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Quito to La Paz: Amazon & Ancient Cultures

35 days, Quito to La Paz

We have multiple itineraries for this trip.Please select one for correct pricing and itinerary.
!

Please note that the Quito international airport (UIO, Mariscal Sucre) will be closed on the following dates for preventative maintenance on the runway: May 11, 18, June 1, July 6, 13, 20, September 7, 14, and 21, 2024 between the hours of 2am and 12pm. The airport will also be closed on June 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2024 between the hours of 2am and 2pm. For passengers flying in or out of Quito on these dates, please double-check flight schedules with your airline in case of changes. Internal flights within Ecuador and Galapagos will be adjusted accordingly and any changes to schedules will be communicated at the welcome briefing.

Really discover what South America is all about on this epic five-week journey through Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. This adventure truly has it all – the Pacific coast, the awe-inspiring Amazon, and the archeological highlights and cultural treasures of the Andean highlands. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, tear it up on mountain bikes, raft wild rivers, catch big waves, and get your adrenaline pumping on exciting optional excursions. With local transportation and authentic accommodation, this adventure offers an intense blend of included activities and free time to explore on your own.

35 days

Quito to La Paz

From$3562USD
was $4749
Valid on Apr 7 2024
Trip Code: SEQL

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on Apr 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24SDQ015SAM04
Expires on Mar 31, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV025ADV02

Really discover what South America is all about on this epic five-week journey through Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. This adventure truly has it all – the Pacific coast, the awe-inspiring Amazon, and the archeological highlights and cultural treasures of the Andean highlands. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, tear it up on mountain bikes, raft wild rivers, catch big waves, and get your adrenaline pumping on exciting optional excursions. With local transportation and authentic accommodation, this adventure offers an intense blend of included activities and free time to explore on your own.

Award Winning Inca Trail Program

Named Best Inca Trail Tour Operator by the Regional Direction of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Cusco (RDFTTC) in Peru. Your purchase of this tour helps employ over 560 local guides, porters, cooks, drivers, and office staff — connecting local communities to the global tourism chain. Learn more.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 4 - Demanding

Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 18, avg 14.

Age requirement: 18-39

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

35 days

Quito to La Paz

From$3562USD
was $4749
Valid on Apr 7 2024
Trip Code: SEQL

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on Apr 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24SDQ015SAM04
Expires on Mar 31, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV025ADV02

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 35

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 98

Map of the route for Quito to La Paz: Amazon & Ancient Cultures

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Quito

Arrive at any time. Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers over a few drinks at a downtown bar. Say cheers with a local craft beer and get excited for the adventure of a lifetime.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group| Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends

Day 2Quito/Tena

Travel overland to the jungle city of Tena, located on the edge of the Amazon. Hop into the back of a pickup truck and head to the local community of Pimpilala where you will stay in rustic wooden huts. Enjoy the hospitality of a Quichua family and experience life in the jungle first-hand.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Local Living Moment Amazon Jungle Experience

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3Tena

Venture out on nature walks and become immersed in the jungle around you. Learn about uses of traditional plants, and the cultural beliefs and local traditions in the Amazon jungle. You can also choose to take a tour of an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Local Living Moment Amazon Jungle Experience

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4Tena

Wake up and cycle to the nearby community of Shandia and discover the beauty of the Amazon with a member of the community as your guide. Learn about traditional uses of cacao by watching a chocolate-making demonstration, eat meals made of fresh local ingredients, and stay at the G Adventures-supported community lodge.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Shandia Biking & Community Experience| Your G for Good Moment Shandia Community Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Tena/Baños

Travel to Baños and get your adrenaline pumping. Try out horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, or rafting in the surrounding mountains.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Baños

The day is yours to explore what Baños has to offer. Check out the swing at the end of the world or relax in nearby hot springs.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 7Baños/Cuenca

Soak up the scenic views en route to the town of Cuenca, Ecuador's third largest town. Explore art galleries, museums, and admire its colonial architecture. Visit national parks, take walks in the breathtaking countryside, or check out the country's only Inca ruin site.

Day 8Cuenca

Choose your own adventure today. Wander through charming cobbled streets to discover the sights and sounds of Cuenca. From colourful homes with red-tiled roofs, to flower markets and picturesque plazas, the photo ops are endless in this town. (Prepare to have your camera roll filled with Cuenca!) Later, catch some z's on an overnight bus to Mancora.

Day 9Máncora

Wake up in the seaside town of Mancora, a village populated by fishermen and surfers. Chill out and breathe in the salty air.

Day 10Máncora

A lazy beach day is just what the doctor ordered. Unless you want to or take a surf lesson or join a yoga class. Totally up to you as you enjoy a free day in Mancora.

Day 11Máncora/Trujillo

Didn't get to do everything you wanted yesterday? No worries – more time in Mancora today. Later, relax and get some sleep on an overnight bus to Trujillo.

Day 12Trujillo

Bienvenidos a Trujillo! You can visit the impressive Chan Chan sandstone archaeological site today, snap a photo at the yellow colonial church, or head to Huanchaco for some more beach time.

Day 13Trujillo/Lima

Enjoy another full day in Trujillo before boarding a night bus to Lima.

Day 14Lima

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Lima

Enjoy the day exploring the city. Opt to pre-book the Lima Cooking Class and learn how to cook some classic Peruvian dishes using ingredients from the local market.

Day 16Lima/Huacachina

Travel along Peru's breathtaking coast to the oasis of Huacachina where you can sandboard on the desert dunes while watching the sun go down.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 17Huacachina/Nazca

Wake up and make the most of your time in Huacachina before your adventure continues on to Nazca. There is time in the morning for an optional excursion to the Ballestas Islands, home to a lively colony of sea lions, pelicans, and other varieties of birds. Later, catch a bus to Nazca. Stop along the way at a Pisco winery and try the country's national drink!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Foodie Moment Huacachina Winery Visit

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 18Nazca/Arequipa

Choose to soar over the iconic Nazca Lines today with a pre-bookable flight, or take a tour of the Nazca Desert Cemetery and Potter's Studio. Tonight, catch some z's on an overnight bus to Arequipa.

Day 19Arequipa

Welcome to Arequipa! Take the day to explore what is known as the 'white city.' If you're into history and architecture, visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, where you'll get a unique glimpse into a bygone way of life. For spicy food lovers, visiting one of the 'picanterías' is a must. Satisfy your craving with a variety of local regional foods: alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces.

Day 20Arequipa/Colca Canyon

Enjoy a full-day tour of the spectacular Colca Valley and venture to the impressive Colca Canyon — one of the deepest canyons in the world — on an overnight excursion. With a little luck, you'll spot some unusual Andean animals such as vicuñas, and alpacas. Give your body some much needed relaxation by taking an optional dip in the the hot springs.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 21Colca Canyon/Arequipa

Get an early start to be on the look out for condors. Travel from Chivay town to a condor viewpoint to get a glimpse of these magnificent birds in the air. On the way back, stop in local villages, and see old terraces. Later, head out for a drink in the Calle Zela area – restaurant, bar, or club, there's something for everyone!

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 22Arequipa/Cusco

Explore Arequipa – take a city tour if you want or check out a monastery or museum. Later, sit back and relax on an overnight bus to Cusco.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 23Cusco

Explore the city on your own today or choose from a variety of activities that will help you discover the magic of Cusco. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and plazas or choose to take a half-day tour of the city. Or, pre-book the Cusco cooking class if you want to learn to prepare delicious local specialties!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 24Cusco

Today is another free day to explore all that Cusco has to offer. Feeling active? Take on the Rainbow Mountain trek or go mountain biking. Prefer to stay local? Take it easy with a visit to the Inka Museum and hit up some of the many great cafes, restaurants and bars.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 25Cusco/Ollantaytambo

Head into the Sacred Valley today to visit the G-Adventures supported women's weaving co-op in the Ccaccaccollo community. Learn about weaving, and meet the adorable resident llamas. If you see a knitted item you like, buy it — a perfect keepsake from your journey. Stop and sample some craft beer at a brewery on your way to Ollantaytambo.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit| Your Foodie Moment Sacred Valley Brewery

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 26Inca Trail

Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where your trek begins. Hike through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons. You'll see several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 27Inca Trail

Get an early start today to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, known as Dead Woman's Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with some much needed R&R.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 28Inca Trail

Cross two more passes and ruins along the way. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through cloud forest on the gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley.

At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins (""forever young"") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 29Machu Picchu/Cusco

The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Wake up around 03:30 and walk to the checkpoint. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site. Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon. Tonight, dance the night away at a popular night club.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 30Cusco

Today is another free day to get the most out of Cusco and to do anything you may not have done yet. Continue to explore and be active or relax and watch the world go by from one of they many bars and restaurants on the main plaza.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 31Cusco/Puno

Sit back, relax, and soak in the impressive views as you travel by bus through the Altiplano on your way to Puno on Lake Titicaca.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 32Puno/Lake Titicaca

This morning, you will board a boat on Lake Titicaca and head to Taquile Island. Opt to have lunch in a local restaurant and shop in the afternoon at the local weaving cooperatives. Later, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay to live like a local on the shores of the lake. Learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and create unforgettable memories with the family and fellow travellers.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Local Living Moment Lake Titicaca Homestay

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 33Lake Titicaca/Puno

Say goodbye to your homestay family and stop at the Uros Islands on your way back to Puno. If you want, you can check out the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site. Or kayak on Lake Titicaca.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 34Puno/La Paz

Today, enjoy a full-day drive around the picturesque lake and through the Altiplano to La Paz. Cross over into Bolivia and catch your breath before a night out in the highest city of the trip. Check out the area of Sopocachi for cool bohemian vibes.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 35La Paz

Depart at any time.

View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Biking & Community Experience, Shandia
  • Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Community Lodge, Shandia
  • Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo
  • Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Local Living Moment: Amazon Jungle Experience, Tena
  • Your Discover Moment: Baños
  • Your Discover Moment: Lima
  • Your Foodie Moment: Huacachina Winery Visit, Huacachina
  • Your Discover Moment: Cusco
  • Your Foodie Moment: Sacred Valley Brewery, Ollantaytambo
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Cusco
  • Your Local Living Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lake Titicaca
  • Amazon Jungle excursion to a local community
  • Beach time in Mancora
  • Sunset sandboarding & dune buggies (Huacachina)
  • Pachamanca-style dinner (Nazca)
  • Colca Canyon excursion
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Inca Trail hike with a local guide, cook, and porters (4 days)
  • Lake Titicaca excursion
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Simple hotels (19 nts), hostel (4 nts, multi-share), overnight buses (4 nts), camping (3 nts), homestay (3 nt), G Adventures-supported community lodge (1 nt).

Meals

20 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
Allow USD695-905 for meals not included.

Transportation

Public bus, boat, truck, motorized canoe, train, hiking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer), specialist Inca Trail CEO on hike, local guides.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

Arequipa City Tour - From $45.00

Get out and explore "the white city" on this walking tour, stop at picturesque viewpoints to capture the surrounding volcanoes, marvel at the white volcanic sillar rock architecture, and visit one of the most stunning colonial buildings in the country, Santa Catalina Monastery.

Baños Canyoning Adventure - From $30.00

Jump, slide, rappel, swim and float around Cascadas de Chamana on this canyoning adventure, while enjoying the stunning scenery near Sangay National Park. Please keep in mind this is a level 4/5 physical activity. Good mobility and a strong fitness level are required for you to have an enjoyable experience.

Baños Ziplining Adventure Bundle - From $25.00

Buckle up your harness, put on your helmet, and prepare to launch. Glide along a zipline suspended 850m above the canyon below, dare to let go and reach top speeds as you zip past stunning scenery. Forget your fear as you cross Tibetan Suspension Bridge above Pastaza River. Rock climb up to a second zipline to finish off this adrenaline-filled adventure. Please keep in mind this is a level 3/5 physical activity. Good mobility, no fear of heights, and a strong fitness level are required for you to have an enjoyable experience.

Cusco Cooking Class - From $46.00

Channel your inner chef and get a taste of Peruvian cuisine. Learn all about the essential ingredients, and try your hand at preparing unique Peruvian dishes with a local expert

Flight over Nazca Lines - From $122.00

Take to the skies for the best view of the enigmatic Nazca Lines, a series of patterns and pictures etched in the ground, crisscrossing a wide area of flat desert. Marvel at the lines measuring up to 10km (6 mi) in length, yet, remaining perfectly straight. See depictions of birds, insects, and animals only recognizable from the air. Decide for yourself the origin of the lines – who drew the lines, and why, remains a mystery. Current beliefs suggest that they may be part of complex agricultural calendar. Please note that this activity does not include a tourist ticket fee of S/.47 PEN per person, payable directly by each traveller at the airport in Nazca.

Lake Titicaca Kayak Excursion - From $59.00

Begin your journey early in the morning by transfering from the hotel to the port, then head out by motorboat to the base camp at the Peninsula of Capachica, a 2.5 hr trip. Learn about sea kayaking from our guide and paddle towards Taquile Island and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the moment. Hike to a village upon arrival and enjoy lunch with the locals. Continue on by motor boat to Amantani Island to meet your hosts for the night.

Lima Cooking Class (4hrs) - From $79.00

Get a taste of Peruvian cuisine, visit local markets, sample exotic fruit, select fresh ingredients, and try your hand at preparing unique Peruvian dishes influenced by China, Italy, West Africa, and Japan.

Quito City Tour and Equator - From $50.00

Enjoy a city tour of Quito. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city. Drive 25km (16 mi) north of Quito to the Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Please note that this tour starts at 8 a.m.

Rainbow Mountain Hike - Full-day Trip - From $50.00

Lookout over these colourful Andean mountains striped with maroon, turquoise, lavender, and gold. The sediment, elevation, and proximity to the ocean create a landscape that has to be seen to be believed. Get started early to drive around 2 hours to the starting point of this challenging, yet rewarding full-day hike. Reaching 5,029m (16,500 ft) this 14km hike is no walk in the park, but these unique mountains do not disappoint.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Quito to La Paz: Amazon & Ancient Cultures

| 35 days - Quito to La Paz - from $3562 USD