Buenos Aires To Lima

All content by Intrepid

42 days (ex Buenos Aires)

Destinations visited: Peru, Lima, Machu Picchu, Bolivia, Argentina, Buenos Aires, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$2,500

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Description

Set off on the adventure of a lifetime through three remarkable South American countries. Be captivated by Buenos Aires' energy and embark on an amazing Bolivian salt flats tour. Hike through spectacular Andean landscapes to the ruins of Machu Picchu, discover the amazing fusion of Incan and Spanish culture in Cuzco and travel to the dazzling white city of Arequipa This tour has it all: breathtaking scenery, vibrant cities and classic South American hospitality. Jump on board for an unforgettable journey.

Highlights

Experience the pulsating energy of Buenos Aires.
Sample locally produced wine in Cafayate.
Browse La Paz's colourful markets.
Follow ancient Inca paths to marvellous Machu Picchu.
Travel across the vast Colca Canyon in Peru.
Admire the dazzling white buildings of Arequipa.
Marvel at the extraordinary lines of Nazca.
Discover weird and wonderful wildlife on the Ballestas Islands.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Buenos Aires

Get swept away in the energy of the energetic, captivating capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires. Sample epicurean delights in one of the many cosmopolitan restaurants or perhaps wander picturesque boulevards to admire grand architecture.

Day 3 Cordoba

Stroll through Cordoba's lovely Plaza San Martin or admire the city's many beautiful churches.

Days 4-6 Estancia Stay

Savour the aromas of an Argentine barbecue before unleashing that inner-gaucho on horse riding excursions.

Day 7 Quilmes

Drive through beautiful scenery and visit the ruins of Quilmes.

Day 8 Cafayate

Journey to the picturesque wine region of Argentina. Learn about local production on a vineyard tour in Cafayate, perhaps taking the opportunity to quaff some renowned blends.

Days 9-11 Salta

Admire Salta's elegant colonial architecture on a walk through cobbled streets - perhaps also relax in a cafe or shop for local handicrafts. From energetic pursuits to relaxing rendezvous, there's a stack of fun things to do in Salta.

Day 12 San Pedro de Atacama

Cross the border to Chile and set up camp at San Pedro Atacama - a real little gem of this area and one of the world's best places for stargazing. By day, visit the surreal lunar landscape of Valle de la Luna and soak up the hospitality of this quirky desert town by night.

Day 13 Bolivian Altiplano

Cross the spectacular Bolivian Altiplano.

Days 14-15 Uyuni/ Salar de Uyuni

Gaze out over the expansive Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert on an adventure-filled Bolivian salt flats tour. Visit the fiery-red Laguna Colorada and the blue-green Laguna Verde. These breathtaking natural wonders are a pleasure to behold and the perfect backdrop for holiday snaps.

Day 16 Potosi

Take in the spectacular Andean scenery en route to the colonial mining city of Potosi. An optional tour of a working mine is an eye-opening way to experience life in this remote Bolivian city.

Day 17 Challapata

Spend the morning using free time to explore Potosi before a short drive to the quaint town of Challapata to spend the night.

Day 18 Livichuco

Explore the small Andean village of Livichuco, a remote Bolivian retreat that few tourists are lucky enough to experience. Be welcomed into the Aymara community and receive an introduction to their Qaqachaqa culture.

Days 19-21 La Paz

Travel to La Paz, the enigmatic, surprising capital of Bolivia. Browse some of the city's extensive markets - including the quirky Witches' Market, explore the fascinating Coca Museum or perhaps just roam about taking in the unique La Paz vibe.

Days 22-23 Copacabana

Discover Copacabana, a picturesque town situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca with an amazing Moorish style cathedral. Hike over the car-free Island of the Sun and discover its scenic heart. Widely believed to be the birthplace of Inca culture, there are plenty of ruins to explore.

Day 24 Lake Titicaca/Puno

Cruise along Lake Titicaca and visit the floating islands inhabited by the Uros.

Days 25-26 Cuzco

Spot the ancient funerary towers of Sillustani rising from the windswept antiplano. Then travel to Cuzco where there are plenty of adventure activities on offer.

Days 27-30 Inca Trail/Quecha Community Trek

Embark on an unforgettable Andean trek. Follow the steps of the ancient Incas through breathtaking scenery and past remote Quechua villages.

Day 31 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Explore the crumbling ruins of Machu Picchu, the 'Lost City of the Incas'. Brave the steep climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for breathtaking vistas or find a spot near the Sun Gate to sit back and soak up the magical atmosphere. Make the return journey back to Cuzco.

Day 32 Cuzco

Visit Cuzco and wander through cobblestone streets lined with massive Inca stone walls and Spanish-colonial architecture. Perhaps sign up for one of the many adventure activities on offer here including horse riding and whitewater rafting.

Day 33 Raqchi

Get to know a local family as guests at a homestay in Raqchi. Spend the evening together sharing a meal and discovering traditional song and dance.

Days 34-35 Chivay/Colca Canyon

Try to spot the mighty Andean condors as they silently take to the sky thousands of metres above the floor of the breathtaking Colca Canyon.

Days 36-37 Arequipa

Explore the scenic city of Arequipa and perhaps stop by the Museo Santury to view Juanita, the ice princess. The body of this frozen Inca maiden is thought to be more than 500 years-old and was found at a sacrificial site on the summit of Nevado Ampato.

Day 38 Puerto Inca

Visit the chilling Chauchilla Cemetery en route to Puerto Inca. The windswept graves display the eerie skeletons and mummified bodies of the Nazca people, some of which date from 1,000 AD.

Day 39 Nazca

Learn about Peru's mysterious Nazca Lines and perhaps take a scenic flight to fully appreciate the scale of this puzzling creation.

Day 40 Paracas National Reserve

Pitch a tent in Paracas, which spans over 335,000 hectares and is home to one of the world's most important marine reserves. Take a walk along the coastline and spot the vibrant birdlife this region is famous for.

Days 41-42 Ballestas Islands/Lima

Spot penguins, sea lions and boobies during a boat ride through the Ballestas Islands. Get acquainted with Peru's modern capital, Lima - there's plenty to see in this vibrant metropolis.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (23 nts), Camping (with facilities) (13 nts), Hostel (2 nts), Homestay (2 nts), Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle, Jeep, Boat, Train

Budget

Allow USD $630 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$2,500

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