Signature Andes: Highlands of Peru, Bolivia and Chile
16 days from £5,510
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
You will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel in the cliff-side Pacific residential and commercial district of Miraflores. Lima is a vast, complex metropolis, with a history dating from the era of its wealth and importance to Imperial Spain, to its current status as a dynamic, growing city of trade, industry and tourism.
The converted turn-of-the-century Antigua Miraflores mansion has an ideal location in the fashionable and upmarket Miraflores district, surrounded by cafés, parks, restaurants and shops. Its exterior suggests a classic, historic property, yet inside it brims with personality and colour.
Almost like an old curiosity shop of items from Lima’s past and present, the main areas of the hotel are adorned with a varied array of art, antique furniture and quirky bric-a-brac.
Guestrooms vary in quality, but are spacious with hand-crafted wooden furniture. Many face the pretty inner courtyards, keeping street noise to a minimum. There is also a small bar, lounge and restaurant with stained glass panels and a chequerboard floor.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Cusco in the Andes (1hr). Continue by road to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once the bread-basket of the empire, it was heavily populated in imperial times and scores of archaeological sites remain, where well-preserved ruins bear witness to the highly developed society that the Incas created. Overnight in Urubamba close to the river of the same name.
Deep within the heartland of the ancient Inca Empire, the secluded Casitas del Arco Iris is on the fringes of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. It is a lovely spot surrounded by beautiful gardens where abundant flowers attract a wide variety of butterflies and bird life.
Consisting of a handful of spacious, homely bungalows scattered throughout the grounds, the accommodation is top-notch. Décor calls to mind a delightful country cottage and natural materials dominate. Further cosiness is added by the fireplaces in every bungalow.
The hotel’s restaurant serves gourmet Peruvian and international specialities prepared with organic ingredients grown on site. By day, there is much to explore in the peaceful environs of the Sacred Valley where trips to a wealth of archaeological sites and lesser-known beauty spots can be arranged by the friendly and helpful staff, while by night the warmth of the fire and the beauty of star-flecked night skies make the hotel an ideal place to unwind.
Central to the Casitas’ existence is the charitable foundation set up by the Dutch owner, who invests all proceeds in education, healthcare and training for deprived children and young people in the local area.
A guided tour exploring the valley. The drive takes in several of the villages and temple fortresses that pepper the valley. You visit Pisaq village, its terraces and fort high above. The engineering and preservation are unrivalled. From the flat valley floor the sculpted hillside rises up like a green staircase to the heavens.
Continue along this picturesque, patchwork valley to the temple of Ollantaytambo. The snow-capped Andean cordillera forms a stunning backdrop. Ollantaytambo, sitting strategically at the gateway to the Amazon basin, was never captured by the Spanish conquistadores, but the inhabitants decided that the settlement was too vulnerable and would eventually fail, and so they abandoned it. The fortress, the colonial grid plan and the Inca foundations are still intact and there are wonderful views down over the sloping hillsides and into the fertile valley. Overnight in Urubamba.
Deep within the heartland of the ancient Inca Empire, the secluded Casitas del Arco Iris is on the fringes of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. It is a lovely spot surrounded by beautiful gardens where abundant flowers attract a wide variety of butterflies and bird life.
Consisting of a handful of spacious, homely bungalows scattered throughout the grounds, the accommodation is top-notch. Décor calls to mind a delightful country cottage and natural materials dominate. Further cosiness is added by the fireplaces in every bungalow.
The hotel’s restaurant serves gourmet Peruvian and international specialities prepared with organic ingredients grown on site. By day, there is much to explore in the peaceful environs of the Sacred Valley where trips to a wealth of archaeological sites and lesser-known beauty spots can be arranged by the friendly and helpful staff, while by night the warmth of the fire and the beauty of star-flecked night skies make the hotel an ideal place to unwind.
Central to the Casitas’ existence is the charitable foundation set up by the Dutch owner, who invests all proceeds in education, healthcare and training for deprived children and young people in the local area.
Transfer to Ollantaytambo station by road and travel for 90 minutes by train to the ruins of Machu Picchu. As the Urubamba river enters its narrow gorge between thickly-forested granite hills, there is room only for a single track, which hugs the right bank and passes through hamlets that are no more than a collection of shacks beside the railway. Close to the foot of the mountain, on a saddle of which the citadel was built, is the bustling village of Machu Picchu, dedicated to serving the many visitors with artisan markets, bars and restaurants.
The majestic ruined city, reclaimed from tropical cloud forest, is reached by minibus up a sinuous road, or on foot up a near vertical rocky path. The American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911, by which time it was completely buried beneath jungle vegetation. It is the ruins’ location on a ridge spur amid forested peaks and above a roaring river canyon, that most ignites the imagination.
You will have a guided tour of the ruins along one of the designated circuits designed to limit the impact of tourism on the citadel.
Owned by the reputable Casa Andina group, this contemporary hotel prides itself on its prime location opposite the railway station at the centre of Machu Picchu village. Guests arriving by train have the treat of being delivered quite literally to the door.
While the building’s five-storey grey panelled exterior is a little drab, the inside is fresh, clean and modern with bright furniture, marble floors, brilliant white walls and attractive artworks.
More than 50 guestrooms are simple, functional and modern in design. White walls and bedding are interrupted only by a slim brightly coloured throw hung across the end of the bed, a contemporary homage to the colourful traditional weavings of the area. Superior rooms and suites have the added benefit of views over the Vilcanota River. The hotel’s riverside restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows which optimise the view.
Return to Cusco by rail and road. The name Cusco derives from the Quechua indian word for navel, indicating its location at the centre of the Inca Empire, which reached its zenith at the same time as England was fighting the Wars of the Roses. Today its many impressive original Inca walls display extraordinary craftsmanship, while the bustling squares are dotted with ornate baroque colonial churches. It’s a vivacious city, where shoeshine boys and postcard sellers jostle for your attention in cobbled streets lined with handicraft shops and cafés. In the evening, the town centre fills with people flocking to the many restaurants, bars and cafés.
There are many reasons why a stay in baroque San Blas, Cusco’s most arty neighbourhood and the place you are most likely to experience a mildly bohemian atmosphere, is an excellent choice for visitors. Not least is its location just a couple of blocks up the hill from the main square and the proximity to shops, galleries, cafés and markets.
The welcoming Antigua Casona San Blas is one of the quarter’s most recent additions, although like many other hotels in the city it embraces a renovated Spanish colonial residence as well as a more modern part which has been designed to blend harmoniously with the older section. The historic atmosphere is enhanced with pretty balconies, pot plants brimming with bright green foliage and a cosy sitting area in the interior courtyard which may host an open fire on chilly evenings.
Today a fascinating tour of the city. You visit Q’oricancha, once the principal Inca Sun Temple, with extraordinarily intricate stonework, and then explore the colossal zigzag walls of Sacsayhuamán, brooding on a hillside above Cusco. In 1536 a desperate and defining three-day battle was fought between the Spaniards and the Incas around this fortress. The first conquistadores to see it were awestruck and centuries later it is still an extraordinary and imposing sight.
Cusco is a compact city, easy to explore on foot independently. After the tour, you are at leisure to discover the street markets, the many baroque churches and museums, and to wander the attractive narrow streets.
There are many reasons why a stay in baroque San Blas, Cusco’s most arty neighbourhood and the place you are most likely to experience a mildly bohemian atmosphere, is an excellent choice for visitors. Not least is its location just a couple of blocks up the hill from the main square and the proximity to shops, galleries, cafés and markets.
The welcoming Antigua Casona San Blas is one of the quarter’s most recent additions, although like many other hotels in the city it embraces a renovated Spanish colonial residence as well as a more modern part which has been designed to blend harmoniously with the older section. The historic atmosphere is enhanced with pretty balconies, pot plants brimming with bright green foliage and a cosy sitting area in the interior courtyard which may host an open fire on chilly evenings.
A 6-7hr road journey leads across the Andean highlands to the lively port and University town of Puno, 3,805m above sea level on the shores of cobalt Lake Titicaca. The scenery along the way is windswept and desolate and the vastness of the landscape yawns towards the distant horizon under a bright Andean sky. The occasional stop alongside a collection of small highland lakes may give you the chance to see flamingoes feeding in the mineral-rich waters.
The vast lake sits on the Peruvian- Bolivian border, and the fish-laden waters and surrounding fertile soil are the lifeblood of subsistence farming communities clustered in scores of adobe villages along the water’s edge. Legend has it that this mystical spot is the birthplace of Inca civilisation: the progeny of the Sun God sprung from its depths to found the empire in Cusco.
The bright, modern Hotel Intiqa is conveniently located in Puno city centre, near the park and main commercial district. It’s a basic, budget property without any special features but has friendly and helpful staff, and its box beds and fleecy duvets are comfortable.
Guestrooms are sleek and contemporary with hardwood floors, local artwork and bathrooms. There is also a restaurant, handicraft gift shop and a bright atrium with stained-glass windows. In-room massages can be arranged.
A full-day guided experience on the lake. Depart early from Puno for the 15 minute drive to Chucuito. Take a boat trip to the tranquil island of Taquile with its stunning views of Lake Titicaca. Around 1,500 Quechua-speaking indians live in this remote community and many still wear the traditional hand-woven dress. The island, 7km long, has no roads or vehicles, its terraced hills dotted with pre-Inca ruins.
Continue by boat to the indigenous village of Luquina Chico on the Chucuito Peninsula. This community-based tourism initiative has strict controls over visitor access and a visit allows you a unique insight into local life.
Later, visit the floating Uros Islands, constructed and reconstructed from layers of tortora reeds by the Uros indians over several centuries. Today no pure Uros exist, but the islands are still home to several hundred inhabitants. Although the islanders now earn a living mainly from tourism, their unique way of life continues to be totally ‘interwoven’ with the tortora reeds – their boats, houses and the football pitch are made from this material.
The bright, modern Hotel Intiqa is conveniently located in Puno city centre, near the park and main commercial district. It’s a basic, budget property without any special features but has friendly and helpful staff, and its box beds and fleecy duvets are comfortable.
Guestrooms are sleek and contemporary with hardwood floors, local artwork and bathrooms. There is also a restaurant, handicraft gift shop and a bright atrium with stained-glass windows. In-room massages can be arranged.
Set off along the lakeshore towards the Bolivian border. The still waters almost lap the road, and wader birds may be seen negotiating the reeds. Pause to admire the little church at Pomata and continue to Copacabana (3hrs), a pretty little town set between two hills on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Copacabana gave its name to the better known beach in Rio.
Embark your comfortable hydrofoil to cross a corner of the lake to Huatajata. You’ll visit the Andean Roots Eco-Village with its exhibits which depict the regions cultural past. Continue by bus through lovely mountain scenery to La Paz (1.5hrs). Set in a deep canyon, dominated by the snow-capped peak of Mount Illimani, La Paz (3,632m) is the highest capital in the world.
One of La Paz’s first boutique offerings, La Casona is a quirky, atmospheric place with modern designs augmenting its original colonial structure of terraces and towers.
Wooden floors, gabled ceilings, brick arches and brightly painted columns convey the historic ambience that has been preserved in the building’s careful renovation.
The décor in the individual rooms is more minimalist with box beds, plain walls and contemporary marble-effect bathrooms. Each has a private balcony, and the apartments have fitted kitchenettes and dining areas.
The restaurant, specialising in Mediterranean dishes, has an excellent reputation in the city and, in common with the ethos of boutique hotels, the management and staff take good service very seriously.
A further selling point is the hotel’s excellent central location, within strolling distance of the colonial central core of cobbled streets, huge indigenous markets and modern commercial district.
The colonial core around Plaza Murillo retains much of its quirky Spanish charm. Beyond, there are cavernous indigenous markets with open air grill restaurants and narrow alleyways lined with museums, churches and craft shops. Pavement vendors in felt bowler hats and colourful shawls crouch below the skyscrapers in tree-lined modern avenues.
You’ll have a guided tour to visit the historical centre including the official buildings surrounding Plaza Murillo. Continue to a selection of small museums. Explore one of the capital’s more unusual markets, the Mercado de las Brujas (witches’ market) where you can find cures for everything from heartaches to headaches. Pass through several affluent neighbourhoods en route to Moon Valley – not a valley at all, but a fantastic landscape of gullies and spires formed from an ancient bed of eroded rock.
One of La Paz’s first boutique offerings, La Casona is a quirky, atmospheric place with modern designs augmenting its original colonial structure of terraces and towers.
Wooden floors, gabled ceilings, brick arches and brightly painted columns convey the historic ambience that has been preserved in the building’s careful renovation.
The décor in the individual rooms is more minimalist with box beds, plain walls and contemporary marble-effect bathrooms. Each has a private balcony, and the apartments have fitted kitchenettes and dining areas.
The restaurant, specialising in Mediterranean dishes, has an excellent reputation in the city and, in common with the ethos of boutique hotels, the management and staff take good service very seriously.
A further selling point is the hotel’s excellent central location, within strolling distance of the colonial central core of cobbled streets, huge indigenous markets and modern commercial district.
Your adventure in the salt pan wilderness of southern Bolivia and Chile starts today. Transfer to the airport to take a flight south to Uyuni, crossing the altiplano.
If it is clear, from the window you should see the plains of the southern altiplano. This makes for an austere, uncompromising wilderness, where cut-glass lakes and untrodden, luminous salt pans – the Salar de Uyuni – reflect the vast dome of an icy sky. While its few wind-buffeted Aymara inhabitants scratch a meagre living from the dusty soil, visitors can enjoy extraordinary landscapes of unexpected variety and surreal beauty. Desolate, denuded peaks, eerie blood-red canyons, contorted rock faces, sunlit lagoons of gemstone clarity and a horizon-bending white sea of salt will reward your perseverance. Snow-tipped volcanic cones and steaming geysers serve to remind you of the turbulent geology that has formed this challenging landscape.
The clue to what makes Luna Salada extraordinary and unique is in its name, which translates as ‘salt moon’. Built almost entirely of salt blocks, this isolated hotel overlooks the spectacularly surreal Uyuni salt flats from a low bluff, giving the impression of being on the edge of another planet.
Except for the tiled bathrooms, all the walls and floors of this incredible property are made of compacted salt crystals, which shimmer in the sunlight. Even the furniture is mostly made of salt, made homely with cushions and Bolivian textiles.
Guestrooms are modest but all have heaters, electric blankets and cosy bedspreads. The rooms are built along one side of a long corridor, with a sitting area and large bay windows framing wonderful views of the salt flats.
Visit the nearby ancient fort and petrified mummies. Reached by 4WD vehicle only and situated halfway up Volcano Tunupa, this important archaeological site has the added bonus of uninterrupted views of the largest and highest salt desert in the world. After lunch, you’ll be driven to Isla Pescado, a small volcanic ‘island’ smothered by giant cacti with great views over the dazzling salt flats. Continue to the remote and mountainous region of San Agustín and the lost city of the Valley of Rocks before finally arriving at Villa Mar. Here, your very basic accommodation is an unusual property built into the side of a cliff; the rock face forms the rear wall of some of the bedrooms.
Marooned roughly halfway between Uyuni and the Chilean border, this isolated but pleasantly surprising Mallku Cueva hotel is the only option within the spectacular surrounding area. It’s certainly out of the ordinary: built into the side of a rocky outcrop, it utilises the rock face as a wall for some of the bedrooms and for the communal living room where it is atmospherically uplit at night.
The rooms are basic, but cosier than the remote location might suggest, with comfy beds and central heating – a godsend on chilly altiplano nights. The décor is attractively rustic. Light is supplied by a gas generator and switched off at 10.30pm, but beyond relaxing in the lounge beside the huge fireplace or eating in the small but above average restaurant, there’s little to keep you up late here. Overall, given the remoteness, this is a charming and well-kept place.
An early morning start takes you to the shores of the fiery red Laguna Colorada, a bird-filled dash of vivid colour relieving the tawny monochrome of the desert. Continue up to a giddying 5,000m and descend to reach the sulphurous Sol de Mañana geysers and the hot springs of Polques – in which you can dip if you wish – and survey perhaps the most captivatingly beautiful and other-worldly scenery of the trip.
The surreal landscape here is of tortured rock formations splashed with a rainbow of colour, defined by a rim of snow-dusted volcanoes. You will reach Laguna Verde, a stunning aquamarine lake at the foot of Licancabur Volcano before changing vehicle for the last part of the journey, into Chile, which takes you along a road descending into the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama.
At leisure in San Pedro. On the skirts of the eastern cordillera, 2,450m above sea level, the village is an oasis in the driest desert of the world. Despite the influx of tourists it has retained its charm and easy-going character, with dirt streets and adobe houses. The eastern side of town has panoramic views of the high Andes some 75km distant. In the clear air, they look a lot closer.
This unassuming little resort is a centre for outdoor activities and excursions to local attractions such as the Tatio geysers, the Valle de la Luna (moon valley) and the ruins of a pre-inca fortresses.
Transfer to Calama airport and fly (2hrs) to Santiago, Chile’s capital. The sprawling city has to its east the immense wall of rock of the Andes – snow-capped in winter. Transfer to your hotel in a modern part of town with some good restaurants and shopping opportunities.
If you have time, for a panoramic view of the city visit the Cerro Santa Lucía, a hilltop park, or take the funicular tram or cable car to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal. A mixture of chic, pleasant tree-lined residential areas and smart office towers surround a compact colonial centre.
The modern, business-like Atton el Bosque has proved popular among our clients for its good location and the excellent value for money it represents as a mid-range property. It is part of the respected Atton chain of business and leisure hotels.
Occupying a smart tower right in the Golf financial area, the hotel is within easy reach of the upmarket shopping district of Las Condes. It’s about half an hour from the airport and just 15 minutes from the colonial centre by underground or taxi.
Rooms are large, bright and airy with big comfortable beds and a practical design. There’s a small pool, restaurant and gift shop. Service is attentive and friendly.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or contact us for ideas on how to continue your adventure in another part of Chile, such as Easter Island, the Lake District, Patagonia, or beyond to one of South America’s other wonders.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Peru - Lima
Peru’s capital doesn’t get the credit it deserves. In Lima, colonial grandeur, world-class gastronomy and Pacific Ocean views combine to make it one of South America’s most exciting cities. Known as the City of Kings, Lima blends rich colonial heritage with contemporary culture, outstanding museums and some of the best food on the continent.
Peru - Sacred Valley of the Incas
We think of the Sacred Valley as the heartland of the Inca Empire – fertile valleys, snow-capped mountains and ancient stone fortresses make it one of Peru’s most captivating landscapes. Stretching between Cusco and Machu Picchu, it’s home to colourful markets, traditional villages, remarkable archaeological sites and some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.
Peru - Machu Picchu
Few archaeological sites in the world compare to Machu Picchu, where ancient Inca stonework clings to a mountain ridge high above a jungle-clad valley. Nestled among cloud-wreathed Andean peaks at 2,430m, this corner of Machu Picchu Peru combines spectacular scenery, remarkable architecture and fascinating history to create one of South America’s most unforgettable travel experiences.
Peru - Cusco
Surrounded by the Andean mountains, the former capital of the Inca Empire boasts intricate temples and golden-hued colonial architecture. Explore rugged landscapes and fascinating architecture with a Cusco holiday from Journey Latin America.
Peru - Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side
Deep blue waters stretch towards snow-capped mountains at one of Latin America’s most iconic destinations, where traditional island communities preserve centuries-old ways of life. Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake and one of the Andes’ most remarkable cultural landscapes.
Bolivia - Lake Titicaca – Bolivian side
Watch a priest bless flower-decked cars outside Copacabana’s white basilica, sail across the cobalt water to Isla del Sol, and walk island trails with the snow-capped Cordillera Real on the horizon. On Bolivia’s shore of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake feels quieter, more sacred and closer to its Andean roots.
Bolivia - La Paz and the altiplano
At a dizzying 3,632m, La Paz is the world’s highest capital, its colourful, closely-packed buildings tumbling down a canyon beneath the ice-jacketed peak of Illimani. Beyond the city, the vast altiplano unfolds into windswept plains, ancient ruins and indigenous communities that have shaped this corner of the Andes for centuries.
Bolivia - Uyuni salt flats
Discover one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth, where endless white salt stretches to the horizon and sky merges seamlessly with land. From the surreal Salar de Uyuni to colourful mineral-rich lagoons and volcanic scenery, south-west Bolivia offers one of South America’s most unforgettable travel experiences.
Chile - Atacama Desert
Vast salt flats, steaming geysers, flamingo-filled lagoons and volcanic peaks create a world that feels more like another planet than the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. As the driest non-polar desert on Earth, this is one of South America’s most spectacular destinations for adventure, wildlife and stargazing.
Chile - Santiago and the vineyards
Snow-capped Andean peaks overlook cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, historic plazas and sun-drenched vineyards in Santiago Chile – the country’s sophisticated capital and its surrounding wine country. Combining urban culture with world-class wineries, Santiago and vineyards nearby give you the perfect introduction to Chile.
This thrilling private journey captures the natural and cultural highlights of the southern Andes of Peru, the altiplano of Bolivia and the salt flats straddling the border with Chile.
Arrive in the vast metropolis of the Peruvian capital, Lima, and move on to historic Cusco, the former Inca capital and a treasure trove of Inca stonework and colonial architecture. Travel onwards into the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas and travel by rail alongside a tempestuous river to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, set on a sub tropical mountain saddle above the Urubamba Valley.
Drive on to the icy, sapphire waters of high-altitude Lake Titicaca and continue overland to vivacious La Paz, squatting in a high altitude bowl at the foot of the massive bulk of snow-stifled Mount Illimani. Continue south and discover the glittering salt pans of Uyuni, an otherworldly experience. Cross the border into Chile and round off the holiday in its capital, Santiago.
Maggie Wilson
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
2 flights (1 and 2hrs); 4 scenic road journeys (longest 6-7hrs); 2 rail journeys (longest 4hrs).
- Accommodation
This holiday uses a mix of fairly small, good quality mid-range hotels, colonial or modern in style with well-equipped rooms, private bathroom and heating. The accommodation in the salt flats is basic, but unique: one hotel is built almost entirely from salt.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; lunch days 3, 7-9; dinner day 4,
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
16 days, 15 nights: Lima 1; Urubamba 2; Machu Picchu 1; Cusco 2; Puno 2; La Paz 2; salt flats 2; San Pedro de Atacama 2; Santiago 1.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Peru is the sol; in Bolivia it’s the boliviano, and in Chile the Chilean peso.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency, and possibly some travellers’ cheques (American Express are the most widely accepted), though these are gradually falling out of use. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$35-$45 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
- Tipping
Tips are welcomed and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
Tipping guidelines can be found in our Briefing Dossier.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Trip Suitability
There are some early mornings and long days of travel on this trip, punctuated with occasional stops.
The streets in Cusco are cobbled and steep and you must be cautious taking these on, since you are at altitude. Lake Titicaca and La Paz, along with the Salar de Uyuni (salt flats), are situated at 3,500-4,000m – you may feel woozy and headachy at first and breathless before you get accustomed to the altitude. En route you’ll climb (in a vehicle!) to 5,000m. If your symptoms are severe please contact our local representatives (see Altitude paragraph below). If you have cardio-vascular problems you should consult your doctor before undertaking this trip.Although a unique experience, please note that one night spent near the salt flats is in basic accommodation.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- Climate
The rainy season in the Andes runs between November and March when there are showers many afternoons. The dry season is from May to September, when the sun is strong during the day, but at night the temperature drops dramatically (from freezing to 10°C). April and October are less predictable, with both rainy and sunny spells.
Uyuni is a very remote region and is subject to harsh climatic changes: what you do and where you stay may be modified according to the weather and terrain, particularly in the wet season.
- Altitude
If you have cardio-vascular problems you should consult your doctor before undertaking this trip. Your stays in the Sacred Valley (2,800m-3,000m), Cusco (3,400m), Lake Titicaca/Puno (3800m), La Paz/Uyuni (3,700m) and the Atacama Desert (2,400m) are at high altitude. The highest point you’ll reach (during a vehicle ride from Bolivia into Chile) is 5,000m. Because the trip gains altitude slowly, most people are only mildly affected and if you drink plenty of water and allow your body to acclimatise (don’t exert yourself or drink alcohol for the first couple of days at altitude), you’ll probably be OK. Symptoms vary: most common are mild headaches, slight nausea and breathlessness. If you don’t recover in a day or two speak to our representatives; in very rare instances it is necessary to descend to lower altitudes.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Health Travel website.
- Water To Go
For day-to-day wear you should go prepared to encounter all seasons. Both warm clothing and a sun hat are essential at altitude; a light fleece jacket and a waterproof/breathable outer shell makes a good combination along with gloves, scarf and woolly hat. Trousers, skirt or shorts made from light, quick-drying synthetic materials are appropriate. If you plan to eat in smart restaurants in the cities, although clothing is not formal (no need for jacket and tie), something quite smart would be appropriate.
Strong, comfortable footwear is essential and you should bring insect repellant, sun block and sun glasses.
Due to luggage restrictions on the train to Machu Picchu, main luggage must be left in Cusco. You can take up to 10kgs per person on the train and an overnight holdall is recommended to separate your luggage for the night spent away from Cusco.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in South America.
- Do I need a visa to visit Chile?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Chile from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Santiago, taking around 14.5 hours. There are also connecting routes via Madrid, Paris and other European hubs. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What's the best way to travel around Chile?
The country’s length makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, with most routes connecting through Santiago. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions. For scenic stretches like the Lake District or the Carretera Austral, overland travel is part of the experience.
- What currency does Chile use?
The official currency is the Chilean peso. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and ATMs are available in most towns. Carry some cash for tips, smaller purchases and rural areas. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- What's the altitude like in Chile?
Most of Chile sits at low to moderate altitude, but parts of the Atacama, including Lauca National Park and areas around San Pedro, reach over 3,000m. Altitude can cause headaches, dizziness and breathlessness, so it’s important to acclimatise gradually, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on arrival. We plan all itineraries with altitude in mind.
- How long should I spend in Chile?
Two weeks works well for a single focus, such as the Atacama with a few days in Santiago, or Torres del Paine with time in the lake district. To cover Chile’s full range, from desert to Patagonia, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- Do I need vaccinations for Chile?
There are currently no mandatory vaccines for UK travellers visiting Chile, but we always recommend checking the most up-to-date requirements well before travelling. You can do this by visiting TravelHealthPro and FCDO travel pages. Alternatively, you can contact us and speak to one of our experts who can advise on any current considerations for the areas you’re visiting.
- What countries can I combine with Chile?
Chile pairs naturally with Argentina, crossing the Andes from Santiago to Mendoza, or the lakes from Puerto Varas to Bariloche. Bolivia is an easy add-on from the Atacama, with routes through the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
- Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
Holders of a full British passport don’t need a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive, and you may be asked to show proof of onward travel. If you’re travelling via the US, you’ll also need an ESTA. For the latest entry requirements, check the FCDO travel pages or contact us.
- How do I get to Peru from the UK?
There are no direct flights from the UK to Peru. Most routes connect through a European or US hub – common connections include Madrid, Amsterdam and Miami. Flights land at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, around 45 minutes from the city centre.
Flight time is typically 12 to 15 hours depending on routing. We’re happy to quote international flights separately based on your dates and preferences.
- How do I get around Peru?
Distances are large, so domestic flights are the most practical way to move between regions. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.
From Cusco, we arrange private transfers to the Sacred Valley and train connections to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu. Cusco to Puno, for Lake Titicaca, is around six to seven hours by road across the high Altiplano, or you can take the scenic PeruRail Titicaca train.
Reaching the Amazon means a short flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado or from Lima to Iquitos.
- What currency is used in Peru?
Peru uses the Peruvian sol (PEN). ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns, and credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.
US dollars are accepted in many tourist areas, but you’ll get a better deal paying in sol. Carry cash for markets, smaller restaurants and remote areas. Peru is five hours behind GMT.
- How long should I spend in Peru?
Two weeks is ideal for a full tour covering Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and either Colca Canyon or the Amazon. Ten days comfortably cover the main highlights.
With three weeks, you can add the Amazon, the Nazca Lines, or a crossing into Bolivia. Peru also combines well with Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, or with Argentina and Patagonia as part of a wider trip.
- What’s the best time of year to visit Peru?
The dry season from May to October is best for the Andes, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca – warm days, cold nights and clear skies. The Inca Trail closes in February.
Lima’s coast is warmest from December to April, and the Amazon can be visited year-round, with different advantages in each season. We can advise on the best timing for your itinerary.
- What countries combine well with Peru?
Peru pairs naturally with Bolivia – many of our holidays cross from Lake Titicaca into La Paz and the Uyuni salt flats. Ecuador is a short flight from Lima, and a Peru–Ecuador–Galápagos Islands itinerary is one of our most popular.
For a broader South America trip, you can add Argentina and Buenos Aires, Brazil and Rio de Janeiro, Chile or Colombia. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country tour around you.
- What vaccinations do I need for Peru?
Please check current health recommendations for Peru before you travel. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you’re visiting the Amazon, and you may need a certificate if travelling on to certain other countries.
Altitude sickness is a consideration in Cusco (3,400m) and at Lake Titicaca (3,812m) – we build acclimatisation time into all our itineraries. For up-to-date advice, check the FCDO travel pages or contact us.
- Is Peru safe to visit?
The main tourist areas – Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon lodges – are well visited and generally safe.
As anywhere, take sensible precautions, particularly in Lima and Cusco. We plan every itinerary carefully using trusted local partners and established routes. Check the FCDO travel pages for current government advice, and our Travel Experts will flag anything relevant to your trip.
- What is the food like in Peru?
The food is one of the highlights of any trip. Lima ranks among South America’s best places to eat – ceviche made with fresh fish cured in lime juice, lomo saltado (a stir-fried beef dish with Chinese-Peruvian roots), and ají de gallina (shredded chicken in a creamy, mildly spiced sauce).
Try a pisco sour, Peru’s national cocktail, in a rooftop bar overlooking the Pacific. In the Andes, the traditional dishes include hearty soups, roasted guinea pig (cuy), and quinoa; in the Amazon, freshwater fish and tropical fruit. Wherever you go, our local restaurants of choice are ones we’ll happily point you to.
- When's the best time to visit Bolivia?
The weather can be a critical factor: the altiplano highlands look their best in the sunlight Apr-Oct, in Dec-Jan it can be dull and chilly at this altitude (3,500-3,800m). The lowlands of the east are hot and humid all year around.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What's the official language of Bolivia?
Spanish is the official language of Bolivia.
- What is the national currency of Bolivia?
Peso Boliviano is the national currency of Bolivia. Notes in local currency (and in some cases US dollars), can be withdrawn from ubiquitous ATMs in principal cities and some smaller towns; there are many money exchanges (casas de cambio) and banks which exchange US dollars (a few accept euros or sterling but the rate may be poor).
When withdrawing money from an ATM using a debit card, you are offered a choice of account type from which to make your withdrawal: select ‘Credit Card’ (ie NOT Current account or Savings Account options).
- What's the time difference between Bolivia and UK?
The time difference between Bolivia and the UK is GMT -4 hrs.
- Do I need a visa for Bolivia?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations do I need for Bolivia?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What countries combine well with Bolivia?
If you’re planning a trip to South America there are some perfect destinations to combine with a holiday in Bolivia. Try a visit to Peru via Lake Titicaca, 122 km and a couple of hours’ drive from La Paz; or even a holiday in Chile, entering the country via the dazzling salt lakes of Uyuni.
- What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events in Bolivia?
The key festivals and cultural events in Bolivia are:
Gran Poder: La Paz, Late May/early Jun annually: processions of groups of indigenous dancers in costume, with historical and cultural themes.
Carnival: Oruro, La Diablada, Feb-Mar: One of the most eye-catching on the continent, with parades of people in elaborate costumes. - How do I adapt to the altitude in Bolivia?
Much of Bolivia is occupied by stunning high Andean terrain, with La Paz at 3,500m.
Travel to high altitude can cause mountain sickness and even if you feel fighting fit it’s important to take things easy and stay hydrated (drink plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine) as you get used to the thin, dry air.You may initially notice a headache, dizziness or breathlessness and this usually improves with acclimatisation. If you are pregnant or taking the contraceptive pill, have a medical condition such as heart or lung condition, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure you should seek the advice of your GP before booking.
We also recommend you check your travel insurance covers travel to high altitude. If you’re taking the family, remember small children may be less capable of communicating altitude-related symptoms effectively: keep an eye on them too. Rest assured we will plan your itinerary carefully, taking into account any time spent at altitude. If you have any questions or concerns about altitude please speak to your travel expert.
Further advice on travel to altitude is available on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk.
If you still have questions, please contact us and one of our Travel Experts will be happy to help.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Travel on one of the continent’s most scenic rail journeys to arrive at the incomparable Lost City of the Incas.
Explore the world-famous Lost City of the Incas: the undisputed jewel in Peru’s crown.
Take a tour of the colossal stone fortress of Sacsayhuamán, a hugely important Inca ruin on the outskirts of Cusco.
Visit tiny islands bobbing on the surface of Lake Titicaca, inhabited by an indigenous community who build their floating homes out of reeds.
Take a guided tour of the world’s highest capital city, visiting the notorious Witches’ Market. Some excursions include a visit to the contorted rocks of the Valley of the Moon.
Take a guided tour around the Valley of the Moon with their otherworldly rock formations, before watching an unforgettable sunset from the top of a desert dune.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Delightfully secluded and homely hotel surrounded by flower-filled gardens in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley. All proceeds go to a charitable foundation for deprived youngsters.
This Peruvian-owned mid-range hotel in Machu Picchu village is a convenient base for visits to the ruins.
Ideally located converted mansion with plenty of character, typified by its quirky collection of art, antiques and curios.
If there’s somewhere you particularly want to go that isn’t included in this tour, we can add on an extension to take you there.
Nazca Lines + Paracas
Travel to the Paracas Peninsula and explore the bird-smothered Ballestas Islands by boat. Fly over the Nazca Lines for a bird’s eye view of the giant symbols and lines carved into skeletal desert rock by the pre-Columbian Nazca people. Day 1: From Lima, travel by public coach south to Paracas (3.5hrs) on the Panamerican Highway,…
Easter Island
Polynesian Easter Island (Rapa Nui) lies 3,790km off the Chilean coast in the remote sub-tropical South Pacific. Windswept and grassy on one side, lushly vegetated on the other, and with a benign climate, it is famous for the clusters of huge enigmatic stone heads standing starkly against an azure skyline. Experience the unique atmosphere and…
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Featured Articles
To round the corner of a mountain and see the lost citadel of Machu Picchu unfold beneath you remains one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Latin America, one of those dreamlike experiences that makes travelling here truly extraordinary.
The Pantanal wetlands cover an area almost the size of the British Isles and offers better wildlife opportunities than the Amazon. Writer and photographer Alex Bellos discovers them.
Small, breathtakingly beautiful Costa Rica is a treasure trove for the nature lover. Trees laden with orchids are home to quetzals and hummingbirds, while the Caribbean shore hosts volcanic beaches and palm-sheltered coves.
