Quito to Rio overland journey

Product Details

Welcome to one of the most exciting and interesting overland trips that you are ever likely to hear about! Ever fancied flying over the Nazca ruins in Peru? How about trekking through the Amazon jungle? Ever dreamed of visiting sacred Machu Picchu? What about flying over Iguazu Falls? Then maybe some partying in Rio to top it all off... Well you can do all that and more besides on this amazing Quito (Ecuador) to Rio (Brazil) overland trip

Trip details

This trip comprises of two smaller trips - Peruvian and Ecuadorian Encounters and The Altiplano, Gauchos and the Falls - which takes you all the way from Quito to Rio de Janiero in just 9.5 weeks. You can either complete both trips together or choose which section you fancy and just do that part of the journey. Just fill in the form at the foot of this page and we'll help you create the trip of your dreams

Route: Quito to Rio de Janiero or vice versa
Trip length: 9.5 weeks
Adventure Rating: Moderate
Crew details: One Western leader and local guides as necessary
Accommodation: Camping, hotels and hostels

NB: The price includes accommodation and food whilst on the road and when camping. Food in hotels and hostels in not included.

Section One: Peruvian and Ecuadorian Encounters

Trip details

Route: Quito to La Paz or vice versa
Length of Section: Five weeks
Adventure Rating: Moderate
Crew details: One Western leader and local guides as necessary
Accommodation: Camping, hotels and hostels

What to expect from this section...

Tropical heat, high altitudes, mountain and jungle trekking and community involvement. Be prepared for variable road conditions and to spend time away from civilisation. This section is a laid back journey with plenty of time to explore.

Itinerary

Week 1: Ecuador Andes

- Overnight stay in the market town of Otavalo
- Visit to Bellavisita Cloud Forest
- Kickback on Ecuador's tropical beaches

Week 2: Ecuador & Northern Peru

- Spa town of Banos, entrance to the Amazon
- Overland through Andes of Ecuador

Week 3: Northern Peru

- Explore the northern Peru Desert
- Two night stay in historic Lima
- Visit to Paracas NP, coastal wildlife reserve

Week 4: Andes

- Overland through the High Andes of Peru
- Sacred Valley tour and entrances to all major sites
- Hike Inca Trails in the Andes above the Sacred Valley
- Inca Trail community project with local Quechua village
- Guided visit to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas

Week 5: Peru and Bolivia

- Traverse the high Altiplano of Peru to Lake Titicaca

Activities along the way...

- Horseriding and rafting
- Village tour around Otavalo
- Guided walks in Bellavista Cloud Forest
- One day guided Amazon Jungle trip
- Explore the pre-Inca ruins at Chan Chan
- Boat trip to the seals and seabirds on the Ballestas Isles
- Fly over the Nazca Lines or visit the Chauchilla Cemetery
- White-water raft the Urubamba River
- Boat trip to the floating islands on Lake Titicaca
- Take a boat to Lake Titicaca's Isla del Sol

NB: These activities are not included in the trip price

Section Two: The Altiplano, Gauchos and the Falls

Route: La Paz to Rio de Janiero or vice versa
Length of Section: 4.5 Weeks
Adventure Rating: Moderate
Crew details: One Western leader and local guides
Accommodation: Camping, hotels and hostels

What to expect from this section...

High altitudes, some trekking and horseriding. You will also experience variable road conditions allowing you to get seriously off the beaten track and away from civilisation. You will get to explore the best that this region has to offer with this section of the trip.

Itinerary

Days 1-4: Bolivian Altiplano

- Two night stay in the bizarre city of La Paz
- Overland to the colonial city of Potos

Days 5-10: Bolivia and Chile

- Two day exploration of Bolivia's high Altiplano, Laguna Colorado and Verde
- Descend from Altiplano to San Pedro de Atacama

Days 11-16: Argentina

- Rugged journey back over the Andes from Atacama Desert
- Free day in stunning colonial city of Salta

Days 17-23: Gaucho Territory

- Unique three night visit to Anglo Argentinian estancia to ride purebred horses
- Overland across northern Argentina with possible detour to Esteros del Ibera

Days 24- 26: Argentina & Brazil

- Two full days to discover the unbelievable Iguazu Falls

Days 27- 32: Brazil

- Three days along Brazil's Emerald Coast around Parati

Activities along the way...

- Head down into the tunnels of the Potosi tin mine
- Take jeeps out onto the Bolivian Salt Flats
- Horses, bikes and expedition to Moon Valley or Atacama
- Boat trips, forest hikes and helicopter over Iguazu Falls
- Laid back boat trips to islands off Parati
- Party all night long in Rio

What passengers say about this trip...

"I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, it exceeded my expectations." - VK
"A good introduction to overland trips, I would definitely consider doing another one." - CT
"Really good and supportive crew. Relaxed and up for a laugh too." - KC
"The adventure of a lifetime!" - JG
"I had a great trip. It was a great introduction to my 5 month trip of South America." - BL

About Dragoman Overland

Dragoman Overland has been running adventure trips for over forty years across the four great continents of Africa, Asia, North and South America. So we do what we do with absolute expertise and professionalism.

Most of our travellers are between 18 and 40, but attitude is more important than age. Our groups are usually a mix of sexes, nationalities and come from all walks of life. Travelling: we’re passionate about it. And (as someone smarter than us once said) we think it’s as much the journey, as the destinations that thrill us. Dragoman Overland was created from this enthusiasm, something you can tell as you soon as you get in touch with us...

Remember we can help you create the trip of a lifetime. Whether it's the complete trip you want to do, or just one section or the other - we can make it happen. Just fill in the form below and you are one step closer to the most amazing journey you'll ever take.