Pato Andino Journey
|
One of the most comprehensive group tours of South America for 2012, this holiday travels from Argentina, through Chile and Bolivia to Peru. Starting in Buenos Aires, visit the Atacama desert, travel across the Uyuni salt flats and on to Lake Titicaca, Cusco and Machu Picchu on this 3 week escorted tour of South America.
|
Summary of nights: Buenos Aires 2, Salta 2, San Pedro de Atacama 2, Uyuni salt flats 3, La Paz 3, Puno 2, Cusco 2, Sacred Valley 1, Machu Picchu 1, Cusco 1, Lima 1.
- A route of high drama links two fascinating capitals, Buenos Aires and Lima.
- Salta - cultured city in the less-visited but delightful Andean foothills.
- High pass over the Andean spine and on through the Atacama desert.
- Expedition across the desert and Uyuni salt flats to luminous lagoons and astonishing scenery of remote southern Bolivia.
- Linger in the Inca heartland - Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the lost city of Machu Picchu.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 Fly UK to Buenos Aires, arriving the next morning.
Days 2,3 Explore Buenos Aires on a guided tour.
Day 4 Fly to Salta, explore the city on foot.
Day 5 Excursion to Cafayate and wineries.
Day 6 Cross over the Andes into Chile, and the Atacama Desert.
Day 7 Visit the Moon Valley, outside of San Pedro de Atacama.
Days 8-10 Cross into Bolivia and across the Uyuni salt flats.
Day 11 Travel by private vehicle to La Paz.
Days 12,13 Explore La Paz.
Day 14 Drive to Lake Titicaca.
Day 15 Visit the floating Uros Islands and optional trip to the pre-Inca site of Sillustani.
Day 16 Drive to Cusco.
Day 17 City tour of Cusco, including the site of Sacsayhuaman.
Day 18 Full day excursion into the Sacred Valley, overnight in the valley.
Day 19 Train to Machu Picchu, overnight in nearby village.
Day 20 Optional re-entry to the site, afternoon return to Cusco.
Day 21 Fly to Lima.
Day 22 UK clients depart, arriving day 23.
Trip Profile
Transport: 2 flights (longest 2 hrs), 2 train journeys (2 + 3½ hrs each), 6 road journeys (longest 10 hrs including stops).
Accommodation: Small and friendly simple hotels, with private bathroom. Basic dormitory accommodation with shared facilities in the Uyuni salt flats area.
Meals: Breakfast daily, full board days 8 and 9. Lunch day 10.
Included excursions: Buenos Aires guided tour; Salta countryside; Moon valley at San Pedro de Atacama; Laguna Colorada and excursion on the Uyuni desert crossing; La Paz walking tour; Uros islands on Lake Titicaca; Cusco city tour including Sacsayhuamán; Sacred Valley of the Incas; Machu Picchu; Lima walking tour.
Group size: Min 4, max 16. Led by Journey Latin America tour leader.
A few days spare?
Extend your trip by adding on a few days at the beginning or end of your tour on a tailormade, private basis. Click here to see our most popular extensions to the Pato Andino Journey or contact one of our consultants for more inspiring ideas. |  The mind-boggling landscape of the crossing into the Uyuni salt flat, Bolivia
 Machu Picchu is as mystical as it is magical, straddling a ridge high above the Urubamba canyon.
 The Moon Valley in the Atacama Desert.
View more images     
 Map |