G Adventures
Quito to La Paz: Amazon & Ancient Cultures
Quito to La Paz: Amazon & Ancient Cultures
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.
Highlights
Experience traditional life in a local community in the Amazon, witness colonial cities and volcanoes, Sandboard the dunes of Huacachina., spot condors at Colca Canyon, conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, settle in with the locals at a homestay on Lake Titicaca, Get adventurous in Baños, relax on the beach with free time in Mancora.
Accommodation
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).
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer), specialist Inca Trail CEO on hike, local guides.
Group Size Notes
Max 18, avg 14.
Meals Included
20 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners
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 G for Good Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lake Titicaca
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: Pachamanca, Nazca
Your Discover Moment: Cusco
Your Foodie Moment: Sacred Valley Brewery, Ollantaytambo
Your Big Night Out Moment: Cusco. 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.
| Day 1 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
| Day 2 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
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| Day 7 |
Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Cuenca, Ecuador, is a city that seamlessly blends colonial charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Known as the “Athens of Ecuador” due to its vibrant intellectual and cultural life, Cuenca's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that delights visitors with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and red-tiled roofs. At the heart of the city lies the iconic New Cathedral of Cuenca, or Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, with its striking blue domes. Visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking views over the city and surrounding mountains. Cuenca's charm goes beyond its architecture. The city pulses with a lively atmosphere, from bustling markets like Mercado 10 de Agosto, where you can savor local delicacies such as hornado (roast pork) and cuy (roast guinea pig), to the serene banks of the Tomebamba River, lined with colorful colonial houses. The city is also a hub for artisans, particularly in the production of the famous Panama hat, which is actually a traditional Ecuadorian hat woven from toquilla straw. Visitors can tour local hat factories, such as Homero Ortega, to witness this intricate craft and take home a piece of Cuenca’s heritage. Cuenca is also a gateway to exploring the natural wonders of southern Ecuador. Just a short drive away is Cajas National Park, a sprawling expanse of Andean páramo dotted with more than 200 glacial lakes and lagoons. This park is a paradise for hikers and bird watchers, offering trails that wind through misty cloud forests, high-altitude grasslands, and tranquil lagoons. For those who prefer a less rugged adventure, a visit to the nearby Inca ruins of Ingapirca, the largest and best-preserved archaeological site in Ecuador, provides a fascinating glimpse into the country’s pre-Columbian past. Fun fact: Cuenca is known for its consistently pleasant weather, earning it the nickname "City of Eternal Spring." With average temperatures hovering around 70°F (21°C) year-round, Cuenca's climate is perfect for leisurely strolls through its picturesque streets or outdoor adventures in the surrounding countryside. This climate, combined with its welcoming community, has made Cuenca a favorite destination for expatriates from around the world, adding a cosmopolitan flavor to its Andean charm. |
| Day 8 |
Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Cuenca, Ecuador, is a city that seamlessly blends colonial charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Known as the “Athens of Ecuador” due to its vibrant intellectual and cultural life, Cuenca's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that delights visitors with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and red-tiled roofs. At the heart of the city lies the iconic New Cathedral of Cuenca, or Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, with its striking blue domes. Visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking views over the city and surrounding mountains. Cuenca's charm goes beyond its architecture. The city pulses with a lively atmosphere, from bustling markets like Mercado 10 de Agosto, where you can savor local delicacies such as hornado (roast pork) and cuy (roast guinea pig), to the serene banks of the Tomebamba River, lined with colorful colonial houses. The city is also a hub for artisans, particularly in the production of the famous Panama hat, which is actually a traditional Ecuadorian hat woven from toquilla straw. Visitors can tour local hat factories, such as Homero Ortega, to witness this intricate craft and take home a piece of Cuenca’s heritage. Cuenca is also a gateway to exploring the natural wonders of southern Ecuador. Just a short drive away is Cajas National Park, a sprawling expanse of Andean páramo dotted with more than 200 glacial lakes and lagoons. This park is a paradise for hikers and bird watchers, offering trails that wind through misty cloud forests, high-altitude grasslands, and tranquil lagoons. For those who prefer a less rugged adventure, a visit to the nearby Inca ruins of Ingapirca, the largest and best-preserved archaeological site in Ecuador, provides a fascinating glimpse into the country’s pre-Columbian past. Fun fact: Cuenca is known for its consistently pleasant weather, earning it the nickname "City of Eternal Spring." With average temperatures hovering around 70°F (21°C) year-round, Cuenca's climate is perfect for leisurely strolls through its picturesque streets or outdoor adventures in the surrounding countryside. This climate, combined with its welcoming community, has made Cuenca a favorite destination for expatriates from around the world, adding a cosmopolitan flavor to its Andean charm. |
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| Day 11 |
Pazarro founded this town in 1534. It is now the jump-off point to visit the Inca ruins of: Chan Chan;
La Huaca Arco Iris; and Temples of the Sun and Moon. |
| Day 12 |
Pazarro founded this town in 1534. It is now the jump-off point to visit the Inca ruins of: Chan Chan;
La Huaca Arco Iris; and Temples of the Sun and Moon. |
| Day 13 |
Lima's sprawling size and unique embrace of both past and present make it an unforgettably unique destination. Colonial architecture, gastronomical delights, and art are all part of the fabric of this city. Visitors flock to Plaza De Armas De Lima, the spectacular birthplace of Lima, and Huaca Pucllana, a vast adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima. Additionally, UNESCO World Heritage Site Basilica y Convento de San Francisco (St. Francis Monastery) is a can't-miss part of the historic city center. This busy metropolis faces the Pacific Ocean and its popular seaport is Callao, about eight miles from the city center. |
| Day 14 |
Lima's sprawling size and unique embrace of both past and present make it an unforgettably unique destination. Colonial architecture, gastronomical delights, and art are all part of the fabric of this city. Visitors flock to Plaza De Armas De Lima, the spectacular birthplace of Lima, and Huaca Pucllana, a vast adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima. Additionally, UNESCO World Heritage Site Basilica y Convento de San Francisco (St. Francis Monastery) is a can't-miss part of the historic city center. This busy metropolis faces the Pacific Ocean and its popular seaport is Callao, about eight miles from the city center. |
| Day 15 |
Lima's sprawling size and unique embrace of both past and present make it an unforgettably unique destination. Colonial architecture, gastronomical delights, and art are all part of the fabric of this city. Visitors flock to Plaza De Armas De Lima, the spectacular birthplace of Lima, and Huaca Pucllana, a vast adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima. Additionally, UNESCO World Heritage Site Basilica y Convento de San Francisco (St. Francis Monastery) is a can't-miss part of the historic city center. This busy metropolis faces the Pacific Ocean and its popular seaport is Callao, about eight miles from the city center. |
| Day 16 |
Lima's sprawling size and unique embrace of both past and present make it an unforgettably unique destination. Colonial architecture, gastronomical delights, and art are all part of the fabric of this city. Visitors flock to Plaza De Armas De Lima, the spectacular birthplace of Lima, and Huaca Pucllana, a vast adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima. Additionally, UNESCO World Heritage Site Basilica y Convento de San Francisco (St. Francis Monastery) is a can't-miss part of the historic city center. This busy metropolis faces the Pacific Ocean and its popular seaport is Callao, about eight miles from the city center. |
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| Day 18 |
Nazca, Peru, is renowned for its mysterious and captivating Nazca Lines, an enigmatic collection of geoglyphs etched into the desert floor. These massive designs, which include animals, plants, and geometric shapes, are best appreciated from the air. A flight over the lines offers a breathtaking view of these ancient artworks, which were created between 500 BCE and 500 CE. The purpose of these massive figures remains a subject of intrigue, with theories ranging from astronomical calendars to ceremonial pathways. Fun fact: The Nazca Lines are so large that some of the figures are only fully visible from the air. They cover an area of approximately 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles), making them one of the largest and most complex sets of geoglyphs in the world. |
| Day 19 |
The second largest city in Peru, Arequipa is called the "white city" because of the white volcano stone with which much of the city was built. Here you'll see charming colonial buildings, a 400 year old convent and gilded churches.
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| Day 20 |
The second largest city in Peru, Arequipa is called the "white city" because of the white volcano stone with which much of the city was built. Here you'll see charming colonial buildings, a 400 year old convent and gilded churches.
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| Day 21 |
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| Day 22 |
The second largest city in Peru, Arequipa is called the "white city" because of the white volcano stone with which much of the city was built. Here you'll see charming colonial buildings, a 400 year old convent and gilded churches.
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| Day 23 |
Cusco is the South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, the gateway to Machu Picchu and once was the capital of the Inca Empire. Make sure you get to Plaza de Armas, the main square and center of the city. Walk through the nearby San Pedro Market to find a special gift for loved ones (or yourself!) or view the Sun Temple Coricancha. |
| Day 24 |
Cusco is the South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, the gateway to Machu Picchu and once was the capital of the Inca Empire. Make sure you get to Plaza de Armas, the main square and center of the city. Walk through the nearby San Pedro Market to find a special gift for loved ones (or yourself!) or view the Sun Temple Coricancha. |
| Day 25 |
Most commonly reached via travel from Cusco, Ollantaytambo is an Incan archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of southern Peru. The town dates from the late 15th century and is home to some of the oldest continuously-occupied dwellings in South America. Its primary attraction is the fortress ruins, and it's also a favorite starting point for the famous Inca Trail, a four-day, three-night hike to Machu Picchu. |
| Day 26 |
Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. At more than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, this symbol of the Incan Empire was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. |
| Day 27 |
Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. At more than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, this symbol of the Incan Empire was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. |
| Day 28 |
Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. At more than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, this symbol of the Incan Empire was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. |
| Day 29 |
Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. At more than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, this symbol of the Incan Empire was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. |
| Day 30 |
Cusco is the South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, the gateway to Machu Picchu and once was the capital of the Inca Empire. Make sure you get to Plaza de Armas, the main square and center of the city. Walk through the nearby San Pedro Market to find a special gift for loved ones (or yourself!) or view the Sun Temple Coricancha. |
| Day 31 |
Situated on the shore of Lake Titicaca, Puno is referred to as the folkloric capital of Peru due to its artistic and cultural expressions, particularly dance. Notable landmarks include the Andean baroque-style Puno Cathedral and the Yavari, a 19th-century steamship. Products created from alpaca, llama, or sheep wool are a signature of the area, as well as musical instruments like the siku. |
| Day 32 |
Situated on the shore of Lake Titicaca, Puno is referred to as the folkloric capital of Peru due to its artistic and cultural expressions, particularly dance. Notable landmarks include the Andean baroque-style Puno Cathedral and the Yavari, a 19th-century steamship. Products created from alpaca, llama, or sheep wool are a signature of the area, as well as musical instruments like the siku. |
| Day 33 |
Traditionally regarded as the highest navigable body of water in the world (in reality there are higher lakes in Chile and Peru), Lake Titicaca is immense: its dimensions measure 233km from north-west to south-east and 97km from north-east to south-west. The lake has an indented shoreline, 36 islands and exceptionally clear sapphire-blue water. Titicaca is revered by the Indians who live on its shores, and the Islas del Sol and Islas de la Luna, two islands in the lake, are
the legendary sites of the Inca's creation myths. The main town in the area is Copacabana, which has a sparkling white Moorish-style Cathedral and is host to the Fiesta de la Virgen de Candelaria. Isla Suriqui is world-renowned for its totora reed boats; Isla Kalahuta for its stone tombs; and Isla Incas is reputed in legend to have an underground network of passageways linking it to the old Inca capital of Cuzco in Peru. Travelers should wear protective headgear around the lake because the thin air results in scorchingly high levels of ultraviolet radiation. Half of the lake lies within the borders of Peru; Puno is the principal settlement and main center for excursions on the Peruvian shore of the lake. |
| Day 34 |
Situated on the shore of Lake Titicaca, Puno is referred to as the folkloric capital of Peru due to its artistic and cultural expressions, particularly dance. Notable landmarks include the Andean baroque-style Puno Cathedral and the Yavari, a 19th-century steamship. Products created from alpaca, llama, or sheep wool are a signature of the area, as well as musical instruments like the siku. |
| Day 35 |
It is confusing, but Bolivia has two capitals: La Paz is the administrative capital and Sucre, where the document of independence from Spain was signed in 1825, is the constitutional capital. the airport, appropriately named "El Alto" (meaning "high") is 12,700 feet above sea level. La Paz is a little lower, at 11,880 feet. La Paz has its modern side, with good hotels, office complexes and good restaurants, but go to the market area and you're transported back in time a few hundred years. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/04/25 - 06/29/25 |
Starting At $4,899 |
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|
07/06/25 - 08/09/25 |
Starting At $3,919 |
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|
07/13/25 - 08/16/25 |
Starting At $4,899 |
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|
07/20/25 - 08/10/25 |
Starting At $3,919 |
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|
08/17/25 - 09/28/25 |
Starting At $4,899 |
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|
10/03/25 - 10/26/25 |
Starting At $4,749 |
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|
11/02/25 - 02/28/26 |
Starting At $4,599 |
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|
03/14/26 - 04/25/26 |
Starting At $4,749 |
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|
05/02/26 - 09/29/26 |
Starting At $4,899 |
Get A Quote | |
|
10/03/26 - 10/31/26 |
Starting At $4,749 |
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|
11/03/26 - 12/05/26 |
Starting At $4,599 |
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Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
