Great South American Journey - Buenos Aires to Lima

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Buenos Aires

Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.There is much to do in this vibrant metropolis, with plenty of museums, theatres, and historical areas. Known as the ‘Paris of the Americas,’ Buenos Aires is a vibrant city full of life. Be sure to visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo, or catch a tango show at one of the many famous tanguerías or tango houses. Wander the pedestrian walkways and see some dancing in the streets. Whatever you do, Buenos Aires is sure to leave lasting memories.The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city. Travellers find that it has more in common with the cities of Europe than the rest of South America. Nearly 40 per cent of Argentina’s 33 million citizens live in Greater Buenos Aires, and the Porteños are justifiably proud of their home. The city is comprised of a number of distinct neighbourhoods, some of which have become top tourist draws. For many, the highlight of their time in the capital is a visit to San Telmo for the weekend antiques market and street artists’ displays. La Boca was originally settled by the successive waves of immigrants that contribute to the capital’s unique character. Its brightly coloured walls and buildings draw Porteños and tourists alike. Posh Recoleta, with its cafés, museums and cemetery, is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon. During colonial days, Buenos Aires was the seat of the Viceroy of La Plata. Almost completely rebuilt since the turn of the century, the heart of the city is the Plaza de Mayo, with the historic Cabildo (Town Hall), where the Independence movement was first planned, the Casa Rosada (Government Palace) and the Cathedral, where San Martín, the father of Argentine independence, is buried. When you are done exploring, settle your weary feet and enjoy a drink in one of the many sidewalk cafés and restaurants, and you will begin to understand the contemplative Argentine way of life. Buenos Aires will be your last chance, while in Argentina, to try the succulent bifé and parrilladas, so dig in and enjoy!

Day 2-5 Night bus / Bariloche

After exploring the capital city we will board a bus southbound for our full day of travel to Bariloche, in Upper Patagonia. Situated on the shore of beautiful Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is a year-round playground for skiers, hikers and outdoors enthusiasts of all types. A popular resort town for Argentines, the spectacular surroundings of Bariloche offer loads of outdoor options, like hiking, biking, parapenting, lake tours, and skiing/snowboarding (in season). Bariloche is also famous for its quality and quantity of chocolate. So wander around the city, enjoy the landscapes and eat chocolate!The urban centre of the Argentine Lake District, San Carlos de Bariloche in many ways resembles alpine resorts of Europe. During winter ski season the town fills to capacity with jovial Argentine and Brazilian vacationers whose favourite pastime seems to be eating and drinking. Their gusto is understandable; Bariloche has some of the best food in the country. Sample a beefy parrillada, or a variety of fresh salmon or lake trout, then work it off during a day hike around Cerro Catedral or a bit of skiing. Please note that the bus schedule from Buenos Aires to Bariloche varies and can leave in the morning of Day 2. If you are interested in seeing all that Buenos Aires have to offer we recommend a night or two of pre-accommodation in your start hotel.

Day 6-7 Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas

After a beautiful journey through the Andes of Southern Argentina, we cross into Chile and arrive at Puerto Montt. This is Chile’s most important southern port and it is the gateway for explorers going further south into Patagonia. Take a day trip to the island of Chiloé and sample the seafood!In Puerto Montt there are still many reminders of its German influenced past. The area was settled by Germans in the mid-19th century and many houses are of northern European design, faced with unpainted shingles, high-pitched roofs and quaint, ornate balconies. Though timber houses make up a large share of Puerto Montt's housing, the pioneer image has long since faded. The large cathedral in the main square, built in 1856 entirely of redwood, is the oldest building in the city and one of the most important reminders of the city's early days. Today it is the gateway to the southern end of the Lake District, and for the Chilean Patagonia.

Day 8-10 Pucón

From Puerto Montt we continue north to the Lake District of Chile, and the town of Pucón. This is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities galore. Climb a volcano, hike in one of the many national parks, go rafting, mountain biking or of course there is skiing and snowboarding (in season).There are few areas in the world that can match the Chilean Lake District for scenic grandeur. South of the Rio Toltén and sprawled across the provinces of Valdivia, Osorno and Llanquihué, you'll find everything from snow-capped mountains to deep blue and emerald lakes, smoking volcanoes, forests and glaciers. This is a favourite vacation ground for domestic tourists, visitors from across the Andes, and around the globe. The region’s architecture is unique in that older structures are wooden and resemble central European homes and churches of the 19th Century. This is due to the significant number of immigrants, largely Germany, Switzerland, Austria and some Italian, who settled here over the last half of that century. The regional cuisine also reflects this, with many restaurants specializing in kuchen and other baked delicacies. Seafood dishes abound in this region. Of particular interest to visitors is the curanto Chilote, a hearty seafood stew that’ll leave you ready for a siesta. Villarica is one of the chief resort towns of the Lake District, with impressive views of the active Volcan Villarica. This is a beautiful place to hike, boat, or to sit back and take in the beautiful scenery and reflect on your trip so far. Pucón, the nation’s outdoors and adventure tourism capital, is located on the eastern end of Lago Villarica, opposite the town of Villarica. We spend a couple of days exploring the area, where there are endless options for outdoor pursuits like kayaking, rafting, hiking, mountain biking, wind surfing and horseback riding.

Day 11 Nightbus / Santiago

A nightbus will take us north to the bustling metropolis city of Santiago.

Day 12-15 Santiago

Santiago is Chile’s largest city and capital, with internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts very close by. Explore the many museums and parks, and visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Bellavista to see some handicrafts and trendy cafés. Day-trips include a trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, Chile’s premier beach resort, and to Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda’s seaside home.Although Santiago covers an immense area, the central core of the city is relatively small. It is a roughly triangular shaped region, bounded in the north by the Río Mapocho, in the west by the Via Norte Sur and in the south by the Avenida del Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins (more commonly known as the Alameda). The apex of the triangle is the Plaza Baquedano, where O'Higgins forms a junction with two of Santiago's other main thoroughfares, Avenidas Providencia and Vicuña MacKenna. The centre of this triangle is the Plaza de Armas, the chief plaza of Santiago, bounded on its northern side by the main post office and on the western side by the cathedral. The streets between the Plaza de Armas and O'Higgins are wall-to-wall shops, restaurants, snack and fast food bars, cinemas, expensive hotels and office blocks. The Presidential Palace, La Moneda, is on Avenida Moneda, facing the Plaza de la Constitución. Near the Plaza de Armas is the National Congress building. One of Santiago's main parks, Cerro Santa Lucía, is in the triangle facing O'Higgins. The other main park is Cerro San Cristobal, or Huelén, in the Mapuche tongue. It is a large hill that rises dramatically from the plain to the north of Avenida Providencia. Between this avenue and the mountain, on either side of the Avenida Pío Nono, is Santiago's 'Paris quarter', the barrio Bella Vista. There are many beautifully landscaped parks and gardens, artists' colonies, and impressive views over the city, including the snow-capped peaks of the Andes (when the weather and thick smog permit).

Day 16-17 La Serena

A journey north takes us to the beachside city of La Serena. The city has an attractive, colonial feel to it, with many places of interest outside the city. Take a tour to the Elqui Valley and visit a Pisco factory, or maybe stop by one of the numerous international astronomical observatories scattered throughout the valley.

Day 18-21 Night bus / San Pedro de Atacama

A night bus brings us further north to the dry desert regions of the country, where we stop in the little town of San Pedro de Atacama, on the edge of the Atacama desert. There are plenty of optional excursions here, like biking, exploring nearby ruins, horseback riding, and a tour of the Valley of the Moon.

Day 22-24 4x4 Desert Crossing Excursion/Uyuni (2B, 2L, 2D)

Climbing almost 3000 metres into the Chilean altiplano, we embark on our 3-day desert crossing into Bolivia. We spend three days in the stunning landscapes between the Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert (Chile), exploring by four-wheel-drive vehicles. Driving across the salt flats is a fantastic experience, particularly for the contrast of piercing blue skies and blinding white salt on the flat lakebed. The area’s unusual landscape of mountains, active volcanoes, and geysers is like nowhere on earth.Twice submerged by a large, high-altitude lake, the salt flats now cover a total area of over 12000 square km (7440 square miles) and are one of the country’s main salt mining centres. The last large lake dried up about 8000 years ago, leaving the small lakes of Poopó and Ururu, as well as the salt flats of Uyuni. Absorb stunning views of the salt-encrusted lakebed surrounded by golden-hued mountains, snow-capped peaks and an endless azure horizon that will forever engrave itself in your memory. The tour takes us through Laguna Colorada, 4278 m/14,031 ft (a large red lagoon, the colour of which is due to algae & plankton growth in the mineral-rich waters), and Laguna Verde, at 5000 m (16,400 ft), a striking blue-green lake (high concentrations of lead, sulphur, copper and other minerals). The numerous geysers, boiling mud pools, and thermal baths, and Licancabúr volcano 5960 m (19,549 ft), which looms just behind the lagoon are clear evidence of the region’s association with volcanic activity. Surprisingly, both wildlife and flora manage to survive and even thrive in the desolate landscape; this includes vizcachas (of the rodent family), flamingos (3 varieties), and assorted varieties of cacti. Despite its isolation and challenging climate (cold and blustery most of the year), Uyuni has earned the nickname of Hija Predilecta de Bolivia (Bolivia’s Favourite Daughter). Most of its hardy residents are either Public Sector workers or salt miners in the dried out lakebeds, with tour operators a close third. The main attraction in town is the Train Cemetery, a collection of rusting railway relics, just southwest of the present train station. We spend the night of day in Uyuni before continuing north in Bolivia.

Day 25-26 Potosí

Situated at 4070m (13,350 ft), Potosí is the highest city of its size on earth. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in1987 in recognition of its tragic history in the mining of silver during the time of Spanish colonization. Potosí provided a large share of the silver mined and shipped back to Spain until the early 1800s, when both the supply of silver and world market prices began to decline. 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 people and Africans died in the mines during the first three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. There is time for an optional tour to the working mines of the Mountain of Silver, an eye-opening excursion.

Day 27-28 Sucre

Often referred to as Bolivia’s White City, the country’s official capital, Sucre, is situated at nearly 2800m (9184 ft) and offers its visitors and inhabitants a more moderate, comfortable climate than cities at higher elevation. Before the conquest, military, religious and political leaders of the local indigenous population made their homes on the present day city site. The site became the headquarters for the Spanish Royal Court, which by the late 1700s ruled over colonial Paraguay, parts of Peru, Argentina, Chile, and most of Bolivia. In 1825, in the wake of the Latin American independence movement, the city was renamed Sucre, after Simon Bolívar’s second-in-command, General Sucre. The city’s fine museums, colonial buildings and ties to the independence movement make it a city of great historical interest, and the city has much to offer during our two days here. Optional activities include a visit to dinosaur footprints, an old tin baron’s mansion, a textile cooperative, mountain biking and hiking.

Day 29-30 Nightbus / Cochabamba

Staying in the Bolivian highlands, we travel north to the city of Cochabamba, famous for its spring-like climate and for its chicha (fermented maize drink). Explore the museums and this pleasant city before travelling onward to the capital city of La Paz.

Day 31-33 La Paz

Founded by Alonso de Mendoza in 1548, La Ciudad de Nuestra Señora de La Paz (the City of Our Lady of Peace) is the highest capital in the world. Although Sucre is the official capital, La Paz is the Bolivian centre of commerce, finance and industry, and the de facto capital. This is a busy modern city, with its centre at the base of a canyon 5 km (3 miles) wide and sprawling impromptu housing all the way up the surrounding hillsides. The city is at nearly 4000 m (13,120 ft) above sea level, so visitors should be prepared for cool evenings and mornings. Explore the city’s many fine museums or its historic ecclesiastical structures, such as the Iglesia de San Francisco, whose architectural details reflect the indigenous and mestizo heritage of modern Bolivia. The city is also renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechicería (Witches’ Market), where Paceños and visitors may purchase potions and incantations made from all sorts of herbs, seeds, and secret ingredients to remedy any number of illnesses (real or imagined) and protect from evil spirits. With streets lined with market stalls and vendors, the pace on the street and the vibrant atmosphere is an incredible experience. There is also a thriving black market and a Carnaval market, where locals purchase carnival costumes. You’ll also find a wealth of shops selling all sorts of handicrafts, mainly alpaca wool products, silver jewellery, woven textiles and leather goods. Optional activities in La Paz include museums, excursions to Tiahuanaco ruins (cradle of Inca civilization), a tour of the Valley of the Moon, or a visit to the world’s highest ski resort, Chacaltaya (5600 m/18,368 ft). To the south of the city is the Valley of the Moon, with crater-like formations made of sand.

Day 34-36 Puno

The drive around Lake Titicaca and through the altiplano from La Paz to Peru is impressive. Once crossing into Peru we head to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. There is an overnight excursion to the Islands on lake Titicaca. This includes a visit to the Uros floating islands, and an overnight stay with a family on Taquile or Amantani island. We return to Puno in the late afternoon.Located 3830 m (12562 ft) above sea level, Puno’s weather can be extreme with very cold nights, and a strong sun during the day. There is not a lot to see in Puno itself, however there are several good spots offering scenic views of Lake Titicaca and the town. Puno is also known for its wealth of traditional dances. There are up to 100 different varieties, usually performed in the street processions celebrating Catholic feast days. You may see these celebrations if you’re fortunate enough to be visiting at the appropriate time. Lake Titicaca, at 3820 m (12529 ft) above sea level, is touted as the highest navigable lake in the world. This is not entirely true; it is simply the best known. It is, however, the largest lake in South America, over 170 km (106 miles) in length, and the largest lake in the world above 2000m (6560 ft). The horizon appears limitless from the lake, and the water a deep and inviting blue. Our first stop is the floating reed islands of the Uros people. The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from rival tribes the Collas and the Incas, but due to intermarriage with Aymara speaking people they lost their original language. Today about 300 people live on the islands, however their numbers are slowly declining.The islands are made up of many layers of reeds. As the layers closest to the water start to rot, they are replaced with fresh reeds on top. They also use the reeds to build their boats, which if constructed well, last up to 6 months. The totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake are used for making everything from the islands themselves to the model boats that the islanders offer for sale. Taquile is rich in culture, and the people’s unique style of dress and lifestyle will definitely make for a memorable visit. Men of the community do all the knitting, strictly a male domain, while women do the spinning. High quality, locally knitted goods are available for purchase at various cooperatives on the island. Despite the short distance that separates the two islands, Amantaní is quite distinct. Its soil is a rich terra cotta red, due to the high iron deposits, which contrasts brightly with the deep azure blue of the lake and sky, and greenery of the local crops.

Day 37 Cuzco

Today a full days bus journey takes us through the high Altiplano region to get from Puno to Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Empire

Day 38-43 Cuzco / Ollantaytambo / Inca Trail (3B, 3L, 3D)

Every year Cuzco attracts thousands of travellers who come to experience an age-old culture and to delve into its tragic and noble past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. We spend the next few days relaxing and exploring this fascinating city, while taking time to acclimatize to the higher altitude before our trek. Cuzco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend. Cuzco’s numerous colonial churches are one of the most common sights. The Cathedral was started in 1559 and took 100 years to build. It is also one of the city’s greatest repositories of colonial art. Immediately in front of the entrance is a vault containing the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de la Vega. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco. While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. This ruin forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure. There are several good museums in Cuzco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum. The best advice in exploring Cuzco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map and set off to explore! Ollantaytambo is a major Inca ruin site and your first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. We spend the night in this small town before heading out for the start of the hike the next morning. INCA TRAIL: The 4-day hike on the Inca Trail, to Machu Picchu, is included in the cost of the tour. For those interested in a challenging but worthwhile hike, the Inca Trail is exceptional, however you must be prepared for it! It is a 40-km (25 mile) hike, with 3 high passes to be crossed, one of which reaches an elevation of 4200m (13776 ft). The trail is often steep, and it may rain even during the dry season. The temperatures at night may fall below zero, so it is important to come prepared. We depart Ollantaytambo for km 82 where we begin our walk in the footsteps of the Incas. Our local crew of porters, cook and guide will look after us well for the duration of the hike. Walking the trail that linked this ancient empire will supply you with breathtaking views at every step, as we move from high plateau areas to dense cloud forest. Depending on the season, you may see a great variety of flora, including miniature and large orchids, and fiery rhododendron bushes.You will be passing smaller ruin sites the first of which is Llactapata. The second day you will climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass. At 4198 m (13769 ft) above sea level, this pass is the highest point of the trek. The second pass of the hike is at 3998 m (13113 ft) where on clear days, we enjoy superb views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. The trail goes through some beautiful cloud forest on the gentle climb to the third pass, where you will walk through a causeway and a tunnel, both original Inca constructions. The highest point of the third pass is at 3700m (12136 ft). You’ll be rewarded by devastatingly beautiful views of the Urubamba Valley below (on clear days). Soon you will reach the serene looking ruins of Phuyupatamarca, or the 'Town above the Clouds', at about 3650 m (11972 ft) above sea level. We camp for the final night close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) ruins, a grandiose terraced hillside site, with panoramic views of the valley below and just a short hike from Machu Picchu. On the final day of the hike we climb the steps to the Sun Gate overlooking the peaks that surround Machu Picchu. There is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous ruin appears in front of you.Machu Picchu is both the best and the least known of the Inca ruins. It is not mentioned in any of the chronicles of the Spanish conquistadors and archaeologists today can do no more than speculate on its function. Machu Picchu was known for centuries by the local Quechua farmers in the area, but it was not until an 11 year old boy led the American historian Hiram Bingham, in search of Vilcabamba, to the site on July 24, 1911, that the rest of the world became aware of its existence. At that time it was covered in thick vegetation. Bingham and his team returned in 1912 and 1915 to clear the growth. Over the years, a lot of work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.You have the better part of the day to explore the site. In the afternoon, we have the chance to soak in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes before taking the train back to Cuzco.NOTE: Those passengers not able or interested in the hike spend 2 days in Cuzco, then take the train to Aguas Calientes, where they will overnight. Next morning they will be taking the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance, and will rendezvous with the hikers at the ruins. If you decide not to do the hike we need to know prior to your departure, in order to obtain train tickets. Please advise your agent or G.A.P Adventures. Also note that portions of the Inca Trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February each year. Also, closures may occur at various times throughout the year due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. During these periods, any tour affected will take an alternate routing along the Urubamba River.

Day 44-48 Arequipa / Colca Canyon

Peru’s second most important city after Lima, Arequipa maintains a traditional colonial style and more laid back pace in comparison with the capital. Arequipa was built from a very light coloured volcanic rock called sillar, so older buildings dazzle in the sun, thus giving the city its nickname, “the White City.” The main plaza with its cafés and nearby cathedral is a top draw for visitors. Those with an interest in history and architecture may take an optional visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a by-gone way of life. Spectacular mountains surround Arequipa, the most famous of which is El Misti Volcano, at 5822 m (19096 ft) and with a beautiful snow-capped peak. Our overnight excursion to the Colca Canyon—one of the deepest canyons in the world—involves a remarkable drive through Inca and pre-Inca terracing. Once at the Canyon look for the king of the Andes, the Andean Condor, as well as alpacas, llamas and vicuñas, while enjoying the stunning highland scenery.

Day 49-50 Nazca / Pisco

Travel north to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. The lines consist of patterns and pictures etched in the ground, crisscrossing a wide area of flat desert. Some of the lines measure up to 10 km (32 miles) in length, and yet remain perfectly straight. The depictions of birds, insects and animals are only recognizable from the air. Who drew the lines, and why, is something that modern archaeologists can only theorize about, but current beliefs suggest that they may be part of complex agricultural calendar. From the ground we can make out very little, and the best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged. The entire desert area was also once the home for the Paracas and the Nazca cultures, which preceded the Incas by more than half a millennia. Remains of the Nazca culture are still visible during an optional tour of an ancient desert cemetery site, which also includes a visit to a pottery workshop.Continuing north arrive in Pisco, an oasis in this barren land and an important port town. It derives its name from the white grape brandy produced in the region. If you haven’t yet tried the national drink, the Pisco Sour, then this is the place to do it. While the town itself is of considerable historical and archaeological interest, we also use it as a starting point for an optional visit to the Ballestas Islands, where we observe the sea lion colonies, penguins and a variety of other birds.

Day 51 Lima

Founded by Francisco Pizarro, on the Day of the Three Kings (Epiphany) in 1535, Peru’s capital city Lima is known as the City of Kings. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima and here you’ll find the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop’s Palace. The Cathedral dates back to the 1700s and houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro. To get a feel for colonial Lima, take a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace Guard in the afternoon. Walk around the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to experience life in a large South American city. There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an equally impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. An optional city tour visits many of the cities highlights. The more affluent coastal districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro offer good nightlife and cafés. The Limeños are friendly and the city’s many interesting museums, churches, markets, restaurants and nightlife will surely entice you. Seafood lovers should be sure and try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known. NOTE: Care should be taken when wandering around on your own in central Lima, as some areas can be dangerous and pickpockets are daring.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Simple hotels (42 nts), bus (5 nts), camping (3 nts), homestay (1 nt). Note: Accommodation can be quite basic / multi-share at times.
Brochure Notes	1. Last minute bookings of this trip and all trips that include the Inca Trail will be on an "on request" basis only. To make a booking request of a tour which includes the Inca Trail G.A.P Adventures requires your full name, date of birth, nationality and passport number.
Combination	This trip combines our Southern Sojourn JBS, Atacama Crossing JSL, and Andean Empire JLQ tours.
Departure	Departures vary
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Included Highlights	- Colca Canyon excursion - Lake Titicaca excursion- Guided tour of Machu Picchu- Four day Inca Trail hike with a local guide and cook- Uyuni Salt Flats Excursion (Chile/Bolivia)
Local Payment	USD400
Meals Included	All meals on the desert crossing excursion, during homestay, and while on Inca Trail.
Recommendation	This Buenos Aires to Lima tour is a component of our Great South American Journey JCF.
Reverse Itinerary	This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code JMB.
StartFinish	Buenos Aires to Lima
Transport	Public bus, train, local flight, hiking, ferry, 4X4.
Brochure Intro	This 52-day South American Tour is part of the Great South American Journey (GSAJ) and is made up of the following component parts: Southern Sojourn (JBS), The Atacama Crossing (JSL), and the first part of Andean Empire (JLQ). Together they span 4 countries: Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. For more detailed information about this tour please see the individual tours from which it is comprised.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-12-19	2009-02-08	4
2009-01-09	2009-03-01	7+
2009-04-10	2009-05-31	2
2009-05-01	2009-06-21	7+
2009-05-15	2009-07-05	7+
2009-07-03	2009-08-23	7+
2009-07-31	2009-09-20	7+
2009-08-21	2009-10-11	7+
2009-09-04	2009-10-25	7+
2009-10-23	2009-12-13	7+
2009-11-20	2010-01-10	7+
2009-12-11	2010-01-31	7+

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