Ecuador & PeruFrom world wonders in Peru to natural wonders in Ecuador

After a short domestic flight, you will land on Baltra and find yourself in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on the Galapagos Islands. The archipelago, a World Heritage Site, is considered a true natural paradise: reefs with impressive underwater worlds, beautiful beaches, imposing volcanoes, and rainforests await you. Your cruise starts in the east of the archipelago on Isla San Cristobal. Visit Kicker Rock, an impressive geological formation created by the collision of hot magma and cold seawater. Discover nesting sites of seabirds and curious sea lions and marine life such as fish, turtles, sharks, and rays while snorkeling. Take a Zodiac ride along the island's coast and the Cerro Brujo rock formation. A white sandy beach and crystal-clear water are part of this enchanting place.

The island of Lobos awaits you with unique species such as marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and frigatebirds, which you can observe nesting. In the quiet bay, you have the chance to snorkel with sea lions. La Isla Española—the southernmost island of the Galapagos archipelago—offers an excellent beach for swimming at Gardner Bay. It is home to many animals such as masked and blue-footed boobies, as well as the endemic Española mockingbird. Enjoy spectacular views from the top of a cliff. Suarez Point is one of the most species-rich ecosystems in the Galapagos. Here you can also admire the "blowhole" – a funnel-shaped rock formation from which a fountain of seawater shoots up.

Upon arrival on Santa Fe Island, you will be greeted loudly by sea lions on the beach. During a hike in the highlands, you will have the chance to observe land iguanas. The highlight of the native flora are the Opuntia cacti, which grow up to 10 meters high. After a long hike, you can relax in the calm waters or snorkel with playful sea lions.

Take a detour to the neighboring island of Santa Cruz, where you can visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. At the associated turtle breeding station, you can encounter turtles of various subspecies that are being prepared for reintroduction into their natural habitats. Explore South Plaza Island and hike through its bushy vegetation and gigantic Opuntia cactus forest. Admire the Sesuvium plants that form a dense red carpet on the island. Along the way, you will once again encounter many unique animal species: land iguanas, marine iguanas, diverse seabirds, and a large colony of sea lions.

After your Galapagos cruise, you will return to the mainland, to Quito, Ecuador's capital. Quito's old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978 and is known as the largest and best-preserved old town in Latin America. Discover the architectural treasures and attractions of the colonial city with your private guide. Start with a visit to El Panecillo, the striking hill that rises at the southern edge of the historic center. Marvel at the statue of the winged Virgin of Quito and enjoy the magnificent view of colonial Quito.

Visit the Basilica of San Francisco, the oldest building in the city, and the Jesuit church La Compañía de Jesús, a beautiful Baroque work of art with seven tons of gold adorning its glittering walls. Visit the bustling Independence Square, flanked by the Presidential Palace and Quito Cathedral. Rich in art treasures, fine wood carvings, and flowering balconies, the historic center is the heart of Quito. Let yourself be transported into the world of chocolate at the Fundación Guayasamin museum and taste the world's most valuable cocoa variety—To'ak chocolate.

After a short flight, it's time to say: Bienvenidos en Peru! The capital city of Lima was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro and is known as the City of Kings. Explore this city of rare fascination and unexpected delights alongside your private guide.

Lima will impress you with its decaying colonial splendor and the teeming vitality of an oriental bazaar.

Begin your tour at the Plaza Mayor, the original founding site of Lima. Visit the historic cathedral, an architectural masterpiece, and continue on your way past the presidential palace to the Santo Domingo monastery. Take a trip back to colonial times during your visit to the Larco Museum and admire the extensive private collection of pre-Inca ceramics, considered the largest of its kind in the world.

The next stop on your journey will undoubtedly enchant you with its magic. The Sacred Valley of the Incas lies in the heart of the Andes and impresses with mighty mountains, rich corn and grain fields, and a very special atmosphere.

Visit Manos de la Comunidad, a center where South American camelids such as llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas are bred. Learn about the famous fibers obtained from their fur, as well as the ancient weaving techniques that are still used today.

Meet Quechua-speaking locals on an inspiring half-day visit to an Andean highland community in the Sacred Valley. This personal encounter reveals the unique lifestyle and traditions of the descendants of the mighty Inca Empire. Explore the village, sample the region's typical foods, learn about their ancient medicinal remedies, watch weavers at work, hike through the fields, and participate in a traditional Andean blessing. Continue through the valley to the impressive Salineras de Maras salt terraces, where you will learn about a method of salt extraction that has been used since Inca times. Continue on to the circular terraces of Moray, whose terraced levels resemble a giant green amphitheater. Enjoy the magnificent views that this part of the Sacred Valley has to offer. Experience a spectacular horse show featuring Paso horses, which will amaze you with their graceful gait and elegant appearance.

Follow in the footsteps of the Incas and explore the mysterious and legendary Inca city. Drive along a winding road to Peru's most famous highlight: Machu Picchu. Located on a mountain peak at 2,400 meters in the middle of a tropical forest, the ruined city is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Embark on a journey into the past with your private guide and learn more about life in the round towers, royal chambers, and sacred temples. Machu Picchu captivates with its size and mysticism and is guaranteed to enchant you with its magical aura. The ruined city is still shrouded in mystery, as its purpose has not been revealed.

The Inca city impresses with its architectural beauty and historical and cultural heritage. Explore the Sacred Plaza and more than 200 stone buildings, which are located on terraces and connected by stairs. Admire the almost surreal panorama with its steep slopes and high peaks. In addition, Machu Picchu is home to an exotic biodiversity due to its location in the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon basin.

The end of your journey takes you to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. The city is small and charming, with a wonderful market hall and numerous sights such as churches and Inca ruins. Join your guide on a tour of the beautiful and historic highlights, such as the main square, the imposing cathedral, the Temple of the Sun, and Korikancha.

Just outside the city, discover the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, a former Inca defensive post and impressive fortress. Learn about the extraordinary stones and the strategic construction of the military architecture. From this ancient fortress, where the greatest battle between the Spanish and the Incas took place, you can overlook the red tile roofs of Cusco and the spectacular lush landscape.