Argentina, Atacama & Andes - 20 days
Argentina, Atacama & Andes - 20 days
Argentina, Atacama & Andes - 20 days
20 Days Starting in Buenos Aires, Argentina and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Buenos Aires, Salta, Cafayate, San Pedro de Atacama, Salar de Uyuni, Uyuni, La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Puno, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lima
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2056/AAA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 20-day adventure through the heart of South America with the "Argentina, Atacama & Andes" tour. This journey takes you across Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. Begin in Buenos Aires, exploring its vibrant culture and architecture, before heading to the charming town of Salta. Discover the wine region of Cafayate and cross the Andes to the surreal landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama. Experience the breathtaking Uyuni Salt Flats on a thrilling 4WD adventure, and explore the world's highest capital, La Paz. Sail on Lake Titicaca, visit the floating Uros Islands, and delve into the history of the Inca Empire in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Conclude your journey with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu and a tour of Lima's colonial center. This small group tour promises an unforgettable exploration of South America's diverse landscapes and cultures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Welcome to Argentina! You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel where you have the rest of the day to relax or explore Argentina's cosmopolitan capital.
Day 2 : Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we meet our guide and set off on a tour of Buenos Aires, taking in all of the major sites of this fascinating city. Our first stop is in the Plaza de Mayo, which is enclosed on three sides by the town hall, presidential palace and cathedral before continuing to bohemian La Boca, whose streets are lined with brightly painted houses. Our final stop is to the chic district of Recoleta, home to the famous cemetery where Eva Peron is buried.
Day 3 : Salta
Location: Salta
Meals Included: Breakfast
Buenos Aires – Salta. We head to north-west Argentina this morning as we fly to the town of Salta which lies in the foothills of the Andes, between two rivers. After checking into our hotel, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the colonial town centre, with its baroque architecture and palm-lined main plaza. You can also take the cable car up to Cerro San Bernardo, a hilltop with sweeping views of the city and the mountains beyond. This evening consider heading to one of the lively penas (informal folk-music clubs) where you can enjoy a delicious meal and some entertainment.
Day 4 : Salta
Location: Cafayate
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we enjoy a full-day excursion to the sleepy town of Cafayate, which is the centre of the region’s wine industry. The road to Cafayate follows a winding canyon and we make several photo stop en route, where you can walk into the desert valleys and marvel at the views. Spend time exploring the picturesque town and visit one of two of Cafayate’s high-altitude vineyards where there's the opportunity to sample local wines.
Day 5 : San Pedro De Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Meals Included: Breakfast
Salta - San Pedro de Atacama (Chile). We continue our journey through the Andes and into Chile before reaching our base for the next two nights - San Pedro de Atacama. This small picturesque town is famous for the salt-covered lunar landscapes, geysers, salt flats and hot springs of the Moon Valley and looks like it has come straight from a scene of a Western film with its white washed walls and dusty roads. Due to its remote location and dry climate, the Atacama Desert offers some of the clearest skies in the world and as such is used by international space agencies to monitor the skies. If you are lucky enough to have clear nights during your stay in San Pedro de Atacama, the starscape will most likely be the best you'll ever see.
Day 6 : San Pedro De Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the morning at leisure or join an early morning optional excursion to the El Tatio geyser where you have a front row seat for the sun rising above the craggy geyser field and the geysers fumaroles. In the afternoon we visit the famous Moon Valley. Arriving late afternoon we explore the dramatic canyons formed by centuries of erosions from the salt mountains and watch the sun set across the valley from the ridge of a golden sand dune.
Day 7 - 8 : Uyuni / Salar De Uyuni Region
Location: Salar de Uyuni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
San Pedro de Atacama - Uyuni Salt Flats. The next two days will be spent on an exhilarating 4WD tour through one of South America's most spectacular wilderness landscapes. Bidding farewell to Chile we travel into Bolivia, crossing a remote plateau, past strange rock formations and the spectacular opalescent colours of Lagunas Verde and Colorada en route to Salar de Uyuni.
Day 9 - 11 : Uyuni / Salar De Uyuni Region
Location: Uyuni
Meals Included: Breakfast
Uyuni Salt Flats - La Paz. We continue our journey along the Salt Flats on our way to the town of Uyuni this morning. Keep your eye out as at certain times of the year flamingos add a striking dash of colour to the white landscape. Upon arrival in Uyuni we board a flight to La Paz, which will be our home for the next three nights.
Day 12 : Lake Titicaca
Location: Lake Titicaca
Meals Included: Breakfast
La Paz - Copacabana. Today we drive to the deep sapphire lake that sits in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia – Lake Titicaca. On arrival to the pretty little Bolivian town of Copacabana we have free time to walk through the streets of white-washed buildings to the Moorish-style basilica which attracts pilgrims from all over the world who bring offerings to the 16th century Dark Virgin of the lake, to be blessed by her. The rest of the day is at leisure. Should you wish to continue exploring climb the stations of the cross for wonderful views of Lake Titicaca and the snow-capped mountains beyond, or there is an optional excursion to the Isla del Sol, a small island that marked the beginning of the Inca civilisation. Legend has it the children of the sun god emerged here from the lake’s depths to establish the empire in Cuzco.
Day 13 : Puno
Location: Puno
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lake Titicaca - Puno (Peru). This morning we cross the Peruvian border and travel on to the port of Puno. We have some free time in Puno before an afternoon boat trip on the blue glacial waters of Lake Titicaca to visit the unique Uros Islands. These are floating islands, which are made entirely out of totora reeds, were built by the Uros people in an effort to isolate themselves from other civilisations. We explore one of the islands with its reed buildings and boats, and meet the islanders, who sell tortora reed handicrafts.
Day 14 - 15 : Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Puno - Cuzco. Today we have a scenic journey by public bus from Puno to Cuzco crossing the Altiplano, passing indigenous women tending to herds of llamas and alpacas. We then continue across the altiplano until we climb to the la Raya Pass, and descend past fields of corn and potatoes until we reach the city of Cuzco. We arrive into Cuzco early in the evening.
Day 16 : Sacred Valley
Location: Sacred Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cuzco - Sacred Valley. We enjoy a full day tour of the Sacred Valley today. Our first stop is the popular Pisac ruins, an ancient hilltop Inca citadel high above the village, before descending to the bustling market where artisans from the region get together and exchange or buy and sell their products. There's plenty of time to explore the market, see the variety of colourful handicrafts and textiles on offer, and barter for souvenirs. This afternoon we continue crossing the valley until we reach Ollantaytambo, whose fortress was constructed to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it from possible invasions of tribes from the jungle lowlands.
Day 17 : Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu. Our day begins with an incredibly scenic 2-hour train journey from Ollantaytambo to the iconic lost city of Machu Picchu. Situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River and surrounded by tropical forest, the Inca city enjoys a truly spectacular setting and it's one of the most fascinating ancient sites in the world. Believed to have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, the site was abandoned at the time of the Spanish Conquest and lay buried beneath tropical cloud forest until 1911 when it was discovered by the American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham, who brought it to the world’s attention. Following a guided tour of the ruins we spend the night in the spa village of Aguas Calientes, a couple of kilometres upstream.
Fancy hiking some of the Inca Trail without interrupting your tour? We can organise for you to walk the mini Inca Trail on this day, but still, have a guided tour of the ruins and stay with the group in the evening. Please ask us for more details.
Day 18 : Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Machu Picchu - Cuzco. We have the morning at leisure to relax in Aguas Calientes or there is the option to return to Machu Picchu for an early morning visit to the ruins and continue to explore some of the main trails within the site; climb up the steep steps to the top of Huayna Picchu for spectacular views of over the ruins, or hike to the Inca bridge carved into the cliff edge before we return to Cuzco on the train in the afternoon.
Please note those wanting to climb Huayna Picchu need to enquire with the office and pre-book as availability is limited.
Day 19 : Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cuzco - Lima. After breakfast we board a short flight to the city of Lima. This bustling capital growth is a contrast from the glorious colonial past and can be seen in the faded beauty in the churches and wooden balconies. On arrival we set out on a walking tour of the centre exploring the capitals highlights including the Plaza de Armas, as we watch the guards in front of the Baroque Revival Government Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 20 : Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour comes to an end today with an included transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Alternatively we can arrange post tour accommodation if you'd like to extend your stay.
What's Included
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Meals
19 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners are included.
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Accommodation
11 nights in 3-star hotels, 5 nights in 4-star hotels, and 3 nights in simple lodges are included.
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Transfers
Arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 20 are included.
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Flights
3 economy class flights: Buenos Aires - Salta, Uyuni - La Paz, Cusco - Lima are included.
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Excursions
Salta Countryside excursion, San Pedro de Atacama Moon Valley excursion, and Lake Titicaca Uros Islands boat trip are included.
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Guided Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing in Buenos Aires, La Paz, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Lima is included.
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Tour Leader and Guides
The tour is escorted by a tour leader and specialist local guides at certain sites.
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Transportation
Transportation by flights, private vehicle, train, public bus, boat, and 4WD is included.
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Train to Machu Picchu
A train journey to Machu Picchu is included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and is not included.
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Airport Tax
Airport tax from Uyuni to La Paz, approximately $2 USD, is not included.
Age Policy
Minimum age 12. If booking a family please contact GH to request/check triple rooms / rooms next to each other before confirming the bookingThere is no maximum age. Those 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability tour. Â
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with a mix of flights, private vehicles, trains, public buses, boats, and 4WDs, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the diverse landscapes and cultures.
Accommodation
Enjoy 11 nights in 3-star hotels, 5 nights in 4-star hotels, and 3 nights in simple lodges, providing a comfortable and varied stay throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes transportation by flights, private vehicle, train, public bus, boat, and 4WD.
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes 19 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 3-star hotels for 11 nights, 4-star hotels for 5 nights, and simple lodges for 3 nights.
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Is there a guided tour of Machu Picchu included?
Yes, there is a guided tour of Machu Picchu included in the itinerary.
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What activities are available at Lake Titicaca?
At Lake Titicaca, you can sail out to the floating reed Uros islands and explore the unique culture of the islanders.
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Is there an option to extend the stay after the tour ends?
Yes, post-tour accommodation can be arranged if you wish to extend your stay.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The minimum age for the tour is 12. There is no maximum age, but those 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability form.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
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