Cusco to Santiago Overlander - 32 day tour

Welcome to Peru and the wonderful city of Cusco! Today we have an important group meeting at 10am to meet your guide and fellow travellers. We meet again in the evening for a detailed briefing on the Wild Andes and Classic Inca Trail, when our local trekking guides will explain exactly what to expect over the next few days.

The rest of the day is free to explore Cusco, soak up its historical gems or relax after your journey.
Overnight: Cusco

The next four days can be spent either embarking on our Wild Andes trek, hiking the Classic Inca Trail or, if you don’t wish to trek, enjoying a guided tour of the Sacred Valley on our Train Package.

The Wild Andes trek takes you away from the crowds that frequent the Inca Trail. It's a similar trek in terms of length and difficulty, however you will hike through more pristine and unspoilt scenery with few other tourists. On the Andean trek you won't trek to Machu Picchu via the famous Sun Gate but you will spend the night before in a comfortable hotel, leaving you refreshed and rested for this magnificent site. For more information about the treks please refer to the Trip Notes.

Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
We leave Cusco early to visit the ruined temples of Sacsayhuaman, before heading to the small Quechua-speaking village of Chinchero. We see a traditional weaving demonstration and visit the Quillarumiyoc temple, then begin our trek to Zurite where we enjoy a traditional dinner and stay in a colonial house. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Option 2 - Classic Inca Trail
This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Sacred Valley, followed by a visit to the market town of Pisac and free time to explore the impressive archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. We spend the night in a comfortable hotel before our trek starts the following morning. (Breakfast & Lunch)

Option 3 - Train Package
Leaving Cusco with those embarking on the Wild Andes Trek, we visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, followed by a scenic drive via the town of Pisac to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After lunch we return to Cusco, where we stay in a centrally located hotel for a further three nights. (Breakfast & Lunch)

PLEASE NOTE: You must advise at time of booking if you wish to book the classic Inca Trail Trek (which is subject to availability) or the non trekking Train Package, otherwise you will automatically be put on the Wild Andes Trek.
Overnight: Zurite/Ollantaytambo/Cusco  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Zurite - Amaruwatana. After breakfast we head towards Amaruwatana camp, visiting the Hummingbird Temple to admire this Inca archaeological site. Our route takes us along an ancient path up to an elevation of 4,400 metres, where we enjoy dramatic views of the Vilcabamba and Vilcanota mountain ranges. We then descend into the Sambor Valley and to our camp for the night. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Option 2 - Classic Inca Trail
Ollantaytambo - Wayllabamba. Today we catch a bus to Piscaycuscho and begin the Classic Inca trek with our crew of local porters and cooks. Crossing the bridge over the River Urubamba, we follow a trail along the river and enjoy stunning views of Mount Veronica and the Incan archaeological remains at Llactapata. We gradually climb through lush farmland and woodland to reach our campsite at Wayllabamba. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Option 3 - Train Package
Spend today enjoying free time in Cusco, perhaps admiring the city’s incredible colonial architecture or shopping for traditional textiles and handicrafts. (Breakfast)
Overnight: Amaruwatana/Wayllabamba/Cusco  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Amaruwatana - Ancascocha. Today we have an early start to trek to the top of our second pass at 4,700 metres. From here we enjoy stunning views of the rock formations below and perhaps spot native wildlife such as eagles, foxes or caracaras. We then descend into a stunning highland valley and enjoy lunch by the glacial River Kengo Mayu before continuing to our campsite in the Ancascocha area. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Option 2 - Classic Inca Trail
Wayllabamba - Pacaymayo. Today marks the most challenging day of our trek as we climb through Andean cloud forest and highland puna to reach ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ at an elevation of 4,200 metres. On reaching the pass, we are rewarded with astonishing panoramic views of the Vilcanota and Vilcabamba mountain ranges, before we descend to our second campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Option 3 - Train Package
Today offers further free time to enjoy Cusco and all that this city has to offer. (Breakfast)
Overnight: Ancascocha/Pacamayo/Cusco  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Ancascocha - Ollantaytambo. Today we descend through the narrow Silque Canyon, crossing many bridges to reach the Camicancha area, where we stop at a magnificent volcanic viewpoint looking towards the snowy peak of Mount Veronica. From here, we have a short trek to Chilca, where our trail ends and we are transferred to our hotel in Ollantaytambo. This afternoon we then enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous Temple of the Sun and the incredible archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. (Breakfast)

Option 2 - Classic Inca Trail
Pacaymayo - Winay Wayna. Following ancient stone paths, we ascend to the Inca remains of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, known as the 'Town above the Clouds’. We then descend to our final camp by the Winay Wayna ruins, which boasts panoramic views of the valley below. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Option 3 - Train Package
Today we are transferred to Ollantaytambo and our hotel for the night. We rejoin the Wild Andes trekkers and our tour leader when they arrive in the afternoon. (Breakfast)
Overnight: Ollantaytambo/Winay Wayna  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek & Option 3 - Train Package
Ollantyatambo - Machu Picchu - Cusco. This morning we take an incredibly scenic train journey to the spa town of Aguas Calientes. From here we board a local bus that winds up the mountainside to Machu Picchu, the awe inspiring 'Lost City of the Incas'. Here we enjoy a guided tour and plenty of free time to explore this iconic sight, which was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. In the afternoon we return to Ollantaytambo by train and then drive back to our hotel in Cusco. (Breakfast)

Option 2 - Classic Inca Trail
Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu. Descending through highland jungle we reach the Sun Gate, which leads to the phenomenal ruins of Machu Picchu. Arriving at daybreak, we catch our first breathtaking view of this Incan wonder and enjoy a guided tour to explain the site’s history and mythology. We then have free time to explore independently, before we head down to Aguas Calientes to catch a train to Ollantaytambo. We then return to Cusco for a well-deserved rest.

Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek & Option 3 - Train Package
Ollantyatambo - Machu Picchu - Cusco. This morning we take an incredibly scenic train journey to the spa town of Aguas Calientes. From here we board a local bus that winds up the mountainside to Machu Picchu, the awe inspiring 'Lost City of the Incas'. Here we enjoy a guided tour and plenty of free time to explore this iconic site, which was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. In the afternoon we return to Ollantaytambo by train and then drive back to our hotel in Cusco. (Breakfast)
Overnight: Cusco  |  Breakfast

Today is free to relax after our incredible treks and further explore the city of Cusco. Perhaps take part in our optional activities such as a Peruvian cooking class or pick up some of the local lingo in a Spanish class.
Overnight: Cusco  |  Breakfast

Cusco - Puno. Today we drive through the highlands of Peru to reach the town of Puno. Puno is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and offers a fascinating insight into the local Aymara and Quechuan Indian cultures.
Overnight: Puno  |  Breakfast

Puno - Copacabana - Isla del Sol (Bolivia). This morning we cross the border into Bolivia and continue our journey to the lakeside town of Copacabana. Here we catch a boat to Isla del Sol, a stunning island steeped in Inca legend and thought to be the birthplace of the sun god Inti.

On day 10 we have an included 14-kilometre hike across the length of Isla del Sol, passing incredible scenery, small ancient ruins and traditional villages. The walk is optional and those who do not wish to participate can enjoy some downtime to relax. We return to Copacabana for the evening.
Overnight: Isla del Sol (1), Copacabana (1)  |  Breakfast x 2

Copacabana - La Paz. On day 11 we drive to La Paz, the largest city in Bolivia and the country's seat of government. On arrival, there's an optional guided tour of the city’s main sights and viewpoints.

Days 12 and 13 are free to make the most of this extraordinary city. Perhaps explore the witches market, take an optional excursion to visit the Tiahuanacu Inca ruins or mountain bike down the world's most dangerous road.
Overnight: La Paz (3)  |  Breakfast x 3

La Paz - Uyuni. Today we journey south to Uyuni, the gateway to the Salar de Uyuni, which is the world's largest salt pan. We stay at a hotel in Uyuni famous for serving pizzas at the highest altitude in the world.

On day 15 we spend a full day exploring the incredible landscape of the Salar de Uyuni by jeep and on foot. Stretching for 12,000 square kilometres, the blinding white crystals of the salt flats reflect the sky perfectly, making the horizon disappear. We visit the nearby train graveyard and the cactus-filled 'Fish Island' en route, with plenty of time throughout the day to get some perspective-bending photographs.
Overnight: Uyuni (2)  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1

Uyuni - Altiplano (Chile). We continue our journey across the wilds of the Altiplano, an impressive desolate desert landscape stretching all the way to Chile. The Altiplano is dotted with streams and lakes, many of which appear vividly coloured due to the mineral deposits in the water. The lakes are flanked by the impressive volcanic peaks of the high Bolivian Andes, which are awe-inspiringly beautiful and undoubtedly some of the most spectacular mountain scenery you'll ever see. There will be lots of photo stops along the way as we aim to cross into Chile and our camp for the evening. Tonight's camp is a remote bush camp with no facilities.
Overnight: Altiplano  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Altiplano - San Pedro De Atacama. In the morning we break camp and drive through the stunning Reserva Nacional Alto Loa to reach the desert oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. En route we stop off for plenty of photographs and enjoy lunch at the famous El Tatio Geysers, which are the world’s highest at an elevation of 4,300 metres.

The following day is free to explore the Atacama Desert, with an included trip to the extraordinary Valley of the Moon to witness the sunset over this incredible landscape. This region is considered one of the best in the world for astronomy and, provided there isn’t a full moon, we have the chance to go stargazing tonight.
Overnight: San Pedro de Atacama (2)  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1

San Pedro De Atacama - Salta (Argentina). On day 19 we have a long journey to cross the mighty Andes and reach the beautiful town of Salta in Argentina. Enjoy the camaraderie of the journey, playing games with your fellow travellers and soaking up the views from the window.

The following day is free to explore Salta and its fantastic museums. Perhaps take an optional mountain bike excursion into the surrounding hills or catch the cable car to the viewpoint on San Bernado Hill overlooking the town.
Overnight: Salta (2)  |  Breakfast x 2

Salta - Cafayate. Today we drive to the serene town of Cafayate, passing through the spectacular rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas en route. Cafayate is world-famous for its wine production, in particular for the white wine Torrontes, with the surrounding vineyards providing some of the best quality wine in South America.

Whilst in Cafayate we visit a few of the nearby vineyards to see how the wine is made and, of course, to try a few for ourselves!
Overnight: Cafayate (2)  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 2

Cafayate - Quilmes ruins - Recreo. Today we drive south through stunning mountains and reach the vast pampas grasslands that Argentina is famous for. En route we visit the ancient ruins of Quilmes, an indigenous city that would once have housed nearly 5,000 people. Tonight we enjoy a wild camping experience.
Overnight: Recreo  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Recreo - Estancia. On day 24 we drive to a unique Anglo-Argentine estancia, or cattle ranch, where we stay for the next three nights at a camp near the main house. This estancia is a working ranch farming prized Argentinian Aberdeen Angus cattle and has been in the same family for four generations.

Here we experience the traditional hospitality of the ranching community and enjoy an Argentine BBQ called an asado on one of our nights here. We also enjoy an evening of traditional music, a wine tasting of local produce and the chance to learn how to lasso. What's more, there are daily horseback riding excursions into the surrounding hills that'll make you feel like a true gaucho in no time.
Overnight: Estancia (3)  |  Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3

Estancia - Cordoba. This morning we enjoy a leisurely start and after breakfast continue our drive to the lively university city of Cordoba, located at the heart of the Argentinian sierras. This afternoon is free to explore and soak up Cordoba's vibrant atmosphere or enjoy its excellent nightlife.
Overnight: Cordoba  |  Breakfast

Cordoba - Mendoza. We have a very early start on day 28 for a full day’s drive to Mendoza, a stunning town nestled beneath the largest mountains of the Andes. It’s also one of the nine ‘Wine Capitals of the World’ and is famous for its Malbec, which is grown in vineyards of some of the highest altitude in the world.

Day 29 offers free time to explore this region, perhaps cycling between the different wineries or enjoying a tasting tour. Adventure lovers can also go white-water rafting on the Mendoza River or you can relax in the beautiful thermal baths in Cacheuta.
Overnight: Mendoza (2)  |  Breakfast x 2

Mendoza - Santiago (Chile). We embark on our final drive of the tour to the Chilean capital of Santiago on day 30. Our route takes us over the stunning Cristo Redentor pass in the high Andes and past Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere. The following day is free to enjoy all this city has to offer, perhaps joining a free walking tour to learn about Santiago's history or visiting the viewpoints at Cerro San Cristobal or Cerro San Lucia for breathtaking vistas of the skyline.
Overnight: Santiago (2)  |  Breakfast x 2