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Are you planning a visit to South America and solely have 2 weeks of trip? Don’t fear, it’s attainable to see a whole lot of locations in South America simply in 2 weeks. On this article, I shall 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 tough (when it comes to planning) journey like that, so in case you have 16 days to spend in South America – that’s superb.
If two weeks is all you may handle, and you actually need to go to Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador in 14 days, this may 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 in the future and spend much less time in Ecuador as nicely).
Helpful hyperlinks:
…which are talked about on this publish (so you could have them multi functional place):
Journey insurance coverage for South America: you should utilize EKTA Journey insurance coverage
Reserving flights in South America – Skyscanner
Motels – Reserving.com the overview of accommodations by day yow will discover within the brief itinerary a number of paragraphs under
Tour to soak up Peru: Lima meals tour
Rainbow mountain tour from Cusco
Prepare tickets from Cusco to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail
Bus to Salar de Uyuni from La Paz
Salt Resort in Salar de Uyuni – Resort de Sal Luna Salada
La Paz excursions: La Paz teleferico tour and La Paz road meals tour
Rental automobile in Ecuador: ebook right here
Our Amazon Lodge in Ecuador: Napo Cultural Heart
Quito strolling tour – verify availability right here
Listed here are some issues it’s worthwhile to know earlier than taking this journey:
Find out how to journey between Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador when you solely have 2 weeks in South America?
The best approach to journey between Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador is by buses and planes. Nevertheless, not everybody can sleep in night time buses (*quietly raises a hand*), so it’s attainable to journey completely by air. Should you solely have 16 days in South America, I don’t advocate travelling simply by bus (though it could be attainable, particularly when you purchase multi-city flights, e.g. arriving to La Paz and departing from Quito. That approach, it could be attainable to begin 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 practice 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 aircraft from Cusco to Lima. It’s completely nice in case you have 2 months in South America, however it wouldn’t work very nicely when you solely have 2 weeks).
For getting flights in South America, we used Skyscanner – it helped us to seek out the most cost effective fares! One other device to attempt is WayAway.
What to pack for two weeks in South America?
The packing record for two weeks in South America relies on the season while you’re visiting the continent. Nevertheless, some locations like La Paz and Quito have comparable climate all yr lengthy, so the packing record shouldn’t change drastically. Lima is perhaps colder or hotter relying on the season and the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador can have kind of rainfall relying on the month.
For two weeks in South America, I like to recommend bringing many layers, so you may simply alter your outfit if it will get chilly or scorching. Convey no less than 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, a number of attire when you put on these, hoodies, sweatshirts and a crossbody bag with a whole lot of hidden pockets (Lululemon makes baggage like this).
Right here’s a brief overview of the two+ week South America itinerary:
Day 1: arriving to Lima, exploring the town, night time at Ibis Kinds Miraflores
Day 2: exploring Lima within the morning, afternoon flight to Cusco, night time at Marriott Cusco
Day 3: exploring Cusco within the morning, 1pm practice/bus to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), an evening at Casa Andina Machu Picchu
Day 4: Exploring Machu Picchu, night practice 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 (most likely late at night time / early within the morning), exploring La Paz, night time bus to Salar de Uyuni
Day 7: Day tour to Salar de Uyuni, an evening at Resort 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 Resort 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 night time flight onwards to Quito via Lima or Bogota
Day 11: Arriving in Quito, driving to Mindo, night time at Casa Divina
Day 12: Birdwatching in Mindo, visiting Mitad del Mundo, night in Quito
Day 13: Flying to Coca, staying at Napo Cultural Heart in Yasuni (Amazon journey)
Day 14: Amazon rainforest
Day 15: Amazon rainforest
Day 16: Flying again to Quito, exploring the town centre, flying again by way of Lima
Alright, with out additional ado, let’s begin with the most effective 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 most effective locations to remain in Lima
Lima airport is situated proper inside the town, so attending to the town from the airport doesn’t take too lengthy – round 30-40 minutes, relying on the visitors. The best (hassle-free approach) is pre-booking a switch prematurely – then someone shall be ready for you on the airport. You should use GetTransfer for that. You too can connect with airport wifi or use roaming to ask for an Uber or Cabify automobile and pay round $13-16 for that. Uber works nicely on the airport, however within the metropolis, it’s not so good. It’s virtually at all times approach quicker to only flag a taxi on the road (and cheaper as nicely), nonetheless, be certain to ask the value earlier than beginning the experience. Though the vast majority of taxis use the meter, some don’t, and also you may find yourself overpaying by lots!
Miraflores and Barranco are two areas which are hottest with vacationers. Should you’re searching for an inexpensive resort, attempt Selina Miraflores or Ibis Kinds Miraflores (each within the $30-50 vary per night time). Alternatively, Radisson Pink Miraflores or Miraflores Park by Belmond are each nice choices if you need a fancier resort.
One of the best issues to see and do in Lima in 2 days
I’ll provide you with a really temporary overview of the most effective issues to do in Lima in 2 days. If you wish to see our detailed itinerary, yow will discover it on this publish: a weekend in Lima – the most effective issues to do in Lima in 2 days!
Listed here are some must-see locations and the most effective issues to do in Lima in 48 hours:
Issues to do within the Historic Centre of Lima
- Plaza de Armas aka the principle and probably the most stunning sq. in Lima. There are many 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 certain 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 number of vacationers go to these catacombs, as they’re typically talked about as one of the vital well-known points of interest of Lima!
- The streets of Lima Metropolis Centre – it’s good to only 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
Superb issues to do in Miraflores
Miraflores is without doubt one of the leafiest districts of Lima and it’s additionally the most well-liked space for consuming out and buying. Most vacationers additionally find yourself staying in Miraflores, as there are nice accommodations and loads of eating choices. A shocking seashore can also be very near Miraflores!
- Eat in a conventional cevicheria (cebicheria) – La Mar Cevicheria is without doubt one of the greatest ones within the metropolis. The queue was lengthy however the meals was price it! We waited for 45 minutes earlier than we have been seated within the bar space and an extra 45 minutes till a desk turned out there and we may lastly eat! There’s additionally a stunning juice bar situated simply throughout the road from La Mar Cevicheria – you need to positively attempt Lucuma smoothie there, it’s heavenly!
- When you savoured the ceviche, head to Parque Maria Grau and stroll all the way in which in the direction of Larcomar. In your approach, you’ll go to Parque del Amor which was impressed by the Guell Park in Spain. In whole, 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 – the easiest way 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 – verify the costs and availability right here
- Have a conventional breakfast in a signature restaurant – San Antonio Pasteleria in Miraflores
- Go to 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. Nevertheless, 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 situated simply outdoors the market – Bam Bam Sebicheria and it was glorious. The parts have been big and so they have been solely half value of what we paid in La Mar yesterday. Be sure that to attempt the speciality there – the cockles known as Conchas Negras. They’re very completely different from a typical ceviche you may attempt elsewhere!
Greatest issues to do in Barranco
When evaluating Barranco and Miraflores, it’s exhausting to say which one is best, as a result of each of them are beautiful! Nevertheless, Miraflores is mostly extra common with vacationers and has barely extra upscale locations, whereas Barranco has a whole lot of hipster locations and low outlets.
- Go to the Bridge of Sighs. Probably the most well-known landmark in Barranco is the Bridge of Sighs
- Discover the road artwork of Barranco! Barranco is without doubt one of the most photogenic locations in Lima, so if it’s good pictures you’re searching for, you’ll be capable of take a whole lot of them in Barranco.
- Go to a road market a number of steps away from the Bridge of Sighs and discover the stalls with fruits, cosmetics and a few crafts, it’s positively price visiting for a couple of minutes
- Stroll the photogenic Bajada de Baños that leads straight to Lima seashore.
- Benefit from the seashore!
Flying to Cusco
Flying to Cusco solely took about 45 minutes and the views from the aircraft 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 a number of hours after you land and never immediately. 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 type of mountain illness. It normally goes away by itself, however to ease the signs (which we felt subsequent day after we awakened), you may drink some coca leaf tea. We additionally had two aspirins every and it helped tremendously!
Day 3-5: Cusco and Machu Picchu
The place to remain in Cusco
Over our total keep in Cusco, we stayed at two accommodations, one very inexpensive and one other one barely costlier. The primary one known as El Andariego B&B and we paid for it lower than £30 per night time. The second, Novotel Cusco, was round £60 per night time.
Should you’re searching for a cheerful resort/hostel, the place you may meet others, attempt Selina! Or, in case you have a bigger funds, attempt Marriott Cusco, it’s great.
Exploring Cusco: the most effective issues to do and see
Cusco is without doubt one of the greatest cities in Peru for sightseeing! Listed here are among the greatest issues you are able to do and see in Cusco:
- the principle sq. of Cusco, Plaza de Armas! It’s gorgeous and it’s at all times 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 situated inside one of many partitions in central Cusco. You’ll be able to learn a bit extra about it and its significance right here
- The primary cathedral of Cusco situated 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
- Memento buying in Cusco: memento outlets in Cusco are round each nook and although most of them promote comparable issues, surprisingly, the choice and the colors are completely different in every store. The foundations are the identical as in every single place else – the additional away from major sq., the extra inexpensive are the costs for souvenirs.
- Take one in all superb excursions: e.g. a cooking class and San Pedro Market tour, Conventional Cusco sightseeing tour or Cusco meals and road meals tour
The place to eat in Cusco: the most effective eating places
Cusco, because it turned out, has unbelievable gastronomy! There are many superb 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 nicely for much less.
A few of the eating places I might advocate in Cusco:
Chicha – the well-known restaurant of Gaston Acurio, it’s worthwhile to ebook prematurely
Yaku restaurant
Papacho’s for superb burgers
Cucharitas Ice Cream for the most effective and really uncommon ice lotions (and so they additionally serve “regular” lunch meals there
One of the best day journeys from Cusco in case you have a full day otherwise you’re planning to remain a bit longer in Peru
Taking a practice 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 await 1 hour in Ollaytantambo!
The journey instantly by practice takes round 3.5 hours (+/- a while you spend on the practice station for the checkin – most individuals arrive 45 minutes earlier than the practice). We used Inca rail, however it wasn’t nice, so I’d advocate sticking to Peru Rail!
The journey to Aguas Calientes is superb, nonetheless, having accomplished it now, we discovered that it’s most likely not price paying for a costlier practice. We have been pleased we caught with the essential practice, as a result of the home windows have been big anyway and we may see all the things. One tip when you’re ready to decide on your seats: select the seats which are going through the course of the journey.
Additionally, word that you’re not allowed to convey a suitcase with you, only a small backpack. When you have nowhere to go away your bag in Cusco, attempt going to a hostel – they normally provide bag storage for $5 a day!
The place to remain and what to do in Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is a really small city with practice tracks proper within the coronary heart of the road. It’s not related to some other city by street – all the things and everybody comes by practice. Many of the accommodations in Aguas Calientes have a river view and are situated proper subsequent to the practice tracks. Nevertheless, there are some which are situated additional within the city. Should you’re solely staying in Aguas Calientes for one night time and don’t thoughts going to sleep comparatively late (9-10pm) and waking up at 4am (or with the primary practice) 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 accommodations close to the practice tracks! We stayed at Susanna Inn and it was beautiful! Nevertheless, If you need a quieter place, distant from the practice tracks, think about staying at Amakonkay. In case your funds 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. Nevertheless, you may go to the native artisanal market subsequent to the practice station or go to the Mariposario de Mindo. Some individuals additionally go to the Scorching Springs (the city is known as after them, in spite of everything).
Visiting Machu Picchu
To be able to get to the doorway to Machu Picchu, you may both hike for 1.5 hours or purchase a shuttle. You should buy a ticket within the city or on-line right here and save a whole lot of time!
I additionally advocate shopping for a ticket to Machu Picchu nicely prematurely (no less than a month prematurely). You should buy it on the official web site right here. Nevertheless, if it’s nearer to the date and it looks like the official tickets are bought out, you may at all times attempt the vacationer companies. A few of them purchase a sure variety of tickets for daily, which they’ll promote to vacationers later. Should you’re searching for some last-moment tickets (lower than 10 days prematurely), you may purchase them right here.
We’ve discovered a whole lot of articles stating that the most effective 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. Nevertheless, the articles didn’t point out that when you’re visiting in March – Could, it’s very possible that Machu Picchu shall 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 when you proceed the stroll across the web site. To be able to see the view, you’ve acquired to face on the viewpoint and wait.
Since we solely purchased a ticket to Machu Picchu (no Waynapicchu or Huchuypicchu) after which needed to await 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 shortly, in about an hour! Nevertheless, when you’re feeling okay, you may positively spend longer then, particularly when you rent a information on the entrance or purchase a tour!
On common, I might say, it could take 1.5 – 3 hours to finish when you’re solely going Machu Picchu, with out the montaña! Nevertheless, some individuals rework it right into a full day journey by mountaineering 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 way simpler and quicker, so typically individuals simply get a one-way shuttle.
Strikes in Peru and what to do in case your return practice is cancelled
Sadly for us, there have been sudden and sudden strikes in Peru on the times after we have been visiting Machu Picchu, so we really acquired caught there and virtually missed the remainder of the journey. I assume and hope that yours would go forward so I gained’t spend any time describing what to do in case your practice 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
Often, the way in which again to Cusco is fairly straight ahead and you need to get again to the town in 3.5-5 hours! After which fly again to Lima with none points!
Flying to La Paz from Lima:
We landed in La Paz round 3:30am! There’s a direct flight, however it was twice costlier than flying by way of Bogota, so we purchased a less expensive flight. Each flights land early within the morning. Since passport management takes fairly a little bit of time, you’ll solely get to the 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
The place to remain in La Paz
Some nicer and posher accommodations are situated within the South of La Paz, e.g. Achumani station, however it will likely be very inconvenient to remain there in your first day in La Paz, since a lot of the landmarks are situated within the metropolis centre and that’s the place the buses to Uyuni depart from as nicely. You’ll be able to keep there later, as soon as you come back from Uyuni.
I like to recommend reserving Selina resort/hostel – it’s inexpensive, however it’s tremendous trendy and has nice web. We booked it for two nights although we solely stayed there for 12 hours, however it solely value us one thing like $45 (which was price it, as a result of we managed to sleep further 4 hours on arrival from Lima after which relaxation for a number of hours earlier than taking an evening bus to Uyuni).
For the remainder of the keep in La Paz, we booked the lately opened Resort MET, which was superb! You’ll be able to verify the value and availability right here.
Issues to do in La Paz in 1 day (while you’re very drained):
- Have a 3-course lunch in the most effective restaurant of La Paz – Gustu (from the founders of NOMA in Copenhagen)
- Stroll across the historic metropolis centre and go to the attractive Calle Jaen.
- Climb the mirador Kili-Kili for the most effective views of the town – the most effective views can be simply earlier than sundown! The view from Kili Kili is actually 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 the town that we booked prematurely.
Taking an evening bus to Uyuni
The buses to Uyuni depart within the night, at 9pm, nonetheless, it’s worthwhile to be at their workplace no less than quarter-hour previous to that. Most bus operators have their very own little places of work, the place you may register, sit down, go to a rest room and even have some tea. Evening buses to Uyuni may be very inexpensive and easy and may be fairly luxurious as nicely. You’ll be able to verify the costs and availability of buses from La Paz to Uyuni right here >
We booked a Todo Turismo bus. Our bus was superb – it had two ranges – the VIP on the bottom degree and the traditional seats on the primary flooring. Since I’m fairly dangerous at sleeping within the buses, we went for probably the most handy choice, the VIP seats that recline fairly nicely (most likely round 150 levels or so). Regular tickets value round $36-38 a technique and VIP prices a bit extra, round $45 every approach. It’s positively not low-cost, however the planes to Uyuni are far more costly, plus, you’re saving cash on the resort.
The tickets additionally embrace meals – dinner and breakfast!
Day 7: Salar de Uyuni and an evening at a Salt Resort
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 comfortable sofas if you wish to wait there for a short while till your tour begins.
We determined to ebook 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 practice 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 whole and our information shot a video with all of the tour individuals – it was enjoyable! After that, we had some snacks and wine watching sundown in Salar and even one further exercise – stargazing, which was probably the greatest recollections! It was such a protracted tour and we acquired to our resort round 8:45pm (with a courtesy elevate from the tour operator).
Evening at a salt resort
For one night time, as a substitute of taking a bus again, we determined to deal with ourselves and keep at a luxurious resort de Sal Luna Salada. A few of the rooms there have a view to Salar (together with ours), which was superb. All the pieces at this resort was manufactured from salt, even among the furnishings!
Days 8-10: La Paz and among the greatest day journeys
Uyuni to Cochabamba/La Paz by aircraft
Earlier than the pandemic, there have been loads of direct flights to La Paz from Uyuni. Undecided 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.
Superb issues to do in La Paz:
If you wish to learn extra about exploring La Paz, I’ve this publish about 15+ superb issues to do in La Paz right here >>>
On the 4th day in Bolivia, you may both keep in La Paz and proceed exploring the town or take one of many day journeys and both go to Copacabana (lake Titicaca) or to one of many mountains, or, alternatively, perhaps you are feeling match to go to the well-known demise street biking journey?
Listed here are among the greatest day excursions you may take from La Paz:
Personal tour to lake Titikaka (requires minimal two individuals) – it is possible for you to to see one of the vital stunning and largest lakes on the planet
The well-known bike tour to the demise street (it’s a descent from over 5k over the ocean degree), however it’s nonetheless a really difficult tour, because it requires superb bodily situation
Stunning Palca Canyon Tour with an elective cease at Valle de las Animas
Chacaltaya & Valle de Luna Tour (be certain to convey heat garments, as Chacaltaya was a ski resort)
Condoriri and the lagoons full trekking tour for trekking lovers
Well-known Huayna Potosi mountain trek – all the way in which as much as 5000m above the ocean degree with gorgeous views (difficult)
Different good issues to do in La Paz:
Should you determine to spend the remainder of the journey in La Paz, I like to recommend the next actions:
- Discover Achumani – the luxurious space of La Paz with loads of espresso outlets and good eating places
- Have dinner in Manq’a – a fantastic restaurant specialising in Bolivian meals
- Head to the town centre and go to Mercado de las Brujas (Witches Market) the place they promote new child llamas and llama foetuses that hold outdoors the stalls. Additionally they promote numerous teas, soaps and sweet which are 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 greatest stalls in Mercado Lanza after which go to a restaurant with a tasting of the most well-liked Bolivian dishes as a part of this tour – verify the costs and availability right here
- Take a teleferico tour of La Paz – ebook it right here) Our information, Maria, instructed us lots in regards to the historical past of La Paz and El Alto and in regards to the Cholitas (girls in conventional Bolivian attire) and Cholets (a word-play for Cholitas + Chalets), which rich Aymara (indigenous individuals) of El Alto and La Paz construct for themselves. There’s additionally a really attention-grabbing tour of the most effective Cholets in El Alto together with visiting a celebration – yow will discover out extra right here >
Flying to Quito:
As I discussed earlier than, most worldwide flights depart from La Paz very late at night time – one at 3:30am, one other one a bit later, so it’s exhausting to determine 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 via Bogota (but once more), so we arrived in Quito round 9 am.
Days 11-12: A visit to Mindo from Quito, Mitad del Mundo
Selecting up our rental automobile
In Quito, it took us lower than 20 minutes to cross all of the border checks and choose up our baggage. Our automobile rental expertise wasn’t nice as they tried to overcharge us for the automobile deposit, however ultimately, they charged us the correct quantity as we have been in a position to present them our authentic reserving. Be sure that to have web entry or print out your affirmation prematurely! We additionally acquired a guide automobile for a value of an automated one (which is a downgrade), however that’s a daily automobile rental expertise in Central and South America sadly (we had the identical in Costa Rica). You’ll be able to hire a automobile on-line right here.
Exploring Mindo
After a fast lunch in a close-by shopping center, we began our drive in the direction of Mindo. Mindo is without doubt one of the most stunning locations in Ecuador and it normally takes round 1.5 to 2 hours to get there. The street to Mindo could be very scenic! You’ll cross very tall mountains, stunning forests and a whole lot of gorgeous viewpoints.
Mindo is a small city well-known for its Cloud Forest – a really particular ecosystem, a tropical evergreen forest, which is dwelling to a really excessive variety of birds. In Mindo, we booked a gorgeous lodge known 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 nicely.
Birdwatching in Mindo
We spent your entire morning of our second day in Ecuador birdwatching. To have the ability to see many birds, it’s worthwhile to get up very early. Casa Divina has an incredible 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. To be able to see them, you really have to get up further early and hike for some time. You should have larger probabilities to see cock of the rock when you go along with a information, and it is perhaps the most suitable choice even supposing the excursions are fairly costly. You could find out extra about these excursions right here.
Different issues to do in Mindo
There are many different good issues to do in Mindo moreover birdwatching. Listed here are among the issues I might advocate:
- Mindo Zip Line – an incredible zip line that consists of 10 completely different tracks. You’ll be able to ebook 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’ll be able to see 3 varieties of butterflies there and there are such a lot of of them, 1000’s or much more
- Mindo Cable Automobile – it brings you to the Nambillo Waterfall and has open cabins, so you may simply observe the environment, take pictures and search for birds! You’ll be able to ebook your ticket prematurely right here
- Cocoa and chocolate tasting and excursions – if you wish to study a bit extra about how cocoa beans are grown and the way chocolate is made, you may ebook one of many cocoa and chocolate tasting excursions like this one. Alternatively, you may go to a restaurant like Mindo Chocolate and check out 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 greatest points of interest, then had a lunch there and round 2:30 pm, we headed in the 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 a number of stamps that you would be able to 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 a whole lot of pictures!
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 Heart
Attending to the Amazon lodge in Ecuador (Yasuni Nationwide Park)
We determined to select Yasuni Nationwide park as our vacation spot for exploring the Amazon jungle in Ecuador. We picked Yasuni for a number of causes. To start with, it didn’t have any circumstances of Malaria within the final 50 years. Secondly, it was comparatively straightforward to get there. Lastly, it had superb evaluations and lodges that weren’t too costly.
To be able 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 an additional couple, who arrived in a later flight and loved the 2-hour speedboat experience to the lodge. We have been additionally supplied a really good lunch field whereas within the boat!
Our expertise at Napo Cultural Heart – a implausible inexpensive amazon lodge in Ecuador
All through our keep at Napo Cultural Heart everybody who labored there was unbelievable – very pleasant and well mannered! From our superb 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 Heart
Your days at Napo Cultural Heart observe 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. In the course of the morning journeys, you may both go to the clay licks or to one of many remark towers if the climate permits. You too can keep on the lodge and go to the ladies locally and see them carry out their conventional dances and rituals.
Then you definitely 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.
Round 3 or 4pm, you meet along with your information once more and also you enterprise out for an additional exercise reminiscent of a shorter stroll / experience to an remark tower. After that, you’ll have a dinner and have a while to relaxation. There’s satellite tv for pc web on the lodge, so you may inspect your family members and mates. There are hardly ever any actions after dinner. We solely had a brief night time stroll within the jungle as soon as with our information.
Day 16: Exploring the town centre of Quito
The journey again from Yasuni Nationwide Park to Quito
We needed to get up very early, round 5 am to have the ability to catch the velocity 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. Nevertheless, 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 automobile anymore and needed to take a taxi. We left our baggage at our resort – we booked Resort San Fransisco de Quito. It was very inexpensive and regarded identical to the “Casita” from the Encanto film! Nevertheless, in case you have an even bigger funds, these two accommodations is perhaps even a greater choice: Resort Casa Gangotena or Plaza Grande Resort
When you have a chance, I like to recommend becoming a member of a strolling tour that may convey you to the principle highlights within the metropolis. You’ll be able to ebook one right here.
Listed here are among the greatest issues to see in Quito:
- Basilica del Voto Nacional
- San Francisco Church
- El Panecilo
- Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús
- La Ronda road – there are a whole lot of good conventional eating places there, plus the road could be very fairly
- A panorama of Quito out of your resort rooftop terrace (most accommodations have them)
Issues of safety in Quito
Sadly, the social inequality is kind of robust in Quito and crime is on an increase within the capital. It’s not suggested to stroll within the metropolis centre of Quito after darkish – a whole lot of vacationers get mugged. Many of the accommodations within the metropolis centre shut their doorways after darkish. Should you determine to stroll within the metropolis centre after darkish, you is perhaps stopped by the police and escorted again to your resort.
On the point of 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 no less than 4 hours of sleep. It took us simply round 35-40 minutes to get to the airport this late at night time!
Our return flight to Lima was, in fact, via 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 in the future. 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. Nevertheless, when you do extra cautious planning, you’d be capable of keep away from such inconvenient flights!
Abstract of our 16-day journey round South America: Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador in 2+ weeks!
I hope you discovered this weblog publish helpful and acquired some new concepts on tips on how to spend simply over 2 weeks in South America and go to greater than 2 nations. Initially, we have been planning to go to Chile as nicely, as it could have been really easy to only cross from Uyuni to Chile and spend a number of days there after which fly to Ecuador from Chile, nonetheless, as a result of their strict pandemic insurance policies it was sadly not attainable.
When you have any questions on this itinerary, be at liberty to message me on Instagram – yow will discover me as @lizatripsget!
Another posts you may 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 most effective issues to do and day journeys from La Paz
Weekend itinerary for Lima: the most effective issues to do & eating places to go to
