Cuzco To Ushuaia

All content by Intrepid

54 days (ex Cuzco)

Destinations visited: Peru, Cuzco & The Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, Ushuaia, 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$3,375

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Description

Discover vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery on this epic 54-day Overland vacation from the Andean heights of Peru to the frozen depths of Patagonia. Experience the bewitching fusion of Spanish and Inca culture in Cuzco then embark on the trek of a lifetime to the mesmerising ruins of Machu Picchu. Marvel at the remarkable floating islands of Lake Titicaca, admire the beautiful colonial architecture of Salta, survey vast Bolivian salt flats and tantalise the tastebuds at a traditional Argentine barbecue. Finish the journey by travelling into the unspoilt wilderness of Patagonia to soak up spectacular views of majestic glaciers, crystal lakes and forest-covered mountains. This unforgettable trip will leave you enchanted by the dynamic culture and awe-inspiring scenery of these exceptional countries.

Highlights

Discover Cuzco's abundance of fascinating ruins.
Hike along ancient trails to the lost city of Machu Picchu.
Journey through dramatic Andean scenery.
Visit the historic Island of the Sun.
Wander the atmospheric streets of Salta.
Tantalise the tastebuds at an Argentine barbecue.
Admire the crystal waters of the Lakes District.
Trek through pristine glacial scenery.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cuzco

Relax amid the quaint cafes and cobblestone streets of Cuzco and take time to acclimatise to the soaring 3,400m altitude.

Days 2-5 Classic Inca Trail/Quechua Community Trek/Ollantaytambo

Follow ancient Inca paths past soaring mountain peaks and camp beside ancient forests. Meet locals while passing through traditional Quechua communities before descending into the Sacred Valley to explore the vast Ollantaytambo ruins. There is also the option to hike the classic Inca Trail instead.

Days 6-7 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Be mesmerised by the sight of the crowning glory of the Incas, Machu Picchu bathed in the golden morning light. Why not brave the steep climb up Huayna Picchu for unforgettable views of this iconic site. Back in Cuzco, rest those weary muscles at one of the quaint cafes surrounding the Plaza de Armas or browse the wealth of bustling markets.

Day 8 Puno

Spot the ancient funerary towers of Sillustani rising from the windswept antiplano. Spend the night in Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Days 9-10 Lake Titicaca/Copacabana

Sail across the glassy surface of the world's highest navigable lake to visit the Uros people who live on, and construct, floating reed islands. Visit the Island of the Sun, a key feature in the creation stories of many local indigenous people.

Days 11-13 La Paz

Ramble through La Paz's jumble of twisted streets, stare up at the engulfing snow capped mountains or shop in the eclectic markets, including the famed Witches' Market.

Day 14 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.

Day 15 Potosi

Gaze at barren semi-desert landscapes en route to the colonial mining city of Potosi. Gain an insight into the harsh realities of life in the area on an optional tour of a working mine.

Days 16-17 Salar de Uyuni

Visit the legendary Bolivian salt flats, an enormous expanse of blinding white salt crystals that has to be seen to be believed. Head to fiery Laguna Colorada and the equally beautiful Laguna Verde.

Day 18 Bolivian Altiplano

Journey towards the Argentine border, camping among spectacular scenery.

Day 19 San Pedro de Atacama

Depart Bolivia and travel across the border into Chile, camping at one of the world's best places for stargazing. By day, visit the surreal lunar landscape of Valle de la Luna.

Days 20-22 Salta

Delight in the laidback atmosphere of Argentina's elegant colonial city of Salta. Relax in the main plaza, discover the pumping nightlife or head out of town to Quebrada de Humahuaca, a narrow valley flanked by spectacularly colourful mountains and giant cacti.

Day 23 Cafayate

Learn about Argentina's wine production on a guided vineyard tour, perhaps taking the opportunity to indulge in some renowned blends.

Day 24 Quilmes

Drive through the beautiful Argentinean landscape to the Tucuman province. Camp near the ancient Quilmes Ruins.

Days 25-27 Estancia stay

Experience Argentine hospitality while staying on a working cattle ranch. Perhaps explore the Pampas on horseback before savouring the mouth-watering aromas and succulent flavours of a traditional barbecue.

Days 28-30 Mendoza

Traverse the high passes of the Andes travelling to Mendoza. Relax in the shade of the trees that line the city's wide avenues, visit local art galleries or chill out with a glass of wine.

Days 31-33 Santiago

Head to the lively Bellavista neighbourhood for some epicurean delights or discover Santiago's literary heritage at the house of Pablo Neruda. For an insight into the city's turbulent history, check out the Museo de la Solidaridad Salvador Allende.

Day 34 Salto de Laja

Travel through fertile agricultural areas and gaze at scenic vineyards en route to Saltos del Laja.

Days 35-36 Pucon

Savour the breathtaking views of the picturesque Pucon region, which boasts crystal lakes and forest-clad mountains. For those weary from hiking, why not immerse yourself in the nearby thermal springs.

Day 37 Puerto Montt/Overnight Ferry

Pitch a tent close to the port city of Puerto Montt, in the midst of the Chilean Lakes District.

Day 38 Carretera Austral

Travel along the scenic delights of the Carretera Austral highway. Hugged by rugged mountains, Chaiten is a humble fishing village punctuated by the smouldering Corcovado and Michinmahuida volcanoes.

Days 39-41 Chilean Fjord Coast

Visit Patagonia and camp in the wilds, amid the intense beauty and isolation of one of the world's final frontiers.

Days 42-44 Los Glaciares National Park/El Chalten

Arrive in Los Glaciares National Park. Trek over glaciers, admire stunning views of mountain ranges or take a boat trip on Viedma Lake.

Days 45-46 Perito Moreno Glacier/El Calafate

Listen to the moan of the advancing glacial ice and watch as huge chunks break off Perito Moreno Glacier and collapse into the channel below.

Days 47-51 Torres del Paine National Park

Spend four days exploring the rugged Torres del Paine National Park, punctuated by granite cliffs piercing barren plains and home to guanacos and flightless rhea birds.

Day 52 Strait of Magellan

Travel to the end of the world and enter the wilds of Tierra del Fuego.

Days 53-54 Ushuaia

End this epic South American adventure at the world's southernmost town, Ushuaia, set between the Beagle Channel and looming glacial peaks.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (19 nts), Hotel (18 nts), Bush camp (no facilities) (7 nts), Hostel (3 nts), Overnight ferry (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle, Train, Ferry

Budget

Allow USD $810 for meals not included.

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

from USD$3,375

Book now

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