Quito to Rio Including Inca Trail - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrive in Quito, one of Latin America’s most historically important cities, with a wealth of architectural gems and the dramatic backdrop of the Pichincha volcano.

We set off by bus to Otavalo. Saturday is market day in Otavalo and the streets throng with stalls selling a multitude of herbal remedies, fruits, crafts, souvenirs and the brightly coloured textiles for which the region is famous. We return to Quito in the afternoon.

We take a morning bus to Banos, a lovely town situated in an idyllic location on the slopes of Tungurahua volcano.

A full day to explore Banos and the surrounding area; there are a range of different options including hiking, taking a horse-trek into the mountains, exploring by mountain bike and relaxing in the hot pools for which the town is famous.

Morning bus journey to Riobamba at the foot of the Chimborazo Alps. The afternoon is free to explore the magnificent surrounding mountain scenery.

Early in the morning we board the famous ‘Devil’s Nose’ railway for the spectacular journey across steep sided ravines and rocky gorges to Alausi. Continue by bus to the old colonial town of Cuenca, stopping in Ingapirca, Ecuador’s finest Inca ruins. (Note: if the train is not running we will travel by bus instead).

Morning walking tour of this beautiful city. Cobblestone streets, numerous plazas and whitewashed buildings with old wooden doors make it a pleasure to explore.

Last chance to buy an authentic Panama hat, originally from Cuenca, before heading for Vilcabamba, a tranquil little village close to the border with Peru.

Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Vilcabamba is perfect to explore on foot or horse-back, with the scenic Mandango trail being the most popular option. Otherwise enjoy relaxing in the village and experiencing the Andean lifestyle.

Drive the scenic route into Peru via Macara. We spend the night at Piura.

Heading south along the Peruvian coast we arrive at the coastal fishing village of Huanchaco, our base for exploring the elegant colonial city of Trujillo and the vast pre-Inca heritage of the area. Huanchaco is famous for its narrow pointed fishing rafts made of reeds known as “caballitos”. Ridden by the locals rather like surfboards, you can have a go if you dare.

Named in 1534 after the city of Pizarro's birthplace in Spain, Trujillo is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in the country. The area is complemented with impressive pre-Inca ruins like the Moche-culture pyramids of Huacas del Sol and de la Luna, Chan Chan or the most distant El Brujo. Two full days to explore or relax on the beach, perhaps trying some surfing. In the evening of Day 13 we take an overnight bus to Lima.

Founded by Francisco Pizarro on 1535 and also known as the City of Kings, it became the most important and powerful metropolis in Spanish America. Today, Lima is a modern city that offers a wide array of attractions. A full day to discover the city.

Transfer to the bus station in the morning, where you will board the bus to Nazca. On arrival you will be met on the station and taken to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Take a flight over the Nazca Lines, mysterious lines and figures etched into the landscape. The pictures represent people, a variety of birds from hummingbirds to condors, fish, a whale, a lizard, a pair of hands and a series of intersecting grids and trapezoids, some of which are 10 km long. No one knows exactly why and when they were created or what they were meant to represent. In the afternoon take the bus along the coast back to Lima.

Free day in Lima

Fly from Lima to Cuzco and on to Puerto Maldonado. On arrival we transfer by motorised canoe deep into the Amazon jungle and spend two nights at a remote jungle lodge. (LD)

A full day to explore the Amazon by foot and canoe, accompanied by a specialist wildlife guide. (BLD)

We fly to Cuzco and the rest of the day is free to explore this delightful old Incan City. (B)

A full free day in Cuzco. There is the option to visit the Sacred Valley, home to a number of impressive Inca ruins, bustling markets and friendly villages.

We start our hike through the mountains to Machu Picchu. The going can be tough at times but the views are spectacular and there are a number of impressive Inca sites that we pass on the way. On day 10 we rise very early for the last part of the hike, arriving just after sunrise. We spend the rest of the day exploring the ancient city before returning to Cuzco in the afternoon. (Day 22 - LD, Days 23-24 - BLD, Day 25 - B) Note: It is possible to spend extra time in Cuzco rather than trekking the Inca Trail. See dossier for more details. * If there are no permits left for the Inca Trail at the time of booking, we can arrange the alternative Lares Valley trek.

A second full day to explore Cuzco and recover from the hike. Wander the cobbled streets, see some of the old churches go shopping or perhaps ride horses to one of the many archaeological sites outside the city.

We take the bus to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

We head out onto the sparkling waters of the lake and visit the floating reed islands that have been made by the local Uros people. We spend the night with local families on one of the islands. (LD)

After saying farewell to our host families, we make a last stop at Taquile Island before returning by boat to Puno. (B)

A full day’s drive along the edge of Lake Titicaca to La Paz, the Bolivian capital and highest capital city in the world.

Free time in La Paz; enjoy the dramatic backdrop of the snow-covered peaks of Mount Illamani (6,439m), the enigmatic Witches Market and the attractive churches.

Morning flight to Sucre, Bolivia’s second city, with an attractive colonial centre that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Free afternoon to explore the stately streets full of charming old buildings and lively markets where Bolivia’s indigenous communities sell their brightly coloured handicrafts.

Free morning in Sucre. In the afternoon we take the bus to Potosi. This town is another colonial gem with distinctive red-roofed buildings and a wealth of sumptuous mansions and churches.

A full free day in Potosi. There is the chance to visit one of the silver mines that were the source of the city’s wealth.

We travel to the remote town of Uyuni, our base for exploring the salt flats of southern Bolivia.

We take 4WD jeeps that from Uyuni in Bolivia to the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile through the barren Andean landscape, heading into the extraordinary Salt Flats. (LD)

We continue on our journey, reaching 5000m in altitude, with only wild vicunas and guanacos that run alongside the vehicle for company. We stop to admire the lagoons with the roar of geysers around us and the weird rock formations sculpted by the wind, like the Stone Tree. The end of the journey is the striking Laguna Colorada with its population of more than 30,000 Flamingos. (BLD)

The dramatic sight of the Volcano Licancabur tells us that we are leaving Bolivia behind and crossing the border into Chile. We head on to the small but lively oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. (B)

After a free morning to relax, in the afternoon we visit the Moon Valley, a dramatic lunar landscape of wind-eroded hills surrounding a crust-like valley floor. We hike along the crest of The Great Sand Dune to watch the sunset from the top.

In the afternoon we take the bus to nearby town of Calama, where we board our comfortable overnight bus to La Serena.

After breakfast we transfer to the nearby town of Vicuna, in the heart of the Pisco Elqui Valley. There we have the option of visiting the Chile's biggest Pisco distillery in the afternoon and gazing at the clear southern sky in the evening from one of the several observatories in the area.

We return to La Serena where we have a full day to explore this carefully restored colonial town, wander through its numerous craft markets or relax on the beach. In the evening we take a comfortable overnight bus to Santiago.

Early in the morning we arrive in Santiago, the Chilean capital, a cosmopolitan city of wide boulevards and landscaped parks set against a stunning backdrop of Andean peaks. Time to relax and enjoy this city.

The Chilean capital is a cosmopolitan city of wide boulevards and landscaped parks set against a stunning backdrop of Andean peaks. We have a free day to explore the city, before boarding the overnight bus to Pucon (10hrs).

The excellent facilities offered by the lakeside resort of Pucon as well as the growing number of outdoor activities available make this town the focus of Chile´s adventure tourism and ecotourism industry. Two full days give you the chance to enjoy different activities and explore Pucon and the nature and culture around it. Choose from hiking, white-water rafting, horseback riding or volcano climbing, as well as many other activities.

We take a bus to the small, charming, German-style village of Puerto Varas (5hrs). In the evening we can visit the fish market and enjoy a really fresh seafood dinner at one of the local stalls in the market.

In the morning our epic journey across the Lake District into Argentina begins; a trip of outstanding beauty that involves the crossing of Lake Todos Los Santos, Lake Frias and Lake Nahuel Napi until reaching Bariloche on the south shore of the latter lake. The natural magnificence of the scenery make this journey not just a way to get to Bariloche but a highlight of the trip (12hrs).

Bathed by the clear waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi, San Carlos de Bariloche is definitely one of the top destinations in Argentina, both in winter, with the nearby Cerro Catedral - one of the most important ski resorts in South America, or in summer, when Bariloche is synonymous with adventure. The rivers are ideal for rafting, the mountain paths are open for hiking, riding mountain bikes and horses across the thick forests, and the high peaks are a challenge for climbers. Plus the town is famous for its lively nightlife all year around places. You certainly won’t run short of things to do in Bariloche.

We take a bus to the pleasant seaside town of Puerto Madryn, our base to explore the Valdez Peninsula and its extraordinary wildlife. Sometimes whales can be spotted directly from the beach just outside town.

Today we enjoy a full day tour around Peninsula Valdez. The peninsula is the home of countless marine mammals along with a rich variety of birds. Southern right whales and their calves show up in season (October to early December). Elephant seals, with males weighing up to 4 tons, and an extensive colony of penguins are permanent residents, along with southern sea lions and guanacos.

Free day to explore the area or take an excursion to see the penguins. In the evening we take an overnight bus to Buenos Aires.

Famous for its tango, football and European-style architecture, Buenos Aires also holds hidden gems like picturesque cobbled quarters, sophisticated shopping and some of the best and most varied cuisine on the whole continent.

We take a ferry in the morning and cross the Rio de La Plata to the charming town of Colonia in Uruguay. A visit to historic Colonia del Sacramento is like a walk back in time. Founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, this old colonial town is renowned for its cobbled, windy streets and colourful houses reminiscent of old Lisbon. We have time to explore before returning to Buenos Aires in the afternoon.

A full day to explore this city, famous for its tango, football, European-style architecture, sophisticated shopping and some of the best and most varied cuisine in the whole continent. In the evening we take an overnight bus to Posadas.

Today we have time to take a ferry across the Parana River into Paraguay, and visit the impressive ruins of the Jesuit mission of Trinidad, home of about 4000 Guarani Indians in the 18th century and listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

A short drive takes us to the little village of San Ignacio. Nearby we find the best preserved Jesuit mission in the area, San Ignacio Mini. There is plenty of time to explore among the old walls, the temples, the workshops and the family houses built centuries ago by the Guarani people under the guidance of the Jesuits.

We take a bus to Puerto Iguazu in the Argentinean side of the falls. The majestic Iguazu Falls, on the border between Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, make for one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. Situated in the middle of the rainforest, some 275 individual cascades plummet over the cliffs and into the gorge below.

In the morning there is time to visit the falls. Later we cross the border into Brazil.

Optional excursion to the Brazilian side of the falls in the morning. We can also explore the National Park or take a boat ride right under the falls. In the evening we take an overnight bus to Curitiba. Approx 7hrs journey.

Considered the city with the best lifestyle in Brazil, it has a clear European feel, as most of its population descend from European backgrounds. One of the most popular attractions in the area is the narrow-gauge train to Paranagua. Completed in 1880, it provides a breathtaking journey of three hours, travelling under 13 tunnels and over 67 bridges. The tracks cross the verdant Serra do Mar mountain ranges and traverse numerous canyons. Along the way you can see streams, waterfalls, and vibrant vegetation.

Today we take a bus to the colonial gem of Paraty, a charming town by the sea and the main port for exporting gold and coffee until the 19th century.

Plenty of time to enjoy this pleasant town and the natural wonders that surround it. Explore the delightful Portuguese architecture, or take a trip in a schooner around the bay stopping for swimming at beautiful beaches. You can also hike the Gold Trail, a partly cobbled trail through the mountains built by slaves in the 18th century to bring gold down to the port.

We head north by bus to Angra dos Reis, and from there a ferry takes us through the bay to the unspoiled paradise of Ilha Grande (Big Island). This mountainous island, covered by forest and surrounded by crystal clear green waters is our base for the next couple of days. Approx 1 1/2 hours bus journey and 1 1/2 hours ferry ride.

A full free day to enjoy the island. Among your choices are exploring the one hundred beaches around the island, sailing, sea-kayaking, snorkelling and diving, hiking or simply relaxing by the sea.

We take a ferry and then a bus heading for Rio de Janeiro, the beating heart of Brazil. Against a stunning backdrop of lush green mountains, spectacular beaches and turquoise sea, the city is awake 24 hours a day and the buzz is tangible. There are endless options - sunbathe on Copacabana beach, dance till dawn in one of the many nightclubs or visit two of the landmarks that have made this beautiful city internationally famous: the enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer and the cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Tour ends.