Essence of South America

20 days - from $4695

Unearth many of South America's jewels on this journey from Lima in the West to Buenos Aires in the East

This three week adventure travels from Peru’s 'City of Kings' all the way to the giant boulevards and lively nights of Argentina’s famed metropolis. Jam-packed with sights and activities, you’ll explore colonial cities, ancient Inca monuments, dramatic mountain scenery, wineries, volcanoes, picturesque lakes, traditional music, dance, wine and warm friendly people. Experience the contrasts of this truly kaleidoscopic continent and delve through the ancient civilisation of the Incas, the indigenous splendour of Bolivia, beautiful dynamic Chile and the vast pampas and dramatic peaks of Argentina.

Please note regional flights are not included in the tour price: Please contact us or your travel agent for flight details and costs.

Highlights

• Recoleta Cemetery and Eva Peron’s tomb
• The potions of 'Witches’ Market'
• Tiahuanaco's 'Gateway of the Sun'
• Argentina's capital Buenos Aires
• Bariloche's outdoor activities
• Lakes Crossing from Chile to Argentina
• Santiago from San Cristobal Hill
• Tasting Chile's wine
• The towering Inca citadel at Ollantaytambo
• The colourful market town of Pisac
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of the Peruvian capital Lima
• The 'Lost City of the Incas' - UNESCO World Heritage-listed Machu Picchu
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient Inca capital of Cusco
• Puno - a town four kilometres above sea-level

Itinerary:

Day 1: Lima2-3: Lima4-5: Cusco - The Sacred Valley6-7: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco8: Cusco9: Puno10: Lake Titicaca - Sillustani - Puno11: Tiahuanaco - La Paz12: La Paz13-14: La Paz - Santiago15-16: Santiago - Lakes District17: Puerto Varas - Lakes Crossing - Bariloche18: Bariloche - Buenos Aires19: Buenos Aires20: Buenos Aires
Included:

Local tour leader in each country visited, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing.

Airport departure taxes, visas where required, meals not included in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

Please note the following regional flights are not included in the price: Lima - Cusco
La Paz - Santiago
Santiago - Puerto Montt
Bariloche - Buenos Aires

These flights are best booked in conjunction with you International Air Ticket. This is the most economical way to purchase these flights. LAN Chile offer an Airpass which provides discounted fares within South America and can be booked when your international flights into South America are with the following One World Airlines: Lan Chile, Qantas, British Airways, American Airlines, Iberian airlines or any airline who is a member of the One World Alliance. The majority of these flights can be purchased on this airpass.

Please contact us or you travel agent for flight details and costs.

During winter the Lakes Crossing takes 2 days, reducing the stay in Puerto Varas by 1 night.