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From the lush Amazon rainforest to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, Peru and Ecuador offer visitors an array of natural and cultural experiences, says Lauren Jarvis
L
ocated on the Pacifi c west coast of South America, Peru and its northerly neighbour Ecuador are
perfect destinations for those looking for an authentic cultural encounter, exciting eco-adventure or enriching luxury escape. Both countries have their roots in the planet’s largest and most biodiverse tropical rainforest, the Amazon, with its wide range of eco-tours and lodges, while their heady heights rise to the Andes – the world’s longest continental mountain range – offering breathtaking panoramas and excellent hiking, biking and horse-riding opportunities. Visitors to Ecuador can explore colonial monasteries, mansions and plazas in the UNESCO World Heritage cities of Quito and Cuenca, browse colourful markets in the north or scale the peaks along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, including Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano. In Peru, they can the discover secrets of the Inca Empire in the Sacred Valley, sand-board the desert dunes of the coast, fl y big above the mysterious Nazca lines or visit the islands of Lake Titicaca.
“Peru and Ecuador make a great combination
for a Latin American trip, as access between them is relatively easy,” says Nick Wilson, Destination Manager for Hayes and Jarvis “These countries also offer a great mix
of history and nature. Peru is home to the world-famous Machu Picchu, whilst Ecuador is known for its huge biodiversity, especially on the Galápagos Islands.” A report last year by the World Travel & Tourism
Council revealed that, while US$3.6 trillion will be invested in the Americas over the next decade, the poor infrastructure of some countries could fail to meet the needs of an industry that anticipates 3.7% growth per annum. Not so Ecuador. The Ministry of Tourism is investing heavily in improving infrastructure, with a new international airport in its second phase of development, better road connections, and the renovation of the Tren Crucero tourist
train (see what’s new). Private investment has also seen a host of
hotels spring up along the coast, new high-end yachts and lodges operating in the Galápagos (including the beach-facing, sustainably-operated Finch Bay Eco Hotel), boutique properties opening in Quito such as the restored neo- classical mansion hotel Casa Gangotena, and improved accommodation in the Amazon. With the continued increase in disposable income across Latin America, demand for quality tourist facilities and experiences is growing, which also benefi ts visitors from further afi eld. Peru is now winning attention as a culinary destination while hotel groups including Marriott are opening new properties around the country. Luxury group Belmond now has fi ve hotels in Peru and offers the chance to travel to
Machu Picchu in style on its Hiram Bingham train. The hotels also run a programme of activities that include a chef-led tour of San Pedro market and cooking classes (Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco); horse riding,
river rafting and a ‘pachamanca’, traditional Peruvian
This page: The stunning Cotopaxi is one of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes. It has an inner crater inside the outer crater. Next page: San Rafael waterfall, close to Tena City, is one of the iconic images of the Ecuadorian rainforest; Machu Picchu, Peru’s top attraction
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