Peru & Ecuador World Heritage

Welcome to Lima! As soon as you clear customs at the Lima airport, look out for our representative, they’ll be waiting for you by the exit holding a sign with your name. From there, we’ll take care of your luggage and drive you straight to your hotel so you can settle in.

You’re staying in a fantastic city. Founded in 1535, Lima has grown into Peru’s vibrant coastal capital. Once you’ve unpacked, we highly recommend heading out to Miraflores or San Isidro. They are incredibly vibrant neighbourhoods, perfect for a coastal walk, some shopping, and diving into Lima’s world-famous food scene for dinner. Return back to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, set out to explore the many sides of Lima, beginning in the modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro. These neighbourhoods showcase a different side of the Peruvian capital, with contemporary architecture, landscaped parks, and coastal viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, pass attractions such as El Olivar and Parque del Amor before continuing towards Lima’s historic centre.

From here, continue into Lima’s historic centre, home to Plaza San Martín and Plaza de Armas, where you’ll discover some of the city’s most significant colonial landmarks, including the Government Palace and Lima Cathedral. A visit to the San Francisco Monastery follows, where underground catacombs and centuries-old passageways offer an insight into Lima’s colonial past. The tour concludes at the MALI Museum, home to one of Peru’s most significant art collections, tracing the country’s cultural and artistic heritage from pre-Columbian times through to the modern day. (Please note that the MALI Museum is closed on Mondays.)

The remainder of the afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure. Alternatively, several optional excursions are available. You may choose a guided walk through Miraflores, following the scenic Malecón and learning more about local life and culture, or visit Lima’s famous Waterpark, where illuminated fountains create a spectacular evening display. Another option is exploring the bohemian district of Barranco, known for its historic mansions, art galleries, colourful streets, and the iconic Bridge of Sighs.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco. At over 3,300 metres, it was once the capital of the Inca Empire and remains one of Peru's most important cultural centres. Even today, Inca stonework, colonial churches, and local Quechua traditions all form part of everyday life in the city.

On arrival, you head straight to Sacsayhuaman, the vast ceremonial fortress overlooking Cusco. The enormous stone blocks used in its construction remain one of the site's most remarkable features, particularly when you consider that they were fitted together centuries ago without modern machinery. The views across the city from here are equally impressive.

The journey then continues to Cuyo Chico, a small community near Pisac, where a local family introduces you to the traditional craft of clay bead making. Lunch is served here, giving you the chance to sample some local dishes before continuing through the Sacred Valley.

By late afternoon, you arrive in the Sacred Valley, a region that once played a central role in the Inca Empire. Surrounded by mountains and crossed by the Urubamba River, it remains one of the most scenic parts of Peru and will be your base for the next two nights.

After breakfast, set out for a full day exploring some of the Sacred Valley’s most fascinating sites. The first stop is Maras, where thousands of salt ponds cascade down the hillside in a patchwork of white terraces. Fed by a natural saltwater spring, these pools have been used for salt production for centuries and remain one of the most distinctive sights in the region. Please note that visitors are no longer permitted to enter the salt terraces themselves.

From Maras, continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca settlements in Peru. Above the town, a series of steep stone terraces lead up to the remains of the fortress, which once played an important role in defending the Inca Empire. As you explore the site, you'll notice how much of the original layout still survives, from the narrow streets below to the impressive stonework that continues to overlook the valley.

You'll also visit a local family home in the Sacred Valley for an insight into everyday life and the traditions that continue to shape communities across the region.

Later, travel to Tambococha, a small Andean community surrounded by farmland and mountain scenery. Here, you'll be welcomed with traditional music and a cup of coca tea before sampling a simple local speciality of fresh corn and cheese. Lunch is served in a local restaurant before returning to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

This morning, transfer to Ollantaytambo station and board the Vistadome train towards Aguas Calientes. The route follows the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley, passing small villages, steep mountain slopes, and changing landscapes as the journey gradually approaches Machu Picchu.

On arrival in Aguas Calientes, continue by shuttle bus to the entrance of the citadel. Set high in the Andes, Machu Picchu remains one of South America's most remarkable archaeological sites. During a guided tour, you'll explore its terraces, ceremonial spaces, temples, and stone structures while learning about the Inca civilisation and the various theories surrounding the site's purpose and history.

After your visit, return by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, continue by road to Cusco, where you'll check into your hotel for the evening.

Remark: Please note that Machu Picchu entrance tickets are issued for fixed routes and timed entry slots, subject to availability.

After breakfast, spend the morning exploring some of Cusco’s most important cultural and historic landmarks before your return to Lima.

The tour begins at San Pedro Market, where locals shop for fresh produce, spices, flowers, and everyday essentials. From here, continue to the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city, before visiting the Cathedral and walking through narrow streets lined with original Inca stonework towards Koricancha. Once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, it was dedicated to the sun god Inti before being incorporated into the Church of Santo Domingo following the Spanish conquest.

The tour continues to San Blas, one of Cusco’s most characterful neighbourhoods, known for its artisan workshops, small galleries, and cobbled streets. Take time to browse local handicrafts and enjoy views across the city from one of the nearby viewpoints.

After the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival, you'll be met and assisted at your airport hotel for the evening.

This morning, you will be transferred to Lima Airport for your included flight to Quito.

Set high in the Andes at an altitude of approximately 2,850 metres, Quito is one of South America's most distinctive capitals. Surrounded by volcanic peaks and known for its remarkably preserved colonial centre, the city was among the first places to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax, settle in, or begin discovering Ecuador's capital at your own pace.

After breakfast, set out to explore Quito, one of South America's best-preserved colonial capitals and a city recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The morning is spent in the historic centre, where cobbled streets, churches, domes, and colonial facades reveal centuries of Ecuadorian history. Around Independence Square, you'll find the Cathedral, Government Palace, and Archbishop's Palace gathered around the city's historic heart. Nearby, La Compañía Church stands out for its richly decorated interior and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Spanish Baroque architecture in South America.

As part of the tour, you'll also discover Ecuador's long relationship with cacao. Learn about the journey from bean to chocolate before sampling a selection of different varieties and flavours.

Later, continue to the Equatorial Line Monument, where an 18th-century French scientific expedition helped determine the location of the Equator. Visit the monument and the Ethnographic Museum, which provides insight into Ecuador's Indigenous cultures and traditions, before returning to your hotel.

Please note that church visits may be restricted on Sundays due to religious services.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your included flight to the Galapagos Islands.

Upon arrival in Baltra, cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry before continuing to Santa Cruz Island, one of the largest and most important islands in the archipelago. Home to the Galapagos National Park headquarters and the Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz serves as the gateway to many of the islands' most celebrated natural attractions.

Along the route, stop at the Twin Craters, large volcanic sinkholes formed thousands of years ago, before visiting a lava tunnel created by ancient volcanic activity.

Later, continue to a Giant Tortoise Reserve, where these iconic animals can be observed in their natural habitat. Lunch is served at a local ranch before travelling on to Puerto Ayora, the main town on Santa Cruz Island, where you'll spend the night.

Please note that the ferry crossing and bus transfer are shared with other international travellers.

After breakfast, visit Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. The walk from Puerto Ayora leads through coastal vegetation before opening onto a long stretch of white sand, where marine iguanas, sea turtles, and a variety of birdlife are often spotted.

Later, transfer to the pier and board the public speedboat to Isabela Island. The journey takes approximately two hours.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Puerto Villamil. As the largest island in the Galapagos, Isabela is known for its volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, take a short boat trip to Las Tintoreras, a small group of rocky islets just off the coast of Isabela. This wildlife-rich area is known for its lava channels, where white-tip reef sharks can often be seen resting. Marine iguanas, sea lions, sea turtles, and colourful tropical fish are also commonly spotted, with opportunities for snorkelling in the surrounding waters.

Later, visit the Flamingo Lagoon, where Galapagos flamingos can often be seen feeding in the shallow waters. Continue to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre to learn about the conservation efforts helping to protect one of the archipelago's most iconic species.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, travel into the highlands of Isabela Island towards Sierra Negra Volcano. Weather permitting, enjoy views of one of the world's largest volcanic craters before continuing to the sulphur mines, where bright yellow and green mineral deposits contrast dramatically against the dark volcanic landscape. The walk covers approximately 4 km through terrain shaped by centuries of volcanic activity.

Later, transfer to the pier and board the public speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island. The crossing takes around two and a half hours. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, set out on a half-day boat excursion around Academy Bay. Along the way, visit several coastal sites including La Lobería, Shark Channel, Lovers Channel, Dog Beach, and Las Grietas. Keep an eye out for sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and sea turtles, with opportunities for snorkelling in the clear waters around the bay.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant in Puerto Ayora.

Later, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, one of the Galapagos' most important conservation centres. Learn about the ongoing efforts to protect the islands' unique wildlife, including the famous giant tortoises, while exploring the station's breeding and research facilities.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Today is free to spend at leisure. Relax in Puerto Ayora, explore the waterfront, browse local shops and cafés, or simply enjoy a slower pace before your journey home.

Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional full-day boat excursion, including lunch. Depending on National Park regulations, weather conditions, and availability, visits may be arranged to North Seymour, South Plaza, Bartholomew, or another authorised visitor site. Each island offers its own unique landscapes and wildlife, with opportunities to spot sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and other endemic species.

After breakfast, transfer to Baltra Airport for your included flight back to mainland Ecuador for onward flight to London.

As your time in the Galapagos comes to an end, take one last look at the islands' remarkable landscapes before boarding your flight to Quito or Guayaquil, where your Peru & Ecuador World Heritage journey concludes.