Nature and Culture: Ecuador, Galapagos and Peru

Lima - Into the Past

Guided tour led by a specialist guide

One of the main fascinations of Lima is the concentration of ancient history in the area; not only do the origins of the city pre-date the Spanish foundation of the city by several millennia, its museums are full of the artistic treasures of magnificent pre-Columbian civilizations that flourished throughout the coastal deserts of Peru. Begin to unravel this multifaceted history and discover the complex past of this fascinating city with a visit to the colonial area of Lima - featuring the Cathedral (limited hours on Sunday: 1pm-5pm), the Convent of Santo Domingo, and the Main Square with its beautiful neo-colonial style buildings. You will also have a chance to visit Casa Aliaga, reportedly the oldest home on the continent and still family-owned after 17 generations.

* The above sequence of visits is a suggested tour. Depending on your interests, within the specified time of 4 hours, this program can be reorganized to feature the following sites: Huaca Huallamarca, La Casona de Marcos, the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs, Huaca Pucllana, and the Museo de la Inquisition. It is also possible to organize cocktails at Casa Aliaga, upon request and at an extra cost.

Awanacancha

Charming Hillside Village

En route to the charming hillside village of Pisac, stop for a short visit at Awanacancha, a friendly farm housing an array of camledis that are often found in the Andes, including llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos. Meet, feed and learn more about these cheeky, charming creatures and the differences in how their fur is used. For example, Alpacas have ultra-thick wool commonly used for textiles, while the vicuñas are smaller and have delicate fur that grows much more slowly; as such, it is considered among the finest in the world, often with a large price tag to match.

Pisac Market and Ruins

Guided Tour

This immersive guided tour begins with the sights and sounds of Pisac's famous market, filled with a variety of traditional Peruvian handcrafts and fresh, local produce. From here, you'll continue on to the Pisac ruins; showcasing Inca masonry of incredible quality, the ruins are home to stunning agricultural terraces that artfully follow the contours of the mountain, boasting breathtaking views of the valley below. Explore at your own pace in this marvellous setting, home to fascinating ancient cemeteries, alters, temples and wells.

Ollantaytambo Town and Fortress

Guided Tour

Visit the fabulous town of Ollantaytambo and its two expansive Inca ruins, located in the Sacred Valley of southern Peru, and prepare to feel as though you've stepped back in time. The town is unique in that it still preserves its original Inca plan, with residents living in traditional cancha enclosures, once occupied by the Inca elite. The archaeological compound found here is a remarkable spectacle and a site of great historical significance; it was here that one of the greatest battles of the Spanish Conquest was fought, and one of the few in which the Incas defeated the Spaniards. The region also offers access to some incredibly scenic hiking routes.

Two Days in Machu Picchu

Overnight Stay

The main destination on many travellers’ lists, Machu Picchu - or the ‘lost city of the Incas’ - is a man-made marvel that has become a symbol for the ingenuity and prosperity of one of the most expansive empires in Latin American history. Only a century ago were the incredible ruins uncovered; a two year-excavation led by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham and the National Geographic Society of Washington DC allowed Machu Picchu to gain the prominence that it deserves. Enjoy a two-to-three hour guided visit of Machu Picchu before spending the remainder of the afternoon exploring the ruins after the majority of visitors have left the site. Then walk a short distance to stay overnight at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, right next to the ruins. The next day, a choice of guided hikes include to the Inca Bridge, the Inti Pinku gateway, up the Huayna Picchu mountain or the more rigorous Machu Picchu mountain.

In and Around Cusco

Four hour tour accompanied by an expert guide

Cusco, standing at 3,400m above sea level, is easily one of the most beautiful towns in Peru. It literally translates to the 'navel' of the earth and was the capital of Tahuantinsuyo (the Inca Empire); an empire that, at its peak, stretched northwards to the south of Colombia, southwards to northern Chile and Argentina, and eastwards across the Andes to the Amazon basin. After being transported from your hotel to the charming city centre, begin your visit in the Plaza de Armas. Make your way around the city as you learn more about the enriching and important historical moments that took place in the streets and buildings around you. Visit the Renaissance-style Cathedral, certainly one of the most imposing structures in the city, and admire the exquisite stonework of Koricancha, or the Inca "Sun Temple." You’ll also get to walk around the bustling, open-air San Pedro market, where you will be mesmerized by the variety of unique fruits, before sojourning to the outskirts of the city to view the important Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman.

Private Volcano Hike and Hanging Bridges

Half Day Tour

After pick up from your hotel, head towards the Arenal Hanging Bridges where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the picturesque canopy on a tree-top walk. Keep an open eye and follow your guide so you don’t miss out of anything that crosses your path, encountering wildlife of all kings and learning about their habitats. Afterwards, get ready to meet a local family who will cook and serve you a traditional lunch by the side of the river before heading to the Arenal Volcano National Park, learning about the ancient the volcanic climate as you hike around its base.