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THE BEST OF ECUADOR AND PERU
Day 1 London to Madrid
Madrid to Quito
Depart London Heathrow on the Iberia flight to Madrid. On your arrival
in Madrid connect onto the Iberia flight to Quito which arrives into
the capital of Ecuador in the afternoon of the same day. On your arrival
you will be met and transferred to the Patio Andaluz Hotel where you
will stay for the next two nights.
Day 2 Quito
Today tour Quito – a stately city and UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Visit La Compania with its awe-inspiring gold-leaf interior
and fine collections of colonial art, the baroque-style San Francisco
Convent which dates from 1535 and the Equatorial Monument. End the
day on Panecillo Hill famed for its statue of Quito’s ‘Winged
Virgin’ and spectacular views.
Day 3 Quito to Cotacachi – 130kms
Leave Quito and drive north through dramatic mountain landscapes and
past tiny villages, white churches and sparkling lakes to Cotacachi.
On your arrival continue onto the La Mirage Hotel & Spa where
you will stay for the next two nights.
Day 4 Cotacachi
Today explore the local market villages around Cotacachi which are
noted for their traditional handicrafts.
Day 5 Cotacachi to Quito – 130kms
via Otavalo
This morning visit the colourful market town of Otavalo, one of the
most famous in the area and a centre of regional trade since pre-Incan
times. Afterwards take lunch at a local hacienda before returning
to Quito and the Patio Andaluz Hotel where you will stay overnight.
Day 6 Quito to Cotopaxi – 70kms
Today leave Quito for a second time and travel south through the ‘Avenue
of the Volcanoes’ to Cotopaxi – which stands at an altitude
of 2,930 metres – to discover the flora and fauna of this beautiful
region. In Cotopaxi stay overnight at the Hacienda San Agustin de
Callo.
Day 7 Cotopaxi to Riobamba – 106kms
Today drive through stunning scenery to Banos, a small market town
situated in a beautiful valley known for its waterfalls and hot springs.
After lunch continue to Riobamba which at 2,750 metres has wonderful
views of five volcanic peaks – Chimborazo, Altar, Tungurahua,
Carihuairazo and, on a clear day, Sangay. Stay overnight at Albergue
Abraspungu a comfortable country inn close to Riobamba.
Day 8 Riobamba to Cuenca – 254kms
Today, if possible, join the train for the spectacular ride to Alausí
before continuing via the Devil’s Nose to Huigra. Later continue
by car to the country’s most renowned Inca site at Ingapirca
and end the day at Cuenca at the Mansion Alcazar where you will stay
for the next two nights.
Day 9 Cuenca
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Cuenca, one of Ecuador’s
most beautiful Spanish colonial cities and now a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Cuenca is also an important handicrafts centre and is famous
for its ikat shawls, Panama hats, ceramics and jewellery. In the afternoon
explore the cobbled streets of the old city at your own pace.
Day 10 Cuenca to Quito – by air
After a morning at leisure, in the afternoon leave your hotel and
transfer to Cuenca Airport for your onward flight to Quito. On your
arrival you will be met and transferred to the Patio Andaluz Hotel
where you will stay overnight.
Day 11 Quito to Lima – by air
Today, return to Quito airport for your onward flight to Lima. On
your arrival you will be met and transferred to the Novotel Lima where
you will stay for the next two nights.
Day 12 Lima
This afternoon explore the city with your guide. Places of interest
include the Plaza Mayor – the original site on which Lima was
founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535 –
as well as the historic cathedral, grand Presidential Palace and Church
of San Francisco with its collection of fine frescoes. The fascinating
Archaeological Museum, depicting the progression of Peru’s various
early civilizations from the Chavin in 1,000 BC to the Incas, is also
well worth visiting and an excellent introduction to the country.
Day 13 Nazca Lines flight
Lima to Arequipa – by air
This morning transfer to Lima airport for a light aircraft flight
over the mysterious Nazca Lines. On your return connect onto your
onward flight to Arequipa and on your arrival you will be met and
transferred to the Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa Hotel for
a two night stay.
Day 14 Arequipa
Arequipa is set in a beautiful valley in the shadow of the snow-capped
El Misti volcano. Today visit the Santa Catalina convent – a
miniature walled town within the centre of the city – and a
maze of cobbled streets, flower filled plazas and brightly painted
houses. The Jesuit Church of La Compania and museum displaying the
frozen Inca mummies found on Mount Ampato are also fascinating.
Day 15 Arequipa to Colca – 160kms
This morning set off with your guide on a scenic drive to Colca. A
winding road leaves the city and crosses the slopes of the Misti,
Chachani and Ampato volcanoes to arrive at Colca Canyon, the world’s
deepest canyon. Stay for two nights at Colca Lodge.
Day 16 Colca
Early this morning visit Condor Cross, a location where you will hopefully
have an opportunity to observe these magnificent birds gliding over
the canyon and around the mountain peaks. The remainder of your day
will be at leisure.
Day 17 Colca to Puno – 330kms
Leave Colca and drive across spectacular Andean countryside to Puno,
stopping en-route at the mysterious pre-Inca burial towers of Sillustani.
Afterwards continue onto Puno where you will stay for two nights at
the Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel.
Day 18 Puno
Today explore by motorboat the azure waters of Lake Titicaca which
at 3,820 metres is the highest navigable lake in the world. Visit
the floating ‘islands’ of the Uros Indians whose homes,
boats and island foundations are built from the tortura reeds found
in abundance on the lake. Later cruise to the island of Taquile where
the islanders are famed for their traditional colourful dress of elegant
waistcoats, floppy knit caps, layered skirts and embroidered blouses.
Day 19 Puno to Cusco – by train
This morning leave Puno and board the train for the spectacular ten
hour journey over the high plateau of the altiplano to Cusco. Reaching
altitudes of over 4,300 metres travel past scattered villages, herds
of llamas and vicunas. Alternatively travel by car from Puno which
will allow you to stop on the way at the superb Inca ruins of Raqchi
as well as the village of Andahuaylillas to visit the beautifully
decorated 17th Century Church. Stay for three nights at the Casa Andina
Private Collection Cusco Hotel.
Day 20 Cusco
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Cusco
to absorb its wonderful atmosphere and enjoy some of the finest colonial
architecture in South America. Also visit some of the Inca sites that
are situated in the hills surrounding Cusco such as Sacsayhuaman,
Puka Pukara, Quego and Tambo Machay. At Sacsayhuaman you will see
the remains of an Inca ceremonial centre – its massive interlocking
stones are magnificent, as are the views over the terracotta roofs
of the city below.
Day 21 Cusco
Today visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas to see the colourful and
traditional market of Pisac and the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo.
Enjoy lunch at Huayocari Hacienda a private residence overlooking
the mountains, offering one of the finest views of the valley below.
After lunch continue on to Ollantaytambo. Constructed of rose-coloured
granite, this huge fortress was once a thriving complex of baths,
temples and barracks.
Day 22 Cusco to Aquas Calientes – by train
This morning board your train bound for the legendary ‘Lost
City’ of the Incas – Machu Picchu. Upon your arrival at
Aguas Calientes station a twenty-five minute bus ride will bring you
to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Accompanied by your guide, explore the
ruins as you visualize the lives of the people who inhabited this
remarkable citadel. Stay overnight at the Inkaterra Hotel.
Day 23 Aquas Calientes to Cusco – by train
Rise early this morning to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu.
Later explore this magnificent citadel on your own or take a hike
with your guide, perhaps to the famous Sun Gate for excellent views
of the ruins or up Huayna Picchu for a unique panorama of the entire
city. In the early afternoon return by train to Cusco and stay overnight
at the Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco Hotel.
Day 24 Cusco to Puerto Maldonado – by air
Puerto Maldonado to Reserva Amazonica – by boat
After breakfast transfer to Cusco airport for your onward flight to
Puerto Maldonado. On your arrival you will be met and then escorted
by boat along the Madre de Dios River to the Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica
to stay for the next four nights.
Day 25 Reserva Amazonica
to
Day 27 Reserva Amazonica
Three full days to explore and experience the flora and fauna of the
Southern Amazon region.
Day 28 Reserva Amazonica to Puerto Maldonado – by boat
Puerto Maldonado to Lima – by air
Today take a boat back to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the airport
in good time to catch your onward flight to Lima. You will be met
and transferred to the Novotel Lima for your overnight stay.
Day 29 Lima to Madrid
This morning you will be at leisure before transferring to Lima Airport
in the afternoon for your Iberia flight to Madrid.
Day 30 Madrid to London
Arrive into Madrid in the afternoon and connect onto your onward Iberia
flight London Heathrow.
High Altitude: In many places of this itinerary the altitude exceeds 3,000m above sea level. Please consult your doctor as to the suitability of this journey in relation to your health and the possible risks of altitude sickness.
STAYING ON
Extend your stay and visit the famous Galapagos Islands. From Cuenca drive, via El Cajas National Park, to Guayaquil and the Hilton Colon Hotel. The following day fly from Guayaquil to the Galapagos island of Baltra and join the seven night Galapagos Explorer cruise – further details are available on request.
Remote and untouched, the northern Amazon can be reached by air from Lima to Iquitos in northeast Peru. From here a speedboat will take you the 40kms along the Amazon to your base, Ceiba Tops, which is an excellent place from which to explore the beautiful primary rainforest reserve of this great river.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – THE BEST OF ECUADOR AND PERU
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is PRICE ON REQUEST. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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