The Scenic Route - Lima to Buenos Aires - 30 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female61%
- Male39%
Average age
Start / End
- Lima
- Buenos Aires
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 16Meals included
34Highlights
- Experience the wonder of Machu Picchu
- Cross the Salar de Uyuni and mountain wilderness by 4x4
- Explore local markets in Bolivia
- Hit the Chilean coast and explore Valparaiso
- Live like a gaucho at a ranch in Argentina
- Enjoy the food and energy of Buenos Aires
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Summary
Imagine an entire month (30 days, to be exact) to explore the very best highlights and cultures of Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Visit the ancient site of Machu Picchu, learn from locals at Lake Titicaca, drive across the white desert in Bolivia, get active in Pucón, and experience life at a genuine gaucho ranch in Bariloche. Don't just see a part of South America; cover a massive and adventurous portion of it over a month that'll change your life.
Itinerary
Day 1
Lima
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2
Lima/Cusco
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city, and getting used to the altitude.
Day 3
Cusco
Opt to visit and hike the famed Rainbow Mountain, pre-book on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Day 4
Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a the tour operator-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing used in the Ccaccaccollo community. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.
Have lunch at the the tour operator-supported Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn about the the tour operator for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.
Day 5
Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes
Board a morning train that winds through the spectacular Sacred Valley to the end of the line: the village of Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled in the hills beneath Machu Picchu.
Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the butterfly house, botanical gardens or hot springs. Opt for a day hike to Mandor Gardens to see orchids and a waterfall, enjoying the lush, green scenery en route.
Day 6
Aguas Calientes/Cusco
Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit of the ruins then take a train back to Cusco.
Day 7
Cusco
Use a free day to explore more of Cusco or relax.
Day 8
Cusco/Puno
Travel through the high Altiplano region from Cusco to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Titicaca is also the largest lake in the world above 3800m, and the views from both Amantaní and Taquile Islands are stunning. The trip takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery en route.
Day 9
Puno
Head out by boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit the community on the Taquile Islands and enjoy a local lunch with spectacular views. Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit to Sillustani burial site.
Day 10
Puno/La Paz
Enjoy the full-day drive around the lake and through the altiplano to La Paz. Bolivia is filled with spectacular views of the countryside. La Paz is at nearly 4000m (13,120ft) above sea level, so be prepared for cool evenings and mornings.
Day 11
La Paz
Explore the city’s many fine museums or its historic structures, like the Iglesia de San Francisco. The city is also renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechicería (Witches’ Market).
With streets lined with market stalls and vendors, the pace on the street and the vibrant atmosphere is an incredible experience.
To the south of the city is the Valley of the Moon, with crater-like formations made of sand.
Thrill seekers can pre book a Death Road mountain biking adventure.
Day 12
La Paz/Sucre
Optional activities include mountain biking, hiking, and searching for dinosaur footprints.
Day 13
Sucre
Free time to explore the city, the former capital of Bolivia. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking.
Day 14
Sucre/Potosí
Travel by bus to Potosí and get a view of the mountain Cerro Rico looming over the city.
Day 15
Potosí/Uyuni
Travel through the Bolivian landscape to the town of Uyuni, the jumping off point for the three day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni.
Day 16
Uyuni/Salt Flats and Desert Crossing
Enjoy a three-day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano with spectacular scenery. Today you will be heading into the Salar de Uyuni. Our groups like to get creative with photography, as the endless white of the salt flats creates some great depth illusions that are fun to play with in photos. Last stop for the evening is a the tour operator-supported community lodge in a traditional agricultural village in the heart of a desert oasis.
Day 17
Salt Flats and Desert Crossing
Explore the desert altiplano on a 4x4 excursion. Admire the spectacular scenery while passing red and blue lagoons and interesting rock formations along the route. Spot wild llamas, alpacas and even flamingos deep within the desert.
Day 18
Salt Flats and Desert Crossing/San Pedro de Atacama
From the high Bolivian altiplano descend almost 2000m to the edge of the Atacama Desert, arriving at the small desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, just across the Chilean border. Said to be one of the driest places on the planet, this little town is an oasis in an otherwise barren, dry landscape.
Day 19
San Pedro de Atacama
Enjoy an included excursion to the Valley of the Moon to learn about and appreciate the beautiful uniqueness of the landscape.
There are plenty of optional excursions in San Pedro de Atacama, including biking, exploring nearby ruins, and horseback riding. Despite its size, San Pedro offers some great restaurants as well as numerous handicrafts and artisan stores for those looking for souvenirs.
Day 20
San Pedro de Atacama/Santiago
From the nearby city of Calama, fly to Santiago, the capital of Chile. The city is surrounded by mountains, and there are both internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts within a couple of hours from the city centre.
Explore the city’s many museums and parks and visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Bellavista with its handicrafts, trendy cafés, and San Cristobal Hill with its views of the city and the surrounding area.
Day 21
Santiago
With a free day in Santiago, opt to visit nearby wineries.
Day 22
Santiago/Valparaíso
Explore some of Santiago's neighbourhoods on a city tour, visit the Museum of Memory and try some local specialties. After, take a private bus to the seaside town of Valparaíso where brightly coloured houses perch on the hills.
Day 23
Valparaiso/Santiago
Enjoy a free morning in Valparaiso to soak it all in. Later, head to the Casablanca Valley, stop at a winery to indulge in a wine tasting. After, head back to Santiago with free time before boarding an overnight bus to Pucon.
Day 24
Pucón
Enjoy free time in Pucon, try whitewater rafting or explore the area by foot.
Day 25
Pucón
Enjoy another free day to take part in the many activities on offer in Pucón. Opt to hike Villarica volcano (it's active!) or soak in the nearby natural thermal pools.
Day 26
Pucón/San Carlos de Bariloche
Cross the Andes to Argentina. Travel by local bus to San Martin and take a private van the rest of the way to Bariloche in the Lake District with a local guide.
Day 27
San Carlos de Bariloche
Transfer to a Gaucho Ranch just outside of Bariloche. Enjoy a barbecue for lunch and take to the saddle with a Gaucho by your side.
Day 28
San Carlos de Bariloche
Enjoy a free day to explore the beautiful area in and around Bariloche. Take a hike in the countryside or wander the town, known for its shops and in particular, artisan chocolate.
Day 29
San Carlos de Bariloche/Buenos Aires
Fly north to the buzzing metropolis that is Buenos Aires, it is a vibrant city full of life.
Day 30
Buenos Aires
Book extra accommodation in Buenos Aires to have more time to explore the city.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (26 nts), overnight bus (1 nt), G Adventures-supported lodge/basic hotels on Salar de Uyuni excursion (2 nts, multi-share).
Meals
Breakfasts: 27, Lunches: 5, Dinners: 2
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
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Customer reviews & ratings
The trip was an adventure and not to be underestimated physically, as almost every day involved traveling, running, driving and the altitude. The hotels are on a lower level and depending on your roommates it can be demanding as there isn't always a lot of space. (Luggage or if someone is snoring, you are lying close to each other) Except for Bolivia (cash only), you can pay by card everywhere. Dollars for exchange in all countries. You see a lot in a short time and get a first impression of the countries. You should know that there is a lot of travel by bus. A big thank you to the best CEO Edwar P. he made the trip unforgettable. The group tour is ideal for solo travelers, but sharing rooms can sometimes be difficult. Snoring or not going to bed at the same time. The duration of the trip is physically very strenuous and is therefore only suitable for fit people. Everything was organized and there was a contact person.All documents are in English
Claudia Sep, 2024 Verified- Iren Sep, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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