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Galápagos and Peru

    • 16-day journey with 8-day Galápagos voyage aboard the National Geographic Endeavour
    • Explore the Galápagos, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley of the Inca
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Expedition Details

Discover the natural wonders of the Galápagos and the magnificent cultural treasures of Peru. Explore the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, hike to ruins in the Urubamba Valley, examine pre-Columbian artifacts at Lima's renowned Larco Herrera Museum, and witness the sunrise on magical Machu Picchu.

Trip Highlights

  • Walk and snorkel among the abundant and fearless wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.
  • See day break over the ruins at Machu Picchu from the fabled Sun Gate.
  • Discover the monumental ancient fortresses of the Sacred Valley of the Inca.
  • Take in the splendor of Cusco's architecture, a rich mix of Inca and Spanish colonial styles.

Itinerary - 16 Days

Day 1 — U.S./Guayaquil, Ecuador

Depart for Guayaquil and upon arrival, transfer to our hotel.

Day 2 — Guayaquil/Galápagos

This morning, fly to the Galápagos Islands and board our comfortable expedition ship. During lunch, we begin our exploration of the islands.
(B,L,D)

Days 3 through 8 — Exploring Galápagos

In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our itinerary is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of this extraordinary wildlife sanctuary. You will have the opportunity to go on nature walks with local naturalists; swim; snorkel; or explore the waters by kayak, glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only), or Zodiac.
(B, L, D daily)

Listed below are some of the islands we may visit during our expeditions:*

Isla Bartolomé
Walk to the top of Bartolomé's volcanic cone for a stunning view of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding white sand beaches. You may also have the opportunity to swim with Galápagos penguins.

Isla Santiago
Follow a path along a series of tide pools and underwater caverns in search of Galápagos fur seals, marine iguanas, sea lions, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Isla Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a breeding station for endangered native species. Learn about the Darwin Foundation and their giant Galápagos tortoise breeding program. Visit “Lonesome George,” the last surviving tortoise of his kind. Later, travel into the highlands where wild tortoises forage.

Isla Isabela
Spend the early morning on the lookout for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and the unusual ocean sunfish, the Mola mola. Explore caves and hidden lagoons by Zodiac, and snorkel among sea turtles.

Isla Floreana
At Champion Islet, snorkel among sea lions, or peer into an underwater world in a glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only) while keeping an eye out for the endangered Floreana Mockingbird. Those interested can visit Post Office Bay—if you see a letter addressed to someone who lives near you, the tradition is to deliver it by hand.

Isla Fernandina
Discover the marine iguana haven of Punta Espinoza as we hike over lava flows. Galapagos hawks and sea lion nurseries are also found as we explore this island.

Isla Española
See Darwin's finches, boobies, and waved albatross on this birder's paradise. Walk among vivid green and red marine iguanas, and observe sea lions up close on a pristine white-sand beach.
(B,L,D)

Day 9 — Galápagos/Guayaquil

Depart Galápagos this morning and fly to Lima, Peru via Guayaquil, arriving in the early evening.
Ramada Costa Del Sol Airport Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 10 — Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley of the Inca

This morning, fly from Lima to Cusco and drive to Awanacancha, a farm where South American Camelidae are bred. Visit Pisac, the gateway to the Sacred Valley, and walk through the local food market before visiting nearby ruins.
Hotel Sol y Luna (B,L,D)

Day 11 — Sacred Valley of the Inca

Venture into the massive Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, go horseback riding, watch a Paso horse demonstration, go for a hike in the nearby countryside, or indulge in a spa treatment. Enjoy a barbecue dinner around the campfire, and take in a vibrant dance performance.
(B,L,D)

Day 12 — Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu

Travel to Machu Picchu this morning. Join a guide for an introduction to the site and then stay overnight at the Sanctuary Lodge—sharing Machu Picchu with only a handful of visitors.
Sanctuary Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 13 — Machu Picchu/Cusco

Before sunrise, hike to the Sun Gate, once the final checkpoint on the road to Machu Picchu. Watch day break over the quiet ruins. The morning is free to explore the site at your own pace. After a train and bus ride, we arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon for two nights at our elegant hotel.
Hotel Monasterio (B,L,D)

Day 14 — Cusco

Explore the Inca Empire's capital city of Cusco, and visit the vast Sacsayhuamán fortress. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax or stroll around the city, stopping in at one of the museums of the magnificent 17th-century cathedral and convent of Koricancha.
(B,L)

Day 15 — Cusco/Lima

Return to Lima this morning. Browse pre-Columbian artifacts at the renowned Larco Herrera Museum, and wander across the Plaza Mayor. Following a traditional Peruvian lunch, the afternoon is free.
Miraflores Park Hotel (B,L)

Day 16 — Lima/U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the Lima airport for your return flights.
(B)

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Expedition Dates

2012
  • Feb 11 - 26, 2012 [ISL] (waitlist only)
  • Feb 17 - Mar 03, 2012 [END]
  • Feb 25 - Mar 11, 2012 [ISL]
  • Mar 02 - 17, 2012 [END]
  • Mar 10 - 25, 2012 [ISL]
  • Mar 16 - Apr 01, 2012 [END]
  • Mar 23 - Apr 07, 2012 [END]
  • Mar 24 - Apr 08, 2012 [ISL]
  • Mar 30 - Apr 14, 2012 [END]
  • Apr 06 - 21, 2012 [END]
  • Apr 07 - 22, 2012 [ISL]
  • Apr 13 - 28, 2012 [END]
  • Apr 14 - 29, 2012 [ISL]
  • Apr 20 - 05, 2012 [END]
  • Apr 27 - May 12, 2012 [END]
  • May 04 - 19, 2012 [END] (waitlist only)
  • May 11 - 26, 2012 [END]
  • May 18 - Jun 02, 2012 [END]
  • May 25 - Jun 09, 2012 [END] (waitlist only)
  • Jun 01 - 16, 2012 [END] (waitlist only)
  • Jun 08 - 23, 2012 [END]
  • Jun 15 - 30, 2012 [END]
  • Jun 22 - Jul 07, 2012 [END] (waitlist only)
  • Jun 30 - Jul 15, 2012 [ISL]
  • Jul 06 - 21, 2012 [END] (waitlist only)
  • Jul 20 - Aug 04, 2012 [END]
  • Jul 27 - Aug 11, 2012 [END] (waitlist only)
  • Jul 28 - Aug 12, 2012 [ISL]
  • Aug 03 - 18, 2012 [END]
  • Aug 11 - 26, 2012 [ISL]
  • Aug 17 - Sep 01, 2012 [END] (waitlist only)
  • Aug 25 - Sep 09, 2012 [ISL]
  • Sep 01 - 16, 2012 [ISL] (waitlist only)
  • Sep 08 - 23, 2012 [ISL] (waitlist only)
  • Sep 15 - 30, 2012 [ISL]
  • Sep 28 - Oct 13, 2012 [END]
  • Oct 05 - 20, 2012 [END]
  • Oct 12 - 27, 2012 [END]
  • Oct 19 - Nov 03, 2012 [END] (waitlist only)
  • Oct 26 - Nov 10, 2012 [END] (waitlist only)
  • Nov 03 - 18, 2012 [ISL]
  • Nov 09 - 24, 2012 [END] (waitlist only)
  • Nov 17 - Dec 02, 2012 [ISL]
  • Nov 23 - Dec 08, 2012 [END] (waitlist only)
  • Dec 01 - 16, 2012 [ISL] (waitlist only)
  • Dec 07 - 22, 2012 [END] (waitlist only)
  • Dec 15 - 30, 2012 [ISL] (waitlist only)
  • Dec 21, 2012 - Jan 05, 2013 [END] (waitlist only)
  • Dec 29, 2012 - Jan 12, 2013 [ISL]

* Please note: Itineraries will vary slightly from week to week subject to the Galápagos National Park regulations. Each itinerary will include Isla Santa Cruz and a selection of the other stops listed in the itinerary.

With temperate weather year-round, any month is a great time to visit the Galápagos. Peak prices have been established for popular travel periods (i.e. summer vacation). See below for details.

[ISL] National Geographic Islander
[END] National Geographic Endeavour

Expedition Costs

2012 Prime
For departures between January 6-March 9, April 6-June 8, and Aug. 24-Dec. 14 in 2012.
Endeavour Islander
Category 1
 $9,040 $9,740
Category 2
 $9,790 $10,490
Category 3
 $10,290 $10,990
Category 4
 $10,790 $11,490
Category 5
 $12,540 $13,240

« Nov. 2009 - Feb. 2010 costs

2012 Peak
For departures between March 16-31 and June 15-Aug. 18 in 2012.
Endeavour Islander
Category 1
 $9,790 $10,240
Category 2
 $10,540 $10,990
Category 3
 $11,040 $11,490
Category 4
 $11,540 $11,990
Category 5
 $13,290 $13,740

« Nov. 2009 - Feb. 2010 costs

2012 Holiday
For departures leaving on December 21, 22, 28, and 29 in 2012.
Endeavour Islander
Category 1
 $10,290 $10,740
Category 2
 $11,040 $11,490
Category 3
 $11,540 $11,990
Category 4
 $12,040 $12,490
Category 5
 $13,790 $14,240

« Nov. 2009 - Feb. 2010 costs

View Ship/Deck Plan Prices are per person, double occupancy. 2013 rates and dates will be released soon!

PRIME SINGLE PRICING:
For a single cabin on the Endeavour, add $2,300 in Category 1 and $2,480 in Category 2. For a single cabin on the Islander, add $3,820 in Category 1 and $4,190 in Category 2.

PEAK SINGLE PRICING:
For a single cabin on the Endeavour, add $2480 in Category 1 and $2,670 in Category 2. For a single cabin on the Islander, add $4,065 in Category 1 and $4,440 in Category 2.

Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare between Miami and Guayaquil is from $660. Internal air charters between Guayaquil /Galapagos/Guayaquil /Lima and Lima /Cusco/Lima total $1,250 (subject to change).

Third person rates are available in a limited number of Category 3 and Category 5 cabins at one half the double occupancy rate (ship portion only).

Request a ReservationClick to see dates
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