Hike the Avenue of Volcanoes
54 days from £12,200 pp Gastronomy, volcanoes, Andean cultures, Hiking, Jungle and wildlife. How you really do South America Differently.
Peru and Ecuador Adventure Sabbatical
Day 1 – 5 Arrive into the foodie capital of South America, Lima. Rest and relax in a stylish boutique hotel, then really get under the skin of this amazing city. Take street art and gastronomy tours, with rooftop sun downers and vibrant markets. Enjoy city cycling tours and have the time to amble through the streets independently, soaking up the sights. Be sure to try one of the worlds top restaurants.
Days 6 – 9 A long drive day broken up by an overnight stop with delicious local food. Arrive at Arequipa, the ‘White City’ On foot with your guide explore the main plaza, San Francisco church and remarkable Monastery. A must-visit on your holiday to Peru.
Days 10 – 13 An incredible drive day through landscapes dominated by Volcanoes. Arrive at the banks of the Colca River staying in a charming lodge to explore the region properly. The Colca Canyon is the second deepest in the world, witness Condors flying high above and breathe in the pace of the river. A hikers paradise.
Days 14 – 16 Drive the beautiful road to Lake Titicaca, witnessing landscapes and nature en route that you would miss by flying. Relax and take in the blue waters and colourful cultures of the lake. Avoid the busy tourist routes and explore by kayak, enjoying a local delicious lunches with traditional music and learning the local ways away from the noise.
Days 17 – 21 Want to do something different on your sabbatical? We head to the Sacred Valley for our community immersion – one of our flagship excursions. Spend time with the Andean Misminay community taking part in traditional skills such a textile weaving, cooking, brick making. Learn about agriculture and gastronomy trying local delicacies (Guinea Pig) head out to the fields to see where and how produce comes from. See reforestation projects and learn the Andean Ecosystems. Lots of outdoor activities to choose from; Kayaking, SUPs, treks, bird watching and taking it all in away from tourists masses. Enjoy delicious Pisco sours at the end of each day.
Days 22 – 24 A highlight of any trip to South America, Machu Picchu. Enjoy dramatic views over the ruins after your unforgettable trek. Hearty lunches and local stories led by your expert guide.
Days 25 – 29 After the dramatic scenery and impressive landscapes, we mix things up driving to Cuzco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relax in a gorgeous boutique hotel, take it slow, take it all in. Food, markets, ambling, culture…and rest.
Days 30 – 32 Having ticked off Peru, we journey via plane to Quito, for our next sabbatical adventure. Stay in the center in our favourite boutique hotel. Choose from walking tours, chocolate tasting and gastronomy experiences, and visit artisan workshops…Welcome to Ecuador.
Days 33 – 35 Heading north by road to Otavalo, a fascinating town with a proud Kichwa indigenous culture. Take lakeside hikes, horse riding, a cooking class and make sure to include a visit to ‘Master Weaver’ Miguel Andrango. A true Travel Differently highlight. You are in no rush, take it all at your own slower pace.
Days 36 – 38 Explore the dense green ecosystem of the Cloud Forest. For nature and outdoor lovers, this is regarded as one of the best bird watching spots in the world. Try zip lining, river tubing, swim in waterfalls and have one of the best bird guides in the country point out rare breeds.
Days 39 – 41 Out of the jungle and into the views, Cotopaxi National Park packs a punch. This sabbatical holiday is full of variety, and here its all about snow capped mountains and hiking beneath them. Feel the wind in your hair galloping on horse back as the mountain range comes into focus. An amazing few days of landscapes and adventure.
Days 42 – 45 We head off the beaten track and into the Amazon basin for a wildlife packed holiday within a holiday. Avoid flights and take a unique road trip to witness how frontier towns give way to more traditional cultures as we head deeper and deeper into the wild. Thick jungle and beautiful river tributaries reveal the incredible flaura and fauna. With your guide spot Monkeys and Macaws to Caiman and Tapir.
Days 46 – 48 Leaving the Amazon, drive along the Southern section of the Avenue of Volcanoes, seeing Banos, the Inca complex of Ingaprica, Cuenca before ending in Guayaquil ready for your Galapagos sabbatical adventure.
Days 49 – 54 We finish your epic Peru and Ecuador Sabbatical in the world’s most unique wildlife wonderland; The Galapagos Islands. A once in a lifetime experience, and a must-include for any slow trip to South America. Our Galapagos experts will talk through options; a boutique cruise/ luxury private boat or land based island- hopping. Our top tip? Do both, especially as your longer sabbatical should offer the extra time needed. This will be the ultimate wildlife experience.