Independent Galapagos At The Finch Bay Resort & Peru With Ecuador's Amazon

Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.

From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities.

Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador.

Find your next adventure in Quito!

Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.

From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities.

Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador.

Find your next adventure in Quito!

Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.

From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities.

Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador.

Find your next adventure in Quito!

Santa Cruz Island is the beating heart of the Galápagos and is home to the largest town in the archipelago, Puerto Ayora, and a key access point for travelers exploring this unique region. But beyond its small port and shops, the island reveals a surprising range of ecosystems, from black lava shores to lush highlands where giant tortoises roam freely. These ancient reptiles are not just a local symbol, they're part of the reason Charles Darwin's time in the Galápagos changed how the world understands evolution.

One of the island’s most fascinating sites is the Charles Darwin Research Station, where visitors can see conservation efforts up close. This facility played a vital role in bringing the iconic Galápagos tortoise back from the brink of extinction. Lonesome George, the last of his species before his death in 2012, lived here and became a global conservation icon. Today, breeding programs continue to protect several endangered species, and travelers can observe tortoise hatchlings slowly making their way in the world.

The highlands of Santa Cruz feel like another world. A short drive from Puerto Ayora brings visitors to lava tunnels large enough to walk through and wild tortoises grazing in the misty grasslands of El Chato Reserve. It’s not unusual to find one of these massive creatures crossing the road, moving at their own pace. Nearby, Los Gemelos, two massive sinkholes surrounded by a forest of Scalesia trees, offers a peaceful hike and a chance to spot rare birds like the vermilion flycatcher or the Galápagos short-eared owl.

Down on the coast, Tortuga Bay delivers long stretches of white sand and calm turquoise water that’s ideal for kayaking or spotting marine iguanas sprawled across sun-warmed rocks. Another must-visit is Las Grietas, a hidden brackish water canyon perfect for swimming between towering volcanic cliffs. Access is by water taxi and a short walk through a salt flat and lava field, adding a sense of adventure to the experience. Whether hiking, snorkeling, or simply watching pelicans dive for fish, each location feels like a window into another time.

Santa Cruz Island is the beating heart of the Galápagos and is home to the largest town in the archipelago, Puerto Ayora, and a key access point for travelers exploring this unique region. But beyond its small port and shops, the island reveals a surprising range of ecosystems, from black lava shores to lush highlands where giant tortoises roam freely. These ancient reptiles are not just a local symbol, they're part of the reason Charles Darwin's time in the Galápagos changed how the world understands evolution.

One of the island’s most fascinating sites is the Charles Darwin Research Station, where visitors can see conservation efforts up close. This facility played a vital role in bringing the iconic Galápagos tortoise back from the brink of extinction. Lonesome George, the last of his species before his death in 2012, lived here and became a global conservation icon. Today, breeding programs continue to protect several endangered species, and travelers can observe tortoise hatchlings slowly making their way in the world.

The highlands of Santa Cruz feel like another world. A short drive from Puerto Ayora brings visitors to lava tunnels large enough to walk through and wild tortoises grazing in the misty grasslands of El Chato Reserve. It’s not unusual to find one of these massive creatures crossing the road, moving at their own pace. Nearby, Los Gemelos, two massive sinkholes surrounded by a forest of Scalesia trees, offers a peaceful hike and a chance to spot rare birds like the vermilion flycatcher or the Galápagos short-eared owl.

Down on the coast, Tortuga Bay delivers long stretches of white sand and calm turquoise water that’s ideal for kayaking or spotting marine iguanas sprawled across sun-warmed rocks. Another must-visit is Las Grietas, a hidden brackish water canyon perfect for swimming between towering volcanic cliffs. Access is by water taxi and a short walk through a salt flat and lava field, adding a sense of adventure to the experience. Whether hiking, snorkeling, or simply watching pelicans dive for fish, each location feels like a window into another time.

Santa Cruz Island is the beating heart of the Galápagos and is home to the largest town in the archipelago, Puerto Ayora, and a key access point for travelers exploring this unique region. But beyond its small port and shops, the island reveals a surprising range of ecosystems, from black lava shores to lush highlands where giant tortoises roam freely. These ancient reptiles are not just a local symbol, they're part of the reason Charles Darwin's time in the Galápagos changed how the world understands evolution.

One of the island’s most fascinating sites is the Charles Darwin Research Station, where visitors can see conservation efforts up close. This facility played a vital role in bringing the iconic Galápagos tortoise back from the brink of extinction. Lonesome George, the last of his species before his death in 2012, lived here and became a global conservation icon. Today, breeding programs continue to protect several endangered species, and travelers can observe tortoise hatchlings slowly making their way in the world.

The highlands of Santa Cruz feel like another world. A short drive from Puerto Ayora brings visitors to lava tunnels large enough to walk through and wild tortoises grazing in the misty grasslands of El Chato Reserve. It’s not unusual to find one of these massive creatures crossing the road, moving at their own pace. Nearby, Los Gemelos, two massive sinkholes surrounded by a forest of Scalesia trees, offers a peaceful hike and a chance to spot rare birds like the vermilion flycatcher or the Galápagos short-eared owl.

Down on the coast, Tortuga Bay delivers long stretches of white sand and calm turquoise water that’s ideal for kayaking or spotting marine iguanas sprawled across sun-warmed rocks. Another must-visit is Las Grietas, a hidden brackish water canyon perfect for swimming between towering volcanic cliffs. Access is by water taxi and a short walk through a salt flat and lava field, adding a sense of adventure to the experience. Whether hiking, snorkeling, or simply watching pelicans dive for fish, each location feels like a window into another time.

Santa Cruz Island is the beating heart of the Galápagos and is home to the largest town in the archipelago, Puerto Ayora, and a key access point for travelers exploring this unique region. But beyond its small port and shops, the island reveals a surprising range of ecosystems, from black lava shores to lush highlands where giant tortoises roam freely. These ancient reptiles are not just a local symbol, they're part of the reason Charles Darwin's time in the Galápagos changed how the world understands evolution.

One of the island’s most fascinating sites is the Charles Darwin Research Station, where visitors can see conservation efforts up close. This facility played a vital role in bringing the iconic Galápagos tortoise back from the brink of extinction. Lonesome George, the last of his species before his death in 2012, lived here and became a global conservation icon. Today, breeding programs continue to protect several endangered species, and travelers can observe tortoise hatchlings slowly making their way in the world.

The highlands of Santa Cruz feel like another world. A short drive from Puerto Ayora brings visitors to lava tunnels large enough to walk through and wild tortoises grazing in the misty grasslands of El Chato Reserve. It’s not unusual to find one of these massive creatures crossing the road, moving at their own pace. Nearby, Los Gemelos, two massive sinkholes surrounded by a forest of Scalesia trees, offers a peaceful hike and a chance to spot rare birds like the vermilion flycatcher or the Galápagos short-eared owl.

Down on the coast, Tortuga Bay delivers long stretches of white sand and calm turquoise water that’s ideal for kayaking or spotting marine iguanas sprawled across sun-warmed rocks. Another must-visit is Las Grietas, a hidden brackish water canyon perfect for swimming between towering volcanic cliffs. Access is by water taxi and a short walk through a salt flat and lava field, adding a sense of adventure to the experience. Whether hiking, snorkeling, or simply watching pelicans dive for fish, each location feels like a window into another time.

Cusco once served as the heart of the Inca Empire, and that legacy still shapes every corner of the city even as it serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu. Cobblestone streets wind past walls built from perfectly cut stones, some fitted without mortar over 500 years ago. At its core is the Plaza de Armas, where churches tower over ancient foundations and just a few blocks away, visitors can walk through the Qurikancha site, where a convent was built on top of what was once the most sacred Inca temple, dedicated to the sun god Inti.

Outside the historic center, the ruins of Sacsayhuamán overlook the city from a nearby hilltop. This ceremonial complex is best known for its massive zigzag stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons. During the Inti Raymi festival in June, thousands gather here to reenact ancient Andean rituals, complete with traditional dress, music, and symbolic offerings. The experience offers an amazing spectacle that reveals how deeply connected Cusco remains to its Inca roots.

Cusco once served as the heart of the Inca Empire, and that legacy still shapes every corner of the city even as it serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu. Cobblestone streets wind past walls built from perfectly cut stones, some fitted without mortar over 500 years ago. At its core is the Plaza de Armas, where churches tower over ancient foundations and just a few blocks away, visitors can walk through the Qurikancha site, where a convent was built on top of what was once the most sacred Inca temple, dedicated to the sun god Inti.

Outside the historic center, the ruins of Sacsayhuamán overlook the city from a nearby hilltop. This ceremonial complex is best known for its massive zigzag stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons. During the Inti Raymi festival in June, thousands gather here to reenact ancient Andean rituals, complete with traditional dress, music, and symbolic offerings. The experience offers an amazing spectacle that reveals how deeply connected Cusco remains to its Inca roots.

Cusco once served as the heart of the Inca Empire, and that legacy still shapes every corner of the city even as it serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu. Cobblestone streets wind past walls built from perfectly cut stones, some fitted without mortar over 500 years ago. At its core is the Plaza de Armas, where churches tower over ancient foundations and just a few blocks away, visitors can walk through the Qurikancha site, where a convent was built on top of what was once the most sacred Inca temple, dedicated to the sun god Inti.

Outside the historic center, the ruins of Sacsayhuamán overlook the city from a nearby hilltop. This ceremonial complex is best known for its massive zigzag stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons. During the Inti Raymi festival in June, thousands gather here to reenact ancient Andean rituals, complete with traditional dress, music, and symbolic offerings. The experience offers an amazing spectacle that reveals how deeply connected Cusco remains to its Inca roots.