Trip Highlights

  • For foodie’s – enjoy a gastronomy tour of Lima
  • Get up close to wildlife inn 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 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 stars of the southern hemisphere.

Your days here are filled with incredible wildlife excursions. Visit Lake Sandoval on a dug-out canoe to quietly paddle past picture-perfect rainforest. Look out for many species of birds, the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles and black caimans amongst others. With your guide enjoy rainforest trails, taking 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 and returning to the airport. Transfer to your hotel in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Being at a lower altitude (approx 2800m above sea level) than in Cusco (approx 3400m), the acclimatisation process will be a little quicker and easier here.

The Sacred Valley is teeming with amazing sights and activities. Explore the three jewels of the Sacred Valley Incas: Moras, Moray and Misminay, witnessing majestic view of the ancient Maras salt mines and archaeological sites which resemble natural amphitheaters.

For a unique cultural highlight, visit the traditional community of Misminay and experience a valuable cultural exchange and get to know the traditional Andean lifestyle up close. You’ll be invited to take part in their different daily activities related to planting, harvesting, and textile work.

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 a truly impressive archaeological complex, strategically located on top of a mountain which once guarded the road to Machu Picchu.

Ollantaytambo, built by the Inca Pachacuti, is exceptional for having maintained the original Inca designed area as part of its present day urban layout. Enjoy a traditional Pachamanca lunch where you will learn about the pachamanca (earth pot) cooking method, witnessing the layering of hot stones with meats, tubers and other local ingredients, before being covered by leaves and earth.

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. Walk amongst the ruins and terraces, learning about the history of the site and the wider Inca civilisation.

Witness the amazing engineering skills still on display 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, enjoying the wonderful landscapes of the Southern Valley of Cusco on the way. First visit Andahuaylillas, where you will find the church of San Pedro, decorated with angels and cherubs.

Visit the Raqchi ruins -also known as The Temple of God Wiracocha. Afterwards, head to La Raya, the highest point between Cusco and Puno, where you will make a short stop to appreciate the landscape.

Check in to a lovely boutique hotel and rest after a busy few days.

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 in a privately driven 4×4 which will be your vehicle for the next four days of your adventure. Visit the train cemetery with remains of the former locomotives before entering the great Uyuni Salt Flats visiting Colchani town en route, to see a traditional salt processing plant.

Continue with a stop in Ojos de Agua and Incahuasi Island where the famous giant Cactus are found. Pause and take in the breathtaking sunsets at Uyuni Salt flats.

On your second day visit San Cristobal with its colonial church and the Valley of the Rocks with interesting formed by wind erosion. Journey to Catal and Vinto Lagoons and be wowed by the lost rock formation of Italia.

Day 17-20: atacama Desert

Your South American odyssey continues into Chile. Firstly, head to Laguna Colorada, to see the famous colour changing James Flamingos and Sol de Mañana Geysers, going through the water spring and to Laguna Verde, at the edge of the Llicancabur Volcano.

Enjoy lunch in the desert before continuing on to the Chilean border where you will be based in a comfortable hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

We have included four full days here to fully explore all this incredible red rock desert offers, from hiking, biking, trekking, jeep tours and of course 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 int 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 museums. If you’re interested in extending your trip to include Patagonia, or time in 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