Detailed Itinerary
Day 1-5: Lima, Peru
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 a cycling trip through the city and have the time to amble through the streets independently, soaking up the sights. Be sure to try a meal in one of the worlds top restaurants.
Day 6 – 9: Arequipa, Peru
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.
Day 10 – 13: Colca Canyon, Peru
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.
Day 14 – 16: Lake Titicaca, Peru
With your guide take the beautiful driving road to Lake Titicaca, witnessing landscapes and nature en route that you would miss by flying. Relax and take in the bright blue waters of Lake Titicaca. Avoid the busy tourist routes and explore by kayak, enjoying a local delicious lunches with traditional music and learning the cultures away from the noise.
Day 17 – 21: Sacred Valley, Peru
Want to do something different on your sabbatical? 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, stand up paddleboarding, treks, bird watching and taking it all in away from tourists masses. Enjoy a delicious Pisco sour at the end of each day.
Day 22 – 24: Machu Picchu, Peru
A highlights of any trip to South America, Machu Picchu. Enjoy dramatic views over the ruins after an unforgettable trek. Hearty lunches and local stories led by your expert guide will make this a lifetime travel highlight.
Day 25 – 29: Cusco, Peru
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.
Day 30 – 32: Quito, Ecuador
Having ticked off Peru, we journey via plane to Quito, for our next sabbatical adventure. Stay in the centre of Quito in our favourite boutique hotel. Choose from walking tours, chocolate tasting and gastronomy experiences, and visit artisan workshops…Welcome to Ecuador.
Day 33 – 35: Otavalo, Ecuador
With your guide and driver head north by car to Otavalo, a fascinating town with a proud Kichwa indigenous culture. Take lakeside hikes, enjoy horse riding, a cooking class and make sure to include a visit to the workshop of the ‘Master Weaver’ Miguel Andrango. A true Travel Differently highlight. You are in no rush, take it all at your own slower pace.
Day 36 – 38: Cloud Forest, Ecuador
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. Choose to stay in a luxury eco lodge with a birds eye view of the surrounding nature and forest.
Day 39 – 41: Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Out of the jungle and into unbelievable scenery and scale. Cotopaxi National Park really 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. The national park is an ecological hot spot and is teeming with rare birds, flora and forna.
Day 42-45: Amazon, Ecuador
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 flora and fauna. With your guide spot Monkeys and Macaws to Caiman and Tapir. Enjoy peaceful river boat trips, hikes, kayaking and evening wildlife safaris.
Day 46-48: Avenue of Volcanoes, Ecuador
Leaving the Amazon with your private driver, head along the Southern section of the Avenue of Volcanoes, seeing Banos, and the incredible Inca complex of Ingaprica. Finish the Ecuador part of your sabbatical journey in the colonial city of Cuenca ahead of your Galapagos wildlife adventure.
Day 49-55: The Galapagos Islands
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; you will walk with Giant Tortoises, swim with sea lions and turtles, snorkel alongside hammerhead sharks, see iguanas and blue footed boobies, and try sunset paddle boarding alongside turtles. An iconic and once in a lifetime experience.
55 days from £12,200 pp
Based on two adults sharing, travelling in low season, subject to availability
Includes
All accommodation, excursions, and transport, including internal airfare
Excludes
International flights, visas, travel insurance and tips