Southern Divide - 21 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female61%
- Male39%
Average age
Start / End
- Lima
- Santiago
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 16Meals included
24Highlights
- Explore the Sacred Valley
- Marvel at the views from the train to Machu Picchu
- Witness traditional life on Lake Titicaca
- Encounter colonial cities and historic cultures in Bolivia
- Cross the world's largest salt flat by 4x4 at the Salar de Uyuni
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Summary
For those looking to experience the history, culture, and wilderness of South America, this three-week adventure through Peru, Bolivia, and Chile is packed full of some of the continent’s most iconic and popular highlights. Explore the Sacred Valley and uncover Incan history high in the Andes at legendary Machu Picchu. Explore incredible landscapes at Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert, and encounter vibrant culture at Lake Titicaca. Because we have years of experience and established operational offices in the region, we’ll take care of the hassles so that you can focus on the highlights. Get off the beaten track and embrace the best of this incredible region.
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
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (18 nts), G Adventures-supported lodge/basic hotels on Salar de Uyuni excursion (2 nts, multi-share).
Meals
Breakfasts: 18, Lunches: 4, 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
Aug 25
from £3,625Dec 25
from £3,527Jan 26
from £3,380Feb 26
from £3,380Mar 26
from £3,527Apr 26
from £3,527May 26
from £3,527Jun 26
from £3,684Jul 26
from £3,684Aug 26
from £3,684Sep 26
from £3,527Oct 26
from £3,527Nov 26
from £3,380Dec 26
from £3,527
- Save 2%Fri 2 Jan 2026 > Thu 22 Jan 2026Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 leftPay Monthly£3,449Best offer£3,380Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 2%Fri 9 Jan 2026 > Thu 29 Jan 2026Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 leftPay Monthly£3,449Best offer£3,380Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 2%Fri 16 Jan 2026 > Thu 5 Feb 2026Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 leftPay Monthly£3,449Best offer£3,380Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 2%Sun 18 Jan 2026 > Sat 7 Feb 2026Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 leftPay Monthly£3,449Best offer£3,380Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
A fabulous tour of different countries, scenery, cultures, people, livelihoods, activities and food all packaged to make the journey as smooth as possible and supported by an excellent tour leader who could not do enough for us and gave us the best experience possible. The organisation of the trip was very good, the options offered included variety, the experiences at each point of the trip were incredible and the staff used were excellent in every way.
Linda Oct, 2024 VerifiedHard due to altitude and pace but amazing experience. However there was a major incident at Jukil Lodges with an 18-30 G adventure group became abusive and threatening to our group. Their CEO did not behave in a professional manner and didn?t encourage them to behave appropriately in a communal dining area. Previously we have scored higher but the pace was relentless given the problems associated with altitude e.g. arriving at our hotel and being given only 20 minutes before we go out.
Graham Oct, 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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