Entdeckungsreise entlang der Anden III

[die Tourbeschreibung ist momentan nur auf Englisch verfügbar]

DAY 1: Quito (Ecuador)
Your tour leader will usually hold a group meeting at approx. 6.00pm on Day 1 (check the notice board in the hotel reception for the exact time and location). Your tour leader will give a briefing about the tour, outline the plan for the next few days, answer any questions and collect your ‘Local Fund’ payment in full in US$ cash. Then there will usually be the option for everyone to go out for dinner and drinks to start to get to know one another.
At 2,850 metres above sea level, Quito is the second highest capital city in the world, after La Paz. It was founded in 1534 by the Spanish and was originally an Inca stronghold. It is situated in a hollow at the base of the live Volcano Pichincha and the
whole length of the city can be seen from atop Panecillo Hill where the enormous Statue of the Virgin of Quito stands. The city has two main sections – the old and the new. The new is the main commercial area with lots of good restaurants and bars, whereas the old city is the colonial area with steep calles (cobblestone streets), busy plazas and Indian markets. If you want to have time to explore Quito properly you may want to arrive a day or two early.
Quito: Visit museums & churches • Enjoy
traditional Ecuadorian fare • Compare new & old town • Check out the city’s famous nightlife.

DAY 2: Otavalo
After Quito, we visit the famous Otavalo market north of the city. It’s a wonderful place to shop for all kinds of handicrafts and to take really good photographs. The Otavalo Indians, who come from their villages to sell livestock, produce and textiles, are distinct in appearance – the men wear calf length white trousers and sandals and have their long hair braided, while the women wear white frilly blouses, black skirts and have gold coloured jewellery twirled around their necks.
Otavalo Highlights: Shop at the famous Otavalo Markets

DAYS 3 - 5: Misahualli
Leaving Otvavalo we make our way south-east across the mountains towards the little community of Misahualli in the heart of the Amazon Basin. There is an option to take motorised dugout canoes downriver and enter the Amazon jungle on foot. The excursion is led by our local guide who will give details about the plants, creatures and people of the region. We stay overnight in rustic huts made of local materials.
Misahualli Highlights: Enjoy a motorized canoe and trekking trip deep into the Amazon

DAYS 6 -11: Baños - Cuenca
Travelling back into the Andes, along the edge of the rainforest, we reach Baños, a sparesort renowned for its hot thermal springs. Besides soaking in the hot pools, there are opportunities for walks or horse riding in the hills, or you can try some of the optional activities that vary from canyoning to bridge swinging or relax with a massage or try and do some salsa lessons.
After a few days in Baños we travel onto Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important Inca ruins. We’ll visit for an hour or so (which, if these are the first ruins you see, will seem like a very short time – don’t worry there’ll be lots more to see on the trip!). We then continue onto the old colonial market city of Cuenca, Ecuador's third largest city, founded
in 1557. Cuenca is where the Panama hat originated and you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the factories. It is also the place to buy cheap, high quality gold and silver.
Baños Highlights: Hotsprings, horse riding, waterfalls, bunjee – more outdoor activities than you can imagine! Cuenca Highlights: Buy a Panama hat as this is where the Panama hat originated! • Enjoy the colonial architecture.
DAYS 12 -16: Punta Sal (Peru) - Huanchaco
As we pass into Peru we travel through villages where fishermen work with their small hand nets, and we camp at the beautiful beachside town of Mancoral for three nights. We have two full days of sun, surf and relaxation - possibly a good time for a spit roast meal over the fire, if we can find some firewood! We pass the oil derricks in the Sechura Desert and the attractive oasis town of Piura on our way to the small coastal town of Huanchaco. Along the way we visit the Tunbes real museum in Lambayeque to see some of the many treasures uncovered from the tomb of the lord of Sipan (one of Peru’s finest museums) Huanchaco is renowned for great beachside seafood restaurants and the reed boats that the fishermen use to ride the huge surf, reputedly, one of the longest left hand breaks in the world. Huanchaco is also our base for those who want to check out Chan Chán, the largest mud-city in the world built by Chimú Kings and covering 26 square kilometres. The famous Pyramids of the Sun and Moon are also nearby.
Punta Sal Highlights Pacific beach break • Surfing and bodysurfing • R&R. Huanchaco Highlights: Discover the Chan Chan mud city & ancient pyramids of the Sun and Moon.

DAYS 17 - 19: Huaraz
Heading inland we reach the high Cordillera Blanca Mountains and the small town of Huaraz. Stopping over at the ruins of Sechin and paramonga enroute. Located close to Peru’s highest peak, Huascarán (6,768 metres) Huaraz is renowned for its trekking, climbing and spectacular scenery. We have plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of this place before making our way to Lima.
Huaraz Highlights: Enjoy the unique Peruvian mountain settings

DAYS 20 - 22: Lima
Lima was founded by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, after he eradicated the Incas and made the city his capital. Lima has many fine colonial buildings and some of the best museums in South America including the Gold Museum, Museum of the Inquisition and the Catacombs below the San Francisco Church. Peru’s capital has heaps to offer and many of the sights, including the city’s two main squares the Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Martin, are within easy walking distance.
Lima Highlights: Explore museums & churches • Shop ‘till you drop at markets galore • Swim along the Pacific Coast • Visit bustling Miraflores • Practice your Spanish in the many cafes and restaurants.

DAYS 23 - 24: Paracas - Nazca
After a few days in Lima, a short drive along the Pacific coast brings us to Paracas where upon arrival we will have the option to go by speedboat to explore the Ballestas Islands, passing the unusual ‘Candelabra’, a giant design carved into a desert hill, along the way. On and around these celebrated islands you’ll see thousands of sea lions plus many varieties of aquatic birds. Continuing on, we stopover at Huacachina, a desert oasis surrounded by massive sand-dunes. You have the option to do an overnight excursion into the desert here sleeping under the stars this also incorporates the chance to take an awesome ride in dune-buggies or, for the even more courageous, sand boarding down the dunes is an unreal way to spend The afternoon and night, a good time for a Pisco Sour party!
Travelling further inland, we reach Nazca, famous for the strange parallel lines and geometrical figures etched into the desert floor. Here you can take a flight in a light aircraft to see the ‘monkey’, ‘hummingbird’, ‘condor’, ‘spider’ and even what appears to be a spaceman. There are many more designs to be seen on this 30 minute flight but to this day, no-one knows why they are there! After a short drive we’ll stop at the bizarre Chauchilla Cemetery where you’ll see ancient mummies that still have skin and hair intact after thousands of years. Nazca Highlights: Fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines and solve the mystery for yourself • Wander through the open mummy cemetery, Chauchilla.

DAYS 25 - 28: Puerta Inca – Arequipa
Heading back along the coast our journey takes us to Puerta Inca, the Inca's original fishing port, which was only re-discovered in the 1950’s. Tonight we camp by the beach just down from the actual ruins.
Travelling back into the foothills of the Andes we reach the city of Arequipa, located 2,380 metres above sea level and dominated by the conical snow-capped El Misti Volcano. Here the attractions include the Plaza de Armas, one of South America’s most charming main squares and the Santa Catalina Convent, which is like a walled colonial town dating back more than 400 years. Shrouded with mystery, the convent’s 450 nuns lived in complete seclusion until 1970.
From Arequipa you have the option to visit the Colca Canyon, which is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, making it the world’s second deepest. From the lookout point at Cruz del Condor you can see the river flowing 1,200 metres below and you’ll have a very good chance of seeing condors as they soar out of the canyon on the hot thermal currents. Our base for visiting the canyon is the town of Chivay where we’ll also have time to soak in the nearby hot thermal pools.
Puerta Inca Highlights: Camp on the beach and fall asleep listening to the sounds of the ocean • Explore the ruins at this ancient port of the Incas. Arequipa Highlights: Visit the beautiful Santa Catalina Convent • Wander the quaint colonial plaza • Museums & churches • Glimpse El Misti Volcano • View immense scenery and soaring condors at the world’s deepest gorge, Colca Canyon.

DAYS 29 - 31: Cuzco
It gradually becomes greener as we get closer to the former Inca capital of Cuzco, which means ‘navel of the earth’ in the Inca language of Quechua. This enchanting city has a mostly indigenous population of around 275,000 and is centred around the Plaza de Armas, which is dominated by the Cathedral and La Compañia de Jesus Church. Nowadays Cuzco is also legendary for its party atmosphere and brilliant nightlife and is jam-packed with arcades housing many fine restaurants, bars and shops. For people wanting the challenge of the 4 day Inca Trail trek there will be a briefing in which your local guide will chat about the arrangements for the next few days.

We have a full day trip through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and if you’ve purchased your Cuzco visitor’s ticket previously then you’ll be able to visit Sacsayhuaman ruins with its huge stonework as well as the Pisac ruins perched on a hill high in the mountains and the famous Indian market of the same name, in the valley below (that’s free). This is a great place to buy textiles, pottery and jewellery, not to mention the delicious empanadas (pasties) at the famous bakery. After spending time at both, we move down the valley to the temple fortress of Ollantaytambo, with its enormous terraces climbing up the hillside (you’ll need your visitor’s ticket again). If you are trekking the Inca Trail you will spend the night here with a local family in preparation for the next four days.
Sacred Valley Highlights: Explore Inca ruins at Pisac & Ollantaytambo • Shop and bargain at the famous Pisac markets • Take in the stunning Andean scenery.

DAYS 32 - 35: Inca Trail or free time in Cuzco
If you are not hiking the Inca Trail, you will return to Cuzco where there are many other options available including an overnight trip by train to Machu Picchu, white water rafting, horse riding, mountain biking, jungle excursions, shopping (make sure you bargain!) and sightseeing etc.
If you have chosen to hike the Inca Trail you will cross spectacular passes and visit more Inca ruins en-route to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. A local guide will lead this expedition and there will be cooks and porters to carry the main equipment, leaving you with just a small daypack. The trek begins after a short bus journey and the first day is a relatively easy 4½ hour 13km walk which will get you limbered up for the highest pass at Warmiwañusca (4,200m) which you will reach before lunchtime on Day 2 (and which translates to “Dead Woman’s Pass”!). During Day 2 you will cover approximately 9km in about 5-7 hours and after the high pass it’s all down hill as the trail winds its way along old Inca stairs to our campsite. On Day 3 we pass the ruins of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, walking approximately 15km in 7 hours. The last morning, after an overnight stop at Wiñay-Wayna, you will rise early for the final walk to Machu Picchu and greet daybreak over the famous “Sun Gate”. There will then be time to explore on your own or simply take in the magnificence of the place before your guided tour. The ruins were only discovered by the outside world in 1911, when American explorer Hiram Bingham found them while looking for another “lost city” called Vilcabamba. Due to their isolation many of the buildings are still quite intact and you can’t help but admire Huayna Picchu (“Young Mountain”), which towers above the ruins. It is a hard climb to the top of the mountain (it takes about 50 minutes) but you are rewarded with spectacular views over the whole site. After spending most of the day at Machu Picchu you have the chance to soak your tired muscles in the hot springs at Aguas Calientes or meander through the markets before returning to Cuzco by train.
Machu Picchu Highlights: Hike the famous 4 day Inca Trail Trek or the less-known, authentic 4 day Lares Trek and arrive at Machu Picchu as the Incas once did • Take a train trip from Cuzco to the Lost City • Explore Machu Picchu with a local guide and at your leisure.

DAYS 36 - 37: Cuzco
Making the most of your last free time in Cuzco you can explore its amazing churches, colonial buildings and picturesque streets, most of which have Inca walls, arches and
doorways. Leaving Cuzco, we drive along roads bordered by herds of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas before reaching the Altiplano (high plain). Our journey takes us past hot mineral pools, snow-capped mountains, through villages where the Indians sell food, fur hats and alpaca sweaters. And over the La Raya Pass at 4,321 metres before arriving at the Sillustani ruins. Here you will have the option to visit these ancient burial towers. Our final destination for today is Puno on the edge of Lake Titicaca. The opportunity to try some of the fresh fish from the lake in one of the restaurants in Puno tonight.
Cuzco Highlights: Time for fun! • Check out the markets • Party it up at one of the many clubs and bars • Try a variety of cuisines at the many restaurants • Go horse riding surrounded by spectacular Andean landscape • Try white water rafting, Latin America style! • Visit Inca museums and the famous stone wall • Join in the festivities of Inti Raymi (24 June). Sillustani Highlights: Explore pre-Inca ruins and burial towers.

DAYS 38 - 40: Puno
After a night in Puno, on the shores of lake Titicaca which at 3,855 metres, is the highest navigable lake in the world. From here you have the chance to take an excursion to the islands of Amantaní and Taquile. On Amantaní we arrange homestay accommodation with the native Quechua Indian families and you will have the chance to eat with the family, perhaps enjoy a party and dancing and maybe play soccer with the local children! The next morning you’ll visit Taquile Island where the people live in simple adobe huts and the men knit colourful hats. You will also visit the floating reed islands in the Bay of Puno, to see the Uros Indians’ way of life and ride in a traditional reed boat. Continuing back to Puno, you’ll arrive in time to visit the colourful markets.
Puno Highlights: Take a boat ride out on Lake Titicaca to visit the Uros & Amantaní Islands.

DAYS 41 - 43: La Paz (Bolivia)
We drive around Lake Titicaca to the border town of Desaguadero where we can change money before crossing into Bolivia. Our first stop in Bolivia is at the pre-inca ruins of Tiahuancho, a fascinating site dating back 2,000 years. Driving on through the scenic countryside we pass adobe villages before reaching a highway which winds its way down the canyon into La Paz, the highest capital city in the world at 3,636 metres.
La Paz is built in the basin of a spectacular ancient crater caused by a meteorite, with the snow-capped Mount Illimani in the background. The city has colourful Indian street markets including the ‘witches market’ where women in flared skirts sell, amongst other things, dead cats and llama foetuses which are placed under new buildings to keep evil spirits away. The main square, Plaza Murillo, is where many years ago a president
of the republic was lynched from a lamppost. La Paz is one of the best places to see a traditional peña show of Andean music and dance where local musicians play their time-honoured instruments such as zampoñas (pipes) and charangos (ukulele).
There are heaps of optional excursions available in La Paz. Check out the Moon Valley with its strange rock formations shaped by the weather or take in the incredible views from Mount Chacaltaya and the world's highest ski resort at 5,221metres. Another fantastic excursion is to Coroico, the gateway to the Bolivian jungle region and a great place to see sub-tropical vegetation and plants. En-route you will cross a 5,000 metre high pass before descending to 1,300 metres on narrow mountain roads bordered by sheer drops. The excursion to Coroico can also be done by mountain bike, as it is downhill nearly all the way and very exhilarating, but not for the fainthearted!
La Paz Highlights: Wander through the world’s highest capital city • Buy a potion at the Witches Markets.

DAYS 44 - 48: Free camping – Sucre – Potosi
From La Paz we travel across the Altiplano on our way to Sucre where we spend a couple of nights. This is the official capital of Bolivia even though the governing of the country actually takes place in La Paz. Sucre is a small attractive city where, by law, all the buildings are painted white. Our next stop is Potosí (4,070 metres), the highest city of its size on earth with a population of 110,000. The city was established in 1545 soon after the discovery of a rich vein of silver in a nearby hill, the Cerro Rico (or “rich hill”). Silver from Potosí underwrote the Spanish economy, particularly the monarchy's extravagance, for over two centuries. Millions of Indians, and later, African slaves, worked in the mines where conditions were so appalling and dangerous that miners died in astronomical numbers, either in accidents or from silicosis pneumonia. You have the chance to visit one of the mines where you can see first hand how rough the working conditions were and still are!
Potosí Highlights: Visit the old silver mine.

DAYS 49 - 50: Uyuni
Travelling on we head to the desolate town of Uyuni in the south of Bolivia, to visit what is claimed to be the largest salt flat in the world, the brilliant white vast Salar de Uyuni. There is an opportunity to take an excursion onto the salar by 4x4 stopping of at places such as Fish Island where there are great views of the surrounding lake and giant cacti provide perfect photo opportunities. The fantastic contrast of the brilliant blue sky (weather permitting of course) and the pure white of the salt flats will take your breath away.
Uyuni Highlights: Photo ops at the world’s largest salt lake • Take in unending white landscape and enormous cacti • Enjoy a 4WD trip over the lake.

DAYS 51 - 54: Free camping (Argentina) – Humahuaca – Salta
Winding our way along the dusty roads of Bolivia, which are some of the worst in South America, we head towards the Argentine border free camping enroute amidst the vividly coloured rock formations and giant cacti. We pass through Tupiza and Villazon before crossing into Northern Argentina where you will be amazed by the arid beauty of the Humahuaca Canyon. Next stop is the striking city of Salta in the Lerma Valley, established in 1582. Salta has many old colonial buildings, a cathedral with ancient statues of Cristo del Milagro (Miracle of Christ) and the Virgin Mary, which were brought over from Spain in 1592. A variety of excursions await you here including rafting, rappelling and many more.
Humahuaca Highlights: Observe the brilliant rock formations in the canyon. Salta Highlights: Free camping in the Chaco marshlands at the largest campsite on the continent.

Days 55 & 56: Cafayate - Termas de Río Hondo.
Just outside of Salta, the rugged landscape gives way to lush farmlands where you may catch a glimpse of traditional subsistence farmers at work. Stunning multi-coloured sedimentary rock formations offer beautiful photo opportunities near Cafayate. For an adrenaline rush you can hire mountain bikes for a couple of hours of thrilling descents or take a quad bike tour to explore less challenging terrain. For a more peaceful excursion you can stretch your legs on a trek, taking in beautiful local flora and fauna, as well as an impressive series of cascadas (waterfalls).
Then we’ll spend a day travelling to the popular spa resort Termas de Río Hondo situated on the banks of Río Dulce, where we’ll be camping nearby for the night.

Days 57 & 58: Córdoba
Córdoba is a busy modern industrial city near the geographical centre of Argentina in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas mountains. Established in 1573, Córdoba boasts the country’s oldest university and a young, dynamic student population. During the day you can visit an array of richly decorated churches, including Argentina’s oldest cathedral and the Manzana Jesuitica (Jesuit Block) which has been declared a Unesco World Heritage site. Just outside the city, we hope to spend time at an estancia, get a taste of working farm life and watch the gauchos work their herds of prize beef cattle
Cordoba Highlights: Take in extraordinary religious art in magnificent 17th Century churches. Dance the bossa nova with the students in the boliches, (local bars). Enjoy an authentic gaucho experience at an estancia in the hills.

DAYS 59 - 61: Mendoza
Leaving Santiago we’ll travelling on to Mendoza, past the vast vineyards of Argentina’s wine producing heartland. Mendoza is the location where General José de San Martín organised the army with which he liberated Chile and Peru from Spanish rule in 1818. Unfortunately, few historic buildings remain after an earthquake devastated the city in 1861. However, the city was rebuilt with broader tree-lined streets and beautiful large green plazas, irrigated by a network of 500km of water channels, fuelling Mendoza’s reputation as an oasis of the region. There are great photo opportunities from the top of the hill “Cerro de la Gloria” at Parque San Martín, where you can also visit the local zoo. Beyond the city limits you’ll have the chance to get wet and wild on a white water rafting excursion, or try out your rope skills on a rappelling option. For a more chilled experience you could hire bikes and take the ‘Ruta de los Vinos’ (wine route), visiting ancient cellars and tasting excellent local wines at your leisure.
Mendoza Highlights: Judge for yourself whether Mendozan wines deserve their reputation as the best in the Argentina. Relax under a tree in the beautiful Parque San Martín.

DAYS 62 - 63: Santiago (Chile)
On our final travelling day we enter the Chilean heartlands and head towards the capital, Santiago. Pedro de Valdivia established Santiago in 1541 but, except Santa Lucia Hill where the original fortress was constructed, not much remains of its original glory. The hill offers good views of the city below, but for even better photo opportunities, take a funicular railway to the top of San Cristobal where the Statue of the Virgin overlooks the capital and the distant Andes. At the viewing area there are wine-tasting facilities and a couple of brilliantly located swimming pools. In the Plaza Constitucion at the Palacio de la Moneda you can see the changing of the guard or you can take an optional excursion to the port of Valparaiso and the resort of Viña del Mar. Santiago is a very clean modern city with fountains, parks and buildings.