18-Day Peru, Bolivia & Chile Tour - Adventure

We meet Ejder Turizm representatives at Istanbul Airport at 17:30. After completing baggage and passport procedures, we depart for Santiago at 20:35 on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK 15. The flight will take approximately 19 hours, with a technical stop in São Paulo. THY flight TK 15 is scheduled to depart from Istanbul (IST) at 20:35 and arrive in Santiago (SCL) at 09:45 (+1). The journey includes 1 connection via GRU. We spend the night on board.

We arrive at Santiago Airport in the morning. After passport control and baggage collection, we meet our local guide and begin our city tour. We see Plaza de Armas Square, the capital's historic center; La Moneda Presidential Palace, Chile's political center; and the Metropolitan Cathedral, dating from the colonial period. We take a cable car up San Cristóbal Hill for panoramic views of Santiago with the Andes Mountains in the background. We have lunch at a traditional restaurant where we can taste Chilean seafood. Afterwards, we transfer to the hotel and settle into our rooms. The evening is free time. Guests who wish can explore Santiago's local markets and restaurants. We stay at the 4-star Hotel Plaza San Francisco or a similar hotel in Santiago.

After breakfast, depart for the Pacific coast for a tour of the coastline and the city of Pablo Neruda. Visit Viña del Mar, known for its gardens, beaches and summer houses. See the city's landmark Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores) and take a walk along the shore. Lunch is served at a local seaside restaurant, featuring seafood dishes from Chilean cuisine. Then continue to Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the murals and cultural heritage of this port city, known for its colorful houses, street art and historic elevators (funiculars). Return to Santiago in the evening and check in at the hotel. Guests who wish can explore the city's nightlife. Stay overnight at the 4-star Hotel Plaza San Francisco.

We leave the hotel early in the morning and fly from Santiago to Calama with LATAM Airlines at 06:01. The arrival time at Calama Airport is listed as 08:0G. We set off for the Bolivian border in a private vehicle. During the road journey of approximately 6 hours, we see the Andes Mountains, desert, volcanoes and wide plains. We cross the Chile-Bolivia border via Ollagüe. After passport formalities, we transfer to 4x4 vehicles, Land Cruiser Jeeps seating 5-6 people, and continue directly to Uyuni. You may feel slightly tired due to the high altitude. Drinking plenty of water and wearing loose clothing are recommended. After a journey of approximately 3-4 hours, we arrive in the town of Uyuni in the late afternoon. After checking in at the hotel and resting briefly, we head out for a sunset tour at Salar de Uyuni. We watch the sunset and the reflections of the sky on the vast white surface of the salt flat. The direct flight with LATAM Airlines from Santiago (SCL) to Calama (CJC) is listed as departing at 06:01 and arriving at 08:09. Accommodation is at the 4-star Crystal Samana Hotel in Salar de Uyuni or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, we set out on a full-day tour of Salar de Uyuni in 4x4 vehicles. At the Uyuni Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes), we see rusting locomotives from the 19th century that reflect Bolivia's industrial past. The site offers various opportunities for photography. In the town of Colchani, we observe local people producing salt using traditional methods and visit the local market selling handmade salt products. At the heart of Salar de Uyuni, we walk across the white salt surface amid reflections. During the rainy season, this area becomes the world's largest natural mirror, while in the dry season, its salt flats display hexagonal patterns. We have a picnic lunch in the middle of Salar de Uyuni, taking in the surrounding natural scenery. During our visit to the rocky Incahuasi Island (Island of Cacti) in the middle of the salt lake, we see giant cacti and the surrounding landscapes. In the evening, we return to the hotel and have free time to rest. We spend the night at the 4-star Crystal Samana Hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Uyuni Airport. Fly from Uyuni to La Paz with Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) at 0G:15. Arrive in La Paz at 10:15. At an altitude of 3.640 m, La Paz is the world's highest capital. The city tour takes in Plaza Murillo Square, the Bolivian Government Palace, the Congress Building and La Paz Cathedral. Visit San Francisco Church and Calle Jaén, known for its well-preserved colonial streets, small museums and colourful houses. Visit the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas). Here, local people sell mystical and medicinal herbs, dried llama fetuses, magical talismans and objects associated with traditional Andean culture. Lunch is served at a local restaurant, followed by a cable car tour. See La Paz from above on its cable car network, the largest in South America. After the transfer to the hotel, dinner is served at a local restaurant. Stay overnight at the 4-star Hotel Europa or a similar hotel in La Paz. Flight information: Direct flight from Uyuni to La Paz with Boliviana de Aviación (BoA). Departure 09:15, arrival 10:15.

After breakfast, we begin our tour with Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), located approximately 10 km from La Paz. We walk through the area, known for its rock formations resembling the lunar surface, and examine the rocks shaped by wind and rain erosion. We then head to the Ancient City of Tiahuanaco, Bolivia's most important archaeological site. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city belonged to the Tiahuanaco civilization, which predated the Incas and is one of South America's civilizations known for its mysteries. During our visit, we see the Gate of the Sun (Puerta del Sol), the symbol of Tiahuanaco; the Monolith Statues, large stone figures whose mysteries remain unsolved; the Akapana Pyramid, a ceremonial center; and the Kalasasaya Temple, used for astronomical observation and ceremonies. We learn about Tiahuanaco culture with our guide and have lunch at a restaurant near the ancient city. We return to La Paz and check in at the hotel. We have dinner at a local restaurant and stay overnight at the 4-star Hotel Europa.

After breakfast, we leave La Paz in a private tour vehicle and travel by road from Bolivia to Peru. Along the way, we take in views of the Andes Mountains. We complete passport formalities at the border crossing and enter Peru. After a journey of approximately 2 hours, we arrive in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest lake. After lunch at a local restaurant, we take a boat tour to the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca. On these floating islands, built entirely from reeds, we discover the traditional way of life of the local Uros people. We learn how the islands are built, how the people sustain their livelihoods and how they fish on the lake. We have free time in the area where handmade goods are sold. After the boat tour, we transfer to our hotel on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We have dinner at a local restaurant and sample Peruvian cuisine. We stay overnight at the 4-star Hotel Libertador Lake Titicaca or a similar hotel in Puno.

After breakfast, depart on a road journey from Puno to Cusco lasting approximately 7 hours. Short stops are made along the way. At the Raqchi Archaeological Site, see the Wiracocha Temple, one of the largest temples of the Inca civilization. The temple stands out for its large stone walls and details of Inca architecture. Visit Andahuaylillas Village and Andahuaylillas Church. Known as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes, the church is renowned for its Baroque decorations, gold leaf work and historic frescoes. It is an example of South America's colonial heritage. Around midday, lunch consisting of traditional Peruvian dishes is served at a local restaurant. Continue the journey and arrive in Cusco in the afternoon. After hotel check-in, enjoy free time to rest. Stay overnight at the 4-star Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco or a similar hotel in Cusco.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on a full-day tour of Cusco and the surrounding area. Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Plaza de Armas (Main Square) is known for its historic buildings, which the Spanish built on the sites of Inca temples they demolished. Cusco Cathedral contains works of art from the Spanish Colonial period and gold-plated decorations. Korikancha Temple (Temple of the Sun) is known as the most sacred and richest temple of the Inca Empire. Although the Spanish demolished it and built Santo Domingo Church on the site, the gold plating on its walls and its stonework draw attention. We have lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying dishes from Cusco's traditional cuisine. We then visit the Inca archaeological sites around Cusco. Built from large stone blocks, the Sacsayhuamán Ruins are the remains of an Inca fortress believed to have been used for military purposes. The site offers panoramic views of Cusco. The Qenqo Archaeological Site, where religious rituals took place during the Inca period, has underground tunnels and stone altars. After the visits, we return to the hotel to rest.

Today we visit Machu Picchu. After an early breakfast, we leave the hotel and travel by private vehicle to Ollantaytambo train station. During the journey of approximately 1,5 hours, we take in views of the Sacred Valley. In Ollantaytambo, we board a PeruRail or IncaRail luxury train and travel along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes. The scenic train journey takes approximately 2,5 hours. From Aguas Calientes, we take private shuttle buses to the entrance of Machu Picchu, a journey of approximately 25 minutes. On our guided tour of the Inca city, we see the King's Palace, the Temple of the Sun (Templo del Sol), the Astronomical Observatory, the Agricultural Terraces on the steep slopes, and the Temple of the Three Windows (Templo de las Tres Ventanas). We have lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, we return to Ollantaytambo by train, then continue to Cusco by private vehicle. We spend the night at the 4-star Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Cusco Airport. Depart on a direct flight to Puerto Maldonado with LATAM Airlines at 11:55. The flight takes approximately 1 hour, arriving at 12:55. After being greeted on arrival, leave large suitcases at the office in Puerto Maldonado. Only small backpacks are used during the stay in the Amazon rainforest. Transfer to the banks of the Madre de Dios River, then board private boats for a river journey of approximately 45 minutes. On arrival at Corto Maltes Amazon Lodge, welcome drinks are served and information about the program is provided. After lunch, set out on the first Amazon exploration tour. During a nature walk of approximately 2 hours in the Amazon rainforest, local guides introduce medicinal plants and the Amazon ecosystem. Wildlife watching includes sightings of toucans, parrots and monkeys. In the evening, watch the sunset by the river. Dinner is served at the lodge, followed by an overnight stay at Corto Maltes Amazon Lodge.

Today we set out on a full-day tour of the Amazon Rainforest. We leave before sunrise and reach Lake Sandoval. As we explore the lake by boat, we have the opportunity to observe giant otters, piranhas, tropical birds and crocodiles. After breakfast overlooking the lake, we take a walk deep into the Amazon. Along the way, we take a closer look at the large trees, different ecosystems and natural surroundings of the Amazon Rainforest. After lunch at the lodge, we have free time for the rest of the day. Guests can relax at the lodge or spend time exploring the surroundings and observing nature in the Amazon. We have dinner accompanied by the sounds of the forest. We stay overnight at Corto Maltes Amazon Lodge or similar accommodation.

On our last day in the Amazon, we wake up early to the sound of birds. After breakfast, we leave Corto Maltes Lodge and return to Puerto Maldonado by boat along the Madre de Dios River. After collecting our large suitcases, we head to the airport. We depart from Puerto Maldonado at 0G:55 with LATAM Airlines and arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, at 11:30. Upon arrival, we begin our Lima city tour directly. In the Historic City Centre, we see important colonial-era buildings and landmarks such as Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the Government Palace, Lima Cathedral and City Hall. San Francisco Monastery and Catacomb (Underground Tombs) are also on our itinerary. We have lunch at a local restaurant. The meal features Peruvian dishes including ceviche (marinated fish) and lomo saltado (grilled steak). We then head to Miraflores, the most popular district of modern Lima. Here, we see Parque del Amor (Lovers' Park), the Costa Verde coastline and the oceanfront Larcomar Shopping Centre. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel in the Miraflores district. The direct flight from Puerto Maldonado to Lima with LATAM Airlines is listed as departing at 09:55 and arriving at 11:30.

We leave the hotel at 05:00 in the morning and travel from Lima to Nazca by private vehicle. The journey takes approximately 7 hours, following the Pacific Ocean coast along the Panamericana Highway. We make a short stop for breakfast along the way. We arrive in Nazca around midday and head directly to Nazca Airport to prepare for the flight. The Nazca Lines are ancient geoglyphs created by the Nazca culture, consisting of large geometric shapes, animal figures and straight lines. Their purpose remains uncertain, but they are thought to have been used as an astronomical calendar or for rituals. During the 30-40 minute flight in private 4-person aircraft, we see the Monkey, Spider, Hummingbird, Astronaut and other well-known figures from the air. After the flight, we take a panoramic tour of Nazca city centre. We visit a museum to learn about the Nazca culture, as well as the local market. We spend the night at the 3-star Casa Ansina Nazca.

A light breakfast is served at the hotel early in the morning. Departure from Nazca is at around 06:00, followed by a journey of approximately 2,5 hours by private vehicle to the ICA region. From ICA, the journey continues to Paracas Port to board speedboats. The boat tour lasts approximately 2 hours and visits the Ballestas Islands, known as a small counterpart to the Galápagos in the Pacific Ocean. During the tour, colonies of thousands of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans and seabirds can be seen. The giant Candelabra (Candlestick) figure on the coast, whose mystery remains unsolved, is also among the sights seen on the tour. After the Ballestas tour, the journey continues to Huacachina Oasis in ICA. This desert oasis lies around a natural lake surrounded by palm trees and sand dunes. Guests who wish can try sandboarding or take a safari in 4x4 desert vehicles (buggies). Lunch is served at a local restaurant in ICA, featuring dishes from Peruvian cuisine. In the late afternoon, departure from ICA begins the return journey to Lima. After approximately 4 hours, the journey continues to Lima Airport for preparations for the flight to Bogotá.

Depart from Lima for Bogotá at 02:00 with Wingo Airlines. Arrival in Bogotá is at 05:25. A day-use room is reserved at NH Royal Urban 26 Hotel, near the airport, to rest before the Istanbul flight. The hotel offers an opportunity to rest, shower and have breakfast. In the afternoon, leave the hotel and transfer to El Dorado International Airport. Depart for Istanbul at 15:20 on Türk Hava Yolları flight TK 801. The direct Wingo Airlines flight from Lima (LIM) to Bogotá (BOG) departs at 02:00 and arrives at 05:25. The THY TK 801 flight from Bogotá (BOG) to Istanbul (IST) is scheduled to depart at 15:20 and arrive at 15:35 (+1). The flight has 1 connection via PTY. Spend the night on board.

We arrive at Istanbul Airport at 15:35 local time on Turkish Airlines flight TK 801. After passport control and baggage collection, our South America journey comes to an end. Our 18-day trip, from Salar de Uyuni to the Amazon and from Machu Picchu to Nazca, ends here. Thank you for choosing us for this journey. We look forward to seeing you on another Ejder Turizm trip.