Are you considering one big trip to South America?  With stops in Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands?  Before you make your final decision, we offer some alternatives.

Travelers planning to visit both Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands can expect to pay upwards of $5000 USD per person including your international flights.  The international flights can be configured as an "open jaw"  (meaning all tickets are one way so you don't backtrack to make connections).  Or you can book roundtrip tickets and fly back and forth. The latter option may require more time and add the expense of additional nights in hotels.

If you don't have the time (at least 12 days) or the budget, (at least $5000) what are the alternatives?  We recommend that you separate your trips to Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands and travel at different times. Here's why.  

Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands are not easy to get to and each is worthy of a separate trip with your full attention.  And you might be missing some other incredibly interesting places to visit along the way.    

Machu Picchu and other destinations in Peru:

Visiting some or all of these destinations does not affect your roundtrip flights to Lima.  It does mean the added cost of one more domestic flight, about $120 USD per person.  

We can schedule your trip to the Amazon rain forest so it lines up with excursions in small groups and save you money. Trips to Lake Titicaca are flexible and offered every day.  

Galapagos Islands and other destinations in Ecuador:

We recommend at least 6 days for your trip to Galapagos Islands.  Land-based tours are the most flexible because they can be scheduled every day.  Cruises have fixed departures and it's necessary to schedule your flights to align with their itineraries. International flights can be scheduled in/out of Quito or Guayaquil.  Adventure is popular in Ecuador. Here are a few ideas:

  • 6-Day trip to Galapagos with 4-5 day riverboat cruise in Amazon rainforest
  • 6-Day trip to Galapagos with 3 day trip to a cloudforest lodge
  • 6-Day trip to Galapagos with 4-5 day riverboat cruise and 3-day trip to the cloudforest
  • 6-Day trip to Galapagos with 2-3 days of birdwatching in cloud forest

Got questions?  Email our office in the US