Welcome to Chile!

Upon arrival, meet & greet at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Santiago.

For wine lovers, Santiago is one of the best destinations in South America. With a short drive you can reach some of Chile’s premier wine regions, such as Maipo Valley. This full-day tour to Santa Rita winery, a 45-minute drive from Santiago, pairs a wine tasting with local history. Founded in 1880 this historic property was among the first to pioneer plantings of European grape varieties in Chile.

Your tour includes a visit to the oldest cellars as the famous ‘Cellar of the 120 Patriots’, the park, the chapel and the Roman bath. A premium wine tasting served with cheese and dried fruits will follow. Before heading back to Santiago you can spend your remaining time strolling through the sculpted grounds or wander through the on-site Andean Museum to see an excellent collection of more than 1800 pre-Columbian artifacts.

Lunch at Doña Paula the historic restaurant of Santa Rita winery. Considered a national monument it was here that General O’Higgins and his soldiers took refuge during the Chilean War of Independence.

At a proper time, transfer to the airport in Santiago for your flight to Calama.

This afternoon, a half-day tour will take you through the Salt Mountain Range, a unique and spectacular geological wonder, created over many millennia as a result of the continually conflicting pressures of the Andes and the Cordillera de Domeyko. It is within this mountain range that you will find the Dinosaur, Death and Moon Valley, each filled with lookouts and views of the mountain range and its volcanoes. The many ravines, peaks and expansive plains that make up these valleys have created their unique and otherworldly appearance, unlike anything else on the planet. Making your way to the Moon Valley, you will visit the Central Crater to get a better view of the valley and the amphitheater before making your way to a viewpoint that overlooks the Three Marys - naturally occurring geological formations in the silhouetted shape of Mother Mary praying. No trip to the region is complete without stopping at one of the highest lookouts in the Salt Mountain Range, the Kari lookout (also known as the Mirador Del Coyote), for some of the best views in the Atacama region. This clifftop vantage point is one of the most magnificent places to watch the sunset over the valley, colors will shift from a striking red and orange to hazy purples, pinks and even emerald blue; a sight not to be missed.

Depart early in the morning and make your way to one of the biggest geothermal fields in the world – the Tatio Geysers (a 2-hour drive) at 4,320 m / 14,173ft. You will arrive at sunrise, the best time to observe the natural spectacle that takes place there every morning. Boiling water gurgles in the frozen ground and then emerges violently as steam plumes throughout the over 100 geysers, pools and fumaroles.

Right after your exploration, you will be transferred to the airport in Calama for your flight to Lima.

At a proper time, airport transfer in Lima for your flight to Cusco.

Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. En-route, you make a stop in Pisaq. Originally a place where people from remote communities used to barter their products, Pisaq has evolved into one of South America’s most famous souvenir markets. Be sure to sample some empanadas baked in traditional clay ovens.

Lunch at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba. Enjoy a 3-course meal at a stylish property - resembling a grand colonial private house tucked above the village of Urubamba. Upon arrival, you might first be struck by the spectacular vistas over the valley. The menu includes healthy dishes made with many ingredients sourced directly from their farm. Before lunch, get an introduction into the ancient culture of ‘Chicha de Jora’ - a corn beer prepared by germinating maize. This tradition dates back from Inca times. Be part of the preparation before tasting your own ‘chicha‘.

Morning ride to Ollanta station. The train ride takes you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival, a small coach takes you up the steep roads to the entrance of the citadel. For centuries Machu Picchu remained undiscovered by the Spaniards and has only been found in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. During a guided tour you will experience the uniqueness of the location and the genius that went into its construction, making this Inca site one of the seven new wonders of the world.

Return by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollanta. Upon arrival drive to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

This morning, you leave the Sacred Valley to go back to Cusco. En route, you stop at Sacsayhuaman Fortress, the largest and most magnificent work left by the Incas. The massive terrace walls are amongst the largest used in any building in the Americas. The meticulous precision of the rockwork sheds light on the mastery of the Inca stonemasons. Then, you head back to Cusco city.

Your walking city tour continues in beautiful Cusco. Admire the most impressive example of how Inca and Hispanic cultures fused together at the Koricancha or Sun Temple. Just within walking distance, you find the Cathedral dominating the north-east side of Cusco’s main square. One of the most famous paintings and icons within is the ‘Last Supper’ by Quechua artist Marcos Zapata. The 18th-century painting symbolizes the blend of indigenous and European cultures. Instead of a lamb on the table, you find a guinea pig. Take then a cobblestoned street going up to the traditional artist's quarter of San Blas. Many of the best craftsmen have their workshops and small galleries in the cobbled, narrow streets. From the main square, take Triunfo Street to Hatunrumiyoc and see its famous twelve-sided stone.

At a proper time, transfer to the airport in Cusco for your flight to La Paz.

This afternoon, your sightseeing tour starts with a drive to the cliff-edge city ‘El Alto’. This metropolis, once inhabited by Aymara migrants, has long been associated with poverty. Today there is an emerging middle-class, proud of their urban-rural identity, which is reflected in the proliferation of colorful mansions blending modern architecture with symbols of the pre-Columbian Tiahuanaco culture. Your guide takes you through the streets featuring some of these so-called ‘chalets’ of ‘new Andean’ architecture before boarding the highest cable car in the world. Enjoy spectacular views of the snowcapped mountains and the city of La Paz before arriving down in the historic center to visit Murillo Square. Prominent buildings on the square include the Presidential Palace, the Congress Building, and a neoclassical cathedral. After a short stop to sample a ‘saltena’ (a typical baked pastry filled with beef or chicken) you head to San Francisco Church, considered one of the best examples of baroque mestizo architecture in South America.

At a proper time, transfer to the airport in La Paz for your flight to Uyuni.

Upon arrival you will be welcomed at the airport and will have some time for breakfast (not included). The first stop is at the train graveyard in the outskirts of Uyuni. It has been reported that among them was the first locomotive to enter Bolivia and another allegedly robbed by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Afterwards you enter the vast white Salar de Uyuni, a fantastic place for photography to visit ‘Incahuasi Island’ in the middle of the salt lake. The island seems to rise up out of nowhere and is covered with gigantic cacti, some 11m (36 ft) tall. You will spend time walking around admiring the unusual yet breathtaking landscapes. After a picnic lunch on the island you will be driven to Colchani to spend the night.

IMPORTANT
From December through March the likelihood of the salt lake being flooded increases and Incahuasi becomes often inaccessible. Consequently, the itinerary will be adapted. Still, during this time there are countless photo opportunities. The water covering the salt flats creates a mirror image of the sky and the clouds above.

Leaving the salt flat behind you will be driven along the volcanoes range with their eternal snow to Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. During the course of the next couple hours, there are lagoons on the way where colonies of flamingos and many smaller wild birds gather and strut around: Canapa (blue), Hedionda (red) and Honda (brown). Afterwards you head south to enter the Siloli desert. The scenery on the drive is fantastic and takes you high up into the Andes through desert-type landscapes. There are stones sculpted by the wind - one of the most bizarre formations is the Stone Tree. You spend the night at a simple but tremendously atmospheric place - set in one of the most remote and starkly beautiful places on earth, on the edge of the Siloli desert.

This day you need to get up very early and take in some of the continent’s most astounding sights such as the Red Lagoon with its James flamingos. Dotted with white islands of massive borax deposits, the lake is tainted blood red due to a variety of algae which thrive in the salt water. The next stop is at the geothermal field Sol de Mañana to see multiple mud pots and fumaroles. Later, there is a chance to take a dip in the hot springs before continuing the trip. Afterwards you visit the Green Lagoon, at the foot of Licancabur volcano. On the road back to Uyuni you stop at the ‘Rocks Valley’ featuring giant volcanic rocks between 8 to 15 meters high. You arrive in Uyuni on time to take your evening flight back to La Paz.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in La Paz.

Your day tour begins with an early pick up from your hotel. After approximately 2 hours you´ll reach Tiquina, where you will board a ferry to the opposite shore of Lake Titicaca and continue your journey to Copacabana, where you will enjoy your lunch on the waterfront. Then you will board a local boat and cruise Titicaca Lake to Sun Island (shared with other travelers). After disembarking you will visit the best-preserved Inca ruins on Sun Island, the Picocaina Temple. Later, you will be able to visit the community of Yumani, the ‘Fountain of the Inca’ and the legendary Inca Steps. After taking a few photos of the lake and enjoying the breathtaking view of Cordillera Real, you will board the local boat back to Copacabana (shared with other travelers). Absorb the sacred atmosphere in the Basilica of the ‘Dark Virgin’ before resuming your journey by car to Kasani, where you will change vehicle and continue to your hotel in Puno (without guide). Approximate arrival time is 20:30 hrs – Peruvian time.

IMPORTANT
Elevations on Sun Island range between 3,800 and 4,000 m (12,467 and 13,123 ft) and there are only footpaths. Therefore, a reasonable degree of fitness is required for hiking on the island. This excursion is not recommended for the less mobile (there are no motorized vehicles). Pack light and bring essentials such as: sunblock, a hat and sunglasses

Morning boat excursion to the floating Uros Islands. You will board a small boat and venture out onto the waters of Lake Titicaca. Visit of one of the native Uros communities located on a man-made floating island in the lake. The Uros people live totally interwoven with the ‘Totora’ reed which grows abundantly in the shallows of the lake. This strange way of life began over 500 years ago when the Uros built their islands in an effort to isolate themselves from the Coyas and the Incas.

Afterwards, transfer from Puno to the airport in Juliaca for your flight to Lima.

On our comprehensive morning tour in Lima, explore the historic center (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO), bohemian neighborhood of Barranco and Miraflores. As you stroll around the main plaza and Plaza San Martin, our guide will explain the city's impressive and diverse architectural heritage. Continue on to the Santo Domingo Monastery where the first University in South America, was founded in 1551. Time for a lunch break is included. Lima makes worldwide lists as a top culinary destination, tell your guide about your preferences. There is a wide array of options from fine dining to casual restaurants. Then, head to Barranco the epicenter of Lima’s cultural elite and home of artists; writers and designers for many generations. The walking tour includes the 'Bridge of Sighs' and a lookout point - a great spot for a view of the Pacific Ocean. If you fancy a coffee, ask your guide for a stop at the charming Felicia & Domingo Café, where you can try a delicious organic coffee (coffee not included). Dedalo, an art gallery set in an early-20th-century mansion with an adorable café on the back patio, could be also an option if you are looking for artsy and original handicrafts. Once in Miraflores stop at the Park of Love with the sculpture ‘The Kiss’ and a stunning view over the bay of Lima. Your tour ends with a visit to Huaca Pucllana an impressing archaeological site from the 5th century standing out among modern constructions in Miraflores.

At proper time, airport transfer in Lima for your international flight back home.