Andes to Atacama Adventure

Andes to Atacama Adventure

8 Views
18 Days From

$10723

Andes to Atacama Adventure

18 Days Starting in Lima, Peru and ending in Santiago, Chile

Visiting: Lima, Santiago, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Salar de Uyuni, Tunupa Volcano, San Pedro de Atacama, Moon Valley, El Tatio, Valparaiso

Tour operator:

Wendy Wu

Tour code:

2682

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 28

Physical rating:

Level2

Age range:

12-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $10723

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the Andes to Atacama Adventure, a captivating journey through the heart of South America, exploring the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. Begin in Lima, Peru's historic capital, before venturing into the Sacred Valley and the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu. Experience the rich Incan heritage in Cusco and the serene beauty of Lake Titicaca. Cross into Bolivia to marvel at the surreal Salar de Uyuni salt flats and the bustling city of La Paz. Conclude your adventure in Chile's Atacama Desert, renowned for its stunning vistas and stargazing opportunities, before exploring the vibrant city of Santiago and the charming port of Valparaiso. This 18-day tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural wonders, promising an unforgettable South American experience.

Highlights

  • Explore the historic city of Lima, including the Huaca Pucllana pyramid and UNESCO-listed colonial architecture.

  • Journey into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, known for its breathtaking scenery and traditional local communities.

  • Visit the iconic Machu Picchu, exploring the atmospheric ruins of this ancient Incan citadel.

  • Experience the vibrant culture and history of Cusco, with its blend of Incan and colonial heritage.

  • Travel across the Peruvian highlands to the stunning Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake.

  • Discover the surreal landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia's incredible salt flats.

  • Explore the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert, including the otherworldly Moon Valley and El Tatio Geysers.

  • Enjoy a day trip to the colorful and charming port city of Valparaiso, with its vintage funiculars and vibrant neighborhoods.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Fly To Lima

Location: Lima, Santiago

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Fly to Lima, Peru’s capital. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is yours to relax and acclimatise before a delicious Peruvian-style welcome dinner

Day 1 - 2 : Days 17-18: Fly Santiago To Uk

Location: Lima, Santiago

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving the next day. (B)

Day 2: Explore Lima

Location: Lima, Santiago

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Founded by conquistador extraordinaire Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and known as the ‘Ciudad de los Reyes’ (City of Kings), Lima is a fascinating and stately city. Your city tour starts with a visit to the intriguing Huaca Pucllana, a pyramid constructed by an ancient culture. Then, stroll the streets in and around the UNESCO-listed historic city centre, renowned for its magnificent colonial architecture.

Day 3: Into The Sacred Valley

Location: Sacred Valley

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Hop on a plane and fly to Cusco, passing through the city and heading straight into the renowned Scared Valley of the Incas, known for its breathtaking scenery and hillside citadels. As you explore, visit one of its many charming towns, where a local community will introduce you to their more traditional way of life.

Day 4: Train To Machu Picchu

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day in Moray, walking through the striking circular terraces, believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experiments. Afterward, you’ll visit Maras, where over 3,000 salt ponds carved into the mountainside capture salty spring water, producing the famous sal de Maras. In Ollantaytambo explore the impressive ruins, including the Temple of the Sun, and observe the still-functioning Inca terraces and water systems, before heading to Aguas Calientes.

Day 5: Discover Machu Picchu

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

From the floor of the valley, ascend to Machu Picchu perched high on a mountain ridge. Abandoned by the Incas in the 16th century, the citadel remained a local secret until it was brought to the world’s attention by explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. You’ll have plenty of time to explore these remarkable and wonderfully atmospheric ruins before hopping back on the Vistadome train in the afternoon. Disembark in Poroy and transfer to Cusco.

Day 6: Explore Cusco

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

At the heart of modern-day Cusco is the city that was once the glorious capital of the Inca Empire, razed and built over by the conquering Spanish in the 16th century. This area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents a captivating blend of Incan and colonial heritage and is a big part of your explorations today. Wander the Plaza de Armas and the Convent of Santo Domingo while also learning about the Incan architecture beneath your feet. Then, visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, experiencing a traditional Quechua ritual led by a Shaman, providing a spiritual connection to Andean traditions and Inca heritage.

Day 7: Train To Titicaca

Location: Lake Titicaca

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

All aboard the train to one of the world’s highest lakes! Journey across the Peruvian highlands to Lake Titicaca, enjoying the views as you relax in comfort and style. Four dining cars, where a gourmet lunch of Andean ingredients will be served, and a bar car will keep your refreshed throughout your travels while music and dance performances, will keep you entertained.

Day 8: Across Lake Titicaca

Location: Lake Titicaca

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bid farewell to Puno and to Peru and board a hydrofoil to cross into Bolivia. As you cross the lake, there are adventures to be had, including an exploration of Isla del Sol, where you’ll visit the Inca Garden, and Isla de la Luna, where you’ll see Inak Uyu, the Temple of the Sun Virgin. Disembark the ferry and travel to Hautajata to meet some vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas. This evening visit an observatory, where you’ll spend the night exploring the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.

Day 9: Travel To Paz

Location: La Paz

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Traverse the Andes to reach La Paz. Bolivia’s administrative capital and one of the world’s most spectacularly set cities, La Paz is a fascinating assault on the senses. A half day city tour will immerse you in its history with visits including Moon Valley and a ride in the teleferico (cable car) up to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the city and the Andean peaks beyond.

Day 10: The Salar De Uyuni

Location: Salar de Uyuni

Accommodation Name: salt hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia’s incredible salt flats. Enjoy a picnic lunch while admiring the surreal landscapes and experiment with perspectives on this vast, flat expanse. Tonight, sleep in a unique salt hotel.

Day 11: Meet The Mummies

Location: Tunupa Volcano

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore the salt flats where, weather permitting, you'll meet the intriguing Coquesa

mummies, ancient human remains preserved in a cave near the Tunupa Volcano. After exploring the cave, pause to take in the views from this incredible vantage point, the shimmering white flats spreading out into the distance.

Day 12: Into The Atacama

Location: San Pedro de Atacama

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Wave farewell to Bolivia as you cross into Chile and the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert, travelling to the desert outpost of San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 13: Discover The Moon Valley

Location: Moon Valley

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

The next day, begin your explorations, visiting the charming desert village of Toconao then, as the sun sets drive to the otherworldly Moon Valley where you can watch the colours of

lonely volcanoes and jagged cliffs shift through a spectrum of yellows, reds and purples as night falls.

Day 14: Venture To El Tatio

Location: El Tatio

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise before dawn to travel through the twilight to reach the El Tatio Geysers, set within a ring of volcanoes. Relax this afternoon before setting out again late in the evening to make

the most of the Atacama’s dark skies. There is nowhere better in the world for stargazing; tonight, you will be given a guided tour of the heavens with a glass of local wine in hand.

Day 15: Travel To Santiago

Location: Santiago

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to Calama and fly down to Santiago, Chile’s capital city. Later, tour the city stopping at sights like the Plaza de Armas, home to the impressive 18th-century cathedral and 19th-century post office. Pop up to the top of Cerro Hill for views over the city and, on clear days, to the mountain peaks beyond.

Day 16: Discover Valparaiso

Location: Valparaiso

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Take a day trip to the port city of Valparaiso. Unique and full of roguish charm, the city is set along the seafront and on the hills above, the two parts connected by vintage funiculars. The hilltop ‘cerros’ (neighbourhoods) are packed with colourful mansions and cobbled streets and are a delight to wander. While here, enjoy lunch and a tasting of wines from nearby vineyards.

What's Included

  • Domestic transportation

  • 3* plus – 4* accommodation

  • Meals as stated

  • Touring with National Escort and entrance fees

Mode of Transport

Travel through the Andes and across Lake Titicaca by train and hydrofoil, with flights connecting major destinations, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey through Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of accommodations, including a unique salt hotel at the Salar de Uyuni, offering a distinctive stay amidst Bolivia's stunning salt flats.

Experiences

Stargazing in the Atacama Desert

Marvel at the Milky Way, spot distant stars and discover the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere in the quiet tranquillity of a clear and dark desert night in the Atacama, renowned for being one of the best places on Earth to explore the cosmos.


Journey to Lake Titicaca

Journey into the heartland of the Incas, to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, by train. Crossing the scenic Peruvian highlands, you’ll pass rolling hills, serene lakes and traditional villages, the views made even more appealing by a gourmet lunch and cultural entertainment.


Quechua ritual in Sacsayhuaman

Visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, meaning the ‘place where the hawk is satiated’ in the Quechua language, and experience a traditional Quechua ritual led by a Shaman, providing a spiritual connection to the rich Andean traditions and Inca heritage


Check out our Q&As

  • What can I expect on the first day of the Andes to Atacama Adventure?

    On the first day, you will fly to Lima, Peru's capital. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and acclimatize before enjoying a delicious Peruvian-style welcome dinner.

  • How will I travel to Machu Picchu during the tour?

    You will begin the day by exploring Moray and Maras, then visit Ollantaytambo before heading to Aguas Calientes. The next day, you will ascend to Machu Picchu from the valley floor and have plenty of time to explore the ruins before taking the Vistadome train back to Poroy and transferring to Cusco.

  • What unique experiences are included in the visit to Lake Titicaca?

    During the visit to Lake Titicaca, you will board a hydrofoil to cross into Bolivia, explore Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna, and meet vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas. In the evening, you will visit an observatory to explore the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.

  • What activities are planned in the Atacama Desert?

    In the Atacama Desert, you will visit the desert village of Toconao, explore the Moon Valley at sunset, and visit the El Tatio Geysers. You will also have the opportunity to stargaze under the Atacama's dark skies with a guided tour of the heavens.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to the Salar de Uyuni?

    The highlight of the visit to the Salar de Uyuni is exploring the vast salt flats, enjoying a picnic lunch while admiring the surreal landscapes, and meeting the Coquesa mummies, ancient human remains preserved in a cave near the Tunupa Volcano.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.

  • Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?

    Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.

  • What is 'Happy to Share'?

    Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.

  • Do you allow children on your tours?

    We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.

Reviews of this operator

Feefo Rated Customer  

Colours of Costa Rica

26-Mar-2020

This was our first tour with you and from start to finish we were guided by Isaac who made sure everything went smoothly. He was laid back - but on the ball - always available and very informative.

Excellent
Feefo Rated Customer  

Ultimate South America

21-Mar-2020

We were hoping this tour would be the holiday of a lifetime and it certainly was. Our guide, Corina, was fantastic and evry country we visited had something special. FANTASTIC

Excellent
William  

Japan Uncovered

12-Nov-2022

A superb trip which ticked all our boxes and covered all the main experiences you would wish for on a trip to Japan! We were looked after by excellent local guides. All of our accommodation was very good. With all meals included we got the chance to experience the local cuisine

Alastair  

Christmas in Vietnam

06-Jan-2023

Vietnam at Christmas, Excellent Experience From start to finish Vietnam at Christmas was amazing, The tour group, Local Guide Loc, we must have been blessed as the weather was excellent only one day of rain. Tour Group 11/10 Guide 11/10 Hotels 8/10 Food 8/10 Itineary10/10 Faboulous experience on Christmas in Vietnam

Feefo Rated Customer  

Highlights of Sri Lanka

24-Mar-2020

Great Country. Good range of different things to do and places to see - temples to beaches to wildlife. Hotels ranged from adequate to excellent. Food quality and variety was better than we expected A really good tour guide and our fellow travellers were excellent company. Would recommend despite the impact of Corona Virus cutting out a few later trips but that was beyond anyone's ability to control..

Excellent

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Barrhead discount: -$647

Including UK Flights

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$13296

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$14590 $13943

Barrhead discount: -$647

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Including UK Flights

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$16233 $15586

Barrhead discount: -$647

Including UK Flights

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$13309 $12663

Barrhead discount: -$647

Including UK Flights

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$14939

Monday - Thursday

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$16233 $15586

Barrhead discount: -$647

Including UK Flights

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  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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