Quito to Lima holiday to Peru & Ecuador

country:	Ecuador, Peru
location:	Andes
trip type:	A small group adventure
departures:	2009: 13 Mar, 8 May, 3 Jul, 28 Aug, 23 Oct, 18 Dec
price:	From £525 (15 days) excluding flights, local payment US $150. We can arrange flights from the UK.
vouchers:	Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday

Ecuador holidays

Peru holidays

the amazing things you'll be doing

This remarkable journey takes in two of the most scenic countries in South America, beginning in Ecuador’s capital Quito and travelling through colourful highland towns and stunning mountain landscapes on the way to the Peruvian border.

Once in Peru the route follows the coast south, stopping to explore the beautiful colonial town of Trujillo, known for its pre-Inca ruins, before arriving in Lima.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:	Quito: Arrive in Quito, one of Latin America’s most historically important cities, with a wealth of architectural gems and the dramatic backdrop of the Pichincha volcano.
Day 2:	Quito - Otavalo: We set off by bus to Otavalo, a traditional Andean town with one of South America’s best markets. The afternoon is free to explore the town.
Day 3:	Quito - Banos: We We take a morning bus to Banos, a lovely town situated in an idyllic location on the slopes of Tungurahua volcano.
Day 4:	Banos: A full day to explore Banos and the surrounding area. There are a range of different options including hiking, taking a horsetrek into the mountains, exploring by mountain bike and relaxing in the hot pools for which the town is famous.
Day 5:	Banos - Riobamba: Morning bus journey to Riobamba at the foot of the Chimborazo Alps. The afternoon is free to explore the magnificent surrounding mountain scenery.
Day 6:	Riobamba - Cuenca: Early in morning we board the famous ‘Devil’s Nose’ railway for the spectacular journey across steep-sided ravines and rocky gorges to Alausi. We then continue by bus to the old colonial town of Cuenca. (Note: if the train is not running we will travel by bus instead).
Day 7:	Cuenca: Morning walking tour of this beautiful city. Cobblestone streets, numerous plazas and whitewashed buildings with old wooden doors make it a pleasure to explore.
Day 8:	Cuenca - Vilcabamba: Last chance to buy an authentic Panama hat, originally from Cuenca, before heading for Vilcabamba, a tranquil little village close to the border with Peru.
Day 9:	Vilcabamba: Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Vilcabamba is perfect to explore on foot or horse-back, with the scenic Mandango trail being the most popular option. Otherwise enjoy relaxing in the village and experiencing the Andean lifestyle.
Day 10:	Vilcabamba - Piura: Drive the scenic route into Peru via Macara. We spend the night at Piura.
Day 11:	Piura - Trujillo: Heading south along the Peruvian coast we arrive at the coastal fishing village of Huanchaco, our base for exploring the elegant colonial city of Trujillo. Huanchaco is famous for its narrow pointed fishing rafts made of reeds known as caballitos. Ridden by the locals like surfboards, you can have a go if you dare.
Day 12-13:	Trujillo: Named in 1534 after the city of Pizarro's birthplace in Spain, Trujillo is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in the country. The area is complemented with impressive pre-Inca ruins like the Moche-culture pyramids of Huacas del Sol and de la Luna, Chan Chan or the most distant El Brujo. Two full days to explore or relax on the beach, perhaps trying some surfing. In the evening of Day 14 we take an overnight bus to Lima.
Day 15:	Lima: Founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and known as the City of Kings, Lima became the most important and powerful metropolis in Spanish America. Today Lima is a modern city that offers a wide array of attractions. A full day to explore the city.
Day 15:	Lima: Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

small group adventure holiday

Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.

highly commended

This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.

Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.

how this holiday makes a difference

On this trip we travel around Ecuador and the north of Peru, the least visited part of this very popular country. We use only public transport on this trip, these being mostly buses between our various destinations. We use small local suppliers and local guides in each of the cities and places we visit in preference to one of the big national operators. This way we ensure that the income generated from this tour is distributed to the areas we visit and benefits local people as well as providing the most in-depth local knowledge for our travellers. The accommodation used is privately owned by local families or small local entrepreneurs - hotels are simple but clean and pleasant and you will feel welcome from the moment you arrive.

There are many optional activites available on this tour and clients are encouraged to undertake these booking with small local operators ensuring that the income is channelled directly into the community. Our tour leaders are trained in accordance with responsible travel policies and will brief the group about this at the start of the tour. We actively try to inform our suppliers about responsible travel issues, including encouraging hotels to make better use of resources.

Through our Responsble Travel fund we are supporting a school building project in South America to help children find alternatives to working in the mines. Every pound that our passengers donate to this project we promise to double (up to a maximum of 1000UK£). We have a further similar 10 projects elsewhere around the globe where we regularly operate tours.

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'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left).

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