LA PAZ to QUITO (41 days) Andes & Amazon

LA PAZ to QUITO (41 days) Andes & Amazon

17 Views
41 Days From

$2926

LA PAZ to QUITO (41 days) Andes & Amazon

41 Days Starting in La Paz, Bolivia and ending in Quito, Ecuador

Visiting: Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador

Tour operator:

Oasis Overland

Tour code:

545

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 10

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

From: $2926

NB: Prices correct on 13-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 41-day adventure from La Paz to Quito, traversing the breathtaking landscapes of Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. This tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from exploring the world's highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca, to trekking through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the iconic Machu Picchu. Witness majestic condors in the Colca Canyon, take a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, and camp under the stars in the Ica Desert. Enjoy a boat trip to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands, explore the ancient mud-brick city of Chan Chan, and relax on Peru's Pacific beaches. Conclude your journey with a rejuvenating soak in the thermal baths of Banos and a thrilling three-night exploration of the Amazon Jungle. This tour is perfect for singles seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

Highlights

  • Explore Lake Titicaca by boat - the world's highest navigable lake at 3800 metres

  • Trek through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Machu Picchu

  • View majestic condors in the Colca Canyon

  • Take a flight over the Nazca Lines

  • Camp in the desert under the stars in the Ica Desert

  • A boat trip to the Ballestas Islands which are bursting with exotic and rare marine wildlife

  • Explore the largest mud brick city in the world, Chan Chan

  • Relax in the thermal baths in the spa town of Banos

Itinerary

DAY 1 - 5: LA PAZ TO LAKE TITICACA
La Paz is the highest capital city in the world and is built on a steep slope that falls away from Bolivia's Altiplano. It's a great place to visit on an overland trip to the Amazon, be sure to stop in at a 'pena' club, where live bands entertain us with Andean folk music.

Leaving La Paz we head to a Peru tour highlight - Puno. Nestling on the shores of Lake Titicaca it is a friendly, well-kept place and much calmer than the hustle and bustle of La Paz. A must visit attraction on any Peru tour, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake at 3800m, it is also the original home of the Uros Indians who have made their dwellings on floating reed islands. By boat we visit the floating islands during the day and then we go that one step beyond the average and spend the night with one of the Indian families on the lesser known islands Isla Amantani or Taquile. Spending some time in these local communities on a Peru tour will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the Andean people and their customs.

DAY 6 - 12: LAKE TITICACA TO CUSCO
Widely considered to be the most interesting city for South America travel, our next stop Cusco is surrounded by the Sacred Valley of the Incas and offers a wide range of activities to explore the region. We will base ourselves here for 6 days giving us enough time for the Inca Trail trip and to visit Machu Picchu, which is regarded by many to be the highlight of their South America tour. There are several treks which you can take to Machu Picchu. These are all available as Optional Add Ons which you can add to your booking. When permits are still available, we will organise the Classic Trail trek for those booking the trek option, but great alternative Inca Trail treks, like the Lares or Salkantay can be arranged when the Classic is not available or by your choice (must be pre-arranged at time of booking). These alternatives mean that you still get to visit Machu Picchu. If you do not want to trek, then you can remain in Cusco for a couple more free days, and then we offer an option to visit Machu Picchu by train instead. This must also be booked and paid for in advance. Tours to Machu Picchu are absolutely unbelievable; a trip to this City in the Clouds is an ancient and awe-inspiring part of our South America travel tour. Besides seeing Machu Picchu, you are able to enjoy the architectural uniqueness of Cusco and explore some of the colourful surrounding markets. Please note that for all those visiting Machu Picchu there is now the option to buy a ticket to go up the summit next to Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu. Tickets for this must be requested at the time of your booking with us, and payment made in advance in the UK.

DAY 13 - 17: CUSCO TO COLCA CANYON
From here, we continue west on our Peru tour, passing herds of llama, alpacas and unspoilt Andean villages as we head towards the world's deepest canyon. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is an awesome spectacle. Here you have the option, accompanied by a local guide, of a one day excursion to view Condors circling lazily on the thermals rising from the canyon floor. On your trip into the canyon you can overnight in the town of Chivay. Because it was isolated for so many years, customs and dress have changed relatively little, which gives a rare glimpse of what life in the Andes would have been like during colonial times. From here we begin dropping down out of the Andes as we head to Arequipa, a beautiful colonial city set at the foot of the impressive El Misti Volcano.

DAY 18 - 22: COLCA CANYON TO LIMA
We then camp on our way to one of the world's great archaeological mysteries and a Peru tour highlight - The Nazca Line. These huge figures and shapes, carved into the stony desert are best viewed from the air, we also visit Chauchilla Cemetery with its well-preserved mummies. We stop in the Oasis town of Huacachina, where there is the option for the adreneline rush of a dung-buggy ride across the enormous sand dunes, and you can also try your hand at sandboarding down them, before a barbecue and night out under the stars in the desert. Following the Coastal Highway, the Ballestas Islands in the Paracas National Reserve is our next stop. Here you can take a boat trip to view one of the most important marine reserves in the world with one of the highest concentrations of rare and exotic sea birds and sea mammals.

Further up the coast is Peru's capital city, Lima. On this stop on your overland trip to the Amazon you will encounter both abundant wealth and grinding poverty, modern skyscrapers next to some of the finest museums and historical monuments in Latin America.

DAY 23 - 30: LIMA TO PUNTA SAL
Continuing north along the coast towards Huanchaco we reach the Chan Chan ruins & the Temple of Sun and Moon, the imperial citadel of the pre-Inca Chimu Kings which the Incas later conquered - claimed to be the largest mud brick city in the world. Nearing the border with Ecuador we have a couple of relaxing days chilling by the beach at Punta Sal or Mancora before our tour of Peru comes to an end.

DAY 31 - 35: PUNTA SAL TO BANOS
You will see an almost immediate change from the dry, barren desert of Peru through sub-tropical forest to the fertile farming country of highland Ecuador. We will visit Cuenca on our way to the outdoors mecca of Banos, a spa town nestled at the foot of a volcano, where Ecuadorians go to relax in the thermal baths. On this stop of our overland Amazon trip you can hike, mountain bike or horse-ride to one of the surrounding waterfalls including El Pailon del Diablo. For the more adventurous there is the option to go canyoning down one of the many rivers in the area.

DAY 36 - 41: BANOS TO QUITO
On the final leg of our overland trip, we descend to the lowlands and the steamy edge of the Amazon basin to the town of Tena, gateway to the Amazon jungle. Here, accompanied by experienced guides, we explore on foot and by motorised canoes this exotic environment for two days. There may also be the chance to go whitewater rafting on the rapids of the Rio Napo (time permitting).

Returning to higher altitudes and mountain scenery, we visit the town of Otavalo, famous for its colourful crafts market. Finally we cross the Equator, just 25kms south of Quito and discover how Ecuador got its name, before ending our journey in the capital of Ecuador, Quito.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided with approximately 50% camping and 50% simple hostels/hotels.

  • Jungle Trip

    3-night Jungle Trip including accommodation and meals (activities are optional).

  • Chan Chan Ruins

    Entrance and guided tour of the Chan Chan Ruins.

  • Lake Titicaca Boat Tour

    Boat tour on Lake Titicaca.

  • Overnight Stay with Local Family

    Overnight stay with a local family on Lake Titicaca.

  • Meals

    Approximately 50% of meals are included.

  • Transport

    All transport on Oasis Expedition Truck.

  • Camping and Cooking Equipment

    Camping and cooking equipment are provided.

  • Oasis Crew Services

    Services of the Oasis Crew.

What's Not Included

  • Local Payment

    Local payment of USD 1350 (2025), USD 1450 (2026) payable at the start of the trip.

  • Machu Picchu Add-ons

    Machu Picchu add-ons are not included.

  • Visas

    Visas are not included.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.

  • Flights

    Flights are not included.

  • Airport Taxes and Transfers

    Airport taxes and transfers are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Meals

    Approximately 50% of meals are not included.

  • Drinks

    Drinks are not included.

  • Tips

    Tips are not included.

Mode of Transport

All transport is provided on an Oasis Expedition Truck, ensuring a comfortable and adventurous journey throughout the tour.

Accommodation

Accommodation includes approximately 50% camping and 50% simple hostels/hotels, with a 3-night jungle trip featuring accommodation and meals. An overnight stay with a local family on Lake Titicaca is also included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The accommodation is approximately 50% camping and 50% simple hostels or hotels. During the 3-night Jungle Trip, accommodation and meals are included.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Meals are included for approximately 50% of the tour.

  • What activities are included in the Amazon Jungle exploration?

    During the 3-night Amazon Jungle exploration, you will take guided walks and view the exotic wildlife by land or river. Activities are optional.

  • Is there an option to visit Machu Picchu without trekking?

    Yes, if you do not want to trek, you can remain in Cusco for a couple more free days and then visit Machu Picchu by train. This must be booked and paid for in advance.

  • What is the local payment required at the start of the trip?

    A local payment of USD 1350 (2025) or USD 1450 (2026) is required at the start of the trip.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are several optional activities available, such as different treks to Machu Picchu, a flight over the Nazca Lines, a dune-buggy ride and sandboarding in Huacachina, and canyoning in Banos.

  • What kind of transport is used during the tour?

    All transport is provided on an Oasis Expedition Truck.

  • What should I know about the visit to Lake Titicaca?

    At Lake Titicaca, you will visit the floating islands by boat and spend the night with a local family on one of the lesser-known islands, Isla Amantani or Taquile.

  • What is the significance of the Chan Chan ruins?

    Chan Chan is the largest mud brick city in the world and was the imperial citadel of the pre-Inca Chimu Kings, later conquered by the Incas.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Colca Canyon?

    In Colca Canyon, you have the option of a one-day excursion to view condors circling on the thermals rising from the canyon floor, accompanied by a local guide. You can also overnight in the town of Chivay.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.

  • How many people do you take on your Trips?

    On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.

Reviews of this operator

Giles  

LIMA to RIO (87 days) Kingdoms & Carnivals

31-Jan-2020

Life changing, exhilarating, wonderful, at times tough and challenging.

Lucy Jenner (Google Reviewer)  

I can't recommend Oasis enough....

07-Nov-2022

I can't recommend Oasis enough. I have done two trips with them to Africa (Victoria Falls to Cape Town in 2013 and Nairobi to Vic Falls in 2017). The first trip was my first real travelling experience so I picked a shorter one but it just meant I had to go back for more a few years later because I loved it so much. The trips were well organised and went to amazing places with a good mix of structure and freedom, and it never felt like we were rushed even though a lot was packed into the time. The tour leader and driver looked after us well. I was lucky that the groups I was with were great too, because that can have such an impact.

Ivano Forte (Google Reviewer)  

We have been on 2...

31-Oct-2022

We have been on 2 trips with Oasis through Africa. Both trips were fantastic!! The whole experience from initial booking and lead up communication, to the trip itself, with the wonderfully knowledgeable, hard working, friendly and fun crew, to all the amazing places we visited, things we saw and adventures we had, it was all a truly amazing experience!! Highly recommend Oasis Overland.

Brenda  

SANTIAGO to BUENOS AIRES (31 days) Patagonian Adventures

15-Dec-2019

At 78 years old it has been one of the highlights of my life! The crew were 1st class and the rest of the travellers really looked after me. Highlights were Bariloche and Patagonia

Keera Lambert (Google Reviewer)  

I did the Trans Africa...

28-Oct-2022

I did the Trans Africa with Oasis Overland in 2013/2014 and it was fantastic. The company dealt with issues that arose over the 10month trip quickly and competently. My best travel memories and experiences came from this trip, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Roy Smith (Google Reviewer)  

I've been on 3 trips...

28-Oct-2022

I've been on 3 trips with Oasis, the Silk Road and 2 in Africa, about 33 weeks in total, and planning on another now that covid restrictions aren't preventing it. I find the trips are organized so that you get to see the highlights along those routes, and you're travelling with people a mix of nationality and age so a solo traveler like me isn't alone. These trips are great value, would not have had such a terrific range of experiences otherwise.

Laura  

NAIROBI to HARARE (41 days) Apes & Lakes

30-Jun-2020

Really loved this trip. The pre-trip information was great and Katie really went out of her way to help me. I though that camping for so long would start to get tiring but it really didn't plus there were plenty of opportunities to upgrade and some of the time this was very cheap. So many amazing things to see and do. Seeing the Gorillas in the wild was a highlight for me! Would highly recommend and hope to do another trip in the future.

Laurence Zerafa (Google Reviewer)  

If you like adventure travel,...

31-Oct-2022

If you like adventure travel, daily camping with the odd brick and mortar accommodation, moving daily from one place to another often off the beaten track, getting as close as possible to locals, in the company of like-minded fellow travelers, and at reasonable prices, then this is the travel company for you.

Michael Miranda (Google Reviewer)  

I highly recommend traveling with...

02-Feb-2023

I highly recommend traveling with Oasis Overland. I did a 75 day trip through Africa with them in 2017 and I had an amazing time. From Victoria Falls, the Serengeti, and Great Zimbabwe, I got to see so many once-in-a-lifetime places in a much shorter time period than I would have been able to navigate on my own. The guide and driver were great and I always felt like all situations were handled well as things came up (like there was coup in Zimbabwe while we were there). The bus was comfortable enough and it was very conducive to socializing with other travelers. The group I traveled with was a good mix of nationalities and ages so everyone could find people to hang out with. I think Oasis does a good job of providing a mix of planned activities and free time and offers a good selection of excursions in the places we stopped.

Dino  

CAPE TOWN to JOHANNESBURG (17 days) South Africa & Lesotho

19-Dec-2019

Awesome adventure, White water rafting, sleeping amidst elephants, game drives, adrenaline hits, great company what more could you ask for!

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Thursday

May 17, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025
$2926

Sunday - Friday

May 03, 2026 - Jun 12, 2026
$3054

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.

    At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.