantaytambo

After breakfast, we travel (1hr 15min) through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, on the outskirts of Cuzco, as we head up to the traditional weaving community of Chinchero. Along with amazing views of the valley and Vilcabamba mountains, Chinchero offers the unique cult...

Day 4 Train to Aguas Calientes; optional Inca Trail hike via Wiñay Wayna ruins

Take the train (1hr 30min) to Aguas Calientes this morning, a lively town in the valley below Machu Picchu. The rest of the day is free to visit hot springs or shop in the large craft market. Our Machu Picchu entrance ticket is valid for tomorrow; however, should you...

Day 5 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 Inca...

Day 6 Fly to Quito

Say goodbye to our Peruvian tour leader today, as we leave Cuzco on a flight to Quito, Ecuador, via Lima. In the western cordillera of the Andes, Quito is the second highest capital in the world and, as always at altitude, it is a good idea not to do anything too strenuous at first! Classic accommodation: Hotel Vieja Cuba (or similar)

Day 7 Quito city tour

We have a half-day tour of Quito today, one of the smaller and more attractive capitals in South America. Our adventure takes us to the Plaza Grande, the main square, which is flanked by some of the most important landmarks in the city. We also visit the impressive Qu...

Day 8 Fly to San Cristóbal; visit La Lobería

Transfer to Quito Airport and fly to San Cristóbal in the Galapagos. Your Galapagos tour leader (an official naturalist guide) takes you from the airport to the hotel for check-in and our first briefing about our time in the archipelago. We have time to explore the to...

Day 9 Tour Isla Lobos and Playa Ochoa

Start your day with an exciting tour to Isla Lobos, a small island near San Cristóbal. This excursion takes you by boat to one of the best spots for observing sea lions in their natural habitat. Isla Lobos is also an excellent location for birdwatching, including frig...

Day 10 Boat to Floreana Island; visit the highlands

A three-hour navigation by motorboat takes us to Floreana, one of the first Galapagos islands to be inhabited. En route, we may see whales, dolphins and sea birds. After lunch, we visit the highlands, home to one of the few sources of freshwater in the entire archipel...

Day 11 Morning visit to Las Tintoreras Islet; afternoon exploration at the Wall of Tears

Spend 45 minutes sailing to the islets and lava channels of Las Tintoreras, one of the best places in the islands to see whitetip reef sharks, penguins and sea lions, with time to snorkel. On this morning excursion, we may be lucky enough to spot the endangered Chatha...

Day 12 Sail to Santa Cruz; visit Tortuga Bay; optional afternoon visit to Charles Darwin Research Station

Navigate by motorboat (two hours to 2hr 30min) to Santa Cruz and have breakfast at our hotel. After, we visit Tortuga Bay, a long stretch of white sand regarded as one of the best beaches in the Galapagos. The trail there is paved and takes 45 minutes to one hour, wit...

Day 13 Full-day boat tour to an uninhabited island

Visit either Bartolomé Island, South Plaza Island, Santa Fe Island or North Seymour (depending on national park restrictions). South Plaza has a remarkable vegetation of succulents and cacti that provide a unique habitat for land iguanas. The iguanas form small col...

Day 14 Transfer to Baltra airport, flight back to Quito where we have our final night

After a few days following the footsteps of Darwin, Cousteau and world-renowned scientists, it is time to say goodbye to the Enchanted Islands. After breakfast, we drive (one hour) to the airport at Baltra and fly to Quito for our final night. Classic accommodation: Vieja Cuba Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 End Quito

Our adventure ends after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to continue your adventure, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Quito.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,820
Price per day$455
Last Updated: 11/8/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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

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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 wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

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

Accommodation

The hotels on this adventure in Peru and Ecuador were chosen for their comfort and convenience, putting us as close to the action as possible. Below are the accommodations typically used. Cuzco: Hotel Hacienda Cuzco Plaza (nights 1-2 and 5) Within easy reach of the airport and the historic centre, Hacienda Cuzco Plaza is in an ideal location for the start of our trip. There is a shopping mall nearby, plus a small plaza outside for gentle strolls as you get used to the altitude. Ollantaytambo: Tunupa Lodge Hotel (night 3) The mountain-wrapped Tunupa Lodge has an undeniably scenic location in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It also has a bar and restaurant serving delicious local and international cuisines, plus a variety of drinks. Head to the lovely garden to relax and get to know your group a little better. Aguas Calientes: Hotel Hatun Inti Classic (night 4) In the heart of Aguas Calientes, Hatun Inti Classic is in the ideal spot to access Machu Picchu, while also being in easy reach of the town stores. In the hotel, there's also a top-floor restaurant with wonderful views of forested slopes. Quito: Vieja Cuba Hotel (night 6, 7 and 14) Taking over a pastel-pink colonial mansion, Vieja Cuba has a touch of the old world to it. The 26-room hotel also has a bar serving coffees, cocktails and more, plus a Mediterranean restaurant. Galapagos: nights 8-13 Lobo de Mar Hotel In the Galapagos, we use small, family-run hotels and guesthouses. They are well located for our adventures, meaning we can spend as much time as possible exploring the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife of the Enchanted Islands.
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
All breakfasts and five lunches are included on this trip. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets with toast, cereal, eggs, fruits and tea/coffee. Please note, we cannot guarantee wheat-/gluten-free products are available for breakfasts in all locations in Peru – you may wish to bring your own breakfast food if you have an intolerance. The included lunches are usually a set menu with two or three options. If you hike the Inca Trail, you also have a packed lunch that day. Peru: Food and drink can vary in price enormously in Peru. As a guideline, allow about US$15-US$20 per meal to eat at good restaurants (excluding alcohol). Cheaper food is abundant at small cafes, although sanitary conditions cannot be guaranteed. Bottled water and soft drinks are available for around US$1-US$2. Ecuador: Budget around US$60 for all meals in Quito. Drinks and incidentals are quite expensive in the Galapagos, as everything is imported from the mainland; however, as all food is provided in the Galapagos, your only expenditure for this portion of the trip is likely to be souvenirs and alcoholic beverages. Please note, the choice of meals in some areas of the Galapagos can be limited but special dietary requirements can usually be catered for if we are advised at the time of booking. When flying to and from the Galapagos, snacks are usually included on the flights.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 14 Classic nights (hotels, lodges and guesthouses)
  • Optional one-day Inca Trail hike (request on booking)
  • Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Spends time at altitude
  • Travel by flight, minibus, train and boat
Trip ID
exodus-APV

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