Quito to Rio de Janeiro Quito to Rio de Janeiro

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.

Details on this section are temporarily unavailable. Please call 800-228-8747 for specific details.

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.

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.

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 2 or 3 nights camping at the stunning Rio Verde Time for optional adventure activities at Banos Time exploring the historic city of Cuenca Overland through the Ecuadorian Andes 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 Overnight stay in colonial Lima Guided tour of Moche Pyramids and the Chimu city of Chan Chan 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 Overnight stay in colonial Lima Boat trip to see the seals & seabirds on the Ballestas Isles Visit to Paracas National Park, coastal wildlife reserve Visit to the Nazca Lines and Chauchilla Cemetery Nights 5 - 9: Andes & Altiplano Overland through the high andes of Peru Quechua Indian homestay and community crafts project 2 night stay in the beautiful white city of Arequipa 2 night stay and guided trip to see Colca Canyon and condors Nights 10 - 17: Inca Heartland 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. OR Trek the Classic Inca Trail up the Royal Inca Road 7 nights in and around Cusco and the Urubamba Valley Guided visit to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas Nights 18 - 20: Lake Titicaca Traverse the high altiplano of Peru to Lake Titicaca Visit to the pre-Inca Sillustani Ruins near Puno Stay in the pretty lakeside colonial town of Copacabana Boat trips to Uros Islands and Isla del Sol Time to explore Lake Titicaca and its ancient history 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.

Details on this section are temporarily unavailable. Please call 800-228-8747 for specific details.

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

Accommodation: Mainly campsites, some wildcamps, hostels/hotels(65% camping, 35% 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.BROCHURE ERRORS:the brochure states that this trip is an 18 night trip, however it should say 19 night - the website is correct.