Bolivia Crossing & Amazon (Lima to Buenos Aries)

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Arrive in Lima at any time.

Day 2-3 Amazon Jungle (2B, 2L, 2D)

Take a morning flight into the Amazon lowlands and the town of Puerto Maldonado. Travel by motorized canoe followed by a one-hour hike and a canoe trip across the lake (paddled by lodge staff) to our lodge in the Tambopata Rainforest Area. This area holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area. Explore the jungle with local guides.

Day 4 Cuzco

Cuzco is considered the mecca of Peru, and rightly so. With a friendly, colonial atmosphere, Cuzco offers much to the visitor: nearby Inca ruins, cobblestone streets, museums, markets and churches. Optional activities include rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking.

Day 5 Ollantaytambo

Travel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley and visit the Pisac ruins. In the afternoon continue to the picturesque town and Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo before preparing for the hike ahead.

Day 6-9 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (3B, 3L, 3D)

Begin a once in a lifetime journey on the ancient trail of the Incas. Fascinating ruins and spectacular mountain scenery fill every day of the hike, and local porters and guides ensure that the trip is worry-free. On the final day, climb the steps to the 'Sun Gate' to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Return to Cuzco on Day 10.

Day 10 Cuzco

Relax, shop and explore the sights and sounds of Cuzco on this free day. Stroll around the cobblestone streets of this beautiful colonial town or visit museums and churches built on Inca ruins.

Day 11-12 Puno / Lake Titicaca

Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on a full day of travel from Cuzco to Puno and Lake Titicaca. The next morning head out by boat across Lake Titicaca for a visit to the floating reed islands of Uros. We stop at the Amantani and Taquile islands to enjoy the lake’s scenic splendour and to meet the friendly people of these communities.

Day 13-15 Tiahuanaco / La Paz

Travel south to La Paz, the highest capital in the world. Explore the city’s museums or wander the streets, filled with colourful markets and indigenous costumes. Optional activities include a tour to the Valley of the Moon and the highest ski centre in the world. On Day 14, visit the ruins of Tiahuanaco, a 1000-year-old ceremonial centre on shores of Lake Titicaca.

Day 16 Night bus to Potosi

Travel to Potosí, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a silver mining centre during Spanish colonial times.

Day 17 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. Take an option to descend into a working mine for a close-up look at methods basically unchanged in decades, if not centuries.

Day 18-19 4x4 Atacama Desert Crossing Excursion / Uyuni (2B, 2L, 2D)

Embark on a journey through the impressive Salar de Uyuni in some of the most isolated and dramatic geography in South America. Spend three days exploring the remote flats by four-wheel-drive vehicles, between piercing blue skies and blinding white salt flats.

Day 20-21 San Pedro de Atacama

In the morning, take a bus even further south to the small desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, on the edge of the driest place in the world: The Atacama Desert.

Day 22-24 Salta

We make our way to Salta, in northern Argentina. Take in the region's spectacular scenery on an included trip across the mountains on the 'Train of the Clouds.' Later, explore the city by bike, riding to historic San Bernardo hill. Back in Salta be sure to try Empanadas Salteñas - the delicious local specialty. In the evening experience the local celebration at one of the "Peña" folklore shows.Please NOTE that the Train to the Clouds is currently under repair and this excursion will be done along the same route by minivan -- until further notice.

Day 25 Buenos Aires

There is much to do in this vibrant metropolis, with plenty of museums, theatres and historical areas. Be sure to visit the colourful neighbourhoods of La Boca, San Telmo, and the Recoleta, and catch some tango at one of the many tanguerias, or tango houses. Buenos Aires is sure to leave lasting memories and will make you want to return.