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Galápagos Islands/Ecuador/Peru

The Best of the Galápagos and Peru: From Enchanted Islands to Machu Picchu

Program No. 18484RJ
The Galápagos and Machu Picchu are two of Latin America’s most renowned icons. Come see for yourself as you discover the unique wildlife and preserved ruins of these two sacred places.

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At a Glance

Few other places inspire such wonder and awe as the Galápagos Islands and the Incan Lost City of Machu Picchu. Experience both of these destinations, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Quito in an intimate group setting that allows for optimal time to learn from Road Scholar's acclaimed experts.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Elevations of 11,000 feet. Ascending and descending many steps without handrails at archaeological ruins. Wet and dry landings by small Zodiac boat. Island activities require 3-5 hours of physical activity per day. Daily walks on sharp volcanic rocks and loose stones add another level of difficulty. Please view the Galápagos video "Galapagos Fitness Information - What to Expect" in preparation for your program activities: www.youtube.com/watch?v=U93d0TxTOQA&feature=youtu.be
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Swim and snorkel in search of sea turtles, sea lions and rays.
  • Learn about the biology of the Galápagos giant tortoise.
  • Discuss the spiritual significance of Machu Picchu and spend the evening in Aguas Calientes for a longer, more relaxed visit to the site.

General Notes

Cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice. The park carefully monitors and controls the number of visitors to each site in order to minimize damage to local wildlife and habitats. Some dates of the program run in the reverse, starting in Lima and ending in Quito. Please refer to the date-specific detailed itinerary on the Road Scholar website to check on the vessel and visitor sites included in your program. The expedition-style Galápagos vessels hold 16 passengers in comfortable cabins. Due to the remote nature of the islands, listening devices are not available for the Galapagos Islands portion of the program.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Eduardo Borja
Although he is a native of Quito, Eduardo Borja lived in the U.S.A. for a time as a child, then perfected his English at the American School of Quito after returning to Ecuador. Following high school, he rediscovered his passion for Ecuador’s wonders and his enjoyment of sharing them. He returned to the U.S.A. to earn a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management. Today, Eduardo lives in Quito and enjoys both the city’s cultural offerings and the natural beauty of Ecuador’s countryside.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Eduardo Borja
Eduardo Borja View biography
Although he is a native of Quito, Eduardo Borja lived in the U.S.A. for a time as a child, then perfected his English at the American School of Quito after returning to Ecuador. Following high school, he rediscovered his passion for Ecuador’s wonders and his enjoyment of sharing them. He returned to the U.S.A. to earn a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management. Today, Eduardo lives in Quito and enjoys both the city’s cultural offerings and the natural beauty of Ecuador’s countryside.
Profile Image of Holger "Paco" Mayorca
Holger "Paco" Mayorca View biography
As a child growing up in Cusco, Holger Mayorca became aware of Peru’s rich history and the beauty of the Andean landscape early in life. He earned a degree from the National University of San Antonio Abad and went to work as an assistant to the director of the Machu Picchu National Park. Studying further with the park’s archaeologist and biologist deepened Holger’s knowledge, and he has led many visitors of all ages around the Peruvian highlands and his beloved hometown of Cusco.
Profile Image of Juan Carlos Dueñas
Juan Carlos Dueñas View biography
Juan Carlos Dueñas has worked in the tourism industry since 2001. He began his career as a guide on the Inca Trail and loves that his profession provides him with opportunities to meet new people, improve his language skills, and share the highlights of his country with its visitors. He is a knowledgeable and versatile guide, with special interests in ecology, archaeology, and anthropology. In his free time he enjoys playing sports, exercising, listening to music, and traveling.
Profile Image of Eliacin Palomino
Eliacin Palomino View biography
A native of Peru, Eliacin Palomino decided to become a travel professional in Cusco in order to achieve his goal of being a cultural ambassador for his country. Leading programs in the Amazonian Jungle, he developed a deep knowledge and appreciation for the ecology of the Amazon and interconnectivity of humans and their natural surrounding. Eliacin possesses a wealth of information regarding the history and culture of Cusco and Peru in general. He likes to share his country's customs, beliefs, and food with groups.
Profile Image of Ana Lucia Huerta
Ana Lucia Huerta View biography
While in high school, Ana Lucia Huerta had the chance to travel a few times within Ecuador. Those experiences awakened a love of travel that only grew stronger over the years. She holds a bachelor's degree in ecotourism and is an advocate of mindful tourism; believing that every person has a part to play in making the world a better place. When she's not leading educational groups or exploring new destinations, she enjoys spending time outdoors birding. Other personal favorites include painting, reading and practicing her slackline skills.
Profile Image of Jorge Carrera
Jorge Carrera View biography
Jorge "George" Carrera is an accomplished Ecuadorian group leader and a veteran with decades of field experience. He recalls as a child, being drawn to studies focused on history, geography and politics. Later, while studying for a degree in the travel industry, he also developed a passion for art, archaeology, ethnic studies and cultural anthropology. Jorge has traveled extensively throughout Ecuador and spent time in some stunningly beautiful locations, ranging from Andean landscapes to lowland forests and coastal beaches.
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Fernando Gil View biography
Fernando Gil is a certified Galápagos Islands National Park naturalist. He enjoys traveling and learning about other cultures including their music, language, and food. Not content to be fluent in just English and Spanish, Fernando is also working on learning French, German, and Portuguese.
Profile Image of Joel Mariño
Joel Mariño View biography
Joel Mariño — "Joelito" to his friends — is a certified naturalist for the Galápagos Islands National Park. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood on Isabela Island, playing in the surf and joining his older brother on outdoor adventures. Becoming a naturalist was a calling, not a choice, and one that allows him to contribute to the preservation of the islands he loves. Photography is one of his favorite hobbies; he takes pleasure in capturing the unique beauty of the islands and sharing those images with loved ones.
Profile Image of Diego Barahona
Diego Barahona View biography
Diego Barahona is a certified Galápagos Islands National Park naturalist and a chemist. He is a native Galápageño with a passion for science and travel. Diego studied abroad on scholarships and completed his B.S. in chemistry and M.S. in fundamental and applied chemistry at the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. After working for Petroamazonas and Ecuador’s food and drug administration, he gave in to the pull of his beloved islands and became a naturalist in 2017. Diego enjoys scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, and playing soccer.
Profile Image of Peter Tejada
Peter Tejada View biography
Peter Tejada is a certified Galápagos naturalist from Isabela Is. He grew up in the archipelago and attended university on mainland Ecuador through a scholarship from the Charles Darwin Research Station. Peter returned home with a degree in fishing technology and participated in research projects including monitoring nesting sea turtles and commercial fisheries. He eventually returned to school and obtained his naturalist credentials in response to changes in the labor market. Peter loves marine ecology, nature photography, and free diving.
Profile Image of Andres Dueñas
Andres Dueñas View biography
Andrés Dueñas is a Peruvian expedition leader who enjoys adventure and outdoor pursuits. He credits his early appreciation for history and Andean cultures from growing up in Cusco. Andrés attended technical school at ISTTA, Cusco, and studied tourism while training as an expedition leader. When he's not accompanying educational groups, he likes to take part in sports and outdoor adventure. Some of his competitive spirit and love of adventure stems from growing up with three siblings. Andres plays the guitar as a hobby.
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