Essential Treasures of Peru & Ecuador
Essential Treasures of Peru & Ecuador
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Essential Treasures of Peru & Ecuador
13 Days Starting and ending in UK/Ireland
Visiting: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, San Cristobal, Guayaquil, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 9
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the Essential Treasures of Peru & Ecuador on this captivating tour that takes you through the cultural and historical highlights of both countries. Begin your journey in Lima, exploring its colonial streets and plazas, before heading to Cusco and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Continue to Quito, the high-altitude capital of Ecuador, and then venture to the stunning Galapagos Islands, where you’ll experience unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Conclude your adventure in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural sightseeing, historical exploration, and wildlife encounters, making it an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Uk/Ireland - Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Arawi Miraflores Express
Arrive at your UK/Ireland departure airport ready to check-in for a flight to Lima*. Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, situated on the Pacific Coast. Transfer to the hotel**, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's colonial streets and magical plazas at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima.*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.**If your flight arrives in Lima in the early hours of the morning, and you wish to have your room available before 2:00 p.m, you can book early check-in in the next step of the booking process.
Day 2 : Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Arawi Miraflores Express
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an informative and fascinating city tour of Lima, including its Historic Center and the Santo Domingo Convent. Start by exploring the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the Historic Center.Visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo and walk to the Plaza de Armas to admire the exquisite colonial architecture that surrounds it. Stop in the Parque del Amor, where you can take beautiful photos of the Peruvian coastline. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Alternatively, we recommend taking part in either an optional visit to the Larco Museum* or a dinner at a traditional Peruvian restaurant**. Overnight stay in Lima.*Optional visit to the Larco Museum: visit this private museum of pre-Columbian art to explore the history and culture of Peru through an array of outstanding collections of art pieces.**Optional dinner at Huaca Pucllana: a famous establishment in Lima ideal to enjoy the best of Peruvian gastronomy in a one-of-a-kind setting that includes views of a pre-Inca pyramid.
Day 3 : Lima - Cuzco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Agustos Cuzco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Cusco. Arrive in Cusco, the former Inca capital, and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure; take this time to acclimate to your new surroundings. Alternatively, we recommend an optional panoramic city tour at night with an included pisco sour workshop*.*Optional Private Panoramic Night Tour of Cusco with Pisco Sour Workshop: Get to know Cusco by night in this panoramic tour where you will familiarize yourself with the city’s top attractions, including Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun god. You will then head towards the Main Plaza to take part in a Pisco Sour workshop in a renowned bar in the city.
Day 4 : Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Agustos Cuzco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, an exciting day awaits you in Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transfer to the village of Ollantaytambo to travel by train to Aguas Calientes* (Machu Picchu village) and enjoy the beautiful green mountain scenery along the way.Once there, transfer by bus to the ancient Inca city of the Citadel for approximately a 2:30h visit which may take place in the morning or afternoon depending on availability. Enjoy the spectacular views of this Peruvian treasure built in the 15th century at an altitude of more than 2000 meters. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes and, depending on the return train schedule, you will have free time to explore the town at your own pace. Travel by train back to Ollantaytambo, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Cuzco.*The reservation includes a standard category train (Expedition train or Voyager train). You have the option to add a supplement to travel on a higher category train (360º train or Vistadome train) in the next step of the booking process.
Day 5 : Cuzco - Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Arawi Miraflores Express
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer from the hotel to the airport to board a flight to Lima. As the capital of the country, Lima offers award-winning Peruvian gastronomy, two miles of parks along the Pacific coast, museums and gorgeous colonial Plaza de Armas.Upon arrival, you will be assisted and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Take this time to explore the capital of Peru at your own pace. Overnight stay in Lima.
Day 6 : Lima - Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Mercure Alameda
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Quito. Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains and its ancient Incan significance. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Use this time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Overnight stay in Quito.
Day 7 : Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Mercure Alameda
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy the entirety of the day at your leisure; the perfect opportunity to explore all the beauty this magnificent city has to offer. Why not sample delicious Ecuadorian classics in the many bars, restaurants and cafes at your disposal? Alternatively, we recommend you take part in either an optional half-day tour of the Historic Center with a fruit tasting in the Quito Market* and/or an excursion to the Middle of the World Monument**. Overnight stay in Quito.*Optional Half-Day Historic Centre Tour & Fruit Tasting at Quito Market: Begin with a guided tour of the historic center, to learn more about the history of this thriving Andean capital. Continue to one of the largest markets in Quito and discover the rich variety of Ecuadorian fruits and delicacies with an authentic fruit tasting tour. **Optional Middle of the World Monument Excursion: Take a photo with one foot in each hemisphere against the backdrop of a mesmerizing mountain landscape. Visit the Museo Solar Intiñán, which features an interactive tour, and then enjoy a chaguarmishqui tasting at the Museo de la Experiencia del Agave to learn about the versatile and delicious plant used to make this ancient drink.
Please note: None of these activities overlap, therefore it is possible to book all of them.
Day 8 : Quito - San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands
Location: San Cristobal
Accommodation Name: Galapagos Planet Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, transfer to the airport in Quito to board a flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arriving at San Cristobal Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. You will then meet with one of our staff members to get briefed on the next few days of your trip including a quick description of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital city of the Galapagos province.Later, you will go for a walk with our representative as they give you further insight into the natural treasures of the islands before taking part in a cooking class on the beach where you will learn how to prepare the traditional Galapagos dish of ceviche. This guided cooking class will take place in a local restaurant near Mann Beach, known for its friendly sea lions! Use authentic ingredients to craft this delicious meal while listening to the fascinating stories of life on the island from locals. And of course, you can enjoy your homemade ceviche at the end of class! Overnight stay in San Cristobal.
Day 9 : San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands
Location: San Cristobal
Accommodation Name: Galapagos Planet Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, begin your adventure visiting the stunning Loberia Beach for a relaxing start to your day. To get to the beach, you will first be picked up by a taxi and then hike to your destination where you'll encounter land iguanas, various birds and flora typical of the region. Once at the beach, you can enjoy the view, swim/snorkel among sea lions, and if you're lucky, also spot marine iguanas and turtles.Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure exploring the island at your own pace. Alternatively, we recommend you take part in our optional half-day tour snorkeling in Isla Lobos*. Overnight stay in San Cristobal. *Optional Half-Day Tour with Snorkel in Isla Lobos: Board a boat to visit Isla Lobo where you will encounter blue-footed boobies, sea lions, sea turtles and rays before getting to snorkel and swim in the crystal clear waters of this island. From here, make your way to Ochoa Beach to relax, swim and take in the beauty of this stunning landscape. Lunch is included.
Day 10 : San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands
Location: San Cristobal
Accommodation Name: Galapagos Planet Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the beautiful island at your leisure. Alternatively, we recommend you take part in one of our two optional excursions of the day: either a visit to Kicker Rock for some snorkeling* or a visit to San Cristobal’s highlands**. Overnight stay in San Cristobal. *Optional Excursion to Kicker Rock with Snorkeling: Early in the morning sail to the lava formation in the middle of the sea where you will walk around to observe different species of birds that use this rock as a resting place for nesting. From here, enjoy some leisurely time to snorkel and try to catch a glimpse of different shark species (including hammerheads!), turtles, rays and more.After this, continue to Manglecito Beach, a white coral beach offering the opportunity to walk and swim in its shallow waters and take in the beauty of this stunning location. Lunch is included.**Optional Full-Day Highlands & Giant Tortoises Excursion: Discover the wildlife-rich highlands or 'Altos' of San Cristobal island! Begin at the white-sand beach of Puerto Chino before taking a short nature hike to visit the sea lion colony and spot blue-footed boobies!An uphill walk rewards you with excellent views of the surrounding landscapes before travelling to La Galapaguera, a Galapagos Tortoise hatchery where wooden walkways allow you to walk amongst these gentle giants.
Day 11 : San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands - Guayaquil
Location: Guayaquil
Accommodation Name: Hotel River Garden - Standard room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will be departing the island of San Cristobal. Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador located on the Pacific coast. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure; take this time to explore the city. Perhaps now would be a good time to go last-minute souvenir shopping. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.
Day 12 : Guayaquil - Night On Board
Location: Guayaquil
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to UK/Ireland. Night on board *.* Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in UK/Ireland today.
Day 13 : Uk/Ireland
Location: United Kingdom
Arrive in UK/Ireland and end your trip.
What's Included
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Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
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International flights: UK/Ireland - Lima, Guayaquil - UK/Ireland. *
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Internal flights: Lima - Cuzco, Cuzco - Lima, Lima - Quito, Quito - San Cristobal, San Cristobal - Guayaquil. **
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Train Journey from Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes on board the Expedition or Voyager Train.***
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11 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels.
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11 Breakfasts.
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Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
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Visits with entrance fees and bilingual English/Spanish guide as indicated in the itinerary.
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All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
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ATOL Protection.
What's Not Included
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Optional activities
Optional activities such as visits to the Larco Museum, dinner at Huaca Pucllana, panoramic city tour at night in Cusco, and various excursions in the Galapagos Islands are not included.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Early check-in/late check-out
Early check-in or late check-out at hotels is not included unless specified.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Meals Included
11 Breakfasts.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with international flights from the UK/Ireland to Lima and Guayaquil, internal flights between major cities, and a scenic train journey from Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles are also included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 11 nights of accommodation in charming category hotels, including stays at Arawi Miraflores Express in Lima, Agustos Cuzco in Cusco, Mercure Alameda in Quito, Galapagos Planet Hotel in San Cristobal, and Hotel River Garden in Guayaquil.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in Charm category hotels for 11 nights. Specific hotels include Arawi Miraflores Express in Lima, Agustos Cuzco in Cusco, Mercure Alameda in Quito, and Galapagos Planet Hotel in San Cristobal.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities available, including a visit to the Larco Museum or a dinner at Huaca Pucllana in Lima, a panoramic night tour of Cusco with a Pisco Sour workshop, snorkeling in Isla Lobos, a visit to Kicker Rock for snorkeling, and a full-day Highlands and Giant Tortoises excursion in San Cristobal.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 11 breakfasts.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes international flights from the UK/Ireland to Lima and from Guayaquil to the UK/Ireland, as well as internal flights between Lima, Cusco, Quito, and the Galapagos Islands. Additionally, there is a train journey from Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes on board the Expedition or Voyager Train, and transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
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Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, there will be guided tours including a city tour of Lima, a visit to Machu Picchu, and a guided walk in San Cristobal. All visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary will be with an English-speaking guide.
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What activities are planned for the visit to Machu Picchu?
You will travel by train to Aguas Calientes and then transfer by bus to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu for approximately a 2:30-hour visit. You will have time to explore the site and enjoy the spectacular views.
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What can I expect during the stay in the Galapagos Islands?
In the Galapagos Islands, you will visit Loberia Beach, where you can swim and snorkel among sea lions, and take part in a cooking class on the beach to prepare traditional Galapagos ceviche. Optional activities include snorkeling in Isla Lobos, a visit to Kicker Rock, and a full-day Highlands and Giant Tortoises excursion.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is free time allocated in various locations including Lima, Cusco, Quito, and San Cristobal, allowing you to explore at your own pace or participate in optional activities.
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Where can I check the latest Travel Restrictions?
It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. It is also the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding government embassies and/or consulates as appropriate.
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What recommendations should I follow before traveling?
Passport validity: It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding embassies and/or consulates as appropriate. Requirements change so please check the up-to-date requirements in advance of your departure date. In many cases, countries now require that passports are valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from their borders.
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How can I upgrade my flight?
If you would like to make an upgrade to your flight or ask for a quotation, please contact us with all the information. Our customer success agents will answer your request as soon as possible.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes of flights and related services are not permitted after the booking is confirmed. If you wish to make any significant amendment affecting the flights, you will need to cancel it as per the terms & conditions applicable to your booking and make a new booking. If you require more information about your cancellations policy please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section). If you would like to proceed with the cancellation or require assistance please contact us.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic not only created an unparalleled impact on health and economy globally, but it has also changed fundamental behaviors with regards to traveling. In response to such changes, Exoticca provides extra peace of mind for all reservations made from 18th January, 2022 onwards by including Covid 19 Protection. Testing positive for COVID-19: If you or anyone else traveling with you on your booking cannot travel due to testing positive for COVID-19 you will be given the option to reschedule your trip or receive 100% of the trip value in Exoticca travel credit. **Proof of infection must be provided in the form of an official COVID-19 positive test result. For more information on the details of the Covid 19 Protection Policy, please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section).
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Travelling to the USA or Canada?
Traveling to the United States: Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is an online application system, developed by the United States government to pre-screen travelers before authorizing them to board a plane or ship bound for the United States. Starting on the 12th of January 2009, any person entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must have an approved ESTA travel authorization. This includes travelers who travel to the United States to catch a connecting flight. An ESTA does not guarantee entry to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials determine the admissibility of travelers upon arrival. For more information click here. If a traveler is found to have visited a country designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (09.11.2022, Countries: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria), the traveler is no longer eligible to participate in the Visa Wavier Program and must apply for a visa to enter the United States. Traveling to Canada: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to Canada by air. This includes travelers who travel to Canada to catch a connecting flight. An eTA is linked electronically to the traveler's passport and is valid for a maximum of five years or until the passport expires, depending on which of these two scenarios occurs first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA. An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive in Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents to determine whether you are admissible to enter Canada. For more information click here. Traveling to a Schengen member country (Europe): Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) The ETIAS travel authorization will be needed to enter a Schengen member country by air, land, or sea. From November 2023, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will be able to register with ETIAS. ETIAS will become a mandatory entry requirement. The ETIAS for Europe will grant travelers authorization to visit the ETIAS countries that are all members that compose the Schengen zone. The ETIAS visa waiver has been designed for short-term stays of up to 90 days. For more information click here.
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COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and other vaccines?
It is the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. Check with the migration and health authorities for the country of origin, destination, and stopover to learn more about vaccination requirements.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Once your purchase is complete, you will receive confirmation by email and all your travel documents will be uploaded on to your booking and the Exoticca customer account (which you'll be provided details of). These will include: transport details, hotels, itinerary, important notes, and insurance policy (if applicable).
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exoticca allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exoticca, 0 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exoticca requires a minimum deposit of 60% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exoticca charges.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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