Experience Overview
South America rewards those willing to explore. Consider this epic adventure: beginning in Lima and ending in Buenos Aires, 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.
Highlights
- Sandboard the desert dunes of Huacachina
- 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
- The world's largest salt flat
- On a 4x4 excursion
- Stay overnight at a G Adventures-supported community lodge
Trip Details
Product Code: 2896
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Public bus, train, hiking, plane, 4WD truck.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: 18 - 35 Year Olds Only
Supplier Code: SPMB.A
Starts: Lima, Peru
Finishes: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Duration: 35 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Demanding
Includes
Activities
- 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 G for Good Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lake Titicaca Your G for Good Moment: Jukil Community Experience & Lodge, Santiago de Agencha Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Foodie Moment: Pachamanca, Nazca Your Discover Moment: Cusco Your Foodie Moment: Sacred Valley Brewery, Ollantaytambo Your Big Night Out Moment: Cusco Your Discover Moment: Sucre Your Discover Moment: Salta
- Sunset sandboarding & dune buggies (Huacachina)
- Pachamanca-style dinner (Nazca)
- Colca Canyon excursion
- Inca Trail hike with a local guide and cook (4 days)
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Lake Titicaca excursion
- Salar de Uyuni and surrounding area excursion (3 days)
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Simple hotels (20 nts), hostels (5 nts, multi-share), overnight buses (3 nts), camping (3 nts), homestay (1 nt), G Adventures-supported community lodge/basic hotels on Uyuni/Salt Flats excursion (2 nts, multi-share).
- 26 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
Transport
- Public bus, train, hiking, plane, 4WD truck.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer), specialist Inca Trail CEO on hike, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 5145 (CAD 147 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Arrive at any time. Get to know your group tonight as you head out to one of the many bars and restaurants in the bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco. Enjoy a local craft beer with your fellow travellers as you get excited for the adventure to come.
Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city.
Day 2: Lima/Huacachina
Travel along Peru's breathtaking coast to the oasis of Huacachina where you can sandboard on the desert dunes while watching the sun go down.
Day 3: Huacachina/Nazca
Wake up and make the most of your time in Huacachina before your adventure continues on to Nazca. There is time in the morning for an optional excursion to the Ballestas Islands, home to a lively colony of sea lions, pelicans, and other varieties of birds. Later, catch a bus to Nazca. Stop along the way at a Pisco winery and try the country's national drink!
Day 4: Nazca/Arequipa
Choose to soar over the iconic Nazca Lines today with a pre-bookable flight, or take a tour of the Nazca Desert Cemetery and Pottery Studio. For lunch today experience pachamanca, a traditional way to prepare Andean foods by slow cooking them in an underground oven. Tonight, catch some z's on an overnight bus to Arequipa.
Day 5: 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 6: 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 some unusual Andean animals such as vicuñas, and alpacas. Give your body some much needed relaxation by taking an optional dip in the the hot springs.
Day 7: 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 8: Arequipa/Cusco
Explore Arequipa – take a city tour if you want or check out a monastery or museum. Later, sit back and relax on an overnight bus to Cusco.
Day 9: Cusco
Explore the city on your own today or choose from a variety of activities that will help you discover the magic of Cusco. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and plazas 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 delicious local specialties!
Day 10: Cusco
Today is another free day to explore all that Cusco has to offer. Feeling active? Take on the Rainbow Mountain trek or go mountain biking. Prefer to stay local? Take it easy with a visit to the Inka Museum and hit up some of the many great cafes, restaurants and bars.
To arrange the hike to the famed Rainbow Mountain, pre-book on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Day 11: 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 12: Inca Trail
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where your trek begins. Hike through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons. You'll see several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Day 13: Inca Trail
Get an early start today to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, known as Dead Woman's Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with some much needed R&R.
Day 14: Inca Trail
Cross two more passes and ruins along the way. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through cloud forest on the gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley.
At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins (""forever young"") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Day 15: Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Wake up around 03:30 and walk to the checkpoint. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site. Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon. Tonight, dance the night away at a popular night club.
Day 16: Cusco
Today is another free day to get the most out of Cusco and to do anything you may not have done yet. Continue to explore and be active or relax and watch the world go by from one of they many bars and restaurants on the main plaza.
Day 17: Cusco/Puno
Sit back, relax, and soak in the impressive views as you travel by bus through the Altiplano on your way to Puno on Lake Titicaca.
Day 18: Puno/Lake Titicaca
This morning, you will board a boat on Lake Titicaca and head to Taquile Island. Opt to have lunch in a local restaurant and 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.
Day 19: 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.
Day 20: Puno/La Paz
Today, enjoy a full-day drive around the picturesque lake and through the Altiplano to La Paz. Cross over into Bolivia and catch your breath before a night out in the highest city of the trip. Check out the area of Sopocachi for cool bohemian vibes.
Day 21: 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.
Day 22: La Paz/Sucre
Get to know La Paz with a free day to wander through the city's winding streets and vibrant markets before boarding a night bus to Sucre.
Day 23: 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 24: Sucre
One day in Sucre isn't enough, so take another free day to explore! Try optional activities such as hiking, mountain biking, a visit to the Textile Cooperative, or get up close and personal with real dinosaur tracks.
Day 25: Sucre/Potosí
Venture south to Potosí, the highest city of its size in the world.
Staying in the Bolivian highlands, we travel south to the city of Potosí. The highest city of its size in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has had a tumultuous history as a silver mining centre during colonial times.
Day 26: Potosí
Get out and explore Potosí on a free day. Choose to take an excursion to the silver mine, visit the Casa de la Moneda or wander the streets and visit the local market.
Day 27: Potosí/Uyuni
It's off to Uyuni today. Breathe in the beautiful scenery while relaxing in a private vehicle. Take it easy today because your next adventure is right around the corner!
Day 28: Uyuni/Salt Flats and Desert Crossing
Embark on a three-day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni. Get your camera ready because the endless white of the salt flats creates the perfect backdrop for mindbending photo ops. Settle in to your G Adventures-supported community salt-brick bungalow — complete with salt floors and salt furniture, and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared with local ingredients.
Day 29: 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.
Day 30: Salt Flats and Desert Crossing /San Pedro de Atacama
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. Travel to the border then kick back and relax on your descent by bus to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.
Day 31: San Pedro de Atacama
Today is full of possibilities. Explore San Pedro de Atacama on a mountain bike, cruise down the dunes on a sandboard, or chill out in the hot springs. Or visit the Valley of the Moon, an area on Earth that resembles the moon's surface. (How cool is that?)
Day 32: San Pedro de Atacama/Salta
Say "Adios!" to Chile because you're heading to Argentina today. Relax on the bus en route to Salta, home to empanadas salteñas—and no visit to the town is complete without trying them! 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.
Day 33: 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 34: Salta/Buenos Aires
Skip the long bus journey with a quick flight to Buenos Aires. Spend the afternoon exploring the city. Cruise around on a bike with a local or dine on a traditional Argentine meal while experiencing the art of the tango.
Day 35: Buenos Aires
Depart at any time.
Consider booking post-tour accommodation to further explore fascinating Buenos Aires.
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Marie M. - Traveled, June 2024
It was a fantastic tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/19/2024
Rossella G. - Traveled, June 2024
I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity: I met great people, visited the coolest of places and had a sneak peek at some of the most incredible cultures in history. Would do it all over again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2024
Michaela S. - Traveled, June 2024
Amazing Tour - very good organized and uncomplicated.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2024
Jack B. - Traveled, May 2024
G Adventures provided one of the best possible experiences for my first time travelling. From the guides to the activities everything was top.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/01/2024
Harry P. - Traveled, May 2024
Amazing. I got to see so many things that not many people see. I’ve got to experience and see a completely new part of the world and made some fantastic memory’s, from cycling along death road to laying eyes on matchu pitchu. This experience has been onc...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2024
Louise R. - Traveled, May 2024
A really special experience I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. What a beautiful world we live in with amazing diversity of landscapes, peoples and activities! G really brought this all to life.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2024
Sille F. - Traveled, May 2024
I’ve never regretted going on a G Adventures trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2024
Briony L. - Traveled, April 2024
I felt that this trip had so much potential, but fell short for me. Llordi was an amazing CEO and his enthusiasm was unparalleled, although he needs to work on telling the group everything about the itinerary in advance. That being said, I would gladly h...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/02/2024
Nora J. - Traveled, April 2024
I have had an amazing time with G Adventures. I think it's a unique way to make the most out of your travels and get to know people from all over the world in addition to the cultures you're visiting.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2024
Paula V. - Traveled, April 2024
This was the best holiday ever, and I’ve been on a lot! I went for the Inca Trail/Machu Picchu, and everything else was a bonus. There were so many daily highlights that it’s impossible to summarise. G adventures just took care of everything, they picked...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2024
Alice C. - Traveled, April 2024
I felt happy, safe and looked after on the whole tour, and our tour guide felt like part of the group. I would 100% book with g adventures again, it was the trip of a lifetime
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2024
Artur T. - Traveled, April 2024
I had a really great time. It was easy just to show up and everything was planned for me, while being sure I had the chance to visit the most important places on my itinerary. Next, I had a great time with the group that really clicked. It was hard to sa...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2024
Kirill T. - Traveled, April 2024
My overall experience with G consisted of amazing sites, great people and too many laughs.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2024
Alexandra A. - Traveled, April 2024
I’ve loved my tour and I’m so sad it’s come to an end. The accommodation was better than I ever expected. The guides were fantastic and i will be doing more G adventure tours in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2024
Ella D. - Traveled, April 2024
Fantastic! Amazing trip would love to do it again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2024
Allison W. - Traveled, April 2024
it was so nice to not have to worry about transport and accommodation and have a trusty CEO to answer all my questions every step of the way. i did way more fun stuff than i would have if i went on my own. so thanks.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2024
Tom K. - Traveled, March 2024
Was an incredible trip and very grateful to have had such a good guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2024
Paul M. - Traveled, March 2024
Iconic sights such as Inka trail, Machu Picchu and salt flats. Opportunity to meet different people. Able to get most out of each destination with transport planning taken care of.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2024
Sophie C. - Traveled, March 2024
I had such an incredible trip with G Adventures, meeting some amazing people along the way and exploring so many cool countries. They really make you feel safe and relaxed as they have control of all the logistics so you don’t have to worry about anythin...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Katrina S. - Traveled, February 2024
Macchu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Death Road, Salt Flats and Buenos Aires was so so amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
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