Border Information: if joining in Quito, you will most likely enter Ecuador at Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport. There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting. In Quito we will stay in a friendly local hotel in the 'New Town'. Hotel for the night: Alston Inn Hotel Alston Inn Hotel Juan Leon Mera N23-41 y Ventimilla Quito Tel: 00 593 2 22 22721 Activity Approximate Cost Visit one of the countless art galleries in Quito, such as the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana or the Museo Guayasamín USD 6 Visit the monument to mark the Equator at Mitad del Mundo USD 3 Take a trip on Quito's Telerifico to the top of the Cruz Loma mountain, getting breathtaking views over the city from a heig...

Today our journey begins with a drive to the edge of the Amazon basin near the town of Tena, where we head to our jungle lodge for an incredible 3-night stay. In the Amazon Jungle we will stay in a comfortable rainforest lodge with meals included. Estimated Drive Time - 4 hours Activity Approximate Cost Spend 3 nights at our fantastic Ecuadorian rainforest lodge, taking in many activities such as boat trips on the Napo River, visits to local Quichua communities and treks through the jungle to some spectacular waterfalls and bat caves! Included in Kitty

Over the next two days we will head into the Amazon jungle, enjoying rainforest treks exploring the nearby waterfalls and caves, and trips down the Napo River in motorised dugout canoes, hopefully spotting plenty of wildlife on the way. We will also see some ancient fossils and petroglyphs, and visit a local Quichua community.

Today we will drive back into the highlands of Ecuador, arriving in Rio Verde near the famous Tungurahua volcano. In Rio Verde we will stay at a well-equipped campsite with great facilities. Estimated Drive Time - 4 hours About Rio Verde: A few kilometres from Banos, is the small town of Rio Verde, named after the clear green water of the river that flows through the town. A number of waterfalls are found along its course, the most spectacular being The Devil’s Cauldron (‘El Pailon del Diablo’), a 20-minute walk out of town. Whilst staying here, you will have the opportunity to take part in optional adventure activities like as horse-riding, canyoning, mountain biking and rafting, as well as making the short trip into Banos to visit the thermal springs.

We will have two full days of free time for a range of activities in Rio Verde, such as white-water rafting, trekking, canyoning, cycling, and other options. We will also have the opportuinty to visit the nearby town of Banos and its popular volcanic thermal springs. Activity Approximate Cost Visit the volcanic thermal springs in the town of Banos, a very popular spot with the locals USD 3 Go on an adrenaline-fuelled half-day rafting expedition on the Rio Pastaza near Banos, one of the best rafting experiences in South America USD 75 Head out for an exhilarating half-day canyoning trip through the gorges near Banos USD 50 Head out on a horse riding trip through the beautiful volcanic landscapes surrounding Banos USD 40 Hire mountain bikes to freely explore the winding trails around Banos USD 7 Go out on a half day rock climbi...

Today we will drive to the remote village of Chugchilán, via the spectacular highland scenery along the road of the 'Quilotoa Loop'. In Chugchilán we will stay in a fantastic local hostel where breakfast and dinner are included, giving you a chance to enjoy traditional Ecuadorian food. Estimated Drive Time - 7 hours. About Chugchilan: Set on the slopes of the Rio Toachi Canyon, Chugchilán is our base for 2 nights where we either stay in a wonderful eco-lodge or an equally fantastic hostel. From the front door of the lodge, several day hikes are available, the most famous being one from Lake Quilotoa which is considered to be one of the best hikes in Ecuador. We will drive from Chugchilán to Quilotoa where you will be able to climb down the crater to the waters edge before we begin a 4-6 hour guided trek, mainly downhill, ...

Today we will transfer to the village of Quilotoa to see its stunning crater lake, and take an included day trek back to Chugchilán through the local villages, canyons, and beautiful scenery. This walk is widely considered one of the best day treks in Ecuador! The mostly-downhill usually takes between 4-6 hours, but please be aware that there is a section towards the end of the trek with a steep incline which you will need to be physically fit for - although we thoroughly recommend the trek, it can be skipped by anyone if they prefer. Activity Approximate Cost Take a day-trek from the spectacular crater lake at Quilotoa to the Andean village of Chugchilan, through the incredible rural landscapes and canyons of the area Included in Kitty Take kayaks out for an hour onto the crater lake of Quilotoa USD 5 Hire mountain bikes to...

We drive for an hour to the town of Quilotoa to see the stunning Crater Lake, and begin one of Ecuador's best day hike back to Chugchilan. We will trek with a local guide, and the mostly downhill trek takes 4-6 hours. A moderate level of fitness is required as the trek is at altitude, but the walking itself is not too strenuous. An early morning the next day starts a 300 km drive on the northern section of the spectacular Quilotoa Loop to the town of Chugchilan where we stay in a hostel. Quilotoa Loop is a name given to the winding circuit of spectacular dirt roads that connect Lake Quilotoa to Latacunga and the Pan-American Highway. The roads that lead away from Latacunga are unpaved, winding and have spectacular views of the mountains, rivers and verdant landscape. We will head to the town of Chugchilán on the northern sect...

Today we will have a free day to explore the colonial city of Cuenca. The town is the birthplace of the famous Panama Hat, and we will have the opportunity today to visit one of the factories to learn about the manufacturing process. Activity Approximate Cost Freely explore the historic colonial city of Cuenca, and discover its cobblestone streets, old-world cathedrals, colonial parks, and buzzing markets USD Visit one of the many factories that produce the everstylish Panama Hats, Cuenca's most famous export! USD Take a day trip out of Cuenca to visit the site of the Ingapirca ruins, the largest known Inca ruins in Ecuador USD 25 Head out of Cuenca to explore the highlands and lagoons of the nearby Cajas National Park USD 10 Visit the Museo Pumapungo in Cuenca, featuring an impressive range of artistic, historical, cultural,...

Border information: Exit Ecuador at Huaquillas, enter Peru at Tumbes. Today we will have a long drive day south, crossing the border into northern Peru. We will stay at a friendly local campsite just outside of Punta Sal, on a beautiful and serene beach on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. Estimated Drive Time - 10-11 hours. About Punta Sal: Situated on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in a long, curvy bay, Punta Sal is a haven of sun and sand. The warm and tranquil waters are a pleasure to swim in and there's also the opportunity to set out on fishing trips and boat trips along the coast line. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, horse riding along the beach and salsa lessons can be arranged, or just kick-back in a hammock and laze the day away, enjoying the peace and quiet of this beautiful spot.

Today we have a full day to relax on the beach and enjoy some activities in and around the stunning coastal area of Punta Sal. Activity Approximate Cost See a resident colony of Green Sea Turtles at El Nuri, near to Punta Sal PEN 5 Try your hand at surfing in the ideal waters of the Pacific Ocean near Punta Sal or Mancora USD 20 Rent a mountain bike to explore the coast of Punta Sal and the beautiful nearby areas of Canoas and Plateritos USD 20 Explore the coastlines of Punta Sal by foot, or head out trekking through the nearby hills and farms of Canoas USD Explore the beaches of northern Peru on quad bikes, or ride through the nearby inland forests USD 30 Take a beginner's belly-dancing class with our hosts at the beaches of Punta Sal USD 10 Take a yoga session at our beach campsite in Punta Sal USD 10

Today we will have a full day's drive to Huanchaco, near the city of Trujillo. We will have an included visit to the phenomenal Lord of Sipan museum in Lambayeque, home of an incredible collection of Chimu-era treasures (please note that this museum is closed on Mondays, so we will be unable to visit if your trip passes through on a Monday). In Huanchaco we will camp in the grounds of a local hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 10 hours (including approximately 1 hour 30 minutes at the Lord of Sipan museum). Activity Approximate Cost Visit the incredible Lord of Sipan Museum in the town of Lambayeque, displaying the contents of a royal tomb of the Chimu civilisation discovered nearby - widely regarded as one of the most phenomenal collections of ancient treasure ever found (please note that this is not available on Mondays, as the ...

Today we will have an included guided trip to explore the enormous adobe ruins of Chan Chan and the world-famous Moche archaeological site of Huaca de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon). Activity Approximate Cost Head out on a guided tour of the colourful Moche Pyramids and the colossal Chimu adobe city of Chan Chan near the Peruvian city of Trujillo Included in Kitty Visit the fascinating Cassinelli Museum in Trujillo, a private collection of many exquisite examples of ancient pottery PEN 15

Today we will have a spectacular drive up the winding roads of the 'Casma Route' into the Cordillera Blanca section of the high Andes, reaching the mountain town of Huaraz. In Huaraz we will stay in a local hostel in either dorm accommodation or private rooms depending on availability. Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours. About Huaraz: Huaraz is situated high up in the Andes, dominated by the highest, tropical mountain range in the world, the Cordillera Blanca, and Peru's highest peak, Huascaran. It offers great opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and rafting. You can even visit the Pastoruri Glacier. In addition there's the interesting Museo de Ancash exhibiting some precisely trepanned skulls and a goniometro - an early version of theodolite. There are also tours of the Chavin Ruins and Llanganuco Lake on o...

We have two days in the spectacular area of the Cordillera Blanca for exploration and optional activities such as visiting the incredible pre-Inca ruins of Chavín de Huantar or trekking and climbing to the nearby lakes and glaciers. Activity Approximate Cost Explore the incredible ancient ruins of Chavín de Huantar, the religious centre for the Chavín culture which flourished in the area from 1200BCE-500BCE PEN 100 Explore the remarkably well-presevered three-story mausoleum of Wilcahuaín near to Huaraz, built by the Wari civilisation that ruled the area between 600-900CE PEN 15 Learn all about the area's incredible pre-Inca civilisations at the Museo Regional de Ancash PEN 15 Take a horse riding trip from Huaraz to the incredible viewpoints of the Cordillera Blanca USD 27 Enjoy a half-day rock climbing excursion followed...

Today we will have another full day's drive back to the coast via the 'Paramonga Route' and then on to the enormous Peruvian capital of Lima. In Lima we will stay in a comfortable hotel in the city's historical centre. Estimated Drive Time - 10 hours. About Lima: Lima is a city of hidden beauty. Dive in and explore the Peruvian capital's streets, parks and plazas and you will discover a real gem of a city. Infact there's so much to see here, a city tour is a great opportunity to find out about more about the rich history of Lima itself and Peru as a whole. The city was founded by Conquistador Pizarro in 1535 and was originally the administrative centre for Spain’s Vice royalty in South America, making it the continent’s most important city for nearly three centuries. It became a city of great wealth financed by the massive q...

Border information: if you are finishing in Lima, you will most likely exit Peru at Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport. Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Lima, and a free day to explore the city. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight. Activity Approximate Cost Visit Lima's famous Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), containing over 7000 pieces of gold, silver and gilded copper from a number of Peru's different pre-Columbian cultures PEN 33 Visit the beautiful Baroque cathedral of San Francisco in Lima's historical centre, and explore the morbidly fascinating catacombs underneath PEN 7 Explore the excellent Museum of the Nation in Lima, which has numerous exhibits highlighting many of the pre-conquest civilisations and an outstanding photo exhibit on Peru's Internal Conflict o...