trip details for andes to rio explorer (WER)

Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil. From an Indian village in the Amazon jungles of Ecuador, to the wildlife of the Brazilian Pantanal, this trip has everything to offer the first time visitor to South America. For some it might be the Inca ruins around Cusco or hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. For others, the majesty of the Iguassu Falls, or the exquisite beaches of the Emerald Coast. For the adventure lover, the highlight will be crossing the salt pans of the high Altiplano or visiting Lake Titicaca. Then of course there is the highlife of Rio or the culture of Lima and Cusco.

is this trip for me?

Route: Quito to Rio de Janeiro or v.v.

Length of Section: 9 Weeks

Profile: This trip is a combination of 2 journeys, Toucans, Temples and Trails (XQC) p65 and Wilds of the Altiplano and Pantanal ( XCR) p73. An awesome journey, coast to coast plus mountains, wetlands and vibrant cities. Get to see all the main highlights of the region and off the beaten track too, generally good road conditions. Climate conditions vary from cold mountainous regions to hot beaches. Great mountain trekking and community involvement.

Adventure Rating: Moderate

Crew: 2 crew, local guides as necessary.

Vehicle: Classic Dragoman truck.

Accommodation: Hostels/ hotels with some campsites and wildcamps. (40% camping, 60% hotels)

what's included?

Weeks 1-2: Ecuador & Peru:

Relax on Pacific beaches
Explore Northern Peru's ancient culture of Sipan
Guided tour of Moche Pyramids and the Chimu city of Chan Chan
Overnight stay in the market town of Otavalo
3 day Amazon Jungle discovery journey
2 nights in Banos area, mountain spa town
Overland through Andes of Ecuador
Free day in Cuenca to explore this historic city.

Weeks 3: Peru:

2 night stay in historic Lima
Visit to Paracas NP, coastal wildlife reserve
Boat trip to the seals & seabirds on the Ballestas Isles
Visit to the Nazca Lines and Chauchilla Cemetery
2 night stay in Arequipa
Overland through the High Andes of Peru

Weeks 4-5: Peru & Bolivia:

Sacred Valley tour and entrances to all major sites
Hike Inca Trails in the Andes above the Sacred Valley
Inca Trail community project with local Quechua village
Guided visit to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas
Traverse the high Altiplano of Peru to Lake Titicaca
Boat trip to the floating islands on Lake Titicaca
Take a boat to Lake Titicaca's Isla del Sol
2 night stay and guided trip to see Colca Canyon and Condors
Quechua Indian homestay and community crafts project
7 nights in and around Cusco and the Urubamba Valley

Weeks 6-7: Bolivia & Argentina:

2 night stay in the bizarre city of La Paz
Overland across stunning Altiplano to the colonial city of Potosi
Take jeeps out onto the dazzling Bolivian Salt Flats
Kick back in local Andean village of Tupiza
Free day in stunning colonial city of Salta
Chaco Desert overland crossing
Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio de Mini Mission

Weeks 8-9: Argentina & Brazil

Laid back boat trips to islands off Parati
2 full days to discover the unbelievable Iguazu Falls
Overland to and 2 days exploring the stunning eco area at Bonito
2 night wildlife safari into the Brazilian Pantanal
3 days along Brazil's Emerald Coast around Parati

what can I do on the way?

(Activities available at extra costs)

Explore the stunning hills surrounding Banos on horse, bike or raft
Try horse riding, fishing, salsa and surfing at Punta Sal
Fly over the Nazca lines
Guided tour of Arequipa's Santa Catalina convent
White-water raft the Urubamba River
Head down into the tunnels of the Potosi tin mine
Jeep trips, bike trails and horse riding through stunning scenery
Get the adrenaline pumping with some white water rafting
Boat trips, forest hikes and helicopter over Iguazu Falls
Caving, rafting and snorkeling in the waters of Bonito

notes:

General notes: Optional Galapagos Islands Extension:
5 day Tourist Class (GALAM5)
8 day Tourist Class (GALAM8)
5 day First Class (GALED5)
8 day First Class (GALED8)