100% customisable travel idea
Peru - Ecuador
100% customisable for you
Meet and greet on arrival, private transfer and stay for two nights in a small hotel in the Miraflores district. Frenetic, passionate and exciting, Lima is a capital city that does not do things by halves. Culturally speaking, it would be wrong to relegate it to the status of a mere backdrop, and the Museo Larco, the Museo Pedro de Osma and the archaeological sites of Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca are proof of this. As you wander around, you'll notice a church (Santo Domingo) here, a park (Maria Reiche) there, and a hill (San Cristobal) up there, from which you can admire the city at nightfall. As for the locals, you'll meet them in Cercado, old Lima, in the alleys of Parque Reserva or in the streets of Barranco, the trendy neighbourhood where you can find the best Peruvian nightlife and delight in how Lima has become the gastronomic capital of Latin America.
On your itinerary - A private tour of the Barranco neighbourhood. Barranco is a seaside resort founded in the early 20th century that quickly became upmarket and is now one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Lima. Your guide will take you across the Bridge of Sighs, through the central park, past craft shops and even aboard the old tramway, each of which adds a touch of romance and charm to this area known as the capital's bohemian quarter.
Not to be missed - Once you've found your bearings in the neighbourhood, you can continue exploring on your own. Near the municipal park is the Feria de Barranco, which aims to promote art and creativity by showcasing independent brands. The venue brings together street food stalls and entrepreneurs of all kinds, including a few artisans. You'll find clothing, travel accessories and other locally made items. Concerts are also organised there, mixing very different styles, including Creole music, rock and cumbia. Over a drink or a shared meal, you can chat and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, all in the heart of the city.
In the morning, private transfer to the airport. Flight to Puerto Maldonado then transfer by boat (20 minutes) on the Madre de Dios River to reach your eco-lodge in the middle of the forest, where you will stay for three nights. The property has seven bungalows and eight wooden rooms in a style reminiscent of an Amazonian hacienda, all facing the jungle and the river. Once you have settled in, you will set off on a guided walk along the trails around the lodge for your first taste of the Amazonian environment.
On your itinerary - Canoeing on Lake Sandoval and a walk through the canopy. The day begins with a short boat trip followed by an hour-long walk in the heart of nature, in the Tambopata National Reserve, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere of the Amazon rainforest. Upon arrival at Lake Sandoval, you board canoes to move around discreetly and observe the local wildlife, including giant freshwater otters, red howler monkeys and parrots. At lunchtime, you return to the eco-lodge where delicious dishes made with regional products are served. After a quiet break, head to the canopy for a walk. The system of towers and suspension bridges built on the treetops allows you to discover the forest from above. You’ll see stunning views for memorable experience!
On your itinerary - A day of exploration. Visit a chacra (farm), where you will learn about several working techniques used by the local people. The morning continues in a botanical garden where you can learn about medicinal plants. In the afternoon, you head to the lagoon at Hacienda Concepción, where you go canoeing, fishing and birdwatching, observing the hoatzin, which is a large tropical bird recognisable by its bristly crest. The day ends on a high note with night-time observation of the Tierra Adentro clay cliff and its wildlife from camouflaged blinds or observation posts.
Flight to Cuzco then drive to Urubamba (about 1 hour and 30 minutes) through the sumptuous landscapes of the Sacred Valley. At the crossroads of the roads to Pisaq and Chinchero, this small town with its discreet charm is an ideal base for exploring the major attractions of the Valley. Its weekly market is overflowing with fruit and vegetables, as well as ceramics, which are a true local speciality. Stay for two nights in a small lodge on the banks of the Rio Urubamba. Your room is characterised by tasteful Andean rusticity and opens onto the garden through large windows. Nature is an integral part of the décor. The colours are those of the valley and the handicrafts are reminiscent of the region.
On your itinerary - Private tour of the Pisaq craft market and the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo. The day begins with an exploration of the ruins overlooking the village. The archaeological and historical richness of the site is revealed little by little, as is the unique panorama of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River. You continue with a stop in the village of Pisaq, home to two of the largest and liveliest markets in the region, one selling crafts and the other food. Members of various Andean communities come here to stock up on supplies and sell their products. The day ends with a visit to the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, 50 miles (80 kilometres) from Cuzco: a huge agricultural, administrative, social, religious and military complex dating back to the Tahuantinsuyu era.
En option - Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo.
Private transfer to Ollantaytambo station and train to the small station of Aguas Calientes (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes). You follow the winding course of the Urubamba River, also known as Vilcanota by the local people. You are now surrounded by even more breathtaking peaks. As you arrive in Aguas Calientes, the vegetation becomes lusher, embodied by the imposing eucalyptus trees. Stay for one night in the centre. The village owes its name to a hot spring that is overcrowded with bathers. Shops, bars, restaurants, hotels... Aguas Calientes has everything, except the charm of an Andean village. In fact, it is mainly a springboard to Machu Picchu (whose winding roads begin not far from the village). It’s a useful stopover where the unforgettable has been perched on the hill for centuries and has not deigned to come down.
On your itinerary - Machu Picchu with a private guide and Huayna Picchu on your own. Machu Picchu is such an astonishing feat that it leaves you speechless. The beauty of the mountains, the scale of the design, the logistics and engineering required to build it, the religious fervour and, finally, the genius displayed by the Incas here are beyond comprehension. Amazement, in the strongest sense of the word! The guided tour of the Inca city can be combined with the ascent of Montaña Huayna Picchu, which rises to an altitude of 2,693 metres. At the summit, you can enjoy a splendid view of the citadel (260 metres below), the Urubamba Valley and the surrounding mountains. This is one of the most spectacular views of the Inca site, which is different from the classic view from the “Guardian's House”. However, this climb, which takes about two and a half hours, is difficult and vertiginous, with steep passages where it is sometimes necessary to use ropes to climb. That means it can be challenging for people who do not exercise regularly or who are afraid of heights.
In the afternoon, you board the train back to Cuzco and slowly recover from the intense emotions of the day (or carefully sort through your photos, whatever you like). Upon arrival, you will take a private transfer and stay for two nights at a charming hotel in the San Blas neighbourhood, a stone's throw from Cusco's main square and cathedral.
On your itinerary - Private tour of Cuzco. The capital of the Incas is still, literally, the foundation of the city as walls and foundations often date back to pre-Hispanic times and can be seen in various places (especially in the old colonial district of San Blas). On the Plaza de Armas stand the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin and the Church of the Society of Jesus, both of which are magnificent.
See and do - You can broaden your perspective on Andean religious art by visiting the Hilario Mendivil Museum, which is dedicated to this exceptional 20th-century Cuzco artisan and sculptor. One mile (two kilometres) north of Cuzco, the Sacsayhuaman fortress is one of the most impressive Inca ruins. This triple zigzag wall in the shape of a puma's head is a tour de force. The assembly of the monoliths that make up the walls is breathtaking in its cyclopean precision. Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun god Inti, is celebrated here on the winter solstice. On ordinary days, people jog or practise tai chi in the open spaces between the ramparts.
Private transfer to the airport and international flight to Quito. Another private transfer and stay for two nights in a fully renovated colonial house in the Mariscal district. Today, it is an elegant and modern establishment offering spacious rooms equipped with all the necessary amenities.
On your itinerary - Private tour of Quito’s hidden gems. Quito is Ecuador's vibrant capital and a real treasure at the foot of the Andes. The city's unique atmosphere combines lively markets and trendy spots - every street corner tells a story. Your guide for the day is a passionate native of Quito and they will reveal their secret spots and the city's hidden treasures. You'll mingle with the crowds or escape them altogether, and you'll chat about everyday life in Ecuador. It is a wonderful, relaxed encounter where nothing is really planned in advance and the walk is improvised according to your tastes.
Private transfer to the airport and flight to the Galápagos archipelago. Another transfer and stay for three nights on Santa Cruz Island. Modernity, privacy and simplicity are the watchwords of your hotel located in Puerto Ayora, at the southern tip of the island. The seafood stalls on Charles Darwin Avenue are just a few steps away, while the famous scientist's former research station is about a 15-minute walk away.
On your itinerary - Floreana Island. The least populated and most mysterious of the Galápagos Islands, Floreana is steeped in history and legend. The day begins at La Lobería, which is famous for its colony of sea lions, marine iguanas and turtles that live near the reefs. Then, at Asilo de la Paz, you wander through the cave of the first inhabitants, pirates and whalers while getting to know the modest Geospiza finch, which is an endemic species. After lunch at Devils Crown, you head to Playa Negra and its snorkelling spot to observe turtles, rays and sea lions.
Our suggestion - A day of freedom around Puerto Ayora: swimming and snorkelling at Tortuga Bay and Las Grietas. From the Puerto Ayora pier, it takes just a few minutes by boat to reach Las Grietas, which is a saltwater channel ideal for swimming and snorkelling in complete tranquillity. To avoid the crowds, it is best to go early in the morning. The path along the canal is lined with cacti and leads to Los Alemanes beach and then to a salt pan, providing beautiful views of the entire site. In the afternoon, you can visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, which studies and conserves the natural environment, then stop off at Tortuga Bay, which is perfect for relaxing but also for underwater observation.
Optional - Seymour Island.
Private transfer to the port and crossing to Isabela Island. Upon arrival, stay for two nights in a charming beach house nestled on the fine sand of Puerto Vallamil beach. The rooms are appealing with their minimalist aesthetic and white and blue tones that create a seaside atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy the tranquillity of Isabela Island without being far from the village's shops and restaurants.
On your itinerary - Isabela in the footsteps of a local. You follow in the footsteps of an islander for an intimate exploration of Isabela along the water. Nothing is really planned in advance, so you can improvise according to our preferences, interests and on the spur of the moment. Along the way, your friend for the day shares valuable information about the archipelago and some well-kept secrets about Isabela.
On your itinerary - A day of sailing around the lava tunnels of Cabo Rosa. Roca Union (on the way) and Cabo Rosa (which you reach after a two-hour sail) is where numerous bird colonies nest, including masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, pelicans and sea lions. The breathtaking landscapes were created by the sudden cooling of lava flows when they came into contact with the sea. After snorkelling amid this veritable living tableau, put on your mask and snorkel to dive beneath the surface and encounter the underwater fauna.
Optional - Private hike around the Sierra Negra volcanoes.
Transfer to Baltra Airport and international return flights. Night on board, arrival the next day.
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your trip
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
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