Buenos Aires to Lima: Sacred Valley & Salt Flats
35 days from Buenos Aires to Lima
From $ 4599
Duration35 days

South America rewards those willing to explore. Consider this epic adventure: beginning in Buenos Aires and ending in Lima, it's 35 full days of fun. You'll hike the Inca Trail, cross the Salt Flats of Bolivia by 4x4, and feel like a sophisticate sipping wine in Argentina. Along the way, you'll engage with local cultures with a small group of other young travellers to back you up. For those willing to invest their time, this trip offers big returns—in adventure.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 35 days
    Service level: Basic
  • Starts in: Buenos Aires
    Physical Grading: Demanding
  • Ends in: Lima
    Ages: 18+
Buenos Aires to Lima Adventure - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Buenos Aires

Start place: Buenos Aires

Arrive at any time.

End place: Buenos Aires

Day 2: Buenos Aires/Salta

Start place: Buenos Aires

Salta, situated in the Lerma Valley of northern Argentina, is home to empanadas salteñas - a delicious local specialty. No visit to the town will be complete without giving them a try. In the evening, opt to experience a local celebration at one of the "Peña" folklore shows.
Skip a long bus ride with an included flight to Salta.

End place: Salta

Day 3: Salta

Start place: Salta

Enjoy free time to explore the area. The scenic Quebrada de las Conchas and Cafayate, famed for its wine and vineyards, are recommended stops. The multi-coloured valleys in the foothills region of the Andes are sure to be a highlight.
Explore the city and enjoy the local cuisine. Opt to take a trip through the scenic Quebrada de las Conchas to Cafayate, or visit the High Mountain Archaeological Museum.

End place: Salta

Meals: B
Day 4: Salta/San Pedro de Atacama

Start place: Salta

In the morning, take a bus further north to the dry desert regions of Argentina and Chile. Stop in the little town of San Pedro de Atacama, on the edge of the Atacama Desert, the driest place on earth.
Travel over the border and into Chile.

End place: San Pedro de Atacama

Meals: B
Day 5: San Pedro de Atacama

Start place: San Pedro de Atacama

Opt to try out sandboarding, go mountain biking, or visit the Valley of the Moon.

End place: San Pedro de Atacama

Day 6: San Pedro de Atacama/Salt Flats

Start place: San Pedro de Atacama

Groups like to get creative with photography, as the endless white of the salt flats creates some great depth illusions that are fun to play with in photos.
Ascend by bus into the mountains and cross into Bolivia for a three-day 4x4 excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert Altiplano with spectacular scenery. Note: During the rainy season the locations visited may change due to some routes being covered by water.

We offer unique accommodation on the Uyuni Salt Flats. Instead of very basic refuges and homestays most operators use, we have upgraded to simple hotels that are equipped with solar panels to provide electricity and hot water. Rooms are multi-share and each has a private bathroom. Meals are made from local ingredients, most of which are grown on-site.
Meals: L, D
Day 7: Salt Flats
Settle in to your G Adventures-supported salt-brick bungalow, complete with salt floors and furniture, after a guided walking tour up to the sacred Jukil mountaintop for sweeping valley views and a dinner of local ingredients prepared by ladies from the community.
Continue exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats on a 4x4 excursion. Admire the spectacular scenery while passing red and blue lagoons along the route. Spot wild llamas, alpacas and even flamingos deep within the desert. Last stop for the evening is a G Adventures-supported community lodge in a traditional agricultural village in the heart of a desert oasis.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Salt Flats/Uyuni
Rise early to cover more of the unique landscape of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Continue to see incredible scenery, including volcanoes, and salt lakes.

End place: Uyuni

Meals: B
Day 9: Salt Flats/Potosí
Travel north to visit one of the highest cities in the world. On arrival spot the looming mountain of Cerro Rico, a working silver mine.
Meals: B
Day 10: Potosí
Get out and explore Potosí and wander through the streets of the city.
Meals: B
Day 11: Potosí/Sucre
Travel north to Sucre. Tackle the city as there is a lot to offer during our two days here. Optional activities include a visit to an old tin baron’s mansion and a textile cooperative, mountain biking, and hiking.
Travel north to the beautiful colonial city of Sucre.

End place: Sucre

Meals: B
Day 12: Sucre

Start place: Sucre

Free time to explore the beautiful colonial city of Sucre. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking.

End place: Sucre

Meals: B
Day 13: Sucre/La Paz

Start place: Sucre

Enjoy a free day in Sucre before an overnight bus to La Paz.

End place: La Paz

Meals: B
Day 14: La Paz

Start place: La Paz

Wake up from the overnight bus ride, get settled, and have the day to check out the city of La Paz.

Optional activities in La Paz include a pre booked Death Road biking adventure, museum visits, a tour of the Valley of the Moon, or a visit to the world’s highest ski resort, Chacaltaya (5600m/18,368 ft).
Enjoy free time to explore the markets and winding streets of this high altitude city.

End place: La Paz

Day 15: La Paz

Start place: La Paz

Free day in La Paz. Opt to visit Iglesia de San Francisco, the Valley of the Moon, the Witches' Market, or the nearby Tiahuanaco Ruins. Opt to pre-book the "Death Road Biking Adventure" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.

End place: La Paz

Meals: B
Day 16: La Paz/Puno

Start place: La Paz

The drive around Lake Titicaca and through the Altiplano from La Paz to Peru is impressive.
Travel by bus through the Altiplano, crossing the border to the Peruvian city of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Meals: B
Day 17: Puno/Lago Titicaca

Start place: Puno

In the morning, board a boat on Lake Titicaca. Head to Taquile Island for lunch in a local restaurant and the chance for some shopping in the local weaving cooperatives.

After, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake (the homestay location can vary based on community availability). This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and to participate in local traditions. Eat with the family, learn some Quecha and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village.
Guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village. Split into smaller groups for the night and split into family homes to experience their style of living firsthand.
Meals: B, D
Day 18: Lago Titicaca/Puno
Leave the homestay families late morning, and visit the Uros Islands on the way back to Puno. A popular optional activity in Puno is a visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site only a short drive away.
Visit the floating islands of Uros. Optional visit to the Sillustani burial site.

End place: Puno

Meals: B
Day 19: Puno/Cusco

Start place: Puno

Travel through the high Altiplano region to Cusco.

End place: Cusco

Meals: B
Day 20: Cusco

Start place: Cusco

Free time to explore Cusco. Choose to pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour, or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.

End place: Cusco

Meals: B
Day 21: Cusco/Ollantaytambo

Start place: Cusco

Ollantaytambo is a major Inca ruin site and your first taste of what lies ahead. For those craving more before they head out on the Trail, opt to take a Sacred Valley tour which includes not only Ollantaytambo and the ruin site of Pisac, but also a visit to a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op.
En route to Ollantaytambo, opt to take a Sacred Valley tour and visit a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op.

End place: Ollantaytambo

Meals: B
Day 22: Inca Trail

Start place: Ollantaytambo

Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the hike begins. A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you’ll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 23: Inca Trail
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 24: Inca Trail
Cross two more passes and ruins along the way. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through cloud forest on the gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley.

At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Meals: B, L, D
Day 25: Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Wake up around 03:30 and walk to the checkpoint. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site and free time to explore. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows.

Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon.

End place: Cusco

Meals: B
Day 26: Cusco

Start place: Cusco

Free day to explore Cusco or relax after the trek. If you are ready for more adventure, opt to go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.

End place: Cusco

Meals: B
Day 27: Cusco/Arequipa

Start place: Cusco

Enjoy a final free day in Cusco before an overnight bus to Arequipa.

End place: Arequipa

Meals: B
Day 28: Arequipa

Start place: Arequipa

Those with an interest in history and architecture may take an optional visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a bygone way of life. Other optional excursions include rafting and mountaineering.

For spicy food lovers, checking out one of the “Picanterías” is a must. Arequipa has a variety of regional food: alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces.
Travel from Cusco to Arequipa. Opt to visit the Santa Catalina Convent or soak in local hot springs.

End place: Arequipa

Day 29: Arequipa/Colca Canyon

Start place: Arequipa

Enjoy an overnight excursion to the impressive Colca Canyon - one of the deepest canyons in the world. Stop in fascinating villages and at “miradors” (scenic lookouts), where, with a little luck, spot Andean condors soaring over the majestic Andes. Other unusual animals that may be spotted in the Andean landscape include three different species of camelids: alpaca, llama, and vicuña.
Take a full-day tour of the spectacular Colca Valley and opt for a soak in hot springs.

End place: Chivay

Meals: B
Day 30: Colca Canyon/Arequipa

Start place: Chivay

Get an early start to be on the look out for the condors flying. Travel from Chivay town to a condor viewpoint to admire these magnificent birds in the air. On the way back, stop by some local villages and viewpoints to see old terraces and sections of Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world.
Continue exploring Colca Canyon with opportunities to view condors, visit local villages, and see the old terraces. Travel back to Arequipa for the evening.

End place: Arequipa

Meals: B
Day 31: Arequipa/Nazca

Start place: Arequipa

Explore Arequipa and opt to take a city tour. Take an overnight bus to Nazca.

End place: Nazca

Meals: B
Day 32: Nazca

Start place: Nazca

Travel north to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. Very little can be seen from the ground. The best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged.
Optional flight over the Nazca Lines. In the evening, assist in the preparation of a thousand-year-old tradition: a "Pachamanca," an ancient ceremony akin to the Polynesian meal of burying a variety of delicious treats wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooking them with pre-heated rocks burie

End place: Nazca

Meals: D
Day 33: Nazca/Paracas

Start place: Nazca

Leave Nazca and stop at the Huacachina Oasis for some optional sandboarding. Continue to visit an artisanal winery to sample some local pisco and wine. Paracas is located one hour further.
Transfer to Paracas with a stop at a winery and at the Oasis of Huacachina.

End place: Paracas

Day 34: Paracas/Lima

Start place: Paracas

Opt to visit the Ballestas Islands in the morning before travelling to Lima for a final night. Be sure to try some ceviche and a Pisco Sour.

End place: Lima

Day 35: Lima

Start place: Lima

Depart at any time.

End place: Lima

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Jukil Community Experience & Lodge, Santiago de Agencha Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Salta Your Discover Moment: San Pedro de Atacama Your Discover Moment: Sucre Your Local Living Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lake Titicaca Your Discover Moment: Cusco Your Big Night Out Moment: Cusco Your Foodie Moment: Huacachina Winery Visit, Huacachina
  • 4x4 Uyuni Salt Flats excursion (3 days)
  • Lake Titicaca excursion
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Inca Trail hike with a local guide, porters, and cook (4 days)
  • Colca Canyon excursion
  • Pachamanca-style dinner (Nazca)
  • Internal flight
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Public bus, Train, Plane, Hiking, Ferry, 4X4
  • Accommodation

    Simple hotels (20 nts), Hostels (5 nts, multi-share), Overnight buses (3 nts), Basic hotel on Salt Flats excursion (2 nts, multi-share), Homestay (1 nt), Camping (3 nts)
  • Meals

    26 breakfasts,
    5 lunches,
    7 dinners

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