2024 Peru & Ecuador Tour

Arrival to Lima, reception at the airport and transfer by private vehicle to your hotel. Ferre Miraflores

Ferre Miraflores

After breakfast, a guided visit of colonial and modern Lima, including the cathedral, dating from 1654, the main square, which still houses the original bronze fountain built in 1650, and the San Francisco Convent and its catacombs. Known as the city of the kings, Lima was founded in 1535 by Pizarro and rebuilt in 1991, the same year that UNESCO declared it a world heritage site. One of the very few South American cities that preserve the colonial past, Lima was home to the Spanish viceroy during the time of the Spanish colonialists. The tour will include a visit to the residential areas of San Isidro and Miraflores, before stopping at Larco Mar to enjoy a view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Return to your hotel in Lima.

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas. After the one hour flight, reception and transfer to your hotel. Tour of the Sacred Valley. En route, visit to the market towns of Chinchero and Pisaq. Chinchero is the most authentic market town. Pisaq was founded during colonial times, and set at the foot of a hill crowned by the remains of an ancient Inca city. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Indians barter their products in the main square and artisans from around the area sell their woven alpaca wool blankets and ponchos, engraved gourds, antique reproductions, jewellery, etc. On Sundays, it is also the meeting place for Mayors from all the villages in the region, dressed in their traditional costumes to attend morning mass.

Meals: B

Enjoy a good night's sleep before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes. Arrival to Aguas Calientes, before boarding of the bus for the short ride up to Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel. Shortly after, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, the most spectacular ancient city in the world. Built by the Inca Pachacutec, and comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision, Machu Picchu harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machu Picchu but three of the most popular ideas include a temple to the sun, a fortress against the jungle inhabitants or a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture. Return to Cuzco in the evening.

Meals: B

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  Terracing at Machu Picchu
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  Inca Masonry

Today a guided tour of Cuzco including the Cathedral, Qoricancha temple, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cuzco, Qenko and Puka Pukara. Cuzco's history extends back to before 1000 BC when the Marcavalle Culture was the dominant power; indeed organized life in the City began practically with them. In the second phase of its history, around 800BC, Cuzco was home to the Chanapata culture and later developed several regional states. What is traditionally known as the Inka civilisation began around 1200 AD in its initial phase, with the first Inka, Manko Capaq and Mama Ocllo. It is also suggested that Pachakuteq, the ninth king, elaborated another foundation in 1438 which is also known as the expansive phase. Inca builders hereafter laid out the city in the form of a puma, with the fortress of Sacsayhuaman as the head. After the arrival of the Spanish to the city on November 15th 1533, Francisco Pizarro re-founded it for the Spanish King on March 23rd 1534. In 1536 Manko Inka began a long and bloody war against the Spanish invaders with a siege lasting over 8 months over the city. Finally in 1572, after a war that lasted 36 years, Tupaq Amaru I, the last emperor of the Inka dynasty was defeated, captured and executed in the city's main square. The Spanish subsequently destroyed many of the structures in the city or used them as foundations for many of their own churches and buildings.

Meals: B

Free day in Cuzco.

Meals: B

After breakfast, a fabulous bus journey across the stunning altiplano by. A stop at various archaeological sites including La Raya, the highest point of the journey before arriving to Puno, Lying on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Puno is also the folkloric capital of Peru. Lunch is included. Transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B & L

Full day excursion to the islands of Uros and Taquile. Uros, a group of islands made entirely of tortora reeds is home to a small community dating back to a pre-Inca culture. The inhabitants of Taquile are more closely related to the Aymara people of Bolivia than the Quechua Incas of Peru. Return to Puno.

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight back to Lima and your connecting flight to Quito. Transfer to your hotel, Rabida.

Rabida  |  Meals: B

Pick-up from your hotel for a visit of colonial Quito, declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1978. You will enjoy the Old Town, including the Plaza de la Independencia; as the President still conducts business here. It is also the home of the tomb of Sucre and houses interesting 17th and 18th century paintings. The Plaza de San Francisco which was constructed by the Spanish in 1553 has a high altar made of gold and beautifully carved ceilings. A visit to the middle of the World monument before returning to your hotel.

Meals: B

After breakfast, we head south through the avenue of the volcanoes and on towards Cotopaxi National Park. During the drive, we shall see several dormant and active volcanoes, including Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Corazon volcanoes along this spectacular journey. A visit to the beautiful Cotopaxi National Park before returning to Quito.

Meals: B

Free day in Quito.

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Meals: B