Quito To Lima

All content by Intrepid

20 days (ex Quito)

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

Book now

Description

Jump on board this Overland adventure stretching between two of South America's most iconic cities - Quito and Lima. Travel through Ecuador and Peru as you snake down the spine of the continent. Discover places of immense natural beauty and explore regions off the tourist trail. From Ecuador's jungle-clad mountains to the arid coastline of Peru, visit the ancient city of Chan Chan, watch fishermen manoeuvre narrow reed boats in Huanchaco and explore the towering Andes by horseback or by foot. With plenty of flexibility to choose the adventures that best suit you, this Overlanding journey is the ultimate way to discover this iconic stretch of land.

Highlights

Wander the cobbled streets of Ecuador's colourful Quito.
Sleep in the heart of the Amazon Jungle.
Bliss out in the hot springs of Banos.
Take in world-class views along the Quilotoa Loop.
Discover the origins of the Panama hat.
Soak up the sun in Punta Sal.
Learn about the antiquities unearthed in Sipan.
Explore South America's oldest pre-Columbian city at Chan Chan.
Admire the towering Temples of the Sun and the Moon.
Revel in the relaxed vibe of seaside Miraflores.

Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

Travel to Ecuador and wander the cobbled streets and colourful Old Town of Quito. Perhaps stop by one of its many churches including La Compania de Jesus, whose ornate interior is often said to be the most beautiful in all the Americas.

Days 2-4 Amazon Jungle

Enjoy the warm climate of the upper Amazon Basin, one of the world's most biologically diverse regions. Trek deep into the jungle, visit pools inhabited by caimans, have a chance to meet shaman and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

Days 5-7 Rio Verde

Camp in the lush Tungurahua Province and explore nearby Banos, famous for its hot springs and mountainous surrounds. In this lush environment, optional activities abound - from horse riding to mountain biking and even whitewater rafting.

Days 8-9 Chugchilan/Quilotoa Loop

Witness spectacular views while driving 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.

Day 10 Riobamba

Be treated to more stunning scenery on the journey towards Riobamba.

Day 11 Cuenca

Learn the history of the iconic Panama hat during an insightful factory tour. Pick up a hat at the local market or explore Cuenca's scenic streets and shady plazas.

Days 12-13 Punta Sal

Nestled in a long bay on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Punta Sal is a haven for sun, surf and sand. Head out deep-sea fishing or explore the shoreline aboard a boat. For those looking for something more active, horse riding and salsa lessons are also available.

Days 14-15 Huanchaco

Visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipan to discover the finest artefacts from the nearby archaeological finds at Sipan. Pitch a tent at Huanchaco, home to the surfing fishermen, and watch these skilful men bobbing among the waves while balancing on their narrow reed canoes. Spend a full day exploring the ruins of Chan Chan - the largest pre-Columbian city in South America - and stop by the temples of the Sun and the Moon.

Days 16-18 Huaraz

Get ready for an action-packed stop! There's the option to go mountain biking, trekking to glassy Llanganuco Lagoon or even climbing over the Pastoruri Glacier. Nestled high in the Andes, Huaraz is dominated by the highest tropical mountain range in the world, the Cordillera Blanca, and by Peru's highest peak, Huascaran.

Days 19-20 Lima

Discover the colonial heart of downtown Lima or perhaps head to scenic Miraflores for a walk along the seafront boardwalks.

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

Book now

Traveller reviews for Quito To Lima (0)

To write a review sign in, register or

Recommend

Add your experience Your experience “ ”
Say more…
Write your review Your review

Tags

Good for…

Not good for…

Photo Upload

Add a photo

Note: when you submit posts to our site (including images), you’re giving us permission to reuse your material elsewhere and also to pass it to others for use. Full website terms here.