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What awaits you
This 25-day journey is a wonderful opportunity to discover three different worlds united by spectacular landscapes, from the capital Santiago in Chile to the mysterious citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru. After visiting Santiago de Chile and Valparaiso, we will fly to Calama, the gateway to the vast Atacama Desert, the driest in the world. We will continue to Bolivia through the southern Lipez and the Dali Desert, eagerly arriving at Salar de Uyuni, the salt desert and an immense mirror reflecting the sky. During these days, you will feel as if you have changed planets, as this strange and harsh world truly resembles the moon. We completely change scenery by visiting the mining city of Potosi, then the colonial-looking city of Sucre before arriving in La Paz at the world’s highest international airport, over 4000m above sea level. Following the paths left by the Incas, we will finally reach Peru via Lake Titicaca and end the journey in Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Empire, its splendid Sacred Valley, and the mysterious iconic city of Machu Picchu.
Highlights of the trip:
- Three capitals: Santiago de Chile, La Paz, and Lima
- Atacama Desert, the driest in the world
- Southern Lipez – Salar de Uyuni
- The city and silver mine of Potosi
- The white city of Sucre
- Lake Titicaca with its Uros and Taquile islands
- Cuzco and the Sacred Valley
- Machu Picchu
Day-by-day program
DAY 1 DEPARTURE FOR SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Flight.
Included: International flight
DAY 2 SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Arrival in Santiago de Chile and welcome at the airport by your guide, then transfer to the hotel. Private tour of the Chilean capital located at the foot of the Andes mountains. Today a modern metropolis, it still preserves historical neighborhoods that reflect its history. We will start our visit with the República neighborhood, where the Chilean nobility lived until the end of the 20th century. Then we will go to the La Moneda Palace and take a short walk along the pedestrian streets in the historic city center to reach the Plaza de Armas. We will visit the famous Mercado Central, a traditional and lively place, ideal for lunch during the tour. To get a panoramic view of the city, we will go to the top of Cerro San Cristobal, then to the modern district ‘El Bosque’ with the tallest tower in Latin America… Return to your hotel around 6:00 p.m.
Included: Private vehicle – breakfast – half board – admissions – hotel
DAY 3 SANTIAGO DE CHILE 🡲 VALPARAISO (230 km 3h)
Departure by bus to reach the port city of Valparaiso. The city tour begins with the famous neighborhoods of Cerro Concepcion, Cerro Alegre, Cerro Bellavista, and Cerro Miraflores. The city is also renowned for its unique historic architecture, street art, and graffiti. After lunch, we will go to the Yugoslav viewpoint and finish at Bismarck Square. This unique Chilean city was nicknamed by foreign sailors “little San Francisco” or the city of a thousand colors. In the evening, return to Santiago and hotel.
Included: Private vehicle – half board – admissions – hotel
DAY 4 SANTIAGO 🡲 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA 2400m (2h flight + 100 km 1h30)
Flight to Calama and transfer to the charming village of San Pedro de Atacama, a refreshing oasis in the middle of the burning Atacama Desert. Lunch and free time. Around 2 p.m., visit the Valley of the Moon, one of the region’s most iconic places. The excursion lasts about 4 hours, including two 30-minute walks. You will see a salt canyon, “Las 3 Marias,” an abandoned mine, and climb the top of the large dune to enjoy a 360-degree panorama featuring an astonishing geological formation called the Amphitheater. Dunes, canyons, and the vastness of the desert are the main components of the visit.
Included: Transfers and flight – private vehicle – half board – admissions – hotel
DAY 5 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA 2400m (100 km 1h30)
Early departure from the hotel to visit Chile’s largest salt flat, remarkable for its scattered lagoons. In the vast salt desert, you can walk along the shores of the most beautiful lagoons. South of San Pedro, you will discover Chaxa Lagoon located in the center of the Salar de Atacama. You will observe different species of flamingos on an approximately one-hour walk along the winding salt paths. You will get very close to the lagoon, which perfectly reflects the surrounding nature.
Ojos del Salar: These two craters filled with fresh water were named so because from an aerial view they resemble wide-open eyes on our sky, considered the purest on the planet. Four kilometers further is Tebinquiche: for biologists, this lagoon is the breeding ground of the oldest existing species. For photographers or casual visitors, it offers a true immersion in Atacama landscapes. You will stroll along this water body and its surprising salt formations, facing the majestic volcanic Andes. Enjoy this landscape where the lagoon sometimes reflects like a mirror and sometimes like a salt flat… Cocktail at the end of the day.
Included: Private vehicle – half board – admissions – hotel
DAY 6 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (80 km; 1h30)
Departure before sunrise to the highest geothermal field in the world. The spectacle of the Geysers del Tatio is impressive with its large fumaroles in a landscape worthy of a science fiction movie. You will visit the two geothermal fields and dozens of geysers, observing the Tatio volcano. Then, a crossing through the heart of the Altiplano. On these high plains above 4,000 meters, you will observe the desert flora and fauna, a variety of birds, vicuña herds, and sometimes a fox. The tour ends with a visit to the magical Giant Cactus Valley of Guatín. During a pleasant one-hour walk among multi-meter-high cacti, you will discover a canyon, riverbed, and waterfalls. Barbecue lunch with various meats, chorizos, and vegetarian options, accompanied by excellent Chilean wine.
Evening: Astronomical night tour from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Included: Private vehicle – half board – admissions – astronomical tour – hotel
DAY 7 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA 🡲 HUYLLAJARA 3800m (285 km 5h30)
Transfer from San Pedro de Atacama to the Bolivian border Hito Cajon. After customs, enter the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Discover first the White Lagoon, then the Green Lagoon with the impressive Licancabur Volcano (5916 m) in the background. Cross the Salvador Dali Desert to reach the Polques hot springs for a swim in nature. Continue to the “Sol de Mañana” geysers at 4970 m altitude, a spectacular volcanic setting. End the day at Colorada Lagoon with flamingos and visit the village of Huayllajara, an old borax site.
Included: Full board – private 4×4 vehicle – basic hotel
DAY 8 HUAYLLAJARA 🡲 VILLAMAR 3700m (138 km 3h)
Departure to the Siloli Desert, the largest in the region, home to the Stone Tree. Cross the Ramaditas Desert to reach the small lagoons Honda, Chiarkota, and Hedionda, also called “The Andean Jewels.” During these three days, enjoy the spectacular fauna and flora of the Bolivian Altiplano. Reach Villa Alota village and its Black Lagoon, then Villamar for overnight.
Included: Full board – private 4×4 vehicle – basic hotel
DAY 9 VILLAMAR 🡲 AGENCHA 3670m (200 km 3h30)
Continue toward Villa Alota with a first stop at “Lost Italy,” a rock formation resembling a forgotten citadel. A bit further, see Vinto Lagoon, then “El Katal” Lagoon, the mysterious lagoon among rocks. 300 meters from the track linking Villa Alota to Villamar, discover “La Cascada” Canyon, a 30-meter deep geological fault crossed by Alota River. Continue north near the Chilean border to the Ollagüe volcano viewpoint, the region’s only active volcano. Pass the small Salar de Chiguana and the Petrified Coral Valley before arriving at the Salar edge to admire the sunset. End the day at Agencha community refuge.
Included: Full board – private 4×4 vehicle – basic hotel
DAY 10 AGENCHA 🡲 UYUNI (115 km; 2h30)
Even if anticipated or seen in photos, it surpasses imagination. An immaculate 12,185 km² terrain ideal for dreams, meditation, photography, or a picnic… Time seems frozen here. Walk among the giant cacti on Incahuasi Island. Continue crossing the Salar de Uyuni to the extreme north at the foot of Tunupa volcano, where the small village of Chantani has a rock and mummy museum. End the expedition at a traditional salt site in Colchani before reaching Uyuni city and visiting the train cemetery.
Included: Full board – private 4×4 vehicle – hotel
DAY 11 UYUNI 🡲 SUCRE 2790 m (360 km 6h)
Morning departure for the imperial city of Sucre. First, we will stop at Potosí and visit this colonial city, UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the Cerro Rico silver mine. If time permits, we will also visit the Casa de la Moneda and the beautiful Santa Teresa convent, founded in 1685 by the Discalced Carmelites.
Included: Private vehicle – half board – admissions – hotel
DAY 12 SUCRE
Day dedicated to discovering the “White” city, UNESCO World Heritage site, including the Recoleta convent, the ethnographic textile museum (ASUR), the charming 25 de Mayo square, the Casa de la Libertad, and the San Felipe Nery monastery.
Included: Half board – admissions – hotel
DAY 13 SUCRE
Today is Sunday (to make this possible, you must arrive in Lima on a Wednesday). Free day to explore the magical atmosphere of the typical Tarabuco market.
Included: Hotel
DAY 14 SUCRE
Today we will visit the Cordillera de los Frailes from Sucre. Departure at 7:00 a.m. from the hotel in a private vehicle to the village of Chataquilla, starting point for our spectacular 2.5-hour hike. We will begin with a visit to its colonial chapel, then walk along a beautiful trail enjoying panoramic views of geological formations, local flora, and pine forests. We will arrive at Pumamachay with its rock paintings and finish at the Jalqa de Tumpeca community for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the Maragua crater surrounded by splendid colored mountains and end the adventure at the Devil’s Gorge and its waterfall. Return to Sucre late afternoon.
Included: Private vehicle – half board – admissions – hotel
DAY 15 SUCRE 🡲 LA PAZ 3600 m (2h30 flight)
Departure to the airport and flight to the capital La Paz, with transfer to the hotel to drop off your luggage. After lunch, we take our vehicle to the nearby Moon Valley, exploring on foot for 1.5 hours a breathtaking natural site, a geological formation that feels like another lunar landscape. We continue to another rock formation, a 150-meter-high monolith nicknamed “the Devil’s Molar.” We will walk to the viewpoint and admire a unique panorama of La Paz and the surrounding Altiplano. Return to the hotel around 7:00 p.m.
Included: Transfers and flight – private vehicle – half board – admissions – hotel
DAY 16 LA PAZ
Today we focus on the city with a 3-hour walking tour full of culture and history. Discover the main colorful market, the Witch Market, the colonial quarter, Plaza Murillo, and finish at San Pedro prison on the square of the same name. In the afternoon, we will take the world’s highest cable car for a final magnificent panoramic view of the city. Return to the hotel and free time until dinner. In the evening, attend a Cholitas wrestling match – guaranteed adrenaline and fun.
Included: Half board – admissions – cable car – hotel
DAY 17 LA PAZ 🡲 PUNO 3800 m (270 km 5h)
Today is a transfer day to reach Puno in Peru. After customs, we will stop at the mythical Aramu-muru site, the three-dimensional door located in the Valley of the Spirits. This pre-Inca site has no concrete explanation yet but is thought to have been ceremonial and esoteric. Arrival in Puno around 5:00 p.m. at the hotel, then dinner at a nice restaurant with a folk dance show.
Included: Private transport – half board – admissions – hotel
DAY 18 PUNO 🡲 TAQUILLE
Express boat trip on Lake Titicaca, legendary lake and cradle of the Inca civilization. Myth says that Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo emerged from the lake to found the Inca Empire. First, visit the floating islands of the Uros Indians, whose lifestyle and traditions remain fascinating: they live in rudimentary reed huts and rely on fishing and duck hunting. Continue to Taquile Island to meet its inhabitants. Return to Puno in the afternoon.
Included: Private boat – half board – hotel
DAY 19 PUNO 🡲 SICUANI 3550 m (289 km / 5h)
Departure by private vehicle to Sicuani. Visit the magnificent Tinajani Canyon and continue on “La Raya” road (4335 m), the highest point of the trip where all the Andes chains intersect, known as “el Nudo de Vilcanota.” This is also the end of the Altiplano and the beginning of the Sacred Valley of Cusco. Arrival at the hotel at the end of the day.
Included: Private vehicle – half board – admissions – hotel
DAY 20 SICUANI 🡲 CUSCO 3300 m (100 km / 2h)
Our driver will pick us up at 8:00 a.m. from the hotel to drive to Palcoyo, a splendid colorful mountain at 4900 m. Continue to Cusco, stopping at the Andahuaylillas temple, also known as the Sistine Chapel of America. Arrival in Cusco around 6:00 p.m. (Elevation gain: +200 m / -200 m; Distance: 4 km, 3-hour hike)
Included: Private vehicle – half board – admissions – hotel
DAY 21 CUSCO IMPERIAL CITY OF THE INCAS
In the morning, we will visit the archaeological sites near Cusco. First, we will see the Q’enko complex, which means labyrinth. This temple dedicated to Inca rituals is unique for its semi-circular amphitheater and underground galleries built into the rock. Then we will continue with the visit to the Sacsayhuaman temple, an extremely complex structure partly because of its huge stones that serve as walls…an architecture whose construction positioning remains unexplained. In the afternoon, walking tour of the city of Cusco and the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), the famous “temple of temples,” whose polished stone walls are considered the best works of Inca art. We will end this pleasant day in the city center, at Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the streets blending Inca and Spanish architecture.
Included: Private vehicle – half board – admissions – hotel
DAY 22 CUSCO 🡲 AGUAS CALIENTES 2400 m (96 km; 2h + 1h30 train)
Visit the village of Chinchero, famous for its crafts, where you will discover different aspects of their artisanal traditions. We will see the Chincheros archaeological site and then continue to the circular terraces of Moray, a former Inca agricultural research center. Next, we will visit the Maras salt pans, clinging to the mountainside and divided into many basins. This large salt source was already exploited before the arrival of the Incas. In the afternoon, visit the Ollantaytambo archaeological site and its village, whose street layout, squares, and houses are typically Inca and still well-preserved. Then train to the village of Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Included: Private vehicle – train – half board – admissions – hotel
DAY 23 MACHU PICCHU
Your guide will pick you up in the morning at the hotel to take you by minibus to the Inca city discovered in 1911 by the American archaeological explorer Hiram Bingham. The history and function of the citadel perched atop a mountain at 2430 m remain a mystery. This absolutely magnificent site, squeezed between two mountains, the young “Huayna Picchu” and the old “Machu Picchu,” will enchant you with its beauty and mystical character. Guided tour of 3 hours. Return by minibus to Aguas Calientes, then lunch, and around 4:30 p.m., return by train to Ollantaytambo and by bus to Cusco.
Included: Round-trip minibus – admission – French-speaking local guide at Machu Picchu – train – bus – hotel
DAY 24 CUSCO (1h30 flight)
Free day. Late afternoon transfer to the airport and flight to Lima.
Included: Transfers and flight – hotel
DAY 25 LIMA 🡲 INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
Around 8:30 a.m., visit the city of Lima, focusing on the historic colonial-style center (Plaza San Martín, Casa Aliaga, the churches of La Merced, San Pedro, and San Francisco, the Central Reserve Bank Museum), and finish at Plaza de Armas, the Presidential Palace, and City Hall. After lunch (depending on your flight time), transfer to Lima airport. Check-in and international flight back.
Included: Lima city tour – lunch – airport transfer
Price Details
The travel package includes:
- International flight to Santiago de Chile
- International return flight from Lima to your destination airport
- Assistance from your arrival at the airport until the end of the program
- A French-speaking guide throughout the entire stay
- Occasional French-speaking guides on specific days
- Entrance fees to all archaeological sites and attractions
- Hotels and lodges based on double room rates
- Flight Santiago de Chile / Calama
- Flight Sucre / La Paz
- Flight Cusco / Lima
- A private transport vehicle
- Meals on a half-board basis
The travel package excludes:
- Accident, cancellation, and trip interruption insurance
- Single room supplement
- Beverages, tips, and personal expenses
