La Vieja Rotisería Compañía de Guías de Montaña Tours

La Paz To Quito

All content by Intrepid

41 days (ex La Paz)

Destinations visited: Peru, Machu Picchu, Ecuador, Quito, The Amazon, Bolivia, 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$2,490

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Description

Set off on an unforgettable tour from Bolivia to Ecuador, travelling through diverse Andean landscapes and discovering the fascinating culture of this remarkable region. Trek along ancient Inca paths, survey the vast Colca Canyon, gaze at the remarkable Nazca Lines and delight in the dazzling buildings of Arequipa. Discover the colonial charm of Cuenca and Lima before penetrating deep into the lush jungles of the Amazon and absorbing panoramic views of Quito. Experience sublime wonder at the ruins of Machu Picchu, discover life on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca and admire colourful traditional costumes in Bolivia. This unforgettable 41-day Overland adventure is the ultimate way to discover the rich history, friendly people and vibrant culture of this unique corner of South America.

Highlights

Pick up a potion at the Witches' Market in La Paz.
Experience life on Lake Titicaca's famous floating islands.
Marvel at the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Meet friendly Quechua villagers while trekking an Inca trail.
Watch condors fly over the vast Colca Canyon.
Gaze at the enormous Nazca Lines.
See remarkable mummies at Sipan.
Stroll the shady plazas of Cuenca.
Discover exotic flora and fauna in the Amazon Jungle.

Itinerary

Day 1 La Paz

The adventure starts in La Paz, Bolivia's cultural capital. This atmospheric city is well-worth exploring so why not spend a few days here before the trip starts and visit the sights. Be sure to take a wander through the Witches' Market.

Days 2-3 Copacabana

Discover Copacabana, a picturesque town situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca with an amazing Moorish style cathedral. Hike over the car-free Island of the Sun and discover its scenic heart. Widely believed to be the birthplace of Inca culture, there are plenty of ruins to explore.

Day 4 Lake Titicaca/Puno

Meet the locals of the floating, man-made Uros islands on Lake Titicaca.

Days 5-6 Cuzco

Explore Cuzco, South America's oldest continuously inhabited city. Admire the many Baroque churches or discover the city's Inca heritage by visiting the 12-sided stone or the Qorikancha ruins.

Days 7-10 Inca Trail/Quecha Community Trek

Set off on the trek of a lifetime. Hike across high plateaus, pass incredible ruins and visit local Quechua communities before descending into the Sacred Valley. There is also the option to trek the classic Inca Trail.

Day 11 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Revel in the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, a true ancient wonder. Discover the site's secrets on a guided tour then explore the citadel at leisure. Back in Cuzco, unwind from trekking in one of the city's great bars or spend some time learning about the region's indigenous culture at the Centre for Traditional Textiles.

Day 12 Cuzco

Explore Cuzco and wander through cobblestone streets lined with massive Inca stone walls and Spanish-colonial architecture. Perhaps sign up for one of the many adventure activities on offer here including horse riding and whitewater rafting.

Day 13 Raqchi

Experience some Peruvian hospitality on an overnight homestay with some of Intrepid's long-term friends.

Days 14-15 Chivay/Colca Canyon

Witness the graceful flight of the Andean condor as it swoops and soars above the dramatic Colca Canyon.

Days 16-17 Arequipa

Explore the scenic city of Arequipa and perhaps stop by the Museo Santury to view Juanita, the ice princess. The body of this frozen Inca maiden is thought to be more than 500 years-old and was found at a sacrificial site on the summit of Nevado Ampato.

Day 18 Puerto Inca

Glimpse into the past at the fascinating Chauchilla Cemetery, which houses some remarkably well-preserved ancient human remains. Camp overnight near Puerto Inca.

Day 19 Nazca

Learn about Peru's mysterious Nazca Lines and perhaps take a scenic flight to fully appreciate the scale of this puzzling creation.

Day 20 Paracas National Reserve

Pitch a tent in Paracas, which spans over 335,000 hectares and is home to one of the world's most important marine reserves. Take a walk along the coastline and spot the vibrant birdlife this region is famous for.

Days 21-22 Ballestas Islands/Lima

Cruise around the Ballestas Islands and spot some of the wildlife that thrives in the area. Continue on to Lima and discover an incredible mix of Latin and Spanish influences. Descend into the catacombs under the Monastery of San Francisco or head to lively Miraflores for some shopping and a quick drink.

Days 23-25 Huaraz

Located high in the Andes, Huaraz has a range of optional activities available. Get active with some mountain biking or perhaps take a day trip to the Pastoruri Glacier.

Days 26-27 Huanchaco

Visit the fascinating Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum and see famous mummies found buried amid an array of gold, jewels and fabrics. In Huanchaco, admire the skill of the surfing fisherman who balance on canoes made of reeds.

Days 28-29 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 30-31 Cuenca/Riobamba

Let yourself be enchanted by Cuenca. Take a stroll along cobblestone streets and admire the red-tiled roofs, flower markets and shady plazas that have earned Cuenca the honour of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Days 32-33 Chugchilan/Quilotoa Loop

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

Days 34-36 Rio Verde

Make the most of the year-round temperate climate in Rio Verde by enjoying some optional outdoor activities.

Days 37-39 Amazon Jungle

The lush, verdant jungle of the upper Amazon River 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 long-legged caimans and canoe down twisting rivers to meet hospitable locals.

Days 40-41 Quito

Dwarfed by the majestic Volcan Pichincha, the vibrant city of Quito is one of South America's treasures. Stroll through the historic Old Town to see grand colonial buildings or try some delicious local specialities in a pena.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed, subject to 4 people travelling

Accommodation

Hotel (17 nts), Camping (with facilities) (13 nts), Guesthouse (4 nts), Lodge (3 nts), Hostel (2 nts), Homestay (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle, Boat, Train

Budget

Allow USD $615 for meals not included.

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

from USD$2,490

Book now

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