Heritage of Ecuador & Peru

Upon arriving in the charming city of Quito, your guide will be there to welcome you and accompany you to your hotel. After checking in, they will go over the details of your itinerary, providing an opportunity to discuss any questions you might have. The remainder of the day is yours to rest, settle in, and adjust after your journey.

Quito Skyline

Basilica Quito

Quito

Quito City View

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Old Town Quito Suites

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This guided tour of Quito highlights key landmarks in the city's historic center. Your guide will take you along colonial-era streets, sharing insights into the area's past and cultural significance. A stop at a lively local market provides an opportunity to browse more than 250 stalls filled with fresh produce, medicinal plants, and traditional foods. You’ll also have the chance to sample regional sweets and exotic fruits. Next, visit Plaza Grande (Independence Square), a central gathering place surrounded by notable buildings such as the Government Palace, Archbishop's Palace, Municipal Palace, Cathedral, and Independence Monument. Your guide will provide historical context, offering a deeper understanding of the city's role in Ecuador’s past. The tour includes stops at museums that showcase different aspects of the country’s heritage. At the Alabado Museum, explore a collection of 650 pre-Columbian artifacts, while the Casa de Sucre Museum honors Marshal Antonio José de Sucre, an important figure in Ecuador’s fight for independence. You’ll also visit some of Quito’s most remarkable churches, including the Church of the Society of Jesus, San Francisco Monastery, and San Agustín*.* In the evening, you have the option to take part in the "Legendary Tour," where actors bring historical figures to life, offering a unique perspective on the city's past. Depending on availability, you may also have the chance to visit the dome of either the Cathedral or the Church of the Society of Jesus for a panoramic view of Quito*.*

Quito Town Center

Quito Locals

Quito

Quito Food Market

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Old Town Quito Suites

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This morning, your guide will take you to the Equatorial Monument, a well-known site in Quito. At the Intiñan Museum, you can participate in hands-on experiments, such as balancing an egg on a nail or observing how water flows differently on each side of the equator. While some demonstrations are designed for entertainment, they highlight interesting physics concepts. The museum also provides insights into Ecuadorian culture, including the biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands and traditions of Amazonian tribes. Before heading to your hotel, you'll stop at the House of Ecuadorian Tequila to learn about the plant and production process behind Miske, a traditional local spirit. Afterward, you'll transfer to Otavalo, where you’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore at your own pace. This city, located in Imbabura Province, is home to the Otavaleños, an Indigenous community that has preserved its Kichwa heritage. Otavalo is set against the striking backdrop of Imbabura (4,630 meters) and Cotacachi (4,995 meters), adding to its scenic charm.

Equatorial Monument

Intiñan Museum

Quito Traditional Food

Andes Mountains

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Hotel Otavalo

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In the morning, your guide will take you to the Otavalo Market, one of the largest artisan markets in South America. It's the perfect place to browse for handmade textiles, jewelry, and other crafts, with plenty of time to explore on your own. Afterward, you'll visit the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve, a vast protected area covering 2,044 square kilometers and featuring dramatic shifts in elevation. From the icy summit of Cotacachi Volcano (nearly 5,900 meters) to lowland rainforests near the Cayapas River, the reserve is home to a diverse range of ecosystems. A highlight of the visit is Cuicocha Lagoon, a striking crater lake within the caldera of an extinct volcano. The landscape transitions from high-altitude grasslands, dotted with unique frailejones plants, to lush cloud forests filled with orchids and bromeliads.

Otavalo Market

Otavalo Market Games

Pan Pipes

Cuicocha Lagoon

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Hotel Otavalo

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For this morning's excursion, visit Hacienda La Compañía de Jesús, a French neoclassical estate that has been transformed into a family-run rose farm. Managed for five generations, the hacienda offers insight into Ecuador’s thriving rose industry, made possible by the region’s ideal equatorial climate. A family member will guide you through the greenhouses and post-harvest areas, explaining the blend of advanced techniques and local community involvement that sustain the business. After enjoying a traditional lunch, you'll continue to Cuenca, officially named Nuestra Señora de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca after the Tomebamba, Machángara, Yanuncay, and Tarqui Rivers that flow through the city. As Ecuador’s third-largest city and a renowned cultural hub, Cuenca is known for its narrow streets, charming plazas, and stunning colonial-era architecture. Highlights include the New Cathedral, located near the Flower Plaza, and the Pumapungo archaeological site, where Cañari and Inca ruins stand side by side. For a panoramic view of the city, head to the El Turi viewpoint. Cuenca is also well known for Panama hat production and a lively nightlife scene, especially at the bars along the riverbanks. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your local guide, who will take you to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace.

Rose Cultivation

Cuenca Cathedral

Cuenca

Bridge of the Stairs

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Hotel Cruz Del Vado

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Start your day by exploring Cuenca at your own pace, wandering through its beautiful colonial center, with its churches, narrow streets, and charming plazas. In the afternoon, your guide will take you to visit some of the city’s top museums, including the Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes, the Banco Central Museum, and Pumapungo Archaeological Park. Afterward, travel back in time with a visit to the Ingapirca ruins, the largest and best-preserved Inca site in Ecuador, located 70 kilometers from Cuenca. This fascinating historical site provides a unique look into one of South America’s most intriguing ancient civilizations.

Cuenca Street

Cuenca Market

Ingapirca

Ingapirca Ruins

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Hotel Cruz Del Vado

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Today, begin your journey to Naranjito, with a stop at Cajas National Park, located just 33 kilometers west of Cuenca. This stunning park, situated between 3,100 and 4,450 meters above sea level, is known for its rugged terrain, tundra vegetation, and fairy-tale-like landscapes. Named after the Kichwa word "cassa," meaning "gateway to the snowy mountains," Cajas is one of Ecuador's most beautiful nature reserves. Not only does it offer breathtaking scenery, but it also provides up to 60% of the drinking water for Cuenca. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including the South American condor, raptors, hummingbirds, and even pumas. After exploring Cajas, continue your journey to Naranjito, where you’ll visit the historic Hacienda La Danessa. The welcoming hosts will share the hacienda’s fascinating history, and you’ll have time to stroll through the lush gardens while enjoying refreshing cold-infused drinks and traditional snacks in this peaceful retreat.

Cajas National Park lake

Cajas National Park

Cajas National Park

Cajas National Park View

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Hacienda La Danesa

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On the next part of your tour, you'll be transferred to Guayaquil Airport for your flight to Cusco, where your private driver will take you to the Sacred Valley, a lower-altitude area perfect for acclimatization. You’ll stay at a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the valley, offering easy access to the region’s beauty and Inca history. The evening is free for you to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you're arriving from lower elevations, it's recommended to take this day to adjust to the altitude before engaging in more active pursuits.

Sacred Valley Town

Sacred Valley

Mountains Sacred Valley

Salineras Sacred Valley

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Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness

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Set out on a full-day excursion through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, following the Vilcanota River, where traditional communities, ancient terraces, and significant archaeological sites await. Your first stop is the Pisac Indian Market, one of the most popular in the Cusco region, where travelers can browse a wide selection of textiles, ceramics, jewelry, ponchos, rugs, Andean instruments, and alpaca and llama woven clothing. Next, visit the Pisac ruins, dramatically positioned at the entrance of a deep gorge. Overlooking the Urubamba Valley and the town below, this site played a key role in the Inca Empire, serving as a strategic link between the highlands and the eastern jungles. The engineering and agricultural terraces showcase the civilization’s remarkable advancements. In the afternoon, explore Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Incan town with original streets, homes, and an imposing fortress that rises above the village. Before returning to your hotel, stop in a local neighborhood to try chicha, a traditional fermented maize drink that remains a favorite among locals.

Pisac Ruins

Ollantaytambo

Tapestry Market

Chicha Morada

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Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness

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You will be collected from the hotel for a romantic journey on the Hiram Bingham train from the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. The train has a glass viewing dome, with large windows allowing you to see from the peaks of the Andes as they drop into flowing rivers on the valley floor, all from the 1st Class comfort of your seat. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), we suggest having an early dinner tonight as tomorrow you'll have an early start heading out to Machu Picchu at sunrise.

Train to Machu Picchu

Sacred Valley

Machu Picchu

Llamas at Machu Picchu

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Sumaq Machu Picchu

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Start your journey to Machu Picchu early to arrive as the National Park opens, offering a chance to see the morning clouds lift from the ruins—one of the most atmospheric times to visit. Your private guide will take you to the Guard Shack, the best vantage point to watch the sun rise over the surrounding mountains and illuminate this world-famous site. You'll then enjoy an in-depth guided tour covering the history, surrounding areas, and the sacred legends of Machu Picchu. For those looking for an additional challenge, a hike up Machu Picchu Mountain offers breathtaking views of the ancient citadel from above. The ascent takes about two hours, with the descent taking roughly one hour. After your visit, begin your journey to Cusco, traveling on the Hiram Bingham train from Aguas Calientes through the dramatic landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Having spent the last few days adjusting to higher elevations, Cusco’s altitude (11,150 ft. above sea level) should now feel comfortable, allowing you to explore the town in the evening or simply relax at your hotel.

Machu Picchu Peak

Machu Picchu Peaks

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Steps

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Inkaterra La Casona

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Begin your day in Cusco at the local market, where you can experience daily life and explore an array of fresh vegetables, breads, and fruits, including the traditional Oropeza bread. The market also offers herbs used for centuries in traditional medicine and cocoa beans, the foundation of chocolate production. Next, visit Cusco’s impressive Colonial Cathedral, home to over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School and beautifully crafted altars. From there, head to Koricancha, the religious center of the Inca Empire, where the Temple of the Sun once stood in honor of Inti, the Sun god. The name Koricancha comes from the Quechua words "qori," meaning goldwork, and "kancha," meaning enclosed space. Continue to the artisan quarter of San Blas, known for its local workshops where artisans create religious paintings and intricate crafts. Then, explore Cusco’s nearby archaeological sites, starting with Sacsayhuaman, a remarkable stone fortress once known as the Royal House of the Sun. Visit Qenqo Amphitheater, an important Incan temple, and Tambomachay, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to water and reserved for Inca royalty. Its name comes from the Quechua words "tampu" (collective housing) and "machay" (resting place). Finally, pass by Puka Pukara, or "Reddish Fortress," named for the distinctive color of the soil in the area.

Cusco Town

Cusco Traditional Clothes

City of Incas

Cusco Ruins

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Inkaterra La Casona

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The Andean Baroque Route follows an ancient trade path that existed long before the Inca Empire. Once used to transport gold, silver, coca leaves, and animal fibers, this corridor linked Cusco, the Inca capital, with the jungles of Madre de Dios and Lake Titicaca. The route includes four historic churches—one in Cusco and three in the South Valley. Running parallel to the Vilcanota River, which originates from Nevado Ausangate, the South Valley is home to the Huacarpay Lagoon, a Ramsar site known for its diverse birdlife, tall cattails, and striking sunsets. The valley is dotted with agricultural villages where traditions such as pottery, baking, and textile production continue in towns like Lucre, alongside religious festivals honoring the Virgen del Carmen and Señor del Qoyllor Riti. The region also holds significant archaeological sites, including Tipon and Rumicolca, which offer a glimpse into ancient civilizations that once thrived here.

Cusco Town

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca

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Inkaterra La Casona

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You will be collected from your hotel for your private transfer to Cusco airport for your onward flight. If you would like to add a few days onto your trip, simply advise us at the time of booking. Happy travels!

Ecuador Flag

Peru Flag

Peruvian Ladies

Happy Travels!

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Inkaterra La Casona

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