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Adventure Tours   >   South America Adventure Tours   >  Buenos Aires to Lima: Sacred Valley & Salt Flats

Buenos Aires to Lima: Sacred Valley & Salt Flats Adventure Tour

South America

  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Chile
  • Peru

South America rewards those willing to explore. Consider this epic adventure: beginning in Buenos Aires and ending in Lima, it's 35 full days of fun. You'll hike the Inca Trail, cross the Salt Flats of Bolivia by 4x4, and feel like a sophisticate sipping wine in Argentina. Along the way, you'll engage with local cultures with a small group of other young travellers to back you up. For those willing to invest their time, this trip offers big returns-in adventure.


Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.


Group Size Notes  

Max 18, avg 14.


Tipping  

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

If at the end of your trek you felt your trekking guide and support team did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline, we suggest each hiker contributes the following to a collective pool.

Inca Trail:
Head guide: 10-25 USD
Assistant guide: 5-12 USD
Your trekking crew: 40 USD

Lares Trek:
Head guide: 10-25 USD
Assistant guide: 4-10 USD
Your trekking crew: 35 USD

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.


International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.


Joining Instructions  

Officially the airport is called Ministro Pistarini International Airport, but it is commonly referred to as Ezeiza. It is situated 35 km (22 miles) from the city, about 40 minutes in a taxi. A taxi to the centre costs approximately $45 USD and can be arranged from the official counter inside the Arrivals area.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities have been planned.

A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.


Local Flights  

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Please Note: Aerolineas Argentinas allows 1 piece of luggage that weighs up to 15kg on internal flights. If luggage is overweight, the airline charges 850 ARS at check-in (approx. 15-20 USD).


Group Leader Description  

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.


About Accommodation  

Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Latin America (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.

Multi-share Accommodation: Multi-share same-sex accommodation is used on this tour, as such, if you are travelling with someone of a different gender you will not be in the same room. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.


Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.


Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Jukil Community Experience & Lodge, Santiago de Agencha
Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo
Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Discover Moment: Salta
Your Discover Moment: San Pedro de Atacama
Your Discover Moment: Sucre
Your Local Living Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lake Titicaca
Your Discover Moment: Cusco
Your Foodie Moment: Sacred Valley Brewery, Ollantaytambo
Your Big Night Out Moment: Cusco
Your Foodie Moment: Huacachina Winery Visit, Huacachina. 4x4 Salar de Uyuni excursion (3 days). Lake Titicaca excursion. Guided tour of Machu Picchu. Inca Trail hike with a local guide, porters, and cook (4 days). Colca Canyon excursion. Pachamanca-style dinner (Nazca). Sunset sandboarding & dune buggies (Huacachina). Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.


Joining Hotel  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.


Visas and Entry Requirements  

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.


A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.


Trip Specific Responsible Travel  

The Problem
Peru's tap water is not potable; therefore most visitors and locals alike consume purified water, often from disposable plastic bottles. This results in a large amount of small plastic water bottles being used, most of which are not reused or recycled.

Just taking the example of 15 travellers on one G Adventures trip, if one person consumes 2 bottles a day, and there are 15 people on a 10 day trip, that's 300 water bottles - just for one group of travellers! As such, there are millions of water bottles used in a year in Peru, and plastic recycling is not an option in most places.

Our Solution
Water dispensers in hotels. Planeterra is working with our partner hotels throughout Peru to provide purified water, by means of a large water dispenser, to their guests, and this of course includes our travellers. Each individual staying at the participating hotels can refill their own bottles from the large water dispenser. This eliminates the need for the daily use and consumption of multiple single-use plastic water bottles.

Planeterra provides the start-up funds to each participating hotel for the purchase of two large water dispensers, and travellers are collaborating by paying about US$2.50, or just under the cost of one large bottle, per day, for access to an unlimited amount of purified water from the dispenser.

Thanks Paula
Paula Quiros, Planeterra Ambassador for Peru, is leading this initiative. As a CEO who has been leading G Adventures trips in Peru for several years, and a passionate naturalist and environmentalist, this has been a personal mission of hers, as well as a Planeterra initiative, to try to eliminate the need for, and use of, single-use plastic water bottles. Thanks to Paula and all of our participating hotels for helping to decrease our impact on Peru's environment.

Silver Mines in Potosí
Working conditions for miners were appalling, and a large portion of the indigenous population was decimated. African slaves were brought in to replace the native workers, and it is estimated that as many as eight million indigenous and African people died in the mines during the first three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Unfortunately little has changed throughout time and working conditions have remained the same. Although this is not an excursion for everyone, we do recommend a visit as it is an eye-opening experience that gives you a chance to glimpse the realities of life in the Andes in general and more specifically in these mines however we do not condone the working conditions of the mine.


Minimum Age  

Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.


Group Leader  

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, specialist Inca Trail CEO on hike, local guides.


Meals Included  

26 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners


Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.


Transport  

Public bus, train, plane, hiking, ferry, 4X4.


Packing List  

Available for Rent:
• Camping mattress/sleep mat (45 soles)
• Sleeping bag (45 soles)
• Walking poles (15 soles each (30 per pair))

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Inca Trail:
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
• Pack liners to waterproof bags
• Rain gear
• Sleeping bag (Also available for rent)
• Thermal base layer
• Travel pillow
• Walking poles, rubber-tipped (Also available for rent)
• Waterproof hiking boots

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: The best clothing for trekking is either wool or synthetic materials in layers, as this is quick-drying and can keep heat in better. We suggest a base-layer, then a mid-layer such as a light fleece jacket or similar, then a windproof and waterproof layer.

Please note for trekking rentals credit cards are the preferred method of payment.


Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.


Optional Activities  

Buenos Aires
- La Boca Neighbourhood Visit (300-400ARS per group)
- Teatro Colón Tour (800ARS per person)
- Buenos Aires Guided City Tour
- Buenos Aires Bike Tour

Salta
- Peña Folklore Show (400ARS per person)
- Quebrada de las Conchas
- Museum of High Altitude Archeology (200ARS per person)
- Cafayate Full Day Tour (1250ARS per person)
- Horseback Riding and BBQ (4000ARS per person)

San Pedro de Atacama
- Sandboarding (17000CLP per person)
- Horseback Riding
- Mountain Biking (1500-5000CLP per person)
- Valley of the Moon Visit (15000CLP per person)
- Observatory Tour (20000CLP per person)
- San Pedro de Atacama Hot Springs (10000CLP per person)

Potosí
- Silver Mine Tour (150BOB per person)
- Casa de la Moneda (40BOB per person)

Sucre
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Sunday Tarabuco Market (40BOB per person)
- Sucre Dinosaur Tracks Excursion

La Paz
- Valley of the Moon Tour (150BOB per person)
- Witches' Market Visit
- Death Road Biking Adventure
- La Paz City Tour (90BOB per person)
- Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos

Chacaltaya
- Chacaltaya Visit

Puno
- Sillustani Burial Towers Entrance (45PEN per person)

Lake Titicaca
- Lake Titicaca Kayaking

Cusco
- Horseback Riding (150PEN per person)
- Cusco City Tour (45PEN per person)
- Inka Museum (10PEN per person)
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (130PEN per person)
- Cusco Cooking Class
- Rainbow Mountain Hike - Full-day Trip

Urubamba
- **Whitewater Rafting Urubamba (165PEN per person)

Arequipa
- Arequipa City Tour
- Santa Catalina Monastery Visit (60PEN per person)
- Arequipa City and Area Panoramic Bus Tour (20USD per person)

Chivay
- Hot Springs (15PEN per person)

Nazca
- Nazca Desert Cemetery and Potter's Studio Guided Tour (80PEN per person)
- Flight over Nazca Lines
- Pachamanca

Lima
- Lima City Tour (65-85USD per person)
- Magic Circuit of Water and Tapas Night (68USD per person)

Pachacamac
- Pachacamac and Paso Horse Show (98USD per person)


Health  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician.


Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.


Accommodation  

Simple hotels (20 nts), hostels (5 nts, multi-share), overnight buses (3 nts), basic hotel on the Salar de Uyuni excursion (2 nts, multi-share), homestay (1 nt), camping (3 nts).


My Own Room Exceptions  

Nights 6-7: Salar de Uyuni, Night 13: overnight bus, Night 17: Lake Titicaca homestay, Nights 22-24: Inca Trail or Nights 22-23: Lares Trek, Night 27: overnight bus, Nights 29-30: Colca Canyon, Night 31: overnight bus.

If you have chosen the Cusco Stay you will have a single room for nights 22-24.


Highlights  

Spot condors at Colca Canyon, conquer the Inca Trail on the way to Machu Picchu, experience traditional life on Lake Titicaca, cross the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano on a 4x4, Go sandboarding in the dunes of Huacachina.


What to Take  

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America however the weather varies greatly. Be prepared for rain and thunder storms in the wet season (from December to March), especially in the Amazon. Temperatures of -10C and lower are frequent around Uyuni and the Altiplano (high plateau). It is best to layer clothes this allows you to accommodate clothing to varying degrees of temperatures and wet/dry/windy weather conditions.

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.


Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!


Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.


Meals  

Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.

Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.


Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.


Money Exchange  

The currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS), in Chile the Chilean Peso (CLP), in Bolivia the Boliviano (BOB), and in Peru the Nuevo Sol (PEN).

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.

You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Please bear in mind that cost of living in the southern cone countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile) is much higher than the rest of South America, and in the case of Argentina, more comparable with Europe. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com


Max Pax  

18

Day 1 Buenos Aires

Arrive at any time. Soak in the energy of the bustling and trendy "Paris of the Americas" before mingling with your fellow travellers, and get excited for the adventures to come with a few drinks at the hostel.

Day 2 Buenos Aires/Salta

Skip a long bus ride and board a plane for a quick flight to Salta. Unwind at the hotel or liven it up with a visit to a Peña Folklore show to dance the night away and sip delicious Argentine red wine. Remember, no visit to Salta is complete without trying the local specialty - empanadas salteñas.

Day 3 Salta

Tantalize your tastebuds with the local cuisine today as you explore freely. Choose to saddle up and admire the scenery on horseback. Or, if you'd prefer, take a visit to the town of Cafayate to roam vineyards and sample some of the white wine produced at insanely high altitudes.

Day 4 Salta/San Pedro de Atacama

Say "Adios!" to Argentina, because you're off to Chile today to a little town on the edge of the Atacama desert, the driest place on earth.

Day 5 San Pedro de Atacama

You will be amazed at everything you can do today. Explore San Pedro de Atacama on a mountain bike, cruise down the dunes on a sandboard, or chill out in the hot springs with your friends and fellow travel squad. Or visit the Valley of the Moon, an area on Earth that resembles the moon's surface. (How cool is that?)

Day 6 San Pedro de Atacama/ Salt Flats and Desert Crossing

Ascend by bus into the mountains and cross into Bolivia for a three-day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano with spectacular scenery. Today you will be crossing the varied landscape of the desert, stopping off at colourful lagoons along the way.

Note: During the rainy season the locations visited may change due to some routes being covered by water.

We offer unique accommodation on the Salar de Uyuni. Instead of very basic refuges and homestays most operators use, we have upgraded to simple hotels that are equipped with solar panels to provide electricity and hot water. Rooms are multi-share and each has a private bathroom. Meals are made from local ingredients, most of which are grown on-site.

Day 7 Salt Flats and Desert Crossing

Continue crossing the desert today, admiring the scenery while passing red and blue lagoons and intriguing rock formations along the route. Keep an eye out and you might spot wild llamas, alpacas, and even flamingos deep within the desert. Arrive at your home for the night - a G Adventures-supported community lodge in the heart of a desert oasis.

Day 8 Salt Flats and Desert Crossing /Uyuni

Get a head start on your day by rising early to cover more ground on your journey through the unique landscape of the Salar de Uyuni. Soak in the views of unimaginable scenery including volcanoes and salt lakes.

Day 9 Uyuni/Potosí

Travel north to visit one of the highest cities in the world. On arrival spot the looming mountain of Cerro Rico, a working silver mine.

Day 10 Potosí

Wake up, get out, and explore Potosí. Meander the streets, stop at the market and meet some locals!

Day 11 Potosí/Sucre

Venture north to the beautiful colonial city of Sucre.

Day 12 Sucre

Discover the beauty of Sucre, known as Bolivia's "White City" at your own pace with a free day to explore. Set in a valley surrounded by mountains, you can choose to go hiking or mountain biking to admire this city from a different point of view.

Day 13 Sucre/La Paz

One day in Sucre isn't enough, so take another free day to explore before winding down on an overnight bus to La Paz.

Day 14 La Paz

Hope you got some rest on the bus because the vibrant city of La Paz awaits. After getting settled, head out to experience this high altitude city. Take a tour of the Valley of the Moon, check out the Witches' Market, or visit the nearby Tiahuanaco Ruins.

Day 15 La Paz

If you didn't have time yesterday to do everything you wanted in La Paz - no worries! Today is another day to explore the city as you wish. If you're an adrenaline junkie, make sure to experience the Death Road Biking Adventure.

Opt to pre-book the "Death Road Biking Adventure" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.

Day 16 La Paz/Puno

Sit back, relax, and soak in the impressive views as you travel by bus through the Altiplano and cross the border into Peru. Arrive at Puno on the shores of stunning Lake Titicaca.

The drive around Lake Titicaca and through the Altiplano from La Paz to Peru is impressive.

Day 17 Puno/Lake Titicaca

This morning, you will board a boat on Lake Titicaca and head to Taquile Island for lunch in a local restaurant. Shop in the afternoon at the local weaving cooperatives. Later, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay to live like a local on the shores of the lake. Learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and create unforgettable memories with the family and fellow travellers.

In the morning, board a boat on Lake Titicaca. Head to Taquile Island for lunch in a local restaurant and the chance for some shopping in the local weaving cooperatives.

After, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake (the homestay location can vary based on community availability). This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and to participate in local traditions. Eat with the family, learn some Quecha and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village.

Split into smaller groups for the night and split into family homes to experience their style of living firsthand.

Day 18 Lake Titicaca/Puno

Say goodbye to your homestay family and stop at the Uros Islands on your way back to Puno. If you want, you can check out the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site. Or kayak on Lake Titicaca.

Leave the homestay families late morning, and visit the Uros Islands on the way back to Puno. A popular optional activity in Puno is a visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site only a short drive away.

Opt to pre-book the Lake Titicaca Kayaking on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Day 19 Puno/Cusco

Chill out on the bus as you cruise through the high, scenic Altiplano region. Settle in for the night and get some rest - there's lots to see and do in Cusco tomorrow.

Day 20 Cusco

Explore the city on your own today or choose from a variety of activities that will help you discover the magic of Cusco. You can go horseback riding or whitewater rafting, or choose to take a half-day tour of the city. Or, pre-book the Cusco cooking class if you want to learn to prepare local specialties!

Please note: if you pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class you will be picked up from your hotel at approx 12:30 and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. Return back to your hotel around 16:00.

Day 21 Cusco/Ollantaytambo

Head into the Sacred Valley today to visit the G-Adventures supported women's weaving co-op in the Ccaccaccollo community. Learn about weaving, and meet the adorable resident llamas. If you see a knitted item you like, buy it - a perfect keepsake from your journey. Stop and sample some craft beer at a brewery on your way to Ollantaytambo.

Day 22 Ollantaytambo/Cusco

Return to the Sacred Valley with the CEO to explore the sites of the Maras Salt Mines and the ancient Incan agricultural terraces of Moray. Continue on a scenic drive through small villages and stunning views of the Andean countryside. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and opt to explore by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Return to Cusco for the evening.

Day 23 Cusco

The day is yours to explore the city! Take advantage of the many optional activities available.

Day 24 Cusco/Aguas Calientes

Travel by van to Ollantaytambo to catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes.

Day 25 Aguas Calientes/Cusco

Wake up ready to discover the magic of Machu Picchu today with a guided tour. Later, head back down to Aguas Calientes to meet with your group and board a train back to Cusco. Tonight, dance the night away at a popular night club.

Day 26 Cusco

Today is another free day to explore all that Cusco has to offer. Go horseback riding, mountain biking, or whitewater rafting. Too wiped out from the trek? Take it easy with a visit to the Inka Museum.

Day 27 Cusco/Arequipa

Do as much or as little as you want today but enjoy it - it's your last day in Cusco. Get cozy on a bus for the night as you head to Arequipa.

Day 28 Arequipa

Welcome to Arequipa! Take the day to explore what is known as the "white city." If you're into history and architecture, visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, where you'll get a unique glimpse into a bygone way of life. For spicy food lovers, visiting one of the 'picanterías' is a must. Satisfy your craving with a variety of local regional foods: alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces.

Day 29 Arequipa/Colca Canyon

Enjoy a full-day tour of the spectacular Colca Valley and venture to the impressive Colca Canyon - one of the deepest canyons in the world - on an overnight excursion. With a little luck, you'll spot Andean condors soaring over the majestic Andes. Keep a lookout for other unusual animals! Give your body some much needed relaxation by taking a dip in the the hot springs.

Day 30 Colca Canyon/Arequipa

Get an early start to be on the look out for condors. Travel from Chivay town to a condor viewpoint to get a glimpse of these magnificent birds in the air. On the way back, stop in local villages, and see old terraces. Later, head out for a drink in the Calle Zela area - restaurant, bar, or club, there's something for everyone!

Day 31 Arequipa/Nazca

Discover Arequipa today with the option to take a city tour, or visit the Santa Catalina Monastery if you haven't already. Later, board an overnight bus to catch up on some sleep en route to your next destination.

Day 32 Nazca

Wake up in Nazca - famous for one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. Choose to take a flight for unparalleled views, or climb the viewing tower to get a glimpse if that's more your style. In the evening, enjoy a Pachamanca-style dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 33 Nazca/Huacachina

Travel further north to the oasis of Huacachina, stop at a Pisco winery on the way. Sandboard on the dunes around the oasis for an unforgettable sunset.

Day 34 Huacachina/Lima

Travel back to Lima to enjoy your last night as a group. Celebrate and reminisce on your adventures together with some ceviche and a pisco sour.

Day 35 Lima

Depart at any time.

Details

Duration: 35 Days

Merchandising: Award Winning Inca Trail Program

Trip Type: Small Group

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Physical Grading: 4 - Demanding

Service Level: Basic

Merchandising: Planeterra Project



Call Us: 01 2311889



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