Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [461]
Ecuador
The most common way to get to or from Ecuador is along the Pan-American Hwy via Tumbes (see boxed text, Click here). Another route is via La Tina to Loja in Ecuador (see boxed text, Click here). A third way is via Jaén (see boxed text, Click here). Cifa (072-52-7120) runs buses between Tumbes in Peru and Machala or Guayaquil in Ecuador. Transportes Loja (073-30-9407) runs buses between Piura in Peru and Machala or Loja in Ecuador. Ormeño has weekly through buses between Lima and Quito.
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TOURS
Scores of overseas companies offer tours of Peru for travelers who prefer not to travel on their own, or who have a limited amount of time and want to maximize their Peruvian experience, perhaps combining it with other South American countries. Usually, groups travel with knowledgeable guides, but you will pay a great deal extra for this privilege – it’s worth it for highly specialized outdoor activities (eg river running, mountaineering, bird-watching, mountain biking). Otherwise, it’s just as convenient and much cheaper to travel to Peru independently, then take organized day trips and overnight tours along the way (Click here).
From Australia & New Zealand
Peregrine Adventures (03-8601-4444; www.peregrine.net.au; 380 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC 3000) Hotel-based and trekking trips in Peru.
Tucan Travel (1300-769-249, in Cuzco 084-24-8691; www.tucantravel.com; 217 Alison Rd, Randwick, NSW 2031) Long-running tour operator specializing in Latin America provides a wide variety of options in Peru; also has an office in Cuzco.
From Canada & the USA
With easy flight connections, the USA has more companies offering tours of Peru than the rest of the world.
Adventure Center (510-654-1879, 800-228-8747; www.adventurecenter.com; Ste 200, 1311 63rd St, Emeryville, CA 94608) A clearinghouse for tour operators offering various trips.
Adventure Life (406-541-2677, 800-344-6118; www.adventure-life.com; Suite 1, 1655 S 3rd St W, Missoula, MT 5980) Andean trekking, Amazon exploring and multi-sport itineraries; reputable agency that uses bilingual guides, family-run hotels and local transportation.
Exodus (510-654-1879, 800-343-4272; www.exodus.co.uk; Ste 200, 1311 63rd St, Emeryville, CA 94608) Award-winning responsible-travel operator offering long-distance overland trips and shorter cultural and trekking adventures.
Explorations (239-992-9660, 800-446-9660; www.explorationsinc.com; 27655 Kent Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135) Amazon trips include biologist-escorted cruises, lodge-based expeditions and fishing trips in the Reserva Nacional Pacaya-Samiria.
GAP Adventures (800-708-7761; www.gap.ca;19 Charlotte St, Toronto, ON M5V 2H5) The premier Canadian agency with offices in Vancouver, Boston, USA, and London, UK. Budget-priced tours include hotel-based, trekking, Amazon and cultural trips.
International Expeditions (205-428-1700, 800-633-4734; www.ietravel.com; One Environs Park, Helena, AL 35080) Offers Amazon tours, staying in jungle lodges or on river boats, with an emphasis on natural history and bird-watching.
Mountain Travel Sobek (510-594-6000, 888-831-7526; www.mtsobek.com; 1266 66th St, Emeryville, CA 94608) Luxury trekking tours along the Inca Trail or in the Cordillera Blanca, and occasional rafting trips on the Río Tambopata.
Sacred Rides (647-999-7955, 888-423-7849; sacredrides.com; 261 Markham St, Toronto, ON M6J 2G7) A mountain biking specialist that organizes various multi-day bike tours throughout the Peruvian Andes.
Southwind Adventures (303-972-0701, 800-377-9463; www.southwindadventures.com; PO Box 621057, Littleton, CO 80162) Peruvian-American tour operator with trekking, cycling, rafting and boat-cruise itineraries in the Andes, the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands.
Tropical Nature Travel (352-376-3377, 877-888-1770; www.tropicalnaturetravel.com; PO Box 5276, Gainesville, FL 32627) Organizes multiday