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Peru & Chile Holiday, Tours: Lima + Machu Picchu + Cusco + Santiago + Atacama Salt Flats

Peru + Chile: Machu Picchu + Atacama + Santiago

14 NIGHTS FROM:

$3,443

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights quoted separately

PRP14L

• Peru & Chile Holiday and Tours

• Lima

• Secret Valley of Incas

• Machu Picchu

• Pisac Market

• Cusco

• Sacsayhuaman

• Santiago, Chile

• Atacama Salt Flats

• El Tatio Geysers

This fascinating Peru & Chile holiday combines tours of Lima, the magnificent Inca citadel at Machu Picchu & historic Cusco with the modern city of Santiago & the spectacular Atacama with its vast salt flats, dramatic geysers, altiplanic lagoons and moon landscapes. Also visit the fortress at Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas & Sacsayhuaman. All transfers & specified sightseeing included.

Detailed itinerary ▶

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Days 1 To 2

You will be met at Lima Airport and transferred to your hotel.

Check in and relax in this capital city - the largest in Peru and its gastronomical centre.

Day 3

Transfer to Lima Airport for your onward flight.

Day 4

Today enjoy a full day private tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Our first stop is at the fortress at Ollantaytambo, built to protect the northern entrance to the Sacred Valley from invasion and later the centre of Incan resistance against the Spanish. The fortress and walled terraces of this town provide some of the finest examples of Incan architecture, with the six rose-coloured monoliths of the Temple of the Sun being particularly outstanding. The village itself is the best surviving example of Inca urban planning, with stone-paved streets that have been used since the 12th century.

We then drive to the archaeological site at Moray, where the Incas built enormous circular agricultural terraces on steep hills by hauling topsoil up by hand from the lower land, thereby generating much higher crop yields than would have been possible at such high altitude. This site is believed to be a former agricultural laboratory, an astronomical observatory or a place of worship - or maybe all three.

After an included lunch in a local restaurant, we continue to the Maras Salt Pans, a complex network of nearly 5,000 pre-Inca salt pans that have been hand-harvested by local families for thousands of years. The salt is formed when water from a spring that permeates these pools is evaporated by the intense sun, forming thick crystals in a variety of colours. The naturally pink ‘Sal de Maras’ is one of the finest salts in the world, getting its beautiful hue from trace elements in the spring water.

Day 5

Today transfer to Ollantaytambo Station for the air-conditioned Vistadome or Inca Rail 360 train to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu - an amazing 1.5-hour journey to this magnificent mountain top city situated in a beautiful cloud forest, that was abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911.

This legendary Lost City of the Incas is without a doubt one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. Built on the summit of Machu Picchu (meaning "Old Peak"), on a natural saddle between steep forested mountains, it overlooks the deep canyon of the Urubamba River some 7,972 ft (2,430 m) above sea level. With its giant walls, terraces and ramps that appear to have been cut naturally out of the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu's history remains shrouded in mystery as the Incas did not leave any written records.

At the gateway town of Aguas Calientes, we leave the train and board the bus for a 40-minute zig zag ride up to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of this 14th century citadel which contains a Main Plaza, Circular Tower, Sacred Sun Dial, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds - although the actual sites you will see will depend on the circuit that you have been allocated.

Afterwards return by bus to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Ollantaytambo Station, where you will be met and transferred back to your hotel.

Note: You must take your passport with you today, as this will be needed to gain entrance, which is restricted to 4-hours (based on either a morning or afternoon schedule). It is mandatory to enter with a guide and you cannot take selfie sticks, tripods, umbrellas, food or alcohol onto the site. You may not wear high heels or hard soled shoes and smoking is prohibited. If you leave the sanctuary for any reason (eg for lunch), re-entry will not be permitted. Only one bag not exceeding 11 lb (5 kg) is allowed as hand luggage on the train, so your main bags need to be left in luggage store at either your Cusco or Sacred Valley hotel, for later collection by yourself or our ground handler. From January to June parts of the rail track may be impassable at times due to mud slides, when a bus transfer will be substituted.

It is also possible to upgrade to the much more luxurious Hiram Bingham train.

Day 6

This morning enjoy a half day shared excursion to Chinchero, a small picturesque Andean village that was an important Inca outpost at the end of the 15th century.

The villagers here have preserved their traditional Andean spinning and weaving techniques, so you can see textile artisans at work and learn about their techniques. You can also buy handcrafts at the market in the town square, visit their small traditional church and see their Inca ruins.

Afterwards transfer 2-hours to Cusco, where you will be dropped off back at your hotel, with balance of day at leisure.

Note: Shared day tours have a maximum of 24 people.

Day 7

Today enjoy a half day shared tour of the magnificent colonial city of Cusco, built on Inca foundations and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Comprising a fascinating mix of colonial churches, monasteries and extensive pre-Columbian ruins, almost every central street in this city has remnants of Inca walls.

We start with a visit to the San Pedro Market, where you can explore the colours, flavours and traditions of modern Cusco. We then visit the impressive Temple of the Sun (Koricancha) whose walls and floors were once covered in sheets of solid gold. On the site of this ancient Inca palace and centre of worship of the Sun God, the Dominicans ordered a church to be built, which survives to this day.

We then leave the city and visit the impressive walled fortress of Sacsayhuaman (meaning 'speckled falcon') on the northern outskirts, believed to have been both a military and ceremonial centre. This enormous Inca structure has massive walls of hewn stone and is strategically located on a hill overlooking the city. We also visit Qenko (meaning 'zigzag') where the sun, moon and stars were worshipped.

Returning to Cusco, we walk along the cobbled streets of the Plaza de Armas - the central plaza around which you will see many magnificent colonial buildings - including the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

After your tour you can walk down well-preserved Loreto Street to see the remains of Incan palaces, as well as old colonial buildings. If you walk down Hatun Rumiyoc, a cobbled street near the Archbishop's Palace, keep an eye out for the famous 12-sided stone that fits so perfectly you can't even insert a coin.

Afterwards savour the local cuisine (own account). If you are feeling adventurous you can try guinea pig - a local speciality.

Note: Cusco is situated at high altitude (11,150 ft / 3,400 m), so walk slowly. The Temple of the Sun is not open on Sunday mornings & religious holidays. You will need to carry your passport to gain access to the site at Sacsayhuaman. Shared day tours have a maximum of 16 people.

Day 8

Transfer to Cusco Airport for your onward flight.

Arrive at Santiago Airport and make your own way by free shuttle or on foot (depending on location) to your hotel situated close to the airport.

Check in and relax in the shadow of the Andes Mountains.

Day 9

Make your own way by hotel shuttle or on foot to Santiago Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Calama Airport and transferred 1.5-hours across the copper-rich plains of the desert and through the Salt Mountains to the small town of San Pedro de Atacama.

Extending for over 600 miles (1,000 km), this enormous plateau of salt lakes, sand, lava and stony terrain is situated between two high mountain ranges - the Andes to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west. As a result, the Atacama receives virtually no rain whatsoever - making it the driest and oldest desert in the world, with landscapes that will take your breath away.

After checking into your hotel, in the afternoon head out on a shared excursion driving 20-minutes to the Salt Mountains (Cordillera de la Sal) situated in the National Flamingo Reserve. Here we walk for 20-minutes each way (the last section is quite steep) to view the dramatic lunar landscapes of Moon Valley, with its many natural mineral sculptures formed by wind erosion. We also walk 10-minutes each way to see some unusual sculptured salt formations and a small cave.

At the end of the day enjoy a magical sunset at Kari Viewpoint, one of the highest points in the Salt Mountains. Seeing the colours of the hills changing as the sun sets, will be a memory that will last a lifetime.

Note: Your driver from Calama will only speak Spanish. Shared day tours have a maximum of 30 people.

If you are staying at a hotel that offers an all-inclusive programme of excursions, these will be discussed with you on arrival, as the order of these activities my change. There will also be the opportunity to make changes locally, if desired.

Day 10

Today enjoy a full day shared tour to the crystalline Atacama Salt Flats (Salar de Atacama), the largest in Chile and the third largest in the world.

We drive 1-hour to these astonishing salt flats, surrounded by the Andes to the east and the Cordillera de Domeyko to the west. Small lagoons have formed where water has broken through the crusted salt, with no drainage outlets, creating one of the largest lithium reserves in the world. We visit Chaxa Lagoon in the National Flamingo Reserve, where you can photograph this magnificent scenery and hope to see three different species of flamingo - Chilean, Andean & James’s - as well as other waterbirds that nest and feed on these mineral-rich waters, such as the puna plover and red-gartered coot. Most birding activity occurs at sunrise, when you may see a pinkish hue rising over the horizon. As the air warms up, this dissipates as the birds take flight over the lake.

We then venture 2-hours higher into the Andes, to view the amazing landscapes and dramatic blue waters of Meñique and Miscanti - two Altiplanic lagoons located at over 14,000 ft (4,300 m) at the foot of impressive volcanoes that were formed when these mountains rose from the sea. Take in the varying landscapes as we drive to these lagoons, travelling through stunning and ever-changing scenery. You may see wild vicuña and rhea along the way, as well as some birds on the lakes. On arrival enjoy a 20-minute walk down to one of the lakes, where you can observe the birds and any wildlife.

On the return journey we stop at the small village of Socaire, where you can observe local life and visit their small traditional church. We can also stop in the picturesque local village of Toconao, with its main square and classic Atacamenian bell tower built in 1750 from cactus wood, mud and straw. Here we visit the small church of San Lucas, before returning to San Pedro. Lunch is included today.

Note: Please be aware the Altiplanic Lagoons are at high altitude, so this excursion should not be undertaken by anyone with a heart condition. Dress warmly with thermal clothing, warm jacket, fleece, beanie, scarf and gloves - as the outdoor temperature at the lagoons will be very cold. Shared day tours have a maximum of 30 people.

Day 11

Depart before dawn today on a 6.5-hour shared excursion to the El Tatio Geysers, the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and the third largest in the world.

We drive 2.5-hours to this astonishing geothermal field situated at over 14,000 ft (4,300 m) above sea level, with over 70 geysers that have steam fumaroles that can easily reach over 33 ft (10 m). We arrive at sunrise when these columns of steam condense in the cold air, set against a backdrop of the imposing Andes with its multiple colours. Walk around the geyser field before these steam plumes disappear as the air warms up, followed by a picnic breakfast.

On the way back to San Pedro, enjoy spectacular views of the Torcopuri y Sairecabur Volcanoes and the Putana Wetlands, where we make a short stop. Here you can see several species of birds that live in these high altitude wetlands that freeze overnight - including the giant coot, Andean flamingo, Chilean flamingo, Andean goose and a variety of coots, teals, gulls and ducks. You may also see vicuña (an elegant wild camelid) or rhea (a small ostrich), both of which have adapted to live in these harsh conditions, or even a viscacha (a rodent that looks like a long-tailed rabbit).

Our final stop is at the small village of Machuca, where you can see how the local people live and view the Altiplanic architecture of their small St. James Church. The rest of your day is at leisure in San Pedro.

Note: Please be aware the El Tatio Geysers are at high altitude, so this excursion should not be undertaken by anyone with a heart condition. Dress warmly with thermal clothing, warm jacket, fleece, beanie, scarf and gloves - as the temperature at the geysers will be below freezing at dawn. Shared day tours have a maximum of 30 people.

Day 12

Transfer 1.5-hours to Calama Airport for your onward flight.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

You will be met at Santiago Airport and transferred to the capital of Santiago de Chile.

Check into your hotel in this sophisticated and cosmopolitan city, situated in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes Mountains and the beautiful Chilean Coastal Range.

Day 13

This morning enjoy a half day private tour of the modern city of Santiago. We start in the downtown area of this relatively compact city, where modern buildings have transformed the landscape, and visit Santa Lucia Hill where the city of Santiago was founded in 1541.

We continue to the Plaza de Armas in the heart of the old colonial city and bustling Ahumada Boulevard with its many shops, street performers and vendors. Here you will be able to see some beautiful Neo-classical buildings – including the 18th century Cathedral of Santiago and the early 19th century Royal Court Palace, which now houses the National History Museum. Also enjoy outside views of the Municipal Offices, the Post Office and the current Presidential Palace, La Moneda. You will have the opportunity to taste a ‘Pisco Sour’, see local handcrafts and walk through some of the more traditional streets of the city, before being dropped off at your hotel.

Your afternoon is at leisure to explore more of this lively city independently.

Note: Most museums are closed on Mondays.

Day 14

Today we suggest an optional full day shared tour, driving 1-hour to the beautiful Maipo Valley Winelands in the foothills of the Andes. Some of the finest red wines in Chile are produced in this region, which is home to famous wineries such as Cousiño Macul, Undurraga and Concha y Toro. There are also several thoroughbred studs here that breed race horses.

Discover the history of some of these 'New World' wines and learn more about their production, as we visit Concha y Toro Winery, one of the most famous vineyards in Chile and one of the largest wine exporters in all of South America. Tour the old mansion with its beautiful park and lagoon, view the vineyards and visit the wine cellar where the famous Casillero del Diablo is stored.

We also visit another winery, with wine tastings and lunch at a local restaurant included. There will also be the opportunity to purchase some wines, before returning to Santiago.

Note: Shared day tours have a maximum of 30 people.

Day 15

Transfer to Santiago Airport for your flight home.

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