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Beach camping Northern Peru
Pisco Sours, down the hatch
The brown waters of the Iguassu Falls

Quito to Rio de Janeiro Quito to Rio de Janeiro

11 Weeks - from $3682

This is a combination trip made up of 4 separate sections. Click on the section links below to view more information on each section.

Section 1

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.

Section 2

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.

WHICH INCA TRAIL
The Peru Inca Trail is one of the most walked walks on the planet. Certainly over the last five years it has become the most tickable adventure in Peru.

COMMUNITY INCA TRAIL
For Dragoman Overland Adventure Travel, this is the perfect reason to choose another Inca Trail, Our Community Inca Trail, through 'virgin' Andean mountains a short way away from the classic Inca Trail route. Never fear, you will still have your Machu Picchu experience, but you will be trekking the in mountains on the other side of the Urubamba Valley. The Dragoman Overland Inca Trail is a community based tourism initiative that involves several local Quechua communities that live along the ancient Inca trail that we have chosen. These local communities will directly benefit from your trek and you will be staying in and visiting their communities. This is responsible travel as it should be, a working partnership between local community and a tour operator. If you choose to do the community trek then you will receive a small refund from kitty.

CLASSIC INCA TRAIL
If you would prefer to book the Classic Inca Trail, then that is also available. This original Kings route still remains popular and it is a 4 day trek, which passes through cloud forest and dramatic mountain scenery. It ends at sunrise on the last day as you trek to the Sun Gate for your first views of magnificent Machu Picchu. If you would prefer to trek the Classic Inca Trail then you must advise Dragoman at the time of booking. Due to it's popularity permits are very hard to obtain and we recommend that you check availability on our website before booking. Dragoman will apply for your permit but please note that they can never be guaranteed and if unavailable we will automatically book you onto the Community Inca Trail.

Section 3

From the high Altiplano to the heart of Argentina's grasslands, this trip takes us through some of South America's most beautiful landscapes. Beginning in Bolivia's capital La Paz we'll head across the high plateau to the dramatic expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats, crossing the unreal wilderness of the high altiplano before descending into Chile. We vist San Pedro then cross in to Argentina and travel through the wine lands before arriving at an estancia, where we'll meet the gauchos - Argentinian cowboys - who we'll ride out with across the grasslands. After time to explore the historic city of Cordoba we end our trip in vibrant Buenos Aires.

The Gauchos are the Argentinian cowboys who farm the vast ranches or estancias of Argentina and on this trip we will ride, eat, and drink with them.
This trip takes you from the wilds of Bolivia's high Altiplano through to the high culture of Buenos Aires. We will stay in small mountain communities, live alongside Argentinian cowboys and drink fine wines in the vine lands of Argentina.

Section 4

This fantastic trip takes you through the two South American giants, Brazil and Argentina. From atmospheric Buenos Aires we head north to Brazil and the spectacular Iguazu Falls. We have time to admire the falls from both sides of the border, before heading into the wetlands of the Pantanal for 2 days of game viewing. We'll travel up the Emerald Coast, exploring the magical islands off Parati, famed as a diving and snorkelling destination. Our South American odyssey ends in buzzing Rio de Janeiro, set in the most beautiful location of any city on earth.

Tick here if you enjoy culture, sun soaked beaches, exploring remote eco-wildernesses and want to see the world's most impressive waterfall. Rio and Buenos Aires provide the culture; Brazil, the sun kissed beaches at Rio and on the Emerald Coast; But for sheer impression, nothing quite touches the Iguazu Falls.

Itinerary:

Section 1

Nights 1 - 3: Ecuadorian Andes 2 days to enjoy village tours and optional activities in Otavalo Overnight stay in historic Quito Nights 4 - 6: Amazon Jungle 3 days discovering the Amazon Jungle Nights 7 - 11: Andean Foothills Overland through the Ecuadorian Andes 2 or 3 nights camping at the stunning Rio Verde Time for optional adventure activities at Banos Time exploring the historic city of Cuenca Nights 12 - 19: Peruvian Coastal Desert 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 Guided tour of Moche Pyramids and the Chimu city of Chan Chan Overnight stay in colonial Lima

Section 2

Nights 1 - 4: Southern Desert & Coast Visit to Paracas National Park, coastal wildlife reserve Boat trip to see the seals & seabirds on the Ballestas Isles Overnight stay in colonial Lima Visit to the Nazca Lines and Chauchilla Cemetery Nights 5 - 9: Andes & Altiplano Quechua Indian homestay and community crafts project Overland through the high andes of Peru 2 night stay and guided trip to see Colca Canyon and condors 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 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. 7 nights in and around Cusco and the Urubamba Valley OR Trek the Classic Inca Trail up the Royal Inca Road Nights 18 - 20: Lake Titicaca Stay in the pretty lakeside colonial town of Copacabana Visit to the pre-Inca Sillustani Ruins near Puno Time to explore Lake Titicaca and its ancient history Traverse the high altiplano of Peru to Lake Titicaca Boat trips to Uros Islands and Isla del Sol Night 21: La Paz Explore the vibrant city of La Paz

Section 3

Nights 1 - 4: Bolivian Altiplano 2 nights in Potosi, the world's highest city 2 night stay in the colourful city of La Paz Overland across the stunning Altiplano to the colonial city of Potosi Nights 5 - 8: Salar de Uyuni & San Pedro Explore the dramatic landscape of the Moon Valley Take jeeps out onto the dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats Spend 3 days exploring this extraordinary landscape Overland through the Bolivian wilds to Uyuni Visit the beautiful Laguna Colorado and Verde Nights 9 - 12: 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 13 - 20: Cordoba & Buenos Aires Overland journey through high passes and stunning mountain vistas Spend 3 unique days enjoying the hospitality at an Anglo-Argentinean estancia Explore the hills around the estancia riding pure bred horses Explore cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, the coolest city in South America Spend time in colonial Cordoba, Argentina's second-largest city

Section 4

Nights 1 - 4: Argentina Visit the Jesuit ruins at San Ignacio de Mini Explore cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, the coolest city in South America Nights 5 - 8: Iguazu Falls Overland adventures across the Tropic of Capricorn Discover the majestic Iguazu Falls from Argentina and Brazil Nights 9 - 15: Brazilian Wildife Time for optional adventure activities at Brotas Travel overland via Campo Grande, capital of Mato Grosso do Sul 2 night wildlife safari into the Pantanal 2 full days to enjoy the crystal clear waters at Bonito, Brazil's ecotourism capital Nights 16 - 18: Rio & the Emerald Coast 3 days on Brazil's Emerald Coast Laid back boat trips to islands off Parati Arrive in vibrant Rio de Janeiro

Optional Extras

    Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.

    Dates & Prices

    Ref# Start End Prices in US$   Local Payment Availability
    LQR3025 Apr 1012 Jul 10$4100 2290USD
    LQR2001 May 1018 Jul 10$3682 2240USD
    LQR4004 Jul 1020 Sep 10$4100 2290USD
    LQR5012 Aug 1029 Oct 10$4100R2320USD
    LQR6020 Aug 1006 Nov 10$4100R2350USD
    LQR7016 Sep 1003 Dec 10$4100R2380USD
    LQR8016 Dec 1004 Mar 11$4100 2410USD
    LQR1110 Mar 1127 May 11$4100R2440USD
    LQR2115 May 1101 Aug 11$4100 2410USD
    LQR3104 Jul 1120 Sep 11$4100R2440USD