Travelling South America overland from Santiago de Chile to Lima is a visit to the three different worlds of Chile, Bolivia and Peru. You will visit the capital city of the most developed country on the continent as well as high elevated villages far away from civilization. This trip is full of cultural and natural contrasts.
First, visit Santiago de Chile, the capital city of Chile, with all its historic buildings, world class museums, cafes and great views of the city from the hills around. After this, fly north to the Atacama Desert region and bike through the Valle de Luna’s surreal lunarscape.
This is followed by a three day 4-wheel tour from San Pedro de Atacama to Bolivia’s Uyuni, which will take you through many Andes plateaus full of colourful lakes and active volcanoes. Experience the sunrise at Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt plains in the world. The Train Cemetery is then a beautiful end to this tour.
After a night bus to La Paz, you will end up in a city located in a mountain canyon. Some parts of the city being have an elevation of 4500 metres above sea level. Lovely local people, great and satisfying food will help compensate for the demanding topography of this unique city.
Now it’s time move forward and take a first-class bus ride to Arequipa, which includes a ferry across Lake Titicaca. The so-called white city, which was once the capital of Peru, lies directly beneath the immense Misti volcano and is also a great starting point for tours to Colca Canyon. This canyon is one of the deepest in the world, surrounded by mountains towering some 3270 metres above the riverbed.
Another first-class bus ride takes you to Cusco. When you arrive, you’ll be ready to discover the many Indian ruins in this region. Visit Ollaytaytambo and the famous Machu Picchu, which you will ascend early in the morning to make the most of it and beat the crowds that come later. If you want to stay the whole day till sunset, it is entirely your decision, which we understand. Lima will be your last stop before heading back home.
Santiago de Chile (2 days) -> Valparaíso (1 days) -> San Pedro de Atacama a Valle de Luna (2 days) -> Uyuni tour (3 days) -> La Paz (2 days) -> Arequipa a Colca Canyon (2 days) -> Cuzco a Machu Picchu (3 days) -> Lima (1 days)
* Estimated price of trip includes all costs except meals other than breakfasts provided by accommodation.
