Cultural and natural treasures of Peru and Ecuador Why not experience culture and nature up-close, from the valleys of Peru to the islands of the Galapagos. Time spent in the Sacred Valley will allow you wonderful moments of colour and local interaction as you explore the markets and the historical site of Machu Picchu, before finding yourself nose-to-nose with seals and amazed by the feet of the blue-footed boobies – quite simply you’re in the company of some of the most friendly and extraordinary wildlife there is. This is a real journey of cultural and natural discovery.
Enriching tailormade journeys – for you This bespoke journey features some of our favourite spots in Peru and Ecuador. You can choose to take our destination experts’ recommendations and travel just as you see the itinerary here, or contact us to add your own special touches; maybe take a longer cruise or trek the Inca Trail. We’re here to design your perfect holiday. Call us on 0844 875 1896.
Details may vary depending on departure date. Please choose
Depart from the UK on the flight of your choice, arriving Lima late the same day.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Casa Andina Miraflores
Casa Andina Miraflores
A modern hotel with a distinct local flavour located in the heart of Miraflores. Miraflores has great shops and restaurants. Rooms are a good size, colourful and offer TV, air-conditioning, telephone and safe.
Day 2:
Lima
Founded by the first Spanish settlers, Lima still retains many fine colonial churches, mansions and palaces - best appreciated with a local guide. There are plenty of great museums to see in the afternoon on a city tour.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Casa Andina Miraflores Included meals: Breakfast
Casa Andina Miraflores
A modern hotel with a distinct local flavour located in the heart of Miraflores. Miraflores has great shops and restaurants. Rooms are a good size, colourful and offer TV, air-conditioning, telephone and safe.
Day 3:
Fly to Cusco and on to the Sacred Valley
A short flight to Cusco and scenic drive brings you to the impressive Sacred Valley. This was the heartland of the Incas and is now a beautiful home to many impressive ruins and scenes of Andean rural life.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in La Casona de Yucay Included meals: Breakfast
La Casona de Yucay
Set in a peaceful location in the Sacred Valley village of Yucay, this hotel is run by a local family, providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Rooms open out on to flowered patios around the lovely gardens and facilities include a spa, restaurant and bar, where you can learn how to make the famous Pisco sours.
Day 4:
Sacred Valley
Local rural scenes, colourful indigenous markets, ancient sites and stunning scenery offer you plenty to see and do amidst the natural peace and tranquility of the valley. Enjoy a tour of colourful Pisac market and Pisac ruins.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in La Casona de Yucay Included meals: Breakfast
La Casona de Yucay
Set in a peaceful location in the Sacred Valley village of Yucay, this hotel is run by a local family, providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Rooms open out on to flowered patios around the lovely gardens and facilities include a spa, restaurant and bar, where you can learn how to make the famous Pisco sours.
Day 5:
Machu Picchu
A short train journey and exhilarating bus ride takes you up to Machu Picchu. Perched on a mountain saddle and almost perfectly preserved, this ancient mystical site is a wonder of the world.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in El Mapi by Inkaterra Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
El Mapi by Inkaterra
This stylish hotel blends contemporary design with comfort. Rooms are simple but elegant and public areas include a cafeteria serving light meals and snacks, bar, gift shop and computer room.
Day 6:
To Cusco
Revisit Machu Picchu at first light and have the site almost to yourself. Why not hike up Huayna Picchu peak for majestic views over the ruins? A beautiful afternoon train ride and road transfer takes you to Cusco.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Casa Andina Plaza Cusco Included meals: Breakfast
Casa Andina Plaza Cusco
Ideally located just a few steps away from the heart of Cusco, the Plaza de Armas, the Casa Andina is housed in an historic building with colonial features and part of an original Inca wall on display in the lobby. The rooms are comfortable and facilities include a restaurant and Wi-Fi internet connection.
Day 7 to 8:
Cusco
Heart of the Inca realm and the first principal town of the Conquistadores, Cusco is a curious and beautiful blend of indigenous and Spanish influence. A lively town where you can easily spend two days. The Sacsayhuaman fortress that once protected Cusco is an amazing feat of engineering that symbolically mirrors the shape of a puma’s mouth.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Casa Andina Plaza Cusco Included meals: Breakfast
Casa Andina Plaza Cusco
Ideally located just a few steps away from the heart of Cusco, the Plaza de Armas, the Casa Andina is housed in an historic building with colonial features and part of an original Inca wall on display in the lobby. The rooms are comfortable and facilities include a restaurant and Wi-Fi internet connection.
Day 9:
Fly to Guayaquil
It's all change today, as you depart Peru and fly to Guayaquil, the large and bustling Pacific seaport of Ecuador and a gateway to the Galapagos.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Hampton Inn Included meals: Breakfast
Hampton Inn
This business-style hotel is very well located on the main street of downtown Guayaquil just a few blocks from the seafront promenade. The rooms are comfortable and the service friendly and professional; there is a restaurant downstairs.
Day 10:
To the Galapagos Islands
Leave behind the mainland and fly to the Galapagos Islands where you board your vessel for a memorable four-night cruise.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++)
in Santa Cruz Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a large vessel accommodating up to 90 passengers in outside cabins of various sizes (all have en-suite facilities). There is a large sun deck with a bar and Jacuzzi, in addition to an observation area for whale and dolphin spotting. Other facilities include a dining area, bar, library, reading room and small raft with a glass-bottomed viewing box. This is a good option for a reasonably priced Galapagos cruise.
Day 11 to 13:
Galapagos cruise
Cruise the remarkable Galapagos Islands. The local bird and reptile species on each island have adapted to their environment and evolved uniquely over millennia of isolation. A lack of predators and contact with humans enables you to enjoy very close encounters with these unique and wonderful creatures, a photographer's dream.
Overnight Cruise Boat (H++)
in Santa Cruz Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a large vessel accommodating up to 90 passengers in outside cabins of various sizes (all have en-suite facilities). There is a large sun deck with a bar and Jacuzzi, in addition to an observation area for whale and dolphin spotting. Other facilities include a dining area, bar, library, reading room and small raft with a glass-bottomed viewing box. This is a good option for a reasonably priced Galapagos cruise.
