Great South American Journey - Above the Equator - Caracas to Quito

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Caracas

Arrive in Caracas at any time.

Day 2-4 Choroní

The 400-year-old charming town of Choroní is located on the Caribbean coast within the boundaries of the Henri Pittier National Park, Venezuela's oldest. The area offers a relaxed atmosphere with lots of outdoor opportunities: hiking, bird watching, swimming, boating. Visit the village of Chuao, famous for its cacao plantations.

Day 5-6 Chichiriviche

Travel along the coast to the town of Chichiriviche, the northern gateway to Morrocoy National Park. Take a motorized boat ride to explore the dozen of neighbouring cays, islands and islets with their beautiful white sand beaches. Snorkelling is a great option. Keep an eye out for flamingos, ibis and other sea birds along the causeway on the way to town.

Day 7-9 Coro

Our final point of interest in Venezuela is the colonial city of Coro, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Wander around the cobblestone streets of this charming city. Take a journey to the past as you visit the different museums, churches and mansions. From Coro, explore the arid Peninsula de Paraguana, hike to the top of Cerro Santa Ana, or visit the lush, mountainous Sierra de San Luis, renowned for its waterfalls and caves. A walk across the sand dunes of the Medanos de Coro National Park is also an option.

Day 10-13 Santa Marta/Taganga- Tayrona National Park (1B, 1L, 1D )

Travelling along the coast, arrive in Colombia's oldest city, Santa Marta. Use the small fishing town of Taganga as your base to explore the surrounding beaches, villages and the Tayrona National Park, renowned for its unique combination of coral formations and jungle vegetation. Visit the pre-Hispanic village of Pueblito, while hiking through forests, waterfalls, and lookouts with great views of the Sierra Nevada. Enjoy a chance to sleep in hammocks while in the National Park.

Day 14-16 Cartagena

Experience the Caribbean charm and beauty of this beatiful city while learning about its fabled past. Explore the town by foot or take a “Chiva” ride at night to get a feeling of this vibrant Colombian city. Visit the Islas del Rosario National Park, with its stunning beaches or soak in the crater of the Totumo mud volcano.

Day 17 Quito

From Cartagena, fly over the spectacular Andes to Ecuador's capital. Enjoy Quito's vibrant nightlife.

Day 18 Otavalo

Visit beautiful Otavalo and its famous handicraft market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods, livestock, fruits and vegetables.

Day 19-20 Cayambe

Explore the village of Cayambe. Stay in a 400-year-old hacienda, nestled at the base of the Cayambe Volcano. Hike back from the base of the volcano's glacier, rent horses and head off into the hills, or explore the beautiful property surrounding the hacienda - the choice is yours.

Day 21 Papallacta

Sit back and relax with a glass of wine in the mineral hot pools of Papallacta.

Day 22 Quito

Return to Ecuador's World Heritage capital, famous for its rich colonial past. Options here include a visit to the nearby Equator line, a city tour, Cotopaxi volcano mountain bike ride or just wandering in the streets of the Old Town.