Peru and Ecuador Adventure

Days 1-2 Quito
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador's multifaceted capital. Kick off the Latin American adventure exploring cobblestone streets in the Old Town or head to a funky bar in Quito's modern area.

Days 3-4 Amazon Jungle
Learn the secrets of the Amazon rainforest and the medicinal uses of plants on a local-guided tour of the jungle.

Days 5-7 Banos
With two free days in Banos, you might want to watch sunrise from the thermal springs or experience an adrenaline rush high in the Ecuadorian Andes - whitewater rafting, anyone? Banos has long been a traveller's favourite place to travel in Ecuador and it's not hard to see why.

Days 8-9 Cuenca
Wander cobblestone streets and admire the red-tiled roofs, flower markets and plazas of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Trust site.

Days 10-11 Mancora
Cross the border from Ecuador to Peru and spend a free day relaxing on Mancora beach, surfing or taking an optional boat tour through the mangrove swamps to search out local birdlife.

Days 12-13 Huanchaco
Travel through the Sechura Desert to see the 'surfing' fishermen of Huanchaco. Explore the historical city of Trujillo.

Days 14-15 Lima
Wander the well-preserved historical centre of Peru's capital, Lima.

Day 16 Pisco
Head to the Plaza de Armas for some tasty local cuisine or a Pisco sour - Peru's national drink made from a type of brandy.

Days 17-18 Nazca
Opt to visit the Ballestas Islands, a famed wildlife haven, before heading to the Nazca lines to discover ancient mummies and mysterious colossal etchings.

Days 19-22 Arequipa/ Colca Canyon
Journey to Arequipa and see why it's nicknamed the 'White City', then head deep into the Andes to witness Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons.

Days 23-24 Cusco/ Sacred Valley/ Ollantaytambo
Make tracks to charismatic Cusco, the gateway to adventure travel in Peru. Shop at the colourful San Pedro market in Cusco. Travel through the Sacred Valley and visit a local community - perhaps pick up some Quechuan lingo, Stop in at Ollantaytambo, where houses have been built over an ancient Inca town. 

Days 25-28 Inca Trail/ Machu Picchu/ Cusco
Walk through dense cloud forests and past ancient ruins on an awe-inspiring Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.

The trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but do come prepared: the trail is 45km (28 miles) long and often steep. Generally the days consist of 7 hours walking on average (both uphill and downhill), plus stops for snacks and lunch. Normally trekking starts at 7am and you reach the campsite around 4-5pm. There is always the possibility of rain, even in the dry season and temperatures may fall below freezing at night. The trail traverses three passes, the highest being 4,200m (13,779ft).

Please note: You require an Inca Trail permit to be able to access the Inca Trail on Days 25 to 27. Inca Trail permits are sold on request basis only. Once you have provided us with your deposit and passport details, we will endeavour to secure a permit for you. If Inca Trail permits are unavailable by the time you book, you can opt to hike the Inca Quarry Trail instead which still takes you to Machu Picchu using an alternative route.

Please note that all Inca Trail permits have now been sold for hikes starting before October 2012, therefore if you wish to travel before this you will be hiking the Quarry Trail Instead.

The Inca Trail closes in February to allow cleaning and restoration works, therefore we do not offer the Inca Trail during this time period.

Day 29 Cusco
Relax in a cafe back in Cusco or hit the mountain tracks on a daring bike ride.

Days 30-32 Puno/ Lake Titicaca
Stop in at the Puno, the folklore capital of Peru. Take a boat tour of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake and experience local life at a homestay.

Day 33 Copacabana
Cross the border from Peru to Copacabana in Bolivia where you have the option to hire a pedal boat, visit the Island of the Sun or hike to the top of Cerro Calvario and watch the sunset over town.

Days 34-36 La Paz
Travel by local bus to La Paz. At around 3,600 m, La Paz feels like the top of the world. It's not far from it and vies with Tibet for the title of highest capital in the world. Although Sucre is the official capital of Bolivia, La Paz is the centre of commerce, finance and industry. Despite the abundance of colonial architecture, La Paz's indigenous roots run deep, and the atmosphere in the market-filled streets is both modern and traditional.

La Paz is renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechiceria or Witches' Market. Browse through the weird and wonderful stalls which sell everything from potions to incantations made from herbs, seeds and unidentified bits and pieces to cure any ailment. Your Peru and Ecuador Adventure tour ends on Day 36 in La Paz.