This is a combination of 2 journeys, Peruvian & Ecuadorian Encounters (NQZ) p67 and Altiplano, Gauchos & the Falls (NZR) p69. A relaxed flexible itinerary taking you off the beaten track. Great trekking opportunities and community involvement. High altitudes, variable road conditions, be prepared for cold weather at altitude and in mountain areas.There are 6 trips to still depart in 2007Itinerary Week 1: Overnight stay in the market town of Otavalo 3 days for various optional Amazon Jungle journeys Weeks 2-3: 2 nights in Banos area, mountain spa town Overland through Andes of Ecuador Explore the northern Peru Desert 3 nights in the spectacular mountain scenery of Huaraz 2 night stay in historic Lima Visit to Paracas NP, coastal wildlife reserve Weeks 4-5: Overland through the High Andes of Peru 7 nights in and around Cusco and the Urubamba Valley 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 Traverse the high Altiplano of Peru to Lake Titicaca Weeks 6-7: 2 night stay in the bizarre city of La Paz 2 nights in Potosi the world's highest city Overland Bolivian wilds to Uyuni and Tupiza Kick back in local Andean village of Tupiza Week 8: 3 days to explore the colonial city of Salta and local area Travel through the wine region of Cafayate Unique 3 night visit to Anglo Argentinian estancia to ride purebred horses Weeks 9-9 1/2: 3 days along Brazil's Emerald Coast around Parati Overland across northern Argentina with possible detour to Esteros del Ibera 2 full days to discover the unbelievable Iguazu Falls

Trip Information: 65% camping, 35% hotels
Adventure Rating: Challenging
Accommodation: - Campsites, wild camps and hostels/hotels.
Tour staff and support: 1 Western leader, local guides as necessary. Encounter overland truck.
Profile: This is a combination of 2 journeys, Peruvian & Ecuadorian Encounters (NQZ) p67 and Altiplano, Gauchos & the Falls (NZR) p69. A relaxed flexible itinerary taking you off the beaten track. Great trekking opportunities and community involvement. High altitudes, variable road conditions, be prepared for cold weather at altitude and in mountain areas.
General Notes: Optional Galapagos Islands Extension:
5 day Tourist Class (GALAM5)
8 day Tourist Class (GALAM8)
5 day First Class (GALED5)
8 day First Class (GALED8)