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Peru & Ecuador LIGHT!

Experience exotic cultures & breathtaking landscapes

Discover Peru and Ecuador, two fascinating and multicultural countries rich in traditions, cultural treasures, breathtaking landscapes, fantastic cuisine and warm-hearted people. On this unforgettable journey, snow-capped mountain giants rise above turquoise lakes, while the mysteries of ancient civilizations invite you to delve into the past.

Feel like wandering through the colorful streets of charming colonial towns, discovering Peruvian cuisine, enjoying a refreshing Pisco Sour, exploring vibrant Andean markets or hiking through spectacular volcanic landscapes? Peru and Ecuador bring together culture, nature and unforgettable encounters in one remarkable journey.

Highlights

Tourinfo

Day 1 – Welcome to the City of Kings, Peru

Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, our English-speaking transfer guide will be waiting to greet us and accompany us to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in and get our first impressions of Peru’s vibrant capital.
Our overnight stay will be in Peru at the ***Hotel Casa Andina Standard Benavides or equivalent. (no meals included)

Day 2 – Lima, the Capital of Peru & Cusco, the Inca Capital

This morning, we explore the colonial heart of Lima, a vibrant metropolis on the Pacific coast. Our tour takes us to the impressive Plaza Mayor, surrounded by the magnificent Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Government Palace. Beneath the Cathedral lies the tomb of the city’s founder, the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. We continue to the famous San Francisco Monastery, renowned for its historic library and fascinating underground catacombs, where centuries-old remains offer a glimpse into Lima’s past. Later, we board our flight across the spectacular Andean highlands and Altiplano to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Surrounded by mountains and steeped in history, Cusco marks the beginning of the next chapter of our Peruvian adventure.
Our overnight stay will be in Cusco at the ***Hotel Casa Andina Standard San Blas or equivalent.(Breakfast included)

Day 3 – Sacsayhuamán & the Colorful Streets of Cusco

Early in the morning, we dive into the lively atmosphere of San Pedro Market. Tropical fruits from the vast Amazon region, dozens of varieties of corn and potatoes, quinoa and coca leaves reveal the incredible culinary diversity of Peru. It is the perfect place to get a taste of everyday life in Cusco. We then head high into the Andes to Sacsayhuamán, one of the most impressive Inca sites surrounding the city. The massive fortress is famous for its enormous stone blocks, precisely cut and fitted together without mortar. How the Inca managed to move and assemble these tons-heavy stones without knowing the wheel remains one of the great mysteries of their engineering. After lunch (not included), we explore the historic heart of Cusco on foot, wandering through the charming artists’ quarter of San Blas and stopping at the enigmatic Twelve-Angle Stone. In the evening, it is time to discover another Peruvian specialty: at the Museo del Pisco, we learn how to mix our very own Pisco Sour – and, of course, enjoy the result!
Our overnight stay will be in Cusco at the ***Hotel Casa Andina Standard San Blas or equivalent.(Breakfast included)

Day 4 – Machu Picchu

An early start takes us to the railway station, where we board the train to Aguas Calientes. From here, a shuttle bus winds its way up the mountainside to Machu Picchu. And then, finally, it appears before us: the legendary Inca citadel, perched at around 2,400 meters above sea level amid spectacular mountain scenery. For centuries, Machu Picchu remained hidden from the outside world, allowing its remarkable ruins to survive largely intact. During an extensive guided tour, we discover the history, architecture and mysteries surrounding this extraordinary Inca sanctuary – one of South America’s most iconic archaeological treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the visit, we travel by bus and train back to Cusco, carrying unforgettable impressions of one of the world’s most remarkable ancient sites.
Our overnight stay will be in Cusco at the ***Hotel Casa Andina Standard San Blas or equivalent.(Breakfast included)

Day 5 – AdiĂłs Peru & Welcome to Quito, Ecuador

In the afternoon, we arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, where our English-speaking transfer guide is already waiting for us. We are transferred to our hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to settle in and get our first impressions of this fascinating Andean city.
Our overnight stay will be in Quito at the ***Hotel Casona 1914 or equivalent.(Breakfast included)

Day 6 – Quito’s Colonial Old Town & Cooking with a Local Chef

The charm of Quito’s colonial old town, with its magnificent churches, monasteries and historic squares, makes the city a true jewel of the Andes. Our walking tour takes us from Plaza Grande, past the Cathedral and Presidential Palace, to the dazzling La Compañía de Jesús and the historic El Sagrario. We climb the towers of the Basilica del Voto Nacional for spectacular views across the city and watch daily life unfold around Plaza Grande and Plaza San Francisco. In the evening, we get hands-on with Ecuadorian cuisine as we cook dinner together with a local chef. Preparing and tasting a selection of traditional Ecuadorian specialties offers us a warm and authentic glimpse into local culture and everyday life.
Our overnight stay will be in Quito at the ***Hotel Casona 1914 or equivalent.(Breakfast included)

Day 7 – The Equator & Otavalo: Ecuador’s Indigenous Heartland

After breakfast, we head into the Andean highlands to the famous Otavalo Market, one of the largest and most vibrant indigenous markets in South America. Indigenous women in traditional dress proudly display colorful woven textiles, embroidered belts and handmade jewelry. Around them, stalls overflow with spices, eggs, fresh vegetables, fruit, woven baskets and fragrant herbs. The famous poncho market blends seamlessly into the food market, where small wooden stalls offer coffee, soups, grilled meats and fresh juices. It is a feast for the senses – and certainly not a place to leave hungry! In the afternoon, we continue to the famous Equator Monument, La Mitad del Mundo. During the French Geodesic Mission of 1736, Charles Marie de La Condamine helped determine the location of the Equator. At the nearby Intiñan Museum, we take part in fascinating hands-on experiments that bring the unique location of the Equator to life.
Our overnight stay will be in Quito at the ***Hotel Casona 1914 or equivalent.(Breakfast included)

Day 8 – Along the Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park

Today we travel along Ecuador’s famous Avenue of the Volcanoes, following the Pan-American Highway through a spectacular Andean landscape. The route was named by Alexander von Humboldt, who was fascinated by the remarkable concentration of towering volcanoes found here. Our destination is Cotopaxi National Park, where we walk along the shores of Laguna de Limpiopungo, surrounded by dramatic volcanic scenery. With a little luck, we may spot Andean condors and eagles, as well as wild ducks, coots, llamas and the Chimborazo hummingbird, one of the largest hummingbirds in the world. From the parking area, we hike up to the José Rivas Refuge at around 4,800 meters, where spectacular views await us. A hot soup and cocoa provide welcome refreshment in the high-altitude air. For those who wish to go a little higher, there is an optional ascent toward the glacier – depending on weather and conditions.
Our overnight stay will be in Quito at the ***Hotel Casona 1914 or equivalent.(Breakfast included)

Day 9 – AdiĂłs South America!

At the appropriate time, we transfer to Quito Airport for our onward journey. Depending on your travel plans, continue with an extension to the Galapagos Islands, or board your international flight home.
(Breakfast included)

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