Cultural activities in Quito, Cusco and Sucre

4, 5 or 8 day trips to one of the most incredible places on planet earth. Snorkel with the world’s smallest penguin, gigantic manta rays, big marine iguanas and (friendly) reef sharks off las Tintoreras on the picturesque snow-white sands and turquoise waters off Floreana Island in the Galapagos. Hike on volcanic islands, follow the path and learn about evolution, natural history, biology, etc. Scuba dive in the crystalline waters of Galapagos.

Cotopaxi day tour and with overnight stay in Riobamba. You will do the Devil’s Nose on Sunday and return to Quito in the evening. The Devil’s Nose is one of the best tourist attractions in Ecuador. The train leaves Riobamba in the morning going all the way to the Devil’s Nose and returns to Alausí. You will enjoy the spectacular views from the train for about 7 hours.

Scuba dive in the crystalline waters of Isla de la Plata where it’s common to see schools of hundreds of giant stingrays and dozens of whale sharks.

Take the opportunity to see the most remote area of Ecuador, the Yasuni, located in the Amazon. It’s your best chance to encounter incredible wildlife such as jaguars, anacondas, and pumas. Similarly, a less intense option is to fly to the city of Coca and go canoeing along the Rio Napa.

Located only two hours northwest of Quito, you can hummingbird-watch and observe thousands of butterflies at a butterfly farm in the cloud rainforest of Mindo. Trek into the cloud forest to see the beautiful blue waterfall. Zipline across the cliffs and observe nature in its most elemental form.

Relax in the most popular hotsprings near Quito as well explore the surrounding area through hikes and horseback riding.

The market in Otavalo is one of the most well-known markets in the country. You will meet interesting people and explore the rich culture of the indigenous Quchuean people. You can also explore the nearby waterfalls and lakes.

Baños is Ecuador’s premiere destination for adventure sports. With activities ranging from rafting to swing jumping to kayaking and ziplining you will never lack for a fun weekend trip. You can also visit the Swing at the End of the World and explore the many waterfalls in the area. Stay in one of the many pleasant hostels and enjoy the exciting nightlife of the city.

Hike the crater lakes in Ecuador. Both Quilotoa (2 hours south) and Cuicocha (two hours north), lakes offer majestic views. The Stunning turquoise-colored crater lakes offer an experience like no other. According to the season and time of the year, the alkaline water color changes from green to a deep blue.

We will visit Pisac Indian market. All over the Andean highlands, scattered in the Sacred Valley of Urubamba and mountains, you will find numerous markets displaying everything from wool textiles, native fruits and fresh vegetables to jewelry, ceramics, baskets, wood carving, native paintings, embroidery, tools and even animals! The market in Pisac is one of the most well-known markets in the country. It is a rich cultural site where locals meet with their friends and relatives to catch up on news and practice the ancient art of bargaining. It will capture your senses making you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

Visit to Ollantaytambo fortress, where the Inca fought their last battles with the Spanish invaders…just spectacular! We will visit a home of one of the residents of Ollantaytambo and discover how their living conditions and decoration hasn’t change in centuries.

Great visit to the oracle of Saqsayhuaman, the amphitheater of Q´enqo, Pukapukara,Tambomachay, known as the temple of water, visit with anthropologist guide.

Departure to the south of Cusco and visit begin archeological explanation of the Tipón ruins. Tipón is also known for its local dish, “cuy” or guinea pig (a Peruvian delicacy) and participants who opt for a cuy meal can substitute that for the boxed lunch. Afterward, participants will Pikillacta archeological ruins.

Horse-back riding (visiting Zona X, Temple of the Moon and the Statue of the Monkey)

Visit to the Qorikancha Site and museum (Inka Temple of the Sun).

Do white-water rafting and try kayaking for your first time in the calm to fierce rivers of the Peruvian Andes.

Learn where chocolate beans are harvested from. Make your own chocolate bar and observe where the best chocolate beans in the world come from with the Peruvian cacao. Visit a coffee farm near Quillabamba and experience the whole process from harvest to belly.

Machu Picchu trip (full weekend – including overnight hotel in Aguas Calientes, no meals included) Early wake up and transfer from host families to Cusco train station for our fabulous Machu Picchu trip (4 hour train ride and bus tickets included from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu in-out) Take our bus back to Aguas Calientes and then return to Cusco by train. With your anthropologist guide (shared basis) you will visit the Machu Picchu ruins Overnight in Aguas Calientes.