Machu Picchu + the Galapagos Cruise (2025 Itinerary)
Tour Operator
Tour Code
1300
Start City
Lima
End City
Quito
Tour Style
Tour Quality
First Class
Tour Length
14 days
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, May 10, 2025 | Friday, May 23, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, May 24, 2025 | Friday, Jun 06, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Jun 21, 2025 | Friday, Jul 04, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Jul 19, 2025 | Friday, Aug 01, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Aug 16, 2025 | Friday, Aug 29, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Sep 13, 2025 | Friday, Sep 26, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Oct 11, 2025 | Friday, Oct 24, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Nov 08, 2025 | Friday, Nov 21, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Dec 06, 2025 | Friday, Dec 19, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
All the Tour Operator Offers & More
Save 7% Off this Tour - Guaranteed!
$600 Off Pay-In-Full Savings
$600 Off Pay-In-Full Savings
Promotion Details
Save $600 per couple ($300 solo) on Small Group, Small Ship and Private Journeys when you book and pay-in-full within 7 days of booking and prior to the final payment date. Plus as always, receive our AffordableTours.com 7% extra everyday savings. (Not all dates/itineraries apply, contact your Travel consultant for applicable dates.)
Must Book By Wed, Dec 31, 2025
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Offer valid on new bookings only. Discounted rates are per person. For travel in 2025 and 2026. Cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or discount. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer is capacity controlled and may be removed at anytime without notice.
Family & Friends Discount: Save $100
Family & Friends Discount: Save $100
Promotion Details
Travel is one of life's most rewarding experiences, perhaps even more so when it's shared with those you love! Take advantage of our Family & Friends offer and Save $100 per person anytime you book 4 or more people on the same A+R program.
Combinable with pay-in-full discount.
Must Book By Wed, Dec 31, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›
Applies to new bookings only. Offer combinable with pay-in-full discount. Certain restrictions may apply.
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Cities Visited
Cusco Genovesa Island Lima Machu Picchu Quito Sacred Valley Santiago Island
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Day 1
Day 1 - Welcome to LimaGeneral Tours 5-star hotel is wonderfully situated in the upscale seaside district of Miraflores overlooking the Pacific, from a striking cliff-top setting.
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Day 2
Day 2 - Discover LimaJoin General Tours expert resident guide to discover the Colonial-era landmarks, colorful neighborhoods and vibrant city life of the capital. Begin in Plaza Mayor and admire the Cathedral; built in the 18th century, this handsome landmark is the oldest on the Square. Right next door, the Archbishop’s Palace is easily recognized by its grand wooden balcony. Just a few blocks away, the historic Church and Convent of San Francisco is perhaps the most impressive of Lima’s Colonial monuments. Behind its striking yellow and white façade, you’ll find a beautifully decorated interior with glazed ceramic tiles from Spain and carved ceilings that show a strong Moorish influence.
Then tour the highly regarded Larco Museum; its superb collection of pre-Columbian artifacts is a great introduction to the many ancient sites you’ll explore in the coming days. You'll enjoy lunch here at the enchanting Cafe del Museo.
Next up is a guided stroll through Barranco, a charming city neighborhood that has attracted writers and artists since the early 20th century. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural enclave with thriving studios, galleries and cafes. We’ll end General Tours day at the Jade Rivera Museum, home to the Peruvian visual artist, muralist, technique researcher and constant apprentice. With more than 20 years of experience, he focuses his work on representing situations of daily and cultural life, through an imagery that embraces the emotions and the spiritual of the human being. Jade understands that the street is a communication tool and that the murals are codes of reflection between the passerby and the wall, with the main purpose of posing questions to the viewer but not giving answers. Motivated by the language of the mural, he supports and strengthens his graphics with a strong admiration for animals and visual poetry. Dine tonight at one of General Tours favorite Lima restaurants. Meals: B+L+D -
Day 3
Day 3 - Fly to Cuzco and on to the Sacred ValleyAfter an early breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your included flight to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca. Then head to the Sacred Valley to Maras to see the salt mines; worked for generations by the same families, these remarkable terraced pools cascade down the mountainside and across the valley. Then journey across the highlands to the circular terraces of Moray, perhaps one of Peru’s most fascinating and enigmatic sights. Scholars speculate that the ancient Inca may have used these terraces a type of agricultural testing station to study the effects of temperature and wind upon their crops. Today’s lunch on the Wayra Ranch includes a lively demonstration featuring Peruvian Paso horses. Dressed in the traditional garb of the Qoriilazos (Peruvian cowboys), these skilled riders will demonstrate extraordinary passion, discipline and training. Meals B+L.
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Day 4
Day 4 - Through the Sacred Valley to Machu PicchuA two-day visit to Machu Picchu with Yaki, General Tours expert Andean Trip Leader, begins with an unforgettable rail journey through the Urubamba River Valley, a timeless region of snow-capped Andean peaks, quiet villages and terraced fields that have been cultivated for centuries.
On arrival in the beguiling town of Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a coach for the 30-minute ride up the switchback mountain road that brings you to the entrance to Machu Picchu. The fabled Lost City of the Inca is certainly the single greatest landmark in Peru – and perhaps all of South America. Indeed, little can be written here that would do justice to the breathtaking grandeur of its mountain setting, the enigmatic aura that permeate this ancient citadel, and the unforgettable experience of standing among these ancient stones. And accompanied by General Tours Yaki’s illuminating insight, your visit will bring to life the ancient civilization that built Machu Picchu.
After sightseeing, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for an overnight at the luxury Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, nestled in a riverside cloud forest below the Lost City. Meals B+L+D -
Day 5
Day 5 - Morning at Machu Picchu + Back to Cuzco by RailThis morning, we’ve included your transportation and entry ticket so you can ascend again with your guide to explore Machu Picchu. At this early hour, the day-visitors from Cuzco and the Sacred Valley have yet to arrive… With fewer people and the softer light of morning just breaking over the mountain peaks, an early-morning visit to Machu Picchu is one of the most memorable travel experiences you will ever have.
In the afternoon, you’ll make the return rail journey through the Sacred Valley back to Cuzco. On arrival, you’ll be escorted to the luxurious Belmond Palacio Nazarenas where your specially oxygenated room promises a unique stay. Meals B+L -
Day 6
Day 6 - Discover Cuzco In DepthThis morning, you’ll begin your exploration of the city with the handsome Colonial landmarks that surround the Plaza de Armas - including the Cathedral that was completed in 1654 after nearly a century of construction. Then ascend with General Tours expert Andean guide into the mountain peaks outside of town. Perched here overlooking the terra cotta roofs of Cuzco are the magnificent ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Built in the 1400’s by the Inca Emperor Pachacútec, the massive limestone blocks of this venerated complex were cut with such precision that they fit together without mortar like the interlocking pieces of a jigsaw puzzle! With some individual stones towering more than 10 feet tall and weighing several hundreds of tons, Sacsayhuaman is a monumental achievement of architecture and masonry. Continue on to Manos de la Comunidad. With a mission to preserve the traditional textile arts of the region, you’ll see native weavers from these different communities as they create beautiful textiles using techniques that have been passed down for generations. You’ll also see the indigenous camelids that are the source for the wool that is used for weaving: Alpacas have thick wool that is ideal for sweaters and blankets while vicunas are small and delicate creatures with very fine wool; Llamas and guanacos also roam around Manos de la Comunidad.
Your sightseeing ends at the Temple of the Sun and Convent of Santo Domingo. Regarded as one of South America’s most architecturally fascinating sites, it also demonstrates the fascinating layers of history here in Cuzco - where a sacred structure of one culture, the Convent, literally sits atop and practically encloses another, the Inca-built Temple of the Sun! Meals B -
Day 7
Day 7 - Onward to QuitoAfter breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your included international flight to Ecuador. Upon arrival in the capital, you’ll be met and escorted to the Casa Gangotena, a Relaix & Chateaux luxury hotel in the historic heart of this World Heritage city. Meals B+D
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Day 8
Day 8 - Excursion to OtavaloToday’s full-day excursion starts with a magnificent morning drive along the Avenue of Volcanoes, a route that takes you north of Quito into a stunning region of towering snow-capped mountains, including the perfectly cone-shaped silhouette of Cotopaxi, an active volcano, and the equally impressive, slightly more rugged peak of Cayambe. At the Quitsato Sundial, set on the equator, you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other one firmly planted in the Southern Hemisphere.
Your journey continues to the beguiling Andean town of Otavalo. In the main square, you’ll join other visitors, local residents, and indigenous peoples who come from the surrounding mountain villages to sell, barter and shop in one of South America’s most celebrated markets. Many are dressed in traditional Andean garb and the variety of products for sale is astounding – local farm produce, woven rugs, jewelry, clothing, stone carvings, paintings, musical instruments, household products, leather goods and pottery are among the many items you’ll find!
Also today, you’ll spend time on a family-run rose farm, to see and learn how the region’s mountain climate, so close to the equator, has proven ideal for the cultivation of numerous varieties of roses and hybrids. Indeed, Ecuador is one of the world’s leading exporters of roses and other cut flowers. Before making the return journey to Quito, you’ll stop at an authentic high-mountain hacienda for a delightful lunch of traditional Ecuadorean fare. Meals B+L -
Day 9
Day 9 - The History + Culture of QuitoToday’s expertly guided sightseeing tour through the city’s finely preserved Old Town includes the Metropolitan Cathedral that was built over the course of nearly 300 years between 1562 and the early 19th century. Nearby stands the Church and Convent of San Francisco; considered to be one of the oldest churches in Latin America, built just one month after the arrival of the Spanish, it stands upon the foundations of an ancient Inca temple. Inside you will admire a uniquely ornamented ceiling with Moorish design elements and a beautiful Baroque altar.
With unique and personal insight from General Tours engaging resident guide, your city tour will illuminate fascinating facets of the local culture. You’ll discover thriving studios, workshops, and boutiques. Spend time with some of the area’s resident artisans including a visit to the Shacha Warmi Gallery, a haven where art and tradition intertwine and the Loachamin Gallery, whose sculptures and paintings are inspired by nature and rooted in Ecuador’s natural and cultural heritage. Stop at a renowned artisanal Ecuadorian chocolate gallery, where you will learn about the process leading to the final tasting. Meals: B -
Day 10
Day 10 - Embark your Galapagos VoyageYou’ll be escorted to the airport this morning for your included flight to Baltra Island in the center of the archipelago. On arrival, cross the narrow Itabaca Channel by ferry to Santa Cruz Island and sit down to lunch at a local restaurant. Then join General Tours expert naturalist for an exciting excursion into the Santa Cruz Highlands. Observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat, learn about the unique ecosystem of this pristine nature reserve, and discover its unusual lava tube formations.
Then travel to Puerto Ayora to board General Tours Galapagos vessel, the intimate La Pinta. You’ll have time to settle in to your Upper Deck outside stateroom before joining fellow passengers for dinner. This evening’s briefing with General Tours expert shipboard naturalists offers an entertaining and informative introduction to your upcoming voyage. Meals B+L+D -
Day 11
Day 11 - Eden Islet + Chinese Hat IsletToday’s excursions explore the diversity of two small and uninhabited isles. In the morning, a guided expedition in General Tours maneuverable panga boats takes you along the shores of Eden Islet, where you might observe Nazca and blue footed boobies diving into the sea for food, reef sharks and frigatebirds. Conditions permitting, this is also a great place to take advantage of General Tours free snorkeling gear and glass bottom boat. With its cinder cones, tuff cones and semi-eroded lava flows, Eden Islet also offers a chance to learn more about the volcanic origins of the Galapagos Islands.
After lunch, a guided nature walk on Chinese Hat Islet offers a chance to espy marine iguanas, Galapagos hawks, sea lions and Galapagos penguins. There’s also terrific snorkeling here amongst white-tipped reef sharks and penguins, or you might choose to explore these waters by sea kayak, glass-bottom boat or panga. Meals B+L+D -
Day 12
Day 12 - Bartolomé + Santiago IslandsAfter breakfast, join General Tours naturalists ashore for an invigorating walk to the summit of Bartolomé Island. A network of wooden stairs and boardwalks protects the fragile environment, including small lava lizards and a species of cactus found only in the Galapagos. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most picturesque and memorable vistas of your Galapagos adventure! Later, a panga boat excursion around Pinnacle Rock offers a great opportunity to photograph this iconic natural formation. Before returning to La Pinta for lunch, you’ll have time to relax on the beach, snorkel or ride in the glass-bottom boat.
In the afternoon, you’ll step ashore at Sullivan Bay on the southeastern coast of Santiago Island. There was a major eruption here only 100 years ago, and the sinuous Pāhoehoe lava formations look almost like still-flowing molten lava. There may not be much wildlife here, but the barren, other-worldly landscape makes for remarkable photography, and this is a great place to observe and experience the volcanic origins of the Galapagos archipelago. In addition, the lovely coral sand beach of Sullivan Bay is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Meals B+L+D -
Day 13
Day 13 - Two Landings on Genovesa IslandGenovesa is celebrated for its remarkable birdlife including magnificent frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed and lava gulls, and yellow-crowned herons. This morning, you’ll step ashore with General Tours naturalists at Darwin Bay. From the small sand and coral beach, an easy trail winds its way along a tidal lagoon, offering myriad opportunities to observe and learn about the island’s birdlife. After your guided walk, you can hike along a more challenging lava trail to a look-out point, go for a swim or snorkel in the bay. The more adventurous can paddle or snorkel along the cliffs at the edge of the bay.
After lunch back onboard, you’ll explore Prince Philip’s Steps - named for Prince Philip who visited the Galapagos in 1964 aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. As you approach the lava cliffs in General Tours panga boats, keep your eyes peeled for animals using the crevices for shelter and for red-billed tropicbirds flying overhead. You’ll make landing at the base of a staircase that leads to the top of the cliffs where a mile-long path will take us to the other side of this small island. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to espy large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels and the elusive short-eared owl. Meals B+L+D -
Day 14
Day 14 - Fly to the Mainland for DepartureAfter breakfast, you’ll disembark on Baltra Island and transfer to the airport for your included flight to either Guayaquil or Quito - where you can connect to your homeward flight. Or if you wish, you can extend your stay with us in Ecuador. Meals B
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Questions & Answers Ask A Question
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.
Overall Rating
4.1
Accommodations
4
Itinerary
4.2
Professional Staff
4.4
Repeat with Operator
3.9
Value for Money
3.8
Our tour guide was the best! He was knowledgeable about the country, always early, courteous and made us feel welcome in his country. Our tour had a side trip that was incredible due to our guide's particular experiences, The pick of our guide for our trip was absolutely perfect. Thank you for making our trip so wonderful.
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Operator: GlobusStarts
LimaEnds
GuayaquilDays
13From
$7704
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It would be helpful if we had name tags for the other guest and guides. Fabulous that we were met inside the terminal not outside on the street. Everything was better than I expected.