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Panoramic view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, the Peru leg of a Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour

Machu Picchu and Galápagos Tour: 8 Days from Cusco to the Islands

Days Icon 8 Days
Location icon Galapagos Peru
Budget icon From USD 3,140 p.p.
Request a quote Book now

Machu Picchu and Galápagos Tour Summary

This 8-day Machu Picchu and Galápagos tour combines two of South America’s iconic destinations without treating either as a stopover. Begin in Peru with time to acclimatize in Cusco, explore the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo, and take the train to Machu Picchu. Then fly to the Galápagos for the Santa Cruz highlands, an outer island excursion, and La Lobería on San Cristóbal. With local guides throughout, this itinerary brings together Andean culture, ancient history, and the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos.

Rebecca Adventure Travel is a B Corp Certified, female-founded tour operator based in Quito, with ground teams in Peru and Ecuador. The tour includes the return flight Guayaquil – Galápagos, Machu Picchu entry and train tickets, airport transfers, guided excursions, and 24/7 local support throughout your journey.

Note: Included on this tour are the return flights Guayaquil – Galápagos (GYE – GPS – GYE), Machu Picchu entry and train tickets, Galápagos transfers and excursions, and 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch, and Spanish. Flights within Peru, the Cusco – Guayaquil flight and international flights are not included. Park entry and the INGALA card are paid in cash on arrival.

Highlights

  • check Machu Picchu

    Explore the iconic 15th-century Inca citadel, walking among its terraces, temples, and stonework while taking in the surrounding Andean peaks.

  • check Cusco

    Explore Peru’s UNESCO-listed highland capital, where Inca foundations, colonial architecture, lively markets, and centuries of Andean culture meet.

  • check Isla Lobos

    Sail to this islet off San Cristóbal to hike among blue-footed boobies and a large sea lion colony, then snorkel in the surrounding waters.

  • check Island day trip

    Sail to Bartolomé, Floreana or North Seymour, depending on park regulations, to hike volcanic landscapes and snorkel with marine wildlife.

Reviews

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Amberly W profile picture 
 
 
 Amberly W 
 
03/09/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
Wonderful private, accessible tour of Peru and the Galapagos
I am a travel agent and used Rebecca Adventures for my clients for a private tour of Peru and the Galapagos. They wanted specifically to focus on trekking and I couldn't find any options that encompassed everything they wanted all in one place. Other private tour companies were not based in Latin America and were way over budget. I am so glad I came across this company. They have a 24 hour support chat with someone in the area (not a call center) and they replied within a few minutes each time with various questions from my clients. They seamlessly accommodated one of the travelers who had accessibility and dietary needs without issue. I will definitely be using them again.
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 jmmedic profile picture 
 
 
 jmmedic 
 
23/01/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
Peru and MP
Our guide was the best guide we have ever had on any of our trips (over 50 Countries). Accommodations were great.
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 becsant profile picture 
 
 
 becsant 
 
12/08/2019
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
An amazing 20 days in a once in lifetime family South American adventure
We were looking for an agency to help us plan and organise our family's South American adventure and stumbled upon Rebecca Adventure Travel online. When we emailed their online contact information service, Andres responded within 24 hours. He proceed to put together a comprehensive travel itinerary covering Peru and Ecuador over 20 days. The tour was extremely enjoyable for our family of 2 adults and 3 primary aged children, and we managed to cover many key tourist destinations. In Peru we visited Cusco, Macchu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, took the train from Cusco to Puno and Lima. In Ecuador we visited Quito, Mindo Valley, Lake Cotacahi, Hacienda Pinsaqui, Condor Park, the Otavalo Market and finished off our adventure with a 5 day cruise in the Galapogos. Our travel arrangements were all well made with helpful and informative guides meeting us on arrival at every destination, clean hotels and transportation. Meals were excellent wherever we stopped from lunch / dinner. All of the tickets for entry to the various destinations were pre arranged and timed to make our travel as efficient as possible with minimal waiting time. There were some exciting activities along the way including horse riding in the Sacred Valley and Hacienda Pinsaqui, dancing to Inca music on the train to Puno and zipline park in the Mindo Valley. We would highly recommend the MV Galapagos Legend as an ideal cruise ship for families visiting the Galapagos. Value for money was fair for what we required. We cross checked their prices against 2 other service providers and found Rebecca Adventure Travel to be competitive and relatively good value for money compared to some "luxury" international travel companies offering similar services from London / Singapore. We would highly recommend Rebecca Travel as a service provider in Ecuador and Peru.
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor rating score: 4.9 of 5, 
based on 588 reviews

Prices

Prices, based on number of guests, start at:
1 guestUSD 4,082 p.p.
2 or more guestsUSD 3,140 p.p.

Machu Picchu and Galápagos Tour: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Download itinerary

  • DAY 1: Cusco arrival and acclimatisation

    Historic colonial courtyard and arched arcade with a stone dome tower near Cusco Main Square under cloudy sky

    Today begins your grand Machu Picchu and Galápagos tour! It starts with your arrival at Cusco Airport, where your private transfer will take you to your hotel. Take some time to settle in and adjust to the altitude before beginning your first exploration of the city.

    Later, meet your guide for a tour of the ruins surrounding Cusco. Visit Sacsayhuamán, with its enormous zigzagging stone walls, then continue to Puca Pucara, Qenko and Tambomachay, the site of the Inca baths. Return to your hotel after exploring the archaeological sites.

    • Activity Activity:Hiking. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Antigua Casona San Blas or similar.

  • DAY 2: Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo and the train to Aguas Calientes

    Couple celebrating above the ancient circular Moray terraces in the Sacred Valley of Peru under rolling mountains

    This morning, travel through the Sacred Valley, once an important center of Inca settlement. Visit the Pisac market, where local communities from throughout the region gather to sell traditional crafts and produce.

    In the afternoon, explore the well-preserved ruins of Ollantaytambo before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy panoramic views of the Andes along the route, then settle into your hotel and have dinner in the evening.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car. Train.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:El Mapi Hotel or similar.

  • DAY 3: Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

    Panoramic view of the ancient stone ruins of Machu Picchu set against dramatic green peak of Huayna Picchu in Peru

    Start the day with a bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, the remarkable Inca citadel set high above the Urubamba River. Explore the archaeological site with your guide and learn about its history, architecture and setting in the Andes.

    After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes and board the Executive Train to Ollantaytambo. From there, continue by private vehicle to Cusco with your guide.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Bus. Car. Train.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Antigua Casona San Blas or similar.

  • DAY 4: Cusco to Guayaquil

    Charming cobblestone stairs lined with colorful colonial buildings and vintage streetlamps in historic Guayaquil City

    Today you’ll transfer to Cusco Airport for your flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Upon arrival, the hotel shuttle will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation.

    Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for an evening city tour of Guayaquil. Use the opportunity to explore the city before continuing your journey to the Galápagos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    • Activity Activity:Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Wyndham Hotel Guayaquil or similar.

  • DAY 5: Flight to Baltra, Los Gemelos and the Santa Cruz highlands

    A giant tortoise with its mouth wide open amidst lush green grass in the Santa Cruz Highlands of the Galápagos Islands

    After landing at Baltra Airport, your guide will take you across Santa Cruz Island toward the highlands. Stop at Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, two large volcanic formations surrounded by the island’s characteristic highland vegetation.

    Later, continue to the highlands for lunch, followed by a visit to the lava tunnels and Rancho Primicias. Here, you can look for giant tortoises that move between the national park and private reserves before continuing to Puerto Ayora.

    • Activity Activity:Sightseeing. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Bus. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Fiesta or similar

  • DAY 6: Island day trip: Bartolomé, Floreana or North Seymour

    Panoramic view of Pinnacle Rock and turquoise bays on volcanic Bartolome Island under a bright sun in Galápagos

    Today, set out by boat for an island day trip. Depending on availability, the excursion may visit Floreana, Bartolomé, or North Seymour. While the preferred island can be requested, the final destination depends on availability and park regulations.

    Once there, hike through the island’s landscapes and look for native wildlife before snorkeling in the surrounding waters. Return to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon, with time to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station independently if your schedule allows.

    • Activity Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Box Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Fiesta or similar

  • DAY 7: San Cristóbal, La Lobería and Isla Lobos

    A blue-footed booby standing on coastal rocks along the route from Baltra to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands

    This morning, take the public speedboat to San Cristóbal, where your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. With some free time before lunch, you can visit La Lobería independently and see its resident sea lions along the coast.

    In the afternoon, continue by boat to Isla Lobos, where blue-footed boobies and a large sea lion colony are often seen. After a snack or basic local lunch, hike around the island before snorkeling in the surrounding waters.

    • Activity Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Snack.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.

  • DAY 8: Departure

    Sea lions silhouetted against a golden sunset along the beach in San Cristobal during island Departure in Galapagos

    Enjoy your final morning in San Cristóbal after breakfast. If your flight schedule allows, take a last walk along the coast or visit Playa Mann and the Interpretation Center independently.

    Later, your driver will transfer you to San Cristóbal Airport, just five minutes from town. Your Machu Picchu and Galápagos adventure ends at the airport, where you’ll depart for Guayaquil. This concludes your Peru and Galápagos tour.

    • Activity Activity:Relaxing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.

Machu Picchu and Galápagos Tour Map

8-Day Classic Galapagos - Machu Picchu Map

Inclusions

  • Meals as described in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in a single, double or triple room.
  • Return flights Guayaquil – Galápagos (GYE – GPS – GYE).
  • Airport pickups and drop offs at corresponding airports.
  • Transportation on and between the Galápagos Islands as described in the itinerary.
  • Transportation fee between Baltra Airport – Itabaca Channel.
  • Return train tickets Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes in Machu Picchu.
  • Local naturalist guide (English & Spanish speaking).
  • All activities as described in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fee Machu Picchu (including guided tour)
  • Snorkeling equipment in the Galápagos Islands: mask, snorkel, fins and life vest.
  • 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.

Exclusions

  • International flights, flights within Peru (such as Lima – Cusco) and the Cusco – Guayaquil flight.
  • Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fee for the Galápagos National Park: $ 200 p.p. (cash only).
  • Migratory Control Card / Ingala Transit Card: $ 20 p.p. (cash only).
  • Water Taxi (small boat that takes you from the speedboat to the harbor and back).
  • For rent: wetsuit (recommended between May – November).
  • Personal travel & health insurance.
  • Optional tips for the guide.

Accommodations

Sunlit stone courtyard with patio dining tables and traditional wooden balconies at Antigua Casona San Blas in Cusco
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Cusco

Antigua Casona San Blas

Charming restored colonial hotel offering elegant rooms, a cozy courtyard, and spa services.

  • Historic charm
  • Courtyard lounge
  • Onsite restaurant
Warmly lit modern entrance of El Mapi hotel decorated with tall dried eucalyptus branches in Machu Picchu Pueblo
★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Machu Picchu Town

El MaPi Hotel

Contemporary eco-friendly hotel offering stylish rooms, organic dining, and a serene spa.

  • Eco friendly
  • Organic dining
  • Serene spa
Curved hotel building facade with blue glass windows and palm trees at Wyndham Guayaquil under dramatic sunset clouds
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Guayaquil

Wyndham Hotel Guayaquil

Upscale riverfront hotel near Puerto Santa Ana featuring a rooftop pool and fine dining.

  • Riverfront hotel
  • Outdoor pool
  • Spa services
The front entrance and wooden sign of Hotel Fiesta surrounded by red tile roofs and tropical foliage
★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Santa Cruz

Hotel Fiesta

Laid-back hotel in Puerto Ayora with comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant.

  • Outdoor pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Onsite restaurant
Whitewashed exterior of Casa Opuntia hotel with gardens and terraces on San Cristóbal Island
★ ★ ★ ★
📍 San Cristóbal

Hotel Casa Opuntia

Oceanfront boutique hotel situated along the main boardwalk with direct beach access. (

  • Oceanfront
  • Outdoor pool
  • Kid-friendly

8 Days Machu Picchu and Galápagos Tour: FAQs

  • Can you do Machu Picchu and the Galápagos in one trip comfortably?

    Yes, if you allow for a minimum of eight days. Peru takes three days, including acclimatisation; one day is transit via Guayaquil, and the Galápagos leg needs three full days.

  • How do you travel from Cusco to the Galápagos?

    A flight from Cusco to Guayaquil, overnight there, then another flight from Guayaquil to Baltra the next morning. There is no same-day connection, which is why day four of this itinerary is a transit day. The Cusco – Guayaquil flight is not included, and we can book it for you on request.

  • Do I need to acclimatise before traveling to Machu Picchu?

    Yes. Cusco sits at 11,154 feet (3,400 m) and Machu Picchu at 7,972 feet (2,430 m). This itinerary uses the first night in Cusco and the Sacred Valley to acclimatise before traveling to the Inca citadel.

  • Is 8 days too rushed for this Machu Picchu and Galápagos Tour?

    It is the practical minimum. In eight days, you can visit both sites comfortably. For a more in-depth experience, we recommend our 12-day Machu Picchu and Galápagos tour, which adds Isabela Island in the Galápagos and Rainbow Mountain or Lake Titicaca in Peru.

  • What is included in the Machu Picchu and Galápagos tour?

    The return flight Guayaquil – Galápagos, Machu Picchu entry and train, all Galápagos transfers and excursions, and guides on both legs of the tour. Flights within Peru, the Cusco – Guayaquil flight, park entry and the INGALA card are extra.

Additional Information

  • Prices for the upcoming travel season are subject to change.
  • Essential items to bring include comfortable and lightweight clothing (with a jacket as a precaution), water, sunblock, sunglasses, and your passport.
  • To enter Ecuador, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure from the country.
  • Prices are subject to seasonal surcharges during Christmas, New Year’s, and Holy Week.
  • For children under the age of 12, there is a 10% discount.
  • Activity schedules are subject to change based on departure/arrival times and availability. All inclusions are guaranteed until the afternoon of the final day of the itinerary.
  • Maximize your time in the Galápagos by choosing early arrival and late departure flights. Late arrivals or early departures may cause you to miss some of the included tours.
  • Bring smaller baggage/bags since public transportation on the Galápagos Islands is quite limited.
  • ​​There are no guides on the public speedboat transportation between islands.
  • It is suggested to have current travel insurance, including personal medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
  • Take the necessary precautions to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat street food, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
  • Tap water in the Galápagos Islands might contain bacteria and should not be consumed, not even for brushing your teeth. Bottled or purified water is always recommended.
  • Rebecca Adventure Travel and the respective cruise operator reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions,  availability, National Park regulations or notifications, or unforeseen circumstances.
  • When flying to the Galápagos from Quito or Guayaquil, we recommend arriving in the city at least 24 hours before your flight to avoid inconveniences.

Advantages of Booking with Rebecca Adventure Travel

  • Impactful Travel: Develop meaningful connections that provide mutual enrichment for both travelers and host cultures.
  • Empowering Locals: Support family-owned businesses, immerse yourself in local culture, and contribute to local economies.
  • Sustainable Travel: Preserve cultures and environments for future generations with our Huella Positiva, a sustainable and regenerative tourism model.
  • Peace of Mind: We’re here for you every step of the way, offering requisite insurance, certifications, and rebooking options.
  • Customized Service: Our personalized Travel Curator ensures your trip meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

When you book a tour with us, you agree to our terms and conditions.

Exact Code: 5159PRGPS8

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