Updated: Aug 21, 2025
Have you ever imagined waking up to the sound of the ocean on the Galápagos Islands, watching giant tortoises wander slowly through the highlands, and just a few days later standing at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu as the morning light spills across the Andes? Our trips to Galápagos and Machu Picchu are designed to make that dream real — a journey that connects two of South America’s most iconic and soul-stirring destinations in one seamless adventure.
At Across South America, we believe travel is about weaving stories, not just ticking boxes. That’s why our itineraries aren’t “one-size-fits-all.” They’re journeys that reflect your rhythm, your passions, and your desire for something meaningful. In this guide, you’ll discover how these two destinations can come together beautifully, and why so many of our travelers call it the best trip of their lives.
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Why Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu in South America?
The Galápagos Islands and Machu Picchu might seem worlds apart, but they complement each other in extraordinary ways. In the Galápagos, you’re face-to-face with unique wildlife — marine iguanas, playful sea lions, giant tortoises, and blue-footed boobies — all in a pristine natural habitat. In Peru, you’re immersed in the living history of the Incas, with the stone citadel of Machu Picchu telling stories of resilience and genius.
Together, these destinations create a journey that balances wild natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. Our trips to Galápagos and Machu Picchu allow you to experience both — often within the span of just 10 to 14 days.
Can you do Galapagos and Machu Picchu together?
Yes — you absolutely can combine Galápagos and Machu Picchu in one trip, and it’s one of the most rewarding journeys in South America. Since the Galápagos Islands belong to Ecuador and Machu Picchu is in Peru, you’ll need to take a short international flight between the two countries (usually Quito or Guayaquil → Lima → Cusco).
Many travelers pair a 5–7 day Galápagos cruise or land-based stay with 3–4 days in Peru to explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. With careful planning — and the right connections — you can experience both in as little as 10 days, though 12–14 days allows for a more relaxed pace.
This combination is perfect if you want to balance wildlife encounters (giant tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas) with cultural immersion (Inca history, local markets, Andean landscapes). It’s one of our most popular itineraries, often called the ultimate “trips to Galápagos and Machu Picchu.”
READ MORE: Luxury Hotels to Stay When Visiting Machu Picchu.
How Much Time do I Need To Visit Both Destinations?
You will need at least ten days to visit Machu Picchu and the Galápagos islands and enjoy your trip: five days in Peru and five in the Galapagos. Of course, if you have more days, we suggest extending your stay in the Galapagos or combining your trip with a visit to the jungle in Ecuador or the amazon rainforest in Peru.
YOUR ITINERARY DAY BY DAY – The best way to combine these destinations
OUR SUGGESTED 10-day Adventures in Peru and Luxury Yacht Galapagos
👉 Who is this trip for? We designed this Eco & Nature custom trip with foodies and Nature lovers in mind… (and Romantic souls, too..!)
👉 Top destinations on this itinerary include Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu in Peru; Santa Cruz island, genovesa island, and Santiago Islands in Galapagos.
A Suggested 10-Day Journey
While every trip we design is customized, one of our most-loved itineraries looks like this:
DAY 1 and 2: Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, and a foodie Paradise. Delight yourself with a gastronomic experience.
Peru has been recognized as one of the world’s best culinary destinations, a perfect option for foodie lovers. Lima’s vibrant food includes ingredients from all climates and regions.
Considered by many as the food capital of Latin America, it is home to the most prize-winning restaurants in the world. Visit the renowned “Surquillo” market, participate in a demonstration of Peruvian cooking class and learn how to prepare a Pisco Sour.
Enjoy the best local food & wines at our recommended top Restaurants.
Read More: A Foodie’s Guide to Lima, Peru – 9 Best Restaurants You Can’t Miss
DAY 3 Discover Cusco’s artisans & Tradition
Stroll Cusco’s streets and discover its main attractions. We stop for lunch at your picked Restaurant (from our selected list) and later visit one of the most prestigious and important artisans local artisans in Cusco. After learning some crafts in the workshop, walk along San Blas, the Craftsmen neighborhood, and visit the stone with twelve angles.
DAY 4 Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas & Machu Picchu tour
Explore the village and the market of Pisac, have lunch at the Alhambra restaurant in Urubamba, and continue to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town that still preserves the pre-Hispanic architectural style. We will stay at the Inkaterra Sacred Valley, a contemporary hacienda-style hotel and the perfect base for our Machu Picchu adventures.
READ MORE: The best things to do in Machu Picchu
Board the luxurious Hiram Bingham Train to reach Aguas Calientes town and then reach Machu Picchu by bus. Explore the majestic lost city of the Incas, its ancient ruins, and history and after lunch, descend to Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco City.
DAY 5-7 from Cusco to Quito & Galapagos – Charles darwin research station
Fly from Cusco to Quito. Overnight in Quito and fly to San Cristobal Airport in Galapagos Island. Board your Luxury yacht to start your Galapagos Experience.
Your first stop During the afternoon is Charles Darwin Research Station – Santa Cruz Island Home to giant tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long.
DAY 8 El Barranco & Darwin Bay
Also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, El Barranco’s steep, rocky paths lead up to a high cliff face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to palo santo vegetation, half-milled-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves.
Darwin Bay
This white sand coral beach heads a half-mile trail (0.75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here. Further down the path are tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view off a cliff.
DAY 9 Snorkeling, swimming, and nature walks at Espumilla bay, Buccaneer Cove, and Egas Port – Santiago Island
Espumilla Beach is a popular place for marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Snorkeling is highly recommended for abundant marine life, including octopi, moray eels, and sharks.
Watch Seal lions bathe in the sun at Egas Port
DAY 10 Bachas Beach
Enjoy the last day of your Galapagos vacation at Las Bachas beach. Las Bachas is a swimming beach located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest off the beach.
👉 Full itinerary and pricing here.
How to plan your trip to Galapagos and Machu Picchu
– The order of destinations: Which Destination Should you Visit First?
You can start the trip in Peru or Galapagos. It doesn’t matter very much which destination you begin with. When customizing your trip, the order will depend on weather conditions ( in some months, it may be better to start in Peru and the Galapagos or the other way around) and flight connections and availability at the moment of booking your trip.
– Flights for this trip: Your international flights would need to be like this if the itinerary is in the previous order.
International flight of Arrival: From your Home to lima, Peru
International flight of departure: Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, to your Home
You would also need to fly from Lima to Cusco; in Ecuador, you would fly from Quito/Guayaquil – Galapagos – Quito/Guayaquil. You will also need a connecting flight from Peru to Ecuador.
-Best time to make this trip
The good news is that both destinations are year-round. The Galápagos offers different wildlife experiences depending on the season, while Machu Picchu is accessible most of the year, with the dry season (May–September) being the most popular. Many travelers choose to visit between April and October, when conditions align well for both places. But remember: every season brings its own magic, whether it’s lush green valleys in Peru or the sight of newborn sea lions in the Galápagos.
Learn more: our Machu Picchu Itinerary: See Machu Picchu Differently
WILDLIFE IN GALAPAGOS – Native species you will see during your trip
The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most unique and biodiverse marine life worldwide, including many species that can be found nowhere else on Earth…
What makes Galapagos so unique is that the fauna in Galapagos are very naive. Because of the isolation of the island ( just in the middle of the wold!) there are no big predators on the islands, so the animals of the Galapagos are not afraid of humans….they do not feel fear…
The blue-footed boobies is One of our favorite birds to see in the Galapagos! A seabird named for its very distinctive bright blue feet and is undoubtedly one of the species that attract the most attention in the Galapagos Islands….
They are masters of seduction: Their unique courting ritual includes rocking side-to-side while lifting their eye-catching baby blue feet. A Booby mating dance.
It’s very easy to find on your visit to Galapagos, and you can get quite close to them.
Watch them dancing on this Instagram reel, This is real Big Wild Love 💙 and if you have any questions about this itinerary please feel free to message us on Instagram!
Some other iconic Species you will find in Galapagos are the Sean lions, the Galapagos giant tortoise, Galapagos penguins, land iguanas, fur seals
How tourist help preserve the natural environment when visiting The Galapagos?
More than 95% of the land area of the Galapagos archipelago is considered a protected area, and for this reason, so there some rules you need to follow to help preserve the ecosystem.
Read the rules that all visitors are expected to abide by while in the Islands: Galapagos National Park Rules
When you travel to the Galapagos, you will pay an entrance fee to the galápagos national park. This tax goes towards supporting a variety of organizations across the archipelago that collaborate with the conservation of the island….
So, by traveling in a respectfully way you will be helping in the preservation of the species in the islands.
How We Make It Seamless
One of the challenges of combining these two destinations is logistics — multiple flights, permits, and coordination between Ecuador and Peru. That’s where we come in. With years of experience, our team handles every detail: from arranging the right size yacht in the Galápagos to securing your train tickets to Machu Picchu.
We also know the importance of pacing. Our trips to Galápagos and Machu Picchu aren’t rushed. We build in breathing space, allowing you to linger in places you love and connect with locals along the way. This isn’t about checking off two bucket-list items; it’s about crafting a story that flows.
Our Personal Touches
What makes our journeys different? The little moments. Like the guide in the Galápagos who notices your fascination with marine iguanas and makes sure you don’t miss them. Or the host in Cusco who invites you into her kitchen to try a family recipe for quinoa soup. These personal touches are what turn a trip into a memory you’ll carry forever.
Every journey begins with a conversation. We ask about your travel style, what excites you, and how you want to feel at the end of the trip. Then we design your personalized itinerary. That’s the Across South America difference.
Suggested Extensions
- Patagonia: Add a few days to explore glaciers, lakes, and mountain landscapes.
- The Amazon Rainforest: Contrast the highlands with a journey deep into the jungle.
- Mendoza Wine Country: Slow down with vineyard tours and Malbec tastings.
Visiting the Galápagos or Machu Picchu on their own is unforgettable. But experiencing them together is transformative. Our trips to Galápagos and Machu Picchu offer the rare chance to connect deeply with both nature and culture in a single journey. It’s a travel story that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
So, are you ready to stand where Darwin once walked and then step onto the terraces where the Incas ruled? Let’s design your journey — one that reflects your passions, your pace, and your love of discovery.
Maria Barciela
👉 Ready to explore? Book your discovery call with us and let’s start shaping your trip.
🎧 Prefer stories first? Listen to our podcast Stories Across South America for behind-the-scenes travel tales.
📥 Want more inspiration? Download our free South America Travel Guide.
FAQ About Traveling to Machu Picchu and Galapagos
Can you do Galapagos and Machu Picchu together?
Yes — you can definitely do Galápagos and Machu Picchu together. Most travelers combine a 5–7 day Galápagos cruise or island stay with 3–4 days in Peru to explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, making it possible in about 10–14 days with flights connecting Ecuador and Peru.
What is the best month to visit Galapagos and Machu Picchu?
The best months to visit both Galápagos and Machu Picchu are May through October, when Peru is in its dry season (ideal for hiking and clear views at Machu Picchu) and the Galápagos are alive with rich marine life thanks to the Humboldt Current; May and June in particular strike a great balance, offering pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and amazing wildlife encounters in the islands.
What month is the best time to go to the Galápagos Islands?
The Galápagos Islands are wonderful year-round, but the best time really depends on what you want most. From December to May, you’ll find warm weather, calmer seas, and excellent snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. From June to November, the cooler Humboldt Current brings nutrient-rich waters that attract incredible marine life like manta rays, penguins, and schooling hammerhead sharks. Many travelers consider May and June the sweet spot, with comfortable conditions and abundant wildlife
Can a 70 year old go to Machu Picchu?
Yes — a 70-year-old can absolutely visit Machu Picchu. The site itself is accessible to people of all ages, and you don’t need to be a hiker to enjoy it. Shuttle buses run from Aguas Calientes up to the entrance, and once inside, there are paths and viewing areas where you can explore at your own pace. The main consideration is the altitude (about 7,900 ft / 2,400 m), so it’s wise to allow a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to acclimate. With proper pacing, rest breaks, and perhaps a guided private tour tailored to your comfort, many older travelers find Machu Picchu not only doable but deeply rewarding.
