Q – Hello – and fascinating approach. We’re enjoying this informative site by the pool. It reads even better after a second daiquiri. My wife and I are going top plan something that will give us a week or two in the Galapagos along with a few days to see Machu Pichu – number one on our bucket list. By when to go? And how to go? Keep it up and don’t cave in on the ads. It makes all the difference.
A – We won’t. There are two best times to go – tax day through the first of June is best and the entire month of September up until about the 10th of October also work well.
The tricky part is not the Galapagos, which, based on their position along the equator are really open for business all year, but Machu Pichu. MP sits pretty much in the middle of a large tropical rain forest in the mountains of Peru. There is a long rainy season from October through the early part of April. The mud and the rain make a visit challenging so you really have a six-month window. Again, the best time to do this trip is May.
In terms of options, we would highly recommend three:
01 – The year-round seven-night sailings on the Silverseas Silver Galapagos are luxurious while providing an authentic experience. You will sail round-trip out of Balta. There is a North Central and Western Itinerary. They can be combined for a 14-nigtht expedition. You can then add on Machi Pichi through a local land operator.
02 – Tauck does a credible 15-Day itinerary that combines exactly what you want. The Galapagos portion is done aboard the 40-Guest motor yacht, Isabella 11. This means that the boat is leased on an exclusive basis.
03 – Lindblad does a series of cruises to the Galapagos islands and pairs several of them with touring to Peru and Mach Pichu. These Lindblad – National Geographic Expeditions feature some of the best available lecturers. While not as luxurious as Silversea, Lindblad attracts a more studious clientele, the majority of whom are interested in high-level photographic experiences.
