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 Intl. flights ($CA) |
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AMERIKA VENTURE
Based in Canada
& Costa Rica
Inbound travel agency
& tour operator
Across the Americas
since 1996
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| Eco-adventure in Peru, Ecuador & Bolivia - 21 days - #PEC |
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Explore Peru and Ecuador, two fascinating and beautiful countries filled with natural and cultural treasures. Discover their magical landscapes, infinite possibilities of unforgettable experiences and a friendly and picturesque people.
Day 1. La Paz (Saturday)
Day 2. Tihuanaco - Puno / Lake Titicaca (Sunday)
Day 3. Uros Islands and Isla Taquile (Monday)
Day 4. Sillustani (Tuesday)
Day 5. Cusco (Wednesday)
Day 6. Cusco and the Sacred Valley (Thursday)
Day 7. Inka Trail to Machu Picchu (Friday)
Day 8. Machu Picchu – (Saturday)
Day 9. Lima (Sunday)
Day 10. Quito (Monday)
Day 11. Laguna de Quilotoa, Canyon of Toachi (Tuesday)
Day 12. Chugchilan region – Rest and optional excursions (Wednesday)
Day 13. Chugchilan - Quilotoa – Otavalo (Thursday)
Day 14. Otavalo region (Friday)
Day 15. Otavalo market (Saturday)
Day 16. Reserve of Cuyabeno, basin of the Amazon (Sunday)
Day 17. Reserve of Cuyabeno, basin of the Amazon (Monday)
Day 18. Reserve of Cuyabeno, basin of the Amazon (Tuesday).
Day 19. Return to Quito (Wednesday)
Day 20. Quito (Thursday)
Day 21. Transfer to Quito international airport (Friday)
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This original and unique itinerary takes you on an extraordinary adventure
throughout South America...
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Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1. La Paz (Saturday)
Arrival at La Pazt international airport, the capital of Bolivia. Transfer to your hotel. Take a glimpse of the city's colourful back streets and markets, or relax at you hotel. Overnight in a comfortable and charming hotel in La Paz.
Day 2. Tihuanaco - Puno / Lake Titicaca (Sunday)
Heading for Peru via Tihuanaco, Bolivia's most significant archaeological site. The remains of five different civilizations were found on this great ceremonial center. After an interesting introduction to Tihuanaco's history and exploration of the site, we continue our way to the world famous Titicaca Lake (approx. 5 hrs drive + border crossing), the world's most elevated navigable and largest lake in South America, famous for its beautiful sunsets. Transfer to a friendly hotel in Puno (3827m), a melting pot of different cultures among which we find the Aymares of the South and the Quechuas of the North - hence its name "Folkloric Capital of Peru". This place is the starting point of several great exploration hikes. Overnight in Puno.
Day 3. Uros Islands and Isla Taquile (Monday)
Full day excursion on Lake Titicaca. We visit the floating islands of the Uros Indians. Nothing like this can be observed elsewhere: in order to isolate themselves from other tribes, such as the Collas and the Incas, the Uros began their floating existence by building islands out of reed. Three hundred inhabitants populate these islands today. We continue our excursion to Isla Taquila, a small charming island only 1km wide and 5km long located 24km from Puno. No electricity, no roads, no vehicles nor bicycles guarantee of a peaceful and quiet stay on the island. Its friendly people speak Quechua and wear colourful traditional clothes. We return to Puno in the evening, just in time to enjoy the magnificent sunset while having a good meal. Overnight as day before in a charming hotel in Puno.
Day 4. Sillustani (Tuesday)
Sillustani is another beautiful place of interest. Impressive funerary towers reaching up to 12 metres high which can be seen are very impressive. The southern part of the Inca Empire was once known as Collasuyo, named after the Collas, a tribe dominating the Lake Titicaca region at that time. Overnight as day before in Puno.
Day 5. Cusco (Wednesday)
During an unforgettable bus ride from Puno to Cusco (8hrs) we have the chance to observe the magnificent landscapes of Peruvian Andes. Some well selected stops on the way will allow us a great observation day. Overnight in Cusco
Day 6. Cusco and the Sacred Valley (Thursday)
Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire. It is the most ancient continuously inhabited city on the continent. Its interesting history is reflected by its ancient architecture and the many surrounding Inca sites. On an excursion through the sacred valley, as the Urubamba Valley is called, we discover the daily life in typical Andean villages such as Ollantaytambo and Pisac. We will visit many Inca ruins and colonial churches which lie on our way and in Chinchero, a small town located high in the pampa, we appreciate a fabulous view of the altiplano and the eternal snow covered summits of the Cordilleras Villabamba and Urubamba. Overnight as day before in Cusco.
Day 7. Inka Trail to Machu Picchu (Friday)
( Travellers preferring this option can continue to the lodge by train where they will be joined by the rest of the group and the guide in the evening).Today begins an extraordinary adventure: we hike the Inca Trail of old days towards magic Machu Pichu! The hike begins at 2 500m (at km104 of the railway) and traverses tropical rainforest and takes us to the Inca ruins of Winay Wayna ("Forever Young"), where we will break and have lunch. Afterwards we continue until we reach Inti Punktu in the afternoon ("The Sun Gate") from where we enter the Lost city of the Incas: Machu Picchu. We arrive around 4:00pm and have thus the site for us, most of the visitors have left the site for the last train to Cusco. We don't have much time today to explore the site but will be back early tomorrow. Transfer to a comfortable 3* hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 8. Machu Picchu – (Saturday)
Early departure (6:30am) by bus towards the site. Since most visitors arrive at Machu Picchu with the first train at 9:00am we recommend visiting the site as early as possible in order to fully appreciate this magical place and to feel the atmosphere of this unique and peaceful Inca site. Return to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon where we will take the train back to Cusco. Overnight in your hotel in Cusco.
Day 9. Lima (Sunday)
Morning guided tour of Cusco, unique cultural and architectural treasure. Direct flight from Cusco to Lima, the capital of Peru, essential stop to continue on our journey tomorrow towards Ecuador. Evening and overnight in Lima.
Day 10. Quito (Monday)
Early flight to Quito Capital of Ecuador. Quito is a splendid town, cultural and historical treasure. Some parts of the city will be explored today. Meals and overnight in a warm and welcoming inn in Quito.
Day 11. Laguna de Quilotoa, Canyon of Toachi (Tuesday)
After a copious breakfast in our charming inn in Quito, we are on our way towards the Lagoon of Quilotoa, a striking emerald coloured lake coiled in the heart of the volcano of the same name, through the Andean landscapes of the "Avenida of los Volcanes". Then we will be on our way to the Toachi Canyon and will be surrounded by its walls while going down its slopes. Splendid points of view are offered to our eyes during this hike, punctuated with meetings with the inhabitants of the area; a beautiful adventure in the rural and natural today’s Equator. Reception at the eco-lodge in the evening. Located within a natural splendid environment, observing the principles of the ecotourism and the sustainable development, this stone and wood made inn, located in the heart of the Equator , away from the country's major roads, is a peaceful sanctuary for human and for birds; a deserved stop in this active and coloured tour! Excellent meals, welcoming comfort; a pleasant stay is ahead of us. (Travellers preferring this option can continue to the inn in the minibus where they will be joined by the remainder of the group and the guide late afternoon. Also offered, for those who would like to, this trip can be a horse-back trip, in which case a slight fee applies).
Day 12. Chugchilan region – Rest and optional excursions (Wednesday)
Rest in a wonderful natural landscape. Birding and short hikes. You can orchestrate your day as you wish. Also you can visit the pre-Inca sites of the region or explore the Ecological Reserve of Iliniza, a cloud forest almost unknown and sheltering a great biodiversity. It is possible to rent horses for this exploration, since it takes the whole day and you will be accompanied by a local naturalist guide. Overnight at the eco-lodge in Chugchilan.
Day 13. Chugchilan - Quilotoa – Otavalo (Thursday)
Transfer to Otavalo via Latacunga and Quito. Stop on the way in an extremely interesting art gallery (Andean painters of Quilotoa region). We will also stop in an inn in the mountains, for a copious lunch before heading towards the commercial area of our destination today. Overnight in a charming inn in Otavalo.
Day 14. Otavalo region (Friday)
Otavalo region encompasses several small and medium size villages where are produced the crafts which will be offered at the market. Leather, wool, fabrics, art and hand crafted work and musical instruments; these products are forwarded on a weekly basis to the market. Today we explore this region and meet the women and men who craft these objects which will be offered in Otavalo on Saturday. Overnight in a charming and comfortable inn in Otavalo.
Day 15. Otavalo market (Saturday)
Exploration of Otavalo's famous Indian market , certainly the most interesting crafts market throughout Latin America; colourful hand made textiles, hammocks, herbs, baskets, potteries and lots more will attract your attention. A nice encounter with the people and the traditions of this region which retail activities goes back to pre-Incas time. Overnight in a charming and comfortable inn in Otavalo.
Day 16. Reserve of Cuyabeno, basin of the Amazon (Sunday)
Breakfast at the hotel. 8h30: transfer to Quito airport. Check in time at 9h30. 10h30: Flight from Quito to Lago Agrio. On your arrival at Lago Agrio airport, you will be met by your local guide waiting for you with a sign displaying our logo. From Lago Agrio you travel by road for 2,5 hours to El Puente, the bridge on the Cuyabeno River and the entrance to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. From here, you travel 2 hours downstream by motorized canoe to the famous lagoons of Cuyabeno. On the way to the camp you have the chance to observe different kinds of monkeys and birds. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 17. Reserve of Cuyabeno, basin of the Amazon (Monday)
Breakfast at the lodge. In the morning, trek through terra firma forest with your Siona guideand a naturalist guide. In the afternoon, visit of the flooded Igapo forest by canoe. Your Siona guide will teach you about the forest’s medicinal plants and local folklore while your naturalist guide will explain the ecology of the rainforest and the natural history of the local flora and fauna. If Lady Luck is on your side you will catch a glimpse of a fresh water dolphin streaking across a lagoon or a troupe of squirrel monkeys bouncing through the treetops. Once the curtain of night falls you will silently head out onto the lagoon, this time in search of caiman. Dinner and night at the lodge
Day 18. Reserve of Cuyabeno, basin of the Amazon (Tuesday).
Rise at dawn to bird watch; quite possibly you will see toucans, parrots, herons, and hoatzin (among others). Return to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, travel deeper into the reserve down the Cuyabeno River. Disembark for a short walk, a picnic lunch and piranha fishing (if you catch a big one the lodge chefs will fry it up for you for dinner!). In the late afternoon, head back to the lodge by canoe. Tonight, there is the option of a night hike: grab your flashlight and check-out the rainforest’s nocturnal critters such as translucent tree frogs, patoos, armadillos, kinkajous and fruitbats. Dinner and night at the lodge.
Day 19. Return to Quito (Wednesday)
Breakfast at the lodge. Canoe upstream towards EL Puente (2 hours) from where you travel to Lago Agrio (2.5 hrs). Return flight to Quito, arrival around 5:30pm. A driver will meet you and take you to the inn. A good meal will be served then.... a well deserved good night sleep!
Day 20. Quito (Thursday)
Today, visit of Quito, the colourful capital of Equator dating from the 16th century that possesses an undeniable charm. Once ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Quito is now a true jewel of colonial architecture and was declared cultural world heritage by the UNESCO in 1978. At an elevation of 2850 metres above sea level, flanked by Pichincha volcano and other high mountains and only 22 km south of the equator, this charming colonial city has a pleasant spring like climate. Various cultural visits are possible: Casa of the Cultura Ecuatoriana, Museo Guayasamin, Museo de Arte y Historia, Museo Colonial de Arte, Monasterio Desan Francisco... Music and Traditional dance in the evening, our last evening together in Ecuador will be memorable! Overnight in a friendly hotel in Quito
Day 21. Transfer to Quito international airport (Friday)
Transfer to the international airport of Quito. End of the adventure.
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NOTE: The description of this program is provided as a general indication of the tour's day by day itinerary. Your program could be slightly different according to weather conditions, availabilities or changes in the accessibility of a site and/or service.
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 Accomodations during this tour are provided in charming & meticulously selected 3* inns, eco-lodges and hotels. We only use on our trips carefully selected small and medium sized genuine hotels and Inns offering friendliness and a homey touch along with the comfort and services expected from larger hotels. Inns are locally owned and managed - often family run - and provide a warm and cozy atmosphere to their visitors. Rooms are large and they include a private bathroom, a ceiling fan and/or air conditioning. * Unless otherwise indicated in the tour's day by day description.
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Inclusions
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Exclusions
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- An excellent naturalist tour guide with you from the beginning to the end and specialized local guides in some areas.
- All the transports in a private mini-bus with private driver, from airport arrival to airport departure + one transfer in a coach bus + the train transports + the boat transports + three domestic flights.
- Lodgings in charming and very comfortable hotels, eco-lodges and inns, private bathroom, pleasant ambience.
- All the activities included in the description of the tour.
- All the meals served in the inns and restaurants or picnic (full board).
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For additional practical travel information on this tour PEC - click here
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Comparing our tours and prices with others, consider...
- The number of participants in the tour. The SIZE of the group has a major incidence on the quality of the services provided by the tour leader and the driver. Small groups remain personal unlike large groups.
- What IS and what is NOT included in the tours & services you compare.
- Our tours respect the principals of ecotourism. Our guides, staff members and providers are meticulously selected to meet our exacting requirements and standards and they are remunerated equitably and considered with great esteem as we much value their participation to our mission.
- The quality standards of the services and accommodations we provide in our tours are high and our customer service is exceptional. We are committed to offering the very best to our travellers before, during and after their trip.
- We provide our travellers with the contact information of their tour manager who is available 7 days a week before and during the tour to promptly assist them with any situation or simply answer questions or doubts before the tour starts.
Procedures and deadlines summary:
- Upon reception of your booking request we will send you a booking confirmation & invoice (or another offer if the requested services cannot be confirmed).
- Upon reception of your invoice, you must send us your initial deposit (30% of the tour price + 100% of flights and/or travel insurance, if these services are booked through us). We accept all major credit cards, checks, wire transfers and cash.
- Your final payment must be received 45 days prior to your tour departure.
- We send you your travel documents by FedEx courier 30 days prior to your tour departure (or before). We also send you (at the same time) an electronic version (PDF document sent by email) of your documents to keep as a backup copy in your files.
All payments received are confirmed by our accounting dpt. the next day with an updated account statement sent by email.
General conditions
Feedback from our travellers
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Copyright © 1998 - 2012 Amerika Venture
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