Chile, Bolivia and Peru with Amazon Adventure Extension

Depart the UK on your scheduled flight to Santiago.

On arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy today at leisure.

Following breakfast your guide will take you on a half-day city tour of Santiago, visiting the main attractions of this charming capital city. Beginning at the Government Palace, you will then continue to the main square 'Plaza de Armas', known as the heart and soul of Santiago and the centrepiece of the city's grid pattern layout. Next stroll around Santa Lucia Hill, a beautifully landscaped park where back in 1833 Charles Darwin once proclaimed that the view from here is 'certainly most striking'. Finish your tour with visits to the exclusive residential neighbourhoods of Vitacura and Las Condes, then return to your hotel for some time to rest and relax.

This morning you will be transferred to Santiago airport for your flight to Calama, a city in northern Chile's Atacama Desert. Considered to be the archaeological capital of Chile as well as the centre of Atacama culture, San Pedro's people once roamed this vast expanse of desert which is thought to be the driest place on planet Earth.

An early start takes you to the Tatio Geysers, situated on the highest geothermal field, some 4,300 metres above sea level in the Andean mountain range. Ringed by volcanoes, over 80 gurgling geysers shoot steam fumaroles reaching 50 metres in height of multiple vibrant colours: a dazzling spectacle to behold. Admire the varied fauna, such as the vicuna, the smallest of the six species of camelid which has adapted itself to survive in the extreme and inhospitable climate of the Andes. In the evening your group will travel to Vallecito to watch the sunset from this exquisite viewing point.

After breakfast you will begin your journey to the Bolivian Salt Flats via 4x4 jeeps to experience a full-day tour of this incredible landscape. The first stop will be at the Emerald Green Lagoon in the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve whose colour is caused by the moving sediments containing copper minerals. Then continue to the hot springs of Polques where you will have the chance to bathe before carrying on to the geysers of Sol de Manana to marvel at the pools of boiling mud emitting pressurised steam.

This morning travel to a chain of beautiful lagoons home to three different kinds of flamingo. Lunch will be served on the shores of the lagoon before continuing across the salt flats to this evening’s unique stay – a hotel built entirely of salt blocks!

This morning journey to Isla Incahuasi, one of the main destinations within Uyuni Salt Flats. It was once a real island before the prehistoric lakes dried up, leaving a hilly outpost covered in hundreds of tall cacti growing haphazardly out of the ragged surface. Reach the top of the island and find your camera to take a panoramic shot of the 360-degree views over this spectacular sight. From here you will continue to see pyramids of salt piled on the land by salt miners who harvest the area for its lucrative minerals.

Depart the salt flats today after breakfast and transfer to Uyuni airport for your flight to La Paz, located 3,600 metres above sea level and known as 'the city that touches the sky'. Discover this dizzying city on a half-day tour, visiting the main square, Plaza Murillo, the historic centre of La Paz and home to the Cathedral and Presidential Palace. Next continue to the 16th century San Francisco church whose mestizo baroque facade features carvings of masks, dragons and tropical birds. Take the stone tunnel stairway to the roof for views across the city's skyline, then visit the charming colonial street of Calle Jaen. Finally, the tour arrives at Valle de la Luna - a dramatic change of scenery where erosion has produced stony forms resembling the moon.

Today you will travel by road to Desaguadero to cross the border between Bolivia and Peru and arrive in Puno city. From there, travelling by motorboat, visit the floating Uros Islands, constructed entirely by the buoyant reeds that grow plentifully in the lake below. Meet the Uros women in their brightly coloured petticoat skirts who will be happy to sell you their charming handicrafts. Continue to your hotel in Puno, by coach, where you will spend the night.

This morning you will travel from Puno to Cusco by road and be able to appreciate the surrounding valleys' wonderful landscapes en route. The journey includes a stop at La Raya pass, 4,300 metres above sea level, from where you will be able to take in some amazing vistas of the Andean snow-capped mountains. You will also stop at the Raqchi ruins, known as the Temple of the God Wiracocha, and Andahuaylillas village where there is a beautiful church from the 17th century. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before arriving in Cusco and transferring to your hotel.

Today's morning tour of Cusco will introduce you to this amazing colonial city built on the foundation of Inca Palaces. Visit the Temple of the Sun where you can appreciate the incredible masonry of the Incas, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral with its carved woodworks, altars and paintings. Later you will drive to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman whose peculiar huge granite stone slabs of up to six metres in length fit perfectly on top of one another. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the rest of Cusco.

Rise early in the morning to take a train to Aguas Calientes then continue by road to reach one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu. Only re-discovered in 1911 by the explorer Hiram Bingham, this 500-year-old citadel is considered to be one of the most extraordinary examples of landscaped architecture in the world. Located on the saddle of a mountain, overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba River and in an area of lush tropical forest, it served as a place of worship, a site for stargazing and a private hacienda for the family of the Inca Pachacutec.

Following breakfast your guide will transfer you from your hotel to the airport in Cusco for your flight to Lima. Known as the 'City of the Kings', today's tour combines the culture of historic downtown Lima with the modern district of Miraflores. You will first visit the main square to see the Cathedral, Government Palace and City Hall. Next see one of the best-preserved monasteries in Lima, the beautiful Santo Domingo or the or San Francisco Convent and then on to Miraflores, a bustling shopping area with stupendous views of the Pacific Ocean. Retire to your hotel for the final night of your journey across Latin America.

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Upon your arrival in Puerto Maldonado, Peru’s capital of biodiversity, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport. From there, your adventure begins with a visit to the local city before heading to Puerto Capitanía, where your riverboat awaits. You will then set sail along the winding Río Bajo Madre de Dios toward your lodge, located 30 km from Puerto Maldonado. Along the way, you’ll pass rural landscapes dedicated to agriculture and livestock. If weather conditions allow, you may spot vibrant flora such as large-flowered heliconias, as well as a variety of wildlife including capybaras, caimans, water turtles, herons, cormorants, carrion birds, and birds of prey.

Upon arrival at the lodge, you will be greeted with refreshing Amazonian tropical fruit nectars and escorted to your room. Once you’ve settled in, a hearty lunch will be served in a warm, rustic dining room. In the afternoon, your specialized guide will lead you along a well-marked interpretive trail to Caiman Cocha, a small lagoon where you may observe black caimans and common caimans—powerful predators at the top of the food chain. These reptiles feed on the rich aquatic life found in the lagoon, primarily fish. After returning to the lodge, a delicious dinner will be prepared for you. You’ll then have free time to relax and enjoy the bar and its excellent game room. As night falls, the sounds of the Amazon’s nocturnal wildlife will create a soothing natural symphony to accompany your rest.

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Transfer to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Here you will be welcomed by the friendly staff and transferred to the nearby wharf where you will board a motorised canoe. Journeying along the beautiful Madre de Dios River, marvel at the never-ending forests and abundant wildlife that is home to this area with some of the richest biodiversity in the world. Upon reaching your lodge and getting back onto dry land you will enjoy lunch before taking a stroll through the property's nature trails to learn about primary and secondary rainforests in the region. When dusk falls, an exciting twilight river excursion awaits you. A motorised canoe will again take you along the Madre de Dios River where your guide will explain about its ecosystem, Amazonian creeks, nocturnal animals inhabiting the area and the southern sky's stellar constellations. Return to the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.

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After breakfast, you’ll set out on a guided hike along signposted trails into the heart of the rainforest. The route takes you through a variety of ecosystems - from riverside paths to high forest and floodplain areas - offering a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Along the way, you’ll encounter medicinal plants and towering trees such as mahogany, cedar, and moriche palm, while keeping an eye out for wildlife including monkeys, capybaras, giant otters, tapirs, colourful birds, and countless insects. Your journey leads to the impressive Lake Apu Victor, surrounded by swamps and towering trees. From an observation deck, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the lake and spot parrots, macaws, toucans, and other wildlife, along with aquatic species that thrive during the rainy season. Returning to the lodge, a refreshing lunch will be served. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Monkey Island, just minutes away in the Madre de Dios River. This lush island is home to several primate species, including squirrel monkeys, capuchins, and spider monkeys, as well as coatis, squirrels, and vibrant birdlife. As the day ends, take in a stunning Amazon sunset before heading back to the lodge for dinner.

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This morning you will prepare for a long trek deep into the Tambopata National Reserve and towards the sparkling, palm-fringed Lake Sandoval. Navigating across the tranquil, oxbow lake by dugout canoe you may be able to spot one of the many species of wildlife that call the area home, such as the endangered giant river otters, macaws, red howler monkeys and one of the world's biggest freshwater scaled fish, the paiche. After returning to the lodge for lunch you will take a 20-minute canoe ride to a canopy walkway where you can cross the seven hanging bridges connecting the treetops at a height of 90 feet before to gain a birds-eye appreciation of the vast jungle. Descend to walk along the 650-foot wooden bridge over the swamps which are home to the legendary anaconda. This evening get ready to further explore the nocturnal activity of the Amazon rainforest with an excursion into the surrounding jungle areas where you will listen to the sounds of nature and observe the intriguing behaviour patterns of the wildlife found here.

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After breakfast, you’ll venture into the virgin rainforest with a local guide, following well-maintained interpretive trails deep into the forest. Crossing small tributaries by bridge, you’ll encounter a remarkable diversity of flora, including ornamental, medicinal, and fruit-bearing plants that sustain Amazonian wildlife. With a bit of luck, you may spot animals such as monkeys, capybaras, giant otters, tapirs, and even elusive predators like the jaguar, along with colourful birds and reptiles. Your journey leads to the beautiful Lost Cocha, a wetland ecosystem rich in biodiversity and surrounded by swamps and towering moriche palms - an important symbol for local cultures. From an observation platform, take in sweeping views of this tranquil landscape before enjoying a walk around the lagoon, where you may glimpse the impressive giant otter. Afterwards, return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax, explore the botanical garden, or photograph the surroundings. In the evening, enjoy dinner followed by the option to unwind at the bar and games room.

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Rising early after daybreak, visit a native farm to learn local techniques of cultivation and even sample some of the products. Continuing on to the botanical gardens, discover the immense variety of medicinal plants considered part of the 'natural pharmacy' and used by the locals in the Amazon region. This afternoon you will take a dugout canoe ride on the lake by your lodge to try your hand at the native 'catch and release' fishing technique whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Today journey back to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the airport there to board your flight to Lima. On arrival, you will be met and taken your hotel to spend the evening.

After breakfast transfer to the airport to catch your flight back to the UK.