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Are you planning a visit to South America and solely have 2 weeks of trip? Don’t fear, it’s doable to see plenty of locations in South America simply in 2 weeks. In this text, I can be sharing our itinerary for 16 days in South America, visiting Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. 16 days is only a however greater than 2 weeks, however these 2 days really play an enormous distinction for a troublesome (by way of planning) journey like that, so in case you have 16 days to spend in South America – that’s wonderful.
If two weeks is all you may handle, and you actually need to go to Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador in 14 days, this is able to additionally work, you’ll simply have to spend much less time in one of many locations of this journey (cut back time spent in La Paz by at some point and spend much less time in Ecuador as properly).
Useful hyperlinks:
…which can be talked about on this put up (so you’ve them multi functional place):
Travel insurance coverage for South America: you should utilize EKTA Travel insurance coverage
Booking flights in South America – Skyscanner
Hotels – Booking.com the overview of motels by day you’ll find within the quick itinerary just a few paragraphs beneath
Tour to absorb Peru: Lima meals tour
Rainbow mountain tour from Cusco
Train tickets from Cusco to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail
Bus to Salar de Uyuni from La Paz
Salt Hotel in Salar de Uyuni – Hotel de Sal Luna Salada
La Paz excursions: La Paz teleferico tour and La Paz road meals tour
Rental automotive in Ecuador: e-book right here
Our Amazon Lodge in Ecuador: Napo Cultural Center
Quito strolling tour – test availability right here
Here are some issues it is advisable know earlier than taking this journey:
How to journey between Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador in the event you solely have 2 weeks in South America?
The best method to journey between Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador is by buses and planes. However, not everybody can sleep in evening buses (*quietly raises a hand*), so it’s doable to journey fully by air. If you solely have 16 days in South America, I don’t suggest travelling simply by bus (though it might be doable, particularly in the event you purchase multi-city flights, e.g. arriving to La Paz and departing from Quito. That approach, it might be doable to start out your journey in La Paz, head to Salar de Uyuni by bus, return to La Paz, take a bus to lake Titikaka, cross the border to Peru and take a prepare or bus to Cusco. The remainder of the buses would take merely an excessive amount of time, until you need to spend 22 hours in a bus as a substitute of 1 hour in a airplane from Cusco to Lima. It’s completely effective in case you have 2 months in South America, nevertheless it wouldn’t work very properly in the event you solely have 2 weeks).
For shopping for flights in South America, we used Skyscanner – it helped us to search out the most affordable fares! Another software to strive is WayAway.
What to pack for two weeks in South America?
The packing checklist for two weeks in South America is determined by the season if you’re visiting the continent. However, some locations like La Paz and Quito have related climate all 12 months lengthy, so the packing checklist shouldn’t change drastically. Lima may be colder or hotter relying on the season and the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador can have kind of rainfall relying on the month.
For 2 weeks in South America, I like to recommend bringing many layers, so you may simply alter your outfit if it will get chilly or sizzling. Bring at the very least 5-6 t-shirts, tank tops, lengthy sleeve shirts, shorts, leggings, lengthy fast-drying trousers (2-3 pairs), fast-drying shirts (3 pcs), fleece jacket, trainers, leather-based boots, sandals, waterproof backpack, just a few clothes in the event you put on these, hoodies, sweatshirts and a crossbody bag with plenty of hidden pockets (Lululemon makes baggage like this).
Here’s a brief overview of the two+ week South America itinerary:
Day 1: arriving to Lima, exploring town, evening at Ibis Styles Miraflores
Day 2: exploring Lima within the morning, afternoon flight to Cusco, evening at Marriott Cusco
Day 3: exploring Cusco within the morning, 1pm prepare/bus to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), an evening at Casa Andina Machu Picchu
Day 4: Exploring Machu Picchu, night prepare to Cusco, an evening at Novotel Cusco
Day 5: Cusco and night flight again to Lima, then a flight to La Paz
Day 6: Arriving at La Paz airport (in all probability late at evening / early within the morning), exploring La Paz, evening bus to Salar de Uyuni
Day 7: Day tour to Salar de Uyuni, an evening at Hotel de Sal, Luna Salada (or an evening bus to La Paz)
Day 8: Flight to La Paz with 5 hours to spend in Cochabamba, an evening at Selina La Paz or MET Hotel La Paz
Day 9: A day tour of your alternative: Copacabana (Titikaka Lake) or a tour to one of many mountains
Day 10: Exploring La Paz, late evening flight onwards to Quito by means of Lima or Bogota
Day 11: Arriving in Quito, driving to Mindo, evening at Casa Divina
Day 12: Birdwatching in Mindo, visiting Mitad del Mundo, night in Quito
Day 13: Flying to Coca, staying at Napo Cultural Center in Yasuni (Amazon journey)
Day 14: Amazon rainforest
Day 15: Amazon rainforest
Day 16: Flying again to Quito, exploring town centre, flying again by way of Lima
Alright, with out additional ado, let’s begin with the perfect itinerary for barely greater than 2 weeks in South America!
2+ weeks in South America: Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador itinerary
Days 1& 2: The highlights of Lima
Lima airport and the perfect locations to remain in Lima
Lima airport is positioned proper inside town, so attending to town from the airport doesn’t take too lengthy – round 30-40 minutes, relying on the site visitors. The best (hassle-free approach) is pre-booking a switch upfront – then any person can be ready for you on the airport. You can use GetTransfer for that. You also can connect with airport wifi or use roaming to ask for an Uber or Cabify automotive and pay round $13-16 for that. Uber works properly on the airport, however within the metropolis, it’s not so good. It’s virtually all the time approach sooner to simply flag a taxi on the road (and cheaper as properly), nevertheless, be sure to ask the worth earlier than beginning the experience. Even although the vast majority of taxis use the meter, some don’t, and also you would possibly find yourself overpaying by quite a bit!
Miraflores and Barranco are two areas which can be hottest with vacationers. If you’re in search of an inexpensive resort, strive Selina Miraflores or Ibis Styles Miraflores (each within the $30-50 vary per evening). Alternatively, Radisson Red Miraflores or Miraflores Park by Belmond are each nice choices if you would like a fancier resort.
The finest issues to see and do in Lima in 2 days
I’ll provide you with a really transient overview of the perfect issues to do in Lima in 2 days. If you need to see our detailed itinerary, you’ll find it on this put up: a weekend in Lima – the perfect issues to do in Lima in 2 days!
Here are some must-see locations and the perfect issues to do in Lima in 48 hours:
Things to do within the Historic Centre of Lima
- Plaza de Armas aka the principle and probably the most stunning sq. in Lima. There are loads of stunning buildings on completely different sides of the sq., however probably the most spectacular one is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Lima. It’s a working cathedral, so the doorway is free, however be sure to watch the principles and a few issues usually are not allowed (e.g. taking movies, particularly throughout a mass).
- Basílica y Convento de San Francisco de Lima – it’s well-known for its underground catacombs. A variety of vacationers go to these catacombs, as they’re typically talked about as probably the most well-known points of interest of Lima!
- The streets of Lima City Centre – it’s good to simply stroll round within the historic centre of Lima and discover completely different streets, have a look at the cafes and eating places and wander inside cute shops and memento outlets
Amazing issues to do in Miraflores
Miraflores is likely one of the leafiest districts of Lima and it’s additionally the preferred space for consuming out and procuring. Most vacationers additionally find yourself staying in Miraflores, as there are nice motels and loads of eating choices. A shocking seashore can be very near Miraflores!
- Eat in a conventional cevicheria (cebicheria) – La Mar Cevicheria is likely one of the finest ones within the metropolis. The queue was lengthy however the meals was value it! We waited for 45 minutes earlier than we have been seated within the bar space and an additional 45 minutes till a desk turned accessible and we may lastly eat! There can be a beautiful juice bar positioned simply throughout the road from La Mar Cevicheria – it is best to undoubtedly strive Lucuma smoothie there, it’s heavenly!
- Once you savoured the ceviche, head to Parque Maria Grau and stroll all the way in which in direction of Larcomar. On your approach, you’ll go to Parque del Amor which was impressed by the Guell Park in Spain. In complete, the stroll to Larcomar from La Mar sevicheria is circa 3.5 km lengthy. The views on the way in which are gorgeous.
- Take a meals tour of Lima – one of the best ways to complete the day in Lima is to take a meals tour! Now, there are many meals excursions in Lima; some begin within the morning, some – within the afternoon and a few begin within the night. For this itinerary, it’s simpler to take a night tour that begins at 5pm or later – test the costs and availability right here
- Have a conventional breakfast in a signature restaurant – San Antonio Pasteleria in Miraflores
- Visit a conventional market very near Miraflores – Mercado 1 Surquillo. Mercado 1 Surquillo is a comparatively small market and most of stalls are promoting poultry, fish and numerous cooking provides. However, there have been additionally some stalls promoting juices and smoothies (we had one other one made with lucuma) and a few stalls promoting road meals, particularly a big number of soups.
- For lunch, we picked a small restaurant positioned simply outdoors the market – Bam Bam Sebicheria and it was glorious. The parts have been large they usually have been solely half value of what we paid in La Mar yesterday. Make positive to strive the speciality there – the cockles referred to as Conchas Negras. They are very completely different from a typical ceviche you would possibly strive someplace else!
Best issues to do in Barranco
When evaluating Barranco and Miraflores, it’s laborious to say which one is best, as a result of each of them are beautiful! However, Miraflores is mostly extra fashionable with vacationers and has barely extra upscale locations, whereas Barranco has plenty of hipster locations and low outlets.
- Visit the Bridge of Sighs. The most well-known landmark in Barranco is the Bridge of Sighs
- Explore the road artwork of Barranco! Barranco is likely one of the most photogenic locations in Lima, so if it’s good images you’re in search of, you’ll be capable to take plenty of them in Barranco.
- Visit a road market just a few steps away from the Bridge of Sighs and discover the stalls with fruits, cosmetics and a few crafts, it’s undoubtedly value visiting for a couple of minutes
- Walk the photogenic Bajada de Baños that leads straight to Lima seashore.
- Enjoy the seashore!
Flying to Cusco
Flying to Cusco solely took about 45 minutes and the views from the airplane have been breathtaking! We anticipated to really feel unwell as quickly as we landed, however that wasn’t the case. In actuality, the altitude illness normally kicks in just a few hours after you land and never instantly. Cusco it’s among the many highest-altitude cities on the planet. At 3300, there isn’t as a lot air as persons are usually used to, so lots of people expertise some form of mountain illness. It normally goes away by itself, however to ease the signs (which we felt subsequent day after we wakened), you may drink some coca leaf tea. We additionally had two aspirins every and it helped tremendously!
Day 3-5: Cusco and Machu Picchu
Where to remain in Cusco
Over our complete keep in Cusco, we stayed at two motels, one very inexpensive and one other one barely dearer. The first one is named El Andariego B&B and we paid for it lower than £30 per evening. The second one, Novotel Cusco, was round £60 per evening.
If you’re in search of a cheerful resort/hostel, the place you may meet others, strive Selina! Or, in case you have a bigger price range, strive Marriott Cusco, it’s fantastic.
Exploring Cusco: the perfect issues to do and see
Cusco is likely one of the finest cities in Peru for sightseeing! Here are among the finest issues you are able to do and see in Cusco:
- the principle sq. of Cusco, Plaza de Armas! It’s gorgeous and it’s all the time full of individuals. Since we arrived within the night, we went to the principle sq. after checking in and it was nonetheless full of individuals. It appeared like Cusco by no means sleeps!
- 12-angled stone – is a well-known artefact positioned inside one of many partitions in central Cusco. You can learn a bit extra about it and its significance right here
- The major cathedral of Cusco positioned on the Plaza de Armas – it’s free to enter and it’s completely gorgeous inside
- Mercado San Pedro – Cusco’s busiest and hottest market, the place you may observe on a regular basis lifetime of the locals in addition to purchase some meals, sweets, fruits and souvenirs
- Qorikancha museum
- Souvenir procuring in Cusco: memento outlets in Cusco are round each nook and regardless that most of them promote related issues, surprisingly, the choice and the colors are completely different in every store. The guidelines are the identical as in all places else – the additional away from major sq., the extra inexpensive are the costs for souvenirs.
- Take one in every of wonderful excursions: e.g. a cooking class and San Pedro Market tour, Traditional Cusco sightseeing tour or Cusco meals and road meals tour
Where to eat in Cusco: the perfect eating places
Cusco, because it turned out, has unbelievable gastronomy! There are loads of wonderful eating places in Cusco and, excellent news, – there aren’t even that costly. Plus, there are many nice low cost eating places and cafes, the place you may eat extremely properly for much less.
Some of the eating places I’d suggest in Cusco:
Chicha – the well-known restaurant of Gaston Acurio, it is advisable e-book upfront
Yaku restaurant
Papacho’s for wonderful burgers
Cucharitas Ice Cream for the perfect and really uncommon ice lotions (they usually additionally serve “normal” lunch meals there
The finest day journeys from Cusco in case you have a full day otherwise you’re planning to remain a bit longer in Peru
Taking a prepare to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)
As of now, there’s direct service from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, so that you don’t have to take a bi-modal service with a minibus and watch for 1 hour in Ollaytantambo!
The journey instantly by prepare takes round 3.5 hours (+/- a while you spend on the prepare station for the checkin – most individuals arrive 45 minutes earlier than the prepare). We used Inca rail, nevertheless it wasn’t nice, so I’d suggest sticking to Peru Rail!
The journey to Aguas Calientes is wonderful, nevertheless, having accomplished it now, we discovered that it’s in all probability not value paying for a dearer prepare. We have been joyful we caught with the fundamental prepare, as a result of the home windows have been large anyway and we may see every part. One tip in the event you’re in a position to decide on your seats: select the seats which can be dealing with the route of the journey.
Also, be aware that you’re not allowed to deliver a suitcase with you, only a small backpack. If you’ve nowhere to go away your bag in Cusco, strive going to a hostel – they normally supply bag storage for $5 a day!
Where to remain and what to do in Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is a really small city with prepare tracks proper within the coronary heart of the road. It’s not linked to every other city by highway – every part and everybody comes by prepare. Most of the motels in Aguas Calientes have a river view and are positioned proper subsequent to the prepare tracks. However, there are some which can be positioned additional within the city. If you’re solely staying in Aguas Calientes for one evening and don’t thoughts going to sleep comparatively late (9-10pm) and waking up at 4am (or with the primary prepare) and also you don’t thoughts the paper-thin partitions and the noise of the river, however you worth comfort, value and gorgeous views out of your room, you may choose in for one of many motels close to the prepare tracks! We stayed at Susanna Inn and it was beautiful! However, If you desire a quieter place, far-off from the prepare tracks, think about staying at Amakonkay. If your price range permits, you may keep at Jaya Suite and even instantly close to the doorway to Machu Picchu, on the gorgeous Sanctuary Lodge by Belmond!
There isn’t that a lot to do in Aguas Calientes contemplating its measurement. However, you may go to the native artisanal market subsequent to the prepare station or go to the Mariposario de Mindo. Some individuals additionally go to the Hot Springs (the city is called after them, in any case).
Visiting Machu Picchu
In order to get to the doorway to Machu Picchu, you may both hike for 1.5 hours or purchase a shuttle. You can purchase a ticket within the city or on-line right here and save plenty of time!
I additionally suggest shopping for a ticket to Machu Picchu properly upfront (at the very least a month upfront). You can purchase it on the official web site right here. However, if it’s nearer to the date and it looks like the official tickets are offered out, you may all the time strive the vacationer businesses. Some of them purchase a sure variety of tickets for each day, which they will promote to vacationers later. If you’re in search of some last-moment tickets (lower than 10 days upfront), you may purchase them right here.
We have discovered plenty of articles stating that the perfect time to go to Machu Picchu is early morning – at 6am. That’s as a result of Machu Picchu shouldn’t be crowded but and the sunshine seems to be gorgeous. However, the articles didn’t point out that in the event you’re visiting in March – May, it’s very possible that Machu Picchu can be lined by a thick fog within the morning that can clear round 9-9:30am. Lots of people who entered with us at 6am stayed till 9am and will really see the postcard view of Machu Picchu. That’s as a result of you may’t return in the event you proceed the stroll across the web site. In order to see the view, you’ve received to face on the viewpoint and wait.
Since we solely purchased a ticket to Machu Picchu (no Waynapicchu or Huchuypicchu) after which needed to watch for 3.5 hours to see it (completely our fault, although for not checking the specifics of visiting Machu Picchu in April), we have been fairly drained, hungry and wished to make use of the bathroom (take into accout there are none contained in the archaeological web site), so we accomplished the remainder of Machu Picchu pretty rapidly, in about an hour! However, in the event you’re feeling okay, you may undoubtedly spend longer then, particularly in the event you rent a information on the entrance or purchase a tour!
On common, I’d say, it might take 1.5 – 3 hours to finish in the event you’re solely going Machu Picchu, with out the montaña! However, some individuals remodel it right into a full day journey by mountain climbing all the way in which to Machu Picchu and skipping the shuttle bus (takes 1.5-2 hours) every approach – and the return approach is far simpler and sooner, so generally individuals simply get a one-way shuttle.
Strikes in Peru and what to do in case your return prepare is cancelled
Unfortunately for us, there have been sudden and surprising strikes in Peru on the times after we have been visiting Machu Picchu, so we really received caught there and virtually missed the remainder of the journey. I assume and hope that yours would go forward so I received’t spend any time describing what to do in case your prepare will get cancelled – you may learn extra about it on this article: Getting caught in Machu Picchu: tips on how to get out from Aguas Calientes
Usually, the way in which again to Cusco is fairly straight ahead and it is best to get again to town in 3.5-5 hours! And then fly again to Lima with none points!
Flying to La Paz from Lima:
We landed in La Paz round 3:30am! There is a direct flight, nevertheless it was twice dearer than flying by way of Bogota, so we purchased a less expensive flight. Both flights land early within the morning. Since passport management takes fairly a little bit of time, you’ll solely get to town centre of La Paz at 5:30am and even 6:00am. Since we had to purchase a SIM card and surprisingly, the method took a bit lengthy, we arrived simply after 6am.
Day 6: Exploring La Paz
Where to remain in La Paz
Some nicer and posher motels are positioned within the South of La Paz, e.g. Achumani station, however it is going to be very inconvenient to remain there in your first day in La Paz, since a lot of the landmarks are positioned within the metropolis centre and that’s the place the buses to Uyuni depart from as properly. You can keep there later, as soon as you come back from Uyuni.
I like to recommend reserving Selina resort/hostel – it’s inexpensive, nevertheless it’s tremendous fashionable and has nice web. We booked it for two nights regardless that we solely stayed there for 12 hours, nevertheless it solely value us one thing like $45 (which was value it, as a result of we managed to sleep further 4 hours on arrival from Lima after which relaxation for just a few hours earlier than taking an evening bus to Uyuni).
For the remainder of the keep in La Paz, we booked the lately opened Hotel MET, which was wonderful! You can test the worth and availability right here.
Things to do in La Paz in 1 day (if you’re very drained):
- Have a 3-course lunch in the perfect restaurant of La Paz – Gustu (from the founders of NOMA in Copenhagen)
- Walk across the historic metropolis centre and go to the attractive Calle Jaen.
- Climb the mirador Kili-Kili for the perfect views of town – the perfect views could be simply earlier than sundown! The view from Kili Kili is admittedly gorgeous – you may see the 360 panorama of La Paz!
We didn’t spend an excessive amount of time within the metropolis centre this time, as we knew that we are going to have extra time in La Paz later and actually have a correct tour of town that we booked upfront.
Taking an evening bus to Uyuni
The buses to Uyuni depart within the night, at 9pm, nevertheless, it is advisable be at their workplace at the very least quarter-hour previous to that. Most bus operators have their very own little workplaces, the place you may register, sit down, go to a bathroom and even have some tea. Night buses to Uyuni will be very inexpensive and easy and will be fairly luxurious as properly. You can test the costs and availability of buses from La Paz to Uyuni right here >
We booked a Todo Turismo bus. Our bus was wonderful – it had two ranges – the VIP on the bottom stage and the conventional seats on the primary ground. Since I’m fairly unhealthy at sleeping within the buses, we went for probably the most handy possibility, the VIP seats that recline fairly properly (in all probability round 150 levels or so). Normal tickets value round $36-38 a method and VIP prices a bit extra, round $45 every approach. It’s undoubtedly not low cost, however the planes to Uyuni are far more costly, plus, you’re saving cash on the resort.
The tickets additionally embody meals – dinner and breakfast!
Day 7: Salar de Uyuni and an evening at a Salt Hotel
A day tour round Salar de Uyuni
We arrived on the Todo Turismo workplace in Uyuni round 7:45 am within the morning. Their workplace additionally has bathrooms, tea and a few cozy sofas if you wish to wait there for a short while till your tour begins.
We determined to e-book this tour it was the best-rated tour in Uyuni and it exceeded all our expectations. We visited all the principle points of interest, from the prepare cemetery to the salt mine and museum. We had a beautiful buffet lunch in the midst of Salar, 1 hour in Fish island after which we had a photoshoot in the midst of Salar. Our group was fairly massive – we have been 18 individuals in complete and our information shot a video with all of the tour contributors – it was enjoyable! After that, we had some snacks and wine watching sundown in Salar and even one further exercise – stargazing, which was the most effective reminiscences! It was such a protracted tour and we received to our resort round 8:45pm (with a courtesy elevate from the tour operator).
Night at a salt resort
For one evening, as a substitute of taking a bus again, we determined to deal with ourselves and keep at a luxurious resort de Sal Luna Salada. Some of the rooms there have a view to Salar (together with ours), which was wonderful. Everything at this resort was fabricated from salt, even among the furnishings!
Days 8-10: La Paz and among the finest day journeys
Uyuni to Cochabamba/La Paz by airplane
Before the pandemic, there have been loads of direct flights to La Paz from Uyuni. Not positive if there are some now, however after we visited Bolivia, there have been none. So we booked a flight to La Paz with an interchange in Cochabamba.
Amazing issues to do in La Paz:
If you need to learn extra about exploring La Paz, I’ve this put up about 15+ wonderful issues to do in La Paz right here >>>
On the 4th day in Bolivia, you may both keep in La Paz and proceed exploring town or take one of many day journeys and both go to Copacabana (lake Titicaca) or to one of many mountains, or, alternatively, possibly you are feeling match to go to the well-known loss of life highway biking journey?
Here are among the finest day excursions you may take from La Paz:
Private tour to lake Titikaka (requires minimal two individuals) – it is possible for you to to see probably the most stunning and largest lakes on the planet
The well-known bike tour to the loss of life highway (it’s a descent from over 5k over the ocean stage), nevertheless it’s nonetheless a really difficult tour, because it requires superb bodily situation
Beautiful Palca Canyon Tour with an optionally available cease at Valle de las Animas
Chacaltaya & Valle de Luna Tour (be sure to deliver heat garments, as Chacaltaya was once a ski resort)
Condoriri and the lagoons full trekking tour for trekking lovers
Famous Huayna Potosi mountain trek – all the way in which as much as 5000m above the ocean stage with gorgeous views (difficult)
Other good issues to do in La Paz:
If you resolve to spend the remainder of the journey in La Paz, I like to recommend the next actions:
- Explore Achumani – the luxury space of La Paz with loads of espresso outlets and good eating places
- Have dinner in Manq’a – an amazing restaurant specialising in Bolivian meals
- Head to town centre and go to Mercado de las Brujas (Witches Market) the place they promote new child llamas and llama foetuses that grasp outdoors the stalls. They additionally promote numerous teas, soaps and sweet which can be produced for various causes, e.g. to assist discovering a job, discovering love, getting wealthy amongst different issues
- Take a road meals tour of La Paz – go to among the finest stalls in Mercado Lanza after which go to a restaurant with a tasting of the preferred Bolivian dishes as a part of this tour – test the costs and availability right here
- Take a teleferico tour of La Paz – e-book it right here) Our information, Maria, informed us quite a bit in regards to the historical past of La Paz and El Alto and in regards to the Cholitas (girls in conventional Bolivian clothes) and Cholets (a word-play for Cholitas + Chalets), which rich Aymara (indigenous individuals) of El Alto and La Paz construct for themselves. There can be a really fascinating tour of the perfect Cholets in El Alto together with visiting a celebration – you’ll find out extra right here >
Flying to Quito:
As I discussed earlier than, most worldwide flights depart from La Paz very late at evening – one at 3:30am, one other one a bit later, so it’s laborious to resolve whether or not to go to mattress early and attempt to sleep 3-5 hours earlier than the flight or stay awake in any respect and sleep in Quito as a substitute. We determined to attempt to sleep on the resort for 3 hours after which slept for two extra hours in one of many flights. Our flight to Ecuador was by means of Bogota (but once more), so we arrived in Quito round 9 am.
Days 11-12: A visit to Mindo from Quito, Mitad del Mundo
Picking up our rental automotive
In Quito, it took us lower than 20 minutes to move all of the border checks and decide up our baggage. Our automotive rental expertise wasn’t nice as they tried to overcharge us for the automotive deposit, however ultimately, they charged us the correct quantity as we have been in a position to present them our authentic reserving. Make positive to have web entry or print out your affirmation upfront! We additionally received a handbook automotive for a value of an automated one (which is a downgrade), however that’s an everyday automotive rental expertise in Central and South America sadly (we had the identical in Costa Rica). You can hire a automotive on-line right here.
Exploring Mindo
After a fast lunch in a close-by shopping center, we began our drive in direction of Mindo. Mindo is likely one of the most stunning locations in Ecuador and it normally takes round 1.5 to 2 hours to get there. The highway to Mindo may be very scenic! You will move very tall mountains, stunning forests and plenty of gorgeous viewpoints.
Mindo is a small city well-known for its Cloud Forest – a really particular ecosystem, a tropical evergreen forest, which is residence to a really excessive variety of birds. In Mindo, we booked a ravishing lodge referred to as Casa Divina. Casa Divina had two beautiful strolling trails on its territory and we determined to discover them shortly after our arrival. After dinner in Mindo city, we additionally had an evening jungle tour across the Casa Divina with the proprietor of the resort as properly.
Birdwatching in Mindo
We spent all the morning of our second day in Ecuador birdwatching. To be capable to see many birds, it is advisable get up very early. Casa Divina has a tremendous rooftop terrace and a small spot, the place they lay fruits each morning, so the birds come to the property for a morning feast. The terrace of Casa Divina normally opens at 7am and the breakfast begins round 8am.
Some individuals come to Mindo to see the well-known and really uncommon hen, cock of the rock. In order to see them, you really have to get up further early and hike for some time. You can have greater probabilities to see cock of the rock in the event you go along with a information, and it may be the most suitable choice even supposing the excursions are fairly costly. You can discover out extra about these excursions right here.
Other issues to do in Mindo
There are loads of different good issues to do in Mindo apart from birdwatching. Here are among the issues I’d suggest:
- Mindo Zip Line – a tremendous zip line that consists of 10 completely different tracks. You can e-book it on-line right here
- The Mariposas de Mindo – the butterfly sanctuary. It prices round $6 per individual to go to and even features a small tour. You can see 3 varieties of butterflies there and there are such a lot of of them, hundreds or much more
- Mindo Cable Car – it brings you to the Nambillo Waterfall and has open cabins, so you may simply observe the environment, take images and search for birds! You can e-book your ticket upfront right here
- Cocoa and chocolate tasting and excursions – if you wish to be taught a bit extra about how cocoa beans are grown and the way chocolate is made, you may e-book one of many cocoa and chocolate tasting excursions like this one. Alternatively, you may go to a restaurant like Mindo Chocolate and take a look at chocolate there in addition to purchase some candies on the native retailer.
Heading again to Quito, visiting Mitad del Mundo
We spent the primary half of our day in Mindo, visiting among the finest points of interest, then had a lunch there and round 2:30 pm, we headed in direction of Quito. On our approach, we determined to cease at one other, world-famous attraction, Mitad del Mundo!
Mitad del Mundo is a line which separates the North and the South Hemispheres. The precise geographically appropriate line is someplace 200 meters away within the village, however in Mitad del Mundo, you may go to a museum, put just a few stamps which you can stamp your passport with, eat one thing on the numerous eating places and purchase some souvenirs on the native shops. And, in fact, you may take plenty of images!
We spent the remainder of the night in Quito – we checked in at our resort Ibis after which headed to a close-by shopping center for a fast dinner and last-minute purchasing for the Amazon journey.
Days 13-15: Staying within the Amazon in Ecuador – Napo Cultural Center
Getting to the Amazon lodge in Ecuador (Yasuni National Park)
We determined to select Yasuni National park as our vacation spot for exploring the Amazon jungle in Ecuador. We picked Yasuni for a number of causes. First of all, it didn’t have any instances of Malaria within the final 50 years. Secondly, it was comparatively simple to get there. Finally, it had wonderful evaluations and lodges that weren’t too costly.
In order to get there, we took an early morning flight to Coca Airport which took lower than half-hour. Then we took a taxi to the river port, discovered our information, and waited for one more couple, who arrived in a later flight and loved the 2-hour speedboat experience to the lodge. We have been additionally provided a really good lunch field whereas within the boat!
Our expertise at Napo Cultural Center – a incredible inexpensive amazon lodge in Ecuador
Throughout our keep at Napo Cultural Center everybody who labored there was unbelievable – very pleasant and well mannered! From our wonderful information to the chef on the restaurant and folks from the group, everyone made us really feel very welcome!
I wouldn’t dive deep into our itinerary, because it differs relying on the season, the climate and the variety of individuals within the group. We have been extremely fortunate to reach on the dates when there have been no different arrivals, so we just about had our information to ourselves!
What to anticipate from Napo Cultural Center
Your days at Napo Cultural Center comply with a selected schedule. You normally get up fairly early within the morning – round 5am or 6am(all of the hen exercise occurs within the morning), have breakfast and head out along with your information. During the morning journeys, you may both go to the clay licks or to one of many commentary towers if the climate permits. You also can keep on the lodge and go to the ladies locally and see them carry out their conventional dances and rituals.
Then you normally return to your room for a fast change and head out for lunch. After lunch, you normally have an hour or two to relaxation to keep away from venturing out throughout the hottest time of the day.
Around 3 or 4pm, you meet along with your information once more and also you enterprise out for one more exercise resembling a shorter stroll / experience to an commentary tower. After that, you’ll have a dinner and have a while to relaxation. There is satellite tv for pc web on the lodge, so you may check out your family and associates. There are hardly ever any actions after dinner. We solely had a brief evening stroll within the jungle as soon as with our information.
Day 16: Exploring town centre of Quito
The journey again from Yasuni National Park to Quito
We needed to get up very early, round 5 am to have the ability to catch the pace boat to Coca. Our information travelled with us again to Coca – and identical to on arrival, the employees members packed a pleasant breakfast for us, which was very beautiful! We arrived to the airport with a few hours to spare. Coca airport is tiny, and there isn’t a lot to do there. However, there are two cafes the place you may eat one thing in case you’re hungry or simply have a cup of espresso.
Exploring the Historic Centre of Quito
On arrival again to Quito round 11:30 am, we didn’t have a rental automotive anymore and needed to take a taxi. We left our baggage at our resort – we booked Hotel San Fransisco de Quito. It was very inexpensive and appeared identical to the “Casita” from the Encanto film! However, in case you have a much bigger price range, these two motels may be even a greater possibility: Hotel Casa Gangotena or Plaza Grande Hotel
If you’ve a possibility, I like to recommend becoming a member of a strolling tour that might deliver you to the principle highlights within the metropolis. You can e-book one right here.
Here are among the finest issues to see in Quito:
- Basilica del Voto Nacional
- San Francisco Church
- El Panecilo
- Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús
- La Ronda road – there are plenty of good conventional eating places there, plus the road may be very fairly
- A panorama of Quito out of your resort rooftop terrace (most motels have them)
Safety points in Quito
Unfortunately, the social inequality is sort of sturdy in Quito and crime is on an increase within the capital. It shouldn’t be suggested to stroll within the metropolis centre of Quito after darkish – plenty of vacationers get mugged. Most of the motels within the metropolis centre shut their doorways after darkish. If you resolve to stroll within the metropolis centre after darkish, you may be stopped by the police and escorted again to your resort.
Getting able to fly again:
Since our flight was departing very early, round 3:30am, we determined to fall asleep very early, round 8pm and tried to get at the very least 4 hours of sleep. It took us simply round 35-40 minutes to get to the airport this late at evening!
Our return flight to Lima was, in fact, by means of Bogota after which we had our return flight to London (in fact by way of Bogota once more), so we managed to go to Bogota airport twice in at some point. We tried to alter the tickets earlier than, however have been quoted $3000 per individual to skip Lima and simply depart from Bogota to London, so we deserted that concept. However, in the event you do extra cautious planning, you’ll be capable to keep away from such inconvenient flights!
Summary of our 16-day journey round South America: Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador in 2+ weeks!
I hope you discovered this weblog put up helpful and received some new concepts on tips on how to spend simply over 2 weeks in South America and go to greater than 2 international locations. Initially, we have been planning to go to Chile as properly, as it might have been really easy to simply cross from Uyuni to Chile and spend just a few days there after which fly to Ecuador from Chile, nevertheless, on account of their strict pandemic insurance policies it was sadly not doable.
If you’ve any questions on this itinerary, be happy to message me on Instagram – you’ll find me as @lizatripsget!
Some different posts you would possibly like:
5 days in Peru: Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu
5 days in Bolivia: La Paz & Salar de Uyuni
3 days in La Paz: the perfect issues to do and day journeys from La Paz
Weekend itinerary for Lima: the perfect issues to do & eating places to go to