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Through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
In 1911 American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered the stone terraces of Machu Picchu on an expedition sponsored by Yale University and the National Geographic Society. Follow in his footsteps. Explore this archaeological wonder for yourself. See daybreak from the Sun Gate. Descend into the city to walk through the ruins. And discover so much more in the land of the Inca: Ollantaytambo, the vast Sacsayhuamán Fortress, and Cusco, the oldest inhabited city in the Americas, with a rich heritage of Pre-Inca, Inca, colonial, and Republican cultures.
Remain into the late afternoon at fabled Machu Picchu, introduced to the world by Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine
Soak in the scenery and culture of the Sacred Valley of the Inca
Journey between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu by Inca Rail
Voyage aboard the 48-guest National Geographic Islander II with a team of naturalists
Maximize your time in Galápagos with options to hike, Zodiac cruise, and snorkel every day
Explore iconic Machu Picchu with a full day to explore the extensive archaeological site with hand-picked guides
Sail the headwaters of the mighty Amazon River aboard the splendid Delfin II, venturing out daily in narrow, nimble skiffs that are able to explore the tributaries rife with wildlife
Explore the Sacred Valley of the Inca, including the Temple of the Sun, as well as Cusco’s magnificently ornate 17th-century cathedral on the Plaza de Armas
For two nights, use the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo as your base camp. Its Andean-style casitas are set along a reserve with 300 species of orchid
Embark on a sweeping adventure that encapsulates all the wildness of Galápagos balanced with the cultural and historic experiences of Machu Picchu & Peru's Land of the Inca. Explore Galápagos in depth aboard the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II, then discover the culture and history of Peru and the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu.
Cusco: Ancient City, Living Culture
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca empire, thrives today, firmly rooted in the architectural and cultural vestiges of it proud and storied past.
Yale professor Hiram Bingham set the world on fire with his report of Machu Picchu’s discovery in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic, which was completely dedicated to this stunning find.
Venture to the Sun Gate, the final checkpoint on the way to the archeological wonder, and watch daybreak before descending into the mountaintop city—a peak travel experience. It is the culmination of a perfectly paced week. You’ll explore an extraordinary melting pot of Peruvian history and culture, firmly rooted in Amerindian and Spanish traditions, with influences from Africa, Asia, and Europe as well. See the architectural achievements of the Incan empire. And the decorative arts: pottery, textiles, jewelry, and sculpture that reveal the sophistication of their artisans. Discover firsthand how the past echoes through contemporary life. Expert guides are personable, engaging travel companions. They introduce you to the art, music, and cuisine of this remarkable country. And each night your active days end at a succession of gracious and elegant hotels.
See, do, and learn more by going with engaging experts who have been exploring this region for decades.
Expedition Leader
Your expedition leader is the orchestrator of your experience. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.
Our local guides have deep knowledge of the places we explore. They’ll share the stories and theories and put the lives of the people and places we explore into context. Their colorful personalities and passion for history, from the minutiae to the big picture, make them engaging travel tour guides and companions.
The Pacaya River, a tributary of the Ucayali River, weaves its way through the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, carving a serpentine path through the lush and biodiverse rainforest. This majestic river, stretching over 1,135 kilometers (705 miles), is one of the Amazon's vital arteries, serving as a lifeline for both the ecosystem and the people who call this remote region home. The Pacaya River's journey begins high in the Andes Mountains, where pristine glacial waters converge to form its headwaters. As it descends through the dense cloud forests, it gathers momentum, eventually spilling into the lowland Amazon basin. Today we visited the “birthplace” of the Amazon River, as our guide explained. Our Captain navigated proudly and we all enjoyed pisco sours in front of the bridge. Local Indigenous communities have lived alongside the Pacaya for generations, relying on its resources for sustenance and cultural identity. They practice sustainable fishing and gather medicinal plants from the riverbanks, maintaining a delicate balance with nature. The river also serves as a vital transportation route for these communities, connecting remote villages with larger towns and cities. In the mid-morning we landed in the Amazonas community, where we learned about their ways of life. We also learned about the local projects supported by Minga Perú, the NGO that connects us to this community. Efforts to protect the Pacaya River and the broader Amazon basin are ongoing. Conservation organizations, researchers, and governments are working together to promote sustainable practices, protect critical habitats, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving this vital ecosystem. In the afternoon we went for a hike and encountered some of the most mystical animals of the Amazon: sloths! These enchanting creatures make their homes in the lush canopies of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. These slow-moving arboreal mammals are known for their deliberate movements, and they have adapted perfectly to the rainforest's unique challenges. Sloths have specialized claws that allow them to hang upside down from tree branches, a behavior that both conserves energy and helps them evade predators. They have a primarily herbivorous diet, feasting on leaves and shoots which can be difficult to digest. Remarkably, sloths have a specialized stomach with multiple chambers and a slow metabolism to efficiently extract nutrients from their fibrous diet. While their sluggish pace may seem disadvantageous, it actually plays a crucial role in their survival, as it reduces their visibility to predators. Observing these charming creatures in the Peruvian Amazon is a testament to the region's incredible biodiversity and the importance of preserving their unique habitat. During the walk, we spotted tarantulas with the help of our local guides; they did an amazing job finding animals that would be completely invisible to our untrained eyes! Insects, frogs, plants and their adaptations to this environment — our guides showed us so much, and taught us to appreciate the perfect balance of these ecosystems.
We started our day with a skiff ride along the Pacaya River to explore for wildlife along the riverbank. This time of year the water is low, and plenty of fish are trapped in the shallow water lagoons. We observed neotropic cormorants feeding on armored catfish and freshwater sardines; great egrets and jabiru storks were also spotted flying over the area and resting on the canopy. We were lucky to spot a family of three giant river otters walking down the river — they even stayed for a few minutes, allowing us to photograph them and enjoy their presence from a short distance. Giant river otter populations are recovering slowly, as their numbers have been displaced by human settlements in remote areas of the Peruvian Upper Amazon. This region is home to three different species of caimans, and we were lucky to spot a few of them sunbathing along the riverbank. We had breakfast on the skiffs, and we encountered a group of hoatzins (also known as stinky turkeys) nearby. After breakfast, we went swimming in the Yanayacu lagoon. We jumped into the water from the skiffs, and soon pink river dolphins came to swim nearby. What a great experience! After lunch aboard the Delfin II , we explored further into the Pacaya River. We encountered several more caimans, and as the night arrived we spotted several groups of capybaras feeding on the grass along the riverbank. Night birds and long-nosed bats were soaring in the sky. This was an incredible day along the Pacaya river.
Today was our first full day in the Peruvian Amazon and we awoke early to enjoy the Ucayali River at its finest. This is a vital waterway that flows through the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Stretching over 1,000 miles, it is one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River and holds immense ecological and cultural significance. The Ucayali River is known for its rich biodiversity, with countless species of flora and fauna inhabiting its banks and waters. It provides a habitat for various wildlife, including jaguars, macaws, river dolphins, and countless fish species. The surrounding rainforest is a treasure trove of unique and often undiscovered species. One of our first encounters of the day was with a pair of crimson-crested woodpeckers. This striking avian inhabitant of the Peruvian Amazon is known for its vibrant plumage and distinctive drumming calls. Sporting a brilliant red crown and contrasting black and white body, this woodpecker is a visual marvel amidst the lush green canopy. Its powerful bill is not only a tool for excavating insects from tree bark, but also creates a rhythmic percussion — a unique part of its courtship and territorial displays. These woodpeckers are vital contributors to the Amazon's ecosystem, playing a crucial role in controlling insect populations. The presence of the crimson-crested woodpecker is not only a testament to the Amazon's astonishing biodiversity but also a reminder of the importance of conserving this magnificent habitat for future generations to witness. In the afternoon we went out again with our skiffs and saw a few species of kingfishers. The Amazon kingfisher is a skilled hunter, often seen perched patiently along the riverbanks. It waits for the perfect moment to dive into the water to catch fish, insects, and other aquatic prey. Its distinctive call, resembling a high-pitched, rattling laugh, is a characteristic sound of the Amazonian waterways. By sunset we landed on a sandbank that hosted a number of shorebirds. We observed many sand-colored nighthawks, known for their cryptic plumage that blends seamlessly with the sandy riverbanks and forest floors of its habitat. During the breeding season, these skilled avian predators nest in shallow depressions on the ground, carefully camouflaged to protect their precious eggs and hatchlings. Sand-colored nighthawks are doting parents, taking turns incubating the eggs and diligently tending to their chicks. The sight of a mother sheltering her downy, camouflaged young amidst the lush Amazonian foliage is a testament to the remarkable adaptations and intricate life that thrives in this biodiverse region.
On the last day of our expedition aboard National Geographic Islander II , our exploration led us to captivating Genovesa Island. Genovesa is often referred to as "Bird Island" due to the remarkable abundance of avian species. Our day was marked by immersive encounters with unique wildlife and dramatic volcanic landscapes, and we left with a deeper understanding of the island's ecological significance. Our day began with a Zodiac ride to Darwin Bay, a stunning, horseshoe-shaped bay bordered by towering cliffs and pristine white sands. Stepping ashore, we were greeted by a symphony of birdcalls. Nazca and red-footed boobies soared above while frigatebirds circled the skies, their distinctive silhouettes a testament to their mastery of the air. A leisurely hike along the sandy trails brought us in close proximity to the island's inhabitants. Marine iguanas basked in the sun, seemingly undisturbed by our presence, while swallow-tailed gulls and lava gulls perched on the rocks, offering us photo opportunities against the backdrop of azure waters. After the walk, we had the chance to enjoy snorkeling and kayaking. In the afternoon, we ventured to El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip's Steps. This dramatic, cliffside location showcases the island's unique geological formations. A challenging hike led us through a seabird colony, where masked boobies and storm petrels nested in the crevices of the rocky terrain. Breathtaking views from the top of the cliffs provided a glimpse into the island's volcanic origins and the vast expanse of the surrounding ocean. As the sun began to set, we were treated to a remarkable sight—swooping frigatebirds returning to their nests, silhouetted against the crimson hues of the sky. The serene beauty of this moment was a fitting end to our exploration of Genovesa Island, a place where the cycles of life and nature unfold in harmony.
Our day of exploration brought us to enchanting Chinese Hat and Sullivan Bay, two distinct locations in the Galápagos archipelago. The day was marked by thrilling encounters with charismatic penguins and playful sea lions during our snorkeling adventures. Our day began with a visit to the iconic Chinese Hat, a small islet characterized by its unique volcanic cone and crescent shape. We were greeted by a panoramic view of the surrounding azure waters. The highlight of the day awaited us underwater. Donning our snorkeling gear, we immersed ourselves in the crystal-clear waters alongside a colony of Galápagos penguins. These pint-sized swimmers showcased their agility as they darted and dove around us, their sleek bodies effortlessly cutting through the currents. Observing these rare penguins in their natural habitat was a privilege that underscores the Galápagos' unique biodiversity. The charismatic sea lions approached us with an undeniable curiosity. Gliding alongside them, we witnessed their acrobatic maneuvers and seemingly boundless energy. Interacting with these inquisitive marine mammals created a profound connection to the underwater world, leaving an indelible impression on our hearts. In the afternoon, we set our course for Sullivan Bay, known for its striking lava flows and dramatic landscapes. Walking across the alien-like terrain, we marveled at the evidence of past volcanic activity and the resulting formations. Our guides explained the geological intricacies, revealing the island's tumultuous past. As we sailed away from these enchanting islands, we carried with us memories of a day filled with wonder, awe, and a newfound connection to the incredible life that thrives beneath the waves.
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