Peru & Ecuador Discovery

Welcome to South America! Consisting of 13 countries, it is the fourth largest continent and home to some of the world's most recognisable UNESCO World Heritage sites. This evening we arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Lima was designed to be a showcase of Spanish colonial architecture in a conquered territory. Today, the patchwork of Lima's vibrant city life and neighbourhoods combine with a plethora of museums and churches to offer visitors a fascinating and rich cultural heritage to discover.

After a short flight from Lima to Guayaquil, our guide will meet us and take us to Guamote, home to brightly painted buildings and a proud indigenous community. Enjoy the amazing scenery as we head through the ever-changing landscapes into the heart of the Central Andes Mountains. We check in to the Inti Sisa guesthouse, a community run project that works to support the local area. This evening we'll be entertained with live, local music during our group's welcome dinner at our guesthouse.

An experience like no other, we'll journey to a nearby village where we will make a donation based on the needs of the community and learn about their daily lives.

Special Experience: Learn the importance of the Shaman and feel enlightened on our visit that includes a spiritual cleansing for our group.

Our final morning in Guamote is off to an early start as we visit the vibrant Guamote Market - one of the most authentic markets in Ecuador. Taking place every Thursday, this market is a real highlight where hundreds of ‘campesinos' come in their colourful traditional dress to buy and sell their wares. Before we leave our truly special guesthouse accommodation, we will have the unique opportunity to enjoy a cultural exchange in Inti Sisa's educational centre. Meeting the staff and children, we will learn more about the support it brings to the local community in the form of workshops and classes.

After this exchange we travel along 'The Avenue of the Volcanoes' to view the snow-capped peaks of Chimborazo National Park. At the foot of the volcano, we meet with the local Palacio Real community to learn all about llamas. Lunch is also included and, for those with an adventurous palate, llama meat will be on the menu.

After lunch we continue to the sub-tropical town of Baños, the adventure capital of Ecuador, located in the foothills of the active Tungurahua Volcano. Tourists and locals alike visit here to go hiking, rafting, biking and much more. Baños is also home to thermal springs - in fact it was named after them – and we can bathe and relax with the locals for just a few dollars. Later at night, there is even an opportunity for salsa dancing!

Our chiva awaits us this morning! This colourful local open-air bus carries us into the upper basin of the Amazon rainforest. Here we take a short hike to the Devil's Cauldron waterfall (Pailon del Diablo) and the impressive Pastaza River gorge. Whilst here you have the opportunity to cross the deep gorge in a scenic cable car for spectacular views over the surrounding area.

Returning to Baños we'll have some free time for lunch before our next adventure. The township is full of streets lined with restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. Make sure to watch the locals stretching toffee from wooden pegs in their shopfronts – it's a traditional specialty.

Prepare yourself for a once in a lifetime experience, as we travel to Casa del Arbol to the ‘Swing at the End of the World' this afternoon! Picture a treehouse set atop a hillside, overlooking a breathtaking, mountainous landscape, and several swings just waiting to be swung. A must for anyone with an adventurous spirit, or for those wanting to keep their feet firmly placed on solid ground, the stunning vistas will keep you enthralled and your camera busy.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Say farewell to Baños this morning, as we make our way towards the Mitad del Mundo, or the Middle of the World, with our first stop at Casa Agave. Building on the early agave culture, these local manufacturers make remarkable, 100% natural products from this unique agave plant and have opened the first Andean agave culture museum in Ecuador.

Special Experience: Sample a range of products, including tequila, made from the agave plant at Casa Agave, while enjoying lunch and learning the myriad of uses of this versatile plant. Continuing our journey, we arrive at the middle of the world. It is here that the equator passes through Ecuador and you can actually stand with one foot in each hemisphere. We will also spend time at the nearby museum, Inti Ñan Solar Museum, learning the significance of this geographical location. Stroll through the outdoor exhibits, making sure you check out the ‘solar chronometer' that uses the sun's rays to determine the exact astronomical and conventional time, along with the day, month and season.

We arrive in the town of Otavalo later this afternoon, located in a valley surrounded by the peaks of the Imbabura, Cotacachi and Mojanda volcanoes. Traditionally an area made up of farming communities, Otavalo now focuses on making handicrafts and is famous for its textile weaving.

We'll check in to our beautiful hacienda accommodation which was used by General Simon Bolivar during journeys between Ecuador and Colombia for his military and political campaigns. This evening we enjoy dinner in the hacienda's dining room.

Travel to a local Andean community to experience a Pachamanka ceremony. This Inca ritual involves preparing a meal of vegetables and meat, cooked in the earth, and covered by hot lava stones, which we will enjoy for lunch. The town of Cotacachi is our next stop. This local community specialises in crafting high-quality leather goods including purses, jackets, and leather belts. You'll have time to do a spot of shopping and explore the town at your leisure.

Our final destination today is Cuicocha Lake, a stunning lagoon situated at the foot of the Cotacachi Volcano. The island in the middle of this lake is said to look like a guinea pig, hence the name Cuicocha which in the Kichwa indigenous language means ‘Guinea Pig Lake'. Here, we will enjoy a relaxing boat ride within the crater lake.

Magnificent volcanoes surround us as we travel through the Andes to Papallacta today. We start our day paying a visit to the bustling, indigenous markets on La Plaza de Ponchos, the Otavalo Handicraft Market. These markets are one of the best artisan markets in South America where you can find traditional handmade souvenirs such as jewellery, hammocks, blankets and ponchos.

Next, we will visit La Companía Rose Plantation for a late morning tea and a tour of its historic hacienda. Built in a French Republic-style the hacienda dates back to 1919 and has remained in the same family for five generations. The rose showroom houses an amazing display of roses of all colours and varieties, many of which are exported around the world.

The scenic drive continues to Papallacta. Perched at 3,300 metres in a high Andean valley, Papallacta is located at the entrance to the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle and boasts the best hot springs in the country. The remainder of the day can be spent enjoying the hot springs at our hotel or indulging in some luxurious spa treatments.

Make the most of the hot springs this morning as we have time to just relax and soak up the incredible atmosphere. Departing Papallacta, we will stop at the bird lover's paradise of Guango Lodge. We'll wander the lush rainforest that surrounds the lodge, observing a variety of hummingbird species in their natural habitat, while passing through an array of beautiful orchids in bloom. We continue through the valley to Quito, Ecuador's capital.

Quito is located high in the Andes Mountains at an elevation of 2,800 metres. Nestled in a spectacular valley and surrounded by snow-capped volcanic peaks, Quito also claims UNESCO World Heritage status for its Old Town. This wonderful part of the city, with some of its buildings dating back to the mid-1500s when the Spanish founded the city, has been carefully restored. It holds fascinating history and beauty with vintage façades lining the streets, and large, open plaza's adjacent to striking cathedrals and stately public buildings.

Explore the lively city of Quito today with our guide on a sightseeing tour. We begin with a visit to Independence Square and the beautiful Church of the Society of Jesus, or La Compañía de Jesús, almost entirely decorated with gold leaf. We'll also see the San Francisco Monastery and admire the view of the city from the top of 'El Panecillo'. In the afternoon, we bid farewell to Ecuador and transfer to the airport for our onward flight to Lima, Peru.

This morning we board our flight to Iquitos, gateway to the Peruvian rainforest located right on the Amazon River. Upon arrival we take a short boat ride with a boxed lunch on board to our jungle lodge. We are welcomed with a tropical drink to enjoy while our guide tells us what is planned for the days ahead. This afternoon we'll head out on the water to try piranha fishing. We'll also see the amazing Victoria Regia water lilies, or Victoria Amazonica, with leaves up to 3 metres in diameter.

The Amazon represents over half of the planet's remaining rainforests, with an incredible depth of biodiversity. Today we immerse ourselves in this spectacular rainforest that covers 40 percent of the South American continent, including nine countries.

We'll begin the day with a canopy walk through the treetops in the Sucusari Reserve. One of the longest treetop walkways in the world, the bridges stretch to over 36 metres high and extend over 500 metres. The walkway is the perfect vantage point to observe the multitude of life in the Amazon treetops and to see out over the vast canopy of trees in the adjoining reserve of over 390,000 hectares. Keep your eyes peeled for a chance to spot paradise tanagers, macaws and lizards.

After lunch we'll visit the Ethnobotanical Garden tended to by a local shaman. Here we'll learn about the medicinal uses of some of the 240 plant species within the garden. We enjoy time at leisure at our lodge before a group dinner this evening.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

It's time to learn about local Yagua Indian culture this morning. We travel on the water to a Yagua Village, giving us the best chance to catch a glimpse of the endangered pink dolphins of the Amazon River. At the village, we'll witness a blow gun demonstration which some of the Yagua elders still use for hunting. This afternoon we'll visit Monkey Island, a private reserve where more than five species of tropical primates including small tamarins, saki, titi and large woolly monkeys are protected.

Leaving the Amazon behind today, we fly to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital. High up in the Andes Mountains, Cusco is also known as the gateway to both the Sacred Valley and the world-famous site of Machu Picchu. On arrival at our hotel, we'll be greeted with some coca tea to help us acclimatise to the altitude.

Today is all about exploring the wonders of Cusco beginning by discovering the magnificent fortress of Sacsayhuaman, believed to have been built during the 1400s. The enormous blocks used in the construction of this colossal structure were carved and fitted with such precision that there was no need for mortar, a testament to the skill of the masons. We'll then visit the San Pedro Market to immerse ourselves in the local culture. This bustling market offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can find fresh produce, handicrafts and traditional food.

Special Experience: Learn to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes with fresh ingredients and expert guidance from local chefs before savouring our creations for lunch. Our next stop will take us to the religious complex of Qoricancha, containing the Temple of the Sun, considered to be the most spectacular temple in the Inca Empire. As well as being the main astronomical observatory for the Incas, some 4,000 priests and their attendants once lived within its confines. Looted and then destroyed by the Spanish, they used the foundations for the Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo, creating perhaps the most incongruous imperial-colonial architectural clash in Cusco.

We continue our tour of Cusco with a visit to the 17th-century Cusco Cathedral - the façade of which is a fine example of colonial baroque architecture.

It's a short trip this morning to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Urubamba Valley, as it is also known, encompasses the heartland of the Inca Empire and contains numerous archaeological remains and villages. The valley was valued by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities and was one of the empire's main points for the extraction of natural wealth.

We'll first stop at the village of Awanacancha to meet native weavers and see the South American camelid species of llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas. Then, we continue onwards to the lively Pisac markets, well known for its handicrafts, and the Inkariy Museum, which showcases pre-Hispanic Peruvian cultures. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca village and one of the best surviving examples of Inca city planning, is our first destination to explore this morning. We explore the town's narrow streets and visit a local house. The nearby ruins form a fortress that can only be entered by a steep stone staircase that we'll climb for an up-close look at the Inca's dry masonry skill. Their astounding craftsmanship ensures that even after centuries of earthquakes, a knife cannot be slipped into the seams between the limestone blocks.

Special Experience: Pull up a blanket and cushion, as we picnic on the banks overlooking the picturesque Huaypo Lagoon and sample the delicious array of local produce prepared by the renowned Cicciolina restaurant of Cusco. We will continue our sightseeing, exploring the salt ponds of Maras which have been harvested since the days of the Incan Empire.

Our day concludes at the Seminario pottery workshop in Urubamba where we'll gain insight into the various styles and techniques used by Peru's ancient cultures.

A magical day ahead… this morning we take an early vistadome train ride through the Urubamba Valley to the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu! On arrival in Aguas Calientes we check into our eco-resort before taking a local bus up the mountain to the entrance. Our guide will give us an in-depth introduction and description of the site and we'll also be able to explore the ruins at our own pace afterwards. Alternatively, if you have chosen to undertake the optional Inca Trail hike (this must be pre-booked at the time of tour booking), you will have an early start, taking a train to the ‘Km 104' station where your trek commences.

For those on the trek, the first site along the way is the incredible archaeological complex of Chachabamba. From here the trail ascends for 8 kilometres. At approximately the four hour mark we arrive at the impressive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, built into the steep countryside. As we continue, we'll enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex.

We continue along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle for another hour or so, until we arrive at the picturesque Sun Gate of Inti Punku - a wonderful photo opportunity. The trek ends in the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. Our guide will take us through this mind-blowing site, pointing out the most important parts of the ancient civilisation.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

This morning is at leisure. You also have the option to return to Machu Picchu for a second visit to enjoy the beauty of this ancient phenomenon before the crowds arrive. We'll then return to Ollantaytambo via the vistadome train. On our way to Cusco we'll stop at Chinchero and visit the temple. Built on the Inca walls of the Inca Tupac Yupanqui Palace, the temple is made up of Inca stone structures, which were used as foundations for colonial construction and shaped its design.

Optional Excursion: Machu Picchu 2nd visit & Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) - Your tour already includes one visit to Machu Picchu; however, you may wish to take a second visit to explore this phenomenon further. Alternatively, you may wish to also incorporate a climb up to Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) (considered to provide the best view over Machu Picchu). Please note both options include entry into Machu Picchu and transportation (guide not included). If you choose the Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) option, entry to the peak is also included. Half day Machu Picchu only - from $90pp US. Half day Machu Picchu incl. Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) – from $104pp US.

Please Note: You must purchase your entrance ticket in advance. This will be done by our local operator. Please advise your travel specialist if you would like to include a second visit. Entrance tickets are limited and by shifts. These usually sell out well in advance. Current shifts for entry in the morning are hourly beginning at 6.00am. Your entry time is located in the top left corner of the ticket and you have a maximum of 60 minutes after that time to arrive at the entrance for check in. If possible, we recommend booking an earlier time slot. Only the tickets that specify “llaqta de Machupicchu” allows you to choose one of the three established circuits around the site. The ticket that includes Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) mountain only allows you to visit circuit 4.

For those clients who have chosen the optional Inca Trail trek, a second visit to Machu Picchu is included in the cost of your trekking permit. This allows trekkers who wish to do so, to visit circuit 5 at no additional cost. However, this included second visit does not include the cost of transportation to and from the ruins as not all trekkers will choose to return the following day. The cost of the return buses to the ruin site is $28pp US and this needs to be paid locally. Your tour guide will assist you in obtaining these tickets.

Enjoy a day at leisure in colourful Cusco. Full of plaza's, archaeological ruins and interesting craft shops, it's a great place to explore and experience on your own. Why not check out the Casa Concha Museum, containing artefacts from Machu Picchu that were found by Hiram Bingham and recently returned by Yale University.

We depart Cusco early this morning and travel through the majestic Andean Mountains to Puno, located on the shore of Lake Titicaca - the world's highest navigable lake, fed by 25 rivers! The Raqchi Ruins, an Inca archaeological site, are a fascinating stop along the way. The complex has many buildings and structures, with the most prominent being the Temple of Wiracocha. This large structure reaches 92 metres tall and is said to have been built to appease Wiracocha, the ‘creator god'.

We'll then stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Puno. The ingenuity of the local Indian community is set to astound as we visit the floating Uros Islands. These islands on Lake Titicaca are built on a foundation of reeds, sourced from the lake itself. Bound and connected by ropes, they are then anchored by logs which go deep into the bottom of the lakebed. The people who live here earn a living from fishing, weaving and handicrafts.

Spend the day discovering magnificent Lake Titicaca. This morning we travel from Puno to Copacabana, located on the lake's Bolivian shore, and visit the churches of Pomata and Juli, as well as the Copacabana Cathedral. Boarding the hydrofoil, we will speed across the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca taking in the picturesque surrounds of the scattered islands.

Arriving on the Island of the Moon, we'll visit the Sun Virgin's Temple 'Iñak Uyu' before continuing to the Island of the Sun. Here we'll see the Grand Stairs and the Sacred Fountain, where we can feel the sacred water trickle over our fingers. The water is said to bring eternal youth and happiness. We'll stop for lunch at Uma Kollu, an archaeological restaurant with an authentic Takana (Inca terrace) forming part of the interior wall, before returning to Puno.

Today we fly to Lima, Peru's largest city and its capital. This incredible place is covered in history, gloriously messy and full of aesthetic delights. The city has world-class food, an incredible nightlife and mesmerising colonial-style architecture.

Explore colonial Lima on a half day city tour. Our first stop is the Plaza de Armas, where we see the Government Palace, the House of El Oidor and the stunning City Hall buildings. We take a stroll through the Cathedral of Lima and learn the religious history of Peru. Our walking tour continues to the San Francisco Convent to view both its ‘catacombs', the ancient, underground cemetery of Lima, and the convent's world-renowned library with thousands of antique texts.

During our touring we also see the architectural jewels of the Torre Tagle Palace and Osambela House before we reach the Larco Museum. The museum houses one of the most impressive collections of Incan artefacts and gives a fascinating insight into ancient Peru. We'll learn about ancient culture as we visit the Textiles Gallery, the Spaniards' Arrival Gallery, the Sacrifice Ceremony Gallery and the Gold, Silver and Jewels Galleries. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for you to rest and relax or explore at your own pace. Tonight, we'll enjoy a group farewell dinner overlooking the ruins at Huaca Pucllana.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!