South America Explorer

Highlights

• Stunning 5 day Andean trek to Machu Picchu, one of the seven modern wonders of the world;
  
• Surf the pacific waves off the coast of Mancora, Peru's best known beach town;
• Navigate your way through the rapids with some white water rafting near Baños, Ecuador's adventure sports capital;
• Get up close and personal with a vast range of animals whilst volunteering at an Amazon Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary;
• Trek the Quilotoa Loop, arguably one of the best multi-day trekking routes in South America and one of Ecuador's most popular treks! 

Week 1: Cusco

Begin your journey in Cusco, historic capital of the Inca Empire and cultural heart of Peru. Spanish lessons, salsa class, cookery workshops, homestays with friendly local families, city exploration and a Sacred Valley tour with your fellow travellers are the perfect way to acclimatise - both to the altitude and the laid-back South American way of life.

Week 2: Trek to Machu Picchu 

Step up the adventure level with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu. Follow in the footsteps of Inca road-builders on the remote Salkantay route over icy mountain passes and through mysterious cloud forests to the remains of a fallen civilisation. This is the way to the Lost City of the Inca for those who prefer the path less travelled.

Week 3: Andes to Amazon

It's time to sling on your backpack again as you travel overland to Ecuador. After a brief stop in Lima, you'll head north to the chilled our surf town of Mancora on Peru's Pacific coast. From here, you will cross into Ecuador, a country of diverse landscapes with a unique flavour and a reputation for friendly, welcoming people. Stop in the city of Cuenca to absorb its colonial history and the stunning beauty of a nearby national park, before heading onto Baños in the jungle-clad eastern province of Amazonas.

Week 4: Jungle Adventures

Your adventures in Ecuador kick up a gear in week four as you explore the adventure tourism hotspot of Baños. This mountain town has restaurants and bars, as well as white water rafting, hiking, canopy tours, canyon bungees, rope swings, hot springs, cycling and many other adventure activities! It’s the perfect place to refresh and revitalise yourself before heading to the Animal Rescue Sanctuary. 

For those booked onto the 4-week program, this will be your final week and you will be transferred to Quito for your return flight home.

Week 5: Animal Rescue Sanctuary Volunteering

Of all the wildlife projects Gapforce supports, the Animal Rescue Sanctuary is possibly one of the most unique and meaningful! Get face-to-face and hand-to-paw with rainforest inhabitants as you volunteer at a rescue centre for wild animals. Macaws; boas; monkeys; ocelots and even caiman crocodiles are just some of the creatures the centre works to protect and rehabilitate after abuse by the black market trade in wild animals as pets. Warning: this phase of the program may contain cute fuzzy animals.

Week 6: Tamandua & Indigenous Culture

After a truly rewarding week volunteering, it’s time to venture further into the jungle with a week's stay with an indigenous community. Learn the secrets of life in the rainforest - test your marksmanship with blow pipes; be cleansed in a traditional healing ceremony; try to keep up with the locals' dance routines; teach children at the local school and dare to go on night-time walks into jaguar territory!

Week 7: Quilotoa Loop & Quito

To bring your adventure in Ecuador to a fitting conclusion, your final week will include an incredible multi-day trek of the Quilotoa Loop. Trekking far into the remote Cotapaxi province, the loop is a bumpy, ring shaped high mountain pass that links a number of Andean villages. Over the 4-day trek you will discover vibrant indigenous markets and the crystal clear waters of Laguna Quilotoa. You will then return to Quito for the final few days of your adventure where there is a chance to explore the historic city and visit the Mitad del Mundo, zero degrees of latitude - the centre of the world!

*Please download the program brochure for full details!

4-weeks: $3850

7-weeks: $5450

For available start dates check out the 'Dates & Availability' section below - you may need to scroll right to view the prices and book on! You can secure your place on your chosen adventure with a deposit of either $300 or 10% of the trip price, whichever is higher.

What's included:

• Pre-departure support
• Airport pick-up & return transfer
• Gapforce Expedition Leader
• Local project staff
• All accommodation for the duration of the trip
• Breakfast & Dinner each day
• Some lunches
• Trips & activities as listed in brochure 
  
• All internal transport
• 24/7 emergency back-up 
• Financial failure protection 

What is not included:

• Flights to/from destination
• Travel Insurance
• Visa & Vaccinations
• Some lunches
• Spending Money 
• Tipping & Gratuities

How much spending money do I need?

You will need money for extra meals, drinks & snacks, as well as for any activities not on the itinerary. We advise you to budget for £70 / €80 / $100 per week (this is a guideline only).

What is the food like?

You will be provided with breakfast and dinner daily as well as lunches during the trek and project work. Typical South American food includes lots of rice, meat, beans, vegetables and fruit, regional dishes vary and local specialties will always be made available! Vegan and vegetarian diets can be catered for, please check with us regarding further dietary requirements and/or allergies. 

What type of transport will I be using?

You are responsible to getting yourself to and from the start point of the expedition. During the expedition, program transfers are included. Travel is a combination of day and overnight journeys using a range of transport including public and private buses, trains, internal flights, boats and taxis. As is common on local road transport, seatbelts might not be available on all journeys. Please give us a call for more information on individual journey details.

Where will I be staying?

You will stay in a variety of diverse accommodations throughout your trip including: local hotels and hostels, camping, volunteer guesthouses, cabins in the Amazon and homestays. Most accommodations will be dorm style with shared bathrooms.

Who takes part in this program?

This program is for anyone looking to explore two of South America’s most ecologically and culturally diverse countries. There is no prior experience required although the minimum age is 18 and you must also have your doctor sign our medical form confirming you are medically fit to participate. A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate, and if you plan to take part in any open-water based activities without a life-jacket eg beach swimming or surfing, you must be able to swim 200m.

Who will be supervising me?

Throughout your expedition you will be accompanied by a Gapforce Expedition Leader. At various stages of your expedition we utilize the services of local support staff including project coordinators, drivers and guides.

If you'd like help planning your trip to Peru and Ecuador, read our essential backpacking guide to South America!

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