Lima To Quito

All content by Intrepid

20 days (ex Lima)

Destinations visited: Peru, Lima, Ecuador, Quito, The Amazon, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,140

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Description

Jump onboard this Overland tour between two of South America's most iconic cities - Lima and Quito. Reaching along the back of the continent, discover places of immense natural beauty and explore regions off the tourist trail. From Peru's sparse landscapes to Ecuador's jungle clad mountains, visit the ancient city of Chan Chan, watch fishermen manoeuvre narrow reed boats in Huanchaco and opt to explore the towering Andes by horseback or by foot. With plenty of flexibility to choose the adventures that best suit you, this Overland journey is the best way to discover this iconic stretch between Lima and Quito.

Highlights

Discover Lima's character-filled plazas.
Marvel at the surfing fisherman of Huanchaco.
Walk through the crumbling remains of South America's oldest pre-Columbian city.
Stare up at the once mighty Temples of the Sun and Moon.
Soak up the sun in Punta Sal.
Tour a Panama hat factory.
Relax in Banos - famous for its hot springs.
Camp out in the heart of the Amazon Jungle.
Wander the cobbled streets of Quito.

Itinerary

Day 1 Lima

Explore the colonial plazas and scenic streets of downtown or perhaps visit Lima's Gold Museum to discover its collection of glistening antiquities.

Days 2-4 Huaraz

Travel north from Lima to Huaraz. Enjoy the action packed activities on offer, including mountain biking in the Andes, trekking to glassy Llanganuco Lake or even ice climbing on the Pastoruri Glacier.

Days 5-6 Huanchaco

Pitch a tent at seaside Huanchaco, home to the surfing fishermen. Walk along the shoreline and watch these skilful fishermen among the waves, balancing on their narrow reed canoes. Perhaps even give this method a try to discover how difficult it really is! Spend a full day exploring the ruins of Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian city in South America. Visit the Temples of the Sun and the Moon, huge crumbling pyramids built from an estimated 140 million adobe bricks.

Days 7-8 Punta Sal

Seaside activities abound in Punta Sal, a haven of sun, surf and sand. Perhaps enjoy deep-sea fishing, explore the scenic shoreline by boat or simply kick back on the beach with a good book.

Days 9-10 Cuenca/Riobamba

Farewell Peru and discover the production secrets of Ecuador's iconic Panama hat during a factory tour. Head out shopping for one of these hats or maybe ramble through Cuenca's scenic streets and shady plazas.

Days 11-12 Chugchilan/Quilotoa Loop

Enjoy spectacular views while driving along the winding Quilotoa Loop. Stretch legs on a guided trek and stay overnight in an eco-lodge nestled on the slopes of the Rio Toachi Canyon.

Days 13-15 Rio Verde

Pitch a tent in the lush, mountainous Tungurahua Province. Explore nearby Banos, Ecuador's famous adventure playground. Maybe soak in the town's hot springs filled with therapeutic waters or choose from one of many optional activities - from horse riding to mountain biking and even whitewater rafting.

Days 16-18 Amazon Jungle

The lush jungle of the upper Amazon Basin is one of the world's most biologically diverse regions. Set off on treks heading deep into the heart of the Amazon jungle. Visit freshwater pools inhabited by caimans and canoe down twisting rivers to meet hospitable locals.

Days 19-20 Quito

The trip comes to an end amid the quaint cobbled streets of Quito, Ecuador's capital. Celebrate the journey over a meal in one of the many great restaurants or explore some of the attractions dotted throughout this breathtaking city - from cathedrals and churches, to lookouts and plazas.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed, subject to 4 people travelling

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (7 nts), Guesthouse (4 nts), Hotel (3 nts), Lodge (3 nts), Hostel (2 nts)

Transport

Overland vehicle

Budget

Allow USD $300 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,140

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