Chile, Bolivia and Peru: Deserts, Lakes and Canyons
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
A journey through three of South America’s most diverse and fascinating destinations, this is a true voyage of discovery and contrasts. Travelling from the spectacular deserts of northern Chile to the vast salt pans of southern Bolivia and the deep canyons of Peru, you’ll experience landscapes that combine a sense of real isolation with truly unforgettable images that are unrivalled anywhere else on the continent.
Beginning in the Chilean capital of Santiago, you will have ...
A journey through three of South America’s most diverse and fascinating destinations, this is a true voyage of discovery and contrasts. Travelling from the spectacular deserts of northern Chile to the vast salt pans of southern Bolivia and the deep canyons of Peru, you’ll experience landscapes that combine a sense of real isolation with truly unforgettable images that are unrivalled anywhere else on the continent.
Beginning in the Chilean capital of Santiago, you will have an opportunity to explore its colonial heart, before flying on to La Serena and the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert, the world’s driest desert. Sculpted by the wind, this incredible region is peppered with volcanic peaks, sulphurous lagoons and remote settlements.
Then there are the salt flats of the Bolivian Antiplano, the largest on the planet and truly a photographer’s dream. Then fly to La Paz to uncover the cultural natural highlights such as Moon Valley and Witch Doctor’s Market. Continue to the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca where you will meet boat builders, trek llama trails and drink from a sacred fountain. Take the bus to Puno in Peru, where you will uncover more cultures and communities of Lake Titicaca on a speedboat cruise.
The final leg of the journey takes you to the impressive Colca Canyon, home to the legendary condor. The canyon provides a chance for some dramatic hiking before travelling through a panorama of snow-capped mountains, volcanoes and herds of vicuna to the colonial grandeur of Lima.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the temples and preserved cultures of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and Peru
- Marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Atacama Desert in Chile
- Cross the extensive Salt Lake of southern Bolivia and visit the train graveyard of Uyuni
- Watch condors soar across the awe inspiring Colca Canyon in Peru
- Enjoy the cosmopolitan culture of Santiago and Lima
- Explore Sun Island with a stay on remarkable Lake Titicaca
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE SANTIAGO (CHILE)
DAY 1: ARRIVE SANTIAGO (CHILE)
Upon your arrival in Santiago you will be welcomed at the airport and escorted to your hotel. Once you are settled in the afternoon, enjoy a half day tour of the city to discover its historic and modern districts. A host of colonial churches and palaces adorn the area around the main square, and you will also visit the new commercial area where the city’s progressive culture is being forged. Finally, take a funicular ride up San Cristobal Hill to the statue of the Virgin where on clear days, spectacular views of snow-capped mountain peaks can be observed.
DAY 2: SANTIAGO – CALAMA - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
DAY 2: SANTIAGO – CALAMA - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Head north with a flight to Calama and transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Thrust straight into the desert wilderness by driving through the Moon & Death Valleys. Here you will be able to witness barren lunarscapes and salt sculptures made by wind erosion, before enjoying one of the finest sunsets in Chile.
DAY 3: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
DAY 3: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Today you head into the desert’s largest salt flat which is inhabited by various species of flamingo. Then arrive at the expansive lagoons that flow down from the nearby volcanoes, with the scenery mirrored in their beautiful crystal waters. Along the way you will come across traditional settlements constructed from adobe, cacti wood and volcanic stone. Opportunity to visit a workshop and crafts market before returning to your hotel.
DAY 4: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
DAY 4: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
An early start as you make your way to the Tatio Geysers where geothermal activity is at its peak at dawn, with some geysers spurting up to 8m high. After a picnic breakfast, enjoy the thermal pools before travelling on to a local village dedicated to herding and agriculture. At the end of the day, transfer to your hotel for your last night in Atacama.
DAY 5: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – UYUNI SALT FLATS (BOLIVIA)
DAY 5: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – UYUNI SALT FLATS (BOLIVIA)
This morning head to the Bolivian border at Hito Cajón and cross the border. You will be met on the Bolivian side and taken to National Park Eduardo Avaroa, a landscape of salt pans, volcanoes and thermal springs. Visit the stunning Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) and Laguna Blanca (White Lagoon) at the foot of Licancabur Volcano. There is the option to go for a short hike to spot more Andean birdlife before arriving at your accommodation. Continue to “Sol de Mañana” Geysers, with fumaroles and volcanic craters of spectacular formation, reminiscent of the landscape dating from the beginning of the earth. The next stop is Laguna Colorada, known for its red waters and flocks of flamingo. Arrive at the Hotel Los Flamencos for an overnight stay.
DAY 6: UYUNI SALT FLATS
DAY 6: UYUNI SALT FLATS
Your expedition continues across the Siloli desert where you pass volcanoes, traditional villages and sulphurous lagoons en route to the largest salt flat in the world. Also, of interest is the renowned train cemetery where steel trains have been eroded by the desert winds. End the journey in Colchani to see the process of salt treatment. Then check into Salt Hotel on the shores of the Uyuni Salt Lake.
DAY 7: UYUNI SALT FLATS
DAY 7: UYUNI SALT FLATS
Finally, you will arrive at the Gran Salar de Uyuni where photo opportunities abound. Take in the magnificence of this natural wonder before hiking up the island of cacti located in the middle of the salt flat. In the afternoon visit the mummies of Thunupa before returning to the salt for sunset on the bank.
DAY 8: UYUNI SALT FLATS – LA PAZ – TIWANACU – LA PAZ
DAY 8: UYUNI SALT FLATS – LA PAZ – TIWANACU – LA PAZ
Depart early this morning to catch a flight to La Paz. You will be met at the airport and taken on a tour to Tiwanku ruins. The archaeological site was home to the Tiwanaku culture (1.580 BC-1.000 AD), one of the oldest civilizations in the Americas. The Tiwanku were outstanding in agriculture, hydraulic, architecture and medicine, as well as in social organisation. Due to an economic crisis caused by a long dry season, Tiwanaku collapsed around 1.000 AD. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to La Paz for a free afternoon.
DAY 9: LA PAZ
DAY 9: LA PAZ
La Paz is framed by the majestic Illimani mountain and has an interesting and varied history. Explore the city on a guided tour stopping at indigenous, colonial and modern areas such as the Indian Market and Witch Doctor's Market. Next, visit the Moon Valley, a clay formation resembling the face of the Moon. Finally, take the cable car ride over the city for another view before returning to your hotel and enjoying a free afternoon.
DAY 10: LA PAZ – HUATAJATA – SUN ISLAND
DAY 10: LA PAZ – HUATAJATA – SUN ISLAND
Rise early this morning to drive along the Royal Andean mountain range to the shores of Lake Titicaca, passing through tiny Andean villages, flanked by snow-capped peaks, rising to 6000m. Arrive into Huatajata and visit the Andean Roots Eco Village and The Altiplano Museum with its Handicrafts Village, Mud Igloos and the mortuary towers of the Urus Chipayas. Meet the Limachi family who built the RA II and Tigris which travelled on epic expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean. Then take the hydrofoil from Cocotoni to Isla del Sol (Sun Island). Trek along llama trails, stopping at Pilcocaina Sun Temple, to your overnight stay at Posada del Inca Eco Lodge.
DAY 11: SUN ISLAND – MOON ISLAND – COPACABANA – PUNO (PERU)
DAY 11: SUN ISLAND – MOON ISLAND – COPACABANA – PUNO (PERU)
Following a leisurely morning, you will walk down the Inca “Grand Stairs” to the Sacred Fountain. Drink a sample of the water believed to give eternal youth and happiness. Then visit the handicraft market and eat lunch at the Uma Kollu archaeological restaurant before cruising to Moon Island to see the Sun Virgins Temple. Continue to Copacabana, stopping at the shrine and the Indian Dark Virgin, and take the bus to Puno in Peru. Overnight at Casa Andina Premium.
DAY 12: PUNO
DAY 12: PUNO
The tour today will go against the flow of the big tourist groups by travelling by speedboat. The shortened journey time of 1.15hrs from 2.30hrs allows you to beat the crowds. The first stop is on Taquile, the weavers' island, where you will discover communitarian life meaning everything on the island is shared. Then reach the less-visited community of Luquina on Chucuito Peninsula. Soak up the beautiful views of Lake Titicaca as you dine on a typical Andean lunch. End the tour sailing back to Puno, stopping at the floating reed islands of the Uros.
DAY 13: PUNO - COLCA
DAY 13: PUNO - COLCA
In the early morning you leave Puno and head towards the Colca valley. After a 6 hour drive you will arrive at Chivay, Colca‘s most important town where you’ll make a short stop to explore the local market. Afterwards you continue the journey to the hotel.
DAY 14: COLCA CANYON
DAY 14: COLCA CANYON
Today is at leisure to recover from the previous busy few days and explore the incredible setting of Colca Canyon from Colca Lodge.
DAY 15: COLCA - AREQUIPA
DAY 15: COLCA - AREQUIPA
This morning you will head to an observation point at one of the deepest parts of the canyon; the perfect place to look down at the rock formations and look up to spot the legendary condor. The bird with the largest wingspan in the world can be seen rising and circling above the canyon, silhouetted against the magnificent backdrop of Andean scenery. You will then be driven to Arequipa, stopping at picturesque towns on the way. The road descends the slopes of Chachani Volcano passing highland plains inhabited by herds of vicuna, the rarest and most timid of the South American camelids. Overnight at Palla Boutique.
DAY 16: AREQUIPA - LIMA
DAY 16: AREQUIPA - LIMA
Because some of the old buildings are made of white volcanic material (sillar) Arequipa is also known as the 'white city'. You will visit the extraordinary Santa Catalina Convent on a walking tour of the city. This cloister, built in the 16th century, is a huge construction which once served as a town within itself housing 450 nuns. Traditionally, the oldest daughters of Arequipa's aristocratic families entered the convent in their early teens and spent their lives there, cloistered away. The convent complex has been beautifully refurbished, bringing the past vividly alive once more. You will then catch a flight to Lima, where you will be transferred to Arawi Hotel.
DAY 17: DEPART LIMA
DAY 17: DEPART LIMA
You will be met and transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Presidente Hotel, La Paz
The Presidente Hotel is a good three star hotel in downtown La Paz. While it doesn't have a huge amount of character the rooms are spacious and comfortable with everything you would need for your stay in the city. It is just a short walk from the San Francisco Church and witches market so is in a great location in the colonial part of the city. The Presidente has 103 rooms and suites, with en suite bathrooms, safety deposit boxes, 24 hour room service, wi-fi and cable television. The higher rooms are better as they are further from the street noise and also offer fantastic views across the city. There is a small indoor pool, sauna and steam room, a bar and restaurant on the 17th floor with 360 degree views of the city. This is a good value hotel in a fantastic location.
Luna Salada Hotel, Uyuni Salt Flats
Located on an elevated piece of land on the edge of the Uyuni Salt Flats, the Luna Salada is a fantastic hotel built almost entirely of salt with spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The hotel has 23 original rooms constructed from salt and 7 which are new additions. The hotel's 23 original rooms are entirely built of salt and the beds have comfortable mattresses with plenty of thick duvet to keep you warm when the cold nights set in. The majority of the rooms have views across the Salar de Uyuni and there are comfortable seating areas throughout the hotel for guests to relax and enjoy the views, as well as a games room. The restaurant boasts the same views across to the flats. This is by far the best salt hotel in the area in terms of comfort and service so well worth a stay for at least a night for a truly unique experience.
Posada Del Inca Lodge, Isla del Sol
Posada del Inca is a lovely 21 roomed traditional hotel on Sun Island, offering guests a peaceful and comfortable place to stay with fantastic views across Lake Titicaca. All of the rooms are basic but have electric blankets and hot water 24 hours a day. The rooms are spread out through the gardens and there is a central garden area where guests can relax in the sun when not out exploring the island. There is a small restaurant at the hotel. While this is still a basic hotel in terms of facilities, it is the best option on the island and a real haven. It is worth bearing in mind that to get to the hotel from the main harbour you do need to climb the Inca steps, which are quite tiring, especially at altitude.
Altiplanico San Pedro De Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama
The Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama is a traditionally built adobe style hotel on the outskirts of the Atacaman town of San Pedro. The three star hotel faces the Licancabur Volcano and is desgined to merge with the desert through its construction from local materials in a homage to the architecture of Altiplano village. There area total of 29 rooms featuring an en suite bathroom, Wi-Fi and private terrace. Rooms come in single, doubles, triples and family rooms, with Superior rooms having an additional outdoor shower for a shower under the stars. There is a lovely pool on the grounds and a small restaurant, providing a true oasis from the desert surroundings.
Casa Andina Premium Puno, Puno
This boutique chain hotel on the outskirts of Puno offers guests personalised service in traditionally decorated rooms. The hotel has just 46 rooms and suites with varying views and each with a small balcony. While the rooms are not huge, they are comfortable and interesting. The hotel has a restaurant set away from the main building with views to the lake, above which there is a terrace area where guests can also enjoy meals or a drink from the bar. There is a bar just off the main lobby serving tapas everyday between 5 and 8pm. The Casa Andina Premium is a boutique style hotel offering personalised service about 10 minutes from central Puno.
Colca Lodge, Colca Canyon
At 3,250 above sea level and just three and a half hours from Arequipa, the Colca Lodge hotel is located on the banks of the River Colca, surrounded by hundreds of pre-Inca terraces that have been declared part of Peru’s cultural heritage and contain relaxing thermal springs rich in lithium. This is a space full of energy, in harmony with nature and is the starting point from which to explore the valley and Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. The lodge has 45 rooms which are fairly simple but comfortable and face the river valley. This is a great spot from which to enjoy the activities available in the surrounding areas.
Le Reve Boutique Hotel, Santiago
Set in the tree-lined residential area of Providencia in Santiago, this 14-room boutique hotel is equally homey and stylish. Designed as a century-old, French-style manor, it has a charming courtyard and vine covered façade. The small, charming Hotel La Reve has a low-key elegance, forgoing facilities like a swimming pool or the other trappings of a larger hotel. It is located just a few metro stops away from the hustle and bustle of both the Bellavista and Lastarria neighbourhoods.
Arawi Miraflores Hotel, Lima
The four-star Arawi is found in the upmarket district of Miraflores and offers simple, modern luxury in a small hotel. The 31 elegant ensuite rooms are smartly furnished with marble bathrooms and feature all mod cons including LED TV and Wi-Fi. The interior design is contemporary with the corridors exhibiting local art. Aklla, the onsite restaurant & bar, offers a lovely introduction to Peruvian cuisine, serving up fresh ceviche, lomo saltado and of course the signature cocktail pisco sour. The highlight is the location, within walking distance from Larco Mar seafront shopping centre, the esplanade and the country’s best restaurants.
Hotel Los Flamencos, Southern Deserts
Los Flamencos is situated near the Chilean border on the shores of Laguna Hedionda, on the South Lipez desert. Pink flamingos abound and you are surrounded by plateau and mountains. This eco hotel has simple rooms with private bathrooms and hot water. Try the coca liquor in the on site restaurant, which serves fixed dinners and buffet breakfasts.
Katari, Arequipa
Katari is a fantastic boutique hotel in a prime location on the main square of Plaza de Armas. Boasting one of the best views of the city, the hotel sits across the plaza from the city’s historic Cathedral which can be admired from the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding volcanoes. Rooms are charming with colonial-style décor, brick floors, local alpaca textiles and designer ensuite bathrooms. There are also treatment rooms available for a massage. Please note that the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, however breakfast is included and served on the rooftop terrace during the warmer summer months.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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