Andean Footsteps
Tour Itinerary: From Quito

Days 1 to 6:            Accommodation:

Starting in Quito, we first visit the town of Otavalo famous for its colourful craft market. Heading east on narrow, tortuous roads to the steamy edge of the Amazon basin the town of Tena is our gateway into the Amazon jungle. Here accompanied by experienced guides, we explore on foot this exotic environment for two days. There is also the opportunity to go whitewater rafting!

Days 7 to 11:            Accommodation:

Further south, perched high in the mountains of Ecuador, lies the outdoors mecca of Banos. This spa town where Ecuadorians go to relax in the thermal baths is also ideal to hike or mountain bike the various trails to one of the surrounding waterfalls or the impressive nearby rocky canyon. We hit the road again and drive south along the spine of the Andes towards Peru.

Days 12 to 15:            Accommodation:

A day’s drive on the Pan-American Highway brings us to the border with Peru. You will notice an amazing transition in one day, from the good farming country of highland Ecuador, through sub-tropical forest and immense banana plantations, to dry barren desert in Peru. We are rewarded with a couple of days camping on the beach. Our next stop is the Chan Chan ruins, the imperial citadel of the pre-Inca Chimu kings which the Incas later conquered. It claims to be the largest mud brick city in the world.

Days 16 to 21:            Accommodation:

Continuing with the Andes close to our left and the sea on our right, the capital city of Lima will be our next stop. After a couple of days in this busy metropolis, we then visit Ballestas Islands in the Paracas National Reserve. By boat we view the rare and exotic sea birds and mammals that inhabit these islands. We now make our way to one of the world's great archaeological mysteries The Nazca Lines. These huge figures and shapes, carved into the desert floor are best viewed from the air.

Days 22 to 26:            Accommodation:

Still heading south we visit Puerto Inca, at this ancient Inca harbour we camp at the beach and enjoy our last night at sea level before beginning our climb back into the towering Andes. The next two nights are spent in Arequipa at 2325m, giving us time to acclimatise, and enjoy this beautiful colonial city with its impressive El Misti Volcano in the background. Arequipa is also the gateway to one of the deepest canyons in the world. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is an awesome sight. Here you have the option, accompanied by a local guide, of a one day excursion to view Condors circling lazily on the thermals rising from the canyon floor.  

Days 27 to 33:            Accommodation:

We now have to face one of the most arduous and punishing dirt roads on the tour, although we soon arrive at Cuzco. Widely considered to be the most interesting city in South America, Cuzco is surrounded by the Sacred Valley of the Incas and offers a wide range of activities to explore the region. We will base ourselves here for 6 days giving us enough time for the 2 or 4 day Inca Trail trek, which is regarded by many to be the highlight of their South America tour. If you want to try a different route to Machu Picchu, we can organise alternative treks such as the Salkantay or Vilcabamba. As well as the tours to Machu Picchu, you're able to enjoy the architectural uniqueness of Cuzco and explore some of the colourful surrounding markets.

Days 34 to 37:            Accommodation:

Bordering Peru and Bolivia at 3800m lies Lake Titicaca, the original place of the Uros Indians who have made their homes on floating reed islands. By boat we visit the floating islands during the day and then we go that one step beyond the average tourist and spend the night with one of the Indian families on the lesser known islands Isla Amantani or Taquile. Spending some time in these local communities will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the Andean people and their customs. From here it's a day’s drive to the capital of Bolivia - La Paz. This is a great place to visit a 'pena' club, dedicated to Andean folk music, and perhaps buy some souvenirs in one of the authentic markets such as the witches market. The highest capital city in the world, it is built on a steep slope that falls away from the Altiplano. The top of the city is about 2000ft above the bottom part.  Unusually, all the rich suburbs are in the lower city area because the air is thicker with oxygen lower down.

Days 38 to 43:            Accommodation:

Leaving La Paz we enter real Bolivia, where the Aymara and Quechua Indians scrape a living from their small plots of land in the harsh climate and paved roads are virtually non-existent. A days drive brings us to Potosi. At over 4000m it is the highest city of its size in the world and 400 years ago it was the largest city in all the Americas. Vast amounts of silver were extracted from Potosi and shipped to Spain in years gone by. The adventurous will appreciate the opportunity to go down one of these mines where mining techniques have remained unchanged for centuries. Visiting the ancient mint or having a tour around the Casa Nacional de Moneda (National Money House) also provides a good look into Potosi's and Bolivia's past. Leaving the bleak Altiplano we arrive at the shimmering white Salt Flats of Uyuni.

Days 44 to 47:            Accommodation:

It is possible to venture out into the salt lakes for a 1 day excursion. With no roads and only vague tracks to follow it makes for an unforgettable experience. Our descent through the Andean passes is spectacular as we cross into Argentina towards the colonial city of Salta where we have a couple of free days.

Days 48 to 53:            Accommodation:

Another border crossing brings us into Chile and to the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. This small but exciting place offers many activities and excursions into the surrounding regions. From here we can also visit the fantastic landscapes of the Valley of the Moon as well as Stone Age dwellings. After a week of desert scenery we rejoin the Pacific Ocean and the Pan American Highway. Near to La Serena we stay on a beach campsite and relax for a few days before our final drive into Chile's capital, Santiago.
 

Tour Itinerary: From Quito

Days 1 to 4:            Accommodation:

Leaving the modern city of Santiago on the first day we head for the Pacific coastline and relax at a beach campsite near to La Serena for a couple of days.  Then rejoining the Pan American highway we enter the Atacama Desert.  On our way north we stop off at a number of settlements and we also camp overnight in this barren but beautiful wilderness.  Leaving the coastline we head towards the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama.

Days 5 to 10:            Accommodation:

We spend a few days here, exploring the fantastic surrounding landscapes of the Valley of the Moon, salt lakes, as well as stone age dwellings.  From the desert our ascent through the Andean passes is spectacular, with dozens of volcanic peaks all over 5000m, leading us to the attractive colonial city of Salta in Argentina.  From here we venture into Bolivia where you will notice the difference as paved roads become non-existent and locals still follow tradition, wearing bright woollen clothes and bowler hats. Quite a contrast is the shimmering white Uyuni Salt Lake. It is possible to venture out into the salt lakes for a 1 day excursion. With no roads and only vague tracks to follow it makes for an unforgettable experience.

Days 11 to 15:            Accommodation:

Days 16 to 18:            Accommodation:

Leaving La Paz after picking up people on our 37 day trip we head to Puno in Peru.  Nestling on the shores of Lake Titicaca it is a friendly, well-kept place and much calmer than the hustle and bustle of La Paz.  Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake at  3800m, it is also the original place of the Uros Indians who have made their homes on floating reed islands.  By boat we visit the floating islands during the day and then we go that one step beyond the average and spend the night with one of the Indian families on the lesser known islands Isla Amantani or Taquile. Spending some time in these local communities will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the Andean people and their customs.