Machu Picchu and Galapagos vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This twelve-day itinerary reduces carbon emissions by prioritizing land-based transfers and walking tours. In Peru, the connection between Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu is done by road and train instead of short flights, significantly lowering travel-related emissions. In Quito, guided tours of the historic center are conducted entirely on foot, making exploration both immersive and low-impact.

Illa Experience Hotel contributes by sourcing seasonal products from nearby vendors and applying energy- and water-efficient practices in its restored heritage building. In the Galápagos, the Seaman Journey yacht limits food transport by incorporating fresh produce grown in its hydroponic system on San Cristóbal Island. Guests are also encouraged to use refillable bottles, with purified water provided at all stages of the journey to avoid single-use plastics.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

This program includes visits to highly sensitive natural and cultural areas: Machu Picchu in Peru, Quito’s UNESCO-recognized historic center, and Galápagos National Park. All excursions are guided under strict conservation regulations to protect biodiversity and heritage.

At Illa Experience Hotel, green spaces are carefully maintained, including its terraced geranium garden that supports urban biodiversity. The property also reduces waste through selective recycling and limited plastic use. On the Seaman Journey, conservation protocols are central: naturalist guides ensure that wildlife such as sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and giant tortoises are observed with minimal disturbance, while snorkeling and kayaking activities are conducted under the park’s sustainability guidelines. Together, these practices strengthen the preservation of fragile ecosystems from the Andes to the Galápagos.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

The program works with locally owned accommodations and service providers, ensuring that tourism income stays within the destination. In Cusco and the Sacred Valley, visits to markets and artisan centers directly support regional families.

In Quito, Illa Experience Hotel invests in the San Marcos neighborhood by hosting daily workshops with local artisans in crafts such as toquilla weaving, confectionery, and ceramics activities that generate stable income and preserve cultural heritage. In the Galápagos, the Seaman Journey partners with local suppliers, hiring island-based staff and purchasing products regionally whenever possible. Its hydroponic farm in San Cristóbal also reinforces food security on the islands by reducing dependence on imports from the mainland.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY, AND DIVERSITY

Across Peru, Ecuador, and the Galápagos, this tour relies on the expertise of local guides, drivers, and hospitality teams, ensuring that the benefits of tourism remain with residents.

Illa Experience Hotel, in partnership with us, runs the NESTS Project, a mentorship program that trains young Ecuadorians in hospitality and entrepreneurship, preparing the next generation of tourism professionals. At the hotel, community members are actively engaged in hosting workshops and cultural experiences for visitors. On the Seaman Journey, naturalist guides, crew, and service staff are almost entirely Galápagos residents, creating year-round employment in a region where opportunities can be seasonal and limited. Women and families are actively involved in supporting hospitality services both on land and on board.

Through these collaborations, the itinerary not only strengthens local economies but also promotes inclusive, long-term employment that places community members at the center of sustainable tourism.