It is also the closest capital city to the Equator (thus the name Ecuador, meaning Equator in Spanish). Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, perched at 9,350 feet above sea level on the eastern side of Pichincha, a volcano in the Andes. Your expedition cruise starts in Quito, EcuadorвЂ™s capital and most populous city. Then admire the Neo-Colonial architecture and many stone churches of La Serena In Iquique, head into the Atacama Desert to explore the abandoned mining town of Humberstone. Next is Arica, where you can take a short hike up El Morro hill to look over the beaches. Our first stop, Paracas, is surrounded by sandy cliffs that shine in shades of brown and red.

Take the plane to the Peruvian capital of Lima and enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of the city before boarding your ship, bound for ValparaГso. Over the next two days, you will travel by boat to explore other islands in the archipelago and discover more of its diverse wildlife. Then fly to Santa Cruz, in the GalГЎpagos Islands, where enormous endemic tortoises thrive near the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Ascend the telГ©ferico (cable car) for sweeping views and visit a museum on the EarthвЂ™s Equator.

The adventure starts in Quito, the Ecuadorian capital, home to the best-preserved UNESCO historic center in the Americas. Discover the differences and similarities between modern cities and historic ancient civilizations as you experience charming architecture, beautiful beaches, archeological mysteries, and UNESCO sites across Peru and Chile. Explore the incredible wildlife of the GalГЎpagos Islands before an expedition cruise along the scenic west coast of South America.

Ancient cities south america