Machu Picchu, Altiplano & the Gauchos
32 days
Map not provided by operator
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
Group Tour
This 32 day overland tour journeys from Cuzco to Buenos Aires through Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru
Please Note:
You must advise at time of booking if you wish to book the classic inca trail or the non trekking option, otherwise you will automatically be put on our wild andes trek.
Member Savings
Save up to $700!
Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)
Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Highlights
- Trek the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu Or, take the Wild Andes Trek for a truly unique perspective, Or even the train package with no trekking
- Day trip on the surreal Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats
- Star gaze in the Moon Valley at San Pedro de Atacama
- Ride beautiful horses in an unspoilt location across remote Cordillera
What's this trip about?
This 32 day overland tour journeys from Cuzco to Buenos Aires through Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru
Please Note:
You must advise at time of booking if you wish to book the classic inca trail or the non trekking option, otherwise you will automatically be put on our wild andes trek.
Compare to similar trips
Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 22 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityCuzco
End CityBuenos Aires
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Use of the truck and its camping equipment, library, etc.,
- Camping meals
- All activities that are listed as included
View Similar Trips
Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco
Border information: if you are joining in Cuzco, you will most likely enter Peru at Cuzco Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (IATA code: CUZ).
There will be an important group meeting at 10:00am at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception ...
Day 2: Inca Trail , Sacred Valley
These four days will be spent either trekking in the Andes, on our pioneering Wild Andes Trek, on the Classic Inca Trek or for those not wishing to hike, free time to explore and a guided tour of the Sacred Valley on our Train package.
Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Approximate walking distance: 8km, Estimated time: 4hrs
Leaving Cuzco early in the morning, we visit the ruined temples of Sacsayhuaman for a fascinating tour of the site. We then head on to Chinchero, a small Quechua-speaking village in the S...
Option 2 - Classic Inca Trek
Meals: Lunch
This morning we go for a guided tour of the Sacred Valley, followed by a visit to the market town of Pisac, where we will have an included lunch. We then head to Ollantaytambo, where we have free time to explore the impressive archeological site. Tonight ...
Option 3 - Train Package
Meals : Lunch
You will leave Cuzco with your fellow passengers who will be trekking the Wild Andes Trek. You will visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, followed by a beautiful scenic drive over mountains and through valleys, via the ancient city of Pisac and on to the Sa...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Visit the incredible remains of the Inca temples of Sacsayhuaman and the Sacred Valley on a guided tour
Trekking Options
Option 1
Trek the Classic Inca Trail up the Royal Inca Road.
Option 2
Hike unspoilt Inca Trails in remote stunning Andes scenery away from tourist treks on our exclusive Wild Andes trail.
Option 3
Take a Sacred Valley Tour, visit Ollantaytambo and take the train to Machu Picchu without trekking.
Take a guided tour of the fantastic Inca temples at Ollantaytambo
Day 3: Inca Trail
Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Zurite to Amaruwatana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Approximate walking time: 8hrs, Distance: 13kms
After a hearty breakfast we leave Zurite and head towards Amaruwatana camp. The walk will take us through Qenteqentiyoc (the Hummingbird Temple), where we will ...
Option 2 - Classic Inca Trek
Ollantaytambo to Wayllabamba
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
Approximate trekking time: 5-6hrs, Distance: 12kms
After breakfast, we catch a bus to Piscaycuscho and the start of the Classic Inca Trek - the railroad KM82 marker (at 2,700m altitude). Here w...
Option 3 - Train Package
Today is a free day to enjoy Cuzco, with its museums, churches, incredible colonial architecture, beautiful restaurants and a vast array of shops, selling textiles and handicrafts.
Day 4: Inca Trail
Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Amaruwatana to Ancascocha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Approximate trekking time: 6-7hrs, Distance: 10kms
We have an early start this morning, trekking for approximately 2 hours to reach the top of our second pass at 4,700m. From here we have fantastic views ...
Option 2 - Classic Trek
Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
Approximate trekking time: 6-7hrs, Distance: 11kms
This is the most challenging day of the trek as we ascend a long steep path (approximately 4 hours) through Andean cloud forest and highland puna ...
Option 3 - Train Package
Today is a free day for you to enjoy Cuzco, with its museums, churches, incredible colonial architecture, beautiful restaurants and a vast array of shops selling textiles and handicrafts.
Day 5: Inca
Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Ancascocha to Ollantaytambo
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Approximate trekking time: 5hrs, Distance: 12kms
Today we will descend the narrow Silque Canyon, allowing us to observe its tall granite walls which are populated by a large variety of orchids and bromeliads, f...
Option 2 - Classic Inca Trek
Pacaymayo to Wiñay Wayna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
Approximate walking time: 8hrs, Distance: 16kms
Today we follow ancient stone paths and steps to ascend the well-preserved Inca remains of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca (the "Town abov...
Option 3 - Train Package
After being picked up from your hotel in the morning you will be driven to the fortress city of Ollantaytambo and our hotel for the night, the Tunupa Lodge. Here you will rejoin the Wild Andes Trekkers and your tour leader who will be arriving from their trek this afternoon.
Day 6: Cuzco, Machu Picchu
Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast
Today we will have an early start to catch the train to the small town of Aguas Calientes. From there, we will take a bus up the winding mountainside to the legendary ruined city of Machu Picchu - one of the world...
Option 2 - Classic Trek
Wiñay Wayna to Machupicchu
Meals: Breakfast and Snacks
Approximate walking time: 2hrs, Distance: 4kms
Leaving Wiñay Wayna, we descend gradually further through the highland jungle to our destination - Intupunku (the "Sun Gate") leading into Machu Picchu. Arriving a...
Option 3 - Train Package
Meals provided: Breakfast
After an early breakfast and walk to the train station, your stunning 2 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes begins. The journey takes you through several different micro-climates, past Inca terraces, lookout posts, ancient river bank reinforcem...
Day 7: Cuzco
Today is a free day to relax after the treks, further explore the historical city of Cuzco, and take part in some optional activities around the city.
Day 8: Puno
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, com...
Day 9: Isla Del Sol, Copacabana
Estimated Drive Time - 3-5 hours.
Border information: Exit Peru at Yunguyo, enter Bolivia at Kasani.
This morning we will cross into Bolivia and head to the lakeside town of Copacabana, before boarding a boat to the stunning island of Isla del Sol.
In Isla del Sol we will stay in a basic local hotel.
Day 10: Copacabana, Isla Del Sol
Today we will take an included day trip across Isla del Sol in Lake Titicaca, one of the holiest sites in ancient Inca mythology and supposedly the birthplace of the Sun God Inti. We will take a 14km walk across the length of the island, taking in the incredible and sere...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Take a boat to Lake Titicaca's Isla del Sol
Day 11: La Paz
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Today we will drive to the famous city of La Paz, Bolivia’s seat of government and the highest administrative capital in the world! On arrival we will have a guided tour to explore the city.
In La Paz we will stay in a good hotel in the historical centre.
Day 12: La Paz
Border information: if you are joining in La Paz, you will most likely enter Bolivia at La Paz El Alto International Airport (IATA code: LPB).
Welcome to La Paz, Bolivia’s seat of government and the highest administrative capital in the world! There will be an importan...
Day 13: La Paz
Today we have a free day to enjoy La Paz
In La Paz we will stay in a good hotel in the historical centre.
Day 14: Potosí
Estimated Drive Time - 530km / 9 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en rout...
Day 15: Uyuni
Estimated Drive Time - 5 hours.
After some free time in Potosi, we will continue our journey to Uyuni, the gateway to the Salar de Uyuni salt flats.
In Uyuni we will stay in a friendly hotel, famous for serving the highest pizzas in the world!
Day 16: Salar De Uyuni
Today we will venture out onto the salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni, spending a full day exploring this phenomenal location by jeep and on foot. En route we will explore the nearby train graveyard and the cactus-filled 'Fish Island', and take all the time we need to get plenty of perspective-bending photographs!
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Take jeeps out onto the dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats
Day 17: Bolivian Altiplano
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
Today we will head off across the wilds of the Altiplano, a surreal and desolate desert landscape that stretches all the way into Chile. We will make plenty of stop for photographs on the way and at the end of the day we aim to cross the border into Chile, making camp soon afterwards.
Tonight we will bush camp in a remote spot with no facilities!
Day 18-19: San Pedro De Atacama
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
Border information: Exit Bolivia and enter Chile at Ollague
After breakfast we will break camp, and drive through the stunning Reserva Nacional Alto Loa on the Chilean part of the Altiplano, stopping off en route for photographs. Aft...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Explore the dramatic landscape of the Moon Valley
Day 20: Purmamarca
Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours.
Border information: Exit Chile at Paso Jama, enter Argentina at Paso Jama.
Today we will have a long drive day to cross the mighty Andes, cross the border into Argentina, and reach the beautiful village of Purmamarca next to the aptly-named 'Hill of Seven Colours'
In Purmamarca we will camp in a local campsite.
Day 21: Salta
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Today we will drive to the beautiful colonial city of Salta, where we will have time to freely explore on arrival.
In Salta we will stay in a local hotel or guesthouse.
Day 22: Salta
Today we will have a free day to explore the town of Salta, visit its many museums, or explore the beautiful surrounding hills on foot or by mountain bike. We will also have the chance to take the cable car to the viewpoint on San Bernardo Hill overlooking the town, taking in some of the incredible mountian scenery nearby.
Day 23: Salta
Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours.
Today we will have a short morning drive to a campsite in Cabra Corral, a small village south of Salta where we have the opportunity to go rafting or zip-lining!
Tonight we will continue our drive a short distance to wild camp in the stunning mountains nearby, or camp at the rafting base in Cabra Corral if preferred.
Day 24-25: Cafayate
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Today we will drive through the spectacular rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas, and reach the serene town of Cafayate.
This small unassuming town is the centre of one of Argentina's principal wine producing regions, famou...
Day 26: Recreo, Quilmes Ruins
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
Today we will drive south over some more spectacular mountains and arrive in the lush flat pampas that Argentina is famous for. We will visit the ancient ruins of the indigenous city of Quilmes en route.
Tonight we will aim to wild camp en route or stay in a basic campsite in the town of Recreo.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Visit the Quilmes ruins
Day 27-29: Estancia
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Today we drive to a unique Anglo-Argentine Estancia, where we will stay for 3 nights.
During our time at the Estancia, we will head out horseback riding, taste the excellent wines produced by their vineyards, be entertained by a loca...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Spend 3 unique days at an Anglo-Argentinian estancia to experience the Gaucho way of life
Day 30: Buenos Aires
Estimated Drive Time - 11-12 hours.
Today we will have a full day drive to the wonderful city of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.
In Buenos Aires we will stay in a centrally-located hotel.
Day 31: Buenos Aires
Today is a free day to explore the incredible city of Buenos Aires, soak up the atmosphere of its streets, and discover its amazing culture, art, and music.
Day 32: Buenos Aires
Border information: if you are finishing in Buenos Aires, you will most likely exit Argentina at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza Airport (IATA code: BUE/EZE).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Buenos...
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Price From $2,630
Price per day$82
Last Updated: 0/7/2022
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Dragoman.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Dragoman Reviews & Ratings
Great guides
Great guides, route and overall tour. Just a couple of things arou...
Really enthusiastic
Great transport ad the guides were great. Really enthusiastic.
Vehicle was fun and comfortable.
Vehicle was fun and comfortable.
Other Dragoman Reviews
J
Dragoman Company Reviewsby Dragoman
Most spectacular bits in a shorter time frame
Travelling through such a vast area as Patagonia was the best w...
W
Dragoman Company Reviewsby Dragoman
I enjoyed the trip
I enjoyed the trip very much it exceeded my expectations!
S
Dragoman Company Reviewsby Dragoman
I absolutely loved Patagonia
I absolutely loved Patagonia, the scenery was amazing, the vast openness and staring out of the window of the truck never got old. Highlights had to be Torres Del Pa...
Travelers also viewed
Tour Operator
At Dragoman we aim to offer authentic, grass-roots adventurous holidays. Travel with us and we’ll get you off the beaten track and really under the skin of the places, whatever style of trip you choose. This means taking the road less travelled, mixing with the locals, learning about their culture and most importantly having an open mind.
We are based in rural Suffolk in the east of England and are proud to be independently owned. We ran our first tour in 1981 and have grown to be a market leader in overland travel. Over the years we’ve grown steadily in size but are still small enough to aim to ensure that each Dragoman traveller has a unique - and hopefully - life changing experience. Last year 2500 travellers joined us on a Dragoman adventure, visiting 55 different countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Our overland tours range from 9 days to 235 days in length. Our shorter 2 or 3 week trips offer a great snapshot of a country or region; giving our travellers a short, sharp adventure travel experience. In just a short break from your everyday life we can get you off the tourist trail and take you on a perspective-changing journey.
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.
Save time
Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.
Save money
Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.
Travel confidently
Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.
Logistics
What's excluded
- Our trip price and kitty do not include optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Connecting flights
- Airport transfers
- Border taxes or charges
- Transportation while not on the trip or while exploring a city
- Passports and visas
- Vaccinations and first aid kits or medicines
- Extra accommodation
- Contingency route expenses in case of emergency or natural disaster
- Meals at restaurants or cafes or whilst staying in hotels, drinks, tips, or personal spending money
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against
unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies.
It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before
or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
please visit this link
.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
Optional Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Day 1:
USD 79
Take part in a Peruvian cooking class in Cuzco, learning how to make a variety of local dishes
USD 5.91
Take a Spanish class in the beautiful city of Cuzco (suitable for all levels)
Day 7:
USD 79
Take part in a Peruvian cooking class in Cuzco, learning how to make a variety of local dishes
USD 5.91
Take a Spanish class in the beautiful city of Cuzco (suitable for all levels)
Day 8:
Free
Boat trip to the floating islands on Lake Titicaca
Day 11:
USD 21.86
Take a guided tour of the main sights and viewpoints around La Paz
Day 13:
USD 125
Downhill "gravity assisted" mountain biking from La Paz to Coroico
USD 32.06
Guided tour to explore Tiahuanacu Inca Ruins
USD 18.94
Take a trip out to the mountain resort of Chacaltaya and the other-worldly landscape of the Moon Valley near La Paz
USD 21.86
Take a guided tour of the main sights and viewpoints around La Paz
USD 2.91
Discover Bolivia's history, art, and culture in some of La Paz's many museums such as the San Francisco Museum and the Museum of Ethnography
Day 14:
USD 16.03
Head down into the tunnels of the Potosi silver mine
USD 8.74
Visit the the Casa de la Moneda museum in Potosí, to learn all about its colonial past and the silver that once flowed from the area
Day 17:
Free
Take the epic journey across the Altiplano - an incredible high-altitude adventure through a surreal desert landscape, taking in bizarre rock formations and stunning lakes.
Day 18-19:
USD 27.73
Observe the night skies at a Chilean observatory
USD 41.59
Experience the incredible El Tatio geysers in the mountains high above the Atacama Desert
USD 6.93
Hire a bike to explore the incredible deserts surrounding San Pedro de Atacama at your own pace
USD 18.72
Discover the incredible deserts of San Pedro on horseback
USD 20.79
Visit the incredible salt plains of the Salar de Atacama, and take a swim in the salty pools of Laguna Cejar
USD 48.52
Take a tour of the stunning Lagunas Altiplánicas, backdropped by the incredible deserts and volcanic scenery of the region
USD 20.79
Relax in the blissful natural volcanic hot springs of Puritama, in the hills above San Pedro
USD 34.66
Discover some of the interesting ancient ruins near San Pedro, and the artifacts found in the area, on an archaeological tour
USD 30
Head out for an exciting sand-boarding excursion in the sand dunes of the Atacama Desert
Day 22:
USD 0.88
Time to explore the colonial city of Salta and local area
USD 4.41
Take the cable car up to the top of San Bernardo Hill, and take in the breathtaking views out over the city of Salta below
USD 28.63
Explore the beautiful mountains and forests near Salta on a mountain biking trip
Day 23:
USD 20.92
Get the adrenaline pumping with some white water rafting in Salta
USD 16.52
Fly through the stunning valleys above the Juramento river on an exciting 4-cable zip-lining course
Day 24-25:
USD 3.30
Discover the bodegas and stock up on wine in Cafayate
Free
Visit the impressive rock formations of 'El Amphiteatro' and 'La Garganta del Diablo' en route through the primeval landscape of the Quebrada de las Conchas
Day 31:
USD 5.51
Explore cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, the coolest city in South America
Free
Enjoy a free city tour of Buenos Aires
USD 9.91
Head out to a tango show in Buenos Aires' oldest cafe, the Gran Cafe Tortoni - seeing a slice of iconic Argentine culture in an ideal and intimate setting
Free
Visit the strangely beautiful cemetery of Recoleta, the final resting place of many ex-presidents and Argentine icons, most famously including the tomb of Eva Peron
USD 25
Try your hand at the art of tango dancing with a private lesson in Buenos Aires
Free
Freely explore the cosmopolitan Argentina capital of Buenos Aires, or take a free walking tour of the city's highlights
USD 20
See a different side to Buenos Aires on a tour of its incredible street art with some of the local artists
USD 85
Learn all about the cuisine of Argentina on a food tour of Buenos Aires, visiting several incredible local top-class eateries that you won't find in the guidebooks!
USD 52
Try some of Argentina's most delicious wines on a top-level wine tasting afternoon in Buenos Aires
Additional Information
Trip ID
dragom-LCB
Become a member
(it's free)
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations
Compare to Similar Trips
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!