Great South American Journey - Santiago to Lima

From$3749USD
39 days,Santiago to Lima
Trip Code: JSM

Spend 3 days crossing by 4x4 into Bolivia, See traditional life on Lake Titicaca, Conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Spot condors at Colca Canyon.

Departures

Reverse Itinerary

This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code JMS.

Discover something incredible in the thin air of the Andes in western South America. On your way to Lima, explore the surreal landscape of Salar de Uyuni, cross the Altiplano and experience the Atacama Desert—the driest place on earth. Encounter the thriving culture of Lake Titicaca and trek to legendary Machu Picchu. We run our own treks and ensure quality food and equipment, leaving you to focus on your next exhilarating step up the Inca Trail. With local transportation and authentic accommodation, this adventure offers an intense blend of included activities and free time to explore on your own. Ready to go?

What's Included

  • Uyuni Salt Flats Excursion (Chile/Bolivia), Lake Titicaca excursion, Guided tour of Machu Picchu, 4-day Inca Trail hike with a local guide and cook, Colca Canyon excursion, Pachamanca Ceremony in Nazca.
  • 5 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners. (Allow USD540-715 for meals not included.)
  • Simple hotels (31 nts), Homestay (1 nt), Buses (3 nts), Camping (3 nts). Note: Accommodation can be quite basic/multi-share at times.
  • Public bus, Train, Hiking, Ferry, 4X4.
  • Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
  • Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 10

Add to your Experience

This tour is a component of our Great South American Journey. If you are interested in combining this tour with with other section of the Great South American Journey please contact us.

Map of the route for Great South American Journey - Santiago to Lima
Places Visited
  • Bolivia
  • Chile
  • Inca Trail
  • Machu Picchu
  • Peru
Inca Trail Advisory

Read our information page about the regulations and booking procedures for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, or learn about the annual Inca Trail Closure in February. Are you hiking Lares? View the Lares Trek route information.

Day 1 Santiago

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Santiago

Free day. Optional winery visits, city tour or day trips to Valparaíso or Viña del Mar.

Day 3-4 La Serena

Travel by bus to La Serena. Enjoy the beach or optional excursions to the Elquí Valley and vinyars or visit a nearby astronomical observatory.

Day 5-7 Nightbus / San Pedro de Atacama

Overnight bus to San Pedro de Atacama. Optional excursions to nearby ruins, mountain biking, or a visit to the Valley of the Moon.

Day 8-10 4x4 Atacama Desert Crossing Excursion / Uyuni (2B,3L,2D)

Ascend by bus into the mountains and cross into Bolivia. Three day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano with spectacular scenery.

Day 11-12 Potosí

Travel by bus to Potosí. Optional tour to a working mine, or explore the city and visit the Casa de la Moneda museum.

Day 13-15 Sucre

Bus trip to Sucre. Optional excursion to nearby dinosaur tracks, explore the city or optional hiking or mountain biking.

Day 16 Sucre / Night bus to La Paz

Free day in Sucre before boarding an overnight bus to La Paz.

Day 17-19 La Paz

Free time in La Paz. Optional excursion to the Valley of the Moon or explore the city's winding streets and lively markets.

Day 20-22 Puno

Travel by bus across the border to Puno, Peru. Visit the floating Islands of Uros and take a guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village. Optional visit to Sillustani burial site.

Day 23-30 Cuzco / Ollantaytambo / Inca Trail (3B,3L,3D)

Travel by bus to Cuzco. Free time to explore. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking. Travel to Ollantaytambo through the Sacred Valley. Optional Sacred Valley Tour. 4-Day, guided Inca Trail hike with visit to Machu Picchu. Optional climb up to Huayna Picchu or a visit to the Inca Bridge before returning to Cuzco. Free time to explore Cuzco or relax. Travel by overnight bus to Arequipa on day 30.

Day 31-34 Arequipa / Colca Canyon / Night bus

Free time for individual exploration of the city or an optional Visit of the Catalina Convent. Guided tour to Colca Canyon to spot condors. Optional visit to local hot springs. Return to Arequipa on day 34 before taking the night bus to Nasca.

Day 35-37 Nazca / Pisco (D)

Optional flight over the Nazca Lines. In the evening take part in a traditional Pachamanca meal. Travel to Pisco by bus. Stop at a winery en route as well as at the Oasis of Huacachina. Optional Sandboarding.

Day 38 Lima

Optional visit to Ballestas Islands before travelling to Lima.

Day 39 Lima

Depart at any time.

Find dates, prices, and more trip options.

Book Now

Why G Adventures?

A Different Way to Travel

At G Adventures, we encourage you to step off the beaten path, embrace the unexpected and immerse yourself in the extraordinary. Our award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation and local transportation to bring you face to face with the world’s most fascinating cultures, customs and awe-inspiring wildlife.

Lifetime Deposits

Our Lifetime Deposit policy is designed to protect you from unexpected or unpredictable events that may cause your trip to be cancelled or delayed. If you need to cancel for any reason, your initial deposit is good for life and will remain securely on file until you’re ready to use it. And because your deposit is completely transferable, you can easily pass it on to anyone of your choosing. Of course, you’re welcome to donate it to our non-profit Planeterra Foundation—and in recognition of your generosity, we’ll match your contribution.

24/7 Service

As a global adventure travel company, we realize that questions can come up anywhere—and at any time. Our commitment to exceptional service means that our CEOs are on standby—24/7.

More Reasons to Travel with G Adventures