Explore South American Treasures - La Paz to Quito

Itinerary

Day 1 La Paz

Accommodation: HotelThere are no activities planned today, so check into our hotel & enjoy the city.The drive around Lake Titicaca and through the altiplano to La Paz, Bolivia is impressive. Founded by Alonso de Mendoza in 1548, La Ciudad de Nuestra Señora de La Paz (the City of Our Lady of Peace) is a great place to explore on foot. Although Sucre is the official capital, La Paz is the Bolivian centre of commerce, finance and industry, and the de facto capital. This is a busy modern city, with its centre at the base of a canyon 5 km (3 miles) wide, with sprawling impromptu housing all the way up the surrounding hillsides. The city is at nearly 4000 m (13,120 ft) above sea level, so visitors should be prepared for cool evenings and mornings.Explore the city’s many fine museums or its historic ecclesiastical structures, such as the Iglesia de San Francisco, whose architectural details reflect the indigenous and mestizo heritage of modern Bolivia. The city is also renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechicería (Witches’ Market), where Paceños and visitors may purchase potions and incantations made from all sorts of herbs, seeds, and secret ingredients to remedy any number of illnesses (real or imagined) and protect from evil spirits. There is also a thriving black market and a Carnaval market, where locals purchase carnival costumes. You’ll also find a wealth of shops selling all sorts of handicrafts, mainly alpaca wool products, silver jewellery, woven textiles and leather goods.Optional activities in La Paz include museums, excursions to Tiahuanaco ruins (cradle of Inca civilization), a tour of the Valley of the Moon, or a visit to the world’s highest ski resort, Chacaltaya (5600 m/18,368 ft). To the south of the city is the Valley of the Moon, with crater-like formations made of sand.

Day 2 - 4 Puno / Amantani (B,2L,D)

Accommodation: Hotel (2nts) & HomestayEnjoy the spectacular views as we travel from La Paz to Puno. A boat trip of the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, takes us on an overnight excursion to the Islands on Lake Titicaca. This includes a visit to the Uros floating islands, and an overnight stay with a family on Taquile or Amantani Island. We return to Puno in the late afternoon.Located 3830 m (12562 ft) above sea level, Puno’s weather can be extreme with very cold nights, and a strong sun during the day. There is not a lot to see in Puno itself, however there are several good spots offering scenic views of Lake Titicaca and the town. Puno is also known for its wealth of traditional dances. There are up to 100 different varieties, usually performed in the street processions celebrating Catholic feast days. You may see these celebrations if you’re fortunate enough to be visiting at the appropriate time.Lake Titicaca, at 3820 m (12529 ft) above sea level, is touted as the highest navigable lake in the world. This is, however, not entirely true, it is simply the best known. It is however, the largest lake in South America, over 170 km (106 miles) in length, and the largest lake in the world above 2000m (6560 ft). The horizon appears limitless from the lake, and the water a deep and inviting blue.We stop at the floating reed islands of the Uros people. The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from rival tribes the Collas and the Incas, but due to intermarriage with Aymara speaking people they lost their original language. Today about 300 people live on the islands, however their numbers are slowly declining.The islands are made up of many layers of reeds. As the layers closest to the water start to rot, they are replaced with fresh reeds on top. They also use the reeds to build their boats, which if constructed well, last up to 6 months. The totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake are used for making everything from the islands themselves to the model boats that the islanders offer for sale.Taquile is rich in culture, and the people’s unique style of dress and lifestyle will definitely make for a memorable visit. Men of the community do all the knitting, strictly a male domain, while women do the spinning. High quality, locally knitted goods are available for purchase at various cooperatives on the island. Despite the short distance that separates the two islands, Amantaní is quite distinct. Its soil is a rich terra cotta red, due to the high iron deposits, which contrasts brightly with the deep azure blue of the lake and sky, and greenery of the local crops.

Day 5 - 11 Cuzco / Ollantaytambo / Inca Trail (3B,3L,4D)

Accommodation: Hotel (4nts) & Camping (3nts)Cuzco attracts thousands of travellers who come to experience an age-old culture and to delve into its tragic and noble past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations of the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. We spend the next few days relaxing and exploring this fascinating city, while taking time to acclimatize to the higher altitude before our trek.Cuzco is the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts thousands of travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Cuzco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend.Cuzco’s numerous colonial churches are one of the most common sights. The Cathedral was started in 1559 and took 100 years to build. It is also one of the city’s greatest repositories of colonial art. Immediately in front of the entrance is a vault containing the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de la Vega. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco.While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. This ruin forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure.There are several good museums in Cuzco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum. The best advice in exploring Cuzco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map and set off to explore!Ollantaytambo is a major Inca ruin site and your first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. We spend the night in this small town before heading out for the start of the hike the next morning.INCA TRAIL:The 4-day hike on the Inca Trail, to Machu Picchu, is included in the cost of the tour. For those interested in a challenging but worthwhile hike, the Inca Trail is exceptional, however you must be prepared for it! It is a 40-km (25 mile) hike, with 3 high passes to be crossed, one of which reaches an elevation of 4200m (13776 ft). The trail is often steep, and it may rain even during the dry season. The temperatures at night may fall below zero, so it is important to come prepared.We depart Ollantaytambo for km 82 where we begin our walk in the footsteps of the Incas. Our local crew of porters, cook and guide will look after us well for the duration of the hike. Walking the trail that linked this ancient empire will supply you with breathtaking views at every step, as we move from high plateau areas to dense cloud forest. Depending on the season, you may see a great variety of flora, including miniature and large orchids, and fiery rhododendron bushes.You will be passing smaller ruin sites the first of which is Llactapata. The second day you will climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass. At 4198 m (13769 ft) above sea level, this pass is the highest point of the trek. The second pass of the hike is at 3998 m (13113 ft) where on clear days, we enjoy superb views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. The trail goes through some beautiful cloud forest on the gentle climb to the third pass, where you will walk through a causeway and a tunnel, both original Inca constructions. The highest point of the third pass is at 3700m (12136 ft). You’ll be rewarded by devastatingly beautiful views of the Urubamba Valley below (on clear days). Soon you will reach the serene looking ruins of Phuyupatamarca, or the 'Town above the Clouds', at about 3650 m (11972 ft) above sea level. We camp for the final night close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) ruins, a grandiose terraced hillside site, with panoramic views of the valley below and just a short hike from Machu Picchu.On the final day of the hike we climb the steps to the Sun Gate overlooking the peaks that surround Machu Picchu. There is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous ruin appears in front of you.Machu Picchu is both the best and the least known of the Inca ruins. It is not mentioned in any of the chronicles of the Spanish conquistadors and archaeologists today can do no more than speculate on its function. Machu Picchu was known for centuries by the local Quechua farmers in the area. It was not until the American historian Hiram Bingham, in search of Villcabamba, was led to the site by an 11 year old boy on July 24, 1911, that the rest of the world became aware of its existence. At that time it was covered in thick vegetation. Bingham and his team returned in 1912 and 1915 to clear the growth. Over the years, a lot of work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.You have the better part of the day to explore the site. In the afternoon, we have the chance to soak in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes before taking the train back to Cuzco.NOTE: Those passengers not able or interested in the hike spend 2 days in Cuzco, then take the train to Aguas Calientes, where they will overnight. Next morning they will be taking the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance, and will rendezvous with the hikers at the ruins. If you decide not to do the hike we need to know prior to your departure, in order to obtain train tickets. Please advise your agent or G.A.P Adventures.Also note that portions of the Inca Trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February each year. Also, closures may occur at various times throughout the year due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. During these periods, any tour affected will hike the Lares Trek.

Day 12 Colca Canyon (L)

Accommodation: HotelExcursion to the Colca Canyon involves a remarkable drive through Inca and pre-Inca terracing. Once at the Canyon we will look for the king of the Andes, the Andean Condor, as well as alpacas, llamas and vicuñas, while enjoying the stunning highland scenery.

Day 13-14 Arequipa (B,L)

Accommodation: HotelPeru’s second most important city after Lima, Arequipa, maintains a traditional colonial style and more laid back pace in comparison with the capital. Arequipa is built from a very light coloured volcanic rock called sillar, the older buildings dazzle in the sun, thus the nickname, “the White City.” The main plaza with its cafés and nearby cathedral is a top draw for visitors.Those with an interest in history and architecture may take an optional visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a by-gone way of life. Spectacular mountains surround Arequipa, the most famous of which is El Misti Volcano, at 5822 m (19096 ft) and with a beautiful snow-capped peak.

Day 15 Puerto Inca (B,L,D)

Accommodation: CampingThis beautiful sea shore location is home to great sunsets, a small but rare coastal Inca archeological site and some of Peru's interesting coastal fauna.

Day 16-17 Nazca/ Pisco (D)

Accommodation: Hotel & CampingFurther north we descend from the Andes to find one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines, consisting of patterns and pictures etched in the ground, crisscrossing an area of flat desert. Some of the lines measure up to 10 km (32 miles) in length, and yet remain perfectly straight. The depictions of birds, insects and animals are only recognizable from the air. Who drew the lines, and why, is something that modern archaeologists can only theorize about, but current beliefs suggest that they may be part of complex agricultural calendar. From the ground we can make out very little, and the best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged.The entire desert area was also once the home for the Paracas and the Nazca cultures, which preceded the Incas by more than half a millennia. Remains of the Nazca culture are still visible during an optional tour of an ancient desert cemetery site, which also includes a visit to a pottery workshop.Pisco is an oasis in a barren land and an important port town. It derives its name from the white grape brandy produced in the region. If you haven’t tried the national drink, Pisco Sour, then this is the place to do it. Pisco is the starting point for an optional visit to the Ballestas Islands, where we observe the sea lion colonies, penguins and a variety of other birds.

Day 18-19 Lima (L)

Accommodation: HotelFounded by Francisco Pizarro, on the Day of the Three Kings (Epiphany) in 1535, Lima is known as the City of Kings. It is Peru’s capital city and as such, deserves a visit. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima and you’ll find the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop’s Palace. The Cathedral dates back to the 1700s and houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro.To get a feel for colonial Lima, take a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace Guard in the afternoon. Walk around the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to experience life in a large South American city. There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an equally impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. An optional city tour visits many of the cities highlights.The more affluent coastal districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro offer good nightlife and cafés. The Limeños are friendly and the city’s many interesting museums, churches, markets, restaurants and nightlife will surely entice you. Seafood lovers should be sure and try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known.

Day 20-21 Huanchaco (B)

Accommodation: HotelTrujillo is the capital of the Department of La Libertad and is well known for its colonial buildings, proximity to the Chimu ruins of Chan-Chan and the resort of Huanchaco, where the fishermen’s boats are constructed of buoyant reeds and the seafood is both tasty and abundant.

Day 22-23 Mancora (B,2L,2D)

Accommodation: CampingWe follow the Pan-American Highway north through the Sechuara Desert, one of the driest places on the continent despite infrequent torrential rains brought on by El Niño. Our destination is the seaside town of Mancora, a village populated by fishermen and surfers from around Peru and the world. The entire Pacific coastline of South America, encompassing Peru and Chile is washed by the cold Humboldt Current, which travels north from the frigid Antarctic waters. Though the land is fairly devoid of life, the ocean waters are rich with shoals of fish and both the Peruvian and Japanese fishing fleets are well represented along the coast.

Day 24-25 Cuenca (L)

Accommodation: HotelEcuador's third largest town, Cuenca retains a pleasant provincial air with its colonial architecture, art galleries, and museums. The surrounding countryside is an outdoor playground. Visit National Parks, take walks in the beautiful countryside and see Ecuador’s only Inca ruin site.Cuenca is considered the most beautiful city in Ecuador and has had an exciting history. Barely half a century before the arrival of the Spaniards, the powerful Inca Tupac Yupanqui was undertaking the difficult conquest of the local Cañari people, who struggled bravely to stem the expansion of the Inca Empire. After several years of bitter fighting, Tupac Yupanqui's forces prevailed.The Inca began the construction of a major city whose splendour and importance was to rival that of the imperial capital of Cuzco. Stories of sun temples covered with gold sheets and palaces built using the finest skill of Cuzqueño stonemasons abound. What happened to Tomebamba, as the city was called, is however, a complete mystery. By the time the Spanish chronicler Cieza de Léon passed through in 1547, Tomebamba lay in ruins, although well-stocked storehouses indicated how great it had recently been.The Tomebamba River divides Cuenca in half, and south of the river lie fairly recent suburbs and the modern university. To the north is the heart of the colonial city. Although Cuenca has expanded to become Ecuador's third largest city with 165,000 inhabitants, it still retains a pleasantly provincial air and the old centre has churches dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. The earliest building is the original Cathedral, construction of which began in 1557, the year Cuenca was founded by the Spanish conquerors.Explore the city’s sights including cobbled streets, red-tiled roofs, art galleries, flower markets, shady plazas and museums. The villagers in the surrounding areas are expert milliners, creating beautiful and useful Panama hats (which should perhaps more accurately be called Ecuador hats). The ruins of Ingapirca lie approximately an hour and a half drive north of Cuenca, through some of Ecuador's most beautiful countryside. Although it is a major Inca site, not a lot is known about its historyYet another nearby attraction is Area Nacional de Recreacion Cajas, a protected area of 28,000 ha, about 30 km (19 miles) northwest of the city of Cuenca. The terrain is quite stark, mostly above 4000m (13120 ft) in the páramo (grassy highlands), with many clear lakes and a great variety of bird life, beautiful scenery and good hiking possibilities.

Day 26-27 Baños (B,L)

Accommodation: HotelBaños means 'baths' and that is precisely what the town is famous for. Some thermal springs come from the base of Tungurahua Volcano; others have melt water running into them from the volcano’s glaciated flanks. The town is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits, including horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking and climbing and rafting in the surrounding mountains and on the River Patate.Baños is one of the most popular and important tourist spots in the country and you will find many Ecuadorian families vacationing here. One look at this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Surprisingly, it is pleasant and unspoiled. Baños means 'baths' and that is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means 'little hell' in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it’s definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point. There will also be options for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding.

Day 28 - 30 Tena / Amazon (2B,2L,3D)

Accommodation: Amazon Jungle Lodge (2nts), HomestayWe travel to the Amazon jungle region. Notice the scenery and climate change dramatically as we leave the mountains and enter the lush tropical rainforest.In the Ecuadorian jungle layers of exotic vegetation block the sky, and brown waters sweep beneath gargantuan foliage as hundreds of species of exotic birds and equally brilliant butterflies provide constant bursts of colour. Discover why this tropical rainforest is one of the richest and most complex ecosystems in the world.Hike through the rainforest, plunge into waterfalls and learn the uses of tropical plants. Visit with a local shaman, experience local tradition, and learn about Quichua history and culture.In the 16th century, Spanish conqueror Francisco de Orellana ventured from Quito into the eastern jungle, in search of El Dorado, a mythical stash of Inca gold hidden away in the jungle. While he didn't find gold, he did discover Ecuador's Rio Napo, which along with Peru’s Marañón, combines to create the mighty Amazon. He followed the Napo into the Amazon mainstream and travelled all the way through the dense jungle to the Atlantic Ocean on Brazil’s coast.Consider the variety of mammals living in Ecuador's Amazon: armadillos, honey bears, sloth, 60 varieties of bats, tapirs, peccaries, jaguar, monkeys, manatees and much more. Birds are the richest group of Amazon vertebrates, at approximately 1000 species. Visitors will see hummingbirds, toucans, macaws and tanagers on land, and darters, herons and gulls on water. If fortunate, you may catch a glimpse of the prehistoric looking Hoatzin, with its brightly coloured feathers and sharp talons.Over 500 species of trees per acre have been recorded in the jungles of the upper Amazon. If this doesn’t seem particularly astonishing, consider that this is ten times greater than either Europe or North America, and you will begin to appreciate the significance of the conservation of this area and others like it.The rainforest is also the traditional home of many indigenous communities, whose traditional homelands and way of life are threatened by the encroachment of 20th century industries like mining, petroleum exploitation and large-scale cash-crop farming. Among the most representative are the Siona-Secoya, Cofan, Huaorani, Shuar, Ashuar and Quichua.

Day 31 Quito

Accommodation: HotelThere are no activities planned today, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.Ecuador is the smallest of the Andean countries, and in many ways it is the easiest and most pleasant to travel in. Colonial Quito, considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Western Hemisphere, has an astonishing location more than a kilometre and a half above sea level and almost directly on the equator, nestled in the Andes beneath the sparkling snow cone of Pichincha Volcano. Our exploration takes us from the Amazon lowlands, where we experience life with a Quichua community, to the heights of the Andes near mighty Chimborazo Volcano. At the end of our journey we also visit the coast for a completely different feel.Ecuador is a country of great diversity and beauty. There are approximately 1,200,000 inhabitants in an area of 283,520 square km (177200 miles), similar in size to New Zealand. The country consists of three main regions: the coastal lowlands, the Andean Highlands, and the Eastern Amazonian jungle, all of which we discover on this journey.Remember that although near the Equator, the higher altitude on some parts of the trip make for cool evenings and you will need warm clothing. It’s best to layer clothes rather than bring a heavy parka so that you can take layers off.When you arrive in Quito, you will likely feel the effects of the altitude. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy and a reduced appetite. This is no cause for alarm; it is simply your body’s way of coping with the altitude. It may take a little time to acclimatize, but before long you probably will not even notice it. Take it easy for the first day or two, and reduce alcohol and cigarette consumption to minimize the effects. Be sure to drink plenty of water and do not attempt too much in any given day.Located 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, Quito, the Ecuadorian capital, enjoys a wonderful spring-like climate, despite the fact that it is only 22 km (14 miles) south of the Equator. It is in a valley flanked by mountains, and on a clear day, several snow-capped volcanoes are visible. As well as its beautiful location, it is rich in history and much of the Colonial Old Town is well preserved.In 1978 UNESCO declared Quito a World Heritage site, and any new development in Quito's old town is now strictly controlled. Life in Quito tends to be peaceful, though the drivers are fond of using their car horns! There are approximately 2,000,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area, but the pace is relaxed and the residents hospitable.Quito is separated into two basic sections, the old and the new cities. The old city is full of interesting historical buildings and many churches. Some of the more interesting ones include the Catedral de Quito, located on the Plaza de la Independencia. Built between 1550 and 1562, it was one of the first neoclassical works in Quito. La Compañía de Jésus Church is considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. The decorations in the Compañía contain approximately one and one-half tons of gold, and construction of the church took 170 years (1605-1775).The small, rounded hill that dominates the old town is called El Panecillo or 'the Little Bread Loaf', and is a major Quito landmark. Marvellous panoramic views of the entire city, as well as views of the surrounding volcanoes stretch out at your feet. You can take a trolley (streetcar) or a cab to the Old Town from the New Town.Quito has a large population of foreigners and is a popular destination for travellers, resulting in a varied and vibrant nightlife where salsotecas and other dance clubs abound. For a real Ecuadorian experience though, be sure and drop by a peña if you can; these are great places for meeting locals and dancing, as well as enjoying local cooking.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Hotels (20 nts), amazon jungle lodge (2 nts), camping (7 nts), homestay (2 nts).
Brochure Notes	1. Last minute bookings of this trip and all trips that include the Inca Trail will be on an "on request" basis only. To make a booking request of a tour which includes the Inca Trail G.A.P Adventures requires your full name, date of birth, nationality and passport number. 2. Please advise at time of booking if you do not wish to hike the Inca Trail. Instead you will have 2 nights in Cuzco, travel by train for a night in Aguas Calientes, and join the hikers for the tour of Machu Picchu.
Combination	This tour is a portion of our South America Overland Journey - see code SLRQ.
Departure	Departures vary
DepEnd	Sun-Wed
Group Size	Max 18, Avg 12
Included Highlights	- Guided tour of Taquile and Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca (homestay) - Guided tour of Machu Picchu- 4-day Inca Trail hike with a local guide, cook and porters- Guided tour of the Colca Canyon (overnight)- Guided tour of Nazca desert cemetery and potter's studio - Visit and entrance Chan Chan Ruins - Amazon Jungle excursion (lodge & homestay)
Local Payment	USD850
Meals Included	All meals as indicated throughout itinerary.
Reverse Itinerary	This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code SLQL.
StartFinish	La Paz to Quito
Transport	Overland truck, train, boat, hiking.
Brochure Intro	Hike the Inca trail to Machu Pichu, wander the colonial streets of Lima, Quito and Ecuador, explore the many ruins, trek deep in to the Amazon and enjoy the coastal towns as we travel overland through Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. This is an extraordinary opportunity to not only experience the major highlights of the region, but to also discover some of the hidden treasures of lesser-visited areas.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-12-23	2009-01-23	7+
2009-04-28	2009-05-29	7+

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