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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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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
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
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Victor Colunga
Victor Colunga has shared his knowledge and appreciation for Peru’s culture and natural wonders with visitors since 1982. During his career, he has worked for airline companies, served as a travel consultant, and managed inbound travel for Japanese clients. When he isn't traveling he enjoys hiking, jogging, traveling, photography and Peruvian cooking. Victor has traveled extensively within Peru and has also had the opportunity to visit Chile, Ecuador, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay and the U.S.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Victor Colunga
Victor Colunga View biography
Victor Colunga has shared his knowledge and appreciation for Peru’s culture and natural wonders with visitors since 1982. During his career, he has worked for airline companies, served as a travel consultant, and managed inbound travel for Japanese clients. When he isn't traveling he enjoys hiking, jogging, traveling, photography and Peruvian cooking. Victor has traveled extensively within Peru and has also had the opportunity to visit Chile, Ecuador, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay and the U.S.
Profile Image of Edgar Vargas
Edgar Vargas View biography
Edgar Vargas was born and raised in Ecuador's famous Galápagos Islands. He attended college in Guayaquil, on the mainland, with additional studies at the University of Colorado. Prior to becoming a naturalist in the Galápagos in 1990, Edgar taught environmental education for the Charles Darwin Research Station as well as biology and chemistry classes at a local high school. In the mid 1990's, Edgar became the head of tourism for the Galápagos National Park. Being a PADI diver, he is just as comfortable exploring the underwater world as he is living on land.
Profile Image of Eduardo Borja
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.
Profile Image of Enrique Castillo
Enrique Castillo View biography
An appreciation for wildlife led Enrique Castillo to work for a zoo in Peru for 12 years. Born in Lima, he earned degrees in both zoology and business administration prior to beginning his career. He enjoys sharing his expertise in Peru’s flora, fauna and culture with Road Scholar participants and other travelers. Enrique’s own travels have taken him to various regions of Peru, other South American countries, the U.S.A. and Europe. He is an avid birdwatcher and likes to collect field guides.
Profile Image of Eliacin Palomino
Eliacin Palomino View biography
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.
Profile Image of Jorge Carrera
Jorge Carrera View biography
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.
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Fernando Gil View biography
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.
Profile Image of Alejandra Mosquera
Alejandra Mosquera View biography
Alejandra Mosquera has been a certified Ecuadorian expedition leader since 2006. The pride and love she feels for her country’s cultural heritage and stunning Andean landscapes are clear to see in her work and personal life. Alejandra has a unique gift for making learning fun — delivering information with personal warmth and humor. She looks forward to hosting Road Scholars and introducing some of her country’s many wonders.
Profile Image of Diego Barahona
Diego Barahona View biography
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.
Profile Image of Emma Tejada
Emma Tejada View biography
Emma Tejada is a certified national expedition leader and Galápagos Islands naturalist. She earned a bachelor's degree in tourism from the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral and completed her naturalist studies at San Francisco de Quito University. In 2017, Emma began leading educational expeditions in the Galápagos; before that, she worked for the Galápagos Government Council’s immigration division and held positions in hotel management and operations at hotels on Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. Her personal interests include travel, music, photography, and nature conservation.
Profile Image of Katherina Pinto
Katherina Pinto View biography
Katherina Pinto is a certified Peruvian expedition leader who is proud of her indigenous roots. In fact, she has a grandfather with direct ties to a noble Inca family. Katherina grew up in Cusco and has a tourism degree from the Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco. She is fascinated by her country’s cultural history, but is equally passionate about the wildlife and dramatic landscapes of the Andes. Some of her favorite free time activities include volunteer work, hiking, cooking, and photography.
Profile Image of Andres Dueñas
Andres Dueñas View biography
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.
Profile Image of Marcos Lasso
Marcos Lasso View biography
Marcos Lasso is a certified naturalist for the Galapagos National Park who holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental resource management from the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. He also received his interpretive training for the Galapagos National Park at his alma mater. In 2018, he began working on expedition yachts, leading shore excursions and providing onboard instruction. Marcos is fluent in English and German as well as his native Spanish. Some of his favorite pastimes include reading, journaling, playing guitar, and singing.
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