Nature Escapes in South America: A 3-Week Itinerary for the Adventurous Female Traveler

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Quito, Ecuador on March 16, 2025

9:00 AM

Visit Teleférico Quito

Take the cable car for stunning views of the capital and surrounding mountains. This is a great way to acclimate to the altitude while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
USD7.50, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at La Ronda

Taste authentic Ecuadorian cuisine in this charming street filled with local eateries. Don't miss trying the Llapingachos.
USD10, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore the Historic Center

Wander through UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Basilica and Plaza de la Independencia. The architecture is stunning and rich in history.
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at El Ventanal

Enjoy a delightful dinner with panoramic views of the city. Their cuy (guinea pig) is a must-try.
USD20, 2 hours
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Day 2: Explore Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi, Ecuador on March 17, 2025

7:00 AM

Departure to Cotopaxi

A scenic 1.5-hour drive takes you to the breathtaking Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.
USD50 (Tour Cost), 1 hour

9:00 AM

Hiking in the Park

Spend the morning hiking various trails, enjoying flora and fauna unique to Andean ecosystems. Be sure to capture great photos!
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch picnic in the Park

Pack a delightful picnic to enjoy amidst stunning natural backdrops in the park.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Laguna de Limpiopungo

Visit this picturesque lake, where you can hike around and spot wildlife such as wild horses and numerous bird species.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Quito

Head back to Quito for a restful evening.
Included in tour, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Zazu

Indulge in a fine dining experience featuring local dishes with a modern twist.
USD30, 2 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Amazonas

Amazon, Ecuador on March 18, 2025

8:00 AM

Fly to Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Coca)

Catch a morning flight to Coca, where your Amazon adventure begins.
USD100 (Round Trip), 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Napo River

Enjoy a short boat trip along the Napo River to reach your eco-lodge or wildlife center.
Included in tour cost, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Welcome Orientation

Get settled in and take part in an orientation to learn about the Amazon ecosystem and what to expect.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at the Lodge

Savor local dishes prepared from fresh, regional ingredients.
Included in lodge stay, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Nature Walk

Set off on a guided nature walk to learn about local flora and fauna. Look for monkeys, sloths, and unique bird species.
Free, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Canopy Tour

Experience the Amazon from above with a walk on the canopy bridge, offering unparalleled views.
Included in lodge stay, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Enjoy an authentic Amazonian dinner prepared by local chefs.
Included in lodge stay, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Amazon Adventures

Amazon, Ecuador on March 19, 2025

6:00 AM

Morning Bird Watching

Wake up early for a magical bird watching session, spotting rare species in their natural habitat.
Free, 2 hours

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Lodge

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your day of adventure.
Included in lodge stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Fishing & Swimming in Napo

Learn traditional fishing techniques and swim in the refreshing waters of the Napo River.
Free, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Return for Lunch

Satisfy your appetite with a lunch featuring local ingredients.
Included in lodge stay, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Jungle Survival Workshop

Participate in an engaging workshop where you'll learn survival skills in the jungle.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Evening Sunset Cruise

Enjoy nature's beauty while cruising on the Napo River during sunset.
Included in lodge stay, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Relax and enjoy a delicious dinner after a day of adventure.
Included in lodge stay, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Head to Cusco

Cusco, Peru on March 20, 2025

8:00 AM

Depart to Coca

Travel back to Coca by boat, then fly to Cusco.
USD100 (Round Trip), 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Green Point

Enjoy healthy vegetarian dishes prepared with local ingredients in this cozy restaurant.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Cusco Plaza

Stroll through the historic streets and visit landmarks such as Qorikancha and the Cusco Cathedral.
CurrencyFree, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Saqsayhuamán

Explore the incredible ruins just outside of Cusco for sweeping views and fascinating history.
USD6, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Cicciolina

A beautiful restaurant offering a tapas menu with a mix of Peruvian flavors.
USD25, 2 hours
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Day 6: Machu Picchu Adventure

Aguas Calientes, Peru on March 21, 2025

5:30 AM

Train to Aguas Calientes

Take an early train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
USD75 (Round Trip), 2 hours

8:30 AM

Hike to Machu Picchu

Hike up to the iconic site, absorbing the breathtaking views along the way.
USD50 (Entrance), 4 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Tinkuy Buffet

Refuel with a buffet of Peruvian specialties at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.
USD32, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Machu Picchu

Take a guided tour of this ancient Incan city, a must-visit destination for its breathtaking ruins and history.
USD50 (Guide Fee), 3 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Aguas Calientes

Head back down to Aguas Calientes and enjoy the town.
Included in train cost, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Indio Feliz

Experience a mix of Peruvian and French cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Explore Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley, Peru on March 22, 2025

8:00 AM

Day Tour of Sacred Valley

Join a guided tour of the Sacred Valley, visiting sites like Ollantaytambo and Pisac Market.
USD60 (Tour Cost), 8 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at local market

Taste street food and local delicacies at Pisac Market.
USD10, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Return to Cusco

Relax on your return to Cusco filled with wonderful memories from the Valley.
Included in tour cost, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at La Cusquenita

Enjoy traditional Peruvian dishes in a lively setting.
USD18, 2 hours
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Day 8: Travel to Santiago

Santiago, Chile on March 23, 2025

8:00 AM

Flight to Santiago

Catch a flight to Santiago, known for its beautiful landscapes and access to the Andes.
USD150, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Café

Savor Chilean dishes such as Pastel de Choclo in a cozy café.
USD15, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Cerro San Cristóbal

Take a funicular or hike to the top of this hill for stunning views of Santiago and the Andes.
USD5, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Galindo

Indulge in traditional Chilean fare in a relaxed and local atmosphere.
USD20, 2 hours
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Day 9: Explore Valparaiso

Valparaiso, Chile on March 24, 2025

8:00 AM

Travel to Valparaiso

Take a 2-hour bus ride to the colorful and artistic city of Valparaiso.
USD10, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Street Art Tour

Experience the vibrant street art scene that Valparaiso is famous for.
USD15 (Tour Cost), 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Café Turri

Enjoy delicious meals with stunning views of the Pacific and vibrant hills.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Pablo Neruda's House

Visit the home of Chile’s beloved poet, which is now a museum.
USD6, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Santiago

Head back to Santiago in the evening.
USD10, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at El Hoyo

A local spot serving traditional Chilean dishes in a homely environment.
USD15, 2 hours
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Day 10: Day Trip to Andes

Andes Mountains, Chile on March 25, 2025

7:00 AM

Departure to Andes

Take a guided day-trip into the Andes, exploring beautiful landscapes and enjoying outdoor activities.
USD75 (Day Trip Cost), 3 hours

10:00 AM

Hiking Experience

Hike through stunning alpine scenery, perfect for novices and experienced hikers alike.
Free, 4 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch in the Mountains

Enjoy a packed lunch while enjoying breathtaking views of the Andes.
USD15, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Santiago

Head back to Santiago for a restful evening.
Included in day trip cost, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Liguria

Choose from traditional Chilean cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
USD25, 2 hours
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Day 11: Travel to La Paz

La Paz, Bolivia on March 26, 2025

8:00 AM

Flight to La Paz

Take a morning flight to Bolivia's vibrant capital, set high in the Andes.
USD100, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Arrive & Check-in

Check into your accommodation and get some rest to adjust to the altitude.
USD50 (Hotel Fee), 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Café del Mundo

Grab a hearty Bolivian lunch with influences from multiple cultures.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Witches' Market

Explore this unique market filled with herbs and traditional medicines. It's an interesting cultural experience.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Gustu

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience featuring Bolivian ingredients, showcased beautifully.
USD30, 2 hours
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Day 12: Explore Tiwanaku

Tiwanaku, Bolivia on March 27, 2025

8:00 AM

Day Trip to Tiwanaku

A guided trip to the ancient Aymara city known for its archaeological significance.
USD50 (Tour Cost), 2 hours

10:00 AM

Archaeological Site Tour

Explore the ruins and learn about the fascinating history of this ancient civilization.
Free with Tour, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch on Site

Enjoy a packed lunch in the tranquil surroundings of the ruins.
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Return to La Paz

Head back to La Paz after a day of exploration.
Included in tour cost, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at La Tabla

Savor delicious tapas in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
USD20, 2 hours
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Day 13: Explore Valle de la Luna

La Paz, Bolivia on March 28, 2025

9:00 AM

Visit Valle de la Luna

Explore the unique lunar landscape of Valle de la Luna with its otherworldly rock formations.
USD3, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Return to La Paz

Head back to the city for some local shopping.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Café de la Paz

Enjoy traditional Bolivian dishes like Salteñas in a cozy setting.
USD12, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Check out the Botanical Garden

Wander through this beautiful garden showcasing the diversity of Bolivian flora.
USD1, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Café Ciudad

End your day with a relaxed atmosphere and a varied menu of local and international dishes.
USD15, 2 hours
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Day 14: Relaxing Day in La Paz

La Paz, Bolivia on March 29, 2025

10:00 AM

Morning Yoga Session

Join a local yoga class to relax and rejuvenate, setting a positive tone for your day.
USD10, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at L’atelier

Savor delicious meals in this chic setting while enjoying local flavors.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit a Local Spa

Treat yourself to a relaxing massage or spa treatment to unwind.
USD30, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Café del Museo

Enjoy a meal at this café located in the museum, perfect for a little culture with your meal.
USD20, 2 hours
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Day 15: Departure Day

La Paz, Bolivia on March 30, 2025

9:00 AM

Last Breakfast in La Paz

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before your departure.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Departure to Airport

Head to the airport for your flight home or to your next adventure.
USD10 (Taxi), 1 hour
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