Andes and Amazon

Join us for an action packed overland trip through Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia!

This action packed South America tour takes us through some of the most diverse landscapes on the continent.

Travelling through Ecuador and Peru into Bolivia, we explore the dense Amazon Jungle, have the opportunity to mountain bike down volcanoes, follow in the footsteps of the Incas on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and overnight with a family on Lake Titicaca.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Our Andes & Amazon South American tours can be joined in Quito or La Paz . For those beginning in La Paz the daily itinerary below should be followed in reverse. Should you wish to arrive a few days before this South American travel experience starts we can help you arrange accommodation.

Days 1 - 6
Starting our South America tour in Quito, we first visit the town of Otavalo famous for its colourful craft market. Heading east on narrow, tortuous roads to the steamy edge of the Amazon basin the town of Tena is our gateway into the Amazon jungle. Here accompanied by experienced guides, we explore on foot this exotic environment.

Days 7 - 11
Further south, perched high in the mountains of Ecuador, lies the outdoors mecca of Banos. This spa town, where Ecuadorians go to relax in the thermal baths is ideal to hike or mountain bike the various trails to one of the surrounding waterfalls or the impressive nearby rocky canyon, is a favourite amongst those who have undertaken South America travel. We hit the road again and drive south along the spine of the Andes towards Peru.

Days 12 - 15
A days drive on the Pan-American highway brings us to the border with Peru. You will notice an amazing transition in one day, from the good farming country of highland Ecuador, through sub-tropical forest and immense banana plantations, to dry barren desert in Peru. We are rewarded with a couple of days camping on the beach. Our next stops on our South America travel experience are the Chan Chan ruins, imperial citadel of the pre-Inca Chimu kings which the Incas later conquered. It claims to be the largest mud brick city in the world.

Days 16 - 21
Continuing with the Andes close to our left and the sea on our right, the capital city of Lima will be our next stop on the Andes & Amazon South America tour. After a couple of days in this busy metropolis our next stop is the Ballestas Islands in the Paracas National Reserve. By boat we visit the rare and exotic sea birds and mammals that inhabit these islands. We now make our way to one of the world's great archaeological mysteries The Nazca Lines. These huge figures and shapes, carved into the desert floor are best viewed from the air - South America travel is not complete until you have seen these unbelievable ancient mysteries.

Days 22 - 26
Still heading south we camp on the coast and enjoy our last night at sea level before beginning our climb back into the towering Andes. The next two nights are spent in Arequipa at 2325m, giving us time to acclimatise, and enjoy this beautiful colonial city with its impressive El Misti Volcano in the background. Arequipa is also the gateway to one of the deepest canyons in the world. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is an awesome sight. Here, if you get up early, Condors can be seen circling lazily on the thermals rising from the canyon floor.

Days 27 - 33
We now have to face one of the most arduous and punishing dirt roads on the tour, although we soon arrive at Cuzco. Widely considered to be the most interesting city for South America travel, Cuzco is surrounded by the Sacred Valley of the Incas and offers a wide range of activities to explore the region. We will base ourselves here for 6 days giving us enough time for the 2 or 4 day Inca Trail trip, which is regarded by many to be the highlight of their South America tour. If you want to try a different route to Machu Picchu, we can organise alternative treks such as the Salkantay, Lares or Vilcabamba. Tours to Machu Picchu are absolutely unbelievable, a trip to this City in the Clouds is an ancient and awe-inspiring part of out South America travel tour. Besides amazing tours to Machu Picchu, you're able to enjoy the architectural uniqueness of Cuzco and explore some of the colourful surrounding markets.

Days 34 - 37
Bordering Peru and Bolivia at 3800m lies Lake Titicaca, the original place of the Uros Indians who have made their homes on floating reed islands. By boat we visit the floating islands during the day and then we go that one step beyond the average tourist and spend the night with one of the Indian families on the lesser known islands Isla Amantani or Taquile. Spending some time during South America travel in these local communities will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the Andean people and their customs. From here it is a days drive to the capital of Bolivia - La Paz. This is a great place to visit a 'pena' club, dedicated to Andean folk music, and perhaps buy some souvenirs in one of the authentic markets such as the witches market.

For those on our 37 Day trip, La Paz is the final destination. Those on our 53 Day trip continue on towards Santiago (see Explore the Andes & Amazon in 53 days).

Pick up the lingo!
South America is mostly Spanish speaking and knowing a few words will give you a unique opportunity to mingle with local people and get a real feel for the Latin American lifestyle. Quito is the perfect place to spend a week or two brushing up your language skills before or after your South America travel tour. You will enjoy the benefits of one-to-one tuition and practising your Spanish while staying with your host family.

£195 per week includes:
20 hrs one-to-one tuition; 7 nights accommodation with a local family; 3 meals per day; Laundry; Airport pick up; Cultural activities

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Camping and budget hotels