Experience the best of Galápagos, and Machu Picchu too, in ten action-packed days. Starting in Lima on a Friday night, stay two nights in the Sacred Valley, enjoy fabled Machu Picchu and see Cusco, imperial capital of the Inca. Journey to Galápagos for a five-day voyage, with multiple adventures every day on land and undersea—walks and hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling—returning home on Sunday. Operating year-round aboard the yacht-like, 48-guest National Geographic Islander, you’ll experience Galápagos and Peru in true Lindblad-National Geographic style, but in less time. As with our classic 16-day Galápagos + Machu Picchu & Peru’s Land of the Inca, available aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, each voyage is crafted to offer you a diverse sample of experiences.
Arrive in Lima, Peru’s thriving capital, and transfer to the convenient Wyndham Costa del Sol, connected to the airport. You may also elect to arrive early for the Taste of Lima pre-voyage extension. It adds just a day and gives you a chance to rest, relax and see this UNESCO World Heritage designated city
Fly to Cusco this morning. Drive through the Sacred Valley to Chinchero, a typical Andean village where National Geographic Grantee Nilda Callañaupa joins us for lunch and a demonstration of Inca weaving traditions. Continue to Tambo del Inka, where we stay two nights. Dinner tonight is at the hotel. (B,L,D)
Drive to Ollantaytambo, where we board our train to Machu Picchu. Set at less than 8,000 feet in the “eyebrow of the jungle,” the sanctuary is surrounded by tropical mountain forest with diverse birds and orchids. We linger after day- visitors are gone, returning to Machu Picchu Pueblo for the train back to the Sacred Valley and Tambo del Inka this evening. Dinner is served aboard the first-class train. (B,L,D)
After breakfast this morning, depart for Cusco with a full day to explore. Tour the magnificently ornate 17th-century cathedral and Plaza de Armas, the sacred Inca Temple of the Sun and other treasures of this burgeoning cultural capital and center of the Inca universe, where colonial buildings stand atop Inca foundations. Check in at Palacio del Inka in the historic center. Dinner is on your own tonight to explore nearby celebrated restaurants or rest and relax at the hotel. (B,L)
Bid farewell to Peru and continue to Ecuador for part two of our expedition with flights from Cusco via Lima to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city. Overnight at Hotel del Parque. (B,L,D)
Fly on Day 6 to Galápagos. Each day we hike, swim, snorkel, or explore by kayak or Zodiac—all the while witnessing incredible interactions between animals in their natural habitat. Start exploring on Isla Santa Cruz with a trip over the highlands of Santa Cruz upon arrival. Over these few days, walk in a cactus forest with endemic land iguanas on Santa Fe. Wander among sea lions and admire soaring sea birds on Plaza Sur. Search for penguins on stark black lava at Sullivan Bay on Santiago. Snorkel in crystal-clear water at Sombrero Chino. And sail across the Equator and into the flooded caldera at Genovesa, a seabird paradise where we bid farewell to Darwin’s Islands. (B,L,D)
Fly to Guayaquil, where dayrooms are reserved at the Hotel del Parque before flights home. Or spend the night and return home on Day 11 at no additional cost. Or elect the post-cruise extension to Quito & Otavalo. Ask your Expedition Specialist for details. (B
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 49 metres
Passenger Capacity: 48 guests (in 26 cabins)
Lindblad Expeditions is thrilled to welcome the new, all-suite National Geographic Islander II to our fleet in August 2022. Sleek and elegant, she will sail year-round in the Galápagos Islands and elevate the guest experience to an entirely new level.
A best-in-class expedition vessel that feels like a private yacht, National Geographic Islander II is a spacious all-suite ship. With only 26 suites and accommodating just 48 guests, she sails with a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio.
Special features include teak decks, indoor-outdoor dining options, an impressive observation deck, and new amenities like a climate-controlled Marina and a high-tech Science Hub.
The new, all-suite National Geographic Islander II provides an authentic sense of place, drawing on our decades of partnering with local communities and conservation groups. Contributing to the fully immersive Ecuadorian experience on board are Ecuadorian staff and locally sourced and sustainable farm-to-table and ocean-to-table culinary ingredients, as well as artisan spa elements and handcrafted textiles, art, and décor all regionally created.
All-Suite Accommodations
18 Suites, 4 Solo suites, and 4 Islander Suites accommodating just 48 guests—all with large windows, convertible king/twin beds with 600-thread count bedding, ample closets, sofa, and marble double-sink bathrooms with a collection of organic amenities crafted exclusively for Lindblad Expeditions. In addition, a stocked mini-bar can be customized to guests’ preferences, and there’s in-room coffee and tea, Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV.
Indoor-Outdoor Dining
Fresh, locally sourced, and sustainable farm-to-table cuisine representing all the regions of the country is developed in partnership with Ecuadorian chefs. Plant-based options are available as well and cocktails and mocktails are crafted with ingredients from the islands.
Enjoy meals in the expanded al fresco Patio Café, sophisticated Yacht Club Restaurant on the Promenade Deck, or Grill on the Observation Deck, where there’s also a bar and ample seating to host events. Here, guests gather for wine tastings, chocolate tastings, and Bubble-Qs—BBQs made extra celebratory with Champagne. The convenient 24-hour beverage and snack stations in the Bar and Library are other welcome amenities.
The Cove
The newly reimagined Cove is a gathering spot for pre-dinner Recaps, camaraderie with like-minded travelers, and craft cocktails. Four flat-screen TVs are part of a state-of-the-art communications system for engaging and informative audiovisual presentations. A forward-facing viewing platform invites you to step outside to take in the beauty of the islands.
Science Hub
Outfitted with scientific equipment, the exciting new Science Hub continues the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic legacy of supporting conservation and research. Equipped for underway oceanography, interactive video presentations, and an enhanced photo experience, the Science Hub is also a place for young guests in the National Geographic Global Explorers Program to experience hands-on learning.
Expedition Tools
National Geographic Islander II carries a fleet of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, a glass-bottom Zodiac, an expanded flotilla of versatile Zodiac boats, complete snorkel gear for adults and children, video microscope, Science Hub, and remote ocean view cameras.
The newly refitted teak-appointed marina is spacious and climate-controlled, designed for guests to comfortably get in and out of expedition gear.
Expanded Expedition Staff
The Expedition Team, led by a veteran Expedition Leader, includes a five Naturalists, Undersea Specialist, Certified Photo Instructor, and Certified Field Educators who run our exclusive National Geographic Global Explorers Program for kids and teens.
Public Spaces
The ship’s public spaces enhance the connection to the islands. Guests will find an open Bridge, surrounding teak decks, and a forward-viewing area. Two dining areas accommodate all guests in a single seating. The Cove, which has a bar, is the setting for daily Recaps. Other ship features include a Reception area with glass doors that lead to an open teak Viewing Deck, a Plunge Pool, a Chart Room, the Global Gallery, Library, Marina, Swim Platform, and Zodiac boarding area.
Quito & Otavalo Post-Voyage Extension. From $1,440 AUD
Follow the mystery and magic of Galápagos with a three-day cultural experience in the Andes of Ecuador on this post-voyage extension. Post trip - 3 Days
Taste of Lima Pre-Voyage Extension. From $550 AUD
Relax and explore vibrant, cosmopolitan Lima on this pre-voyage extension, featuring two nights at the classic Lima Country Club Hotel in fashionable San Isidro. See the heart of colonial Lima, admire the remarkable Museo Larco and linger over lunch in the serene museum garden. Departing Thursday, this optional extension adds just one day to Wild Galapagos & Peru Escape, allowing you not only to sample the pleasures of this capital city but also giving you time to relax and be best prepared for the adventures ahead. Pre trip - 3 Days