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This tour highlights the most fascinating places in Peru, Chile, and Bolivia. You'll visit the enchanting Atacama Desert in Chile, explore the spectacular route to La Paz in Bolivia, and hike among the mystical mountains of Machu Picchu. From Santiago de Chile to La Paz and Lima, you'll discover the cosmopolitan atmosphere of South America's three main capitals. The tour will take you to the best places in each city, including the Palacio La Moneda, the Coca Museum, and the Larco Museum, and you'll also be able to admire pre-Columbian and colonial culture. You'll be able to enjoy a pleasant stroll through the streets of Cusco, Peru's historic Andean capital, and visit sacred and majestic sites, key elements of Inca civilization. You'll discover what captivates visitors to the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley. All aboard for the adventure across Chile, Bolivia, and Peru!
Upon arrival in Santiago de Chile, you'll be welcomed by our specialized staff and taken to your hotel. You'll then have time to explore the city on your own or try the excellent local cuisine and fine wines the city has to offer. Overnight in Santiago de Chile.
Santiago de Chile has a fascinating history that will be explained to you as you explore the city on a private tour. The Palacio La Moneda is a majestic building designed by an Italian architect, Joaquin Toesca. Today it houses the Chilean presidential offices. Plaza de Armas offers a stunning view with the cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Museum of Natural History in the background. Cerro Santa Lucia is a very pleasant park with lovely views over the city. Another overnight in Santiago to prepare for the adventure ahead.
After breakfast, transfer to the Santiago airport for the flight to Calama, where you'll discover the lunar landscape of San Pedro de Atacama. This desert landscape has been compared to the surface of Mars. First evening and night in the desert.
The Atacama Desert, considered one of the best travel destinations of 2015, offers ideal scenery for taking exceptional photos. The 'Moon Valley' has many rock formations eroded over the centuries by the wind, and its incredibly arid landscape closely resembles the surface of the moon, hence its name. It's one of the driest areas on our planet. Second overnight in San Pedro de Atacama to fully take in its atmosphere.
Today even more fascinating scenery awaits you, including the Avaroa National Reserve and a tour of the region's lakes: Laguna Blanca, Laguna Verde, and Laguna Colorada, offering plenty of breathtaking photo opportunities. Sol de Mañana is an area of volcanic activity featuring boiling mud and mud lakes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided during the day, and the overnight stay will be in this stunning region of Bolivia.
Venturing further into Bolivia, you'll admire other extraordinary landscapes, including the Siloli Desert, famous for its stone tree formation (Arbol de Piedra), and the Bosque de Piedras, made up of over 4,000 rock formations resembling human and animal shapes, including alpacas, condors, and turtles. You'll be able to visit a wide variety of lakes, including Ramaditas, Hedionda, and Canapa; along the way you'll also see many traditional Andean villages. Overnight at a hostel near the Salar. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided and included.
After breakfast, the tour continues toward the Templo de la Luna and the fascinating Train Cemetery, a collection of historic locomotives and railcars abandoned in the middle of nowhere. A truly memorable stop along the road to Uyuni. Salt is part of daily life in this region, and we'll take you to see its extraction and refining in Colchani. Incahuasi (or Inka Wasi), located atop an ancient volcano with giant cacti, will be the last stop before arriving in the town of Uyuni, where you'll spend the night.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the Uyuni-La Paz flight. Upon arrival at the hotel, the city tour begins, admiring the historic government buildings and the financial district, the Coca Museum to learn about the history of the coca leaf, and the witches' market, where potions, lotions, and many other preparations are sold. Overnight in La Paz, the world's highest administrative capital.
After breakfast, back to the airport for the flight toward Cusco. Once you've checked into your hotel room, you'll be taken on a tour of this historic capital and visit Plaza de Armas and Koricancha. You'll also be able to explore several ancient ruins, including Sacsayhuaman, an impressive archaeological complex on the outskirts of the city. The tour then continues to Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and Kenko – three important ruins of the Inca region – and the famous San Pedro Market. To fully enjoy your stay in Cusco, you can relax at the hotel or try the local cuisine at one of the city's excellent restaurants. Overnight in Cusco.
It's time for a different experience in another region of the country, full of mysticism and traditions. The Sacred Valley is spectacular, and you'll be able to visit the ruins of Pisac and shop at its picturesque craft market, one of the best in the country. The fortress of Ollantaytambo is imposing and dominates the entrance to this incredible small town. In Urubamba you'll be served a tasty lunch before boarding the train that will take you to Aguas Calientes. Once you reach the hotel, you'll be given instructions for the next day's excursion. Don't stay up too late, as an intense day awaits you tomorrow.
Early in the morning, a shuttle will take you to Machu Picchu, where a private tour awaits you. Built in the 15th century and restored in later periods, this site is one of the wonders of the world, and the visit to its various stone ruins will surely leave unforgettable memories. Optional visit to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (not included), both very interesting hiking routes. Return to Aguas Calientes by shuttle bus, then back to Cusco for the overnight stay.
After breakfast, transfer to the Cusco airport for the flight toward Lima, where you'll explore the capital recognized by UNESCO. You'll admire its colonial buildings, including the Post Office, the Government Palace, and the Cathedral. The Church of San Francisco, with its famous library and catacombs, is a must-see visit. The catacombs were originally part of Lima's cemetery and contain over 75,000 human remains, many of which are on display. The Larco Museum, one of the most visited in the city, was once a viceroyal residence built atop a pre-Columbian pyramid, and will be the day's final stop in Lima. Free evening in this cosmopolitan capital.
After breakfast, transfer to the Lima airport for your return trip.
No filters, no middlemen — with local operators in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa