See prices for shorter tours here . .

9 days Peru :

17 days Peru & Ecuador :

See our slide show of Peru - follow this link

8 days Galapagos :

15 days Ecuador & Galapagos :

10 days Ecuador :

See our slide show of Ecuador - follow this link

Please call for these detailed itineraries All of our tours which start in Peru can be preceded by tour to the world famous Nazca Lines in the Peruvian Desert

Day 1 This morning we fly from North America to arrive in Lima, Peru early the next day. First of 3 nights in Lima. Sheraton Hotel or similar.

Arrive early this morning in Lima and transfer to our hotel. This morning is free for you to relax after your flights before we begin our exploration of Peru's capital city. This afternoon we visit the colonial heart of the city around the Plaza de Armas which is centred on the 17th Century bronze fountain. The Government Palace stands on the site of Pizarro's own house. The Cathedral houses the tomb and skeleton of Pizarro. Next door is the Archbishop's Palace with it's impressive wooden balcony. Nearby we visit the jewel of Lima's colonial architecture - the San Francisco Monastery. Founded in 1546, the buildings interior contains elaborate woodwork in the Andalusian Moorish style. Second of 3 nights in Lima. Sheraton Hotel or similar. B & D

Today we have a full day guided tour of the highlights of Lima, a city that is not only the capital of the Republic of Peru, but was, during Spanish colonial times, also the capital of all of Spanish South America. Lima was founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Lima has over 20 museums. We visit the Museum of Anthropology, Archaeology and History with its superb collection of pottery and textiles from all the main cultures of ancient Peru. For us the Incas are the most famous of Peru's civilizations, but there were many great empires which flourished along the coast of Peru and in the foothills of the Andes long before the Incas. The National Museum has a wonderful collection of artifacts from the Chavin culture, woven articles found at Paracas, and ceramics from Nazca. The Gold Museum has a huge private collection of gold, silver and bejewelled artifacts plus very explicit pottery figurines. We also have time to drive through the modern suburbs of Lima and walk in the shopping streets. Third of 3 nights in Lima. Sheraton Hotel or similar. B & D

This morning we fly from Lima on the Pacific coast up to Cuzco located at 11,000 feet (3,350 metres) in the Andes. This afternoon we have a guided tour of the highlights of the city which was once the capital of the Inca empire. "Qosqo" means "navel of the world" in the Quechua language spoken by the Incas. At its height in the second half of the 15th Century, Cuzco was as large as any European city and centre of an Andean empire which included what is now Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and part of northern Argentina. The centre of Cuzco is the Plaza de Armas which, in Inca times, was the exact centre of the empire and was known as "The Four Quarters of the Earth". The square was flanked by Inca palaces and it was here that important Inca religious and military ceremonies were staged. We start our visit at Cuzco's magnificent Cathedral which was begun in 1559 and took over 100 years to build. The altar is of solid silver and the Cathedral contains many fine paintings. As with many buildings we will see in the city, the Spanish colonial Cathedral is built on solid Inca foundations of perfectly-cut stones. We now make our way to the most important place of worship in the Inca empire, El Templo del Coricancha. The walls of the Temple of the Sun were covered in 700 sheets of gold studded with emeralds and turquoise. Windows were positioned so the sun would enter by day and reflect off a huge gold disc which covered one entire wall. At night the moonlight would enter and reflect off an enormous silver disc covering the opposite wall. The Spanish built the Iglesia Santo Domingo church on the magnificent foundations of the Coricancha. Nearby we visit the Convento y Museo de Santa Catalina which, in Inca times, housed 3,000 Chosen Women who dedicated their lives to the Sun God. First of 2 nights in Cuzco. Royal Inka II Hotel or similar. B & D.

Cuzco lies in the fertile Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River. Today we travel out to visit other impressive Inca sites in the valley and to observe the villages and agriculture of today. Our first stop is Sacsayhuaman the great Inca fortress overlooking Cuzco. This military complex was built with a zigzag double wall of enormous stones, some of which weight up to 17,000 kilos (125 tons). The Incas are famous for the way they transported and cut precisely such large stones and Sacsayhuaman is probably the finest example of their stonework on a large scale. The fortress was big enough to garrison 5,000 Inca soldiers and was the focus of the native rebellion in 1536 which besieged Cuzco for 10 months and nearly led to the end of Spanish rule. Our next stop is the Awanakacha cultural centre where we get up-close and personal with Alpaca, Lama and Vicugna. Here we learn how natural herbs and plants were used to die the wool and native women are on hand to demonstrate how the wool is used to make local handicrafts. Further into the valley, we stop for lunch and a little shopping at the delightful town of Pisac where, in spite of its popularity, retains much of its local charm. At the northern end of the Sacred Valley we visit what is perhaps the best-preserved of all Inca settlements, Ollantaytambo. The old walls of the houses are still standing and many of them are still lived in. In the nearby river stand the remains of an Inca bridge. Above the town looms the imposing structure of Ollantaytambo fortress which contains the Temple of the Sun. As we travel along the valley back to Cuzco, we make a stop at the attractive village of Chinchero with its lively market. In the beautiful main plaza an adobe colonial church dating from the early seventeenth century, has been built upon the foundations of an Inca temple or palace. The ceiling and walls are covered in beautiful floral and religious designs. Second of 2 nights in Cuzco. Royal Inka II Hotel or similar. B & D

Early this morning we board the train for the beautiful ride down the Urubamba Valley to the most famous archaeological site in the whole of South America, Machu Picchu. People are often surprised to find that Machu Picchu is at a lower elevation than Cuzco. Although it is often called the "Lost City of the Incas", it is still not known what function Machu Picchu served. When American archaeologist Hiram Bingham led an expedition from Yale University to this area in 1911, he discovered the Lost City" by accident while looking for Vilcabamba, the last stronghold of the Incas. The name "Machu Picchu" is actually the local name for the mountain behind the ruins and means "Ancient Peak." Examinations of Machu Picchu have shown that it was not destroyed. The Spanish conquistadors never discovered the site. Since they had many local allies, this means that local people did not know about the site by that time either. The site was probably abandoned long before Inca times and left for the jungle to claim. Hiram Bingham called the site a "citadel" but, besides its outer wall and moat, Machu Picchu contains an unusually high proportion and quality of religious architecture. Current theory tends towards the belief that this was primarily a centre of spiritual and ceremonial significance, but we do not know who the people who built or occupied it were. Overnight near Machu Picchu at Agua Calientes. B & D

This morning, you will have time to explore the small town of Auas Calientes before the tourists arrive on the train from Cuzco. Visiting the outdoor thermal pools that vary in size and temperature is a good way to relax before your return trip. You will also have time to shop at the local handicraft market or enjoy a lunch prepared in wood-burning oven. This afternoon we take the train back to Cuzco. Overnight in Cuzco. Royal Inka II Hotel or similar. B & D

Today we fly from Cuzco back down to Lima and on to the capital of Ecuador - Quito. Upon arrival in Quito we take a guided tour of Ecuador's capital city. Although it lies only 16 miles (25 Km) south of the Equator, Quito lies at 9,200 feet (2,850 metres) above sea level nestled between two snow-covered ranges of the Andes. This gives the city a year-round spring-like climate and a spectacular setting few cities in the world can match. Quito was once the 2nd capital of the Inca empire. The colonial section of Old Quito is a United Nations World Heritage Site. We visit St Augustine Convent and stroll to Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and the Archbishop's Palace. We visit La Compania church with its ornate facade and breathtaking golden altars. We also visit the Monastery and Church of San Francisco - one of the first great religious buildings to be built in the New World. In the modern section of the city we drive along the broad avenues of the northern residential section and see the impressive Parliament Building, whose stone mural records Ecuador's history. Here we have an opportunity to mingle with the local people that frequent the plaza every day to discuss matters of the day. Overnight in Quito. Hotel Reina Isabel or similar. B & D

This morning we take a spectacular drive down from the snow-capped heights of the Andes into the great rainforest formed by the many tributary rivers that ultimately empty into the mighty Amazon River. This vast jungle stretches from the eastern slopes of the Andes through several South American countries, ultimately reaching the Atlantic Ocean on the other side of the continent. This afternoon, after settling into our lodge, we take time to relax by the pool or take a short walk to observe some of the many bird and plant species found hotel which is situated within the richest ecosystem in the world. First of 3 nights in the Amazon Basin. Casa del Suizo Lodge or similar. B & D

Today we enjoy a guided excursions out into various habitats in the jungle. Acompnied by a local indian guide, we will explore primary forest areas where we will learn how the native peoples live from the forest and how they make medicines from various plants which Western science is only now realising the importance of. Within the jungle, we stop to visit an animal refuge where we can view all of the local species in a controlled environment. As we make our way back to the hotel, we may stop at a local residence where they will show us how the local beer called chicha is made. There will also be a chance to try our hand at shooting a dart with a blow gun. This will be our chance to meet the local people of the Amazon as they live today. Second of 3 nights in the Amazon Basin. Casa del Suizo Lodge or similar. B, L & D

This morning we take time to relax and enjoy sights and sounds close to the lodge. After lunch, we take a 20 minute walk to the Amazon village of Misahualli. This village is home to a small butterfly farm, owned and maintained by a local who understands the importance of nature conservation and education. Here we learn the life cycle of a butterfly first hand from a local guide. This impressive enclosure houses hundreds of species of butterflies in various stages of development. Third of 3 nights in the Amazon Basin. Casa del Suizo Lodge or similar. B, L & D

This morning we leave the natural wonders of the rainforest and make our way up spectacular, twisting roads to the heights of the Central Valley and the charming spa town of Baños, famous for its natural hot springs and is named for the Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water, Nuestra Señora del Agua Santa. The church is a place of pilgrimage for those who come to thank the Virgin for many miracles and to ask her blessing. We will arrive in time to walk into the town square and visit the church which was built in Gothic style from volcanic rock at the start of the century. Overnight in Banos. Hotel Sangay or similar. B & D

This morning we take the Pan-American Highway north into the "Avenue of the Volcanoes". The road passes through part of the long and gentle valley flanked by two parallel ranges of high, snow-capped mountains and active volcanoes, including 9 of Ecuadors highest peaks. The tallest, Chimborazo, is 20,700 feet (6,310 metres) high and was for many years considered the highest mountain in the world. Everywhere rivers rush down from the mountains past rich terraced farmlands and small villages of adobe houses. As we continue along the Avenue of Volcanoes we pass the provincial capital at Riobamba, known as "The Sultan of the Andes". The city has a spectacular location, lying on the flat plains below the snow-capped cone of Mount Chimborazo. Further up the valley we visit the most northerly fortress-temple complex remaining from Inca times. Built between 1450 and 1485, Ingapirca sits on a promontory high above the Canar Valley. The buildings feature superb examples of Inca stonework where rocks have been cut and shaped so precisely that it is impossible to insert a knife blade between the stones, even though no mortar was used in the construction. From Ingapirca we travel to the colonial city of Cuenca. First of 2 nights in Cuenca. Hotel Crespo or similar. B & D

This morning we take a guided tour of the delightful Spanish Colonial city of Cuenca. We drive up the Hill of Turi for a panoramic view of the city and an explanation of Cuenca's geography and history. We drive along the Tomebamba River at the edge of the city to admire the overhanging wooden houses. Entering the Old City, we visit the flower market on Plaza del Carmen and the area of old houses round Plaza Calderon. We also visit the huge Cathedral, an imposing structure with a pink marble facade, blue-tiled domes, carved gold-leaf columns and an impressive Baroque altar. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this charming town with its many cafes, restaurants, parks and quaint shops. Second of 2 nights in Cuenca. Hotel Crespo or similar. B & D

This morning we fly from Cuenca to Quito, soaring over the peaks of the Andes. Upon arrival, we head for Ahito Park and the Central Bank Museum which is an art museum housing five displays. Each one covers a different time period, ranging from prehistory to modern Ecuador. In the Archaeological Gallery, you will see a wide selection of artifacts from around Ecuador that are said to date back to 11 000 BC. Items such as furniture, tools and decorated plates were used by ancient tribes and are even reflected in today's society. This afternoon we drive north through the verdant valleys of Guayllabamba and Cayambe, with their dairy farms and rose plantations. On our way to the village of San Antonio de Ibarra where we stay overnight, we stop at the delightful town of Cotocachi which is well known for authentic and affordable leather goods. Overnight near Ibarra. Hosteria Natabuela or similar. B & D

We begin the day with a visit to a local animal auction where we are immersed in the country-fair like atmosphere as the locals bargain to sell or trade their farm animals. This is a unique opportunity to experience the sights and smells of everyday living in rural Ecuador. As we move on, we arrive at the Otavalo Market which is South America's most famous Indian fair. People come from all over Ecuador and the world to buy handicrafts here. We have ample time to explore the stalls and stroll along the narrow, cobblestone streets observing the Otavalo Indians wearing their blue ponchos, white trousers and long, braided hair.

On our way back to Quito we stop at "el Mitad del Mundo", The Equator Monument. Here, at 10,000 feet above sea level, one can straddle the Equator with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere. Overnight in Quito. Hotel Reina Isabel or similar. B & D.

This morning we fly from Quito, high in the Andes, to Ecuador's famous islands out in the Pacific Ocean - the Galapagos. Upon arrival at Baltra Island we join our expedition ship and meet our crew. This afternoon we sail to nearby North Seymour Island. Here we hope to watch sea lions along the beach. Nearby Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds nest on the cliff. First of 4 nights on our cruise ship. MY Guantanamera or similar. B, L & D

This morning we anchor off the tiny Plazas Islets. After coming ashore we wind our way past rock pools where Swallow-tailed Gulls and Brown Pelicans gather. We also hope to see the beautiful Red-billed Tropicbird. This afternoon we visit Santa Fe Island with its many sea lions. Second of 4 nights on our cruise ship. MY Guantanamera or similar. B, L, D

On far-flung Espanola Island we visit Punta Suarez in the morning. From the beach we walk past an impressive blow hole in the rocks. Along the shore we can see many exotic creatures in the tide pools and, at low tide, Marine Iguanas feeding on exposed green algae. Inland we can see Yellow Warblers and various species of Darwin=s Finches. At Gardner Bay on the other side of the island this afternoon we encounter once-endangered Fur Sea Lions and have a chance to snorkel with the schools of brightly-coloured tropical fish. Third of 4 nights on our cruise ship. MY Guantanamera or similar. B, L, D

Today we explore Floreana (Charles) Island. At Punta Cormorant we have a chance to see Pink Flamingoes feeding on the saltwater lagoon. Watch out also for Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, Oystercatchers and Yellow-crowned Night Herons. This afternoon we visit Post Office Bay where, in the age of sailing ships, sailors used to pick up and drop off mail in a barrel. Fourth of 4 nights on our cruise ship. MY Guantanamera or similar. B, L, D

This morning we leave our cruise ship on Santa Cruz (Indefatigable) Island, saying good bye to our friendly crew. With our guide we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where scientists come from all over the world. Of course, it was the unique flora and fauna of these isolated islands which were instrumental in helping Darwin to formulate his theory of Evolution, one of the most significant milestones in modern science. At the Research Station we can see the famous giant Galapagos Tortoises and learn about the captive breeding programme. Nearby we visit the largest town in the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora - population 10,000. Here and at the airport are excellent places to buy high quality souvenirs of your visit to these very special islands. After our visit we travel across Santa Cruz Island and onto tiny Baltra Island, where the airport is located. After saying our farewells to our Galapagos guide, we catch our flight back to the mainland of Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito we transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Quito. Hotel Reina Isabel or similar. B & D