Now you can fulfill two of your biggest travel dreams on one amazing vacation. From eye-level encounters with the wildlife of the Galápagos to a soaring visit to Machu Picchu, there are almost too many high points to count! First, the Galápagos Islands off the Ecuadorian coast. Your naturalist-guides will introduce you to giant land tortoises, sea lions, blue-footed boobies and other creatures found nowhere else on earth—often in extreme close-up. You’ll have abundant chances to walk, kayak and snorkel, and you’ll stay in exceptionally-sited waterfront boutique hotels, rather than being marooned on a cruise ship. The contrasts couldn’t be more extreme as you make the seamless transition to the mainland and ascend to Machu Picchu. Your first view of the famed ruins will give you the shivers just like you knew it would. On this unforgettable journey, you'll spend two days at the site. Plus you have leisurely exposure to the rest of Peru with its conquistador-tinged history, indestructible Inca architecture and spectacular geography. And your guide is a native Quechua who'll make you as comfortable in Cusco as you'll be among mountain villagers and llama herders.

DAYS 1-2 - SANTA CRUZ
Your Galápagos getaway begins on Santa Cruz Island. Giant, 500-pound tortoises are the stars here, and you’ll walk among them in their natural habitat in the highlands at El Chato Reserve. You'll join your guide to boat to Santa Fe Island for a day of snorkeling and barbeque. The island is a non-stop photo op with plenty of chances to spot an incredibly wide variety of wildlife, from sea lions and sea turtles to Galápagos hawks, Nazca boobies and so much more.

DAYS 3-5 - ISABELA
On Isabela Island, you'll take to the water to kayak with sea lions, green sea turtles and marine iguanas while keeping your eyes sharp for blue-footed boobies in the trees along the shores as well as watching how they hover over the sea and dive for fish. Next day, a walk through otherworldly volcanic terrain takes you to the awesome caldera of Volcán Chico and a very civilized picnic. An afternoon flight returns you to the mainland for a leisurely evening in Guayaquil.

DAYS 6-9 – SACRED VALLEY / MACHU PICCHU
The Incan glories of Peru take center stage as soon as you land in Cusco. You’ll begin with a guided exploration of the imposing ruins of Sacsayhuaman. For close-up looks at Peruvian culture, you’ll visit a bastion of ancient weaving techniques that are also a breeding center for llamas, alpacas and vicunas, visit children in a tiny village, and meet the locals in the Incan village of Ollantaytambo. A cinematic train ride lifts you up to Machu Picchu for a 2-day visit. You’ll experience the legendary site with experienced guides, and have time to wander on your own or go bird-watching in the surrounding rainforest. You’ll want to be sure to be in place to watch the first rays of the morning sun strike the site. On your final day, you’ll return to Cusco to experience the grand colonial city and maybe do a little shopping.