Above the Equator—Caracas to Quito

Arrive at any time.

The 400-year-old charming town of Choroní is located on the Caribbean coast within the boundaries of the Henri Pittier National Park, Venezuela's oldest. The area offers a relaxed atmosphere with lots of outdoor opportunities: hiking, bird watching, swimming, boating. Visit the village of Chuao, famous for its cacao plantations.

We travel along the coast to the town of Chichiriviche, the northern gateway to Morrocoy National Park. Take a day motorized boat ride to explore the dozen of neighbouring cayes, islands and islets with their beautiful white sand beaches. Snorkeling is a great option. Keep an eye for flamingos, ibis and other sea birds along the causeway on the way to town.

Our final point of interest in Venezuela is the colonial city of Coro, Unesco´s World Heritage city. Wandering around the cobblestone streets of this charming city visiting the different museums, churches, mansions is a real journey to the past. From Coro we can explore the arid Peninsula de Paraguana, hike to the top of Cerro Santa Ana, or visit the lush, mountainous Sierra de San Luis, renowned for its waterfalls and caves. A walk across the sand dunes of the Medanos de Coro National Park is also an option.

Accommodation for these nights may be multishare.

Travelling along the coast we arrive in Colombia´s oldest city, Santa Marta. We use the small fishing town of Taganga as our base to explore the surrounding beaches, villages and the Tayrona National Park, renowned for its unique combination of coral formations and jungle vegetation. We will visit the pre-Hispanic village of Pueblito while hiking trough forests, waterfalls, and lookouts with great views of the Sierra Nevada. Scuba diving is a great option. Make sure to try the great seafood. Enjoy a chance to sleep in hammocks while in the National Park (mosquito nets are provided).

Accommodation for these nights may be multishare.

Experience the Caribbean charm and beauty of this beatiful city while learning about its fabled past. Explore the town by foot or take a “Chiva” ride at night to get a feeling of this vibrant colombian city. You can visit the Islas del Rosario National Park with its stunning beaches or soak in the crater of the Totumo mud volcano.

From Cartagena, we fly to Ecuador's capital over the spectacular Andes. Enjoy Quito's vibrant nightlife.

Visit beautiful Otavalo and its famous handicraft market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods, livestock, fruits and vegetables.

Accommodation for these nights may be multishare.

We will be transferred from Otavalo to the community of Cotacachi where we will spend two nights with a local family. There are many optional activities such as horseback-riding, biking to the local hot springs or visiting the local textile cooperative. The best part is this is all community-based and helps to support the community directly.

Sit back and relax with a glass of wine in the mineral hot pools of Papallacta.

We have more time in Ecuador´s World Heritage capital, famous for its rich colonial past. Options here include: visit to the nearby Equator line, a city tour, Cotopaxi volcano mountain bike ride or just wandering in the streets of the Old Town.

Depart any time.