Quito To Santiago

Description

Adventure through South America on a tour encapsulating Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. Travelling from Quito to Santiago, journey along the spine of the Andes from the heights of Quito to cosmopolitan Santiago. Venture into landscapes of breathtaking beauty and marvel at ancient mysteries as you travel through five counties over 61 unforgettable days. Discover the colonial charm and lush jungles of Ecuador, visit remote Quechua communities while trekking through the Andes, gaze in awe at ancient ruins in Peru, survey vast natural wonders in Bolivia and savour the mouth-watering aromas of a traditional barbecue while staying on an Argentine estancia. This unbelievable Overland adventure will leave you humbled and amazed by the breadth of culture in this spectacular continent.

Highlights

• Journey into the depths of the Amazon Jungle.
• Relax on tropical beaches.
• Visit the ancient Temples of the Sun and Moon.
• Delight in Peru's colonial charm in Arequipa.
• Sample traditional Peruvian delicacies in Cuzco.
• Visit Bolivia and explore the desolate landscape of Salar de Uyuni.
• Travel to Argentina and enjoy a night out in lively Salta.
• Channel that inner cowboy on a ranch stay.

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.

Day 21 Paracas/Ballestas Islands

Leave the city behind and travel south along the coast of Peru. Pitch a tent in Paracas, which spans over 335,000 hectares and is one of the world's most important marine reserves. Take a walk along the coastline and spot the vibrant birdlife Paracas is famous for.

Day 22 Nazca

Spot penguins, sea lions and boobies during a boat tour through the Ballestas Islands. Learn about the mysterious sand images on a Nazca Lines tour and perhaps take an overhead flight to fully appreciate the scale of this puzzling creation.

Day 23 Puerto Inca

The windswept graves at the Chauchilla Cemetery display the eerie skeletons and mummified bodies of the Nazca people, some of which date from 1,000 AD. Camp overnight near Puerto Inca.

Days 24-25 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.

Days 26-27 Chivay/Colca Canyon

Try to spot the mighty Andean condors as they silently take to the sky thousands of metres above the floor of the breathtaking Colca Canyon.

Day 28 Raqchi Homestay

Get to know a local family as guests at a homestay in Raqchi. Spend the evening huddled around a crackling fire, sharing a meal, and discovering traditional Peruvian song and dance.

Days 29-30 Cuzco

Arrive in the city set high city in the mountains of Peru, Cuzco. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with massive Inca stone walls and Spanish-colonial architecture. Perhaps enjoy a traditional dance performance or sign up for one of the many adventure activities on offer in Cuzco, including quad-biking and whitewater rafting.

Days 31-34 Classic Inca Trail/Quechua Community Trek/Ollantaytambo

Follow ancient footpaths through the Andes on a four-day alternative Inca trail trek that winds through traditional Quechua communities. Pass soaring mountain peaks, trek amid grazing herds of llamas and camp beside ancient forests. Meet the locals and discover lesser-known Inca pathways before descending into the Sacred Valley to explore the massive Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo.

Days 35-36 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Rise early to discover the ruins of Machu Picchu bathed in the golden morning light. Spend a memorable day in the 'lost Inca city', perhaps hiking to the Sun Gate or braving the steep climb to the top of Huayna Picchu - the views are breathtaking! For those wishing to unwind post-trek, seek out bustling markets and cosmopolitan Cuzco cafes.

Day 37 Puno

Spot the ancient funerary towers of Sillustani rising from the windswept antiplano. Spend the night in Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Days 38-39 Lake Titicaca/Copacabana

Sailing across the glassy surface of Lake Titicaca is a memorable experience. Hike around the car-free Island of the Sun and discover its scenic heart. This island is widely believed to be the birthplace of Inca culture - there are plenty of ancient ruins and traditional villages to explore here.

Days 40-42 La Paz

Arrive in La Paz and set off on foot to explore the myriad of winding streets. La Paz is a colourful, enigmatic city, packed full of markets, restaurants and cultural attractions. Why not stay a few extra days to explore it.

Day 43 Livichuco

Day 44 Potosi

Soak up the barren yet impressive Andean landscapes en route to Bolivia's colonial mining town of Potosi. An optional tour of a working mine provides a fascinating and somewhat hair-raising insight into life in the region.

Days 45-46 Salar de Uyuni

Gaze in awe at the seemingly endless expanse of Bolivia's largest salt flats before admiring the remarkable red waters of Laguna Colorada.

Day 47 Bolivian Altiplano

Journey towards the Argentine border, camping among spectacular scenery.

Day 48 San Pedro de Atacama

Days 49-51 Salta

Delight in the laidback atmosphere of Argentina's elegant colonial city of Salta. Relax in the main plaza, discover the pumping nightlife or head out of town to Quebrada de Humahuaca, a narrow valley flanked by spectacularly colourful mountains and giant cacti.

Day 52 Cafayate

Learn about Argentina's wine production on a guided vineyard tour, perhaps taking the opportunity to indulge in some renowned blends.

Day 53 Quilmes

Experience Argentine hospitality while staying on a working cattle ranch. Perhaps explore the Pampas on horseback before savouring the mouth-watering aromas and succulent flavours of a traditional barbecue.

Days 54-56 Estancia stay

Days 57-59 Mendoza

Traverse the high passes of the Andes travelling to Mendoza. Relax in the shade of the trees that line the city's wide avenues, visit local art galleries or chill out with a glass of wine.

Days 60-61 Santiago

Celebrate the end of an unforgettable adventure in Chile's cosmopolitan capital, Santiago.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (23 nts), Camping (with facilities) (16 nts), Hostel (4 nts), Guesthouse (4 nts), Lodge (3 nts), Bush camp (no facilities) (3 nts), Homestay (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle, Boat, Train

Budget

Allow USD $915 for meals not included.