18-to-Thirtysomethings: Quito to La Paz Adventure (SEQL)

Countries Visited: Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru
Trip Style: Information Not available
Service Level: Basic
  • Excellent value, amazing prices, quality experiences
  • Simple and clean hotels, guesthouses and hostels chosen for location and character
  • Affordable public and private transport for maximum cultural interaction
  • Plenty of optional activities tailored to your interests and budget
    Physical Demands Rating: 4 - You might encounter a few high-altitude hikes or other more strenuous activities. Pro tip: Put down that pastry, buster.
    Group Size: Max 18, avg 14.
    Meals Included: 20 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
    Accommodations: Simple hotels (23 nts, some multi-share), overnight buses (4 nts), camping (3 nts), homestay (4 nt).

    Highlights
    Experience traditional life in the Amazon, witness colonial cities and volcanoes, spot condors at Colca Canyon, conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, set in with the locals at a homestay on Lake Titicaca

    Description
    Really discover what South America is all about on this epic five-week journey through Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. This adventure truly has it all - the Pacific coast, the awe-inspiring Amazon, and the archeological highlights and cultural treasures of the Andean highlands. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, tear it up on mountain bikes, raft wild rivers, catch big waves, and get your adrenaline pumping on exciting optional excursions. With local transportation and authentic accommodation, this adventure offers an intense blend of included activities and free time to explore on your own.
  • Call (631) 757-8500 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13723047

    Tour Operator
    G Adventures
    Duration
    35 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1QuitoDay 1 Quito
    Spend the first day of your trip wandering Ecuador's capital city. Meet the group in the evening at the hotel. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
    Day 2TenaDay 2 Quito/Tena (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Travel overland to Tena, located on the edge of the Amazon. From there, transfer for 45 minutes by truck to the local community of Pimpilala that will be our home for three nights. Stay with a Quichua family, enjoy the hospitality of these wonderful people, and experience life in the jungle first-hand. Included Activities: Amazon Jungle Experience Transport: Local bus (6.00-7.00 hours)
    Days 3-4TenaDays 3-4 Tena
    Head out on nature walks and learn about local traditions at an overnight homestay. Included Activities: Amazon Jungle Experience
    Day 5BanosDay 5 Tena/Banos (1B)
    Banos is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits, including horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting in the surrounding mountains and on the River Patate. Transport: Pickup truck (0.75 hour(s)) Local bus (3.00-4.00 hours)
    Day 6BanosDay 6 Banos
    Opt to soak in the nearby hot springs or get active by hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking.
    Day 7CuencaDay 7 Banos/Cuenca
    Ecuadors third largest town, Cuenca, retains a pleasant provincial air with its colonial architecture, art galleries, and museums. The surrounding countryside is an outdoor playground. Visit national parks, take walks in the beautiful countryside, and see Ecuador's only Inca ruin site. Explore the city's sights including cobbled streets, red-tiled roofs, art galleries, flower markets, shady plazas, and museums. Transport: Local bus (2.00 hour(s)) Local bus (6.00 hour(s))
    Day 8CuencaDay 8 Cuenca
    Enjoy a free day to visit Cajas NP or the Inca ruins of Ingapirca.
    Day 9MancoraDay 9 Cuenca/Mancora
    The adventure continues as we travel from Cuenca through the busy border town of Huaquillas and across the Peruvian border into Mancora. We follow the Pan-American Highway south to the seaside town of Mancora, a village populated by fishermen and surfers from around Peru and the world. Enjoy the relaxing beach atmosphere. Included Activities: Border Crossing (Ecuador - Peru) Transport: Local bus (5.00-6.00 hours) Local bus (4.00-5.00 hours)
    Day 10MancoraDay 10 Mancora
    Opt to relax on the beach, discover Mancora, go horseback riding, or take a surf lesson.
    Day 11HuanchacoDay 11 Mancora/Huanchaco
    Free time in Mancora. Overnight bus to Huanchaco. Transport: Overnight bus
    Day 12HuanchacoDay 12 Huanchaco
    We continue heading south along the coast to Trujillo, the largest city in northern Peru. It is known for its beautiful colonial structures and nearby attractions of Chan-Chan ruins and the resort town of Huanchaco, where we spend the night.
    Day 13LimaDay 13 Huanchaco/Lima
    Full day in Huanchaco before boarding a night bus to Lima. Transport: Overnight bus (8.00 hour(s))
    Day 14LimaDay 14 Lima (1B)
    To get a feel for colonial Lima, take a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace Guard in the afternoon. Walk around the streets surrounding the JirOn de la UniOn for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to experience life in a large South American city. There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera. An optional city tour visits many of the cities highlights.
    Day 15LimaDay 15 Lima
    Enjoy the day exploring the city.
    Day 16ParacasDay 16 Lima/Paracas (1B)
    Savour a pisco sour while staying in Piscos neighbouring town of Paracas. Transport: Local bus (4.00 hour(s), 250km) Minibus (0.50 hour(s))
    Day 17NazcaDay 17 Paracas/Nazca (1D)
    There is time in the morning for an optional excursion to the popular Ballestas Islands, which provide an excellent chance to view a lively sea lion colony, pelicans, penguins, and other varieties of birdlife. Back on land, catch a bus south to Nazca. On the way, pass by the pleasant colonial town of Ica. Ica enjoys a dry, sunny climate year-round and is known for its huge sand dunes. Located around the nearby oasis of Huacachina, the dunes are perfect as subjects for photographs and for a favourite local past time: sandboarding. Apart from the dunes, Ica is famous for its wines and there are several wineries and distilleries in the area. Included Activities: Huacachina Winery Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (4.00 hour(s), 175km)
    Day 18ArequipaDay 18 Nazca/Arequipa
    Opt for a flight over the Nazca Lines. Overnight bus to Arequipa. Transport: Overnight bus (8.00-9.00 hours, 570km)
    Day 19ArequipaDay 19 Arequipa
    Those with an interest in history and architecture may opt to visit the Convent of Santa Catalina, which offers a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a bygone way of life. Other optional excursions include rafting and mountaineering. For spicy food lovers, checking out one of the "PicanterIas" is a must. Arequipa has a variety of regional food: alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces.
    Day 20Colca CanyonDay 20 Arequipa/Colca Canyon (1B)
    Enjoy an overnight excursion to the impressive Colca Canyon - one of the deepest canyons in the world. Stop in fascinating villages and at "miradors" (scenic lookouts), where, with a little luck, visitors can see Andean condors soaring over the majestic Andes. Other unusual animals that can be spotted in the Andean landscape include three different species of camelids: alpaca, llama and vicuNa. Included Activities: Colca Canyon Guided Tour Transport: Private Vehicle (4.50-5.00 hours, 165km)
    Day 21ArequipaDay 21 Colca Canyon/Arequipa (1B)
    Get an early start to go on the lookout for flying condors. Travel from Chivay town to a condor viewpoint to admire these magnificent birds in the air. On the way back, stop by some local villages and viewpoints to see old terraces and sections of Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world. Included Activities: Colca Canyon Guided Tour
    Day 22CuscoDay 22 Arequipa/Cusco (1B)
    In the morning head back to Arequipa and enjoy a free day. Overnight bus to Cusco. Transport: Private Van with Wi-fi (4.50-5.00 hours, 165km) Overnight bus (10.00 hour(s))
    Day 23CuscoDay 23 Cusco
    Free time to explore Cusco. Opt for a city tour or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.
    Day 24CuscoDay 24 Cusco (1B)
    Enjoy another free day in Cusco.
    Day 25OllantaytamboDay 25 Cusco/Ollantaytambo (1B)
    Ollantaytambo is a major Inca ruin site and a first taste of what lies ahead. For those craving more before they head out on the Trail, opt to take a Sacred Valley tour which includes not only Ollantaytambo and the ruin site of Pisac, but also a visit to a G Adventures-supported womens weaving co-op. Transport: Private Vehicle (2.50 hour(s), 95km)
    Day 26Inca TrailDay 26 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata. Additional Notes: A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you'll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc. Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike Transport: Private Vehicle (0.75 hour(s))
    Day 27Inca TrailDay 27 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Start early to climb the long steep path to WarmiwaNusca, better known as Dead Woman's Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax. Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike
    Day 28Inca TrailDay 28 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Cross two more passes and ruins along the way. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through cloud forest on the gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the WiNay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft). Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike
    Day 29CuscoDay 29 Machu Picchu/Cusco (1B)
    The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Wake up around 03:30 and walk to the checkpoint. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site and free time to explore. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows. Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon. Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike Machu Picchu Guided Tour Big Night Out Transport: Train (1.50 hour(s), 118km) Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s))
    Day 30CuscoDay 30 Cusco (1B)
    Free day to explore more of Cusco or just relax.
    Day 31PunoDay 31 Cusco/Puno (1B)
    Travel through the high Altiplano region to travel to Puno on Lake Titicaca. Transport: Local bus (7.50 hour(s), 390km)
    Day 32Lago TiticacaDay 32 Puno/Lago Titicaca (1B, 1D)
    Head out by boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit the community on Taquile Island and enjoy a local lunch with spectacular views. After, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake (the homestay location can vary based on community availability). This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and to participate in local traditions. Eat with the family, learn some Quecha and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village. Included Activities: Lake Titicaca Guided Boat Tour Day 1 Lake Titicaca Homestay
    Day 33PunoDay 33 Lago Titicaca/Puno (1B, 1L)
    Leave the homestay families late morning, and visit the Uros Islands on the way back to Puno. A popular optional activity in Puno is a visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site only a short drive away. Included Activities: Lake Titicaca Guided Boat Tour Day 2
    Day 34La PazDay 34 Puno/La Paz (1B)
    Enjoy a full-day drive around the lake and through the Altiplano to La Paz. Bolivia is filled with spectacular views of the countryside. La Paz sits nearly 4,000m (13,120 ft) above sea level, so be prepared for cool evenings and mornings. Included Activities: Border Crossing (Peru - Bolivia) Transport: Local bus (2.50 hour(s), 300km) Local bus (3.00 hour(s))
    Day 35La PazDay 35 La Paz
    Depart at any time. Included Activities: Departure Day
    Dates/Pricing

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    Disclaimer

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    Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

    VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

    Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

    Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
      
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