- Combined Argentina / Bolivia / Peru
- 20 days
- Year round
- Private
- English / Spanish speaking
Along the way......
For many of us, thinking of trains is reminiscent of our childhood dreams. But what about the Andes: their secrets and mysteries, their thousands of colors and their millennium of history; are they not just as fascinating? Why not combine these two pleasures in a unique journey; the train being the best way to discover South America!
Our adventure begins in the Northwest of Argentina. Starting in Salta there is a train that supposedly climbs to the clouds! This is the highest train in the World, taking us all the way to San Antonio de los Cobres, at an altitude of 4200 meters. We travel through the heart of the Great Cordillera of the Andes, and its startling scenery that the pace of the ride allows us to appreciate in the best conditions possible.
We then enter Bolivia and cross it entirely. The Altiplano unrolls under our eyes... From the pleasant town of Tupiza, the railroad tracks lead us to the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt desert. The scenery is surreal...
We then head for La Paz, the most typical Andean city with its colorful markets and its narrow and steep streets.
Further north, we come upon Lake Titicaca, cradle of the great civilizations of the Altiplano and natural frontier between Bolivia and Peru. From Copacabana and the Island of the Sun otherwise known as la “Isla del Sol” (where, according to the legend, Manco Capac, the first Inca, was born), we head to Puno where we take the train to Cuzco. Other marvels are waiting there for us such as the citadel of Machu Picchu dramatically perched in the mountains. This site is only attainable on foot, following a steep path, or... by train! Jump in!
Day 1 :
Reception at Eizeiza international airport. Transfer to the hotel (rooms available starting at 2 p.m.).
Buenos Aires, a cosmopolitan city with a European touch, is among the first ten most active metropolises in the world. City of arts, cultures, theatres, traditions…. It is so varied that it will satisfy the most demanding visitor. Visit of the Argentinean capital city. We walk along the 9th of Julio Avenue, the largest in the world, dominated by the obelisk, the symbol of Buenos Aires.
We pass by the Teatro Colon, one of the masterpieces of Argentinean architecture. We arrive at the famous Central Square or “Plaza de Mayo”, hosting structures such as the “casa rosada” or “casa del gobierno”, el calbildo, and the Cathedral.
We finally visit the picturesque quarter of la Boca, and more precisely the small street called “El caminito”, meeting place for painters, tango dancers and singers.
Transfer to the hotel at the end of the afternoon. Meals open.
Day 2 :
In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight with destination Salta.
Only a two-hour flight, but the contrast is mind-blowing! We just left one of the biggest cities in the world to arrive in the Northwest of Argentina, a region of high mountains and high desert plateau where you can still observe remains of the Inca Empire. Departure for the small village of Cachi situated 2200 meters a.s.l., about 90 miles from Salta.
We drive through spectacular landscapes: the Piedra del Molino Pass at 3600 meters above sea level, the deep canyon of Quebrada de Escoipe where the green forest contrasts with the burnt color of the earth, the dry mountains of Cuesta del Obispo and finally Los Cardones national park, an arid land covered with cacti candelabros…
Cachi is a quiet Indian village with low white houses at the center of which sits the San José church dating from the 18th century.
The roof of this church is made out of sculpted wood coming from local cacti. We visit the small archaeological museum exhibiting a beautiful collection of pre-Inca and Inca ceramics more precisely from the Santa Maria culture. Night in the hotel in Cachi. Meals open.
Note 1: you are not accompanied during this flight – 2 hours flight.
Note 2: 98 miles including 69 of dirt track, about 4h15 travel-time.
Day 3 :
Departure in a 4x4 for Molinos small colonial village founded in 1659 and its majestic church and elegant farm owned by the last governor of Salta, Don Isasmendi.
We leave Molinos to return towards Salta following the impressive Quebrada de las flechas, surrounded by mysterious lunar landscapes. The appearance of white dunes tells us that we are approaching Cafayate, the most important town of the Calchaquies valleys and which economy relies on viticulture.
Night in the hotel of Cafayate. Meals open.
Note : 102 miles including 85 of dirt tracks. About 5h travel time.
Day 4 :
In the morning we return to Salta via the Quebrada de las Conchas offering the most spectacular landscapes of the Argentinean Northwest: imposing mountains and semi arid deserts and its multi colored stones sculpted by erosion.
An astounding scenery that took centuries to shape! Salta, capital of the Province of the same name is located at 1187 meters of elevation at the base of Peak San Bernado. The capital city of Salta was founded on April 16th, 1582 by Hernando de Lerma.
The colonial style houses are mixed with modern building. Among the historical building, we visit the Cathedral dating from the XIX century and the Cabildo that hosts the picturesque historical museum of the North.
We then discover the recent museum MAAM (Museo Archelogia de Alta Montana) that notably displays mummies discovered at an altitude of 6000 meters above sea level. Meals open.
Note : 180 miles, about 4h30 travel time.
Day 5 :
We depart early in the morning for the Salta train station where we board the famous “train of the clouds”. We start our journey winding along 133 miles of railroad until we reach the viaduct of Polvorilla at 4220 meters above sea level. During the trip, the train stops twice, once at the San Antonio station and the other at the Polvorilla viaduct.
An unforgettable excursion! The train has a restaurant coach, translators and medical assistance in case of problems due to the altitude such as lack of oxygen. Back to Salta by train. Meals open.
Note 1 : train-ride not accompanied by a guide– departure at 07h15, arrival at 23h48 – 17-hour of travel time.
Note 2 : If for any reasons: change in departure days, stop of the line or other unexpected events, train unable to leave; this portion of the trip normally done by train would be replaced by a trip by car following the same path (Quebrada del Toro, Viaduc de la Polvorilla and San Antonio).
Day 6 :
This morning, departure for a huge crossing of the Humahuaca valley. We drive on the N9, passing by San Salvador de Jujuy.
After 111 miles and 2h15 of travel time, we first stop at Purmamarca, signifying village of the Sacred Earth in Aymara. This hamlet is famous for its mountain of seven colors “Cerro de los siete colores” like a mineral rainbow. Then, we cover the 16 miles separating us from Pucará de Tilcara, pre-Hispanic Omaguaca village founded over 900 years ago.
We visit the site and the remarkable collections exhibited in the museum. Amongst the most interesting objects kept there we find mummies, mortuary vases, jewelry and other artifacts from archaeological sites of the Northwest of Argentina.
Meals open. Night in hotel in Tilcara.
Note: 142 miles, 3 hours of travel time.
Day 7 :
We reach the town of La Quiaca after a two-hour journey, a town located at the extreme North of Argentina. We clear the Bolivian border at La Quiaca.
Our 4WD awaits us on the other side of the Argentina – Bolivia border. We head for the pleasant town of Tupiza (3-hour trip on dirt roads).
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel **.
Note: 124 miles to la Quiaca, a 3-hour trip to the border (not including the visits)
Day 8 :
5 to 6-hour walk – Good physical condition required.
This beautiful loop takes us through canyons and interesting geological formations of the mountains West of Tupiza: Puerta del Diablo, Valle de los Machos (rock formations resembling phallic figures), Canyon of the Inca and Petrified forest of Waykho…
View over Tupiza, Río Juan de Oro and the site of the “Sillar”…
The effects of the light on the Quebrada de Palala, when we return to Tupiza in the afternoon, will definitely please photographers.
Transfer to the train station early evening. Departure of train Wara-Wara at 7:05 p.m. Arrival in Uyuni at 1:15 a.m. the next day. Transfer to Hotel.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Hotel ***.
Note 1: hotel available in Tupiza to shower before train departure.
Note 2: dining car on board
Day 9 :
9 a.m. departure from the Hotel with our 4WD for the Salar de Uyuni (el. 3650 m.a.s.l.), the world’s largest salt desert.
On the way, we visit the salt exploitation of Colchani and the Salt Hotels (closed since November 2001).
We then stop in the heart of the Salar on the Island of Incahuasi (of volcanic origin, covered with stromatolites and giant cacti). In the afternoon, we cross the Salar until we reach its Northern extremity at the foot of volcano Tunupa.
Cold lunch. All included.
Lodging at Doña Lupe and Don Carlos’ in the Aymara village of Jirira (basic comfort).
Day 10 :
With guide – No technical difficulty – Good physical condition required.
We depart early in the morning for the ascent of the volcano dominating the entire Salar (our 4WD drops us off at the end of the dirt road above the village). In about 4 hours, we reach the viewpoint (el. 4700 m.a.s.l.) offering an exceptional panorama. The summit (el. 5400 m.a.s.l.) can’t be attempted because of the potential danger due to the necessity of climbing over cliffs. Return to Jirira in the afternoon and arrival in Uyuni by early evening, after visiting the Salt Hotels and the salt factory of Colchani.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open (bar-restaurant La Loco recommended). Hotel **** available until the train departure.
Ascent time: 7 h; Elevation gain: +850m/-850m.
Departure of the Train Expreso del Sur for Oruro at midnight. Arrival in Oruro the next day at 7 a.m. then private vehicle to La Paz (4-hour trip).
Day 11 :
We pursue our travels on a paved road from where, if we are lucky, we may spot some dirt devils, as we exit Oruro. Arrival in La Paz before noon. Rest of the day open.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel ***.
Day 12 :
Departure from the hotel at 8:30 a.m in our private vehicle, to discover the most spectacular viewpoint over the city, unbelievably located in the “pit” of the Choqueyapu river canyon, with the Royal Mountain Range “Giants” as the background: Huayna Potosi, Mururata and Illimani.
This tour, particularly designed for photo lovers, first takes us to the K´Illi K´Illi Mirador and to the Laykakota Park, on the Northwestern side of the city. Afterwards, we cross the Americas Bridge in the direction of the “Plaza de España” Mirador, in the colonial neighborhood of Sopocachi.
From there, an abrupt descent leads us to the “South Zone”, passing through Llojeta and the “Garden Cemetery”, and finally to the Valley of the Moon, a place where we will be able to walk between psychedelic looking sandstone formations.
Return downtown in the afternoon. Lunch and dinner open. Hotel ***.
Day 13 :
Departure from the hotel at 8:30 a.m. with a private 4WD. We skirt Lake Titicaca and the Cordillera Real before descending towards Copacabana (3h30 drive). From there a motorboat takes us to the Northern extremity of the Isla del Sol (island of the Sun).
Visit of the Inca site of Chincana and of the Inca’s sacred rock, from where God Viracocha created his son Manco Capac, the first Inca. Short hike on the island to the village of Challapampa, where is located the Marka Pampa museum.
Cold lunch. All included. Night with host in the village of Challapampa (Basic comfort).
Hiking time: 1h; Elevation gain: +100m / -100m
Day 14 :
In the morning, a nice hike across the cultivated terraces covering the slopes of the island leads us to the village of Yumani (2 hour-hike– possibility to link Yumani and the Fountain of the Inca by boat). The view over the lake is superb. We then descend the beautiful stone staircase to the Fountain of the Inca (Fuente del Inca), where we meet our boat (around 500 steps!).
A short hop takes us to the temple of Pilkokaina. We then cross to the Isla de la Luna (Island of the Moon), where we visit the temple of the “Ñustas”, temple of the virgins. Return by boat to Copacabana in the afternoon and transfer to the border.
Pick up (3 p.m. in Peru) by our Peruvian team for the transfer to Puno. On the way, we visit the site of Chucuito; a temple dedicated to fertility and stop in a few typical Aymara villages Transfer to hotel.
Lunch and dinner open.
Note: 97 miles– about 2 hour-travel
Day 15 :
Private transport to the Puno train station to catch the train Orient Express (lunch on board) and head in the direction of Cuzco. We travel through superb landscapes.
Departure from Puno at 7:30 a.m., arrival in Cuzco at 5:30 p.m. Private transfer to the hotel.
Lunch included. dinner open.
Note 1: The train only leaves Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and does not stop. The tourist bus leaves everyday and stops along the way to visit various locations.
Note 2: train-ride without a guide.
Note 3: 1st class cabins
Day 16 :
Afternoon dedicated to the visit of the historical center of Cuzco.
We start our tour by the visit of Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), major Inca religious building dedicated to the cult of the Sun.
Our tour eventually takes us to the Cathedral, which construction started in 1560 and finished in 1669. This church exhibits numerous paintings from the Cusquenian’s school, as well as numerous treasures of metal, silver and precious stones.
Return to the hotel early evening.
Meals open.
Day 17 :
In the morning, departure in a private vehicle for a day dedicated to the discovery of the Sacred Valley. First stop at the ruins of Pisac. Visit of the site and walk around the handicraft market.
Typical lunch and stop in a ceramic workshop in Urubamba (Ayllu if opens). Continuation of the journey to Maras: salt mines in the middle of the Cordillera!
Walk down to the Urumbamba River where the vehicle awaits us. Continuation to the Incan village of Ollantaytambo. Visit of the fortress. Lunch included. Dinner open.
Day 18 :
In the morning, departure from the train station of Ollantaytambo for the journey to Aguascalientes.
Direct connection to the shuttle service that will drive you to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Day dedicated to the visit of the site; one of the wonders of the world, discovered in 1911 by the American anthropologist Hiram Bingham.
Meals open.
Note: depending on availabilities, the return journey can be done by train to Ollantaytambo and then by private vehicle to Cuzco.
Day 19 :
Transfer to the Cuzco airport for a flight to Lima, the Peruvian capital.
Reception and transfer to the hotel.
Meals open.
Please note: visitors are not accompanied by a guide on this flight. Timetable and specific airline details to be communicated to visitors upon arrival in Peru.
Option: for a city tour of Lima – contact us.
Day 20 :
Three hours before take off, private transfer to the Lima airport for you international return flight. Meals open.
Included:
All tours mentioned in this program
Private English-speaking guide
Aforementioned transport: domestic flights, trains
Private transfer to airport / station / bus terminal / hotel with Spanish-speaking chauffeur
Entrance to sites, museums and natural parks
Hotels with double or triple room including breakfast
Aforementioned meals
Guide expenses (transport, hotels, meals, etc…)
Not Included:
International return flight
Individual equipment (sleeping bag, torch lamp, etc…)
Obligatory travel insurance
Entrance fees if mentioned
Drinks
Tips
Airport tax ($US 6 per person for national flights, $US 30 per person for international flights)
Aforementioned free meals