Andes, Altiplano & Atacama
Inca heritage, Lake Titicaca and the salt flats of Uyuni, ending in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
This is a suggested itinerary to inspire your plans, not a fixed departure or bookable package. Dates, hotels, pace and destinations are all tailored to you, and pricing is confirmed in your personal proposal.
The journey
This route follows the spine of the Andes across three countries. It begins gently in Lima and the Sacred Valley, rises to Cusco and Lake Titicaca, and continues into Bolivia for La Paz and the Salar de Uyuni. The final days cross by private 4×4 through high-altitude lagoons to San Pedro de Atacama. Ascent is planned gradually throughout.
Highlights
- A private guided visit to Machu Picchu
- Boat visits to the Uros islands and Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca
- Two days exploring the Salar de Uyuni by private 4x4
- Flamingo lagoons of the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve
- Stargazing in the Atacama Desert
Suggested itinerary
-
Lima
Days 1–21 / 3Arrive in Lima and settle into a clifftop hotel in Miraflores or Barranco. A private walk through the historic centre and an evening at one of the city’s celebrated restaurants.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Lima
- Accommodation
- Boutique hotel, Miraflores or Barranco
- Altitude
- ≈150 m
-
The Sacred Valley
Days 3–41 / 3Fly to Cusco and descend directly to the Sacred Valley to acclimatise. Visit Pisac’s terraces and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Sacred Valley
- Accommodation
- Riverside valley hotel
- Altitude
- ≈2,870 m
-
Machu Picchu
Day 51 / 3Travel by train along the Urubamba river to Aguas Calientes for a private guided visit to the citadel.
- Culinary inclusions
- Breakfast
- Location
- Machu Picchu
- Accommodation
- Hotel near Machu Picchu
- Altitude
- ≈2,430 m
-
Cusco
Days 6–71 / 3Return to Cusco for two unhurried days among its Inca walls, colonial churches and San Blas artisans’ quarter.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Cusco
- Accommodation
- Historic-centre hotel
- Altitude
- ≈3,400 m
-
Lake Titicaca
Days 8–91 / 3Cross the altiplano by rail or road to Puno. Boat visits to the floating Uros islands and the island of Taquile.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Lake Titicaca
- Accommodation
- Lakeside hotel
- Altitude
- ≈3,810 m
-
La Paz
Days 10–111 / 3Cross into Bolivia via Copacabana, with a boat visit to Isla del Sol, before continuing to La Paz and its cable-car views.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- La Paz
- Accommodation
- Design hotel, Zona Sur
- Altitude
- ≈3,640 m
-
Salar de Uyuni
Days 12–131 / 3Fly to Uyuni for two days exploring the salt flats, cactus islands and the vast white horizon by private 4x4.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Salar de Uyuni
- Accommodation
- Salt hotel or luxury camp
- Altitude
- ≈3,650 m
-
San Pedro de Atacama
Days 14–161 / 3Cross into Chile by private 4x4 through the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. Lagoons, geysers and desert skies, then depart from Calama via Santiago.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- San Pedro de Atacama
- Accommodation
- Desert lodge with guided excursions
- Altitude
- ≈2,400 m
Where you might stay
We select each hotel for your preferences, availability and season. Properties are confirmed in your proposal.
Boutique hotel, Miraflores or Barranco
Riverside valley hotel
Hotel near Machu Picchu
Historic-centre hotel
Lakeside hotel
Design hotel, Zona Sur
Salt hotel or luxury camp
Desert lodge with guided excursions
What your journey usually includes
- Accommodation in selected four- and five-star hotels and lodges
- Daily breakfast, plus meals noted in your itinerary
- Private airport and station transfers
- Private guided excursions as described
- Domestic flights and rail journeys within the itinerary
- Entrance fees for included visits
- In-country support while you travel
Arranged separately
- International flights
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
- Visas and entry fees where applicable
- Meals and drinks not stated
- Gratuities and personal expenses
Final inclusions are confirmed in writing in your personal proposal.
Frequently asked
Is this journey suitable for everyone?
It spends several days above 3,500 metres. Most healthy travellers manage well with the gradual ascent built in, but we recommend discussing it with your doctor first.
Can the route be reversed?
Yes. Starting in the Atacama works well, although beginning at lower altitude in Peru is generally gentler.
Can I change this itinerary?
Yes, entirely. Add or remove destinations, change the pace or upgrade hotels. This route is simply a starting point.
How do I book?
Send an enquiry and a travel specialist will prepare a personal proposal with confirmed pricing. Nothing is booked until you approve it.
Related journeys
Peru & Ecuador with the Galápagos
Machu Picchu and Cusco, colonial Quito and four nights among the wildlife of the Galápagos.
View Journey
Patagonia: Glaciers & Granite Towers
Buenos Aires, the Perito Moreno Glacier, Fitz Roy and Torres del Paine, ending in Santiago.
View Journey
Peru, Chile & Argentina
Machu Picchu, the Atacama Desert, Santiago, Mendoza’s vineyards and Buenos Aires.
View JourneyMake it yours
Tell us your dates and preferences and we will adapt this route for you, with no obligation.