Exploring Galápagos + Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca - National Geographic Gemini Expedition Ship - Galapagos Cruise

Upon your arrival in Ecuador, we will meet you either in Quito, the capital nestled in the Andes, or in Guayaquil, a coastal city. From there, you'll be transferred to a comfortable hotel for an overnight stay. Both cities are well-connected by international flights, and flights to the Galapagos Islands typically depart from Quito with a stopover in Guayaquil. Guests staying in Guayaquil will enjoy accommodations at the locally-owned Hotel Oro Verde, while those in Quito can choose from various hotels, including a convenient airport hotel.

For those arriving a day earlier, there's an option to join the See Quito Pre-Voyage Extension. You can also extend your journey with a visit to the Mashpi Reserve in the lush Andean tropics near Quito, renowned for its biodiversity. Alternatively, you may choose to add extra hotel nights and explore tours in either Quito or Guayaquil.

Arrival Time: Anytime.
Arrival City: Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador

In the morning, we'll take a flight to the Galápagos Islands and embark on the National Geographic Gemini or National Geographic Endeavour II. Following lunch, our adventure commences as we start exploring the islands and their extraordinary wildlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Here's a sample of islands we might visit during our expedition. All ship itineraries adhere to Galápagos National Park regulations:

North Seymour: Explore coastal trails surrounded by playful Galápagos sea lions. Wander through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, home to nesting frigatebirds and dancing blue-footed boobies. Encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.

Isabela: Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, the northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep watch for whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, explore Darwin and Melville's footsteps, discovering wildlife along the rugged volcanic shore.

Fernandina: One of the most active oceanic volcanoes globally, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in the Galápagos. Encounter the flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins, and the largest marine iguanas. Hike across recent lava flows.

Española: Witness swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, and seasonally, the world’s only waved albatross population. Encounter vividly colored marine iguanas and observe sea lions on the expansive sand beach. Snorkel at Gardner Bay.

Floreana: Follow a trail past a rose pink-tinted lagoon frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish or cruise Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic barrel at Post Office Bay.

Santa Cruz: Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Explore the lush highlands where giant tortoises roam freely.

Bartolomé: Ascend the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic formation for breathtaking views. Swim, snorkel, and explore the beach, possibly encountering Galápagos penguins.

Santiago: Explore tide pools and look for fur seals in quiet grottos of black basalt. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding along Santiago’s dramatic coast. Explore a coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.

Genovesa: Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos, surrounded by warm tropical waters.

San Cristobal: Search for red-footed boobies, the endemic mockingbird, and lava lizards found only on this easternmost island. Relax on beautiful beaches and explore Baquerizo Moreno, a town thriving with sea lions.

Depart from the Galápagos this morning and fly to Lima, Peru, with a stop in Guayaquil. Check into the Belmond Miraflores Park, located on a broad promenade overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where we will stay for two nights.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, explore the World Heritage-designated colonial Lima, starting with a stroll through the Plaza Mayor. Enjoy a private welcome lunch with a special musical presentation at Casa Aliaga, one of the oldest houses in Lima. Then, visit the remarkable Larco Museum, dedicated to pre-Columbian art. Return to the hotel, where you'll have dinner on your own to sample local cuisine.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, take a short scenic flight to Cusco and proceed to Moray, a visually striking Inca site featuring dramatic agricultural terraces in the fertile Urubamba Valley. After lunch and a visit to a local market, check into the hotel. We will stay at Sol y Luna, a Relais & Châteaux property, in individual casitas nestled in lush greenery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the day exploring the archaeological sites and culture of the Sacred Valley with National Geographic expert Peter Frost (or a colleague), who has lived and worked in Peru for decades. He or a colleague will give a talk at the hotel and guide us through the massive Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo, located above a thriving Inca community. Enjoy lunch at a family-owned working hacienda, where we will be treated to a show of Peruvian Paso horses. National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa, founder of El Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco, will demonstrate Inca weaving traditions.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Marvel at the dramatic scenery and river life during the morning train journey to Machu Picchu, the Inca royal retreat famously introduced to the world by Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine. Check into the historic 31-room Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, located next to the World Heritage site, and enjoy the freedom to explore over two days with the expert tour director and local guides. Lunch and dinner will be provided at the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awaken this morning at Machu Picchu, where the knowledgeable local guides will share their deep understanding of the site's history and cultural significance. After lunch, return by train and bus to Cusco, the center of the Inca universe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Check into the Belmond Hotel Monasterio on Plaza Nazarenas in the heart of Cusco for a two-night stay. The hotel, occupying a monastery founded in 1592, is built atop ancient Inca stones, reflecting the blend of colonial and Inca architecture.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Cusco's magnificent 17th-century cathedral, the sacred Inca Temple of the Sun, and other local treasures. Visit the nearby Sacsayhuamán, with its impressive terrace walls offering commanding views over the city. Spend the afternoon relaxing, shopping, or visiting one of Cusco’s many churches and museums. Dinner will be on your own tonight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy breakfast and a relaxing morning before bidding farewell to the Land of the Inca. Fly from Cusco back to Lima, where you can connect to your onward flights home. Depending on your flight schedule, optional accommodations at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel are available. Alternatively, consider joining our Upper Amazon Expedition aboard the Delfin II.

Departure Time: Depart after 7:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Lima, Peru
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch