- Duration
- 10 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Max altitude
- 3,400 m
- From
- $2890 pp
Quick answer
A Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour takes about 10 days. Ours costs from $2,890 per person sharing a room and covers Lima, the Sacred Valley, a guided Machu Picchu visit, Cusco, Quito and island days on Santa Cruz and Isabela. Inside-trip flights and the Galapagos park fee are quoted and paid separately.
| Duration | 10 days / 9 nights |
|---|---|
| Price | From $2,890 per person, double room |
| Route | Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Galapagos |
| Galapagos style | Island hotels from $2,890 or 4-day cruise from $4,350 |
| Highest night | Cusco, about 3,400 m (11,150 ft) |
| Group or private | Small group; private on request |
| Deposit | 10% to book |
Machu Picchu and Galapagos Tour Price: What You Pay For
Our Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour costs from $2,890 per person for 10 days, sharing a double room in a small group. The price covers nine hotel nights with breakfast, every airport transfer, the train and bus to Machu Picchu, your entry ticket, guided visits in Peru and the island excursions and speedboats in the Galapagos.
Three costs sit outside the tour price. Inside-trip flights (Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Quito and Quito to the islands) change daily, so we quote them with your dates. The Galapagos National Park entry fee and the transit control card are paid by every visitor on arrival; check the current amount with the Galapagos National Park before you go. Tips and most lunches and dinners are also extra.
Want a yacht cruise instead of island hotels, or a private guide? Ask for a custom quote. Our Machu Picchu cost guide breaks down the Peru side in more detail.
| Cost | Included in $2,890? |
|---|---|
| 9 hotel nights with breakfast | Yes |
| Train, bus and Machu Picchu ticket | Yes |
| Galapagos excursions and speedboats | Yes |
| Flights inside the trip | No, quoted with your dates |
| Galapagos park fee and transit card | No, paid on arrival |
10-Day Machu Picchu and Galapagos Itinerary, Day by Day
This Machu Picchu and Galapagos itinerary does Peru first, while your energy is high for the altitude, then moves to the islands to finish at sea level.
Day 1: Arrive in Lima
We meet you at Lima airport and take you to your hotel in Miraflores. The evening is free to rest after the flight from the US.
Day 2: Fly to Cusco and go down to the Sacred Valley
A short morning flight to Cusco, then a transfer down to the Sacred Valley, near 2,800 m. Sleeping lower first helps your body adjust.
Day 3: Ollantaytambo and the train to Aguas Calientes
Your guide shows you the terraces of [Ollantaytambo](/guides/ollantaytambo). In the afternoon the train runs along the river to Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: Machu Picchu with your guide, then Cusco
An early bus climbs to the entrance for a guided circuit of the citadel. In the afternoon you take the train and a transfer back to Cusco.
Day 5: Cusco city tour
A guided visit to [Qorikancha](/guides/qorikancha), the cathedral and [Sacsayhuaman](/guides/sacsayhuaman), with free time in the old town.
Day 6: Fly to Quito
This is the long travel day. Most routes connect through Lima. We meet you in Quito and take you to your hotel for the night.
Day 7: Fly to the Galapagos and visit Santa Cruz
Flight to Baltra, then the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in the wild. Night in Puerto Ayora.
Day 8: Speedboat to Isabela and Las Tintoreras
A morning speedboat to Isabela, about 2 hours. Snorkel at Las Tintoreras, where you can see sea lions, marine iguanas and reef sharks resting in the channels.
Day 9: Isabela and back to Santa Cruz
Visit the flamingo lagoon and the Tortoise Breeding Center, then take the afternoon boat back to Puerto Ayora.
Day 10: Departure
Transfer to Baltra airport for your flight to the mainland and home.
Peru First or Galapagos First: Which Order Works Best?
Peru first works best for most US travelers. Machu Picchu and Cusco sit at altitude and need energy, while the Galapagos are at sea level and easy on the body, so ending on the islands feels like a reward.
Doing the islands first can make sense if your flight prices are better that way, or if you want to finish the trip in Lima. We can reverse the route at no extra planning cost; the day count stays the same.
Either way, keep a buffer. Flights to the islands leave from Quito or Guayaquil, not from Peru, so Peru to Galapagos always needs a connection. Our Lima to Cusco guide explains the Peru flights.
| Order | Best for |
|---|---|
| Peru first, islands last | Most travelers; ends relaxed at sea level |
| Islands first, Peru last | Cheaper flight combinations; ending in Lima |
| Cruise instead of hotels | More remote islands; higher budget |
| Add Amazon or Lima days | Trips of 12 days or more |
Two Ways to Do It: Island Hotels or Yacht Cruise
This tour uses island hotels with day boats, which keeps the Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour price lower and suits travelers who get seasick. You sleep on land in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil and go out on guided day trips.
A small-ship cruise reaches more remote islands and wildlife sites, because you sail at night. Our cruise version keeps the same Peru days and swaps the island hotels for 3 nights on a small ship, from $4,350 per person with meals on board. Ship, cabin and route depend on your dates, so we confirm them in your quote.
Both styles visit the islands only with licensed naturalist guides, as park rules require at most sites.
| Option | Island hotels | Yacht cruise |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $2,890 per person | $4,350 per person |
| Nights in the Galapagos | 3 in hotels on Santa Cruz and Isabela | 3 on board a small ship |
| Meals on the islands | Breakfast | All meals on board |
| Islands reached | Santa Cruz and Isabela | More remote islands, by route |
| Best for | Lower budget, seasickness, families | Wildlife focus, more islands |
Best Time for a Machu Picchu and Galapagos Trip
The best time for a Machu Picchu and Galapagos trip is roughly May to October for Peru, when the Andes are dry, and the islands are good all year. From June to November the islands are cooler with calmer wildlife activity and choppier seas; from December to May the water is warmer and calmer for snorkeling.
June to August is the busiest time at Machu Picchu, so book entry tickets and trains early. April, May, September and October balance weather and crowds well. See our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide for month details.
Altitude, Fitness and Health on This Tour
This trip is easy to moderate. The main challenge is altitude: Cusco is about 3,400 m (11,150 ft), so we sleep in the lower Sacred Valley first. Machu Picchu itself sits at about 2,430 m (7,970 ft).
In the Galapagos, walks are short on uneven lava and sand, and snorkeling is optional. Talk to your doctor before travel if you have heart or lung conditions. Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended. Read our Cusco altitude guide for symptoms and prevention.
What to Pack for Peru and the Galapagos
Packing for Peru and the Galapagos means two climates in one bag: warm layers for chilly Andean mornings and light clothes for the equator.
- Warm fleece and rain jacket for Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals for wet landings
- Passport valid for at least 6 months, carried on every flight
How to Book Your Machu Picchu and Galapagos Tour
Booking starts with a free quote. Send your dates, group size, room type and whether you want hotels or a cruise in the Galapagos. We check Machu Picchu ticket availability and the flight options, then reply with a written quote.
A 50% deposit holds your place once you accept. Payment, change and cancellation terms are in our booking and cancellation policy. Use the form on this page to ask for your quote, and our Machu Picchu tickets guide to see why booking early matters.
Machu Picchu and Galapagos Tour, 10 Days Reviews
“I honestly expected Machu Picchu to be the highlight, but the Galapagos surprised me just as much. The mix of Inca history, beautiful landscapes and wildlife made this 10-day Ecuador and Peru trip unforgettable.”
Verified Traveler
“My partner and I were looking for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation rather than a standard sightseeing tour. Combining Peru with the Galapagos was exactly the right choice for us.”
Verified Traveler
“The itinerary had a nice rhythm. We had cultural sightseeing around Machu Picchu, then a completely different experience in the Galapagos. It never felt repetitive, which is what we loved most about the trip.”
Verified Traveler
“If you’re trying to visit Machu Picchu and the Galapagos in one vacation, this package saves a lot of planning. Transportation, guides and daily arrangements were handled well, so we could actually enjoy the destinations.”
Verified Traveler
“Ten days sounded ambitious at first, but the schedule was surprisingly manageable. We saw a lot without feeling like every hour was packed. It was a very comfortable way to experience Peru and the Galapagos together.”
Verified Traveler
“The wildlife in the Galapagos was amazing, especially after spending the first part of the trip exploring historic sites in Peru. The contrast between the two destinations made this tour really memorable.”
Verified Traveler
“We had been planning a Machu Picchu vacation for years and decided to add the Galapagos while we were already in South America. Best decision we made. The combined itinerary gave us two completely different experiences in one trip.”
Verified Traveler
“Our guides were excellent in both destinations. In Peru we learned a lot about Inca history, while the Galapagos portion was all about nature and wildlife. That variety made the whole 10 day tour feel very complete.”
Verified Traveler
“As a couple, this was probably one of the best trips we’ve taken. There was adventure, history, wildlife and enough downtime to enjoy each place. The Machu Picchu and Galapagos package worked really well for us.”
Verified Traveler
“We traveled as a family and everyone had a different favorite part. Some of us loved Machu Picchu, while others were more excited by the Galapagos animals. It was a great multi-destination vacation for different interests.”
Verified Traveler
“I was worried that combining two major destinations would feel rushed, but it didn’t. The 10 day Peru and Galapagos itinerary was organized in a way that gave us time to appreciate both places.”
Verified Traveler
“From ancient ruins to incredible wildlife, this trip had so much variety. If you want to experience Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands without arranging every detail yourself, this is a very convenient option.”
Verified Traveler
Machu Picchu and Galapagos Tour, 10 Days: FAQs
How many days do you need for Machu Picchu and the Galapagos?
You need about 10 days for Machu Picchu and the Galapagos. That allows four to five days in Peru with time for the altitude, one travel day to Ecuador and three to four days on the islands. With fewer days, you lose island time or rush Machu Picchu.
How much does a Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour cost?
Our Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour costs from $2,890 per person for 10 days in a double room. That covers hotels, transfers, train, bus, Machu Picchu ticket, guides and island excursions. Inside-trip flights and the Galapagos park fee are extra.
Can you fly directly from Peru to the Galapagos?
No, you cannot fly directly from Peru to the Galapagos. Flights to the islands leave only from mainland Ecuador, from Quito or Guayaquil. Most travelers fly Cusco to Lima to Quito, sleep one night, then fly to Baltra or San Cristobal the next morning.
Should I visit Machu Picchu or the Galapagos first?
Visit Machu Picchu first on most trips. Cusco and Machu Picchu are at altitude and need energy, while the Galapagos sit at sea level and feel relaxing. Ending on the islands makes the trip easier, though we can reverse the order if flights work better.
Are flights included in the Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour?
Flights are not included in the tour price because fares change daily. We quote the Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Quito and Quito to Galapagos flights with your dates and can add them to your booking. International flights from the US are also separate.
Can I do the Galapagos part as a cruise?
Yes, you can do the Galapagos part as a cruise. Our cruise version keeps the same Peru days and spends 3 nights on a small ship with all meals on board, from $4,350 per person. The ship, cabin and island route depend on your dates and are confirmed in your quote.
Do I need a visa for Peru and Ecuador as a US citizen?
US citizens on tourist trips usually do not need a visa for Peru or Ecuador for short stays. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Check current rules with the US State Department before booking, since entry rules can change.
Is the Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour good for families?
The Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour suits families with children who can walk two to three hours and handle early starts. Island hotels make the Galapagos easier than a cruise for younger kids. Ask for family rooms in your quote, and see our kids guide for Machu Picchu.
