18-Day Adventure in Peru and Ecuador with Exoticca: A Journey of a Lifetime

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and the unique biodiversity of South America, Exoticca’s 18-Day Adventure in Peru and Ecuador delivers an unforgettable experience—full of history, nature, and cultural immersion.

From the towering Andes to the equator line, and from bustling markets to serene highlands, this trip was a deep dive into two of South America’s most iconic countries. (Note: This specific itinerary has since been updated and renamed to “South America's Wonders: Incas & Galapagos”, now a 18-day tour with 17 days on the ground.)

Smooth Transfers, But Keep the Fine Print in Mind

One of the biggest logistical perks of booking through Exoticca was the included airport

transfers. After long flights and layovers, it was a relief to have someone waiting to take us directly to our hotel—no haggling with taxis or figuring out directions in a new country.

However, it's important to know what’s not included:

• Gratuities for guides, drivers, and service staff are not covered.

• Some meals (particularly lunches and dinners) were not included, giving us the chance to try local restaurants—both a blessing and a budgeting factor.

• Airplane seating is randomly assigned unless you pay extra to choose your seat. This is true for both economy and “Premium” or “Luxury” cabins. If sitting with your travel companion is important, consider budgeting extra for seat selection.

  
  

Group Travel Vibe

This tour is designed as a shared group experience. While this offers opportunities to meet fellow travelers from around the world, know that this particular itinerary did not offer a private tour option. Group sizes varied but were generally manageable, and guides did a great job coordinating logistics and keeping things on track.

If you prefer more independence or smaller groups, Exoticca does offer private tour upgrades for some destinations—but not for this specific one.

Final Thoughts

This 18-day Peru and Ecuador itinerary was the perfect mix of structured travel and free exploration. While some logistics (like plane seating and meals) require a bit of extra planning or expense, the overall value and depth of experience are hard to beat.

If you're looking for an adventure that offers cultural richness, natural beauty, and a curated (but flexible) itinerary, Exoticca’s South America tours are worth considering.

Just pack your curiosity, a good pair of walking shoes—and maybe a travel pillow—and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.