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Quito is the second-highest capital in South America after La Paz, and although it lies directly on the Equator the altitude ensures a pleasant climate all year. Heading out of the city we'll make for the Indian town of Otavalo, known for its handicrafts, before visiting the Amazon for a stay in a jungle lodge. Crossing the Andes we make for Peru's Pacific Coast, exploring ancient Moche sites before heading inland to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. After a trip to Lake Titicaca we cross into Bolivia, overlanding across the Altiplano en route to Argentina's stunning Lake District. We'll stay on an estancia, riding out with the gauchos and explore the Mendoza wine region before crossing into Chile and ending our trip in Santiago.

what's included?

Week 1: Quito, Otavalo & the Amazon Jungle

• Overnight stay in historic Quito
• 2 days to enjoy village tours and optional activities in Otavalo
• 3 days discovering the Amazon Jungle

Week 2: Rio Verde, Cuenca & Punta Sal

• 2 or 3 nights camping at the stunning Rio Verde
• Time for optional adventure activities at Banos
• Overland through the Ecuadorian Andes
• Time exploring the historic city of Cuenca
• 2 nights stay at Punta Sal on the Pacific coast
• Learn about Northern Peru's ancient Moche culture at the Sipan Museum

Week 3: Huaraz, Lima & Paracas NP

• Guided tour of Moche Pyramids and the Chimu city of Chan Chan
• Spend time in the spectacular mountain scenery around Huaraz
• Overnight stay in colonial Lima
• Visit to Paracas National Park, coastal wildlife reserve

Week 4: Nazca, Arequipa & the Colca Canyon

• Boat trip to see the seals & seabirds on the Ballestas Isles
• Visit to the Nazca Lines and Chauchilla Cemetery
• 2 night stay in the beautiful white city of Arequipa
• Overland through the high andes of Peru
• 2 night stay and guided trip to see Colca Canyon and condors
• Quechua Indian homestay and community crafts project

Week 5: Cusco, the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu

• 7 nights in and around Cusco and the Urubamba Valley
• Sacred Valley tour and entrances to all major sites
• EITHER hike unspoilt Inca Trails and visit Quechua communities in remote stunning Andes scenery away from tourist treks on our exclusive Inca Trails Community Trek.
• OR Trek the Classic Inca Trail up the Royal Inca Road
• Guided visit to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas

Week 6: Lake Titicaca, Copacabana & La Paz

• Traverse the high altiplano of Peru to Lake Titicaca
• Visit to the pre-Inca Sillustani Ruins near Puno
• Time to explore Lake Titicaca and its ancient history
• Boat trips to Uros Islands and Isla del Sol
• Stay in the pretty lakeside colonial town of Copacabana
• 2 night stay in the colourful city of La Paz

Week 7: Potosi, Uyuni Salt Flats & Laguna Route

• Overland across the stunning Altiplano to the colonial city of Potosi
• 2 nights in Potosi, the world's highest city
• Overland through the Bolivian wilds to Uyuni
• Spend 3 days exploring this extraordinary landscape
• Take jeeps out onto the dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats
• Visit the beautiful Laguna Colorado and Verde
• Overland to Argentina across the dramatic landscapes of southern Bolivia

Week 8: Salta, Cafayate & Anglo-Argentinian Estancia

• Time to explore the colonial city of Salta and local area
• Travel to the heart of the Argentinian wine region
• Discover the bodegas and stock up on wine in Cafayate
• Overland journey through high passes and stunning mountain vistas
• Spend 3 unique days staying at an Anglo-Argentinian estancia to ride pure-bred horses

Week 9: Mendoza & Santiago

• Time to discover Mendoza's excellent vineyards and white river waters
• Explore and discover the streets of Santiago

what can I do on the way?

(Activities available at extra costs)

• Rafting and Horseback Trekking around Rio Verde
• Try horse riding, fishing, salsa and surfing at Punta Sal
• Mountain biking the High Andes
• Trek to the glaciers from Huaraz
• Guided city tour of the Peruvian capital
• Visit the Gold Museum & Catacombs of Lima
• Fly over the Nazca lines
• Guided tour of Arequipa's Santa Catalina convent
• White-water rafting and mountain biking in the Cusco region
• Downhill "gravity assisted" mountain biking from La Paz to Coroico
• Head down into the tunnels of the Potosi silver mine
• Get your adrenaline buzz rafting at Salta
• Guided tour of vineyards in the Argentinian wine region
• Adventure activities at Mendoza

General Notes:

WHICH INCA TRAIL? When you book this trip, you will have a choice of either the Community Inca Trail or the Classic Inca Trail. The costs for each are included, but you must tell us when you book, if you want to book the Classic Inca Trail. If you do not tell us this you will automatically be booked onto the Community Inca Trail. For full details click here

Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels.

Alternative routes starting from Quito: