fw_d5egixdaqfxd.jpg

Discover the enticing flavors of Ecuador and Peru, straddle the Equator and immerse yourself in history

from US $ 7420 pp

Ecuador Map

Tour Highlights

Galapagos Island Tour

House of Tequila

The Equator

Ceviche Cookery Class

Indigenous Foods

Incan Cities

about this tour

about this tour

Take a journey through the essence of South American cuisine and culture. In Quito, time-honored recipes showcase native ingredients, from hearty stews to freshly made empanadas. The markets of Otavalo are filled with locally grown produce and fragrant herbs scent the air. On the Galápagos Islands, freshly caught seafood takes center stage, prepared with bold yet simple flavors. In Guayaquil meals revolve around slow-cooked rice dishes, savory stews, and a mix of indigenous and Spanish techniques that have shaped the region’s approach to cooking. In Cusco, the culinary landscape reflects both Incan and colonial influences. Andean staples like potatoes, corn, and quinoa form the backbone of local dishes, prepared using age-old methods such as clay oven baking and underground roasting. As the starting point for the Sacred Valley, the region offers a connection between food and history, where ancient ruins stand alongside markets brimming with handmade cheeses, fresh-baked bread, and roasted meats seasoned with native spices. Cusco’s food scene provides a final opportunity to experience Peru’s wide-ranging flavors. From vendors selling crisp churros and warm tamales to restaurants reimagining traditional dishes with modern techniques. Rather than just sampling local dishes, take a deeper look into the techniques, ingredients, and cultural influences that define Ecuadorian and Peruvian cuisine.

fw_i5afxjqh17zl.jpg

DAY 6: Experience the flavors of the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador with a hands-on Ceviche Galapagueño/Ecuatoriano cooking class at a local restaurant. Learn the techniques behind preparing this traditional dish, from selecting the freshest seafood to balancing citrus juices and spices. Guided by expert instruction, you’ll gain practical skills while deepening your understanding of the region’s food traditions.

  • 1

    Quito to Otavalo

    Upon arrival in Quito, your guide will greet you and transfer you to Otavalo for a two-night stay. Along the way, enjoy the scenic landscapes with stops in Guayllabamba to taste chirimoyas, a heart-shaped local fruit, and in Cayambe to visit a bizcocho factory and sample these traditional biscuits. Once in Otavalo, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the area. Otavalo, the capital of Otavalo Canton in Imbabura Province, is home to approximately 90,000 people and is surrounded by the towering peaks of Imbabura (4,630 meters), Cotacachi (4,995 meters), and Mojanda. The Otavaleños take great pride in their indigenous heritage and traditional clothing. Men typically wear white trousers, a blue poncho, and a black hat, while women dress in embroidered white blouses, long black skirts—sometimes with a white stripe—and often weave colorful materials into their braided hair.

    Upon arrival in Quito, your guide will greet you and transfer you to Otavalo for a two-night stay. Along the way, enjoy the scenic landscapes with stops in Guayllabamba to…
  • 2

    Join an Andean Community

    After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for a day filled with nature, culture, and traditional cuisine. You’ll visit the La Calera community to take part in the Pachamanka ceremony, an ancestral cooking method where meats, vegetables, and fruits are slow-cooked underground using heated volcanic stones. While the food cooks for about two hours, take a short walk through lush vegetation to Tun Dun, a sacred ceremonial site. Here, you can participate in a purification ritual before returning to the Pachamanka, which will soon be ready to enjoy in the traditional way. After the meal, head back to your hotel and unwind with a cocktail on the rooftop while overlooking Otavalo.

    After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for a day filled with nature, culture, and traditional cuisine. You’ll visit the La Calera community to take part in the Pachamanka…
  • 3

    The Equator, Ecuadorian Tequila & Quito

    This morning, your guide will take you to the Equator, where you can participate in experiments at the Intiñan Museum, such as balancing an egg on a nail or observing how water drains differently in each hemisphere. While some demonstrations are designed for visitors, the scientific concepts remain intriguing. The museum also provides a deeper look into Ecuadorian culture, highlighting 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 process behind Miske, a locally known spirit. The day concludes with a transfer to your hotel in Quito, followed by dinner at Neuma Restaurant—one of the city's top dining spots—where Ecuadorian cuisine is reimagined with a modern approach. Neuma was recently recognized in The World's 50 Best Restaurants in Latin America.

    This morning, your guide will take you to the Equator, where you can participate in experiments at the Intiñan Museum, such as balancing an egg on a nail or observing…
  • 4

    To Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands

    Start the day with a transfer to Quito Airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be met and transferred to Santa Cruz Island, first crossing the Itabaca Channel by ferry and then continuing by car. Your first stop is the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, known as Parte Alta, the natural habitat of the giant Galápagos tortoises. Santa Cruz, the second-largest island in the archipelago, serves as the tourism hub, with Puerto Ayora offering restaurants, hotels, and shops, as well as being the starting point for day tours and boat transfers to Isabela and San Cristóbal. At the Charles Darwin Research Station, you can observe sea turtles, tropical fish, marine iguanas, and various bird species. Lunch will be at a private ranch, where you can walk among the trees and search for tortoises near small lagoons. You will also explore lava tubes—natural underground passages formed by volcanic activity. After the tour, a private transfer will take you to your hotel, where a staff member will greet you and go over the rest of your itinerary. The afternoon is yours to explore Santa Cruz at your own pace.

    Start the day with a transfer to Quito Airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be met and transferred to Santa Cruz…
  • 5

    Galapagos at Leisure

    On Santa Cruz Island, the pace is yours to set. Spend the day exploring Puerto Ayora, the island’s main town, where you can browse local markets for unique souvenirs, enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant, or relax in a café and take in the surroundings. For those looking to venture further, optional boat trips offer the chance to visit nearby islands, each with its own distinct landscape and wildlife. North Seymour is a sanctuary for birdlife and land iguanas, while Bartolomé features dramatic volcanic scenery, panoramic views from Pinnacle Rock, and sea lions resting on black sand beaches. Santa Fe is home to the Santa Fe land iguana and the waved albatross, while Plazas Island is known for its sea lion colonies and striking cliffs. However you choose to spend the day, Santa Cruz provides plenty of opportunities to explore at your own pace.

    On Santa Cruz Island, the pace is yours to set. Spend the day exploring Puerto Ayora, the island’s main town, where you can browse local markets for unique souvenirs, enjoy…
  • 6

    Galapagos Boat Tour

    Today’s half-day tour begins at the Puerto Ayora harbor, where you will take a small boat across the canal to Academy Bay, also known as La Loberia. Upon arrival, you may spot blue-footed boobies and other seabirds perched on the cliffs. A guided walk takes you past a viewpoint where white-tipped reef sharks often rest, continuing to Playa de los Perros, where marine iguanas bask in the sun. The towering cacti, red-hued rocks, and turquoise waters create a striking backdrop for photos. Next, enjoy a snorkeling excursion in the bay before heading to Las Grietas for a short walk. In the afternoon, take part in a traditional Ecuadorian cooking class, where you’ll not only learn to prepare local dishes but also enjoy the meal you create.

    Today’s half-day tour begins at the Puerto Ayora harbor, where you will take a small boat across the canal to Academy Bay, also known as La Loberia. Upon arrival, you…
  • 7

    Flight to Guayaquil

    Early in the morning, you will be transferred to Baltra Island's airport for your flight back to the mainland. Upon arriving in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, you'll be greeted by the energy of this dynamic metropolis, often called "The Pearl of the Pacific." Guayaquil's legacy as a key commercial hub is visible throughout the city, and its growth as a popular tourist destination is reflected in its modern infrastructure and welcoming atmosphere. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour led by a local expert. As you explore the charming Las Peñas neighborhood with its colorful houses and cobblestone streets, your guide will share the city's fascinating history and architectural highlights. Along the way, you'll discover unique spots and architectural details, and have the opportunity to sample typical Guayaquil snacks, giving you a taste of the city’s flavors. By the end of the day, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for Guayaquil’s history and its role as a rising star in South American tourism.

    Early in the morning, you will be transferred to Baltra Island's airport for your flight back to the mainland. Upon arriving in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, you'll be greeted by…
  • 8

    Transport to the Sacred Valley

    You’ll fly from Ecuador to Peru. Upon arriving in Cusco, a private transfer will take you to the Sacred Valley, situated at a lower altitude to help you acclimate to the higher elevations. Your boutique hotel, nestled in this stunning valley, will provide a perfect base for your stay, enhancing your understanding of Inca history and culture. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Sacred Valley. Since you're arriving from a lower altitude, it's recommended to spend your first day unwinding and adjusting to the altitude before engaging in any strenuous activities. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments!

    You’ll fly from Ecuador to Peru. Upon arriving in Cusco, a private transfer will take you to the Sacred Valley, situated at a lower altitude to help you acclimate to…
  • 9

    The Sacred Valley of the Incas

    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.

    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…
  • 10

    Train to Machu Picchu

    After breakfast, your private transfer will pick you up from your Sacred Valley hotel and take you to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. From there, board the Hiram Bingham train to Aguas Calientes, which shortens the usual 4-hour journey from Cusco by 2 hours, starting at one of the most scenic parts of the route. The train features a glass dome, providing stunning views of the Andes peaks and the rivers below, all while you enjoy first-class comfort. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), you will take an eco-bus up to Machu Picchu, where your hotel is located next to the citadel. We recommend having an early dinner tonight to prepare for tomorrow's early start to visit Machu Picchu at sunrise.

    After breakfast, your private transfer will pick you up from your Sacred Valley hotel and take you to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. From there, board the Hiram Bingham train…
  • 11

    Magical Machu Picchu

    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.

    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…
  • 12

    Cusco: Market & Ruins

    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.

    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.…
  • 13

    Departure Day

    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!

    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,…

Why Book With Us?

Selected luxury hotels that deliver exceptional service in authentic local style.

Finest Hotels

Our in-country experts have in-depth knowledge of their city and culture for an exceptional travel experience.​

Boots on the Ground​

Our experienced travel consultants are there to support you throughout your journey.​

Customer Support​

We favor local partners who share our focus on quality customer service while providing value to the local communities.​

Responsible Tourism​

Our in-country expert

Alejandro is our local expert for Ecuador. Having lived on the continent for 17 years, he possesses an intimate understanding of its culture and breathtaking landscapes. His passion for travel and tourism, sparked during his studies, fuels his expertise in the industry and provides invaluable insights for our team. Alejandro acts as our strategic advisor...
Alejandro
Alejandro

How We Work

EXPLORE THIS JOURNEY

Book this trip with your choice of hotels and the option to add extra nights at the start or end of your trip.

icon-svg

CUSTOMIZE THIS JOURNEY

Create your dream trip with the assistance of Finest Journeys expert travel consultants.

CRAFT MY OWN JOURNEY

Build your own dream trip with our easy to use trip planning tools

The choice is yours and the Finest Journeys team are always here to help and our concierges and in-country teams will look after you throughout your journey from booking until return.

How We Work

1-Enquire

Fill out our form or give us a call on 1-800-227-1393 to tell us more about your trip.

2-Talk With Us

An expert will get in touch the following day to help you curate your bespoke tour itinerary.

3-Trip Creation

We'll take care of every detail to bring your dream trip to life.

4-Confirmation

You will receive an email from our team confirming all of the important details about your trip.

5-Travel With Ease

Our concierges and in-country teams will look after you throughout your journey from booking until return.

Words From our Travelers

Finest Journeys service is outstanding. In addition, Marilia is one of the best agent I have ever worked with.

Jackie

Codetic

Cynthia and Hugh had a FANTASTIC time and raved about the trip! Everything worked out well and went smoothly! They loved the hotel and Cynthia said that Finest Journeys were awesome!

Jackson

Stacey

My clients were thrilled with the itinerary and had a flawless trip. Thank you, Jean and Finest Journeys!

D. Evans

Chicago

The Wilson’s loved their trip. Your service is invaluable.

Jane

Minneapolis

Cheri and I would like to thank you again for providing an outstanding honeymoon for Kaleb and Alexandra. The kids had a wonderful time and will have stories to tell for a lifetime.

Kip

Fort Wayne

So stress free. You made it so easy for us and I loved the follow up checking in during the trip. I will be using your services again and recommending it to others.

Jonathan

Newport

    Share with us any special requests, wish-list experiences or changes we should include in your customized trip. Our expert travel consultants will then adapt this tour to your specific requirements and then send your customized itinerary for your review and approval or for further modification. At any stage in building your customized tour, you can contact your dedicated Finest Journeys travel consultant by telephone, email or online chat to discuss options or for answers to any queries.

    Flexible

    Number of Adults

    Number of Children U12

    Number of Infants U2

    Budget for my party

    ×