Peru and Ecuador Escorted Tour

Discover some of Peru’s most spellbinding World Heritage Sites including breathtaking Machu Picchu; before exploring the ancient city of Quito.

DAY 1: UK – Lima.
Fly to Lima where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel for one night.

DAY 2: Lima – Cuzco – Yucay.
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco. Enroute to Yucay you will visit the Pisac Indian market. This colourful and traditional market displays a huge variety of Peruvian handicrafts, ranging from finger puppets and highly decorative jewellery to ponchos and ceramics. After a wander round the market, continue to the ruin site of Ollantaytambo. You will have the opportunity to visit the town, which is still laid out as it was at the time of the Incas, as well as the ancient shrines and the fortification with its incredible terraces built up the mountainside. Your overnight is in Yucay, located in the Urubamba Valley.

DAY 3: Yucay – Machu Picchu – Cuzco.
Today, one of the highlights of your tour awaits. Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and from there a bus will drive you up the mountain to the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu. Often referred to as ‘The Lost City of the Incas’, this fascinating archaeological site was thought to have been built around AD 1450 and later abandoned, to be rediscovered in 1911 by the historian Haram Bingham. Strikingly located on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley, Machu Picchu is noted for its classical Inca style and the incredible engineering of its dry stone walls. Enjoy an extensive guided visit of the ruins before returning by bus and train to the Sacred Valley where you will transfer to your hotel in Cuzco. Note: Due to government restrictions on visitor numbers to Machu Picchu, extra visits to the site may not be possible.

DAY 4: Cuzco.
After a morning at leisure, enjoy a half day city tour of Cuzco; once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire and home to many beautiful Spanish colonial buildings. Visit the historic Plaza de Armas, the ceremonial square of the Incan Empire – and cathedral with its adjacent churches and former residential buildings of the old town. Afterwards, visit some of the superb Inca ruins in the surrounding countryside including Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay, Kenko and Puca Pucara.

DAY 5: Cuzco – Puno.
A full day’s bus journey from Cuzco to Puno through the Peruvian Andes, passing snow covered peaks and climbing to altitudes of 14,108 feet provides a fantastic opportunity to see some of Peru’s most breathtaking scenery. Enroute you will visit the town of Andahuaylillas, the ruins of Racchi and the small town of Pucara. On arrival in Puno, transfer to your hotel.

DAY 6: Puno.
Today journey Lake Titicaca, one of the world’s highest navigable lakes, where you will visit the Uros Indian community who live on islands constructed from reeds which grow on the side of the lake. Continue to Taquile Island where you will find numerous pre-Inca and Inca ruins and terracing.

DAY 7: Puno – Lima.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in this historical and cultural city on a tour which includes a visit to the beautiful Plaza de Armas, the town hall, the Palace of the Archbishop and the cathedral. Continue to the San Francisco monastery, considered to be exemplary of the baroque style, before proceeding through the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores and ending your day at the coastline, enjoying the view over the beaches of Lima and the Pacific Ocean.

DAY 8: Lima – Quito.
Fly to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Today’s sightseeing takes you firstly to the Equatorial Line Monument, which at the time of building marked what was believed to be the exact position of the equator – however it is now known that it is located some 200 metres north. The monument is of great significance to the people of Quito, which is the closest capital city in the world to the equator. You will also have the chance to visit the Ethnographical Museum and learn more about the history of the Indian cultures of Ecuador. Afterwards a sightseeing tour of the city will lead you through the historical centre. Pass the church of La Compañia, the Independence Square, the Government Palace and the cathedral. Your tour ends with a trip up the famous hill El Panecillo (little bread) where you will see the Virgen de Quito statue.

DAY 9: Quito.
Today is at leisure to explore more of Quito, or alternatively join the optional full day tour to the famous Otavalo Indian Market. Taking a two hour bus journey down a section of the Panamericana Norte, you will visit Calderón before descending into the spectacular arid Guayllabamba gorge and village. With a bit of luck you may spot the snow capped volcano of Cayambe. Pass the Lago San Pablo before arriving in Otavalo. After your exciting visit to this colourful and bustling market continue to Cotacachi, Ecuador’s centre of leatherworks.

DAY 10: Quito – UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK or extend your holiday with a tour of the Galápagos Islands.

DAY 11: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 15,748ft

Galapagos Islands Holidays

A Holiday to the Galapagos Islands is a must-do!

The Galapagos Islands are a small group of islands that belong to Ecuador in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean. The isolated islands consist of 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles which altogether stretch along 50 000 sq km of the ocean. Consider Galapagos Islands holidays for unforgettable time of life.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the islands are well known for their exquisite wildlife that range from the world’s only sea iguana to giant tortoises, toucans and a multitude of different bird species.

To protect the natural habitats, strict controls are placed on access to the islands and all travelers must be accompanied by certified tour guides. Just like Ecuador’s mainland, the Islands have a somewhat erratic climate, with mainly two seasons, hot and rainy from December to June and cooler, windy climes from June to November.

Some of the best months for wildlife enthusiasts to visit are December – May and June-August. The first is when the seas are calmer and the weather at its warmest, but the latter sees more active animals. For diving fundis, July to November are optimal months for whale shark spotting.

Although the remoteness of the archipelago makes a visit to the Galapagos pricey, it is well worth the journey. Visitors can access the islands by plane from Quito or Guayaquil airports with departing flights in the mornings. Alternatively, private yachts can be chartered into one of the 5 ports and those who wish to cruise around the islands will need to obtain a special permit from the national park.

The best way to lap up the unique wildlife and stunning sites is by boat. Each island limits the number of visitors it can hold so there is a better chance to enjoy what nature has to offer.

Visitors have to follow their tour guide’s instructions and stick to the marked paths, but the mere fact that the animals are so tame that they will sit on the path or cross it right in front of visitors, makes the rules and regulations worth adhering to.

Diving and snorkeling are extremely popular past times on the islands as the sea life is incredible. Snorkeling is a good way to swim with the likes of sea turtles, sea lions and other amazing creatures whilst diving has been described as one of the best in the world and divers will enjoy the healthiest marine environment.

Dives are conducted daily with local operators but it is the Galapagos liveaboards that bring tourists to the islands as it is only by this means that tourists can reach Wolf and Darwin. These islands are not suitable for beginners owing to strong currents but the marine life is an amazing assortment of Silk sharks, Galapagos sharks, eagle rays and sea lions.

Fishing in the Reserve for tuna and marlin is popular amongst visitors but licenses are required. Many organized tours include hiking as part of their trips and it’s a great way to tour the highlands and learn about the vegetation and formation. Many of the locals enjoy surfing the Galapagos due to the ideal waves. Tourists are able to rent boards on the islands.

There are a couple of popular tourist sites that include Los Gemelos, or the twins, which are two pit craters that were formed when empty magma chambers collapsed. Another site is Alcedo Volcano on Isabela Island which is home to the largest population of tortoises. It is the only volcano that visitors can climb. Finally, the Devil’s Crown is a snorkeling site where visitors will witness a completely submerged volcano.

The Galapagos Islands Holidays provide a trip of wonderment, adventure and learning for all.