South America trips: Traveling Through Ecuador and Peru

Many travelers opt to stray off the beaten path, but there is a reason the beaten path is as popular as it is. For a first time visitor to South America who has lots of time on their hands, the extensive path between Ecuador and Chile or Argentina will undoubtedly provide for unforgettable memories in this most incredible of continents. Here we describe a possible whirlwind trip through Ecuador and Peru that

Ecuador: Arriving in Quito, travelers should spend at least a day or two exploring the city. Its colonial past is evident in its rich architecture, and the historical city center is a beautiful place to explore and relax. It is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moving a little bit inward in the country, the town of Baños in the middle of the mountains is the ultimate adventure hub. From there, you can go climbing, trekking, and more. Towards the south is the large city of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s second city but actually surpassing the capital in population. The port is a delightful place to walk around, and the Malecon Simón Bolivar is as modern an entertainment area as one can find around the world. If you have extra time and money, you can even take a short flight to the Galapagos Islands, one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the world with many endemic wildlife species not found anywhere else.

Peru: Crossing the border into Peru, take some time to linger at the northern beaches such as Mancora and Tumbes. Moving onward, Trujillo, Cajamarca, and Chachapoyas are all great options for exploring the heart of Peru history. The prominent Moche culture was a large influence in this area many years ago. Later, you will hit the capital of Lima along the coast, a bustling metropolis of over 8 million people and seemingly even more places to eat and things to do. Explore the historic downtown to see what the Spanish left behind during their colonization of South America. Enjoy Cusco vacation packages down south which will take you to see the treasures of the city as well as the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas, and which is also the jumping point for visiting Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca citadel built more than 600 years ago. Book your Machu Picchu tours early because they often sell out. Afterwards, visit Arequipa, the capital of the south, and adore its white classic architectures and the looming Misti Volcano in the background. Finally, end you Peru tour at Puno and the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on the planet.

This article about Ecuador and Peru was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less, specialist in great value Machu Picchu tours and fully customizable tours of Galapagos Islands.

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