Peru Bolivia Chile Tour

Today the group arrives in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital – and with it, right in the beating heart of South America. After the long flight, the journey truly begins: a route filled with striking landscapes, cultural treasures and unforgettable moments.

Peru is over four times the size of the UK yet sparsely populated, offering the perfect setting for memorable experiences across Andean peaks, colonial cities and, of course, the mystical Machu Picchu.

Prepare to be surprised by the cultural diversity of Peru today. This country offers so much more than just Machu Picchu or Lake Titicaca.

We leave the bustle of the big city behind and travel south along the Pan American Highway by private bus. Just an hour from Lima the impressive Pachacamac Temple City rises from the dusty coastal landscape. This site once served as one of the most important religious centres in the Andean world. You will walk through extensive ruins and admire mud brick temples that are thousands of years old. You can still feel the mystical atmosphere here today. From the Temple of the Sun you can enjoy a wide view across the valley to the Pacific Ocean. It is a moment full of history and quiet wonder.

In the historic village of El Carmen we meet the Ballumbrosio afro-peruvian family. This friendly family of seventeen is famous throughout Peru. They invite us into their home to introduce us to their traditional music played on drums and wooden crates.

To learn more about the past of the village we visit Hacienda San Jose in the evening. This estate was built during the colonial era. A dark history remains linked to this luxurious property. Did you know that people brought more than 100,000 African slaves to Peru during the 17th century?

We listen to the squawking of green parrots over a morning coffee and prepare for another vibrant day in this fascinating country.

On the coast where the desert meets the Pacific we find Paracas – the gateway to the offshore Ballestas Islands. Weather permitting we board a speedboat to visit the islands often called Little Galapagos. You will soon see why. Pelicans circle above while Humboldt penguins waddle among the rocks and curious sea lions watch us from nearby. On our return to the mainland we spot a mysterious geoglyph in the sand dunes. This is the Candelabro which remains a prehistoric riddle that no one can fully solve.

Peru takes great pride in its gastronomy and of course its Pisco! You will learn how they produce this famous Peruvian grape brandy and we will naturally sample several different varieties.

From Ica we continue to the Huacachina desert oasis which is a magical spot surrounded by giant sand dunes. We leave our main luggage on the bus and take a light daypack to reach our camp in the vast sandy landscape.

As the sun sinks behind the dunes we enjoy a very special experience with a barbecue in the middle of the desert. We sit by a crackling campfire and enjoy grilled specialities under the open stars. It is an unforgettable evening that tastes of true adventure. Later you can crawl into your sleeping bag with a final look at the sparkling sky and settle into your tent to hear the wonderful silence of the desert. Rental of the sleeping bag is included.

If you do not feel confident walking through the dunes you can take a buggy which will drive you slowly and carefully towards the camp.

How did you sleep in the desert? After a short walk through the dunes we trade the peace of the camp for the lively bustle of the Huacachina oasis. You can freshen up at the hotel and enjoy a quiet breakfast. Afterwards we continue our journey south in our private bus.

We make a special stop along the way at an unusual plantation. They do not grow grapes or bananas here. Instead they breed the tiny cochineal insect. The females produce a carmine red acid which people have used as a natural dye for centuries.

From the observation tower you can see two of the famous Nazca Lines which have stretched across the sand as geoglyphs for thousands of years. The German researcher Dr Maria Reiche dedicated her life to studying these figures. Perhaps her theory that they form a giant calendar is closer to the truth than many believe. Many figures are only fully visible from the air so we will take a flight over these impressive Nazca lines which span many square kilometres across the landscape. Perhaps you will develop your own theory about their origin afterwards.

If you prefer to stay on the ground you can discover the Nazca culture in other ways. At the Chauchilla Cemetery which is over one thousand years old you get a striking look at the burial rituals of that era. This is possible thanks to the amazingly well-preserved mummies and grave goods.

Tired but happy we reach our family run accommodation in a small sleepy fishing village on the Pacific. We can look forward to a barbecue with a sea view.

The sound of the ocean and the cry of gulls serve as our morning music today while we sip our coffee and spot fishing boats on the horizon.

We face the longest but also one of the most scenic drives of our Peruvian tour. On this stretch of the Pan American Highway the dry desert meets the vast Pacific. Have you ever seen whales in the desert? We visit a small family run museum in the middle of this arid landscape and discover with amazement how prehistoric giants glided through the seas here millions of years ago. Looking at the huge skeletons makes you feel very small indeed.

You will see fields with various fruits and vegetables along the way. Did you know that olives grow in Peru? During a stop in Yauca you will taste freshly harvested Peruvian olives. Just before we head inland you will stop at one of the many Pacific beaches. You can stretch your legs with a walk and feel the sand under your feet. Perhaps you might even take a quick dip in the refreshing waves.

In the late afternoon we reach Arequipa which is surrounded by volcanoes. The fading rays of the sunset bathe the white city in a golden orange glow.

You have a longer journey ahead today but do not worry. Our comfortable bus allows you to sit back and relax while the landscape passes you by.

In Arequipa the light rests softly on the walls made of pale volcanic stone. Volcanoes tower over the city, silent and close. The air is clear and the scent of fresh baking drifts through the alleys.

A short distance away the lively bustle of the San Camilo Market awaits you. Tropical fruits, bundles of herbs and colourful stalls pull you into a world of aromas. You might even discover a new favourite fruit.

From the busy market we continue through the colonial centre. Life hums under the palm trees of the Plaza de Armas before your path leads you through the gates of the Santa Catalina Monastery. Another era begins behind these walls. You will find ochre red walls, winding passages and a whispering silence. For over three centuries nuns lived here in total seclusion as if in a small city within a larger one. Every room and every alley tells a story of retreat, order and devotion.

The day ends quietly back on the city streets. Perhaps you will enjoy a view of the glowing Misti volcano or a glass of Pisco on a rooftop.

After breakfast you set off on your next adventure. Your destination today is the second deepest canyon in the world. With a depth of over 3,000 metres distance loses its meaning when you stand on the rocks surrounding the Colca Canyon.

Filled with a mix of awe and excitement you drive towards your destination past the Chachani and Misti volcanoes. With a little luck you will spot vicuñas, llamas and alpacas grazing and frolicking in the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. At the highest point of your journey you will experience the high altitude air at 4,910 metres. The stop at the Patapampa Pass will be both a physical and emotional highlight as the air is particularly thin up here. At the same time the view of the surrounding volcanoes rewards your effort.

A spectacular road leads you down into the Colca Valley. The town of Chivay sits at a more comfortable 3,650 metres above sea level. Here you have the chance to reflect on your adventurous journey with a relaxing dip in the thermal springs for about 15 Soles paid locally. Alternatively you can get to know the local people and culture with a stroll through the traditional market.

We are keeping our fingers crossed that your early start pays off and you get to see the King of the Andes in person. The earlier you reach the Cruz del Condor viewpoint the better your chances of spotting the Andean condor. When this impressive bird with a wingspan of up to 3 metres rises slowly from the valley you will likely hold your breath. Even the wait is a pleasure. The view down into the canyon is phenomenal and it is difficult to capture its full scale with a camera. This is an adventure you must experience for yourself! During the drive that follows you will stop at several viewpoints and taste the seasonal local fruits in small Andean villages.

After these experiences you will return to Arequipa with your travel group. On the way your local guide will tell you where to find the best Arequipeña beer in town so you can process the day during a relaxing evening.

This morning you leave Arequipa and board a flight to Cuzco, the former capital of the legendary Inca Empire. This city teems with archaeological sites that allow you to walk in the footsteps of this ancient people. During the guided tour of the impressive Saqsayhuaman ruins, you will marvel at the Inca walls fitted perfectly together. Your local guide will share information and old stories to shed light on the mysteries of these fortress ruins.

After these first impressions, you will dive even deeper into the Inca way of life. You will visit the remains of the great Q’enqo temple complex and the former Inca baths of Tambomachay. Back in Cuzco, your path leads to perhaps the most famous example of Inca craftsmanship. The twelve angled stone is part of a former palace wall. It demonstrates a unique, seamless construction style where not even a sheet of paper can fit between the stones. At the Coricancha Sun Temple, once the most important temple of the Inca, you will jump through time. You will see where the Spanish conquerors destroyed the temple to build their own church, Santo Domingo, upon its foundations. In the evening, enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city around the Plaza de Armas.

Today you have time to experience Cusco at your own pace. Perhaps you might stroll through the historic alleys, treat yourself to a massage with a view of the Andes, or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on one of the sunny plazas. After the impressions of the last few days, it is good to simply slow down before the next big adventure begins tomorrow.

A special culinary experience awaits you in the evening. We begin with a Pisco Sour workshop where you will mix your own cocktail. This is followed by a multi course tasting menu that surprises with creative flavours and refined combinations. Even guinea pig is on the menu, but would you recognise it straight away? It is a delicious way to end your day in the former capital of the Inca.

As if Peru had not already impressed you enough with its picture perfect landscapes, the country always finds new ways to amaze. You travel from Cuzco into the Sacred Valley. Of all the South American countries, Peru has the richest selection of ruins, and you find them mainly here. Your first stop is Chinchero (3,800 m), where the foundations date back to the Inca period just like those in Cuzco. The village was once the summer residence of several Inca kings. Afterwards you continue to the slopes of a gorge to see the salt terraces of Maras. During the dry season, this white gold is extracted from 3,000 pools in the same way as in Inca times. Moray, the research centre of the Inca, which takes the form of a terraced circular agricultural site, is your next stop. You will be amazed to learn how the ancient Incas used their intelligence and expertise to research efficient farming hundreds of years ago before the Spanish arrived.

In Ollantaytambo you can still clearly see the original Inca town planning. The imposing Inca fortress towers over the village. Manco Cápac II named Ollantaytambo the temporary capital of the Inca Empire during the struggle against the Conquistadors. While visiting the ruins you can understand the strategic importance of the site. The town has a unique and authentic charm with its many small alleys. Walk through the streets or simply sit in the market square to marvel at the massive, steep mountains surrounding the village.

Tomorrow this region will be your starting point for further discoveries. Instead of burdening yourself with heavy luggage, you have left most of your belongings at your hotel in Cuzco. There should be nothing here to weigh you down.

After feeling a connection to the Inca Empire through your visits over the last two days, you dive even deeper into this ancient era today. Instead of the bus, you board the narrow gauge railway. Your destination is the place you have heard so much about, but which you only truly understand once you arrive in person. This is Machu Picchu.

To reach the site at 2,400 metres, you follow in the footsteps of the former residents of the lost Inca city. The legendary Inca Trail starts at an altitude of about 2,250 metres and leads you along ancient paths and steps through a lush green landscape. After about three hours, having reached 2,650 metres, you can look forward to a picnic among the Wiñay Wayna ruins. The thin air and the steep stairs will challenge your fitness, but the path forward through the mystical cloud forest to the Sun Gate, the highest point of your hike at 2,750 metres, will boost your motivation.

To protect the site and prevent erosion, access to the Inca Trail is restricted today. This means early registration is necessary, which we handle for you. The advance planning is well worth it, as you catch your first moving glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. Nestled in the breathtaking panorama of the Urubamba Valley with towering mountains in the background, the ruins look like a film set.

After a short descent, you can rest your feet on the bus which covers the remaining distance to Aguas Calientes. The name translates to hot water. No place could be better suited to soothe your tired limbs and calm your excitement for tomorrow.

If you cannot or do not wish to join the Inca Trail hike, please let us know at the time of booking. There is also the option to take the train all the way from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and spend the day there until the group arrives.

Please note that we require your current passport number to reserve the Inca Trail hike. Please provide this when booking. If the hike is no longer available for your chosen date, contact your travel consultant to discuss possible alternatives.

In the early morning, you set off for one of the great wonders of the world: Machu Picchu. A short bus ride takes you along winding mountain roads until the majestic ruins suddenly appear before you. As the first rays of sun bathe the ancient Inca walls in golden light, you enter the site and immediately feel its magic. Your experienced guide leads you through the citadel with its impressive temples, terraces, and palaces, sharing fascinating myths and secrets of the Inca. The views of the surrounding mountains and the deep Urubamba river valley reinforce the feeling of being in a truly extraordinary place. Take a moment now and then to absorb the unforgettable beauty of the site. Later, the bus takes you back down the winding road to Aguas Calientes.

In the afternoon, you travel by train to Ollantaytambo. Lean back in your seat and watch the beautiful landscape of the Sacred Valley pass by. You can spend the evening in Cusco exactly as you please.

If you wish to climb the nearby mountain Huayna Picchu after the tour of the citadel, you can choose this moderately difficult hike with a 45 minute ascent for 89 Euro. Please speak to your travel consultant if you are interested.

We always try to secure early morning entrance tickets for our groups along the classic route through the citadel. Due to limited availability, especially during the high season, we cannot always guarantee this. Early booking is therefore highly recommended.

From the sea of colours in Palccoyo to Lake Titicaca

Early in the morning you leave Cusco and set off for a special natural experience: the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains. Unlike the often crowded Vinicunca route, a more pleasant hike away from the masses awaits you here. After a scenic drive you reach the starting point at an altitude of about 4,900 metres. From there you walk gently uphill for around 45 minutes. You are surrounded by silence, bizarre rock formations and, weather permitting, the full vibrant colours of the rainbow mountains with their snow capped peaks. It is a panorama that looks like a painting.

Following this the route continues through the vast Altiplano. At the La Raya Pass at 4,323 metres you will find small market stalls with colourful textiles before the road slowly descends towards Lake Titicaca.

One of our most important promises to you is that you will meet people and cultures on an equal footing. This commitment continues today when you stay overnight with a farming community on the Lake Titicaca peninsula. Upon arriving at Capachica you visit one of the communities that still live according to Quechua traditions.

In simple but affectionately furnished mud huts you will get to know authentic Peruvian country life. You can relax in the idyll of the largest freshwater lake on the continent and make friends with the local residents. Since you arrive in the afternoon you can still catch the last rays of sun reflecting in the blue waters of Lake Titicaca.

You enjoy the moment and the peaceful sunset and feel truly grounded.

You have a longer journey ahead today but do not worry. Our comfortable bus allows you to sit back and relax while the landscape passes you by.

Many travellers are drawn to Taquile, but we consciously decide against it. The Capachica peninsula offers a deeper and more personal insight into life on Lake Titicaca without the crowds of day visitors who land on Taquile every day. Here in Capachica there is time for genuine encounters.

The morning begins in silence. The sun has not yet appeared as Capachica lies in the shadow of the surrounding hills. You stroll at your own pace through the simple village where life wakes up early. Animals are fed, water is fetched, and the fire in the clay oven is lit. If you wish you can take part in daily life or chat with your host family. It is an honest and warm experience. For the particularly brave a jump into the crystal clear, cool waters of Lake Titicaca awaits.

For lunch you can look forward to a traditional Pachamanca. This is a feast cooked in an earth oven which tastes delicious and is deeply rooted in the local culture.

In the afternoon you board a private boat with the floating Uros Islands as your destination. As you glide slowly over the still lake the landscape changes from green hills to open shimmering expanses. You receive a warm welcome on the islands. Your hosts show you their life on the water and tell you about daily life on the reeds.

You will travel together with them to a neighbouring island in a traditional Totora boat. You move leisurely through the clear water which shimmers like liquid silver in the afternoon light. You will learn how the Totora reeds are cut, layered and renewed using techniques passed down through generations. From roofs to tea the reed serves as building material, fuel and medicine all at once. If you like you can try your hand at fishing with a little patience and a smile from your hosts.

Dinner is prepared right on the island. You might have fresh fish, simple vegetables and maize. Everything smells familiar and tastes of the lake, the sun and time. The day ends with a shared meal and stories right in the middle of the water.

Lake Titicaca is still quiet as you leave the Uros Islands. A short boat trip brings you back to the mainland where the bus is already waiting. If you wish you can take a short walk through Puno along alleys where the day is just beginning. Then you continue along the lakeshore as the landscape widens and the light grows brighter.

the Peruvian part of the journey ends at the border town of Desaguadero. Your guide helps you with the border crossing in a friendly and professional manner. A new bus awaits on the Bolivian side. The road leads you through the vast Altiplano to Tiwanaku where you explore one of the most significant archaeological sites in Bolivia. You will see massive stone blocks and mysterious reliefs with architecture that remains a puzzle to this day.

Then La Paz draws closer. You do not go directly to the hotel but to the 6 de Marzo cable car station in El Alto. Here perhaps the most impressive moment of the day begins. You board one of the cabins that float silently over the roofs of the city. Below you the first lights begin to glow while the sky above turns gold and violet. You look down into the valley basin of La Paz which is a city that clings spectacularly to the hillsides.

After the ride you go to the hotel. Those who wish can end the evening with a simple meal nearby and reflect on the many impressions of the day.

The day begins in the centre of La Paz with an unusual city guide. A shoeshiner accompanies you through the streets of the Bolivian metropolis. From behind his mask he speaks honestly and movingly about life in the city. He shows you hidden corners and leads you past colonial buildings and skyscrapers in a city full of contrasts.

During the tour you will try a true local speciality. Salteñas are the spicy and sweet pastries loved by locals. You can enjoy them warm from your hand filled with meat, egg, and vegetables.

In the afternoon you travel to a completely different world. Only a few kilometres away lies the Moon Valley. The bizarre rock peaks and sand coloured ridges look as if they belong to another galaxy. You walk along narrow paths through the lunar landscape while the wind carries dust and silence. It is a perfect place for photographs or simply for quiet reflection.

After the wrestling show your night bus awaits. This comfortable bus takes you to Uyuni in about ten hours. The seats lean back a long way and you will find blankets, pillows, and even a snack on board. While La Paz disappears into the darkness you travel towards your next adventure.

After your overnight bus journey you reach Uyuni in the early morning. You will be tired but full of anticipation for what lies ahead. A fortifying breakfast awaits you while you take a moment to freshen up and warm through at the hotel.

The cool morning air at over 3,600 metres reminds you how raw and fascinating life in the Bolivian Altiplano can be. Soon you will be warmed by the sun as it slowly rises above the horizon.

Then the adventure begins. You travel by off-road vehicle to the old train cemetery. These rusty steel giants stand like silent witnesses to past industrial years in the dusty expanse. Shortly afterwards the view opens up to one of the most surreal landscapes on earth: the Salar de Uyuni. What looks like a shimmering sheet of ice is in fact pure salt. It stretches for miles and is so dazzlingly white and flat that heaven and earth seem to touch. You will experience the silence, the light, and the vastness.

At lunchtime an extraordinary experience awaits you: a set table in the middle of the endless white. Over a glass of wine and a hearty meal you enjoy the peace and beauty of the salt flats. This is a moment of stillness and wonder that will stay with you forever.

The cactus island of Inkahuasi is visible from far away on the horizon. It is a bizarre oasis of stone and giant plants that are centuries old and thrive miraculously in this harsh environment. The heat of the day soon gives way again to the frosty cold of the Bolivian nights. Wrapped in warm clothes you end this impressive day in your cosy accommodation. Perhaps you will take one last look at the sea of salt as it begins to glow pink in the light of the setting sun.

Changes to the itinerary may occur due to weather conditions.

Today you set out on one of the most spectacular routes in the Bolivian highlands. From San Juan you dive into a landscape that seems to belong to another world with glittering lagoons, rugged rock formations, and vast plains stretching endlessly before you.

Each of the lagoons including Cañapa, Hedionda, and Honda enchants in its own way. The colours of the water range from deep blue to soft turquoise. You will repeatedly spot flamingos stepping gracefully through the shallow waters and adding vibrant pink accents to the scene. With a bit of luck you might also catch sight of shy vicuñas moving in small groups through the sparse grassland or quick chinchillas vanishing between the rocks.

The journey continues across windswept plateaus to the Árbol de Piedra. This rock monument was shaped by the wind and stands like a surrealist sculpture that looks like a tree made of stone. The highlight of the day awaits you at Laguna Colorada. Its bright red water framed by white borax deposits looks almost like a painting and is one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the Altiplano.

In the late afternoon you reach your accommodation in Polques. It is simple but provides a welcome retreat in the middle of this raw Andean setting. You can end your highland adventure surrounded by fascinating scenery and filled with the impressions of the day.

Before the day wakes you will witness a fascinating spectacle. In the middle of the barren highland plains steam rises from the earth while the ground seethes and mud pots bubble. Geysers shoot hot fountains into the clear morning air. The Sol de Mañana geysers seem to belong to another world and serve as an impressive testament to the forces working deep beneath the surface.

After this natural display a dip in the warm Polques thermal springs offers soothing relaxation. The mineral rich water helps loosen your limbs and recharge your energy while you are surrounded by the silent expanse of the Andean landscape. From here a scene unfolds that resembles a surrealist painting. The Dalí Desert presents vast sandy areas and isolated rock formations with vibrant colours that suggest nature itself provided the inspiration for great art.

The intense green of Laguna Verde is created by minerals in the water which seem to glow in the light. The Licancabur volcano rises majestically in the background to complete the scenery. It is a wonderful final note as we say goodbye to Bolivia!

After crossing the border into Chile we reach San Pedro de Atacama. This charming desert village sits at an altitude of 2,435 metres with narrow alleys and whitewashed houses that give you the feeling of having truly arrived.

San Pedro de Atacama is like an oasis of calm and that is exactly what awaits you this morning. You have time to settle in at your own pace and stroll through the sandy alleys. Perhaps you might simply sit back on a cafe terrace and enjoy the special light of this unique setting. If you feel like exploring further you can book optional local excursions. These might include the steaming Tatio Geysers at over 4,000 metres or hidden lagoons in the area. The possibilities are as diverse as the landscape itself.

After lunch your own little Atacama adventure begins. You drive out to the Valle de la Luna, the Valley of the Moon. This extraordinary rocky landscape with its jagged formations and crystalline salt flats looks as if it belongs to another world. The silence here is tangible with no birds or breeze. You will only hear the crunch of your footsteps on the sandy ground.

As a final highlight we climb to the Mirador de Kari which is a viewpoint with a panoramic vista across the vast Atacama Desert. As the sun slowly sinks behind the red and gold mountain ranges the landscape glows in warm colours ranging from ochre to deep red and soft violet. It is an unforgettable moment where the desert reveals its full magic.

Morning breaks in San Pedro de Atacama with the quiet feeling that a special journey is coming to an end. You say goodbye to the clay coloured alleys and the silent expanse of the desert. You will miss the unique light that has accompanied you through these days.

Today the group begins the journey back to the United Kingdom. After many impressive days in South America it is now time to say farewell.