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Peru Ecuador Wildlife Holiday: Colca Canyon, Amazon, Cloud Forest, Galapagos

Classic Peru + Amazon + Galapagos Cruise

24 NIGHTS FROM:

$9,479

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights quoted separately

PRO24L

• Peru & Ecuador Wildlife Holiday

• Lima

• Arequipa

• Colca Canyon

• Lake Titicaca

• Machu Picchu

• Amazon Rainforest

• Quito

• Cloud Forest

• Galapagos Cruise

Combine the cultural sights of Peru & Ecuador with a wonderful wildlife holiday as you visit Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Amazon basin. Then fly to Quito to explore its Cloud Forest, finishing with an Expedition Cruise through the extraordinary Galapagos Islands. All transfers, Galapagos flights & specified sightseeing with English speaking guides included.

Detailed itinerary ▶

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Day 1

You will be met at Lima Airport and transferred to your hotel.

Check in and relax in this capital city - the largest in Peru and its gastronomical centre.

Day 2

Today enjoy a half day shared tour of Lima, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well preserved architecture. Founded in 1535, it was re-named the "City of Kings" when it was conquered by the Spanish and became the most important centre in the region.

Our tour starts in the historic centre, where we visit the impressive 17th century Santo Domingo Convent. The remains of the patron saint of Peru, Saint Rose of Lima, are interred here as well as the remains of Saint Martin of Porres, the patron saint of people of mixed race, and Saint Juan Macias.

On the Plaza Mayor (the main square, also called the Plaza de Armas) you can see many imposing colonial buildings with their intricate balconies - including the Government Palace, where the changing of the guard takes place, the City Hall and beautiful Cathedral.

Our tour ends with an optional visit to the Larco Museum, a remarkable private collection of treasures from ancient Peru with more than 45,000 exhibits including ceramics, textiles and many exquisite gold and silver artefacts. It is well known for its gallery of erotic pottery (pay entrance fee locally).

In the evening do try a Pisco Sour, the nation's favourite drink.

Note: Lima Cathedral is closed on Sunday morning and all day Monday. Shared day tours have a maximum of 15 people.

Day 3

Transfer to Lima Airport for your onward flight.

Arrive at Arequipa Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in this second largest city in Peru, surrounded by three magnificent volcanoes.

Check in and relax in this Ciudad Blanca ("White City") - the old Spanish colonial capital, with its many beautiful baroque buildings constructed from white volcanic stone.

Day 4

Today enjoy a half day shared tour of Arequipa, an important regional capital that is the seat of the Constitutional Court.

We start at the elegant Plaza de Armas - the Main Square - with its magnificent neo-renaissance cathedral, originally built in the 17th century and fully rebuilt again after several earthquakes. We continue to the Santa Catalina Convent, an authentic medieval cloister built in 1579 and still used for worship today. Its narrow cobblestone alleys, plazas and cloisters have remained intact over centuries.

We then visit the magnificent Church of the Jesuits, with its multicolored dome, built in 1590. Considered a classical example of local baroque architecture, it houses an exceptional collection of colonial paintings and murals.

Time permitting we also visit the Andean Sanctuaries Museum with its pre-Hispanic exhibits, which include Juanita - the sacrificial young 'Girl of the Ice'.

We continue to the Carmen Alto Lookout for spectacular views of the city’s three surrounding volcanoes - Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. You can admire the attractive natural scenery that surrounds the city, including Inca terraces still used for crop cultivation, see the well-maintained colonial houses of the district and its famous temple, and visit the Yanahuara lookout for more magnificent views of Misti.

Day 5

This morning join your shared tour and travel 3.5-hours to the magnificent Colca Canyon, a popular hiking and bird watching destination that is renowned for its giant condors.

We travel through the towns of Yura and Pampa Arrieros, and the Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve with its volcanoes and wetlands, frequented by Andean flamingos in season. Nearly 140 different species of birds have been observed here including blue billed ducks, eagles and kestrels. It is also the ideal place to see small herds of South American camelids (llama, vicuna and alpacas) in their natural habitat.

We continue driving through Torja, with its natural lagoons, to Patahuasy. Chucura is the highest point of the journey at 4,800 meters above sea level. At Patapampa we will see the volcanoes of the Chira Mountains, where the well-preserved Mummy Juanita (or Inca Ice Maiden) was found. Enjoy an included lunch in Chivay, before relaxing at your hotel for the rest of the afternoon.

Day 6

We make an early start today as we drive 1-hour on a shared transfer to the Colca Canyon - the third deepest in the world, plunging 0,6 miles (1 km) from its vertical rim to the river below. The breathtaking scenery here is dominated by the snow-capped peak of Mismi Nevado, the source of the Amazon River.

In the small village of Yanque you can see traditional dancing by school children, before continuing to the Cross of the Condor, one of the most popular viewing points over the canyon. With a drop of over 1,200m this is an ideal location to observe the majestic flight of the giant Condor - the largest bird in the world. Weather permitting, you should see several of these magnificent birds as they stand sentinel on the lofty crags or use thermals to circle up from the depths of the canyon against breathtaking scenery. The best viewing conditions are in the early morning (8 to 9.30 am), from April to September.

Further down the valley it is gentler and greener, with huge pre-Inca terraces carved over the centuries by isolated communities who still live here and wear traditional intricately woven costumes. On the way back admire the beauty of the canyon and the fertile valley below.

After an included buffet lunch, leave Chivay and continue 5-hours to Puno, travelling through beautiful Andean scenery. Along the way we stop at a viewsite overlooking the 'Lagunillas' - small lagoons that are home to Andean & Chilean flamingos, as well as Giant coot, Andean hillstar, Puna plover, Puna snipe, Silvery grebe & Mountain parakeet.

On arrival check into your hotel in Puno - a lively university town situated on the shore of Lake Titicaca with several churches dating back to the Spanish colonial period. Puno is an important centre for Peruvian folklore, with a rich tradition of music and dance, and this is a great place to buy local handicrafts.

Day 7

Today enjoy a full day shared excursion to Uros and Taquile Islands on Lake Titicaca - which at 3,800 m above sea level is the highest lake in the world navigable by large boats. There are over 40 small islands dotted around this enormous inland sea.

A boat will be waiting at the port to take us to the unique floating islands of Uros, made from layers of tortora reeds. Uros Indian fishermen and hunters withdrew here to escape the invading Spanish and preserve their own culture. As a source of income, the residents of these man-made reed islands offer optional rides on their distinctive totora reed boats.

We continue to Taquile Island situated deeper in Lake Titicaca, where the local Quechua speaking Indians have kept intact the customs and traditions of their ancestors, including their incredible knitting skills. The island is 4.5 miles (7 km) long, without any roads or vehicles, and its terraced hills are scattered with pre-Inca ruins. Walk up a steep hill to the main plaza, where you can buy local handicrafts including some of the finest hand knitted items in all of Peru. A boxed lunch is included today.

Note: The islands may be visited in different order. Lake Titicaca is situated at high altitude (12,500 ft / 3,800 m). Taquile Island is very steep, so not recommended if you have mobility problems. Ask about alternative excursions. Shared day tours have a maximum of 30 people.

Day 8

This morning transfer to Puno Railway Station in good time to board the PeruRail Train departing for Cusco.

This spectacular 10-hour train journey travels across remote highland plains, at times flanked by snow-capped peaks. The narrow gauge track wends its way through rural fields and across Andean landscapes dotted with adobe huts, herds of llama and alpaca. Enjoy an included 3-course meal with soft drink, red or white wine (pay for bar and specialty coffees) and traditional Peruvian folk music. Be sure to look out from the observation car when you travel through these small towns, to see how market stalls are cleared to make way for the train .

You will be met at Cusco Railway Station and transferred to your hotel. Check in, settle in and relax in this ancient Inca capital city set high in the Andes Mountains, that is today a World Heritage Site.

Note: The train runs from Puno to Cusco on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. On other days a coach transfer will be substituted. Remember to take a daypack for the train, as your luggage will be stowed in the baggage car.

Day 9

Today enjoy a half day shared tour of the magnificent colonial city of Cusco, built on Inca foundations and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Comprising a fascinating mix of colonial churches, monasteries and extensive pre-Columbian ruins, almost every central street in this city has remnants of Inca walls.

We start with a visit to the San Pedro Market, where you can explore the colours, flavours and traditions of modern Cusco. We then visit the impressive Temple of the Sun (Koricancha) whose walls and floors were once covered in sheets of solid gold. On the site of this ancient Inca palace and centre of worship of the Sun God, the Dominicans ordered a church to be built, which survives to this day.

We then leave the city and visit the impressive walled fortress of Sacsayhuaman (meaning 'speckled falcon') on the northern outskirts, believed to have been both a military and ceremonial centre. This enormous Inca structure has massive walls of hewn stone and is strategically located on a hill overlooking the city. We also visit Qenko (meaning 'zigzag') where the sun, moon and stars were worshipped.

Returning to Cusco, we walk along the cobbled streets of the Plaza de Armas - the central plaza around which you will see many magnificent colonial buildings - including the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

After your tour you can walk down well-preserved Loreto Street to see the remains of Incan palaces, as well as old colonial buildings. If you walk down Hatun Rumiyoc, a cobbled street near the Archbishop's Palace, keep an eye out for the famous 12-sided stone that fits so perfectly you can't even insert a coin.

Afterwards savour the local cuisine (own account). If you are feeling adventurous you can try guinea pig - a local speciality.

Note: Cusco is situated at high altitude (11,150 ft / 3,400 m), so walk slowly. The Temple of the Sun is not open on Sunday mornings & religious holidays. You will need to carry your passport to gain access to the site at Sacsayhuaman. Shared day tours have a maximum of 16 people.

Day 10

This morning we travel 2-hours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Along the way we visit the town of Pisac, famous for its ruins that lie at the top of a hill at the entrance to the valley and are separated into four groups - P'isaqa, Inti Watana, Q'allaqasa, and Kinchiraqay. We visit the Inti Watana group which includes the Temple of the Sun, baths, altars, water fountains, a ceremonial platform, and an inti watana - a volcanic ritual stone used as an astronomic clock or Inca calendar to define the change of seasons. The narrow rows of terraces beneath the citadel are thought to represent the wing of a partridge (pisaca), from which the village and ruins get their name.

We continue to the colourful Pisac Market, where all the artisans of the region get together to buy and sell their products. This is an excellent opportunity to barter for goods and crafts typical of the area, including silver jewellery. After an included lunch, you will be dropped off at your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 11

Today enjoy a full day private tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Our first stop is at the fortress at Ollantaytambo, built to protect the northern entrance to the Sacred Valley from invasion and later the centre of Incan resistance against the Spanish. The fortress and walled terraces of this town provide some of the finest examples of Incan architecture, with the six rose-coloured monoliths of the Temple of the Sun being particularly outstanding. The village itself is the best surviving example of Inca urban planning, with stone-paved streets that have been used since the 12th century.

We then drive to the archaeological site at Moray, where the Incas built enormous circular agricultural terraces on steep hills by hauling topsoil up by hand from the lower land, thereby generating much higher crop yields than would have been possible at such high altitude. This site is believed to be a former agricultural laboratory, an astronomical observatory or a place of worship - or maybe all three.

After an included lunch in a local restaurant, we continue to the Maras Salt Pans, a complex network of nearly 5,000 pre-Inca salt pans that have been hand-harvested by local families for thousands of years. The salt is formed when water from a spring that permeates these pools is evaporated by the intense sun, forming thick crystals in a variety of colours. The naturally pink ‘Sal de Maras’ is one of the finest salts in the world, getting its beautiful hue from trace elements in the spring water.

Day 12

Today transfer to Ollantaytambo Station for the air-conditioned Vistadome or Inca Rail 360 train to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu - an amazing 1.5-hour journey to this magnificent mountain top city situated in a beautiful cloud forest, that was abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911.

This legendary Lost City of the Incas is without a doubt one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. Built on the summit of Machu Picchu (meaning "Old Peak"), on a natural saddle between steep forested mountains, it overlooks the deep canyon of the Urubamba River some 7,972 ft (2,430 m) above sea level. With its giant walls, terraces and ramps that appear to have been cut naturally out of the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu's history remains shrouded in mystery as the Incas did not leave any written records.

At the gateway town of Aguas Calientes, we leave the train and board the bus for a 40-minute zig zag ride up to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of this 14th century citadel which contains a Main Plaza, Circular Tower, Sacred Sun Dial, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds - although the actual sites you will see will depend on the circuit that you have been allocated.

Afterwards return by bus to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Ollantaytambo Station, where you will be met and transferred back to your hotel.

Note: You must take your passport with you today, as this will be needed to gain entrance, which is restricted to 4-hours (based on either a morning or afternoon schedule). It is mandatory to enter with a guide and you cannot take selfie sticks, tripods, umbrellas, food or alcohol onto the site. You may not wear high heels or hard soled shoes and smoking is prohibited. If you leave the sanctuary for any reason (eg for lunch), re-entry will not be permitted. Only one bag not exceeding 11 lb (5 kg) is allowed as hand luggage on the train, so your main bags need to be left in luggage store at either your Cusco or Sacred Valley hotel, for later collection by yourself or our ground handler. From January to June parts of the rail track may be impassable at times due to mud slides, when a bus transfer will be substituted.

It is also possible to upgrade to the much more luxurious Hiram Bingham train.

Day 13

This morning enjoy a half day shared excursion to Chinchero, a small picturesque Andean village that was an important Inca outpost at the end of the 15th century.

The villagers here have preserved their traditional Andean spinning and weaving techniques, so you can see textile artisans at work and learn about their techniques. You can also buy handcrafts at the market in the town square, visit their small traditional church and see their Inca ruins.

Afterwards transfer 2-hours to Cusco, where you will be dropped off back at your hotel, with balance of day at leisure.

Note: Shared day tours have a maximum of 24 people.

Day 14

Transfer to Cusco Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Puerto Maldonado Airport and transferred to town. Here you will be asked to take only the necessary items for the next few days and leave the rest in safekeeping to keep the boat light (bring a suitable overnight sports bag with you for this purpose).

You will then be transferred 1-hour to the Tambopata River for your boat ride to your Amazon lodge. This scenic river transfer takes from 45-minutes to 3-hours, depending on the location of your lodge. On longer transfers, this will include a light traditional lunch.

On arrival walk to your lodge, check in and relax in your tropical jungle surroundings.

Days 15 To 16

Explore the birds and wildlife of the Amazon Basin today - an amazing 2.7-million square mile (6.7 million square km) conservation area that is the largest rainforest in the world, spreading across nine countries - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guyana.

Your naturalist guide will accompany you along the many trails that wind through the rainforest. As you walk through woods and past waterfalls, you can marvel at the magnificent trees and the extraordinary variety of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, begonias, lichens and mosses that grow here.

You can hope to see caimans (related to alligators), turtles, woolly monkeys, tufted brown capuchin monkeys, a variety of frogs and many other reptiles and insects. You can also see some of the many colourful tropical birds of the rainforest such as the brilliant golden-headed quetzal, grey-breasted mountain toucan, blue-crowned motmot, umbrella bird, blue-banded toucanet, fruit-eating tanager, red-crested cotinga, banded-tail fruiteater and a variety of flycatchers. At certain locations, from September to November you may see the raucously competitive lek mating displays of the spectacular Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru’s fiery orange national bird. Jaguars also live along the riverbanks, but are rarely seen.

Activities vary by lodge but usually include guided walks in the rainforest and canoe rides in search of hoatzin (stinkbird), otters, macaws, piranha fish and other wildlife. You can learn about traditional medicinal plants, visit a local village and take an exciting night walk in the jungle. At some lodges you can climb an observation tower for treetop views of the birdlife of the forest canopy (macaws are most active from August to October and least active in May & June). Lodges adjacent to Tambopata National Park also offer excursions to bird and animal clay licks.

Note: A headlamp is essential in the Amazon. Assume there will be no mobile phone coverage and weak (or non-existent) WiFi. Daily programme is subject to change, according to weather conditions.

Day 17

Transfer 45-minutes to 3-hours by motorised boat (depending on the location of your lodge) to Puerto Maldonado.

Here you will be met and transferred 1-hour to the airport for your onward flight.

Arrive at Lima Airport and make your own way to your hotel situated in the airport complex.

If your hotel is not situated inside the terminal, go to desk 365 and request a free hotel shuttle, which they will order for you. You need to pre-book your return shuttle at the same time.

Day 18

Make your own way (walking or by free shuttle, depending on the location of your hotel) to Lima Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Quito Airport and transferred to your hotel in this historic Spanish colonial city that straddles the equator and is today a World Heritage Site.

Check in and relax in this capital city in the Andean Highlands, with its many museums, monasteries and churches with golden altars. The prosperous centre of the Kingdom of Quitu during the 13th century, and later the northern capital of the Inca Empire, it has a setting that few cities in the world can match.

Day 19

Today enjoy a full day private tour of Quito, starting with a visit to the equatorial monument that marks the Centre of the World at latitude 0º - about 16 miles (25 km) north of Quito.

Here you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere and visit the Intiñan folk museum that showcases the different Native American groups living in Ecuador, their culture and traditions. There is also a colonial-style tourist village complete with main square, church, post office, bullring and gift shops.

Afterwards enjoy a Quito City Tour, walking through the cobbled streets and main square of the historic Colonial Quarter - the largest and best preserved in South America. Take in its magnificent colonial architecture as you stroll along Independence Plaza - including the Cathedral, President's Palace, Archbishop's Palace and the Municipal Building.

You will see many mansions, monasteries and churches including the spectacular Church of the Society of Jesus ('La Compañía de Jesús) with its awesome gilded interior and the Monastery of San Francisco. This is one the of greatest religious buildings of the New World, with its impressive façade and atrium leading to a Moorish-influenced baroque interior and winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. This lovely city also has many cosmopolitan galleries and boutiques filled with contemporary paintings, sculptures and exquisite traditional crafts.

Your day ends with a ride on the TelefériQo (cable car) from where you can view at least four snow-capped volcanoes.

Note: Quito is situated at high altitude (9,350 ft / 2,850 m), so walk slowly. As you will be visiting churches (except on Sundays, when this is not permitted), do not wear shorts or mini-skirts as these are not allowed.

Day 20

Transfer to Quito Airport for your flight to the spectacular Galapagos Islands, with a touch down in Guayaquil.

You will be met at Baltra Airport and transferred by bus to the boarding jetty. Here you will embark on your Expedition Cruise through this magnificent archipelago, situated on the equator in the Pacific Ocean some 560 miles (900 km) west of the Ecuador mainland.

These volcanic islands are famous for their vast number of endemic species, studied by Charles Darwin during his historic voyage on the Beagle, which contributed to his Theory of Evolution by natural selection. Check in and relax in this astonishing marine reserve, where the unique wildlife does not seem perturbed by human visitors - allowing for extremely close-up encounters.

Note: You need to be relatively mobile to enjoy an expedition cruise in the Galapagos, as you will be embarking and disembarking by panga boat (zodiac). All sightseeing with a naturalist guide, marine fees, snorkelling and medical care aboard the boat are included, but not the cost of medicines. Wetsuits are available for hire. Children < 6 years are not allowed on an expedition cruise.

Days 21 To 23

Enjoy cruising through the marine-rich waters of the world-famous Galapagos Islands, with shore excursions each day with a naturalist.

Your exact routing will depend on your departure date and the vessel you have selected. This will be confirmed before you book.

Day 24

Disembark from your expedition cruise today and transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight to Guayaquil.

You will be met at Guayaquil Airport and transferred to your hotel in this important port, that is the largest city in Ecuador. Here the vibe is Caribbean, in marked contrast to the Andean region.

Day 25

Transfer to Guayaquil Airport for your flight home.

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