Where you'll go
Your itinerary
A visit to Guamote is a true cultural immersion. Today, we’ll be welcomed into a local indigenous community and get the unique opportunity to give back to those who are sharing their world with us.
Special Experience
Venture to a nearby village to learn about the daily lives of the locals and make a donation based on the needs of the community.
In a local indigenous village, we’ll learn about their way of life before supporting them with a donation based on their needs. The exact nature of the donation will be decided prior to our visit in conjunction with the local community and could include such things as clothing and shoes, school essentials and livestock.
We’ll return to our guesthouse for lunch before setting out this afternoon for yet another incredible excursion to visit the local Shaman.
Special Experience
Discover the profound importance of the Shaman, along with their unique rituals and traditions, before experiencing an enlightening spiritual cleansing ceremony.
A Shaman is a person of religious and spiritual significance who performs traditional rituals for healing. We’ll learn about the significance of the Shaman in the local indigenous communities and partake in a cleansing experience which is deeply ingrained in their cultural traditions.
Our chiva awaits us this morning! This colourful open-air bus will carry us into the upper basin of the Amazon rainforest. Here, we take a short hike to the thunderous Devil's Cauldron waterfall (Pailon del Diablo) and the plunging Pastaza River gorge. Whilst exploring the lush environment, we’ll also have the opportunity to cross the deep gorge in a scenic cable car for spectacular views over the surrounding area.
Returning to Baños, we’ll have some free time for lunch before our next adventure. The township is full of streets lined with restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. Make sure to watch the locals stretching toffee from wooden pegs in their shopfronts – it’s a traditional specialty.
Then, prepare yourself for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as we travel to Casa del Arbol to the ‘Swing at the End of the World’ this afternoon! Picture a treehouse set atop a hillside, overlooking a breathtaking, mountainous landscape, and several swings just waiting to be swung. A must for anyone with an adventurous spirit, or for those wanting to keep their feet firmly placed on solid ground, the stunning vistas will keep you enthralled and your camera busy.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Say farewell to Baños this morning, as we make our way towards Casa Agave. Building on the early agave culture, these local manufacturers make remarkable, 100% natural products from the agave plant and have opened the first Andean agave culture museum in Ecuador.
Special Experience
Enjoy lunch at Casa Agave, where we’ll learn about the many uses of this versatile plant, and sample agave-based products, including tequila!
In the home of mescal and tequila, delight in a tasting and learn how the entire Agave plant is cooked and cultivated for various uses.
Continuing our journey, we arrive at ‘Mitad del Mundo’ or the Middle of the World. It is here that the equator passes through Ecuador and you can actually stand with one foot in each hemisphere. We will also spend time at the nearby Inti Ñan Solar Museum, learning about the significance of this geographical location. Stroll through the outdoor exhibits, making sure you check out the ‘solar chronometer’ that uses the sun’s rays to determine the exact astronomical and conventional time, along with the day, month and season.
We arrive in the town of Otavalo later this afternoon, located in a valley surrounded by the peaks of the Imbabura, Cotacachi and Mojanda volcanoes. Traditionally an area made up of farming communities, Otavalo now focuses on making handicrafts and is famous for its textile weaving.
We’ll check in to our beautiful hacienda accommodation which was used by General Simon Bolivar during journeys between Ecuador and Colombia for his military and political campaigns. This evening, we’ll meet for dinner in the hacienda’s dining room.
Special Experience
Visit an Andean community for a Pachamanka ceremony, an ancient ritual which includes cooking a traditional Inca meal using hot stones underground.
From our base in Otavalo, we’ll journey out to a local Andean community to take part in an authentic feast where the food is cooked underground. This traditional ceremony is undertaken to celebrate the connection of the Andean people to Pachamama, which translates to ‘Mother Earth’. We’ll immerse ourselves in the cultural practice before tucking into lunch.
The town of Cotacachi is our next stop. This local community, renowned as the ‘Leather Capital’, specialises in crafting high-quality leather goods including purses, jackets and leather belts. We’ll have time to do a spot of shopping and explore the town at leisure.
In the early afternoon, we’ll venture to Cuicocha Lake, a stunning lagoon situated at the foot of the Cotacachi Volcano. The island in the middle of this lake is said to look like a guinea pig, hence the name Cuicocha which in the Kichwa indigenous language means ‘Guinea Pig Lake’. Here, we will enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the tranquil waters of the volcanic crater lake.
Day 11 - Lima – Amazon Jungle
Departing Lima this morning, we’ll take a short flight to Iquitos, the gateway to the Peruvian rainforest located right on the Amazon River.
Upon touching down in the port city, we’ll take a short boat ride to our jungle lodge. Surrounded by the lush foliage of the Amazon, this jungle retreat will be our base for the next few days as we venture into the earth’s largest and most biodiverse tropical rainforest. Stepping off the boat, we’ll be welcomed with a delightful tropical refreshment to enjoy while our guide tells us what is planned for the days ahead.
In the late afternoon, we’ll head out on the water to try the unique experience of piranha fishing. A traditional activity for many of the local communities, we’ll have the opportunity to seek out the sharp-toothed species accompanied by the beauty of the Amazon. We’ll also see the incredible Victoria Regia water lilies, or Victoria Amazonica. These giant water lilies are endemic to the shallow waters of the Amazon basin and are known for their gigantic leaves that stretch across the surface at up to 3 metres in diameter.
The Amazon represents over half of the planet’s remaining rainforests, with an incredible depth of breathtaking biodiversity. Today, we get the opportunity to completely immerse ourselves in this spectacular ecosystem that covers 40 percent of the South American continent, including nine countries.
We’ll begin the day with a canopy walk through the treetops of the Sucusari Reserve. One of the longest treetop walkways in the world, the bridges stretch to over 36 metres high and extend over 500 metres. The walkway is the perfect vantage point to observe the multitude of life in the Amazon treetops and to see out over the vast tangle of trees in the adjoining reserve of over 390,000 hectares. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for vibrant splashes of colour or rustling amongst the branches, as the area is a haven for Paradise Tanagers, macaws and lizards.
After a delicious lunch, we’ll visit the Ethnobotanical Garden tended to by a local shaman. Here, we’ll learn about the medicinal uses of some of the 240 plant species within the garden.
Retreating to the lodge in the afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure to relax before a group dinner this evening.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Following a hearty breakfast, we will venture out on the water to a traditional Yagua Village. Taking to the water by boat will give us the best chance to catch a glimpse of the endangered pink dolphins of the Amazon River. These mammals are said to get their distinctive hue due to them having a thinner, more translucent layer of skin, so their blood vessels show through more prominently – similar to when a human blushes!
Home to the heart of the Amazon, the indigenous Yagua Indian people share a deep connection to nature. Once we arrive at the village, we’ll be welcomed in to learn about the local culture, witnessing a blow gun demonstration which some of the Yagua elders still use for hunting.
As the afternoon sets in, we’ll visit Monkey Island, a private reserve where more than five species of tropical primates including small tamarins, saki, titi and large woolly monkeys are protected. Home to a range of nature trails, step through the leafy surrounds and spend the afternoon observing these quizzical creatures in their natural habitat. This experience also offers the perfect opportunity to snap some beautiful photographs as the monkeys interact and swing from tree to tree.
Today is all about exploring the wonders of Cusco, beginning by discovering the magnificent fortress of Sacsayhuaman, believed to have been built during the 1400s. The enormous blocks used in the construction of this colossal structure were carved and fitted with such precision that there was no need for mortar, a testament to the skill of the masons.
We’ll then visit the San Pedro Market to immerse ourselves in the local culture. This bustling market offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can find fresh produce, handicrafts and traditional food.
Special Experience
Master the art of preparing traditional Peruvian dishes with fresh ingredients and expert guidance from local chefs, before enjoying our creations for lunch.
Our next stop will take us to the religious complex of Qoricancha, containing the Temple of the Sun, considered to be the most spectacular temple in the Inca Empire. As well as being the main astronomical observatory for the Incas, some 4,000 priests and their attendants once lived within its confines. Looted and then destroyed by the Spanish, they used the foundations for the Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo, creating perhaps the most incongruous imperial-colonial architectural clash in Cusco.
We continue our tour of Cusco with a visit to the 17th century Cusco Cathedral – the façade of which is a fine example of colonial baroque architecture.
Day 16 - Cusco – Sacred Valley
It’s a short trip this morning to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Urubamba Valley, as it is also known, encompasses the heartland of the Inca Empire and contains numerous archaeological remains and villages. The valley was valued by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities and was one of the empire’s main points for the extraction of natural wealth.
Our first stop for the day is at Manos de la Comunidad – a local cooperative. Here we’ll meet native weavers and see the South American camelid species – llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas. As we wander, we’ll learn about the harvesting processes of various wools, the natural dying techniques used and watch the locals demonstrate their impressive skills.
We then continue to the lively Pisac markets, well known for its incredible array of local handicrafts. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful stalls brimming with handwoven textiles, pottery, jewellery and more. Why not pick up a beautiful keepsake or taste a freshly baked empanada as you roam? We’ll also enjoy a visit to the Inkariy Museum, which showcases pre-Hispanic Peruvian cultures.
In the early afternoon we’ll arrive at our hotel, before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure.
Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca village and one of the best surviving examples of Inca city planning, is our first destination to explore this morning. We’ll step through the town’s narrow streets and visit a local house. The nearby ruins form a fortress that can only be entered by a steep stone staircase that we’ll climb for an up-close look at the Inca’s dry masonry skill. Their astounding craftsmanship ensures that even after centuries of earthquakes, a knife cannot be slipped into the seams between the limestone blocks.
Special Experience
Pull up a blanket and cushion as we devour a picnic prepared by Cusco’s renowned Cicciolina restaurant, all while overlooking the scenic Huaypo Lagoon.
Following our relaxing lunch, we’ll make our way to the salt ponds of Maras. This unique system of shallow pools has been harvested since the days of the Incan Empire. Made up of over 3,000 sunlit ponds that cascade down the hillside, the landscape here makes for a truly spectacular view!
Our day concludes at the Seminario pottery workshop in Urubamba where we’ll gain insight into the various styles and techniques used by Peru’s ancient cultures.
Day 18 - Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
A magical day lies ahead of us as we take an early Vistadome train ride through the Urubamba Valley to the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu!
On arrival in Aguas Calientes, we check into our hotel before taking a local bus up the mountain to the entrance. Nestled within an Andean cloud forest, Machu Picchu is famous for its remarkably preserved ruins and spiritual significance to the ancient Inca civilisation. Our guide will give us an in-depth introduction and description of the site, before enjoying some free time to explore the ruins on our own.
Alternatively, if you have chosen to undertake the optional Inca Trail hike (this must be pre-booked at the time of tour booking), you will have an early start, taking a train to the ‘Km 104’ station where your trek commences.
For those on the trek, the first site along the route is the incredible archaeological complex of Chachabamba. From here, the trail ascends for 8 kilometres. At approximately the four-hour mark we arrive at the impressive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, built into the steep countryside. As we continue, we'll enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex. We continue along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle for another hour or so, until we arrive at the picturesque Sun Gate of Inti Punku - a wonderful spot to snap a beautiful photo. The trek ends in the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. Our guide will take us through this mind-blowing site, pointing out the most important sites of the ancient civilisation.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 19 - Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today, we’ll rise and enjoy the morning at leisure. You’ll also have the option to return to Machu Picchu for a second visit, to admire the beauty of this ancient phenomenon before the crowds arrive.
We’ll then return to Ollantaytambo via the Vistadome train. From Ollantaytambo, we travel through the dramatic scenery of the Sacred Valley, passing by rural villages and agricultural pastures before reaching Chinchero. We’ll stop in at the rustic town to experience a traditional weaving demonstration.
Departing the colour and customs of picturesque Chinchero, we’ll arrive back to Cusco in the evening where we’ll check into our hotel.
Optional Excursion
Machu Picchu 2nd visit & Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) - Your tour already includes one visit to Machu Picchu, however, you may wish to take a second visit to explore this phenomenon further. Alternatively, you may wish to also incorporate a climb up to Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) (considered to provide the best view over Machu Picchu). Please note both options include entry into Machu Picchu and transportation (guide not included). If you choose the Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) option, entry to the peak is also included. Half day Machu Picchu only - from $90pp US. Half day Machu Picchu incl. Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) – from $105pp US.
Please note: You must purchase your entrance ticket in advance. This will be done by our local operator. Please advise your travel specialist if you would like to include a second visit.
Entrance tickets are limited and by shifts. These usually sell out well in advance. Current shifts for entry in the morning are hourly beginning at 6.00am. Your entry time is located in the top left corner of the ticket, and you have a maximum of 30 minutes after that time to arrive at the entrance for check in. If possible, we recommend booking an earlier time slot.
Your ticket allows you access to one of the established circuits around the site. The ticket that includes Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) mountain only allows you to visit circuit 3-A. The circuits, visitor regulations and other relevant information for your visit are available at http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe
For those clients who have chosen the optional Inca Trail trek, a second visit to Machu Picchu is included in the cost of your trekking permit. This allows trekkers who wish to do so to visit circuit 3-B at no additional cost. However, this included second visit does not include the cost of transportation to and from the ruins as not all trekkers will choose to return the following day. The cost of the return buses to the ruin site is $28pp US and this needs to be paid locally. Your tour guide will assist you in obtaining these tickets.
Enjoy a slow start to the morning with a full day at leisure to explore more of colourful Cusco. Full of plazas, archaeological ruins and interesting craft shops containing over 3,000 years of history, it's a great place to explore and experience on your own.
Why not venture into the heart of the city to explore Cusco’s historic centre, Plaza de Armas? Here you can marvel some more at the Cusco Cathedral or spend time admiring the architecture of the imposing Church of La Compañía de Jesús. You might also wish to check out the Casa Concha Museum. This fascinating space contains artefacts from Machu Picchu that were found by Hiram Bingham and recently returned by Yale University.
Just a few blocks from the main square, lies the neighbourhood of San Blas. Here along the narrow, cobbled streets, you’ll find famous artisans, coffee shops, galleries and more. The area is also home to a lively mix of bars and restaurants. Venture into one of the establishments to rub shoulders with the locals or tuck into some traditional Peruvian dishes while enjoying live music.
We wave farewell to the wonders of Cusco early this morning, settling back into the comfort of the coach. Relax into the picturesque scenery over the next few hours as we wind through the majestic Andean Mountains to reach our next destination.
In the Canchis Province, we’ll make a stop to stretch our legs and explore more remnants of the ancient Incan empire. The archeological complex of the Raqchi Ruins comprises of many buildings and structures, with the most prominent being the Temple of Wiracocha. This large structure reaches 92 metres high and is said to have been built to appease Wiracocha, the ‘creator god’ of Inca mythology. We’ll take a moment here to explore the high walls and crumbling temples that form part of one of the most impressive surviving Inca structures.
We’ll then stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to our final destination of Puno. Located on the shore of Lake Titicaca (the world's highest navigable lake, fed by 25 rivers!), Puno is widely considered to be the capital of Peruvian folklore. In this lakeside city, Spanish festivals and the Catholic faith blend with Inca and indigenous traditions and art to create a captivating array of cultural experiences.
Day 23 - Puno – Juliaca – Lima
Nestled on the water just outside of Puno, we’ll visit the floating Uros Islands, where the unique landscape offers a glimpse into the ingenuity of the local Indian community.
These man-made islands on Lake Titicaca are built on a foundation of totora reeds, sourced from the lake itself. Bound and connected by ropes, they are then anchored by logs which plunge deep into the bottom of the lakebed. There are over 100 of these small islands dotted around the lake, though the number is constantly changing as new mounds are constructed and others break down. The indigenous Uros people who live here earn a living from fishing, weaving and handicrafts. We’ll enjoy a moment to admire these fascinating floating communities, marvelling at how they’ve adapted to their natural environment.
In the afternoon we fly to Lima, Peru’s largest city and its capital. This incredible region is covered in history, gloriously messy and full of aesthetic delights. Renowned for its historic UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre, the city is home to a splendid array of colonial-style architecture as well as an exciting food scene. Lima is also well known for its vibrant nightlife, littered with bars and live music venues.
Waking in Peru’s cultural hub, today we explore colonial Lima on a half day tour of the city. Our first stop is the Plaza de Armas, where we see the Government Palace, the House of El Oidor and the stunning City Hall buildings. We then take a stroll through the Cathedral of Lima to learn the religious history of Peru and see the resting place of the famous conquistador, Francisco Pizarro. Our walking tour continues to the San Francisco Convent to view both its ‘catacombs’, the ancient, underground cemetery of Lima, and the convent’s world-renowned library with thousands of antique texts.
During our tour we also see the architectural jewels of the Torre Tagle Palace and Osambela House before we reach the Larco Museum. The museum houses one of the most impressive collections of Incan artefacts and gives a fascinating insight into ancient Peru. We’ll learn about ancient culture as we visit the Textiles Gallery, the Spaniards' Arrival Gallery, the Sacrifice Ceremony Gallery and the Gold, Silver and Jewels Galleries.
The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to rest and relax or explore more of the surrounding sights at your own pace.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a group dinner overlooking the ruins at Huaca Pucllana to farewell Peru.
Our journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning as we wave ‘adios’ to the extraordinary landscapes of Peru and Ecuador. We hope you leave with some sizzling memories!
Day 27 - Arrive Australia
Day 27 - Arrive Australia