Incas Amazon & Argentina - 35 days
Taking in the very best of Peru, we visit the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, and hike the Inca Trail. Venturing into Bolivia we explore La Paz, the mines of Potosi and salt lakes of Uyuni. Witness the spectacular Iguazu Falls from the Argentinean and Brazilian sides before finishing in Buenos Aires
This holiday is also offered in reverse. Start in Buenos Aires, end in Lima!
Day 1: Lima
Welcome to Peru and the start of your amazing adventure. Upon arriving to our hotel the remainder of the day offers free time. If you arrive before 12 noon consider watching the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace that takes place daily at this time. This evening a group welcome meeting is held. Overnight - Lima
Days 2 - 5: Amazon Jungle
Lima – Amazon Jungle – Cuzco
We begin our visit to the mighty Amazon with a flight to the jungle community of Puerto Maldonado. A bus ride followed by a motorised canoe journey along the river will bring us to our Amazon lodge. Once settled, we will begin to explore the jungle with plenty of free time to enjoy the rich landscapes diverse flora and fauna. In the evening a canoe trip will lead us on the search for alligators and other nocturnal wildlife along the water’s edge. We will trek through the rainforest to Oxbow Lake where transparent waters are surrounded by wide marshes and giant trees. Along the way our guide will point out the many different species of bird and explain the use of plants in local medicine with another canoe ride later in the day. Observe the abundant birdlife of the Amazon from our lakeside-viewing platform. Keep your eyes peeled for parrots, toucans and many other exotic birds.
We depart this jungle haven and make our way to Cuzco where you have two nights to discover this fascinating ancient capital or explore further afield and tour the Inca ruins, fertile terraces and picturesque villages of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Cuzco is an adrenaline junkie’s dream with opportunities for horse riding, white water rafting, canoeing, mountain biking and jungle excursions. If you'd prefer not to visit the Amazon, days 2 to 5 can be spent as free time in Cuzco. The appropriate amount will be dedcuted from your tour cost. will be spent in Cuzco with free time to enjoy the city and a portion of your tour cost will be deducted. Overnight - Amazon (2), Cuzco (2) (B:2, L:1, D:2)
Incas Amazon & Argentina - 35 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Days 6 - 9: Inca Trail
Cuzco – Inca Trail (or free time in Cuzco) – Cuzco. For those who have chosen to hike the Inca Trail Trek, a short bus ride will take us to our starting point where we begin a once in a lifetime journey on the ancient trail of the Incas.
Day 2 includes the highest point of the trail and reaches 4200m in height. This is physically the most demanding point but rewards you with spectacular views. Fascinating ruins and dramatic mountain scenery fill every day of the hike and on the final day of the hike you will have free time in Machu Picchu. Take the chance to relieve your tired body in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes before returning to Cuzco by train. Overnight - Inca Trai (3), Cuzco (1) (B:3, L:3, D:3)
Days 10 - 14: Lake Titicaca, Puno & La Paz
Cuzco – Puno – Lake Titicaca – Puno – La Paz. Departing Cuzco we head to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. On the way we’ll pass hot mineral pools, snow capped mountains and traditional Native Indian villages where locals sell their wares. In Puno we will learn about the way of life and culture of the Uros people with a boat visit to the floating reed islands.
We continue by boat to the island of Amantani where we’ll enjoy the hospitality of native Aymara/Quechua families. If you get the chance, make sure to get involved with the high altitude football games with the men of the village. The next morning we visit Taquile Island where you can buy unique handicrafts at the local cooperative shops. Back in Puno you can practice your bartering skills at the colourful market, arguably the best place to pick up an alpaca sweater.
A scenic drive around Lake Titicaca will take us to the border town of Desaguadero where we cross over into Bolivia to visit the celebrated ruins of Tiahuanaco. Dating back to 1,600 BC, these pre-Hispanic ruins are renowned among scholars as the administrative and religious capital of an important pre-Inca civilisation. Marvel at the Gate of the Sun, the underground temple and the Acapana Pyramid with its six magnetic pillars.
Heading to Bolivia’s capital we drive through villages with traditional clay buildings and experience breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. La Paz, the highest city in the world, is built in the basin of a canyon with the snow-capped Mount Illimani in the background. With a whole day free to explore you could wander through the vibrant Indian street markets or the fascinating Witches’ Market where you can find dead cats and llama foetuses to ward off evil spirits. Overnight - Puno (2), Lake Titicaca (1), La Paz (2) (B:1, L:1, D:1)
Days 15 - 20: Potosi & Salar de Uyuni
La Paz – Potosi – Uyuni – Tupiza. The site of one of the world’s longest continually operated silver mines, the UNESCO-listed city of Potosi bares both the fruits and scars of this legacy. An optional excursion will give you the opportunity to descend down a working mine and witness archaic mining methods that are still practiced today. You could also visit the miners’ market and the Moneda museum, dedicated to Potosi’s mining history. We continue to the world’s largest salt lake, Salar de Uyuni.
Explore the stunning landscapes between the salt lake and Chile’s Atacama Desert by four-wheel-drive vehicle. Piercing blue skies contrast with blinding white salt as you drive across the flat lakebed. The area’s unusual landscape of mountains, active volcanoes, and geysers is like nowhere on earth. Incahuasi Island, with its fish-like shape and colossal cacti is a highlight of our trip. Leaving this surreal terrain we head towards the Argentine border where we arrive at Tupiza. Overnight - Potosi (2), Uyuni (2), Tupiza (2) (L:3)
Days 21 - 26: Colonial Salta & Asuncion
Tupiza – Salta – Saenz Pena – Asuncion. The attractive city of Salta is our next destination where you can wander the colonial streets visiting cathedrals, churches, museums and art galleries. Take a cable car to the top of Cerro San Bernado for stunning views of the city or take a day trip to Cafayate, one of Argentina’s greatest wine regions. We briefly stop in Saenz Pena before continuing on to the capital of Paraguay. Sitting on the banks of the Paraguay River with charming Spanish colonial architecture, Asuncion is perfectly enjoyed by foot. Overnight - Salta (3), Saenz Pena (1), Asuncion (2) (L:3)
Days 27 - 29: Iguazu Falls
Asuncion – Foz de Iguaçu – Puerto Iguazu. Today we head to Brazil where we reach Foz do Iguacu, our base for visiting the famous Iguazu Falls. Considered one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the world, we’ll get to see this impressive waterfall from both the Argentinean and Brazilian side for amazing views.
In Brazil, board a speedboat that takes you right under the falls, soaking you from head to foot, whilst on the Argentinean side you’ll find the famous ‘Devil’s Throat’ where fourteen falls drop with such force that there is always a massive cloud of spray overhead. You can also walk through rainforest along catwalks directly above the falls. Overnight - Foz do Iguacu (2), Puerto Iguazu (1) (L:1)
Days 30 - 34: San Ignacio ruins, Ibera wetlands, Buenos Aires
Puerto Iguazu – San Ignacio – Carlos Pelligrini – Mercedes - Buenos Aires. Travelling to San Ignacio in Argentina we visit the ruins of a Jesuit mission founded in 1632 before heading to Carlos Pelligrini. This village is situated close to the second largest wetlands in South America, the Ibera wetlands, where you can take a boat trip across the waters and spot some of the diverse range of wildlife. On our way to Mercedes, we stop at the Gaucho memorial, which commemorates the famous Gauchito Gil, a legendary character in Argentina’s popular culture.
Our final stop is, Buenos Aires, affectionately known as the Paris of South America with its lovely green parks and wide boulevards. It is here that Eva Peron made her famous speeches from the balcony of the Presidential Palace. Visit the Cabildo (Old Town Hall), the Municipalidad (City Hall) and the cathedral or simply make the most of the city’s excellent restaurants and thriving nightlife. Don’t leave Buenos Aires without first seeing a tango show! Overnight - San Ignacio (1), Carlos Pelligrini (2), Mercedes (1), Buenos Aires (1) (L:3)
Day 35: Buenos Aires
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. Hotel check out is at noon or alternatively opt to extend your stay a few days