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Journeys: Across The Andes From Peru To Chile
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Length
15 Days
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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)
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Ends in
Santiago (Chile)
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Available Tour Start Dates
JAN 22, 2028 to JAN 6, 2029
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Style
Fully-Guided
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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).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
National Geographic
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam - all without sacrificing comfort., Small GroupGroup trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$5,499.00
Contact Us for a Special Price!
Overview
Embark on a grand journey through South America's high-altitude heartland, where mountain traditions endure against dramatic Andean backdrops. Cross the vast, surreal expanse of the Uyuni salt flats, share home-cooked meals featuring native regional grains, and explore historic Inca ruins alongside local hosts. From misty valleys to wild volcanic plateaus, uncover a land defined by ancient traditions and unforgettable horizons.
Visited During Tour
Aguas Calientes (Peru) | Cusco (Peru) | La Paz (Bolivia) | Laguna Hedionda | Lima (Peru) | San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) | Santiago (Chile) | Urubamba (Peru) | Uyuni (Bolivia)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
Accommodations
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Journeys: Across The Andes From Peru To Chile tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Tour Itinerary
G Adventures Tour Code SPCNG-11957
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Day
1Lima
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Get ready for a very busy tour exploring the best of Peru in a week. We recommend booking a pre-night in Lima (in particular if your flight arrives into Lima in the evening) to recover from international flights and rest up before the excitement.
Please note that if you booked the Lima Cooking Class it does not include extra time in Lima and we highly recommend booking pre-trip accommodation. You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 9:30am and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. You will return to your hotel around 13:00.Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your Expedition Leader will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Accommodations: Hotel Antigua Miraflores2Optional Activities for Day 1
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Day
2Lima/Urubamba
Board an early flight to Cusco, once the capital of the Inca empire, then drive to Urubamba through the scenic Sacred Valley. Explore the terraced salt pans of Maras, which have been used for salt extraction since pre-Inca times, and tour the Inca site of Moray-believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where priests would test soils and crops. Later, we'll enjoy a meal of local specialities, prepared by chefs in this region for a millennium.
There are some very early morning starts on this trip to make the best use of our time and see as much as we can of Peru in a week.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Times includes all stops and visits enroute through the Sacred Valley.
Moray Ruins Guided Tour
Explore the ancient site of Moray, which archeologists believe was used to conduct agricultural experiments. Walk down through the great circular terraces and notice how the temperature shifts with the depth - sometimes as much as 15?C (27?F)!
Las Salineras Pre-Incan Salt Pans Guided Tour
Visit the pre-Incan salt pans of Las Salineras - still in use today. Marvel at the terraced pools set amongst the beauty of the Sacred Valley.
Traditional Pachamanca Dinner
The thousand-year-old tradition of pachamanca is typically prepared in an underground oven using hot stones, earth, and aromatic herbs. For this experience, you will enjoy pachamanca a la olla, a variation prepared in a pot. Using the same local ingredients and seasonings, meats such as lamb, pork, chicken, or guinea pig are slow-cooked with vegetables to recreate the rich, earthy flavors of the original method. Savour this traditional meal, prepared by an experienced chef.
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Day
3Urubamba
Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the G Adventures-supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you'll walk through the park with a local guide to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We'll also tour the fascinating Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac and enjoy a meal at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Times includes all stops and visits enroute through the Sacred Valley.
Traditional Andean Experience
In Peru's Sacred Valley of the Inca, six communities of approximately 6000 indigenous people are working together to preserve over 700 species of potato - a cornerstone of life here. As part of an experience exclusive to National Geographic Journeys travellers - and part of our G Adventures for Good program - visit this area, named "Parque de la Papa" ("Potato Park"), to learn about life in an Andean agricultural community. Walk through the park here with a local guide, dropping by the seed bank (which has direct ties to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway) and then head out to the fields to watch the planting or harvesting process, depending on the season. After, enjoy some of the delicious varieties of potato and visit the small stone hut where traditional weaving takes place. Learn about the natural dyeing process and witness alpaca wool strands being transformed into beautiful textiles through a centuries-old backstrap weaving style. Your visit to this special community means this local enterprise can continue earning an income that supports their development and conservation goals.
Parque de la Papa (Potato Park)
Parque de la Papa (meaning "Potato Park") serves two important purposes for the community of Pampallacta: the preservation of agricultural biodiversity and economic opportunity. National Geographic Journeys travellers visit the park to learn about life in a rural agricultural Andean community and take a tour of the seed conservation program, which is preserving heritage potato species. They also learn about traditional planting, harvesting and indigenous weaving practices. With G Adventures' support, the community is able to create jobs in the area and invest in local businesses, which helps the community preserve their culture.
Pisac Ruins Guided Tour
Tour the fascinating hilltop citadel of Pisac, an Incan ruin with plunging gorges, a ceremonial centre, and winding agriculture terracing that's still in use today. Be captivated by this truly amazing site sitting amid sweeping green valleys and mountain peaks. Explore the back of the site to see a pocketed cliff across Kitamayo Gorge, which once contained hundreds of Inca tombs.
Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley
Contribute to sustainable tourism in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village of 65 families in the Sacred Valley, by eating at the Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn how the resident-run restaurant was kickstarted by G Adventures and the Multilateral Investment Fund, to become a successful farm-to-table program that boosts the local economy and several spin-off microenterprises.
Ollantaytambo Ruins Guided Tour
Tour the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo with a local guide. Take a step back in time at this Inca archaeological site; it still shows signs of its former glory, including agricultural terraces, a Temple Hill, and storehouses. Learn how the area, overlooking the Urubamba River Valley, was an important stronghold during warfare between the Spanish and Incas.
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Day
4Urubamba/Aguas Calientes
Catch an early transfer to the Ollantaytambo station and board a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Ride through lush Andean scenery, enjoying breathtaking views of ancient ruins and everyday life. Settle into your hotel in Aguas Calientes, and choose from a variety of optional activities: take a relaxing soak in the local hot springs, visit a beautiful botanical garden, or wander the handicraft stalls in town as you prepare for an early start the following day to go up to Machu Picchu.
Please bear in mind that the town has several amenities, but is also geographically remote meaning services are sometimes more basic than one would assume. As the only option for travellers visiting Machu Picchu, the development of infrastructure has happened quite quickly, much without proper planning, and the focus on providing quality service may not be up to the standards experienced in other parts of the country.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
4Optional Activities for Day 4
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Day
5Aguas Calientes/Cusco
This morning, embark on a guided tour of Machu Picchu-the 15th-century Inca citadel famously introduced to the world by archaeologist Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine. After being taken through the temples and terraces of this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, return to Cusco by train.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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Day
6Cusco
Spend the day exploring charming Cusco. Opt to visit Plaza de Armas, the historic main square; the 15th-century Sacsayhuaman fortress; or some of the city's museums and ornate churches. This evening, we'll head to the Cusco Planetarium to learn about the importance of astronomy to the ancient Inca and, weather permitting, look out at the glittering, starry sky through telescopes.
Please remember that star gazing is completely weather dependent and sometimes there can be cloudy skies.
Please note: if you pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class you will be picked up from your hotel at approx 12:30 and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. Return back to your hotel around 16:00.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Free Time
Take in the sights on horseback or rent a motorbike for a more thrilling ride. Looking to learn more about Cusco? Head to one of the many museums in the city.
Cusco Planetarium
Look to the night sky for a different view of the city. Explore the Cusco Planetarium surrounded by the serene nature of the Llaullipata Ecological Reserve. Enjoy a presentation on the southern sky, contemporary astronomy, and the ancient Incas' relationship with the cosmos. Check out the on-site museum and use the telescopes to admire the stars (weather-permitting).
3Optional Activities for Day 6
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Day
7Cusco/La Paz
Bid farewell to Peru on a flight across the high Altiplano into Bolivia. As your plane approaches El Alto, look out over snow-capped Andean peaks and sprawling plains perched nearly four thousand metres above sea level. After touching down, wind your way downward from the edge of the plateau into the dramatic geological bowl that holds La Paz, where brick houses cling to canyon walls and cable cars drift across the sky. Head to your hotel in the city centre and take time to settle in. Take an orientation walk with your Expedition Leader to get your bearings before a quiet evening on your own terms.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Plane
Fly south from Cusco south across the Andes and past Lake Titicaca into Bolivia, to the city of La Paz.
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
La Paz Orientation Walk
Head out from the hotel with your Expedition Leader on foot to explore the bustling nearby area. Pass by busy shops and stroll through the witches market, witnessing the deep indigenous traditions that are ever-present in daily life in Bolivia. Continue through picturesque cobblestone streets past San Francisco Church to Plaza Murillo.
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Day
8La Paz
Leave the bustle of La Paz behind for a quick forty-minute drive that feels like traveling to another planet. Arriving at Moon Valley, step directly into a quiet, dramatic landscape where thousands of years of erosion have carved clay spires, tall towers, and deep craters into the earth. Follow your guide along winding scenic trails, feeling the crunch of dry clay beneath your boots as you learn about the complex geology and indigenous legends that give this canyon its soul. Back in the city, enjoy a free afternoon before gathering in the evening with your Expedition Leader and any new companions joining the next leg of the adventure.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Valley of the Moon Tour
Explore the lunar landscape of the Valley of the Moon and see the breathtaking, otherworldly landscape formed by the thousands of years of erosion. Rather than a traditional valley, it is a mesmerizing maze of towering stalagmites, rugged canyons, and sharp spires that closely resemble a lunar terrain. Visitors can explore this unique geological formation via well-maintained walking trails and suspension bridges, which offer stunning panoramic views of the surreal, beige and reddish clay structures set against the backdrop of the dramatic Andean sky and the towering Illimani Mountain in the distance.
Free Time
Get out and explore the vibrant and diverse energy of sky-high La Paz. Bustling markets, bohemian neighbourhoods with street art, trendy cafes and restaurants await.
Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.
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Day
9La Paz
Set out on foot, by van, and on the city's famous aerial cable cars to explore La Paz alongside a local guide. Gliding over the colourful rooftops, watch the city's unique geography unfold below before stepping into lively plazas and traditional markets brimming with textiles and regional herbs. The afternoon is yours to explore independent art galleries or relax at a cafe. Later, gather at a popular restaurant for an interactive culinary experience. Guided by a local chef, discover how ancestral foods like quinoa are woven into contemporary dishes, sampling a tasting menu while discussing La Paz's rise as a culinary destination.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Guided Tour of La Paz
Head out with a local guide this morning to discover the sky-high city of La Paz by foot, van and cable car. Explore vibrant squares, historical landmarks, and bustling artisan markets as you learn about the fascinating balance of ancient Andean traditions and modern life.
Free Time
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore La Paz at your own pace.
La Paz Culinary Experience
Delve into Bolivia's evolving culinary scene during an interactive tasting experience at a celebrated La Paz restaurant. Alongside a local chef, discover how traditional Andean staples like quinoa are reimagined into modern fusion cuisine, and sample the innovative dishes driving the city's emergence as a foodie destination.
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Day
10La Paz/Uyuni
Board an early morning flight from La Paz to Uyuni, landing near the vast, open plains of the high Altiplano. Head straight onto the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat on Earth, where the white horizon stretches endlessly under the blue sky. Learn how salt is harvested using age-old techniques, then gather for a picnic lunch set directly on the blindingly white expanse. Check into your hotel in the early afternoon to rest and settle in. As evening approaches, take a brief drive back out onto the flats to watch the sky shift through shades of pink and orange as the light fades into evening.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Transfer from your hotel to El Alto Airport to catch a flight to Uyuni.
Plane
Fly south to Uyuni, touching down on the high-altitude plains of the Bolivian Altiplano at the edge of the salt flats.
Salt Flats Excursion
Set out across the vast Salar de Uyuni, beginning with a stop at the historic Train Cemetery before continuing to the indigenous community of Colchani to observe traditional methods of salt processing. Venture deeper into the endless white desert to witness unique geological features like bubbling "ojos de sal" and geometric salt extraction mounds, culminating with a visit to the region's very first salt hotel, now preserved as a museum.
Picnic Lunch on the Salt Flats
Pause your exploration to enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch set directly upon the blindingly white, seemingly endless expanse of the world's largest salt flat.
Salt Flats Sunset Experience
Venture back onto the salt crust as evening approaches to witness a dramatic Andean sunset. Watch as the fading light transforms the stark landscape, painting the unbroken horizon in vivid shades of pink and orange.
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Day
11Uyuni/High Altiplano Desert
Climb into 4x4 vehicles to begin a two-day journey across the mountain desert, where towering volcanoes and sculpted rock formations frame the horizon. Stop at the Jukil community, a G Adventures-supported project, to share a meal and learn about daily life in this remote environment. Continue through dramatic landscapes, pausing at viewpoints near San Juan, the Chiguana salt flat, the snow-draped Ollague volcano, and Laguna Canapa. Keep an eye out for high-altitude wildlife and flamingos gathering along the shores of mineral-rich lakes. Arrive by late afternoon at your lodge set right beside Laguna Hedionda, settling in for a dinner surrounded by the stillness of the high plateau.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Desert Crossing
Spend 2 days on a 4x4 journey through the dramatic Altiplano, traversing a high-altitude landscape of towering volcanoes, mineral-rich lagoons, and wind-sculpted plains.
Jukil Community Visit
Visit the Jukil Community to gain authentic insight into traditional Altiplano life and the region's enduring agricultural heritage. Connect with local residents over a freshly prepared lunch highlighting regional Andean ingredients.
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Day
12High Altiplano Desert/San Pedro de Atacama
Resume your 4x4 crossing through the desert, navigating through the surreal sandstone formations of the Valley of the Rocks and stopping to marvel at the Arbol de Piedra, a stone tree carved by centuries of wind. Enjoy lunch together, then continue past multi-coloured lakes, including the bright red waters of Laguna Colorada, before driving through steaming geyser fields and natural hot springs. Near the foot of the towering Licancabur Volcano and the emerald waters of Laguna Verde, cross the border into Chile. Descend into the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, where the warm desert air welcomes you for a free evening to dine at your leisure.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Desert Crossing
Set out early to continue your overland expedition through the striking, high-altitude terrain of the Bolivian Altiplano. Navigate the wind-sculpted geological formations of the Valley of Rocks, including the iconic Arbol de Piedra, before encountering a series of vibrant, mineral-rich lakes such as the crimson Laguna Colorada and the striking Laguna Verde. Pause for lunch near the Polques hot springs, taking in a rugged landscape defined by steaming geysers, towering volcanoes, and the surreal expanses of the high desert wilderness.
Private Vehicle
Descend from the high altitude desert and cross the border into Chile on the way to the town of San Pedro de Atacama.
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Day
13San Pedro de Atacama
Spend a free day in San Pedro de Atacama at your own pace. Choose to rent a bicycle to ride through nearby desert canyons, visit local archaeological ruins, or relax under the trees in the town plaza. In the late afternoon, gather to travel into the Valle de la Luna. Walk across rippled sand dunes and sculpted salt caverns as the afternoon light transforms the Valley of the Moon into deep shades of red and gold. Find a quiet vantage point to watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting the Andes in brilliant light before returning to town for the evening.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Free Time
Enjoy a free day to relax or navigate the sun-baked streets of San Pedro de Atacama at your own pace. For those wishing to venture into the surrounding desert, choose from several optional half-day excursions.
Moon Valley Sunset Experience
Depart in the late afternoon for Valle de la Luna, navigating salt-carved canyons, dried lakes, and towering sand dunes. As dusk nears, gather at the Piedra del Coyote, perched high above the Kari Gorge, to watch the fading sunlight cast deep shadows and intense colours across the volcano horizon.
3Optional Activities for Day 13
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Day
14San Pedro de Atacama/Santiago
Travel to Calama for a morning flight to Chile's bustling capital, Santiago. Upon landing, see some of the sights on the way to the hotel, taking in the contrast of historical plazas, leafy neighbourhoods, and the dramatic backdrop of the snow-topped Andes mountains rising just beyond the city limits. Take a bit of downtime at the hotel or explore the surrounding area before joining your group in the evening for an optional dinner to toast the unforgettable landscapes and shared moments of the trip.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Drive from San Pedro de Atacama to the airport in Calama to catch a flight to Santiago.
Plane
Fly south along the spine of the Andes, watching the fractured canyons of the Atacama Desert slowly give way to the fertile central valleys before descending into Chile's capital, Santiago.
Private Vehicle
Transfer from the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport to your hotel.
Accommodations: NH Ciudad Santiago -
Day
15Santiago
Depart at any time
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Accommodations
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Journeys: Across The Andes From Peru To Chile tour:
Lima
Hotel Antigua Miraflores
Location
Ave. Grau 350, Miraflores
Lima, Peru
Other Details
- Air Conditioning, 24-hour Front Desk, Free Internet, Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Santiago
NH Ciudad Santiago
Location
Condell 40, 7500711 Providencia, Región Metropolitana
Santiago, Chile
Other Details
- Air Conditioning, Room Service, 24-hour Front Desk, Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
More Details
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Journeys: Across The Andes From Peru To Chile tour:
Group Size
Max 16, Avg 12.
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Andean Experience, UrubambaYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Cusco Planetarium, CuscoYour Journeys Highlight Moment: La Paz Culinary Experience, La PazYour G for Good Moment: Parque de la Papa (Potato Park), PisacYour G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, LamayYour G for Good Moment: Jukil Community Visit, Santiago de AgenchaYour Foodie Moment: Traditional Pachamanca Dinner, UrubambaYour Discover Moment: CuscoYour Discover Moment: San Pedro de Atacama. Arrival transfer. Two-day Sacred Valley tour including Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Pisac ruins and pre-Inca salt pans. Traditional pachamanca-style dinner. Scenic train and guided tour of Machu Picchu. International flight from Cusco to La Paz. Orientation walk in La Paz. Visit La Paz's Valley of the Moon. La Paz city tour. Excursions to the Uyuni Salt Flats. Picnic lunch experience on the salt flats. 2-day 4x4 excursion across the high altiplano desert from Bolivia to Chile. Sunset visit of the Valley of the Moon. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Highlights
Have lunch at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant in the Sacred Valley. Visit the "Parque de la Papa" ("Potato Park") community with a local guide for immersive time observing agricultural, weaving, and cultural traditions. Explore Machu Picchu with an expert guide to uncover its secrets. Visit the Cusco Planetarium to gaze up at the southern sky and learn about the ancient Incas' relationship with the cosmos. Set out with a local guide to see La Paz's vibrant markets and historic plazas by cable car and on foot, Join a local chef to transform traditional ingredients like quinoa into modern dishes shaping the city's food scene, Drive onto the world's largest salt flats to watch salt being harvested by hand and share a meal out on the open flats, Traverse high-altitude desert by 4x4, passing colourful lagoons, volcanoes, and remote communities along the route.
Optional Activities
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Lima- Lima City Tour (40USD per person)- Lima Cooking Class (4hrs)Aguas Calientes- Butterfly House Visit- Mandor Gardens Visit- Hot Springs Visit (6USD per person)Inca Trail- One-Day Inca Trail HikeCusco- Inka Museum (10PEN per person)- Cusco Cooking Class- Cusco City Tour (45PEN per person)San Pedro de Atacama- Archaeological Tour- El Tatio Geysers- Atacama Bike Tour
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Expedition Leaderzx, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Accommodation Summary
Hotels (14 nts).
Meals Included
14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
What are the meals like on this trip?
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your Expedition Leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Group Leader
National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides.
What is the role of the group leader during this trip?
All National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by a National Geographic Expedition Leader. The aim of the Expedition Leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
International Flights
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Transportation
Private vehicle, train, plane, 4x4, walking.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Notes
Machu Picchu regulations require all visitors to follow a pre-determined circuit within the site as a way to prevent overcrowding. The circuit-specific entrance tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. At the time of booking, you may select your preferred circuit, subject to availability. If no selection is made, we will book a circuit based on availability at the time of booking. All circuits offer the opportunity to enjoy the beauty, history, and impressive ingenuity of this ancient site. TO NOTE: Travellers completing the Inca trail and 1-day Inca Trail will be assigned Circuit 3 for their guided visit of Machu Picchu, but will also have access to the panoramic viewpoint upon arrival via the Sun Gate.
Checklist
Cold Weather:o Long-sleeved shirts or sweatero Scarfo Warm gloveso Warm hato Warm layerso Warm waterproof jacketDocuments:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
What are the packing guidelines and luggage restrictions?
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size backpack/daypack is also essential for your overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Service Level
Upgraded: Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your Expedition Leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.Also at the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
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 G Adventures. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by G Adventures (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.