CHILE, BOLIVIA AND PERU IN STYLE

Arrive in Lima, the Peruvian capital.

On arrival you’ll be met and taken to your hotel, an original colonial-style building, at the heart of Lima’s most happening district – so you’ll be able to throw yourself into the city’s energetic nightlife as well as its cultural and artistic scene.

The following day you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s bustling atmosphere and rich history on a private, half day tour. Founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1535, today Lima is a captivating mix of extraordinary Baroque churches, colonial squares and contemporary galleries. The tour will show you both the modern and colonial areas of Lima, with stops at the imposing cathedral, the Presidential Palace, Church of San Francisco and the San Isidro and Miraflores districts.

Stay: Two nights at Hotel B – bed & breakfast

On day three you will return to Lima airport and board a direct flight to Cusco. Here you will be met and driven into the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Note: Cusco is over 3,300m above sea-level, so rather than staying here on arrival, we suggest our clients stay and acclimatise in the Sacred Valley which is slightly lower at 2,800m.

The next morning you will further explore the Sacred Valley and really immerse yourself in the Inca civilisation. A full day tour will show you the ruined town of Pisac, famed for its artisan market, as well as Ollantaytambo – the longest continuously occupied village on the continent with roads, canals and a fortress that have barely changed since the Inca period. Not forgetting the charming Andean village of Chinchero with its well-preserved Inca wall; the salt production centre of Maras and the greenhouse terraces of Moray, which were used by the Incas to refine their farming techniques.

Stay: Three nights at Sol y Luna – bed & breakfast

Today you will board the train to reach what is one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites. The train weaves through a parade of changing landscapes, from lush fields and vibrant villages to epic mountains and the meandering Urubamba River.

After about two hours you’ll arrive in the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll be met and taken by bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the tiered terraces, temples, staircases, palaces and fountains of this ancient citadel.

Stay: One night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel – half board

On day seven there is the option of returning to Machu Picchu in the morning (additional cost) before you take the afternoon train back to Cusco.

You will travel to Cusco to experience the life and heritage of this ancient city. You’ll be staying in a boutique hotel set in a 16th century mansion, the perfect base for guided tours of sites like the Colonial Santo Domingo Convent – built over the original Inca Koricancha Temple – as well as the Plaza de Armas and the monumental cathedral.

As well as relics left over from the Inca Empire, Cusco is rich in masterpieces of colonial architecture such as the Cathedral and Church of the Company of Christ. A tour will take you around the quaint cobbled streets and Baroque buildings, as well as beyond the city to visit the massive walls of the Sacsayhuaman Fortress. You’ll also take in the famous archaeological sites of Kenko and Tambomachay, both important religious centres for the Incas.

Stay: Two nights at the Inkaterra La Casona – bed & breakfast

In the morning of day nine you will be transferred to the train station in Cusco for the long but scenic rail journey across the Altiplano to Lake Titicaca.

You will make your way out of the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and the sloping Andean planes, dotted with vicuna and alpaca, ascending to the high altitude and dramatic landscapes of the Altiplano. A delicious three course lunch is served on-board and local musicians playing gentle Andean music to accompany the journey.

Note: The Titicaca train between Cusco and Lake Titicaca takes around 10 hours and only operates on certain days of the week.

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, with stunning views and shores that are home to Aymara and Quechua Indians – people who pre-date the Incas by over 1,000 years. You’ll stay on a private peninsula and take birdwatching tours, try mountain biking and horse riding, go on trekking expeditions and visit the lake’s floating reed islands, villages, archaeological sites and colonial churches.

Stay: Three nights at Titilaka – full board (including activities in small groups)

On day twelve your journey through Peru comes to an end and you are driven across the border into landlocked Bolivia.

Your first stop is the highest capital in the world, La Paz. Standing at over 3,600m and enclosed by the Cordillera Real mountain range, the capital is one ofthe most colourful in South America.

You’ll be staying at a modern design hotel in the heart of the city. During your stay you will enjoy a tour of the city, taking in the Gold Museum, San Francisco Church, Murillo Square and the Witch Doctor’s Market where you’ll find an interesting array of artefacts, handicrafts and woven textiles.

Stay: Two nights in a deluxe room at the Atix Hotel – bed & breakfast

Your adventure in Bolivia now brings you to the incredible Salar de Uyuni, which holds the title for the world’s largest salt flat at a staggering 11,000 square kilometres.

Your day starts with a short flight from La Paz to Uyuni, the entry point for Bolivia’s salt flats.

This surreal, vast expanse with its blue skies, 12-metre-high cacti and deep lagoons is sure to capture your imagination. Your accommodation are vintage American style camper vans, situated on the outskirts of the salt flats.

Over the next two days you will have plenty of opportunity to explore this unique wilderness. You’ll first visit the fascinating Isla Pescado. Situated in the centre of the salt pan, this rocky outcrop is studded with giant cacti and offers a fabulous view of the surrounding salt flats. The following day you will visit the small village of Tahua, situated at the foot of the Tunupa Volcano, and hike to the cave of the Coquesa Mummies.

Stay: Two nights staying in an Airstream Camper – full-board

On day sixteen you will be driven across the border into Chile and the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama.

This is the perfect spot to discover the rugged terrain of the Atacama – and photograph the views of Licancabur Volcano. Your camera will be busy in the desert too; the landscapes are spectacular, with shimmering salt flats, volcanoes and spouting geysers. Then there’s Moon Valley – an unworldly landscape you can experience on horseback, by hiking or mountain biking.

Stay: Three nights at Tierra Atacama – full board (including activities in small groups)

Your final stop in this three-country adventure are the peaceful winelands in Chile.

After a short flight to Santiago, you will be driven to the famed Rosario Valley. Staying on a beautiful wine estate; you’re welcomed with a presentation by a specialist guide who will introduce you to the valley’s highlights. You’ll be able to explore the valley on horseback, by bicycle or on foot, but for foodies the trips around the estate’s cheese making facility and a wine tour that includes tastings is a must.

Stay: Two nights at La Casona at Matetic Vineyard – full board (including activities in small groups)

After a final breakfast you will be driven back to Santiago airport for your international flight home.