Ecuador: Natural Wonders & Ancient Cultures with Peru & the Galápagos Cruise

Destination:

Ecuador,

Peru,

Duration:

21 days

Style:

River/Small ship/Barge,

Travel Period:

April 2027 - October 2028

21 days from Lima to Guayaquil
Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. And this Small Group Discovery tour is an adventure of epic proportions—while enjoying inspiring boutique hotels, insightful private tours, incredible culinary delights, indigenous cultures, and ancient ruins. Love a good mystery? Peru is the perfect escape to delve into the world’s most intriguing lost and found story. Featuring not one, but two days behind the misty gates of Machu Picchu, this tour takes you high into the Andes and deeper inside the Lost City of the Incas to unearth its centuries-old secrets. Navigating the cryptic maze of trails, temples, and terraces in the world’s most famous forgotten city is one for the memory books. Other great finds on this tantalizing tour of Peru? Up-close encounters with llamas, alpacas, and other Sacred Valley locals; vibrant, handwoven textiles in the former Inca Empire capital of Cusco and the bold, multicultural capital of Lima. Continue the Incan mystery to Ecuador, a small country geographically speaking, it delivers a vast variety of dramatic landscapes spanning a variety of climate zones supporting an abundance of flora, fauna, and fantastic experiences that far out measure its borders. Without ever leaving the country, travelers can move in just a matter of hours from jungle-rainforest to the high slopes of the Andes, and down to the Pacific coast for a breathtaking and diverse array of panoramas and pristine natural wonders. From the highlands to sea level, Ecuador's fascinating diversity is echoed by its people whose cultural origins and traditions continue to be formed by their immediate geographical environment.

Go further to explore Ecuador’s extraordinary natural world as you follow the courses of rivers wide and narrow. Rest along the shores of pristine lakes and explore mysterious caves. Sail in the wake of Charles Darwin to discover marvelous plant and animal life adapted over the millennia to the undisturbed and isolated Pacific archipelago known as the Galápagos Islands. Here, such exotic residents as the blue-footed booby, marine iguana, and ancient tortoises for which the islands are named, evoke the adventurous spirit of wonder in every visitor. An epic adventure of a lifetime!
All This. Included
Special features included in this tour:

Guided sightseeing in Lima to see the Plaza de Armas, Government Palace, San Francisco Monastery, and a local market
Sacred Valley sightseeing, including a weaving demonstration and a visit to Pisaq
Visit the Ollantaytambo ruins
Scenic roundtrip train ride through the Andes to Machu Picchu
Guided tour of Machu Picchu with second entrance
Sightseeing in Cusco, including the Sacsayhuamán Temple, Puca Pucara & Kenko ruins with a Local Guide
Guided sightseeing in Quito, including Independence Square, San Francisco Square, and a visit to La Compañía Church.
Guided behind-the-scenes tour with private visit to El Alabado Museum
Visit to the Quitsato Sundial Monument and Otavalo handicraft market
Visit a [LF] Kichwa community to meet a family and enjoy a cultural lunch
Demonstration of traditional [LF] wool spinning and weaving at a local workshop
Guided tour of a rose plantation with insights on eco-certified farming
Two-night stay in the Amazon with guided nature hikes and canoe rides led by Quichua naturalists
Guided hike at the base of Ecuador’s highest volcano
Visit to Devil’s Cauldron waterfall and hanging bridge
Take a ride on the [LF] Devil’s Nose Train
Guided visit to [LF] Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important Inca archaeological site
Guided sightseeing in Cuenca, including Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca square, Plaza Mayor, the flower market, and Todos los Santos historic church.
Excursion to the art villages of Gualaceo and Bullcay
Hands-on [LF]Panama hat-making demonstration with Toquilleras
Visit a [LF]cacao plantation with tasting and lunch
Hand-selected boutique hotel stays
Guided city sightseeing of Quito
4-night cruise onboard the Galápagos Legend
All internal flights as noted in the itinerary

Notes:

Please note that this tour is designed for all levels of fitness, however one should be in suitable physical condition to fully enjoy the experiences.

Further, maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires small watercraft, walking on cobblestone streets, uneven trails and pathways, and climbing stairs at elevation. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. While much of this tour remains above 8,000 ft above sea level, maximum elevation is 16,610 ft.

In the Galápagos, there will be “wet landings,” meaning guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs, and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. Terrain is rocky and uneven. Itinerary in the Galápagos is subject to change.

Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Local Guide services will be provided as outlined in the itinerary.

Galápagos cruise extension price includes the Galápagos National Park entrance fee and transit card.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN LIMA, PERU

Read Less

Day 2 - LIMA

Read Less

Day 3 - LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY

Read Less

Day 4 - SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU

Read Less

Day 5 - MACHU PICCHU–SACRED VALLEY–CUSCO

Read Less

Day 6 - CUSCO

Read Less

Day 7 - CUSCO–LIMA–QUITO, ECUADOR

Read Less

Day 8 - QUITO

Read Less

Day 9 - QUITO. EXCURSION TO OTAVALO

Read Less

Day 10 - QUITO– ECUADOR’S AMAZON

Read Less

Day 11 - ECUADOR’S AMAZON

Read Less

Day 12 - ECUADOR’S AMAZON–BAÑOS

Read Less

Day 13 - BAÑOS–CHIMBORAZO NATIONAL PARK–RIOBAMBA

Read Less

Day 14 - RIOBAMBA–INGAPIRCA RUINS–CUENCA

Read Less

Explorers & Emperors
Wake early for a memorable journey aboard the historic [LF]Devil’s Nose Train, one of Ecuador’s most celebrated rail experiences. This scenic ride features a remarkable zigzagging descent of more than 500 meters along the dramatic slopes of the Andes, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. Recently refurbished and reopened, the railway follows a route originally completed in 1901 to connect Ecuador’s coast with its highlands. Today, the Devil’s Nose Train is admired as a testament to early engineering ingenuity and provides a fascinating, comfortable way to experience one of the country’s most iconic settings. Continue onwards towards Cuenca visiting the ancient [LF]Inca ruin site of Ingapirca, the most important monument of pre-Spanish culture in Ecuador. Arrive in Cuenca for a free evening. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
INCAN INGENUITY The ruins of Ingapirca remain on a grass-covered hill at an altitude of about 10,170 ft. (3,100 m). On a guided walk through the former palace where the Incas lived and held their ceremonies, learn about the civilization’s beliefs and rituals and how this ordination place was constructed in the shape of a puma. While walking through the ruins, reflect on the drawings by a renowned early explorer of Ecuador—Prussian naturalist Alexander von Humboldt—often considered the "Father of Physical Geography." Hear stories of this historic figure’s treks and research as a pioneer of physical geography, environmentalism, and ecology.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION Nestled in the historic district of Cuenca, the Hotel San Juan is a large private historic residence restored to a 21st century luxury boutique hotel with only 25 rooms. Decorated in a Republican colonial style, this cozy hotel features well-appointed rooms, a lounge, and courtyard garden. The hotel’s central location allows guests to easily explore Cuenca's historic district, including the famous Cathedral, Calderón Park, and the picturesque Tomebamba River. The city's vibrant markets, restaurants, and cultural sites are all within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 15 - CUENCA

Read Less

A Tip of the Hat
This morning, tour Cuenca, where Humboldt recovered from his exhausting journey. See the historic Santa Ana de los Rios de Cuenca square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plaza Mayor, surrounded by its two distinct cathedrals, and city hall. Admire this historical center’s colorful buildings that have maintained their colonial magnificence. Pass by the vibrant flower market and appreciate the smell of different perfumes floating in the air. Then, visit the eclectic style church Todos los Santos by the Tomebamba River. Peek inside to appreciate the beautifully painted ceilings. Visit a factory to watch the people known as [LF]"Toquilleras" make the famous Panama hats and other straw objects. Then, try to make something with straw and bring your craft home. Later, venture to a few key villages around Cuenca where skilled artisans work wonders. Among those is Gualaceo, with its markets where you can find hand-woven shawls, ponchos, and local fruits and vegetables. You’ll also visit Bullcay for Ikat weaving and Chordeleg’s “Chorro de Oro” (waterfall of gold)—a village specialized in jewelry, mainly gold and silver with fine filigree work, and handmade ceramic pottery. Return to Cuenca for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL TREASURE In Cuenca, today the third largest city of Ecuador, founded in 1557 in place of the Inca settlement Tomebamba, you can still breathe the colonial air of Ecuadorian history. For most of the visitors as well as for the inhabitants, the city situated in a height of 2,350 m and center of arts and crafts, ceramic, Panama hats, and goods of gold and silver, is the most beautiful in the country. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cuenca is a treasure trove of architectural and cultural gems not to be missed.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL FAVORITE Did you know that the original “Panama Hats” were made in Ecuador? The famous light-colored straw hats reminiscent of suave, well-dressed men and actors in Panama, actually originated and were historically made in Ecuador. The hat’s production began as a cottage industry in the coast of Ecuador in the 1600s and was woven from the local Toquilla plant by artisans called Toquilleras. The quality of the hat was judged by the number of weaves per square inch and the best-made hats (called “superfino”) were said to be able to hold water and fit through a wedding ring when rolled!

Day 16 - CUENCA–GUAYAQUIL

Read Less

Day 17 - GUAYAQUIL–BALTRA (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS CRUISING

Read Less

Day 18 - CRUISING: GENOVESA ISLAND

Read Less

Day 19 - CRUISING: SOUTH PLAZA & SANTA FÉ

Read Less

Day 20 - CRUISING: BACHAS BEACH–BALTRA (DISEMBARKATION)–GUAYAQUIL

Read Less

Day 21 - GUAYAQUIL

Read Less

Dates & Pricing

Select your preferred date or enquire

Why book with RACT Travel?

Expert adviceWe’ve been helping Tasmanians book holidays for decades. As well as booking online, you can connect with us in a travel branch or over the phone
Every destinationLet us plan your next global adventure. Explore Australia, and beyond with unwavering confidence.
Member savingsRACT members enjoy savings on accommodation, tours, booking fees and more!

Travel Partner

Seven continents… 71 countries… 12 travel styles and counting… After almost a century of sharing the world with travellers, Globus has set the gold standard for award-winning touring across virtually every continent. If you’re ready to say goodbye to the ordinary and hello to the extraordinary, Globus helps you explore the world’s most iconic sights and uncover towns, villages and coasts without crowds, while engaging in tradition-rich customs, tasting centuries’-old specialties, and discovering you along the way. With the perfect inclusions packed into each Globus holiday, all you have to worry about is packing!

Ecuador: Natural Wonders & Ancient Cultures with Peru & the Galápagos Cruise

Destination:

Duration:

Style:

Travel Period:

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN LIMA, PERU

Day 2 - LIMA

Day 3 - LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY

Day 4 - SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU

Day 5 - MACHU PICCHU–SACRED VALLEY–CUSCO

Day 6 - CUSCO

Day 7 - CUSCO–LIMA–QUITO, ECUADOR

Day 8 - QUITO

Day 9 - QUITO. EXCURSION TO OTAVALO

Day 10 - QUITO– ECUADOR’S AMAZON

Day 11 - ECUADOR’S AMAZON

Day 12 - ECUADOR’S AMAZON–BAÑOS

Day 13 - BAÑOS–CHIMBORAZO NATIONAL PARK–RIOBAMBA

Day 14 - RIOBAMBA–INGAPIRCA RUINS–CUENCA

Day 15 - CUENCA

Day 16 - CUENCA–GUAYAQUIL

Day 17 - GUAYAQUIL–BALTRA (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS CRUISING

Day 18 - CRUISING: GENOVESA ISLAND

Day 19 - CRUISING: SOUTH PLAZA & SANTA FÉ

Day 20 - CRUISING: BACHAS BEACH–BALTRA (DISEMBARKATION)–GUAYAQUIL

Day 21 - GUAYAQUIL

Dates & Pricing

Number of Passengers:

Why book with RACT Travel?

Enquire about Ecuador: Natural Wonders & Ancient Cultures with Peru & the Galápagos Cruise