The Best of Ecuador and Peru

Accommodation in Quito: Patio Andaluz Hotel (or similar)

Today tour Ecuador’s capital with your guide. Highlights include the Plaza de la Independencia which is home to the Cathedral of Quito then walk to the Jesuit church of La Compania with its stunning gold-leaf interior and excellent collection of colonial art. Visit the Plaza de San Francisco and the Church and Convent of St Francis – the city’s oldest and largest colonial church – then explore narrow cobbled streets around Calle Morales. End the day atop Panecillo Hill where you can enjoy spectacular views over the city belowas the sun sets. (B) 
Accommodation in Quito: Patio Andaluz Hotel (or similar)

Accommodation in Cotacach: La Mirage Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Accommodation in Cotacach: La Mirage Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Accommodation in Cotopaxi: Hacienda San Agustin de Callo (or similar)

Accommodation in Riobamba: Albergue Abraspungu (or similar)

Accommodation in Cuenca: Mansion Alcazar (or similar)

Accommodation in Cuenca: Mansion Alcazar (or similar)

Accommodation in Guayaquil: Hilton Colon Hotel (or similar)

Accommodation in Lima: Novotel Lima (or similar)

Today enjoy a full day of sightseeing with your guide. Highlights of Peru’s capital includes the Plaza Mayor, the historic cathedral, grand Presidential Palace and Church of San Francisco with its collection of beautiful frescoes. Also worth a visit is the fascinating Archaeological Museum which offers an excellent introduction to Peru’s history and depicts the country’s early civilizations from the Chavin in 1,000 BC to the Incas. Later that afternoon, drive along the Lima’s Pacific coast through the enchanting neighbourhoods of San Isidro, Miraflores and Larco Mar and finish the day sampling some fresh ceviche. (B) 
Accommodation in Lima: Novotel Lima (or similar)

Accommodation in Arequipa: Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa Hotel (or similar)

Accommodation in Arequipa: Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa Hotel (or similar)

This morning set off with your guide on a scenic drive through intriguing landscapes to Colca. Cross the slopes of the Misti, Chachani and Ampato volcanoes before arriving at Colca Canyon, the world’s deepest canyon. Colca is made up of rolling green valleys and remote villages and is also a well-known habitat for giant condors. (B) 
Accommodation in Colca: Colca Lodge (or similar)

Accommodation in Colca: Colca Lodge (or similar)

Accommodation in Puno: Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel (or similar)

Today explore the azure waters of Lake Titicaca which at 3,820 metres is the highest navigable lake in the world. By motorboat, 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. Enjoy a 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. Transfer back to your accommodation that afternoon. (B) 
Accommodation in Puno: Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel (or similar)

This morning leave Puno and relax on the ten-hour train journey over the high plateau of the altiplano to Cusco. Pass remote villages and herds of llamas as you reach altitudes of over 4,300 metres. 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. Tranfer to your accommodation on arrival in Cusco. (B) 
Accommodation in Cusco: Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco Hotel (or similar)

This morning is at your leisure to relax after the long train journey. In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Cusco to experience 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 Puka Pukara, Quego, Sacsayhuaman 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. (B) 
Accommodation in Cusco: Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco Hotel (or similar)

Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas today and experience the colourful and traditional markets of Pisac. Enjoy lunch at a private hacienda offering one of the finest views of the mountains and valley below. After lunch continue on to the village of Ollantaytambo and visit the rose-coloured granite fortress which was once a thriving complex of baths, fountains, temples and barracks. (B) 
Accommodation in Cusco: Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco Hotel (or similar)

Early this morning transfer to the railway station and board a train bound for the legendary ‘Lost City’ of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Upon your arrival at Aguas Calientes, take a twenty-five minute bus journey that will bring you to the ruins of this famous Inca city. With its breathtaking location Machu Picchu is the foremost archaeological site on the continent and the highlight of a visit to Peru. Unknown to the outside world until the 20th century, explore this UNESCO protected citadel with your guide then transfer to your accommodation. (B/L) 
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (or similar)

Accommodation in Cusco: Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco Hotel (or similar)

Accommodation in Reserva Amazonica: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge (or similar)

Accommodation in Reserva Amazonica: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge (or similar)