Amazon, Machu Picchu and Galapagos tours incorporate the most famous South American tourist spots in one great trip that can leave you with three indelible experiences for a lifetime. Read our guide for more facts and information…
While planning on lifetime trip to the mystical city of Machu Picchu, it can be tricky to decide what other destinations to include in the trip. The most interesting option would be to include a tour of Amazon and Galapagos. The geography of Peru encompasses the Amazon Rain forest and Amazon basin, in addition to the Pacific coastline and the Andes Mountains. Apart from exploring the mystical Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, a combined tour will let you behold the unmatched biodiversity of Amazon and experience the wildlife-dominated Galapagos landscape.
Benefits of the combined trip
Each destination is unique and hence, it can be the experience of a lifetime. It is also the most economical option for a memorable tour of South America.
Apart from sightseeing and exploring the region, you can take part in a diverse range of activities, such as hiking, canoeing, snorkeling, etc. in various destinations in one great trip.
The Amazon Rainforest is among the most bio-diverse places, where you can find all sorts of wildlife including pink river dolphins, macaws, river otters and parakeets, just to name a few.
The Galapagos archipelago is almost an otherworldly destination, which is home to distinctive wildlife species, such as the giant Galapagos tortoise, tropical penguin and blue-footed bobby that are found nowhere else on the earth.
Machu Picchu is not only a tourist spot but also a pilgrim destination, meaning that you can also get the spiritual experience of a lifetime in your trip. Its history has a renowned significance for archaeologists and historians.
Tour operators and duration
The nature of the three destinations offers a perfect opportunity for eco tours, apart from visiting museums and other interesting sites. Ideally, a 15-day tour offers the best chance for a comprehensive trip that will cover all the essential aspects. Tour operators offer customized and cost-effective packages that cover transportations, lodging, meals, day tours, cruises and other activities.
An ideal itinerary
The best option is to start with the Amazon, proceed to Machu Picchu and conclude with Galapagos. After arriving at Lima, you will take a flight to Puerto Maldonado, a central spot in the Amazon Rainforest. Eco tours take you on a canoe ride on the Tambopata River to your accommodations. A highlight near the Amazon Jungle Lodge is the 115-feet high Canopy Tower, which provides stunning views of the river and the rainforest. The TresChimbadas oxbow lake is known for its fascinating wildlife, such as giant river otters, hoatzin, turtles and birds. Guides help you explore the surrounding trails and you may go on an excursion to the ethno-botanical center.
A departure downriver to the Puerto Maldonado airport concludes your Amazon tour. From here, you take a flight to Cusco, located at about 11,000 feet above sea level. This is the best place to acclimatize to the altitude and hence, you may spend a day exploring its lively markets, the colonial cathedral and the striking Temple of the Sun called Koricancha. A day tour through the legendary Sacred Valley gives a glimpse of the Andean countryside, Inca terraces, Pisac temples and steep valleys.
Sacred Valley is near a town called Ollantaytambo, where you can board the train to AguasCalientes, and then take a bus ride to Machu Picchu. After spending a wonderful day at the ancient citadel and exploring its history, you return to AguasCalientes. This town is famous for hot springs, and you may stay overnight in the town to explore more of Machu Picchu.
A departure to Cusco concludes your Machu Picchu tour. From Cusco, you will fly to Lima and take the international flight to Quito, Ecuador. To explore Galapagos, a 5 or 8-day cruise is the most exciting option. Itineraries may vary depending on the cruise vessel you choose. Island hopping is also an interesting way to discover the islands. A departure to Quito concludes your Galapagos tour. From there, you will board an international flight to your starting destination.
