Santiago To Quito

All content by Intrepid

61 days (ex Santiago)

Destinations visited: Peru, Machu Picchu, Ecuador, Quito, Chile, Santiago, The Amazon, Bolivia, Argentina, 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$3,420

Book now

Description

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

Highlights

Channel that inner cowboy on an Argentinean ranch stay.
Survey the desolate landscape of Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni.
Admire the colonial architecture of Salta.
Sample traditional Peruvian delicacies in Cuzco.
Pay a visit to an Icy Inca maiden in Arequipa.
Have seaside fun in Punta Sal.
Journey into the depths of the Amazon Jungle.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Santiago

Arrive early to admire the collection at the Palacio de Bellas Artes or perhaps enjoy a scrumptious meal in the renowned Bellavista neighbourhood.

Days 3-4 Mendoza

Snooze in the shade in Mendoza's beautiful park or wander through some of the many galleries. Perhaps head out on a winery tour in free time.

Days 5-8 Estancia Stay

Experience Argentina's hospitality while staying on a working cattle ranch. Explore the Pampas on horseback before savouring the mouth-watering aromas and succulent flavours of a traditional barbecue.

Day 9 Quilmes

Head to the Quilmes ruins, where an indigenous tribe resisted both Inca and Spanish invasions for centuries. Wander through the abandoned city and picture the society that once inhabited it.

Day 10 Cafayate

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

Days 11-13 Salta

Watch the world go by in Salta's plaza, take a stroll past magnificent colonial architecture or dance the night away in one of the city's nightclubs.

Day 14 San Pedro de Atacama

Travel towards the Bolivian border and camp out in the great outdoors near San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 15 Bolivian Altiplano

Venture deep into the wilderness through the Bolivian antiplano, where it is more common to spot a flamingo or a llama than a another human being.

Days 16-17 Uyuni/Salar de Uyuni

Experience sublime wonder while enjoying a scenic salt flats tour. Visit the stunning fiery-red Laguna Colorado and the beautiful blue-green Laguna Verde.

Day 18 Potosi

Soak up the great views from Potosi's observation tower and perhaps visit the three geoglyphs constructed just outside of the town as part of a global art project.

Day 19 Livichuco

Head to the remote community of Livichuco and share in the Qaqachaqa culture with people of Aymara origin. Trek some ancient Inca paths and share in song and dance with the locals before an authentic community feast, made with local organic products.

Days 20-21 La Paz

Take a stroll around the La Paz's spacious plazas and perhaps visit the stimulating Coca Museum.

Days 22-23 Copacabana

Navigate the vast waters of Lake Titicaca and visit the unbelievable floating islands inhabited and maintained by the Uros. Spend a day exploring the Island of the Sun, known as the birthplace of Inca civilisation.

Day 24 Lake Titicaca/Puno

Meet the locals of the floating, man-made Uros islands on Lake Titicaca. The following day, observe amazing pre-Inca funerary towers rising dramatically from the desolate landscape. Overnight in Puno.

Days 25-26 Cuzco

Arrive in cultural Cuzco. Relax in the beautiful Plaza de Armas, explore the magnificent Baroque churches or browse the fascinating collection at the Museo de Arte Precolombino.

Days 27-30 Inca Trail/Quecha Community Trek

Take in the marvellous Sacsayhuaman and Pisac ruins before embarking on an unforgettable trek along ancient Inca paths. Visit Quechua communities and camp among spectacular Andean scenery before descending into the Sacred Valley. There is an option to trek the classic Inca Trail instead.

Day 31 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Nothing can prepare you for the first glimpse of Machu Picchu bathed in early morning light. Scale Huayna Picchu for sweeping views of the citadel or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere. In Cuzco, sample some Andean delicacies such as roast cuy or browse for handicrafts in colourful markets.

Day 32 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 33 Raqchi

Get to know a local family as guests at a homestay in Raqchi. Spend the evening together sharing a meal and discovering traditional song and dance.

Days 34-35 Chivay/Colca Canyon

Absorb the astonishing views of the enormous Colca Canyon and admire the aerial acrobatics of Andean condors overhead.

Days 36-37 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 38 Puerto Inca

Wander the eerie Chauchilla Cemetery, which houses excellently preserved ancient human remains. Camp overnight near Puerto Inca.

Day 39 Nazca

View the mysterious Nazca Lines from observation towers or take an optional scenic flight for a bird's-eye view.

Day 40 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 41-42 Ballestas Islands/Lima

Take an oceanic interlude around the Ballestas Islands. Then in Lima, enjoy a stroll around the magnificent Plaza de Armas and admire the exquisitely carved balconies of the Archbishop's Palace. To learn more about the region's ancient history, head to one of the easily accessible adobe pyramids.

Days 43-45 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 46-47 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 48-49 Punta Sal

Seaside activities abound in Punta Sal, a haven of sun, surf and sand. Perhaps enjoy deep-sea fishing or explore the scenic shoreline by boat.

Days 50-51 Cuenca/Riobamba

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

Days 52-53 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 54-56 Rio Verde

Explore the great Ecuadorian outdoors with a range of optional activities including horse-riding, mountain biking or even whitewater rafting.

Days 57-59 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 jungle, visit freshwater pools inhabited by long-legged caimans and canoe down twisting rivers to meet hospitable locals.

Days 60-61 Quito

The Santiago to Quito tour comes to an end amid the quaint cobbled streets of Ecuador's capital. Celebrate the journey over a meal in one of the many great restaurants or explore some of the sights dotting 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

Hotel (26 nts), Camping (with facilities) (21 nts), Guesthouse (4 nts), Hostel (3 nts), Lodge (3 nts), Homestay (2 nts), Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle, Jeep, Boat, Train

Budget

Allow USD $915 for meals not included.

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

from USD$3,420

Book now

Traveller reviews for Santiago To Quito (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.