Ushuaia To Cuzco

All content by Intrepid

54 days (ex Ushuaia)

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 adventure. Travel through Argentina's attractions and on to Chile before a Bolivian expedition leading to the Inca Trail, Peru's ancient gem. Journey through the unspoilt wilderness of Patagonia. Soak up spectacular views of Argentina's majestic glaciers, crystal lakes and forest-covered mountains before heading north to discover the succulent flavours of a traditional Argentine barbecue. Survey vast Bolivian salt flats, marvel at the remarkable floating islands of Lake Titicaca and set off on the trek of a lifetime to the mesmerising ruins of Machu Picchu. Finish the adventure experiencing Cuzco's bewitching fusion of Spanish and Inca cultures. This unforgettable trip will leave you enchanted by the dynamic cultures and awe-inspiring scenery of these exceptional countries.

Highlights

Trek through Argentina and Chile's glacial scenery.
Admire the crystal waters of Lake Titicaca.
Tantalise the tastebuds at an Argentine barbecue.
Wander through the Argentinean city of Salta.
Journey through dramatic Andean scenery in Chile.
Be amazed by the salt flats of Bolivia.
Delve deep into a dark mine in Potosi.
Hike along ancient trails to the lost city of Machu Picchu .
Sample roast cuy in Cuzco.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Ushuaia/Tierra del Fuego

Start this epic adventure in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost town. Travel to Tierra del Fuego National Park and see windswept plains, forests and swamplands.

Day 3 Strait of Magellan

Navigate through Tierra Del Fuego and discover the dramatic landscapes, windswept plains, forests and swamplands of Chile and Argentina.

Days 4-8 Torres del Paine National Park

Soak up the sublime beauty of Chile's Torres del Paine and its pristine wilderness. Keep an eye out for some of the guanacos and condors that thrive in this harsh environment.

Days 9-10 El Calafate/Perito Moreno Glacier

Gaze in awe at the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier as it spills over the border into Argentina and witness enormous chunks plunge into the waters below.

Days 11-13 El Chalten/Los Glaciaries National Park

From El Chalten, the trekking capital of Argentina, explore the Los Glaciaries National Park. See Argentina's stunningly rugged mountains while trekking over glaciers - take in the view of the remarkable Mt Fitz Roy.

Days 14-16 Carretera Austral

Vast creaking blue glaciers, towering mountains and glassy lakes dominate the horizon on the journey along the Chilean Fjord Coast. Camp in the Patagonian wilds amid the rugged beauty and isolation of one of the world's final frontiers.

Day 17 Chaiten

Located at the mouth of the Blanco and Yelcho rivers in Chile and in the shadow of the famous Chaiten Volcano, Chaiten is the gateway to the Chilean fjords.

Day 18 Puerto Montt

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

Days 20-21 Pucon

Discover the wealth of adventure activities on offer in this volcanic town with its deep blue lakes flanked by snow-capped peaks. The Pucon Volcano keeps the thermal springs the perfect temperature for bathing while the slopes of Villarica are ideal for hiking and horse riding.

Day 22 Saltos del Laja

Travel along the spine of the Andes, passing Chile's rich agricultural areas and vast sweeping vineyards. This is the heart of Chilean wine country so try a few of the famed vintages on the journey north.

Days 22-24 Santiago

Head to the lively Bellavista neighbourhood in Chile's capital, Santiago, for some epicurean delights. For an insight into Santiago's turbulent history, check out the Museo de la Solidaridad Salvador Allende.

Days 25-26 Mendoza

Kick back in the heart of Argentina's wine country. Make the most of the chilled vibe by sipping wine in bars, relaxing in outdoor cafes or strolling the shaded boulevards of Mendoza.

Days 27-30 Estancia Stay

Unleash your inner gaucho at an Argentinean working cattle ranch and perhaps visit a local school to gain an insight into the lives of rural Argentine children.

Day 31 Quilmes

Visit the ruins of Quilmes, the ancient home of a tribe that resisted both the Incas and even the Spanish for over 100 years. Walk through the crumbling structures and p[picture the city as it once was.

Day 32 Cafayate

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

Days 33-35 Salta

Delight in the laidback atmosphere of this elegant colonial city. Relax in Salta's main plaza, discover the pumping nightlife or admire art in galleries.

Day 36 San Pedro de Atacama

Journey towards the Chilean border, camping among spectacular scenery.

Day 37 Bolivian Altiplano

Head for Uyuni, passing by Laguna Colorado and Verde along the way. Stay on the Bolivian Antiplano, deep in the wilderness, where you are more likely to see a llama or a flamingo than another human being.

Days 38-39 Uyuni/Salar de Uyuni

Visit the legendary salt flats of Salar de Uyuni, 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 40 Potosi

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

Day 41 Livichuco

Head to the small community of Livichuco and see an area of Bolivia that is virtually undisturbed by tourists. Stay with a local community and share in their songs and dances before sitting down to enjoy an authentic local meal, made from recipes passed down through generations.

Days 42-43 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 Bolivia's famed Witches' Market.

Days 44-45 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 46 Lake Titicaca/Puno

Meet the locals of the floating, man-made Uros islands on Lake Titicaca.

Days 47-48 Cuzco

Discover Cuzco's wealth of Peruvian ruins or savour the treasures on display at the fascinating Museo de Arte Precolombino.

Days 49-52 Quechua Community Trek/Classic Inca Trail

Follow Peru's 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 massive fortress at Ollantaytambo. There is also the option to trek the classic Inca Trail instead.

Days 53-54 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Be mesmerised by the sight of Peru's Machu Picchu bathed in the golden morning light. Why not brave the steep climb up Wayna Picchu for unforgettable views of this iconic site. Return to Cuzco and rest weary muscles at one of the quaint cafes surrounding the Plaza de Armas, browse the wealth of bustling markets or be brave and try roast cuy.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed, subject to 4 people travelling

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (21 nts), Hotel (20 nts), Bush camp (no facilities) (8 nts), Hostel (3 nts), Homestay (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle, Ferry, Jeep, Boat, Train

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

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