Andes to Atacama Adventure
Andes to Atacama Adventure
Andes to Atacama Adventure
18 Days Starting in Lima, Peru and ending in Santiago, Chile
Visiting: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Salar de Uyuni, Tunupa Volcano, San Pedro de Atacama, Moon Valley, El Tatio, Santiago, Valparaiso
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2682
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Andes to Atacama Adventure, a captivating journey through the heart of South America, exploring the wonders of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. Begin in Lima, Peru, and traverse the majestic Andes, uncovering the mysteries of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Experience the vibrant culture of Cusco and the serene beauty of Lake Titicaca. Cross into Bolivia to marvel at the surreal landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni and the bustling city of La Paz. Finally, venture into Chile's Atacama Desert, renowned for its stargazing opportunities and breathtaking natural beauty. This adventure promises a blend of cultural immersion, scenic train rides, and unforgettable experiences, including a Chilean wine tasting and a tour of the night sky. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this tour offers a seamless and enriching exploration of some of South America's most iconic destinations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly To Lima
Location: Lima
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 2: Explore Lima
Location: Lima
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.
Day 17 - 18 : Days 17-18: Fly Santiago To Uk
Location: Santiago
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving the next day. (B)
What's Included
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Domestic transportation
Domestic transportation is included in the tour package.
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Touring with National Escort and entrance fees
Touring with a National Escort and entrance fees are included.
What's Not Included
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International flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not included.
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Optional activities
Optional activities not specified in the itinerary are not included.
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
Enjoy comfortable stays in 3* plus to 4* hotels throughout your journey, with a unique experience at a salt hotel in the Salar de Uyuni, ensuring a blend of comfort and local charm.
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
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes 3* plus to 4* accommodation, with a unique experience of staying in a salt hotel at the Salar de Uyuni.
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How will we travel between major destinations on the tour?
Travel between major destinations is facilitated by flights, while scenic train and hydrofoil rides are used to traverse the Andes and cross Lake Titicaca.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes stargazing in the Atacama Desert, a journey to Lake Titicaca with cultural entertainment, and a traditional Quechua ritual in Sacsayhuaman led by a Shaman.
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Will there be opportunities to explore local culture during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to local communities in the Sacred Valley, a city tour of Cusco with insights into Incan and colonial heritage, and a visit to the charming desert village of Toconao.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
Meals are provided as stated in the itinerary, including a welcome dinner in Lima and a gourmet lunch on the train to Lake Titicaca.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Machu Picchu?
The highlight is exploring the remarkable and atmospheric ruins of Machu Picchu, with plenty of time to take in the site before returning on the Vistadome train.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Salar de Uyuni?
You will enjoy a picnic lunch while admiring the surreal landscapes of the salt flats and spend the night in a unique salt hotel.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
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