Experience some of the most Iconic and Beautiful spaces in South America
25 days of Ecuador and Peru splendor!
Starting in Quito, Ecuador, you'll embark on an 8-day journey that encompasses Quito, sitting high in the Andean foothills, constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, is considered to be the cultural capital as well as the political capital; Tigua, known for its indigenous artists; Quilotoa Lake, a waterfilled crater lake and the most western volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes; the Chimborazo Reserve, the highest mountain in Ecuador; Devil's Nose, a hair-raising trip down the rocky slopes of the Andes through some of Ecuador's most breathtaking scenery;, the Ingapira Complex, a castle complex of Canari-Inca origin; Cuenca; and Cajas National Park, known for trails through evergreen cloud forests and hundreds of lakes, as well as for its wildlife.
From Guayaquil, you'll fly to the Galapagos to board your exquisite catamaran, the Cormorant II for an 8-day sail through the Eastern Galapagos Islands. Once back in Quito, you will fly to Lima and enjoy a full day exploring the city before heading to Cusco for a privately guided 7 day tour that explores the highlights of Cusco. You'll visit the stunning archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, immerse into Andean culture, trek through remote valleys, become mystified at the wonders of Machu Picchu and sit in awe at the stunning beauty of Humantay Lake. Your trip ends with a full day excursion from Cusco to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain for a day trek. Spend your final evening in Cusco before making your way back home.
- LANDSCAPES: Discover the breathtaking Andean Mountains from various perspectives, exploring peaks and valleys by road, on foot and even by rail.
- HERITAGE & CULTURE: Ecuador’s distinct culture is as vibrant and beautiful as the hand woven tapestries of its local artisans. Stemming from its long and rich history, Ecuadorian culture includes a fair mix of indigenous practices along with European colonial influence. Almost everyone in Ecuador has a mixed-race background, which has resulted in tremendous cultural diversity as well as unique customs and traditions across the whole country. Peru, land of the legendary Incas, has retained much of its mythical feel. The cultural capital of Cuzco provides a glimpse into the country’s proud history, as the center of the Sacred Valley and the explorer’s base for the lost city of Machu Picchu. The Quechua and Aymara, descendants of the Incas, weave threads of their culture with Spanish influences to create a rich Peruvian culture of art, architecture and music.
- WILDLIFE: Thanks to its agreeable climate and patchwork of habitats (alpine grasslands, coastal swamps, tropical rainforest), Ecuador is one of the most species-rich nations on earth, and ecologists have dubbed Ecuador a megadiversity hotspot.