Should we visit Peru and Machu Picchu on the same trip with the Galapagos Islands?
Although visiting Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands on the same trip can certainly be a fabulous experience, unless you have at least two weeks, flexible travel dates and a healthy budget, we actually recommend splitting the two and visiting Peru and Ecuador on separate trips. On the combination trip, a lot of time is spent making your way from one place to another, and if rushed, risks not being able to properly explore each of the various destinations along the way. For example, here is a list the typical internal flights: Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Lima, Lima to Quito, Quito to Galapagos and back to Quito. We believe both countries have so many interesting things to do and see, that each deserves two weeks or more.
What would we miss on a shorter combo trip?
Here is a short, partial list of some destinations typically missed during the 10-11 day Machu Picchu and Galapagos combination trip: Amazon Jungle (Peru and Ecuador), Lake Titicaca (Peru), Ave of Volcanoes (Ecuador), Colca Canyon (Peru), Otavalo Markets and Mindo Cloud Forest (Ecuador). And perhaps more importantly, many argue that the actual core destinations themselves deserve more time, beyond the minimum 4-days, 3-nights in the Galapagos and 1 entrance and tour at Machu Picchu. We believe it’s worth visiting the ancient Inca Citadel a second time, via another circuit (read more about that here), along with extending time in the Galapagos to five or more days. A full week cruise is arguably the best option for visiting the Galapagos Islands to its fullest. Finally, Peru and Ecuador’s core tourism cities – Lima, Cusco, Quito – themselves have much to offer, culturally, gastronomically, and more.
If we will visit both on the same trip, which time of year is best?
Another issue with the combination trip is that months that are best for one destination are not ideal for the other. For example, the North American winter months (November-March) are good for the Galapagos, with warmer and calmer seas, but not preferred for the Andes of Peru, where it is the rainy season in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. And the dry season in that part of Peru (North American summer months) coincides with colder and rougher seas in the Galapagos. Therefore, our favorite months are the classic “shoulder” months of October-November (September also good) and May-June (April also good). Nonetheless, all this being said, it is still possible to have a fabulous combo trip anytime of year. The rainy season in Peru, which is not too strong, is less crowded and there is more availability. And during rougher sea “summer” months in Galapagos, simply focus ship searches on larger boats or more stable catamarans. The best time to go is when you have the funds and freedom to do so!
For more info on tours in these places, see links below to some sample itineraries