How to Visit South America in 3-Weeks, Peru, Bolivia, Chile

DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO LIMA

Arrival in the city of Lima Capital of Peru, Reception by our representative at Jorge Chavez airport and private transfer to your selected hotel, Overnight in Lima
- No meals.

DAY 2: LIMA CITY TOUR - TRIP TO PARACAS

Exploring Lima city: Guided tour of the city of Lima includes the main tourist attractions such as: the historical center, the Republican square of San Martin, the historic and famous Plaza de Armas, the most precious jewel of the historic center of Lima, the Convent of San Francisco and its Catacombs The Tour continues to the modern district of Miraflores, the emblematic Park of Love with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean where you can enjoy an impressive panorama.The duration of the guided tour to the city of Lima is approximately 4 hours.
On time, transfer to bus terminal for a double decker bus trip to the bay of Paracas Bay, arrival and overnight.

DAY 3: PARACAS - HUACACHINA OASIS- NAZCA

In Paracas: Boat excursion to "Ballestas Islands Known as the Peruvian Galápagos, these rocky islands overlooking the sea are accessible only by boat and can not be visited, just to protect the fauna.They owe their fame to the extraordinary presence of different animal species: birds (goslings, partridges) , cormorants of Peru, pelicans of Bougainville, seagulls, vultures ...), the small Humboldt penguins, dolphins, sea lions and sea lions that occupy entirely some of their beaches on these rocky islets, about 90 minutes off the coast of Paracas. Visiting this archipelago costs half compared to that of the Galapagos in Ecuador.
Visit Ica's Sand dunes and the Huacachina oasis: "we begin the guided visit to an old cellar, which produces grappa, among others, the famous Pisco. We will be able to know the whole process for the production of Pisco and you will make a tour of the cellar with a worker. After visiting the winery, visitors are invited to try and taste the different types of pisco and wines produced in this winery. Then we continue our tour with a visit to the Regional Museum of Ica, which is undoubtedly one of the most important museums on the southern coast of Peru. Here you can see interesting antiques from different cultures that lived in the department of Ica. Finally, we head towards the Oasis of Huacachina, which is located at a distance of 5 km from the center of Ica. In this beautiful lake, you can enjoy the peace of this place and go around looking for beautiful images. Huge dunes that surround the lagoon, allow visitors to practice one of the most fascinating sports of this region, the popular sandboarding.
Recommend making a tour in dune buggy, taking advantage of the opportunity to surf on the sand! It is a perfect activity for lovers of strong feelings."
At time, transfer to the terminal for a 2 hours bus trip to Nazca", upon arrival in Nazca, pick up at the bus terminal and private transfer to your hotel selected, Overnight in Nazca.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch.

DAY 4: NAZCA LINES - BUS TRIP TO AREQUIPA

"The lines of Nazca are drawn on the ground, these geoglyphs of the Nazca desert is located on an arid plateau that stretches for about eighty kilometers between the cities of Nazca and Palpa, in southern Peru. There are more than 300 different designs, including the stylized profiles of common animals in the area (the whale, the parrot, the more than 180 meters long lizard, the hummingbird, the condor and the enormous spider about 45 meters long). In total, the geoglyphs are composed of more than 10,000 lines, some of which measure 30 m in width and extend for more than 9 km, so they are clearly visible from the air or from the top of the nearby hills. The figures: The tree, The wings (or shells), The alligator astronaut, The whale, The dog, The hummingbird, The shells, The condor, The iguana, The blade, The lizard, The hands, The mythological orc, The parrot, The pelican (or alcatraz), The spider, The monkey, The snake, The spiral, The star, Technically the Nazca lines are perfect. The kilometric lines are drawn with very small deflection angles. The drawings are well proportioned, especially if we think about their size. These lines are evidence of a great knowledge of geometry by the ancient inhabitants of this area".
At time transfer to terminal for a double decker bus trip to Arequipa city, upon arrival, pick up and private transfer to hotel selected, overnight in Arequippa
- Meals: breakfast.

DAY 5: AREQUIPA CITY TOUR - TRIP TO CHIVAY

Exploring the City of Arequipa:"The city, since 2000, is part of the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list. Its charm derives from the mixture of Spanish and indigenous cultures, still visible, especially in the city's unique architecture. Called the white city for the color of the houses that compose it, here is the famous monastery of Santa Caterina and you can admire, Plaza de Armas where there is an impressive cathedral. On this guided tour you will visit Monasterio of Santa Catalina, even if you can not get more than colonial buildings, you should not miss this monastery that occupies an entire neighborhood and is surrounded by impressive walls: it is one of the most fascinating religious buildings in all of Peru . The main square of Arequipa, which has not been ruined by modern buildings, is a sort of outdoor museum of sillar architecture - white, imposing and unique from an aesthetic point of view.
Trip to Chivay (Colca Canyon):The trip offers travelers the opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular tourist attractions and wonders: the Colca Valley and the Colca Canyon. The first stop is in the national reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca to observe the auquakes such as vicuñas, alpacas and llamas. Then we stop at the Mirador de los Volcanes to admire a variety of volcanoes that reach over 5,000 meters: El volcano Misti, Chachani volcano, the volcano Pichupichu, Hualcahualca, Sabancaya, Chucura and the Cordillera de Chila. Arrival in Chivay and in the afternoon possibility to visit the thermal baths. We will spend the night in Chivay", overnight in Chivay
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 6: COLCA CANYON EXCURSION

The Colca Canyon Excursion: On this day, you'll stop in several Andean cities: Yanque, Maca, Pinchollo to take pictures and short visits. The highlight of the tour is the stop near Cruz del Cóndor. Here you will see the impotent Condor of the Andes: a real natural and spectacular show!, On time return to Chivay and time to your leisure to explore and enjoy the village and thermal baths" overnight in Chivay
- Meals: breakfast

DAY 7: FROM COLCA CANYON TO CUSCO CITY

Trip to Cusco city from Colca Valley Chivay: Our trip to Cusco begins at 07:00 a.m. in direction to the upper part of the Colca valley, we will pass through traditional and picturesques andean villages like Tuti And Sibayo, we will make a stop to appreciate the impressive castles of Callalli ( Rocky formations that looks like médium formed lay castles wáter and wind erosion).
Later on, we will pass near the “Condorama Dam”, At this point we will find the 4737 masl, Our next stop will be in the “Stone forest” located in the Yauri área ( traditional town), and the Langui glaciar lagoon at 3955 mosl. The artisan production of trout is carried out taking advantage of the waters of the lagoon. Among the birds you can see a large number of gulls, wild ducks, huallatas and others. A magnificent natural mirrow with a lengh of 25 km.
In the final part of the trip, we will stop for lunch in Sicuani village ( not included). Our arrival to Cuso city will be around 16:30 – 17:00 p.m. Upon arrival in Cusco, transfer to your hotel selected. Note The Bus Trip Departs on Monday - Wednesday - Friday
- Meals: breakfast

DAY 8: CITY TOUR & 4 NEARBY RUINS

Morning to your leisure in Cusco city
Exploring the Imperial City of Cusco and its main attractionss:In the city, the Plaza San Cristóbal is of particular interest, from where you can appreciate the entire city overview and from which you can reach the San Pedro Market, where you can savor the environment and local products. The Temple of Koricancha, to be admired in all its magnificence. The church of Santo Domingo, erected, like other colonial buildings, on the walls of the ancient Inca constructions. From San Blas, the artisan district, you can walk down to Hatun Rumiyoc Street, to admire the world's most famous stone, known as the twelve-stone angles, set in the palace walls of what was once Inca Roca, today Palazzo Arzobispal. The Plaza de Armas, which once was the most important square of the Inca, the nerve center of their great empire. Here is the Cathedral from the three ships, resting on fourteen columns, which houses inside the colonial era of incalculable value. Nearby, the impressive archaeological site of the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The Inca worship center of Qenqo, another of the complexes surrounding the Imperial city of Cuzco. It is a sanctuary located on the hill of Socorro and, like the rest of the centers, its true purpose is still unknown: it could be a court, an amphitheater or the tomb of some high Inca personalities. Puca Pucará lookout tower, a military construction consisting of large walls, terraces and stairways, which forms part of the Cuzco defense complex. An excellent example of military architecture.Near Puca Pucará is Tambomachay, monument of remarkable architectural excellence, considered one of the pillars of the vision of the Andean cosmos. Totally built of carved stone, it is composed of four walls or terraces with stairways behind the slopes of the hill, with a construction of perfectly assembled blocks of stone.
- Meals: breakfast.

DAY 9: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE

Trekking to The Rainbow mountain:The first stop is in the picturesque town of Pitumarca south of the city of Cusco, where we will make a stop to provide us of some things necessary to start the tour such as water or energy drinks, snack, cereals, etc.
After this short stop, we will continue our journey where we will observe the multicolored landscapes and crops that mix between the mysterious mountains and snowy mountains, Andean animals such as the llama, alpaca, sheep, vicuñas and the deep valleys. We will arrive at 06:30 am at the picturesque town of Japura (Hanchipata), the starting point of our trek, here we will enjoy a delicious Andean breakfast prepared by our Chef.
After breakfast, we will start our trek for 3 and a half hours, up the mountain until we reach the town of Machuraccay and then we will ascend to the foothills of the Vinicunca hill, place of access control to this mystical place. Continuing the walk we will go through a path that little by little will change the landscape between mountains of intense colors and small streams of ice water that feed and give life to this valley, as we walk we will observe how the colors of our surroundings will change by the climate, we will reach an altitude of 5033 meters above sea level. Top of the mysterious mountain of 7 colors (Vinicunca).
This will be the point where we will have enough time to be able to take pictures, videos, etc. At the same time it will be the place where we will enjoy our refreshment while our sight delights with the magic that the mountains enclose behind their veil of clouds and snowy peaks, after such exquisite experience we will undertake the return walk to the town of Japura (Hanchipata) where We will have a delicious buffet lunch prepared by our chef, later we will return to Cusco arriving at around 7:00 p.m. Note: During the ascent we will have a backup horse in case of an emergency.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch

DAY 10: SACRED VALLEY TOUR - OLLANTAYTAMBO

Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Undoubtedly a key sector of the Incas solution. Its mild climate and fertile plains rare and fruitful combination for the Andes. It was also the path to the jungle and therefore an area with access to the fruits and plants of the tropical plains. The Sacred Valley has an altitude of 2800 meters and combines the charm of the beautiful landscape with many important archaeological sites.08.00 a.m. We leave early in the morning to Pisaq, which is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in 1 hour Cusco (Cuzco), we will tour the archeology of the region, which will last about two hours. Then we head towards Urubamba for where we will pass the different villages like Coya, Lamay, Calca, and the valley of the Vilcanota river. We arrive in Urubamba around noon, and have lunch in a buffet restaurant (not included in the tour). Then we will head towards Ollantaytambo, where we will have a guided tour of the site
Trip to Santa Teresa:We continue the journey to Santa Teresa, along a winding ascent toward the Abra Malaga and the snowy Veronica is located at an altitude of 4,316 meters where we can enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the Cusco geography. After a short break of 15 minutes in the Abra Malaga, the descent into the jungle of the Inca trail through the different climates that combine the paradisiacal landscapes of majestic snow to the hot jungle of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is undertaken. To the height of Alfamayó find an Inca trail in admirable condition fully paved. Place where begins the process of asphalt road, continue towards the district of Santa Maria; Located at an altitude of 1,575 meters, overnight in Ollantaytambo
- Meals: breakfast, lunch

DAY 11: SANTA TERESA THERMAL BATHS

Trip To The Jungle Eyebrow And The Colcamayo Thermal Baths Of Santa Teresa: We continue the journey to Santa Teresa, along a winding ascent toward the Abra Malaga and the snowy Veronica is located at an altitude of 4,316 meters where we can enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the Cusco geography. After a short break of 15 minutes in the Abra Malaga, the descent into the jungle of the Inca trail through the different climates that combine the paradisiacal landscapes of majestic snow to the hot jungle of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is undertaken. To the height of Alfamayó find an Inca trail in admirable condition fully paved. Place where begins the process of asphalt road, continue towards the district of Santa Maria; Located at an altitude of 1,575 meters.
Colcamayo Thermal Baths in Santa Teresa:Then we can walk for 30’ to Santa Teresa Hot Spring Constructed on the slopes of the mountain and on the banks of the Urubamba River, the thermal water complex has three pools, of different sizes and depths, which are supplied with medicinal water that varies between 40ºC and 44ºC.
The thermal baths of Santa Teresa differ mainly from the other springs of Peru because of its crystalline waters. These medicinal waters possess properties to treat cutaneous ulcers, bone pain and rheumatism. In the thermal baths you can also submerge under cold streams from the Uripata lagoons, which provides a comforting sensation. At the bottom of the pools there is soft sand and around the pools we can contemplate rocks, vegetation, the sound of the river and the mountain. The thermal baths of Santa Teresa are fully equipped with bathrooms, showers, dressing rooms, soccer fields, space for camping, cafeteria, kiosk for food and beverage supply and a viewpoint. It also has a hydromassage system, overnight in Santa Teresa
- Meals: breakfast

DAY 12: SANTA TERESA - WALKING TO AGUAS CALIENTES

Walking from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes: This day we will take a car to Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Station it take us 30’ drive to continue the journey of adventure, those who wish to walk are three hours of Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes “ Town of Machu Picchu ”; where we will place in our respective assigned hotels in this itinerary tours to Machu Picchu will have some free time ( Optional) a train journey of 20 minutes distance to Aguas Calientes.
- Meals: breakfast

DAY 13: MACHU PICCHU & HUAYNA PICCHU

Guided Visit of Machu Picchu & Hike to Huayna Picchu: Rise to Bus Station for a 20’ journey to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, bus drive, climbing 6 km. to the incredible site of Huayna Picchu also known as Wayna Picchu ( Quechua " Young Peak " ) The number of daily visitors allowed to enter Huayna Picchu is restricted to 200. The Incas built a trail up the side of the Huayna Picchu and built temples and terraces on its top. The peak of Huayna Picchu is about 2,720 meters (8,920 ft ) above sea level, or about 360 meters ( 1,180 ft ) higher than Machu Picchu. According to local guides, the top of the mountain was the residence for the high priest and thelocal virgins.
Machu Picchu Every morning before sunrise, the high priest with a small group would walk to Machu Picchu to signal the coming of the new day. The Temple of the Moon , one of the three major temples in the Machu Picchu area, is nestled on the side of the mountain and is situated at an elevation lower than Machu Picchu. Adjacent to the Temple of the Moon is the Great Cavern, another sacred temple with fine masonry. The other major local temples in Machu Picchu are the Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Principal Temple,"Unfinished Temple", and the Temple of the Sun, also called the Torreon. Then we'll participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, The Sacred Sun Dial the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds. The Sun Gates of Machu Picchu boast a picture - perfect vantage point overlooking Peru'smost famous ruins. Tourists flock to this outcrop high in the Andes Mountains to enjoy the same view featured on virtually every postcard depicting the Machu Picchu citadel. Also known as Inti Punku, the Sun Gates consist of two stones perched at a narrow passage in the crevice of the mountain just above Machu Picchu. The sun shines brilliantly through this portal each day when it rises - hence the name. Return to Cusco city in a train journey: at 14.30 p.m or 19.00 p.m train back to Cuzco, upon arrival transfer to your selected hotel for overnight in Cusco.
- Meals: breakfast

DAY 14: ROUTE OF THE SUN TO PUNO

Route of the Sun From Cusco To Puno:It is an entertaining way to travel on the Cusco Route to Puno. Enjoy the tourist attractions offered by the famous "Ruta del sol". The trip leaves from the city of Cusco going to Puno, almost 400 km between both cities. The service includes 5 stops to visit:
Colonial temple of Andahuaylillas recognized as the Sixtine of America
Raqchi "the temple of Wiracocha, the creator of the Andean world"
Sicuani "country place where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch"
La Raya Pass "beautiful andean landscape.
Pucará "known as the temple of fertility.
Arrival to Puno city.
To Andahuaylillas: You will visit the Temple St. Peter the Apostle. The interior walls and ceilings is with admirable fresh paintings and bathed in gold Guided Time: 35 minutes approx.
Raqchi "Temple of Wiracocha": Raqchi is 3225 meters above sea level.The most important building inside the complex is the "Wiracocha temple" that according to the ancient chroniclers was built by the Inca Wiracocha in honor of the invisible Superior God of the Andean people: "Apu Kon Titi Wiracocha".The "Wiracocha Temple" is a great construction for that age. Architecturally it is classified as "Kallanka", that is, a tall building completely covered with straw (wood and "ichu").
Marangani Buffet Lunch: Marangani (Sicuani) is located at 3552 meters of altitude.Sicuani is a relatively large city of the highlands. The city is an important intersection, with the road to Puno / Arequipa passing through here. This city is surrounded by beautiful snowy hills. Afterwards, you have a buffet lunch in our exclusive restaurant with a family atmosphere.
Abra La Raya: The line is 4335 meters high.Abra La Raya (La Raya) is the watershed between the valley that flows into Lake Titicaca and the valley that leads to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The altitude is 4,338 meters (14,232 feet).
Pucara Museum: Pucará is located at 3900 meters of altitude, was the first regional population nucleus in the Titicaca basin north of the lake during the Late Formative Period (500 BC-200 AD), which provides valuable information about the origins of the Andean civilization in the highlands. During its heyday it covered more than a square kilometer and housed thousands of bureaucrats, priests, artisans, farmers, shepherds, and possibly warriors. The Pucará style is identified by impressive monolithic sculptures with a variety of geometric, zoomorphic, and more intricate anthropomorphic images, multi-colored ceramics in a variety of ritual and domestic forms.
Arrival to Puno City around 17:00 p.m. Upon arrival, pick up and transfer to your hotel selected, overnight in Puno
- Meals: breakfast, lunch.

DAY 15: TITICACA LAKE BOAT EXCURSION

To the Island of Taquile: Arriving on the banks of the Taquile, we must walk along a narrow path, enjoying the view of Lake Titicaca and the typical houses inhabited by Quechua natives.In the main square, you will have some free time to explore this place alone. Later, we will have lunch at a local restaurant (they usually offer grilled trout).After lunch, we go down to the dock to take our motor boat to continue our excursion.
To Uros Floating Islands: Continue the trip on search of the etnies of Uros and its community,The uros or urus are an ethnic group that is distributed in the Collao plateau in territories of Bolivia, Peru, The floating Uros Islands occupy a small corner of the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. It’s fair to say that there is no other place like it on earth. At the end, return to Puno and transfer to your hotel selected, overnight in Puno.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch.

DAY 16: FROM PUNO TO LA PAZ - CROSSING ANDEAN BORDERS

Land trip along the Titicaca Lake: Hotel pick up and transfer to the bus terminal in order to take our double decker bus trip to the city of La Paz in Bolivia
Along the route: The trip circles the south side of Lake Titicaca, a dazzling landscape that will take your breath away, we will pass through various typical and picturesque villages of the lake until we reach the border of Copacabana, an emblem and typical city of Lake Titicaca, after the documentation In order to enter Bolivia we will continue our trip crossing the Straits of Tiquina and Huatajata which is a mandatory step to cross Lake Titicaca.
During the afternoon we will arrive in the city of La Paz and transfer you to your selected hotel
- Meals: breakfast

DAY 17: LA PAZ - UYUNI TRAVEL ADVENTURE

La Paz To Your Leisure: Rest of the day to chill out around La Paz city.
Nocturne Bus Trip From La Paz To Uyuni: Hotel pick up and transfer to the bus terminal in order to take our double decker bus trip to the city of Uyuni.
- Travel Options:
- By plane: 1 Hour Flight from La Paz to Uyuni
- By Bus Plus Train: Daylight Bus Trip La Paz To Oruro( 3 hrs), Conexion With a Train Journey Oruro to Uyuni (7 hours)
- Train Schedule Oruro - Uyuni:
- Tuesday And Friday │Departure : 14:30 p.m.
- Wednesday And Sunday │Departure : 19:00 p.m.
- Train journey duration 7 hours
- Monday - Thursday - Saturday │Departure : No train schedule available
- Meals: breakfast

DAY 18: UYUNI SALT FLAT EXCURSION

To Colchani - Incahuasi Island - Atulcha: Arrival to Uyuni and bus terminal pick up, we meet at the office and leave Uyuni in the morning around 10.30 / 11:00 am and first visit the train cemetery where you can see the old rusting trains from decades ago. After this we continue to Colchani and witness how the salt is processed. We have lunch in the village and then move onto the salt flats themselves. We will see where the salt has been laced in mounds ready to be transported, the original Playa Blanca salt hotel (no longer used for guests) and visit Inca Huasi Island to see the giant cacti and have great views of the salt flats all around. There will be plenty of time for taking amazing photos and the salt before we head toward the village of Atulcha where we will spend the night (the salt hotel is called Nuevo Amanecer). If time allows, you might also have the chance to see the sunset on the salt flats (this depends on season and cannot be guaranteed, but is usually possible).
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 18: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

Polque - Dali Desert - Laguna Verde - Uyuni: Today we have an early start at 6.00 am and have breakfast. We then continue our trip via the “Dali desert” (only visible from afar) to see “Laguna Verde” where, if conditions are correct, we see the green mineral waters of this lake at the foot of Volcan Licancabur . From here we do the transfer to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile and you will arrive at approximately midday / 14.00. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel selected, overnight in SPA ( San Pedro de Atacama Chile
-Meals: breakfas.

DAY 18: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA TO YOUR LEISURE - CHILE

Transfer to Calama: San Pedro de Atacama to your leisure, free time to explore around this beautiful town End of our service.