DAY 1: Arrive in Santiago
![Arrive in Santiago]()
Bienvenido en Santiago! Welcome to Santiago! Spend the day exploring if you arrive early enough, and then meet your tour leader at 18:00 hrs at the hotel for a welcome meeting. Then head out for a meet & greet dinner with fellow travellers and your tour leader this evening. Tomorrow you have a full day to explore the city of Santiago.
Experiences
Welcome dinner. This welcome dinner is the ideal opportunity to sample your first Chilean meal and get acquainted with your tour mates. These fine folks will be adventuring alongside you for the next 18 days, so buddy up!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Providencia Panamericana
DAY 2: Santiago City Tour
![Santiago City Tour]()
Get ready to explore Santiago. Grab breakfast and follow a local guide into the heart of the Chilean city. Discover the downtown area, the famous Alameda main avenue, and the Plaza de Armas. Not to mention the Central Market and Santiago Cathedral. Also tick off the bohemian Bellavista district and San Cristobal Hill. Make your own way after lunch. Join in on an optional group dinner at a local restaurant this evening if you're keen.
Experiences
Santiago City Tour. Set off on foot for a tour of Chile’s vibrant capital city! Your local guide will show you Santiago’s highlights and share the city’s rich history with you. See Santiago’s downtown area, visit Saint Lucia Hill and traditional neighbourhoods around the city centre. Stop by top attractions including the busy Plaza de Armas, the Santiago Cathedral, and the La Moneda Palace. The views alone would be enough to keep you captivated for hours with the Andes Mountains providing an incredible background to the city.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Providencia Panamericana-
DAY 3: Santiago: Free Day
![Santiago: Free Day]()
Free day in Santiago! Seek out the attractions that appeal to you. Wine tasting, cultural pursuits and delicious foodie experiences await. Alternatively, opt in on an optional outing to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. Travel down the Pacific coast to the pretty coastal village of Valparaiso. Then, head north to the glittering resort city of Viña del Mar. Peruse stunning gardens, beaches and museums. Back in Santiago the evening is yours to spend as you wish.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Providencia Panamericana-
Optional Excursions
- Valparaiso and Viña del Mar Day Trip i US$65
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 4: Santiago - flight to Calama - San Pedro de Atacama
![Santiago - flight to Calama - San Pedro de Atacama]()
Wave Santiago goodbye as we board a flight to Calama in northern Chile. Upon arrival in the mining city, hop aboard a coach to San Pedro de Atacama. Drink in the stark desert vistas along the way. Take an orientation tour, grab some luck and check in at the hotel. This afternoon we depart on a trip to the other-worldly Moon Valley nearby. Take the evening to enjoy at your leisure. Alternatively, opt in on a group dinner and/or stargazing excursion (the night skies in the desert are incredible!).
Experiences
Moon Valley afternoon and sunset visit. Pay a visit to the El Valle De La Luna (Moon Valley) just outside San Pedro de Atacama. From here you can appreciate the incredible views of this region and see the sun set like never before. Elevated 2,250 metres above sea level, the valley contains the Salt mountain range, deep valleys, salt caves and a variety of rock and stone formations. The scenes you’ll lay eyes on here closely resemble the surface of the moon - which explains the romantic name.
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 5: San Pedro de Atacama - Bolivian Desert
![San Pedro de Atacama - Bolivian Desert]()
Grab your packed breakfast and board the coach for an epic drive to the Bolivian border. Hop aboard 4x4 vehicles upon arrival - from here we get adventurous. Head into Bolivia to encounter mesmerising lagoons, deserts and exotic fauna like flamingos as we travel through Eduardo Avaroa National Park. Time permitting we may stop over to soak in the thermal waters of the Polques hot spring, so pack your swimsuit in your day pack. Arrive at your homestay and meet the locals who will be hosting you. Enjoy traditional food and learn more about Bolivian culture firsthand.
*The area is very remote and there are limited accommodation options. Please expect simple, multi-share rooms, basic amenities and limited hot water. Be mindful and appreciative of our local hosts.
Experiences
Eduardo Avaroa National Park. Drive through Eduardo Avaroa National Park in the southwestern region of Bolivia. It’s a true natural paradise with jewelled lakes, a high-altitude desert and wildlife. The trip includes stops at the Laguna Verde, Laguna Colorada (The Coloured Lagoons), the Siloli desert and the famous Stone Tree.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
La Magia de San Juan
DAY 6: Bolivian Desert
![Bolivian Desert]()
Board the 4x4s after breakfast and wave your host family goodbye as we venture further into southern Bolivia. Get ready to gaze in wonderment at three famous lagoons (Hedionda, Canapa and Honda) and its native fauna. Enjoy a picnic lunch and get an eyeful of the dramatic Ollague Volcano. Stop over at the Uyuni Train Cemetery to see the aftermath of the mining economy collapse. Arrive at this evening's homestay and tuck into another traditional dinner with your host family.*
*The area is very remote and there are limited accommodation options. Please expect simple, multi-share rooms, basic amenities and limited hot water. Be mindful and appreciative of our local hosts.
Experiences
Visit the Laguna Hedionda and see the Ollague Volcano. With your 4x4 vehicles roaming the desert in convoy, allow your local guide to point out some of the region’s most spectacular lagoons and vistas. This day includes views of the famous Ollague Volcano which sits on the border of Chile and Bolivia at a height of 5,868 metres above sea level. We’ll stop at several lakes, including Laguna Hedionda which hosts a large population of bright pink flamingos!
Train Cemetery. A visit to the Train Cemetery allows us to wander amongst these huge, abandoned carriages - some of which were imported from as far away as Britain, over 100 years ago.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
La Magia de San Juan
DAY 7: Bolivian Desert - Uyuni
![Bolivian Desert - Uyuni]()
Off we go to the Uyuni Salt Flats. This is one of the country's most famous attractions. Follow your local guide to the heart of the flats in 4x4 vehicles. Make your way to the small town of Colchani. Learn more about the value of salt in the local economy and how it shapes the community. Visit Incahuasi Island - a cacti-rich oasis in the middle of the salt flats. Spend your evening as you wish after we arrive at our Uyuni hotel.
Experiences
Uyuni Salt Flats Day Trip. Join a local guide to explore the Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni) with the assistance of a 4x4 vehicle. Welcome to the world’s largest salt flats and one of Bolivia’s most famous tourist attractions. When it rains, the flats become a lake and creates the world’s largest mirror - bright, endless and spellbinding. Take time to wander about on the flats and take the most amazing photos. On the way there and back you can see magical landscapes made up of colourful lakes, local fauna, flora, mountains and rock formations.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Girasoles
DAY 8: Uyuni - flight to La Paz
![Uyuni - flight to La Paz]()
Leaving Uyuni behind, we fly to La Paz. The city is officially the highest-located administrative capital in the world. Drink in incredible views of the mighty Andes mountain range. The city is filled to the brim with modern and historic attractions. Book in at the hotel and explore at your leisure for the rest of your day. Dinner is included this evening.
Landing at La Paz airport. Flying from the world's 6th highest airport (Uyuni - 3,954m) into the world's 5th highest airport (4,061m) makes for quite the experience! We'll pass over lakes and the Andes Mountains before touching down under the shadow of Mount Illimani, which looms over La Paz at 6,438m.
Experiences
Landing at La Paz airport. Land at La Paz Airport. Experience a breathtaking flight! Fly from the world’s sixth-highest airport in Uyuni (3,954m) into the world's fifth-highest airport at La Paz (4,061m). Take in the scenery below as we pass over lakes and the Andes Mountains before touching down under the shadow of Mount Illimani, which stands high over La Paz at 6,438m
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hostal NairaDAY 9: La Paz City Tour
![La Paz City Tour]()
Get ready to explore La Paz on an in-depth city tour today. Make your way to gorgeous destinations like the Plaza Murillo and San Francisco church. Venture into the Witches’ Market and take the cable car over the city. Gaze in wonderment from the Teleferico Viewpoint. Head your own way after lunch. Reunite with the group this evening for an optional dinner if you wish.
Experiences
La Paz City Tour: EJoin an expert local guide on a city tour of La Paz which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! See the top attractions and learn all about La Paz’s history. Wander through the Mercado de Bruja (Witches Market) and discover the colourful powders and natural herbs on sale. See Plaza Murillo, the 16th century San Francisco Church and more! Ride the cable car above the city to reach Teleferico Viewpoint. Take in the sweeping views of the city and surrounds from here.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hostal Naira
Optional Excursions
- Tiwanaku Archaeological Site i US$55
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 10: La Paz - Lake Titicaca - Copacabana
![La Paz - Lake Titicaca - Copacabana]()
Goodbye La Paz, we're off to Copacabana! Follow the shore of Lake Titicaca between Peru and Bolivia to reach this famous destination. Book in at your Copacabana hotel and immediately set out on a day trip to the Isla del Sol. Learn more about the mystery and intrigue of pre-Inca myths that abound in the area. Take the evening to enjoy at your leisure in the gorgeous city of Copacabana.
Experiences
Sun Island Visit. Catch a short ferry ride across Lake Titicaca to Isla del Sol and spend the day here. The island is home to indigenous villages, beautiful beaches and great rocky trails. Explore the 80+ archaeological ruins, dating back to the Inca period, scattered across the island. Sit down and enjoy a traditional lunch before travelling back to the mainland.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Gloria Copacabana
DAY 11: Copacabana - Puno
![Copacabana - Puno]()
Leave Copacabana behind as we travel further along the shoreline of Lake Titicaca. Cross the Peruvian border to get to Puno - Peru's capital of folklore. Hop aboard a traditional reed boat that will take you to Uros islands. These floating hamlets are hand-woven from totora reeds by the Uru people who live upon it. Peruse their handicrafts, watch folk dances, enjoy local fare and learn more about these people who shy away from the mainland. Return to Puno in the afternoon and enjoy a restful evening at the hotel.
Experiences
Uros Islands Tour: Catch a traditional reed boat to the Uros floating reed islands. The islands are a top tourist attraction in Peru as they offer insight into a unique, survivalist way of life. The Uru people chose to create these floating islands away from the mainland and have been living here for many generations. Tour the islands and learn more about the way of life here. Meet the locals dressed in colourful traditional clothes, watch crafts being made by hand, see lively folk dances and taste some local food!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hacienda Puno
DAY 12: Puno - Pucara - Raqchi - Andahuaylillas - Sacred Valley
![Puno - Pucara - Raqchi - Andahuaylillas - Sacred Valley]()
Get ready for a visit to the exquisite Sacred Valley. Today's trip will be a little long, but the scenery is amazing. Stop over at the town of Pucara to encounter ancient Inca ruins. Follow along the 4300m-high La Raya pass and make a stop for curio shopping. There may even be a few llamas to greet you! Make another stop to experience the Inca fortress of Raqchi firsthand. Visit the Church of Andahuaylillas at our last stop. Disembark at our hotel in the Sacred Valley and sit down to an included dinner after settling in.
Experiences
Visit the town of Pucara. Visit Pucara and its small but exquisite architectural sight of Inca significance. Pucará, as it’s also known, is known for it pottery.
Raqchi. Rachi is home to one one of the biggest archaeological sites in the area. The ruins of Raqchi are mostly known as the Temple of Wiracocha that was built in honour of Wiracocha, a deity believed to be the giver of all life. Outside of the temple, there’s also the living quarters, ceremonial baths and a natural lake fed by spring water through stone fountains.
Church of Andahuaylillas. Taking our eyes off the Inca ruins for a moment, visit the Andean village of Andahuaylillas and its baroque church. Named the “Sistine Chapel of Latin America”, or “The Sistine Chapel of the Andes”, this church was built according to Spanish traditions and dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle. Expect painted ceilings, a gold-leaf altar and a shimmering, colourful display of murals.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
San Agustin UrubambaDAY 13: Sacred Valley
![Sacred Valley]()
Today we discover more of the Sacred Valley. Grab breakfast and board the coach to make your way deeper into the valley. Stop over in small villages to peruse local handicrafts. Stop over at mesmerising Incan sites to learn more about its place in history. This includes the town of Ollantaytambo and its incredible fortress. Experience glimpses into the everyday life of the residents of the Sacred Valley, and see their flocks of alpacas, goats and other animals grazing along the road. Head back to our hotel in Urubamba at the end of the day to spend the evening as you wish.
Experiences
Guided Tour of the Sacred Valley. Follow a local guide and explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There is so much to see in the valley outside of Machu Picchu (the crown jewel!). We take you out into the valley to do just that, stopping at the most significant Inca sites up the mountain. Also stop at a local marketplace for lunch and do some souvenir shopping while mingling with the locals. This is the ideal spot to get a behind-the-scenes look at the art of Peruvian weaving and perhaps buy your own woven blanket or scarf. The locals you meet here might be descendants of the Incas, the sophisticated Andean tribe of South America. The language they speak is called Quechua and is mainly spoken here in the Andes mountains of Peru.
Guided tour of Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex. Ollantaytambo is one of the most important towns in the Sacred Valley and the last major town before Machu Picchu. Built on the site of ancient ruins, it’s impressive terraces were the base for Incan ceremonies and the royal estate of the Incan Emperor. It was also the stronghold of the Incan resistance against the Spanish. Explore with a local guide and learn more about the history of the architectural sites and incredible vistas around Ollantaytambo.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
San Agustin UrubambaDAY 14: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu optional excursion: Free Day
![Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu optional excursion: Free Day]()
Every South American tour should include a visit to Machu Picchu. Join in on an optional trek to this fascinating destination today. Follow in the slipstream of a local guide who will take you along the cliffs and valleys to point out important buildings, tombs, stone canals and plazas. This sacred site used to be the royal estate of the Inca king, Pachacutec, and was rediscovered in the 1900s. Dress comfortably - we'll be travelling by bus, train and on foot today.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
San Agustin Urubamba
Optional Excursions
- Machu Picchu Day Trip i TBC
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 15: Sacred Valley - Cusco
![Sacred Valley - Cusco]()
Off we go to Cusco, the former capital of the Incan Empire. Stop over at the fortress-temple of Sacsayhuaman along the way. Marvel at the intricate stone-laying work of this ancient site. Find lunch on the go upon arrival in Cusco before joining in on a city tour with a local guide. Opt in on a buffet dinner and dance show this evening, or go your own way if you wish.
Experiences
Guided tour of Sacsayhuaman ruins. Visit the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, perched 3km above Cusco. See the huge rocks stacked with impressive precision. Don’t forget to take in the amazing views of Cusco and surrounds!
Cusco City Tour with a local guide. Some call Cusco the bellybutton of the Earth due to the reach of the Incan Empire. Others have called it the Rome of South America. It was once the capital of the Incan Empire, making Cusco an intriguing city to explore. A local guide will share insights on the local history and culture. Find out how the Quechua and Spanish cultures met to create a truly unique destination.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
San Francisco Cusco Plaza
Optional Excursions
- Cusco Dinner & Peruvian Dance Show i US$25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 16: Cusco - Flight to Lima
![Cusco - Flight to Lima]()
Leave Cusco behind as we travel to Lima via a short flight. Take a city tour with a local expert upon arrival. The dynamic city is the capital of Peru and home to 10 million+ inhabitants. Tick off top attractions like the Cathedral of Lima, the Convent and Plaza San Francisco, Plaza de Armas and more. Make your way to our hotel in the Miraflores neighborhood and head out for dinner with the group after freshening up.
Experiences
Lima city tour: Led by an expert local guide, take a journey through the areas of significance in Lima. Tour the colonial city centre, including a foray to the Main square where the Presidential Palace, Archbishops Palace and City Hall are located. Learn more about the fascinating history, main industries and culture of Peru's capital. The list of attractions include, among others, the Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, plazas like San Francisco and De Armas, and the modern district of San Isidro. We’ll also make our way to Miraflores, a seaside suburb with magnificent Pacific coast views.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis Larco Miraflores
DAY 17: Lima - Paracas: Free Day
![Lima - Paracas: Free Day]()
Free day in Lima! Find your own way or opt in on a day trip that combines a visit to the Ballestas Islands and a flight over the Nazca lines. Leave early to travel along the beautiful southern coast of Peru to the Paracas region. Board a boat and travel to the Ballestas Islands to view incredible marine life. Think sea lions, penguins, dolphins and more. Afterwards, take to the skies from Pisco airport to see the famous Nazca Lines geoglyphs from above. Return to Lima for an included farewell dinner at the end of the day.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis Larco Miraflores
Optional Excursions
- Nazca Lines and Ballestas Island Day Trip i US$390
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 18: Lima - End of Tour
![Lima - End of Tour]()
Breakfast marks the end of the tour as you say goodbye to fellow travellers and the Expat Explore staff this morning. You have the option to take a transfer to Jorge Chávez International Airport if you book with your tour leader beforehand.
Experiences
If you would like to extend your stay in Lima after the tour, please contact us to confirm the hotel. By this point you will have enjoyed 18 incredible days exploring the very best of Chile, Bolivia & Peru. A true delight!