A Discovery Holiday To Peru, The Galapagos And The Amazon

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

This morning we take a tour of colonial Lima, Peru’s famous ‘City of Kings’. Founded in 1535, Lima’s historic heart was once the most important city in the New World. After visiting the cathedral, the main square and the fascinating catacombs of the Convent of San Francisco, we then drive to the airport to take a domestic flight on to Cusco. The old capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is the archaeological capital of the Americas and we have some free time this afternoon to explore a little of what is, the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

We spend today exploring some of the highlights of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Driving out to the colourful town of Pisac first, we have some free time to enjoy the spectacle of its bustling market, before moving on to visit the temple-citadel of Saqsaywaman. After lunch we then take in some of the architectural treasures of historic Cusco including its central square, the Convent of Santo Domingo and the city’s main cathedral, with its a rich collection of colonial art.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

An early morning train takes us along the side of the Rio Urubamba and through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, the famous ‘Lost City’ of the Incas. Flanked by high cliffs and towering snow-capped peaks, the three and a half hour journey takes us through deep canyons and up into the mountainous stronghold of, without doubt, one of the most spectacular feats of engineering in the ancient Americas. On arrival we have a chance to tour the site before returning to Aquas Calientes for the evening.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

There will be time this morning to return to Machu Picchu, perhaps taking the early bus back up to the citadel to watch the sunrise. We then have the rest of the morning free to enjoy exploring the ruins privately, perhaps taking a walk out to Huayna Picchu from where you can take in the views back towards Machu Picchu against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes. Heading back down to Aquas Calientes we then have some time to explore the town, before boarding the train back to Cusco. Our journey back takes us via the Ollantaytambo Train Stattion close to the Inca Ruins of the same name.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

With a free day in Cusco we have more opportunities to make the most of this unique setting. One option is to take a trip out to explore the Inca ruins that lie scattered around the outskirts of the city, including the Inca baths at Tambomachay and the ancient worship site at Kenko. Another possibility is to take to the waters of the Urumbamba River on a white-water rafting trip down to Calca. Of course you may just wish to explore more of the city, soaking up the rich atmosphere of this colonial gem.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we depart Cusco and fly onto Guayaquil in Ecuador. Travelling by way of Lima we arrive in Ecuador’s largest city in time to enjoy a little free time exploring this bustling and lively port. The city’s old district of Las Penas is an area of cobbled streets, painted houses and cafes, an ideal spot to sit and watch the world go by and contemplate the wonders to come.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we fly from Guayaquil to Baltra on South Seymour Island, our gateway to the fabulous wonders of the Galapagos Islands. Continuing by ferry on to Santa Cruz Island, we then pay an afternoon’s visit to Tortuga Bay, home to one of the finest beaches on the archipelago. The bay is reached by way of an hour’s walk from Puerto Ayora, following an easy trail that presents us with some superb bird watching possibilities. The area is also a haven for pelicans, flamingos and marine iguanas.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Over the next few days we sail through this remarkable archipelago aboard the motor yacht ‘Monserrat’, taking in some of the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife that make the Galapagos amongst the most unique islands on earth. Our exact daily itinerary is left flexible to allow for changing conditions and the preferences of the park authorities, but we hope to encounter albatross, blue-footed boobies and giant tortoise along the way. These waters are also abundant with sea lions and marine iguanas, making swimming and snorkelling amongst the sheltered bays an exciting prospect.

Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departing the boat this morning we take a bus to the airport and board the flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland and the city of Quito. With luck we’ll catch a glimpse of the snow covered peaks of Chimborazo and Cotopaxi volcanoes from the air. Arriving in Ecuador’s mountain capital we then enjoy a 2-night stay in one of South America’s most beautiful cities.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

The second highest capital city in Latin America, Quito lies in a narrow valley at the foot of Pichincha, surrounded by snow capped mountains and extinct volcanoes. The fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site of the Old City, with its rich blend of colonial architecture, imposing churches and bustling local markets, makes for a stunning venue for this morning’s walking tour. We will visit some of the main sites before continuing on to the summit of nearby Cerro Panecillo, from where we are presented with one of the best views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

On our final morning we drive out to the picturesque lake of San Pablo, at the base of the Cordillera de los Andes. Travelling along the Panamerican highway we pass through Calderón City and take in the rose plantations of Cayambe en route to the famous craft market at Otavalo. The Otavaleños have a proud tradition and their colourful market regularly attracts traders and artisans from as far away as Peru and Bolivia, providing us with a fascinating cultural experience. From here we then drive to the airport in Quito.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Transfer to Amazon lodge.

Overnight Lodge (H+) Included meals: Dinner

This morning we depart on a canoe trip from the beach of the lodge. We travel along the Misahualli and Napo River and visit local Indians who earn their living by gold panning. Arriving to the protected forest named "Misicocha", we hike in the forest and admire the extraordinary flora and listen out for the exotic sounds of the primary rainforest. If we are lucky we may see toucans, oropendulos, parrots and small monkeys. The local Indian guide will explain the flora and fauna of the Amazon Region with special emphasis to medicinal plants. After lunch, we embark in the canoes once again and ride upstream to visit the Indian village Muyuna and see how to prepare "chicha", a fermented yuca drink, before canoeing back to the lodge.

Overnight Lodge (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we hike in the jungle. The native guide will explain the typical plants of this area and their daily use including bananas, coffee, coco and much more. During the hike we pass through a labyrinth of high rocks with caves and amazing vegetation. After a break for lunch, we will walk along the Misahualli river to the small village of Pununo where we cross a suspended bridge and enter the territory of the Indian Community of "Alto Pununo" where we will see how the Indians live and work.

Overnight Lodge (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer back to Quito where the tour ends.

Included meals: Breakfast