Begin your adventure in Cusco, the historic capital city of the Inca Empire. Explore the ancient ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Q’enqo, walk along the streets of the charming San Blas neighborhood, and hike up to the iconic Cristo Blanco for stunning panoramic views of the city.
No visit to South America is complete without a trip to Machu Picchu, the breathtaking Incan citadel that sits high in the Andes Mountains. Spend two days exploring the ruins on foot, taking in the stunning views and learning about the fascinating history and culture of the Inca people.
Experience the bustling city of La Paz with its colorful markets, museums, and colonial architecture. Take a thrilling mountain bike ride down the infamous Death Road, which winds through the stunning Bolivian countryside, or explore the eerie landscape of the Moon Valley.
Marvel at the other-worldly scenery of Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flats, the largest salt flat in the world, and spend two days exploring the vast and surreal landscape. Watch the sunset and sunrise over the endless expanse of salt, visit glittering salt lakes full of flamingos, and stay in a unique salt hotel.
Explore the stunning Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert on Earth, known for its unique rock formations, geysers, and hot springs. Take a tour of the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) and the El Tatio geysers, hike through the stark landscapes, and stargaze under the clear night sky.
End your adventure in the vibrant city of Santiago, Chile's capital, known for its stunning architecture, parks, and museums. Take a funicular ride up to Cerro San Cristobal for stunning panoramic views of the city and the Andes, or explore the colorful Bellavista neighborhood and grab a bite to eat at one of the many street markets and food stalls.
Most of the journey will be by bus or train. The travel time and cost will vary depending on distance and location, but most overnight buses will cost between $50-$100 per trip. Budget airlines also offer flights between major cities, with fares ranging from $50-$150. Be sure to plan ahead and book transportation in advance to avoid any issues.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil or a trip to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. For those with less time, consider skipping La Paz altogether and spending more time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Be aware of altitude sickness and acclimate slowly by drinking lots of water and resting. Lastly, be sure to pack warm clothes for the chilly nights and always carry cash or a credit card, as ATMs can be scarce in remote areas.
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) is located in Cusco, Peru, just 10 minutes from the city center. El Alto International Airport (LPB) is located in La Paz, Bolivia, approximately 30 minutes from the city center. The Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) is located in Santiago, Chile, approximately 25 minutes from the city center.