Our Chile-Bolivia-Peru Highlights tour will take you to discover the most striking places in the Andes mountain range. The journey begins in cosmopolitan Santiago de Chile, where you can savor its flavors and traditions; then travel through the treasures of the Atacama Desert and the Moon Valley. You'll be captivated by the immensity of the Salar de Uyuni, which stretches all the way to your arrival in La Paz, the world's highest capital. Next, departure toward Puno to see the famous Lake Titicaca, before getting to know Cusco, the Andean capital that will amaze you with its Inca-colonial heritage. The excursion to Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the modern world, is the highlight of your itinerary. Finally, Lima, the Peruvian capital also known as South America's culinary capital, where you'll discover a riot of colors and flavors.
Upon your arrival in Santiago de Chile, our staff will be there to welcome you and take you to the hotel. In Santiago you'll be able to try excellent cuisine and taste superb wines that have become famous and appreciated all over the world. Overnight in Santiago de Chile.
After breakfast, departure to discover the city. The Palacio de La Moneda, a majestic building designed by the Italian architect Joaquin Toesca, then Plaza de Armas with its cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Museum of Natural History. Cerro Santa Lucia is a wonderful park offering one of the best views over the city. Overnight at the same hotel in Santiago before the adventure that awaits you.
After breakfast, transfer to the Santiago airport for the flight to Calama. Here, you'll discover the beauty of the desert landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama. In the afternoon, excursion to the Moon Valley, with its numerous rock formations eroded over the centuries by wind and water. The landscape takes its name from its surface, which resembles that of the moon. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama.
Breakfast, then the optional Tatio Geysers (not included). Upon arrival you'll be greeted by fumaroles and natural hot water pools bordered by colorful salt deposits. The plateau shines in all its majesty at this hour. Breakfast and the chance for a thermal bath. On the way back, you'll visit the village of Machuca. The rest of the afternoon is free ahead of your departure toward Bolivia.
Overnight in San Pedro.
Departure for Bolivia, where even more enticing scenery awaits you. Bolivia, like the other Andean countries, sits above the so-called “Ring of Fire”: a zone of very intense volcanic activity. The Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve will amaze you with its Colored Lagoons (Laguna Blanca, Laguna Verde, and Laguna Colorada) and their incredible colors. You'll visit Sol de Mañana, a field of geysers, boiling mud, and mud lakes fed by underground volcanic activity. Lunch and dinner are included, and the overnight stay will be at a simple lodge. (A private tour can be requested.)
Temperatures in this stunning region of Bolivia are quite cold, especially from May to October.
Venturing further into Bolivia, you'll admire other extraordinary landscapes, including the Siloli Desert, famous for the so-called Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree), the result of ancient volcanic erosion and wind; and the Bosque de Piedras (Stone Forest), made up of over 4,000 rock formations.
Continuing on, you'll visit a wide variety of lakes: Ramaditas, Hedionda, and Canapa; along the way you'll also see many traditional Andean villages. The overnight stay will be at a simple lodge. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
After breakfast, the tour continues toward the fascinating Train Cemetery. You'll then reach the long-awaited stop: the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt desert in the world, at 3,659 m altitude. The Salar was formed by the drying up of a prehistoric lake and is estimated to contain over 10 billion tons of salt. Salt is an integral part of daily life in this region, and we'll take you to see its extraction and refining in Colchani. Incahuasi Island (or Inka Wasi), situated atop an ancient volcano with giant cacti up to 12 meters tall, will be the day's last stop. Overnight bus toward La Paz.
Arrival in La Paz and transfer to the hotel for breakfast. Then, a guided visit to admire the historic buildings, with the snow-capped peaks of Illimani on the horizon. Next, a visit to the Coca Museum to learn its history, followed by the witches' market, where you'll discover various potions and lotions. Given its geographical setting, La Paz is served by a cable car (Teleférico), from which you can enjoy exceptional panoramic views over the city and the surrounding mountains. Afterward, departure by private transport toward Puno. Along the way it's possible to visit the pre-Columbian archaeological site of Tiwanaku (optional excursion). Arrival and check-in at the hotel in Puno.
Breakfast and departure for one of the most exciting excursions of the entire trip. It begins with a visit to the floating islands of the Uros people. To this day, the islanders are engaged daily in building the islands using the famous totora reed that grows abundantly on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
The tour continues with an excursion to Taquile Island. Since 2005, Taquile has been part of UNESCO's Intangible World Heritage thanks to the textile art and knitting practiced by its inhabitants. Arrival at Taquile and visit to the island. Typical lunch based on trout and quinoa. Return to Puno in the late afternoon aboard our boat. Overnight in Puno.
After breakfast, departure toward the imperial city of Cusco. After about an hour's drive, it will be time to visit Pukara, a town renowned for its pottery and its “toritos” (little bulls); here you'll visit the local Lithic Museum. The tour continues toward La Raya. Buffet lunch in Sicuani, continuing on to Raqchi with a visit to the “Temple of Wiracocha.” The last stop will be Andahuaylillas, to see the “Sistine Chapel of Peru.” Built by the Jesuits, the church of Andahuaylillas features some of the most interesting frescoes and decorative ceilings in all of Peru. Arrival in Cusco and check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast and departure toward the “Sacred Valley of the Incas.” First stop Pisaq and the archaeological remains of this fortress, which before the arrival of the Spanish was one of the beating hearts of the Empire. The tour continues with a visit to the Pisaq craft market, which will captivate you with its colors and the living culture it carries on.
Along the way you'll stop in Urubamba for lunch. The tour ends with an excursion to the citadel and fortress of Ollantaytambo. The town of Ollantaytambo is one of the living examples of how an Inca settlement functioned at the time. You'll also appreciate the impressive agricultural terraces and the panoramic view over the valley. Finally, you'll experience the train ride toward Aguas Calientes. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Visit to Machu Picchu, a mandatory stop for anyone traveling in Peru. Much has been written about this unique place, but experiencing it in person is something that stays etched in memory forever. The setting of the Lost City of the Incas feels surreal, and our guide will share with you the architectural secrets of this Wonder of the Modern World. The efforts of those who wish to climb Huayna Picchu (optional) or the Mountain will be rewarded with a spectacular view over Machu Picchu.
In the afternoon, at the end of the tour, return to Aguas Calientes. It will then be time to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo. Overnight in Cusco.
After breakfast, the excursion of the Inca capital begins: Cusco! The tour begins with a visit to the “Temple of the Sun,” better known as Koricancha. The excursion continues with a visit to the royal palace “Hatun Cancha Rumi,” home to the famous 12-Angled Stone. You'll continue toward San Blas to admire the local handicrafts and the narrow streets that characterize Cusco's bohemian district. You'll then head to Plaza de Armas to admire the cathedral and the main square. Finally, it will be time to visit the San Pedro Market.
Free afternoon and overnight in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco, at the same hotel.
Breakfast before the transfer to the Lima airport. Upon arrival, you can take a private city tour to discover Peru's capital. Overnight in Lima.
After breakfast, transfer to the Lima airport for your return trip. End of our services.