Machu Picchu Galapagos Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Machu Picchu Galapagos Tours & Trips

• How long should I plan for a combined Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands tour?

  A well-planned tour covering both destinations typically takes 11-15 days. The recommended schedule includes 4-5 days in the Cusco and Machu Picchu region with stays at properties like Hotel Hacienda Cusco Plaza followed by 5-6 days exploring the Galapagos Islands on ships such as the Treasure of Galapagos. This timeframe lets travelers complete key experiences like the Inca Trail trek visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station and water activities with marine life. As noted by TourRadar travelers "15 days felt perfect to see both destinations without feeling rushed."

• What type of accommodation can I expect on a Machu Picchu Galapagos tour?

  The accommodations range from 3-star hotels to upscale lodges and expedition ships. Cusco stays feature properties like Hotel Hacienda Cusco Plaza or Tunupa Lodge in the Sacred Valley. Galapagos accommodations are split between land-based hotels such as Grand Hotel Lobo de Mar on Santa Cruz Island and expedition vessels like the Delfin III. A TourRadar traveler noted "The mix of historic hotels in Peru and modern cruise accommodation in the Galapagos gave us the best of both worlds."

• What's included in meals during these combination tours?

  The tour packages cover daily breakfast at hotels such as Hotel Vieja Cuba in Quito and Hotel Hacienda Cusco Plaza in Cusco. Full-day excursions include lunch featuring Peruvian specialties in the Sacred Valley and fresh seafood in the Galapagos. Cruise portions provide all meals with both international and regional dishes. According to a TourRadar traveler "The food exceeded expectations especially the fresh ceviche in Lima and the varied menu aboard the Galapagos cruise."

• How do tours handle the altitude difference between destinations?

  Tour itineraries start in Lima at sea level before moving to Cusco at 11152 feet allowing gradual adaptation. Schedules include a rest day in Cusco before Machu Picchu exploration with accommodations at places like Hotel Hacienda Cusco Plaza which offer oxygen if needed. The sea-level Galapagos portion follows the high-altitude activities. A TourRadar traveler noted "The tour sequence helped us adjust to the altitude naturally with plenty of time to rest when needed."

• What kind of wildlife encounters can I expect in the Galapagos portion of the trip?

  The Galapagos offers close encounters with giant tortoises at Santa Cruz Island breeding centers marine iguanas at Tintoreras Islets blue-footed boobies on North Seymour and sea lions at Bachas Beach. Snorkeling sessions bring you face-to-face with sea turtles rays and Galapagos penguins. As one TourRadar traveler shared "Snorkeling through a canyon with our guide in the Tintoreras Islets over dozens of snoozing white-tipped reef sharks was awesome."

• What kind of cultural experiences are included in these tours?

  The tours blend natural wonders with cultural heritage through visits to Sacred Valley indigenous communities Pisac markets and Cusco's Inca sites. Galapagos portions include education at the Charles Darwin Research Station and visits to fishing villages. Properties like Tunupa Lodge Hotel in Ollantaytambo offer local cultural connections. A TourRadar traveler shared "The mix of Inca history and Galapagos conservation created a perfect balance of cultural and natural experiences."