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16 days
Quito to Lima Overland
This trip samples three of South Americas most distinct regions: the high Andean Cordilleras of Ecuador, with their jagged mountain peaks, the Napo River in the heart of the steamy Amazon Basin, and the coastal deserts of northern Peru, one of the driest deserts in the world.
n colonial quito n aMazon jungle n banoS n devilS noSe rail adventure n cuenca n zorritoS beach n chan chan ruinS n colonial liMa
17 days
The Silver Trail
The silver mines of Potosi produced enough wealth to underwrite the Spanish crown for over 200 years and the city became the second largest in the Americas. This adventure follows the Silver Trail across the Bolivian Altiplano and through Argentinas stunning Humahuaca Gorge, before arriving in lively Buenos Aires.
n la Paz n Sucre n uyuni Salt deSert n quebrada de huMahuaca n tilcara Pre-inca ruinS n colonial Salta n cordoba n buenoS aireS
Days 1-2/Quito Our first two days are free for you to explore one of South Americas most charming cities. Roam the cobblestone streets of old Quito and enjoy the stunning vistas across the mountains and snow-capped volcanoes that dominate this town. Days 3-/Amazon Jungle We head eastward down the mountain and into the depths of the Amazon basin. From our jungle lodge we explore the spectacular landscape of rivers and rainforest with our expert local guide who shares his knowledge of the regions animal and birdlife. Days 5-/Banos The small town of Banos, located within the mountains of the Andes, is our next stop. There is time to explore the idyllic town, swim in the thermal baths or try some of the optional activities including whitewater rafting, mountain biking and horseriding. Days 7-9/Rio Bamba - Cuenca We take the local bus to the town of Rio Bamba where we spend the night before climbing aboard the Devils Nose train for a memorable journey through superb mountain scenery. We continue on to the colonial town of Cuenca from here we can explore the Inca ruins of Ingapirca definitely worth a visit. Days 10-1/Zorritos Beach - Chiclayo - Trujillo We leave Ecuador and head down to the coastal desert of Peru, staying overnight in the beachside town of Zorritos and then Chiclayo before arriving at Trujillo. From Trujillo theres an excursion to the magnificent adobe ruins of Chan Chan, the imperial city of the Chimu Kingdom. Theres time also to visit the nearby surfing village of Huanchaco for those who would like a dip in the Pacific. On Day 14 we catch the bus to Lima, arriving early evening. Days 15-1/Lima Lima is waiting to be discovered, with its many museums, galleries and religious buildings. There are countless artefacts of the Inca and ancient coastal civilisations of Peru to investigate and the local markets offer indigenous handicrafts from all over the country. Our overland adventure comes to an end after breakfast on Day 16.
Days 1-3/La Paz Our adventure starts in La Paz, the legislative capital and largest city in Bolivia. Overlooking the city is the towering triple-peaked Illimani, always snow covered and majestic. Take your time exploring the cobblestone back streets of this most Indian of South American cities, before joining the overnight bus bound for Sucre on Day 3. Days -5/Sucre The beautiful colonial city of Sucre is the constitutional capital of the country. It enjoys a rich, varied history and has a wealth of historical architecture to be discovered. On a tour of the old city we enjoy a visit to the Franciscan Monastery of La Recolta, the Museum of La Casa de la Libertad and the chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Days -7/Potosi - Uyuni Its a short drive to Potosi, once the second largest city of the Americas. This silver-rich city has been the subject of many great stories, myths and legends. Today Potosi has been declared a cultural asset of humankind by UNESCO and on a tour of the city you will quickly discover why. On the afternoon of Day 7 we drive on to Uyuni. Day /Uyuni Salt Desert Today we venture out into the great salt plains of the Uyuni desert, exploring this strange and fascinating region. Well visit the village of Jirira and take in the sensational views from the Tunupa Volcano. In the late afternoon we return to Uyuni for the overnight train journey across the stark landscape to Villazon. Day 9/Huamahuaca - Tilcara In the early morning our train arrives at the Bolivian frontier town of Villazon. After crossing the border we meet our Argentinean leader and set off down through the stunning Humahuaca Gorge, a major trade route for the past 10,000 years and the main route for Potosis silver. The scenery is spectacular. Well visit Humahuaca and Uquia villages before arriving in the town of Tilcara for our overnight stay.
Days 10-12/Salta We rise early today to see the sunrise at the famous seven colours mountain, close to the village of Purmamarca. Well enjoy a short trek in the area, known as Los Colorados, to really appreciate the incredible scenery, and then in the afternoon, we continue on to Salta. This is Argentinas most traditional colonial city and we will explore its many fine buildings as well as enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at some of the great cafes, restaurants and bars. Having explored Salta theres time for some great optional side trips to the wonderful towns of Cachi and Cafayate. In the evening of Day 12 we take the overnight bus headed for Cordoba. Days 13-1/Cordoba Called the Heartland of Argentina for its location in the geographical centre of the country, Cordoba has a strong colonial history, much of which can be traced back to the Jesuit period. Well enjoy a walking tour of the colonial centre and, on a full day excursion into the surrounding countryside, well explore the Unesco World Heritage missions of Capilla de Candonga, Ascochinga, Santa Catalina and Santa Maria. Its a great outing and when we return to Cordoba in the evening well join the overnight bus to the capital. Days 15-17/Buenos Aires You will love Buenos Aires! Home to nearly 13 million people, its one of the largest cities in the world. This vibrant, stylish city boasts grand avenues, bustling streets, old-world cafes and stylish restaurants. Well take you on a walking tour of the main centre but you will also have time to make some great discoveries of your own. You might want to try the tango or perhaps enjoy the thrill of your first Argentinean football match. Whatever you choose to do you are in for a great time! Your adventure down the Silver Trail comes to an end on the morning of Day 17. The magnificent Iguazu Falls are only a short flight away if you have the time.
COLOMBIA
Cuenca Banos Tumbes PERU Zorritos Mancora Huanchaco Trujillo Lima
trip info
Prices: See page 2
ECUADOR
Quito
Mishuali
BRAZIL
on River A ma z
Group size: Maximum 15. Grade: Moderate. Transport: bus, canoe, on foot, taxi, train. Accommodation: 2 nights jungle lodge, 13 nights hotel. Meals: 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners. Local payment: Your tour leader will collect US$200 from each person on Day 1. Want more? Link this trip with another Geckos adventure: Complete Galapagos, Galapagos Adventure, Galapagos at a Glance. Tour Code: GSQL. Further Info & Trip Notes: www.geckosadventures.co.uk/trips/gsql
Starts Sun 2007 21-Oct 11-Nov 16-Dec 200 13-Jan 03-Feb Finishes Mon 05-Nov 26-Nov 31-Dec 28-Jan 18-Feb 24-Feb 16-Mar 06-Apr 27-Apr 18-May 08-Jun 29-Jun 20-Jul 10-Aug 10-Mar 31-Mar 21-Apr 12-May 02-Jun 23-Jun 14-Jul 04-Aug 25-Aug 31-Aug 21-Sep 12-Oct 02-Nov 23-Nov 14-Dec 2009 04-Jan 25-Jan 15-Sep 06-Oct 27-Oct 17-Nov 08-Dec 29-Dec 19-Jan 09-Feb 15-Feb 02-Mar 08-Mar 23-Mar *28-Mar 12-Apr 29-Mar 13-Apr 19-Apr 04-May *Reverse itinerary Lima to Quito
Quito to Lima Overland The Silver Trail
trip info
BOLIVIA
La Paz Potosi Uyuni Sucre Villazon
CHILE
PARAGUAY
Group size: Maximum 15. Grade: Moderate. Transport: bus, private van, taxi, train. Accommodation: 3 nights overnight coach, 1 night overnight train, 12 nights hotel. Meals: 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch. Local payment: Your tour leader will collect US$300 from each person on Day 1. Want more? Link this trip with another Geckos adventure: Amazing Iguazu. Tour Code: GSST. Prices: See page 2 Further Info & Trip Notes: www.geckosadventures.co.uk/trips/gsst
Starts Finishes Fri Sun 2007 07-Dec 23-Dec 200 11-Jan 29-Feb 11-Apr 23-May 04-Jul 15-Aug 26-Sep 07-Nov 19-Dec 20-Jul 31-Aug 12-Oct 23-Nov 04-Jan 2009 30-Jan 15-Feb 13-Mar 29-Mar 24-Apr 10-May
ARGENTINA Cordoba URUGUAY
Buenos Aires
Humahuaca Tilcara Salta
27-Jan 16-Mar 27-Apr 08-Jun
www.geckosadventures.co.uk
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