Quito to Santiago Overland Between Quito to Santiago

Ecuador and Peru are like South America in a nutshell, with terrain that ranges from steaming jungle to the dizzying pinnacles of the High Andes. Beginning in Quito - a city that is a fusion of European and Indian culture - we'll head into the humid lushness of the Amazon for a stay at our jungle camp. From here it's uphill all the way, overlanding high into the Andes, before we descend to the coast and cross into Peru. We'll have time to explore the incredible heritage of the Incas at sites such as Sipan and Chan Chan before continuing along the Pacific coast, ending our trip in the capital Lima.

Ecuador and Peru are like South America in a nutshell, with terrain that ranges from steaming jungle to the dizzying pinnacles of the High Andes. Beginning in Quito - a city that is a fusion of European and Indian culture - we'll head into the humid lushness of the Amazon for a stay at our jungle camp. From here it's uphill all the way, overlanding high into the Andes, before we descend to the coast and cross into Peru. We'll have time to explore the incredible heritage of the Incas at sites such as Sipan and Chan Chan before continuing along the Pacific coast, ending our trip in the capital Lima.

Discover the heartland of the Incas on this in-depth journey through Peru and Bolivia. We'll begin in the Peruvian capital Lima, heading down the coast to the mysterious Nazca Lines, a series of shapes carved into the desert hundreds of years ago that are only fully visible from the air. Then from the beautiful colonial city of Arequipa we overland through the high andes, visiting the dramatic Colca Canyon, famed for its condors. We explore the Sacred Valley, hiking through the mountains on remote Inca Trails before taking a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Finally we overland across the altiplano to Lake Titicaca and the Uros Islands, crossing the border into Bolivia and ending our trip in La Paz.

Discover the heartland of the Incas on this in-depth journey through Peru and Bolivia. We'll begin in the Peruvian capital Lima, heading down the coast to the mysterious Nazca Lines, a series of shapes carved into the desert hundreds of years ago that are only fully visible from the air. Then from the beautiful colonial city of Arequipa we overland through the high andes, visiting the dramatic Colca Canyon, famed for its condors. We explore the Sacred Valley, hiking through the mountains on remote Inca Trails before taking a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Finally we overland across the altiplano to Lake Titicaca and the Uros Islands, crossing the border into Bolivia and ending our trip in La Paz.

A real overland adventure, travelling from the heights of the Andes to the lush valleys of Chile, on this trip we'll embark upon a crossing of Bolivia's rugged Altiplano. It's a remote and inhospitable area, but our trucks are designed for these conditions, and we'll go far off the usual tourist trail. En route we'll traverse the unreal landscape of the Uyuni salt flats, see the beautiful Laguna Verde and visit the wild Argentinian Cordillera, where we'll experience life on an estancia and get the chance to go riding with gauchos - South American cowboys. We'll visit the fertile wine-growing area before crossing into Chile and ending our South American journey in Santiago.

A real overland adventure, travelling from the heights of the Andes to the lush valleys of Chile, on this trip we'll embark upon a crossing of Bolivia's rugged Altiplano. It's a remote and inhospitable area, but our trucks are designed for these conditions, and we'll go far off the usual tourist trail. En route we'll traverse the unreal landscape of the Uyuni salt flats, see the beautiful Laguna Verde and visit the wild Argentinian Cordillera, where we'll experience life on an estancia and get the chance to go riding with gauchos - South American cowboys. We'll visit the fertile wine-growing area before crossing into Chile and ending our South American journey in Santiago.

Nights 1 - 3: Ecuadorian Andes Overnight stay in historic Quito 2 days to enjoy village tours and optional activities in Otavalo Nights 4 - 6: Amazon Jungle 3 days discovering the Amazon Jungle Nights 7 - 11: Andean Foothills 2 or 3 nights camping at the stunning Rio Verde Time for optional adventure activities at Banos Overland through the Ecuadorian Andes Time exploring the historic city of Cuenca Nights 12 - 19: Peruvian Coastal Desert Overnight stay in colonial Lima Guided tour of Moche Pyramids and the Chimu city of Chan Chan 2 nights stay at Punta Sal on the Pacific coast Learn about Northern Peru's ancient Moche culture at the Sipan Museum Spend time in the spectacular mountain scenery around Huaraz

Accommodation: Mainly hostel/hotel, with some campsites and wildcamps(35% camping, 65% hotels)
Meals: All food is covered by the kitty while camping.
Vehicles: Overland expedition vehicle.
Crew and Guides: 2 crew, local guides as necessary
Notes: For trips in 2011 this itinerary will no longer visit Otavalo and is replaced by a visit to the Quilotoa Loop. Please see trip notes for more details.Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels.

Nights 1 - 4: Southern Desert & Coast Visit to Paracas National Park, coastal wildlife reserve Visit to the Nazca Lines and Chauchilla Cemetery Overnight stay in colonial Lima Boat trip to see the seals & seabirds on the Ballestas Isles Nights 5 - 9: Andes & Altiplano Overland through the high andes of Peru 2 night stay and guided trip to see Colca Canyon and condors Quechua Indian homestay and community crafts project 2 night stay in the beautiful white city of Arequipa Nights 10 - 17: Inca Heartland Guided visit to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas OR Trek the Classic Inca Trail up the Royal Inca Road 7 nights in and around Cusco and the Urubamba Valley Sacred Valley tour and entrances to all major sites EITHER hike unspoilt Inca Trails and visit Quechua communities in remote stunning Andes scenery away from tourist treks on our exclusive Inca Trails Community Trek. Nights 18 - 20: Lake Titicaca Boat trips to Uros Islands and Isla del Sol Stay in the pretty lakeside colonial town of Copacabana Time to explore Lake Titicaca and its ancient history Traverse the high altiplano of Peru to Lake Titicaca Visit to the pre-Inca Sillustani Ruins near Puno Night 21: La Paz Explore the vibrant city of La Paz

Accommodation: Mainly hostel/hotel and wildcamps(30% camping, 70% hotels)
Meals: All food is covered by the kitty while camping.
Vehicles: Overland expedition vehicle and local minibus
Crew and Guides: 2 crew, local guides as necessary
Notes: WHICH INCA TRAIL? When you book this trip, you will have a choice of either the Community Inca Trail or the Classic Inca Trail. The costs for each are included, but you must tell us when you book, if you want to book the Classic Inca Trail. If you do not tell us this you will automatically be booked onto the Community Inca Trail. For full details click hereIf you choose to do the community trek then you will receive a small refund from kitty.Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels.

Nights 1 - 4: Bolivian Altiplano 2 night stay in the colourful city of La Paz Overland across the stunning Altiplano to the colonial city of Potosi 2 nights in Potosi, the world's highest city Nights 5 - 8: Salar de Uyuni & Bolivian Lakes Visit the beautiful Laguna Colorado and Verde Spend 3 days exploring this extraordinary landscape Take jeeps out onto the dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats Overland through the Bolivian wilds to Uyuni Nights 9 - 13: Andean Argentina Time to explore the colonial city of Salta and local area Discover the bodegas and stock up on wine in Cafayate Travel to the heart of the Argentinian wine region Nights 14 - 19: Gauchos & Grapes Overland journey through high passes and stunning mountain vistas Spend 3 unique days staying at an Anglo-Argentinian estancia to ride pure-bred horses Time to discover Mendoza's excellent vineyards and white river waters Night 20: Chile Explore and discover the streets of Santiago

Accommodation: Hostesl/hotels, campsites and wildcamps(45% camping, 55% hotels)
Meals: All food is covered by the kitty while camping.
Vehicles: Overland expedition vehicle.
Crew and Guides: 2 crew, local guides as necessary
Notes: Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels. Because of its nature, this itinerary may vary: occasionally road conditions are too adverse during the rainy season (Jan. & Feb.) to make the crossing from Uyuni to Argentina and we may have to change the route.WINTER MONTHS - During the winter months in Argentina and Bolivia we will spend a higher proportion of nights in hotels and less time camping. Kitty may be higher than expected and you should allow extra funds for this and personal funds for more meals out. There may well be snow and you should be aware that it can get very cold at night. Please ensure that you bring a decent sleeping bag and adequate clothes, including thermals.