Trip Highlights

  • For foodie’s – enjoy a gastronomy tour of Lima
  • Get up close to wildlife in a dug-out canoe in The Amazon
  • Connect with an Andean community in the Sacred Valley
  • A thrilling 4×4 adventure across the salt flats of Bolivia
  • Red rocks, flamingos and the Moon Valley awaits in Chile
Our South America expert, Scarlett

Our Expert Tip

”Try the canopy walkway in the Amazon (if you have a head for heights), to get a birds-eye view of the thick rainforest and its unique inhabitants”

Scarlett, South America Expert


Day 1-2: Lima

Catch your international flight into Lima, to start your incredible South America trip. We will suggest a centrally located hotel so you can explore the city independently on foot. Rest up after your journey and perhaps try one of the city’s renowned restaurants.

The next day with your private guide, choose from an artist walking tour, a street food excursion or a fascinating art and history tour.

Lima, the incredible capital of Peru
Wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest

Day 3-5: The amazon

Your wildlife adventure begins today, as you fly into the heart the Amazon, Puerto Maldonado – coined the Capital of Biodiversity. Begin your Amazon adventure with a boat ride, navigating the clay-coloured Madre de Dios River to reach your eco- lodge.  
At dusk witness the dramatic transformation of the rainforest from a diurnal to a nocturnal environment on a guided Twilight River boat ride, as the animals and birds of the daytime give way to species specially adapted to the shadows of the night. Spot caimans lurking on the riverbanks and the dazzling stars of the southern hemisphere.

Your days here are filled with incredible wildlife excursions. Visit Lake Sandoval by a dug-out canoe and quietly paddle past picture-perfect rainforest. Look out for a variety of bird species, the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles and black caimans, among others. With your guide, enjoy rainforest trails that bring you closer to nature. Scale the canopy walkways looking for bright toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, monkeys and the three-toed sloth.

Day 6-7: Sacred Valley

Enjoy your last morning waking to the sounds of the rainforest before boarding motorised wooden boats for your return journey to the airport, where you will be transferred to the Sacred Valley. Being at a lower altitude than Cusco, the acclimatisation process will be a little quicker and easier.

The Sacred Valley is teeming with amazing sights and activities. Explore the three jewels of the Inca Sacred Valley — Maras, Moray, and Misminay — and take in majestic views of the ancient Maras salt mines and archaeological sites that resemble natural amphitheatres.

For a unique cultural highlight, visit the traditional community of Misminay to experience an authentic cultural exchange and gain a closer insight into the traditional Andean lifestyle. You’ll be invited to take part in daily activities such as planting, harvesting, and textile weaving.

Peru cultural activities with the Misminay community
Enjoy some incredible hikes in Peru with Travel Differently

Day 8: Ollantaytambo & Pachamanca

Your epic Peru, Bolivia and Chile holiday continues onwards to the Ollantaytambo ruins. Explore this truly impressive archaeological complex, strategically perched atop a mountain that once guarded the road to Machu Picchu.

Ollantaytambo, built by the Inca Pachacuti, is remarkable for having preserved its original Inca design within the modern-day urban layout. Enjoy a traditional Pachamanca lunch, where you’ll learn about this ancient earth-oven cooking method — watch as hot stones are layered with meats, tubers, and local ingredients, then covered with leaves and earth to cook slowly beneath the surface.

Catch a train for a beautiful journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo, travelling alongside the Vilcanota River.

Day 9: Machu Picchu

Take a bus up to the gates of Machu Picchu to begin your exploration of one of the true Wonders of the  World. Wander among the ruins and terraces as you learn about the history of this remarkable site and the wider Inca civilisation

Witness the amazing engineering skills still visible and marvel at the sight of ancient buildings clinging to the mountainside – a true highlight of any trip to Peru.

Explore Machu Picchu on one of our incredible sabbatical holidays
Cathedral Cusco

Day 10: Cusco

Be transferred to charming Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thriving tourist town.

With your expert guide take in all the key historic spots, from the grand colonial Plazas de Armas to the Inca Koricancha Temple, up to the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuaman and Q’enqo ceremonial site. Spend time exploring the iconic San Pedro Market for a taste (literally) of modern Cusco.

Day 11: Puno

Leave for Puno, taking in the wonderful landscapes of the Southern Valley of Cusco along the way. Your first stop is Andahuaylillas, home to the Church of San Pedro, beautifully decorated with angels and cherubs.

Continue to the Raqchi ruins — also known as the Temple of the God Wiracocha — before heading to La Raya, the highest point between Cusco and Puno, where you’ll make a short stop to admire the breathtaking scenery.

Check in to a charming boutique hotel and relax after a busy few days of exploration.

Visit Puno, in Peru
Kayak on Lake Titicaca Peru

Day 12: Lake Titicaca

Your Lake Titicaca adventure begins at Huayllano, the lake dock for the island of Taquile. Boarding a speedboat, head towards this beautiful island where locals will be awaiting to invite your into their homes to learn about their day-to-day activities and traditions, such as weaving. Learn from skillful craftsmen who use ancestral techniques passed down through generations.

Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local ingredients before boarding the speed boat once more. Stop at the famous floating islands of the Uros, made of layers of totora reed, where you’ll learn about the locals and enjoy the serene sights.

Day 13-14: La Paz

Saying farewell to Peru, your adventure continues into Bolivia. Be driven (around 8 hours, with comfort stops) along the shores of the lake towards La Paz, stopping off at Copacabana, one of the towns on the Bolivian side of the lake. With your local expert guide experience the ultimate highlights of La Paz, visiting best attractions of the city.

Begin in the stunning Valley of the Moon, enjoy a breathtaking ride on the cable cars from La Paz to El Alto, offering unparalleled views of the city and the majestic Cordillera Real mountains. Enjoy a walking tour through Jaen Street, Plaza Murillo, San Francisco Church, ending at the enchanting Witches Market.

La Paz, Bolivia
The other-worldly Salt flats in Bolivia

Day 15-16: Salar de Uyuni

Fly to Uyuni, on the edge of the world-famous salt flats. Hop into your privately driven 4×4, which will be your vehicle for the next four days of adventure. Visit the eerie Train Cemetery, where the rusting remains of old locomotives tell stories of a bygone era, before entering the vast Uyuni Salt Flats. En route, see a traditional salt-processing plant.

Continue with visits to Ojos de Agua and Incahuasi Island, home to the famous giant cacti. Pause to take in the breathtaking sunset over the dazzling white expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats.

On your second day, visit San Cristóbal, with its charming colonial church, and explore the Valley of the Rocks, where dramatic formations have been sculpted by centuries of wind erosion. Journey on to the Catal and Vinto Lagoons and marvel at the striking rock formation known as Italia Perdida (“Lost Italy”).

Day 17-20: atacama Desert

Your South American odyssey continues into Chile. Begin with a visit to Laguna Colorada, home to the famous colour-changing James flamingos and the Sol de Mañana Geysers, passing through hot springs on your way to Laguna Verde, at the foot of the Llicancabur Volcano.

Enjoy lunch in the desert before crossing into Chile.

We’ve included four full days here to fully explore everything this remarkable red rock desert has to offer — from hiking, biking, and trekking to jeep tours, culminating with a visit to the iconic Moon Valley.

Enjoy exploring the Atacama Desert in Chile
The capital of Chile, Santiago

Day 21: Santiago

As your adventure comes to an end, catch your flight back to Santiago for one final day and night in the city. Relax after your thrilling activities, enjoy some delicious food and wine from one of the many quality restaurants in the city, or explore some of Santiago’s fascinating museums. If you’re interested in extending your trip to include Patagonia, or a visit to a wine region, take a look at our other Chile holidays and speak to our experts to find out more.

When to Go

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec