Ecuador is the smallest country in the craggy highlands of the South American Andes, but offers a wide array of fascinating sights. You are only a few miles south of the equator when you arrive in the capital city of Quito with its lovely, constant spring-like climate.

Fly to the fascinating Galapagos archipelago for your five-day cruise on the most luxurious ship sailing the islands, M/V SANTA CRUZ. You will land on the main islands by pangas (small boats), and your locally certified, naturalist-guide will show you animal and plant species found here, but nowhere else on earth. Travel along the Pan American Highway, past snow-covered peaks and mountain lakes, to picturesque Indian villages where you see textiles woven on stick looms designed by the ancient Incas, and observe master woodcarvers and leather craftsmen create unique pieces of art.

If you choose to extend your journey, fly on to Peru; visit Lima before traveling up to Cuzco and the legendary "lost city" of Machu Picchu, high in the Andes. Click for detailed day-by-day itinerary.