Argentina, Atacama & Andes
From Buenos Aires set out on a wilderness adventure through Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru, taking in the spectacular landscapes of the Andes mountains, the Atacama Desert and the shimmering Uyuni Salt Flats, culminating at magnificent Machu Picchu.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Buenos Aires
Day 1 Buenos Aires
Welcome to Argentina! Upon arrival on an international flight, passengers will be greeted at the airport by either the tour leader or a local representative and escorted to the designated group hotel. Later in the afternoon, a guided city tour will introduce travellers to the most iconic attractions of the city.
Beginning in the heart of the city, visitors will explore its historic core, where government edifices and churches blend seamlessly with stylish shopping districts exuding a nostalgic, Parisian charm. A visit to the quintessential La Boca district with its vibrant cobbled streets and colourful houses is a highlight, along with the bohemian ambiance of San Telmo, characterized by its charming old residences, antique stores, tango venues, and upscale dining establishments. Further afield lies the Recoleta district, known for its elegant belle époque French and Italian architecture, where the famous cemetery, the resting place of Evita Perón, features grand tombs lining its avenues.
Day 2 Day for leisure
Day 2 Day for leisure
On your free day, you have the option to delve deeper into the wonders of this captivating city. Alternatively, for a change of pace, consider a boat trip across the River Plate to Colonia in Uruguay (don’t forget your passport). There, you can stroll along cobblestone streets, admire the charming colonial houses from the top of the lighthouse, and enjoy a glass of wine or a leisurely lunch at the yacht club.If you'd like to experience one of the city's iconic Tango shows, just let your tour leader know, and they can arrange for you to attend an evening performance.
Day 3 Salta
Day 3 Salta
Buenos Aires – Salta. We head to north-west Argentina this morning as we fly to the town of Salta which lies in the foothills of the Andes, between two rivers. After checking into our hotel, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the colonial town centre, with its baroque architecture and palm-lined main plaza. You can also take the cable car up to Cerro San Bernardo, a hilltop with sweeping views of the city and the mountains beyond. This evening consider heading to one of the lively penas (informal folk-music clubs) where you can enjoy a delicious meal and some entertainment.
Day 4 Cafayate, canyons & vineyards
Day 4 Cafayate, canyons & vineyards
Today we enjoy a full-day excursion to the sleepy town of Cafayate, which is the centre of the region’s wine industry. The road to Cafayate follows a winding canyon and we make several photo stop en route, where you can walk into the desert valleys and marvel at the views. Spend time exploring the picturesque town and visit one of two of Cafayate’s high-altitude vineyards where there's the opportunity to sample local wines.
Day 5 San Pedro de Atacama
Day 5 San Pedro de Atacama
Salta - San Pedro de Atacama (Chile). We begin our early morning departure from Salta, traveling through lush valleys and colourful mountainous landscapes, then ascending into the clouds where the terrain turns arid. After crossing the vast salt flats of the Salar Grande and the remote border at 4,900 meters, we descend into Chile. The journey continues through multi-colored lagoons and volcanic vistas, ending in the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, your base for the coming days. This 10-hour trip includes stops and offers stunning views of diverse natural scenery. San Pedro, with its adobe buildings, offers a relaxed atmosphere and numerous excursion options into the surrounding desert.
Day 6 The Moon Valley
Day 6 The Moon Valley
Spend the morning at leisure or join an early morning optional excursion to the El Tatio geyser where you have a front row seat for the sun rising above the craggy geyser field and the geysers fumaroles. In the afternoon we visit the famous Moon Valley. Arriving late afternoon we explore the dramatic canyons formed by centuries of erosions from the salt mountains and watch the sun set across the valley from the ridge of a golden sand dune.
Days 7-8 Uyuni Salt Flats
Days 7-8 Uyuni Salt Flats
San Pedro de Atacama - Uyuni Salt Flats. The next two days will be spent on an exhilarating 4WD tour through one of South America's most spectacular wilderness landscapes. Bidding farewell to Chile we travel into Bolivia, crossing a remote plateau, past strange rock formations and the spectacular opalescent colours of Lagunas Verde and Colorada en route to Salar de Uyuni.The vast, dazzling white Uyuni salt flats are an incredible sight, covering some 10,500 square kilometres, with over 10 billion tons of salt. After rain a thin layer of water covers the surface, turning the salt flat into a huge mirror that reflects an inverted sky. In the middle of the salt flats is Isla del Pescado, a small island which is covered in giant cacti, where we stop to stretch our legs and enjoy the views. On the evening of day 8 we will arrive in Uyuni for the night.
Days 9-11 La Paz sightseeing
Days 9-11 La Paz sightseeing
Today, we take a short flight to La Paz. Built in a steep valley that protects the city from the harsh elements of the Altiplano, just about every building in La Paz is built on some sort of hill, so sightseeing will literally take your breath away! On day 10 we explore the city and its colourful indigenous street markets on a walking tour including the fascinating and suitably named "Witches Market'' where local women in traditional 'Cholita' dress sell such items as dead cats and llamas foetuses as offerings to fend off evil spirits. The main square, Plaza Murillo, is also within walking distance. The square still retains its colonial buildings including the Presidential Palace. La Paz is possibly the best place to experience a traditional pena show of Andean music and dance to local bands playing time-honoured instruments such as pipes and the ukulele.
Day 11 is free for you to spend at leisure. Continue to discover the colonial delights of the city or alternatively you may wish to join an optional excursion to the ruins of Tiwanaku, located approximately 2 hours from La Paz. Travel across the Altiplano, past glimmering lakes and herds of alpacas before reaching some of the most important pre-Columbian ruins on the continent. Explore the massive gateways and imposing walls before making your way to the museum housing over 100 artefacts to provide a fascinating insight to the history of the ruins.
Day 12 Copacabana & Lake Titicaca
Day 12 Copacabana & Lake Titicaca
La Paz - Copacabana. Today we drive to the deep sapphire lake that sits in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia – Lake Titicaca. On arrival to the pretty little Bolivian town of Copacabana we have free time to walk through the streets of white-washed buildings to the Moorish-style basilica which attracts pilgrims from all over the world who bring offerings to the 16th century Dark Virgin of the lake, to be blessed by her. The rest of the day is at leisure. Should you wish to continue exploring climb the stations of the cross for wonderful views of Lake Titicaca and the snow-capped mountains beyond, or there is an optional excursion to the Isla del Sol, a small island that marked the beginning of the Inca civilisation. Legend has it the children of the sun god emerged here from the lake’s depths to establish the empire in Cuzco.
Day 13 Puno & Lake Titicaca
Day 13 Puno & Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca - Puno (Peru). This morning we cross the Peruvian border and travel on to the port of Puno. We have some free time in Puno before an afternoon boat trip on the blue glacial waters of Lake Titicaca to visit the unique Uros Islands. These are floating islands, which are made entirely out of totora reeds, were built by the Uros people in an effort to isolate themselves from other civilisations. We explore one of the islands with its reed buildings and boats, and meet the islanders, who sell tortora reed handicrafts.
Days 14-15 Cusco
Days 14-15 Cusco
Puno - Cuzco. Today we have a scenic journey by public bus from Puno to Cuzco crossing the Altiplano, passing indigenous women tending to herds of llamas and alpacas. We then continue across the altiplano until we climb to the la Raya Pass, and descend past fields of corn and potatoes until we reach the city of Cuzco. We arrive into Cuzco early in the evening.
On day 15 we have a walking tour of the enchanting city of Cuzco, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. We visit several Inca remains including Q’oricancha, the principal Inca Sun Temple, with its spectacular intricate stonework. Later, we discover the colossal zigzag walls of Sacsayhuaman, brooding on a hillside above Cuzco before retreating to our hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 16 Sacred Valley
Day 16 Sacred Valley
Cuzco - Sacred Valley. We enjoy a full day tour of the Sacred Valley today. Our first stop is the popular Pisac ruins, an ancient hilltop Inca citadel high above the village, before descending to the bustling market where artisans from the region get together and exchange or buy and sell their products. There's plenty of time to explore the market, see the variety of colourful handicrafts and textiles on offer, and barter for souvenirs. This afternoon we continue crossing the valley until we reach Ollantaytambo, whose fortress was constructed to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it from possible invasions of tribes from the jungle lowlands.
Day 17 Machu Picchu
Day 17 Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu. Our day begins with an incredibly scenic 2-hour train journey from Ollantaytambo to the iconic lost city of Machu Picchu. Situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River and surrounded by tropical forest, the Inca city enjoys a truly spectacular setting and it's one of the most fascinating ancient sites in the world. Believed to have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, the site was abandoned at the time of the Spanish Conquest and lay buried beneath tropical cloud forest until 1911 when it was discovered by the American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham, who brought it to the world’s attention. Following a guided tour of the ruins we spend the night in the spa village of Aguas Calientes, a couple of kilometres upstream.
Fancy hiking some of the Inca Trail without interrupting your tour? We can organise for you to walk the mini Inca Trail on this day, but still, have a guided tour of the ruins and stay with the group in the evening. Please ask us for more details.
Day 18 Cusco
Day 18 Cusco
Machu Picchu - Cuzco. We have the morning at leisure to relax in Aguas Calientes or there is the option to return to Machu Picchu for an early morning visit to the ruins and continue to explore some of the main trails within the site; climb up the steep steps to the top of Huayna Picchu for spectacular views of over the ruins, or hike to the Inca bridge carved into the cliff edge before we return to Cuzco on the train in the afternoon.
Please note those wanting to climb Huayna Picchu need to enquire with the office and pre-book as availability is limited.
Day 19 Lima sightseeing
Day 19 Lima sightseeing
Cuzco - Lima. After breakfast we board a short flight to the city of Lima. This bustling capital growth is a contrast from the glorious colonial past and can be seen in the faded beauty in the churches and wooden balconies. On arrival we set out on a walking tour of the centre exploring the capitals highlights including the Plaza de Armas, as we watch the guards in front of the Baroque Revival Government Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 20 Lima
Day 20 Lima
Our tour comes to an end today with an included transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Alternatively we can arrange post tour accommodation if you'd like to extend your stay.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Boasting an excellent location in the traditional San Telmo District, Kenton Palace is just footsteps from Buenos Aires’ Main Square. Guestrooms are well-equipped with modern amenities and feature warm-coloured bedspreads and parquet floors, giving them a cosy feel. Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast buffet and selection of international dishes including pizza specialties in the on-site restaurant. The hotel also features a wine cellar, a fitness centre and spa. Offering a sauna, pool and massage treatments, the spa is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of travelling.
Boasting an excellent location in the historical centre of Salta, the Design Suites is just footsteps from Belgrano Square. Each air-conditioned guest room is equipped with modern furniture, WiFi and private bathroom. The renowned award-winning on-site restaurant offers regional cuisine and the rooftop swimming pool offers spectacular city views.
Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the otherworldly landscapes of Chile's Atacama Desert. Situated in the charming town of San Pedro de Atacama, the hotel provides well-appointed rooms equipped with modern amenities to ensure a pleasant stay. Unwind after a day of adventure in the outdoor pool or relax in the tranquil courtyard surrounded by native vegetation. Enjoy a variety of delicious dishes, blending local flavours with international cuisine served by the Hotel's restaurant.
Located at the centre of La Paz's Museum District, the Hotel Rosario is the perfect accommodation for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Bolivian culture. Set within a former colonial building, the beautiful property encompasses a stunning courtyard as well as elegant rooms. Authentic Andean handicrafts cover the walls and beds in each room giving the hotel a touch of tradition that certainly doesn't go amiss. The hotel's restaurant offers a selection of hearty Bolivian dishes, which can be washed down with a glass of local wine. The accommodation is located just 5 minutes on foot from the train station.
Set next to the Titicaca Lake, the Hotel Rosario del Lago offers an excellent location in Copacabana. Its guestrooms are individually decorated to highlight elements of Andean culture and boast lake views. To keep you entertained there’s a games room and a garden where you can enjoy a barbecued meal overlooking the lake. The onsite restaurant also serves local cuisine and boasts a selection of the finest Bolivian wines, so you can look forward to a delightful glass of wine in front of the fireplace after a day’s exploring.
Packed with local flavour, this modern hotel showcases the best of local Pukara culture. Both the building’s interior and the guestrooms are decorated with Pukara art and icons. The rooms are also well-equipped with modern amenities and feature warm tones to provide a cosy atmosphere. At the onsite Pachamama Restaurant guests can enjoy a la carte regional cuisine as well as drinks made from local herbs such as muña and a delicious Peruvian hot chocolate. With staff that never stop smiling, you can be sure to feel very welcome here.
Situated in the real heart of Cusco, Hotel Ruinas is just two blocks from the city’s main square and close to the Santo Domingo Church. Its spacious guestrooms feature traditional handcrafted furniture and free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. But it’s the food here that’s the most highly recommended, with a generous breakfast buffet followed by a la carte lunch and dinner menus. Expect a delicious mix of Peruvian and international cuisine served by a great team of friendly staff.
Located just minutes from the main square and train station, Tunupa Lodge boasts spectacular mountain views and is perfect for nature lovers. Guestrooms are simple yet comfortable, featuring private bathrooms and views of the surrounding scenery of the Nevado Veronica. The onsite restaurant offers traditional cuisine as well as an A la carte menu. Take time to enjoy the natural surroundings during your stay, the grounds attract llamas.
This rustic hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu Pueblo), just a 15 minute walk from the hot springs and 7km from the spectacular Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The hotel offers free WiFi and comfortable guest rooms, complete with a balcony and 32-inch LCD television with cable channels. There's an on-site restaurant serving a wide variety of international cuisine and a hotel bar/lounge and coffee shop to relax in after a busy day of sightseeing.
Situated in the attractive Miraflores district is the El Tambo Hotel, within walking distance of the beach and the Miraflores main square. The bright guestrooms offer views of the city or the hotel gardens and is feature a TV and safe. You can dine in the on-site restaurant which specialises in Peruvian delicacies and enjoy your breakfast on the garden lawn – you’re bound to enjoy soaking up the morning sun.
Tour Reviews
This was. fast paced tour with a surprise around every corner. It was fantastic to experience a part of the world I hadn't visited before. Our Guide Liz was fantastic at keeping us aligned to the itinerary and was extremely supportive. It was great to learn about the Inca empire and gain an insight on how the countries are today.
Extras and add-ons
Add on: Mini Inca Trail
Add on: Huayna Picchu with Machu Picchu re entry
Buenos Aires Airport Transfer (per car
Only book airport transfers in conjunction with pre or post tour accommodation. Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour.
Lima Airport Transfer (per car
Only book airport transfers in conjunction with pre or post tour accommodation. Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour.
Tour Upgrades
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