
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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18 days
17 nights
42 meals
16B 14L 12D
3
Baltra Flight, Board Yacht, Bachas Beach
Galápagos Islands
4
Genovesa, Prince Phillip's Steps & Darwin Bay
Galápagos Islands
5
South Plaza, Santa Fe
Galápagos Islands
6
Highlands, Wild Tortoises, Charles Darwin Station
Galápagos Islands
7
Floreana, Baroness Point & Post Office Bay, Punta Cormorant
Galápagos Islands
8
Española, Punta Suarez, Gardner Bay, Osborn & Gardner Islets
Galápagos Islands
9
Cerro Brujo, Kicker Rock, Isla de Lobos
Galápagos Islands
12
Fly to Cusco, Transfer to Sacred Valley, Pisac Market
Sacred Valley
13
Ollantaytambo Ruins, Chinchero Town Weaving
Sacred Valley
14
Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
18
Arrive to the U.S.
In Flight
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
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

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.

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.
Holger "Paco" Mayorca
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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.
Juan Carlos Dueñas
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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.
Eliacin Palomino
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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.
Ana Lucia Huerta
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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.
Jorge Carrera
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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.
Fernando Gil
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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.
Joel Mariño
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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.
Diego Barahona
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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.
Peter Tejada
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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.
Andres Dueñas
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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.
Suggested Reading List
(21 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Best of the Galápagos and Peru: From Enchanted Islands to Machu Picchu
Program Number: 18484
Art of the Andes, from Chavin to Inca
This authoritative and concise illustrated survey of Andean art and architecture covers not only Machu Picchu and additional Inca monuments, but also Chan Chan, Nasca and other archaeological sites and cultures.
The Inca Trail, Cuzco & Machu Picchu
An excellent overview of local culture and history, including chapters on exploring Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Lima. Fifth edition.
Galapagos Islands Map
This full-color map of the Galapagos at a scale of 1:420,000, printed on water and tear-resistant paper, shows in detail major features, topography and visitor sites. With a large city plan of Quito on the reverse.
Machu Picchu, Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas
Burger and Salazar vividly evoke the art, architecture, culture and society of Machu Picchu in this illustrated, up-to-date survey. With Hiram Bingham's original report, archival and modern photographs and excellent chapters on recent archaeology at the site.
Stone Offerings
Torrey captures the dramatic setting, solitude and intricate construction of the Inca site of Machu Picchu in 100 striking color photographs taken over a few days at summer and winter solstice.
The Incas
Featuring archival drawings and photographs, a chronology and chapters on Atahualpa, the Conquistadors and Hiram Bingham, this handy book (previously published as People of the Sun) illuminates the daily life, monuments and history of the Incas.
Galapagos, World's End
A wry, wonderfully evocative account of a 1924 scientific expedition, including an excellent chapter on the human history of the Galapagos by Ruth Rose. A contemporary reviewer wrote, "Galapagos is a glorious book. It is high romance, exact science and wild adventure." Originally published in 1924, it includes several color plates and maps.
Understanding Galapagos: What You'll See and What it Means
An excellent introduction to the flora and fauna of the Galapagos and a stellar overview of evolutionary biography on the islands. Accessible for readers from all backgrounds.
Galapagos Wildlife, A Visitor's Guide
With chapters on visitor sites, history, conservation and habitats, this compact photographic guide introduces birds, reptiles, marine and other life of the archipelago.
Galapagos, A Novel
In this madcap novel, a classic, Vonnegut looks back from the future (alas, the human race has been wiped out except for a small group stranded in the Ga-lapagos) on the Nature Cruise of the Century.
Satan Came to Eden
The original memoir of Dore Strauch, early settler to the Galapagos and participant in the fascinating unsolved mystery known as The Galapagos Affair, the subject of a new documentary. First published in 1936, it's back in print after 80 years.
Galapagos, Islands Born of Fire
A stunning celebration of the landscapes, wildlife and habitats of the Galapagos by a photographer who was raised in the archipelago. Tenth anniversary edition.
Voyage of the Beagle
The wide-eyed tale of a young man on a five-year voyage that changed his life -- and our way of thinking about the world. First published in 1839, this book is still essential reading. Darwin's South American chapters are an excellent introduction to the Galapagos, Beagle Channel, Chile, Tierra del Fuego, the Chilean fjords and the Brazilian coast. With maps and appendices.
Peru, Travellers' Wildlife Guides
Featuring 500 illustrations of the birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and insects of the Amazon, Andes and Pacific Coast.
Galapagos Wildlife
This fold-up, laminated card includes color drawings and short descriptions.
Insight Guide Peru
Panoramic in scope, this illustrated overview brings Peru to life in hundreds of color photographs and vivid essays by a team of experts writing on history, archaeology and culture.
Galapagos, A Natural History
This comprehensive guide to the natural history of the Galapagos is practically mandatory reading -- the single best introduction to the geology and climate, habitats, plants, birds, animals, ecology and evolution.
The Heights of Macchu Picchu
An indispensable contribution to 20th-century poetry, Neruda’s ode to Machu Picchu celebrates the Incan civilization while abhorring that the ancient estate was built by slave labor.
Inca Trail: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Map
This fact-filled map shows the whole of the Sacred Valley, from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, on one side, and, on the reverse, the area surrounding the sanctuary in splendid, topographic detail (1:50,000). It's the best map for those making the trek from kilometer 88 to the site and an excellent choice for those exploring by bus or train.
Lost City of the Incas
This first-rate adventure story by the man who brought Machu Picchu to the attention of the world is not just a gripping tale of exploration and archaeology, it also sets the scene for any visitor to the site.
Moon Spotlight Quito
A slim, authoritative guide to Quito and the Ecuadorian Andes. What Moon guides lack in flash, they more than make up for in personable, clear writing, expert recommendations and advice. The text is interspersed with color photographs and maps.