Grandeur of Peru, Bolivia & Chile: 17 Days

A 17-day South America expedition from the Inca capital to the driest desert on Earth: Cusco and Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Uyuni, and the Atacama Desert in Chile.

  17-Day Multi-Country Expedition — Peru, Bolivia & Chile

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Route Overview

Trip Map

Route map of the 17-day Peru, Bolivia and Chile tour: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno, La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro de Atacama and Santiago

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Route map of the 17-day Peru, Bolivia and Chile tour: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno, La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro de Atacama and Santiago - enlarged

From Machu Picchu to the Atacama Desert: A 17-Day South America Expedition

Grandeur of Peru, Bolivia & Chile is a 17-day expedition that links three of South America’s most spectacular regions: the Inca heartland of Peru, the high plateau of Bolivia and the Atacama Desert in Chile. Start with Lima and Cusco, hike to Rainbow Mountain, explore the Sacred Valley and take the scenic train to Machu Picchu. Travel the Route of the Sun to Lake Titicaca, cross into Bolivia to La Paz, and fly to Uyuni for a 3-day 4x4 journey over the salt flat and the flamingo lagoons into Chile. In San Pedro de Atacama, a full-day excursion takes you to the Altiplanic Lagoons, Laguna Chaxa and the Valley of the Moon before your flight to Santiago.

At a Glance

Itinerary Summary

Your 17-day multi-country expedition at a glance: Peru, Bolivia and Chile, from Cusco and Machu Picchu to Uyuni and the Atacama Desert. Tap any day to see the details.

  1. Day 1Arrival in LimaLima
  2. Day 2Explore Lima’s Historic Center & AttractionsLima
  3. Day 3Morning Flight to Cusco & Rest of the Day at Your Leisure to AcclimatizeCusco
  4. Day 4Explore Cusco & Its Four Nearby Inca SitesCusco
  5. Day 5Full-Day Excursion & Trekking to Vinicunca Rainbow MountainCusco
  6. Day 6Land Excursion to the Sacred Valley & Ollantaytambothe Sacred Valley
  7. Day 7Morning Scenic Train Journey to Machu Picchu & Rest of the Day at Your LeisureAguas Calientes
  8. Day 8Machu Picchu Guided Tour & Train Journey Back to CuscoCusco
  9. Day 9Guided Bus Trip Cusco to Puno Across the Route of the SunPuno
  10. Day 10Full-Day Boat Excursion to Lake Titicaca & Island ToursPuno
  11. Day 11Crossing Borders: Bus Journey Puno to La Paz Along the Shore of Lake TiticacaLa Paz
  12. Day 12Flight La Paz to Uyuni & Uyuni ExpeditionSalt hotel, Uyuni
  13. Day 13Uyuni Salt Flat Expedition: The Altiplano LagoonsDesert lodge, Uyuni region
  14. Day 14Uyuni Expedition & the Atacama Desert: Overnight in San Pedro de AtacamaSan Pedro de Atacama
  15. Day 15Full-Day Atacama Desert ExpeditionSan Pedro de Atacama
  16. Day 16Morning Transfer to Calama, Flight to Santiago & Rest of the Day at Your LeisureSantiago
  17. Day 17Transfer Out for Your International Flight HomeDeparture
In Detail

Detailed Itinerary

Every day of your trip, with where you'll spend the night.

Miraflores clifftop in Lima, Peru Day 1

Arrival in Lima

Arrive in Lima, where a driver takes you to your hotel in Miraflores. Spend the evening on the clifftop malecón and enjoy a first taste of the cuisine that has made Lima famous across South America.

Overnight in Lima
San Francisco Monastery in Lima, Peru Day 2

Explore Lima’s Historic Center & Attractions

A guided tour through colonial Lima: the Plaza Mayor and Cathedral, the balconied Archbishop’s Palace, and the San Francisco Monastery with its library and catacombs, followed by the coastal districts of Miraflores and Barranco.

Overnight in Lima
Relaxed afternoon in the streets of Cusco, Peru Day 3

Morning Flight to Cusco & Rest of the Day at Your Leisure to Acclimatize

Fly from Lima to Cusco (approx. 3,400 m). The rest of the day is free to acclimatize: rest, drink coca tea and stroll slowly through the arcades of the Plaza de Armas.

Flight Lima – Cusco Overnight in Cusco
Cusco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, Peru Day 4

Explore Cusco & Its Four Nearby Inca Sites

Your guide introduces you to Cusco’s Inca and colonial past: the Koricancha, the Cathedral, and the four archaeological sites above the city — Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.

Overnight in Cusco
Striped slopes of Rainbow Mountain, Peru Day 5

Full-Day Excursion & Trekking to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

A pre-dawn drive takes you to the trailhead of Vinicunca. Hike through Andean valleys with alpacas and the glaciers of Ausangate to the viewpoint at over 5,000 m, where the mountain is striped in red, gold and turquoise. Horses are available for part of the trail.

Hike to Rainbow Mountain Overnight in Cusco
Ollantaytambo village and fortress, Peru Day 6

Land Excursion to the Sacred Valley & Ollantaytambo

Spend the day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the terraces and market of Pisac and the Inca town and fortress of Ollantaytambo, and stay overnight in the valley.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley
Scenic train through the Urubamba canyon, Peru Day 7

Morning Scenic Train Journey to Machu Picchu & Rest of the Day at Your Leisure

Take the morning scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, watching the Andes turn into cloud forest. Spend a relaxed afternoon in the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Scenic train Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Guided tour of Machu Picchu, Peru Day 8

Machu Picchu Guided Tour & Train Journey Back to Cusco

Explore Machu Picchu with your guide in the early morning light, then return by train and road to Cusco.

Good to Know

  • Duration: the guided tour lasts approx. 2–2.5 hours.
  • Bus: the shuttle between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu takes approx. 25 minutes each way.
  • Tickets & circuits: entry tickets are sold for a specific time slot and circuit, and the route inside the citadel depends on the circuit booked. Re-entry is not permitted.
  • Passport: you must carry the original passport used to book your ticket.
  • Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountain: these hikes require a separate ticket and must be booked in advance.
  • What to bring: sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, a rain jacket and water. Large backpacks, walking sticks without rubber tips, and food are not allowed inside the site.
Train back to Cusco Overnight in Cusco
Temple of Wiracocha in Raqchi, Peru Day 9

Guided Bus Trip Cusco to Puno Across the Route of the Sun

Cross the Andes from Cusco to Lake Titicaca with guided stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya Pass and Pucará, and lunch on the way.

Route of the Sun bus Overnight in Puno
Blue waters of Lake Titicaca, Peru Day 10

Full-Day Boat Excursion to Lake Titicaca & Island Tours

Sail to the Uros floating islands, built of totora reeds, and on to Taquile Island, known for its UNESCO-recognized textiles, with lunch overlooking the highest navigable lake in the world.

Lake Titicaca boat trip Overnight in Puno
Road along Lake Titicaca to Bolivia Day 11

Crossing Borders: Bus Journey Puno to La Paz Along the Shore of Lake Titicaca

Follow the lake shore by tourist bus to the Bolivian border, then cross the Altiplano to La Paz, the city in the clouds, at approx. 3,640 m.

Bus Puno – La Paz Border Peru – Bolivia Overnight in La Paz
White expanse of the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia Day 12

Flight La Paz to Uyuni & Uyuni Expedition

Fly to Uyuni and set off by 4x4 to the train cemetery, the salt workshops of Colchani and the Salar de Uyuni itself, crossing the white plain to Incahuasi Island. Night in a hotel built of salt.

Flight La Paz – Uyuni 4x4 expedition Overnight in a salt hotel near the Salar de Uyuni
Andean flamingos in a Bolivian lagoon Day 13

Uyuni Salt Flat Expedition: The Altiplano Lagoons

Drive south to the colored lagoons of the Altiplano, home to three species of flamingo, the Stone Tree of the Siloli desert and the red Laguna Colorada. Overnight at a basic high-altitude lodge.

4x4 expedition Overnight in a lodge in the Uyuni desert
Desert road near San Pedro de Atacama, Chile Day 14

Uyuni Expedition & the Atacama Desert: Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama

See the Sol de Mañana geysers at sunrise and bathe in the Polques hot springs, then cross into Chile at Hito Cajón and descend to San Pedro de Atacama, an adobe village surrounded by volcanoes.

4x4 expedition Border Bolivia – Chile Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama
Valley of the Moon in the Atacama Desert, Chile Day 15

Full-Day Atacama Desert Expedition

A full day in the driest non-polar desert on Earth. In the morning, drive up to the Altiplanic Lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, deep blue lakes at the foot of volcanoes, and visit Laguna Chaxa in the Salar de Atacama, where Andean flamingos feed. In the late afternoon, walk through the salt-crusted ridges and dunes of the Valley of the Moon and watch the sunset paint the cordillera pink and orange.

Atacama full-day excursion Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama
Santiago de Chile and the Andes Day 16

Morning Transfer to Calama, Flight to Santiago & Rest of the Day at Your Leisure

Transfer to Calama for your flight to Santiago. In the afternoon, explore the capital of Chile: the Plaza de Armas, the Central Market, the bohemian Lastarria quarter and the views from San Cristóbal Hill.

Flight Calama – Santiago Overnight in Santiago
Santiago international airport, Chile Day 17

Transfer Out for Your International Flight Home

Transfer to Santiago’s international airport for your flight home. End of services.

Transfer to the airport · End of services
Know Before You Go

What's Included

A transparent breakdown of what's covered in your package and what isn't.

Included

  • All airport and hotel transfers in Peru, Bolivia and Chile
  • 16 nights of accommodation with daily breakfast, including 2 nights during the Uyuni expedition
  • Guided Lima city tour
  • Guided Cusco city tour with four Inca sites
  • Full-day Rainbow Mountain excursion
  • Sacred Valley tour: Pisac & Ollantaytambo
  • Scenic train to Machu Picchu and return
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket, guided tour and round-trip shuttle bus
  • Route of the Sun tourist bus Cusco – Puno with lunch
  • Full-day Lake Titicaca tour: Uros & Taquile Islands with lunch
  • Tourist bus Puno – La Paz with border assistance
  • 3-day / 2-night 4x4 expedition Uyuni – Salar – lagoons – San Pedro de Atacama, with full board, park fees and border transfer
  • Full-day Atacama excursion: Altiplanic Lagoons, Laguna Chaxa & Valley of the Moon
  • Transfer San Pedro de Atacama – Calama airport
  • All entrance fees for the visits listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 assistance during your trip

Not Included

  • Flights Lima – Cusco, La Paz – Uyuni and Calama – Santiago (quoted separately)
  • Bolivian visa, if required for your nationality
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Activities and entrance fees on free days
  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Horse rental at Rainbow Mountain
Secure Booking

Tour Package Rates

Per person based on double / twin room accommodation. Choose your preferred service level.

Essential ★★

Comfortable stays, essential services
$2275Estimated Total
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Comfort ★★★

Standard premium service, upgraded hotels
$2699Estimated Total
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Deluxe ★★★★★

Top-tier luxury hotels & private experiences
$4150Estimated Total
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Peru, Bolivia & Chile 17 Days: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see Machu Picchu, Uyuni and the Atacama Desert in one trip?

Yes. This 17-day multi-country tour visits all three: Machu Picchu on day 8, the Uyuni Salt Flats on days 12–14 and the Atacama Desert on days 14–15, linked overland through Lake Titicaca, La Paz and the Altiplano.

How do you cross from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama?

At the end of the Uyuni expedition you cross from Bolivia into Chile at the Hito Cajón border post (approx. 4,500 m), near the Laguna Verde. You complete Bolivian exit and Chilean entry formalities, then transfer down to San Pedro de Atacama (approx. 2,400 m) in about an hour. Chile has strict agricultural controls: fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, seeds and honey are not allowed, so finish any snacks before the border and declare anything you are unsure about.

What will I see in the Atacama Desert?

On the full-day excursion you visit the Altiplanic Lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, the flamingos of Laguna Chaxa in the Salar de Atacama and the Valley of the Moon at sunset. San Pedro is also one of the best places in the world for stargazing, which can be added as an evening tour.

Do I need a visa for Bolivia and Chile?

Entry requirements for Bolivia depend on your nationality: many passports enter visa-free, while others need a tourist visa, which in some cases can be obtained in advance or on arrival. Rules change, so please check with the Bolivian consulate or your government’s travel advice before booking. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. For Peru and Chile, most visitors do not need a tourist visa, but please confirm the rules for your nationality.

Is Rainbow Mountain hard to do at the start of the trip?

It comes on your third day in Cusco, after a free afternoon and a city tour, and reaches over 5,000 m. It is a moderate hike; horses can be rented for part of the way, and we can move it later in the itinerary if you prefer.

How does the itinerary help with altitude?

Cusco (approx. 3,400 m) comes first with a free afternoon, followed by the lower Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. You then climb gradually to Puno, La Paz and Uyuni before reaching the geysers (approx. 4,900 m) and descending to San Pedro de Atacama (approx. 2,400 m). Consult your doctor before travel.

Which currencies do I need?

Each country has its own currency: the Peruvian sol (PEN), the Bolivian boliviano (BOB) and the Chilean peso (CLP). US dollars are widely accepted for tourism services, and credit cards work in cities, but bring local cash for markets, tips and the remote Altiplano, where there are no ATMs.

How much does the 17-day Peru, Bolivia and Chile tour cost?

The price depends on the hotel category you choose (Essential 2★, Comfort 3★, Superior 4★ or Deluxe 5★) and on the number of travelers. Open the Rates tab for the current price per person, based on double or twin accommodation. Domestic flights in Peru, Bolivia and Chile and your international flights are quoted separately.

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