Do you want to visit the Galapagos Islands but at the end of the day enjoy the comfort of a hotel mattress rather than sleep on a boat? Then look no further than our Galapagos Explorer tours. During the day you will visit a selection of the islands by boat discovering the large diversity of species and rare wildlife that thrives on these volcanic landscapes, whilst at night you will relax on dry land in the comfort of a good quality hotel.
An Ecuadorian capital is an excellent location to spend a week or two learning Spanish before or after your Kumuka trip. Many of our tours leave from Quito, so why not brush up on your Spanish before you begin your journey? The price includes accommodation and board with a local family. The school we have selected offers regional excursions and other group activities. The intensive teaching will give you the confidence to communicate effectively in Spanish.
Looking to get away from it all and try something completely different with lots of excitement and adrenalin? Ecuador is still a relatively well kept secret compared to it's fellow South American countries. Yet, it offers some of the best opportunities for outdoor adventure due to its geography and climate. Our Ecuador Action Package focuses on lots of adventure based activities which are all included in the price; white-water rafting, horse-riding, jungle trekking, biking, ice-climbing and reaching the summit of Cotopaxi Volcano. If you are looking for action in a remote part of the world then this is the tour for you! (Please note that you should be in good physical condition to complete this tour).
Do you want to visit the Galapagos Islands but at the end of the day enjoy the comfort of a hotel mattress rather than sleep on a boat? Then look no further than our Galapagos Explorer tours. During the day you will visit a selection of the islands by boat discovering the large diversity of species and rare wildlife that thrives on these volcanic landscapes, whilst at night you will relax on dry land in the comfort of a good quality hotel.
This remote archipelago, consisting of thirteen major islands is located 1,000km from the Ecuadorian mainland. Climb aboard a comfortable cruise yacht and glide from island to island, whilst discovering the large diversity of species and rare wildlife that thrives on these volcanic landscapes. You're touching hands with
pre-history.
Please note that some yachts in the Galapagos will allow families with children on board. Please contact Kumuka Reservations to check availability and pricing.
From the heights on the Andes to the lush verdant rainforest, this ten day trip is packed with varied highlights. Browse the handicraft markets at the shopper’s paradise of Otavalo, learn about jungle plants, medicine and shaman rituals on our jungle trekking excursion through the rainforest, sleeping at night in a bamboo lodge. Visit the spectacular emerald crater-lake of Quilotoa and travel through Ecuador’s spectacular scenery: lush fertile landscapes on the slopes of towering volcanoes. In the shadow of snow-capped Cotopaxi, hike to glaciers and perhaps spot condors circling, before relaxing in front of an open fire at our hacienda, then top off your trip with Salsa classes on your return to Quito.
A perfect ten day holiday from work or add on one of our suggestions below to create your own personal South America experience.
Discover the diversity of Ecuador with us on this action packed family tour. High Andean peaks and volcanoes, lush Amazon rainforest and wildlife, colourful Indian markets, cloud forest, and relaxation in a spa resort, make this trip truly unforgettable.
Starting in Ecuador’s capital Quito, we discover the colonial splendour of the old town. We then set off to enjoy the tranquility of the Andean cloud forest, where hummingbirds flit between the trees and beautiful orchids adorn the forest floor. There is even the chance for optional river tubing. We shop for souvenirs at Otavalo handicraft market famous for its indigenous sellers in their colourful traditional dress. We relax in the therapeutic hot spring waters at Papallacta - a world class spa resort with stunning views of the Andes. At Tena we explore the Amazon rainforest which includes visits to an animal rescue centre, a typical Indian community, and of course lots of walks through the rainforest in search of wildlife. We trek in the Cotopaxi National Park with great views of one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. To finish off a memorable trip, we enjoy a last night together at the best folklore show in Quito!
Start in colonial Quito, high in the Andes. Explore the plazas and churches before the truck winds its way through lofty mountains then plunges into lush, green jungle. Journey deep into the Amazon by boat, relax in the famous hotsprings at Banos, shop for handicrafts at the wonderful markets in Otavalo. Descend along Peru's desert coastline, stop at Punta Sal's superb beaches, visit a wealth of ancient sites and tackle some adventure activities in the spectacular mountain town of Huaraz. All this in three amazing weeks!
Looking for outdoor activities and action in a fabulous rainforest and beach setting? This is the trip. Travelling at a relaxed pace through the mountains and stark deserts of Peru, the landscape contrasts sharply with the patchwork green and gold landscape of Ecuador. Along the way, we’ll take you to some fabulous natural destinations. Relax on beaches and at resort towns with thermal springs, discover remote jungle lodges set deep in the rainforest, spot exotic flora and fauna on our Amazon jungle trip, but also enjoy the opportunity to explore colonial Cuenca, the bustling markets of Otavalo and the charming old town of Quito.
Leaving Lima, we travel high into the mountains to the city of Huaraz, nestled at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca and home of great, frozen glaciers. Returning once more to sea level, the Peruvian coast contrasts starkly, with its craggy, desert scenery. Relax on the beaches of Punta Sal before crossing the border to the verdant country of Ecuador. Travel by riverboat deep into the Ecuadorian Amazon, with its tangled emerald jungle, discover snow-capped volcanoes, and shop at Indian markets before crossing the equator to end your trip in the city of eternal spring, Quito.
On this fantastic trip through Ecuador’s emerald scenery and Peru’s desert coastlines, there are also plenty of opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure sports such as superb white water rafting and canyoning. We take dug out canoes deep into the Amazon jungle with native jungle guides, learn from shamans, hike through primary rainforest and enjoy relaxing jungle swims or tubing excursions downriver. Discover lesser-known corners of Ecuador, virtually untouched by tourism and relax in rainforest hideaways, enjoy colonial Cuenca’s markets and cathedrals, chill out on Peruvian beaches and explore ancient cities before traveling to the soaring heights and frozen glaciers of the Cordillera Blanca, then round of your trip in Peru’s capital, Lima.
Escape from 21st century life! From colonial Quito's cobblestone streets, canoe deep into the rainforest in search of pink Amazonian dolphins. At Banos, relax in the hotsprings or perhaps try horseriding? Laze on fabulous beaches, tackle some adventure activities in the spectacular mountain town of Huaraz and explore the colonial city of Arequipa. Climb high into the Andes en route to Cuzco then hike to the mysterious citadel of Machu Picchu. Experience life on Lake Titicaca's islands before reaching the dramatic setting of La Paz.
A 6-week trip that captures the essence of the South American Andes. Travelling from Bolivia’s almost-4-mile high capital to Quito’s capital situated close to the equator, discover the very essence of the Andes: the Inca empire around Cusco, the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca, the shimmering-white colonial city of Arequipa. Heading north, we move on to the fabulous natural destination of Ecuador with its snow-capped volcanoes, verdant jungles and emerald rainforests which hide remote jungle lodges, an astounding array of flora and fauna, and fantastic outdoor activities.
This great journey begins when you cross the equator. Follow in the footsteps of the Incas, discovering their mighty empire that stretched throughout the Andes. Shop at the markets in Otavalo, Pisac, and La Paz. Learn about the peoples: Uros Indians, Shamans deep in the Amazon rainforest and the Nazca culture. Relax on hidden beaches, share family homestays high in the mountains, party in Cuzco before hiking the legendary Inca Trail.
From the world’s highest capital, La Paz, we begin our six week trip through the exciting Andean nations of Bolivia Peru and Ecuador. Traveling across the windswept altiplano,
marvel at the incredible floating reed islands get to know the locals at Lake Titicaca. Have fun in Cusco and spot majestic condors. Travelling through the barren, rocky coast, snow-capped mountains and stunning glaciers and northern Peru, we cross the Ecuadorian border where the scenery changes to lime green and gold of Ecuador’s dense rainforests and towering, smoking volcanoes,. Visit markets that are a kaleidoscope of colours, unwind in hot springs, and enjoy magnificent colonial towns before ending your trip in Quito.
Travel down the spine of South America, across the great deserts, emerald rainforests and Andean peaks. Relish a wealth of natural wonders: active volcanoes, remote beaches and hot springs or man-made phenomena: floating islands, the Nazca Lines and the Inca Trail. Spot llamas, condors, dolphins - perhaps even a jaguar. All in 8 weeks of unfolding drama, revealing some of the highest, deepest and most remote sights on earth.
Starting in Chile’s cosmopolitan capital Santiago, we travel north through the great sights of the Andes: the salt lakes and deserts, lakes and volcanoes, rainforests and rugged coastlines. Along the way discover the great civilizations of the Incas, the Nazcas and the Mochis and explore wild and untamed landscapes, take time out to relax and live it up in Cusco and at the beach, then shop to your heart’s content in the markets of La Paz, Pisac and Otavalo, before ending your trip on the opposite side of the equator in Quito.
Looking for an in-depth trip through the Andes that offers you the chance to meet the locals along the way? This is your trip. Travelling on Local Transport between the two South America capitals of Santiago and Quito, you’ll have 8 weeks to travel alongside the locals, and appreciate their Latin zest and passion for life. Discover the geography: volcanoes and deserts, the rainforests and jungles. Not to mention the temples and ruins: Machu Picchu and Chan Chan . Then there are the colonal towns of Potosi, Cusco, Cuenca, as well as other fantastic highlights such as the Bolivian Salt Flats, the Inca Trail to the fabled city of the Incas , and the wildlife of Ecuador’s emerald jungles as you traverse the spine of the Andes.
The ultimate South American trip! From the sights: sunrise over Machu Picchu, colonial Cuzco and the mysterious Nazca Lines. To the scenery: the snowdusted Andes, Chilean desert sunsets, the gleaming white salt lakes, and Ecuador's patchwork emerald mountainsides. Don't forget the culture: the Nazca people, the Incas and the Chimu kingdom around Chan-Chan mud city. Or the history: from the Spanish conquistadors through to Chile's dictatorship of the 70s and 80s. The perfect cocktail of relaxing at the beach, partying and outdoor activities whilst discovering a continent packed with history, sights, and adventure!
On this 9 week trip, discover a complete picture of Andean life. This is an action- packed holiday that is crammed with all the major highlights of the Andean countries of South America. With amazing outdoor highlights (salt flats, jungle trips, national parks), cultural pursuits (wineries, temples and ruins, family homestay) not to mention wildlife (such as the marine mammals of the Ballestas Islands and the condors at Colca Canyon) and plenty of opportunities to experience some of the more active highlights such as the Inca trail, Amazon jungle trekking and the Bolivian Pampas on this grand discovery trip.
So you want to experience it all? Here is the ultimate South American trip of a lifetime with a wealth of highlights all packed into one journey that takes you from the equator to practically Patagonia. Along the way, experience all the highlights of this amazing continent: Amazon jungle trips and Pacific coast beaches, desert landscapes and lush oasis, Spanish colonial cities and ancient Inca capitals, floating reed islands and blinding white salt lakes. You will learn about the
Moches, Incas, Diaguitas and Aymaras, explore lands where the dinosaurs once roamed and visit the wine growing areas whilst we take you the Andean heights to verdant rainforest and on to the shores of the Pacific. This is no ordinary two months.
This popular tour travels from Ecuador's bustling capital city, all the way
to the tropical climates of the party town of Rio. Crossing the equator we travel
south through the Andean mountain range. Along the way we'll discover jungles
and towering volcanoes, colonial towns and arid deserts, ancient cultures and
Pacific-lapped beaches. Heading south, the landscapes change to reveal snowcapped
peaks and glaciers, ancient forests and gleaming lakes of the wild region of
Patagonia. As we continue up the east coast of Argentina, we go in search of
wildlife out on the Valdes Peninsula and discover Tango in Buenos Aires. The
landscape, climate and people change again as we cross the border into Brazil
at the might Iguazu falls: we'll discover beautiful beaches and a different
rhythm of life. So if you are looking to gain an insight into the many faces,
cultures and landscapes of South America, this is the tour.
Please note that the 07 Oct 09 departure includes a 4
day Navimag cruise from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales, and excludes Punta Arenas and Seno Ottaway penguin colony
(ferry schedule permitting). Please note that the initial Patagonia itinerary may be subject to
modification depending on the ferry schedule.
Kumuka’s biggest, best and most complete South America trip. 114 days of unfolding discovery and adventure, rest and relaxation, extremes and contrasts as we cover the absolute best of the continent of South America: Brazil’s tropical beaches and exciting Pantanal Wetlands. Argentina’s mighty Iguazu Falls, windswept Valdez Peninsula and the turquoise Moreno Glacier, as well as Chile’s remote Torres del Paine. Further north, there’s the verdant Bolivian jungle and pearly salt lakes, the Inca Trail to fabled Machu Picchu and the stunning Lake Titicaca. This is followed by the mysterious desert lines at Nazca and condors at Colcan Canyon, tangled Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest and bustling Otavalo markets. Along the way, there is a wealth of smaller wonders that are perhaps less famous but no less awe inspiring, before we end our trip beside the equator in Quito.