1-855-602-7447
Experts available 7 days a week!
Hotels & Resort Deals
Select a destination...
View All Hotels & Resort Deals
Vacation Interests
Miscellaneous
Tours By Type
Tour Deals
Select a destination...
View All Tour Deals
Cruises From
Vacation Interests
Career Discounts
Featured Destinations
Select a destination for info and deals...
Destination Ports
Cruises sailing in each region...
- Transfer Your Booking To Us
- Book Shore Excursions
- Book Land Tours
- Save on Passport & Visa Services
-
![Arrow]()
View All Customer Service Resources
Saving Tools
- Access Reservation (web-made bookings only)
- Make a Payment
- Add Travel Insurance
- Pre-Cruise Registration
For Existing Reservations
- Land Vacation FAQs
- Cruise FAQs
- Cruise Port Directions
- Contact Us
Useful Links
Lima to Buenos Aires with Train to Machu Picchu | Summer 2027
-
Length
34 Days
-
Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Lima (Peru)
-
Ends in
Buenos Aires (Argentina)
-
Available Tour Start Dates
JAN 5, 2027 to DEC 21, 2027
-
Activity Level
No Rating Provided
-
Language
English
-
Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).No
-
Special Interest(s)
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Contiki tours are only available for 18- to 35-year olds.
Overview
Get ready for 34 epic days of South America done the real way, with local hostels, public transport, overnight buses and big overland stretches. From Peru’s coast to Argentina’s capital, you'll chase Paracas cliffs, Huacachina dunes and the Nazca Lines. Then hit Arequipa, level up in Cusco with the Train to Machu Picchu. From Lake Titicaca, you'll roll into Bolivia for La Paz, Sucre, Potosí and the Uyuni Salt Flats, before crossing into Chile for San Pedro. Finish off in Salta before landing in Buenos Aires for that final hit of city swagger.
Visited During Tour
Arequipa (Peru) | Buenos Aires (Argentina) | Cusco (Peru) | Huacachina (Peru) | La Paz (Bolivia) | Lake Titicaca (Peru & Bolivia) | Lima (Peru) | Machu Picchu (Peru) | Nazca Lines (Peru) | Paracas (Peru) | Potosi | Puno (Peru) | Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa (Bolivia) | Sacred Valley (Peru) | Salta | San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) | Sucre | Uyuni (Bolivia) | Uyuni Salt Flat
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Lima to Buenos Aires with Train to Machu Picchu | Summer 2027 tour dates available from Contiki. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
Contiki Tour Code 779-2579
-
Day
1Lima
Hola, welcome to Lima! You’ll meet your crew this evening in this beautiful city packed with rich cultural heritage. Then we’ll get to know each other over a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Accommodations: NAIA Miraflores Hotel (or similar) -
Day
2Lima to Huacachina via Paracas National Reserve
It’s been short ‘n’ sweet, Lima. But we’ve got no time to waste! After breakfast, we’ll hit the road on public transport and drive along the coast towards the rugged cliffs of the Paracas National Reserve. Are. You. Ready? Coastal scenery doesn’t get more stunning than this. We’ll take a tour of Peru's toasty coast, lined with rocky cliffs and bright blue waves. It’s not everyday you get to ride a buggy (or sandboard down the slopes, if that’s your vibe) over the largest sand dunes in all of South America. You’ll be absolutely awestruck. And that’s absolutely normal. Afterwards, we’ll check into our hostel (located right in the middle of a quaint little desert oasis!). Trust us, the sleep’s gonna hit different tonight.
Accommodations: Viajero Huacachina Hostel (or similar) -
Day
3Huacachina to Overnight Coach via Nazca Lines
Wakey Wakey. Say goodbye to this desert oasis cuz we're jumping on the Peru Hop network — our public transport coach to the next desert wonder. Thought it couldn’t get any better? Well, the Nazca Lines beg to differ. These mysterious yet impressive 2000-year-old sand imprints have blown away the most brilliant minds. And today, you have the chance to view them from a tower. Settle in with your crew for a smooth ride to Arequipa. Get ready for more unreal desert and mountain views along the way.
Accommodations: Overnight Bus -
Day
4Overnight Coach to Arequipa
Morning, travellers. We'll ditch the overnight coach and make our way to the hotel in this beautiful 'White City'. Welcome to Arequipa! Three majestic volcanoes, the vibrant Santa Catalina Monastery and a guided tour of all the city’s highlights await us. Next: check in, freshen up and spend the day exploring this wonderful city on our own.
Accommodations: Qema Arequipa (or similar) -
Day
5Arequipa
Today is all yours. Wander the white-stone streets, post up in a sunny plaza cafe, or head out to explore viewpoints and markets at your own pace. Slow it down or pack it in, you do you.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Qema Arequipa (or similar) -
Day
6Arequipa to Cusco
Arequipa, you were awesome. But it's time to roll. This morning, we’ll jump back on the Peru Hop coach, cruising from white-stone streets and Misti views into big-sky altiplano territory. Think Lagunillas lagoons, roaming vicuñas, wide-open plains and Lake Titicaca’s basin in the distance — with plenty of photo stops baked in. Feeling the altitude? Yep. Welcome to Cusco! Tonight, the city’s yours to explore and grab dinner with the crew. Tomorrow? We dive all the way in.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Viajero Cusco (or similar) -
Day
7Cusco
Another day, another incredible Latin American destination to uncover; today it's sun up 'til sun down in Cusco. We’ll kick things off with a city tour, then the afternoon’s yours. Shop for artisan jewellery and woodwork, wander San Pedro Market with cacao nibs in hand and coca tea on the go. Feeling adventurous? Sign up for a mountain biking experience and explore the epic scenery just beyond the city.
Accommodations: Viajero Cusco (or similar) -
Day
8Cusco
Rise and shine! Want to see the unreal colours of Rainbow Mountain? Opt in for an early hike and earn those views. More of a slow morning person? Take your time exploring the city instead, or opt for a massage or an interactive dining experience where you’ll dish up some Peruvian classics yourself.
Accommodations: Viajero Cusco (or similar) -
Day
9Cusco to Sacred Valley
Catch ya later, Cusco. Today we’ll head for the Sacred Valley on our private coach. But first, a proper Andean culture stop. We’ll meet llamas, alpacas and vicuñas up close, learn the ancient Incan art of weaving from talented local artisans, and even try our hand at the traditional game of Sapo. Keep your eyes on the landscapes too for terraced hillsides and local village life rolling by. And just like that, we’ve made it to the Sacred Valley. Rest up in your lodge for the night.
Accommodations: Tunupa Lodge (or similar) -
Day
10Sacred Valley
Free day in the Sacred Valley? Yup. Roam the streets and say goodbye (just for a bit) to the hikers. Tomorrow we conquer Machu Picchu.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Tunupa Lodge (or similar) -
Day
11Sacred Valley to Cusco via Machu Picchu
Jump on the Inca Rail from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and watch the Andes roll by on a two-hour ride that seriously delivers on scenery. Hop on the bus up from Aguas Calientes and step into Machu Picchu with your private guide leading the way. Spend the half-day unpacking the stories, the stonework, and those unreal terraces you’ve seen all over your feed. Bucket list? Ticked. Off. After the main event, we’ll rail it back and roll on with a private transfer to Cusco. Mountains out the window. Camera roll filling up. Take a minute to soak it all in as we make our way back to Cusco.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Viajero Cusco (or similar) -
Day
12Cusco
Today’s yours to take Cusco at your own pace. Cafe hop around the Plaza de Armas, hunt down local markets, or just wander those cobbled streets and see where they lead
Accommodations: Viajero Cusco (or similar) -
Day
13Cusco
Hikers and non-hikers reunite today, and the city’s yours to enjoy together. Spend your free time swapping trail stories over coffee, exploring the cobbled streets, or diving back into Cusco’s markets and plazas.
Accommodations: Viajero Cusco (or similar) -
Day
14Cusco to Puno
Today we’ll hop on board a shared coach once again and travel to Puno along the famous Route of the Sun, with iconic stops along the way — Andahuaylillas (AKA the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”), Raqchi and the Temple of Wiracocha. Plus viewpoint and culture breaks at La Pascana, La Raya and the Pucará Museum. By the time we roll into Puno, we’ll have ticked off one of Peru’s best overland journeys. Welcome to the folkloric capital of Peru!
- Meals Included:
- Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar) -
Day
15Puno to Lake Titicaca
Lake time! Today, we'll make our way to Lake Titicaca, cruising out across the lake towards Taquile Island. On the way, you’ll visit a floating island built from totora reeds, stepping onto the man-made platforms and checking out the reed houses up close. We'll explore a quieter part of Taquile on a short hike to an open-air market where the community shares dances, textiles, and local traditions. Then follow a pre-Incan path down to a sandy beach for some chill time. Hungry? Once we arrive on the Capachica Peninsula, we'll head into a local family homestay, and sit down for lunch made from local produce, with an optional late-afternoon hike up to a nearby hill for sunset. Later, after dinner, we’ll round things off with a small celebration of traditional music and dancing, then settle in for the night in basic but comfy rooms.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Llachon Island Homestay (or similar) -
Day
16Lake Titicaca to Puno
Say goodbye to your host fam. After an early brekkie, we'll boat back across the lake with the crew. The rest of the day? All yours to do whatever you please.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar) -
Day
17Puno to La Paz
Morning! Jump in to your private transfer from the hotel to the bus station, then roll out on the tourist bus to La Paz via Copacabana (about 10 hours). Settle in, snack up, and watch the landscapes do their thing. Welcome to Bolivia! Once we arrive, we'll snag a private transfer to the hotel. Come get your first taste of La Paz on a welcome dinner with your crew.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Las Brisas Centro (or similar) -
Day
18La Paz
We'll kick off our La Paz discovery with a half-day Shoe Shiner City Tour and see the city through a local lens. You'll tick off viewpoints, street life, and big city energy. Then it’s free time to roam, market-hop, and snack your way through town. Ever heard of the Bolivian Fighting Cholitas? Tonight, you have the option to see them live in action.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Las Brisas Centro (or similar) -
Day
19La Paz to Overnight Bus
Free day? To do La Paz your way? Mhm, that's right. Choose to cruise the city on Mi Teleférico for big Illimani views, wander the historic centre (San Francisco Church, Calle Jaén, Witches’ Market), or duck out to Valle de la Luna for those surreal, moon-like rock formations. Later, we’ll take a private transfer to the bus station and hop on the overnight bus on a comfy ride to Sucre. Tonight we’ll be rolling through the dark towards Bolivia’s “White City,” ready to wake up in a whole new vibe.
Accommodations: Overnight Bus -
Day
20Overnight Bus to Sucre
We'll arrive around 7am, then hop into a private transfer to the hotel to freshen up. Welcome to Bolivia’s “White City”! We'll explore the city on foot, checking out colonial streets, car-free plazas, and museums if you’re keen, and that chilled Spanish-era vibe. Thinking of what to grab for lunch? Check out Salteñería El Patio, Sucre's go-to spot for authentic Bolivian salteñas (juicy, baked empanadas stuffed with meat, cheese or veggies) in a charming colonial courtyard setting.
Accommodations: Hostal Sucre (or similar) -
Day
21Sucre
It’s a free day to roam your way - whether that means browsing Mercado Central for fresh juices, street snacks and local handicrafts, or heading up Recoleta hill to catch sunset over the whitewashed rooftops and tiled domes. If you’re keen to get out of town, join us for an optional visit to the Maragua Crater to check out dinosaur footprints (no kidding!).
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hostal Sucre (or similar) -
Day
22Sucre to Potosi
This morning we’ll leave Sucre behind and roll by private transfer to Potosí, trading white-city charm for high-altitude history. This afternoon, we'll explore a city that wears its past loud and clear — cobbled streets, ornate colonial facades, and Cerro Rico looming over it all. We'll hit Plaza 10 de Noviembre for Cathedral views and local market energy, then dive into the Casa Nacional de la Moneda to see the silver-boom story up close (it’s equal parts fascinating and haunting).
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Virreyes (or similar) -
Day
23Potosi
You’ve got free time to explore your way, and if you’re curious, you can opt into a tour of the nearby mines for a deeper look at the city’s history. Tonight, we’ll share dinner with a local miner’s family and hear firsthand stories about life here.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Virreyes (or similar) -
Day
24Potosi to Uyuni
We'll kick off today with a private transfer to Uyuni (around 4 hours), swapping colonial streets for wide-open Andean plains. First things first: a quick orientation of this dusty, high-altitude outpost, its adobe buildings and markets selling llama wool and quinoa. You’ll have the afternoon free to get prepped for the Salt Flats — snack run, anyone?
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Samay Wasi (or similar) -
Day
25Uyuni to Uyuni Salt Flat
After breakfast, you’ll jump into a private 4x4 with a Local Guide and head out into the wide-open weirdness. Kick things off at the Train Cemetery for rusted-locomotive photo ops and a hit of rail history, then roll through Colchani to see how salt is cut and processed and to browse the local handicraft stalls (yes, there are salt-brick shops). Quick stop at Plaza de las Banderas for a picnic-style lunch with flags snapping in the wind and nothing but white horizon for days. Then, we'll head to Incahuasi Island to walk among towering cacti. Later, we'll pull over on a perfectly flat stretch for those iconic perspective photos, before chasing sunset across the salar and finishing at a (very) remote salt hotel for dinner and a proper rest.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel De Sal "Tambo Loma" - Colcha K (or similar) -
Day
26Uyuni Salt Flat to Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa
Kick things off at the Ollagüe Volcano viewpoint, where a smoking peak cuts into endless salt plains and copper-toned hills. Then, we'll roll across the Altiplano to the lagoons of Cañapa, Chiarcota and Turquiri to see flamingos strut through neon-blue water (your camera will be working overtime here). Ready for surreal views? Here in Laguna Colorada, the lake glows red and white borax islands pop against a backdrop of distant volcanoes. From there, we'll climb higher into a geothermal field to check out hissing fumaroles and mud pots at nearly 5,000 metres. And if slowing it down sounds like your kind of plan, you're welcome to spend the rest of the day floating in the hot springs and taking in those unreal views.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Ecologico de Piedra (or similar) -
Day
27Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa to San Pedro de Atacama
After brekkie, we'll roll into landscapes that look straight out of a painting, starting with the Salvador Dalí Desert’s wind-sculpted rock formations. Then it’s on to Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca for green and milky-white waters shimmering beneath towering volcanoes. After soaking up the final Bolivian views, we’ll cross the border into Chile, swap our 4x4s for a bus, and continue on towards San Pedro de Atacama. We'll arrive in San Pedro and check into our hostel before easing into this laid-back desert oasis. We'll spend tonight in this bohemian backpacker hub. Come sunset, the desert flips through shades of orange and pink, and by night the sky goes full stargazer mode.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hostal Puritama (or similar) -
Day
28San Pedro de Atacama
You’ll have a free day to take it at your own pace — sleep in, cafe crawl, or wander the dusty little streets. If you’re keen to level it up, you can opt into sandboarding for some desert thrills, or jump on the optional Vallecito sunset tour to chase golden-hour views.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hostal Puritama (or similar) -
Day
29San Pedro de Atacama to Salta
Today, we'll jump on a public tourist bus for an epic Andean crossing to Salta (in around 10 hours). Expect big-window views as you climb out of the desert, pass salt flats and volcanoes, and hit the Chile–Argentina border at Paso de Jama (4,200m). After winding down into greener northwest Argentina and the Lerma Valley, you’ll arrive at Salta Bus Station and take a private transfer straight to your hostel.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hostal Prisamata (or similar) -
Day
30Salta
We'll kick with an orientation of the city centre, where leafy plazas, pastel colonial facades and arcaded cafes circle Plaza 9 de Julio, with the cathedral and San Francisco Church stealing the skyline. Then it’s a free day to do Salta your way — slow strolls, market wanderings, or cafe hopping. When night falls, you can opt into a Peña dinner & show, soaking up local folk music vibes alongside regional flavours in the streets that come alive after dark.
Accommodations: Hostal Prisamata (or similar) -
Day
31Salta to Buenos Aires
Say goodbye to Salta. Today, we're jumping on a plane straight to the capital of Argentina. Buenas! You've got the evening to spend exploring the streets of this city before we dive in deeper tomorrow.
Accommodations: Viajero Hostel (or similar) -
Day
32Buenos Aires
Hola Argentina! We'll kick things off with an orientation to get you sorted, then the afternoon will be yours to explore. Hit the neighbourhoods, cafe-hop, people-watch, or just wander until something delicious finds you. For dinner tonight, opt in for an Argentine Sherpa dinner.
Accommodations: Viajero Hostel (or similar) -
Day
33Buenos Aires
Today’s yours to dive deeper. You can opt for a trip out to Tigre and explore its riverside delta life. Back in Buenos Aires tonight, level things up with an optional dinner & tango Show — bold moves, big flavours, and pure Argentine drama (the good kind).
Accommodations: Viajero Hostel (or similar) -
Day
34Buenos Aires
Buh-bye Buenos Aires - our time in South America has officially come to an end.
More Details
Contiki is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Lima to Buenos Aires with Train to Machu Picchu | Summer 2027 tour:
Travelers Notes
* ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR ARGENTINA: All non-resident visitors must present proof of valid travel health insurance upon entry to Argentina. The insurance must include coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation. This regulation is being strictly enforced at airports, land borders and maritime ports across the country. Airlines have been instructed to verify insurance coverage before boarding; passengers without proof may be denied boarding. We recommend all travellers have their travel health insurance on hand to present to airlines/border controls.* START/END TIMES: Trip starts in Lima at 5:00pm and ends in Buenos Aires at 11:00am. Hotels are subject to change. Please join your trip at the start accommodation outlined in your trip documents. Hotels are subject to change. Check your travel documents for How To Get There & Kick-Start Meeting information.* TRANSFERS: Contiki does not offer transfers unless stated otherwise.* PASSPORT: Passport details are required for all Latin America trips. The clients name as it appears on their passport, date of birth, gender, passport number, expiry date with 6 months validity, and nationality is required.* VISAS: Visas may be required for this trip. It is the client's responsibility to obtain the necessary documentation.* RECIPROCITY TAX: A reciprocity tax for Bolivia for USA citizens of USD$160 is no longer required. (Subject to change).* INCA TRAIN: Only one 11 lbs./5kg piece of hand luggage is allowed on the train. Your main luggage and extra bags will be stored at our Cusco hotel. A passport or copy has to be shown to board the train.* ELEVATION: Parts of this trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse effects on your health due to the altitude. For more information visit https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/altitude-sickness*VACCINES: Yellow Fever vaccination required for Bolivia.* GROUND HANDLER: This trip is operated on behalf of Contiki by our trusted third party supplier Encounter Latin America and led by one of our own wonderful Contiki Trip Managers.* NOTE: Days 3 and 19 will be spent on an overnight bus in 150 degree reclining seats.* INCA TRAIL OPTION: You have purchased the trip that does NOT include the upgrade to the Inca Trail Trek option. All Peru trips visit Machu Picchu, but this trip does not include the Trek option.* INTERNAL FLIGHTS: Luggage allowance is limited to 1 suitcase per guest (maximum of 44lbs/20Kg) and 1 piece of hand luggage per guest 12"x11"x6" (30x28x14cm). Refer to trip documents for any exceptions.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on multi-share. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Contiki. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Contiki (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.