Peru, Bolivia and Chile trip | Luxury trip enchanting Peru, Bolivia and Atacama Desert

La Paz is the country's largest city and Bolivia's economic, political and business centre. The city is spectacularly located in a valley that plunges steeply down from the Bolivian plateau. La Paz is a special city, modern and cosmopolitan on the one hand and home to more than a million indigenous Bolivians on the other, which is reflected in the city's many festivals, traditions and customs. There is even a witches' market where all kinds of items to be used for rituals are sold. The 'huayna Potosi' volcano towers over the city, providing stunning views on clear days. Mind you, La Paz is at an altitude of over 3,000m!

The dramatic and beautiful Andes mountain range, peaking at around 3,700 metres above sea level, extends into and dominates the southern and western parts of Bolivia. This mountain range envelops a gigantic plateau that is home to the historic but bustling capital La Paz. Located in the heart of the Andes, this city offers visitors a rich Bolivian cultural and historical experience. Visitors can take a cable car to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and mountains. Potosi is another interesting city with its rich history of gold and silver mining. This area is home to the famous Lake Titicaca with its cobalt blue waters dotted with the intriguing Uros Islands and many peninsulas with traditional indigenous communities, making it a culturally rich location to visit. Don't miss the chance to visit the Salar de Uyuni, an enchanting salt desert and a photographer's dream.

Uyuni is a small village situated on the salt flat of the same name. Covering 1,200 square kilometres, the ‘Salar de Uyuni’ is the largest salt flat in the world. In the middle of this plain lies a small island of fossilised coral (thousands of years ago, Uyuni was an inland sea) where cacti up to 12 metres tall shoot up from the ground.

The small town of Colchani is primarily a salt production centre on the border of the Uyuni salt flats, 80 kilometres northwest of the city of Uyuni. In recent years, however, this remote hamlet has gained traction on the tourist circuit for its striking views of the salt flats and authentic Bolivian culture. When not in the pan, while taking in the views and snapping photos, wander the small main street, where many vendors sell original handicrafts, or take a tour of one of the salt processing plants to see the industry. where the town was built. There is also a small museum, built entirely of salt and exhibits.

At this beautiful spot in the desert, you can enjoy the ruggedness of surroundings. Highlights in this area include the Lagunas de Colores, the Sol de Mañana geyser and the Stone Tree, as well as many other attractions and beautiful landscapes.

The Siloli Desert is the world's highest desert located at an altitude of 4550 metres. It lies close to the border of Bolivia and Chile and is considered an extension of the neighbouring Atacama Desert. Visitors to this remote part of the world can look forward to dramatic views of geometrically cracked salt flats and rust-coloured hills. The desert's most iconic feature is the Árbol de Piedra, a seven-metre-high sandstone formation that resembles a gnarled tree and was formed by the region's harsh winds over thousands of years. The small settlement of Ojo de Perdiz has an abundance of guesthouses and a fascinating community, while the nearby Pastos Grandes lagoon is a shallow salt lake that lies beneath a volcanic mountain, where you can see swarms of flamingos and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world stretching over 7000 km. The southern tip of this majectic mountain range lies south of Llullaillaco in Argentina and Chile and is home to the southern Andean steppe. It is a unique ecoregion defined by its cold desert climate and tough grasslands. Some of the larger mammals that have adapted to this harsh environment are the puma, the Andean fox and two relatives of the llama: the vicuña (Peru's national animal) and the guanaco.

Santiago de Chile lies in a valley surrounded by the rugged mountains of the Andes. It is one of the most European cities in Latin America and is one of the few cities in the world from which, within an hour’s drive, you can find yourself on a ski slope or on a beach by the sea.
Santiago de Chile is also close to Chile’s wine regions, where the world-famous Chilean wines are produced. The city itself boasts many monuments and beautiful parks. Be sure not to miss the statue of the Virgin Mary atop ‘Cerro de San Cristóbal’. The view over the city from here is spectacular. You’ll find cosy restaurants and bars in the colourful Bellavista district and the bohemian Lastarria district, amongst others.

Central Chile is home to the capital, Santiago, as well as a number of fantastic off-the-beaten-track destinations and stunning natural attractions. Pichilemu is one of the continent’s premier surfing destinations, whilst Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with its beautiful hilly surroundings, colourful buildings and historic harbour areas – is one of Chile’s most popular places to visit.
For outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, the region offers a number of excellent ski resorts (such as Valle Nevado and Portillo), incredible hiking trails in the waterfall-rich Radal Siete Tazas National Reserve, and some attractive coastal destinations, such as Renaca, Viña del Mar and Cobquecura. Cobquecura also offers easy access to Loberia Island, which is famous for its impressive flora and fauna, including large numbers of sea lions and seals.

San Pedro de Atacama is a village and oasis in the middle of the upper part of the Atacama Desert. This area is characterised by its surreal landscapes full of colour, unusual rock formations and salt flats. During your stay, you will discover the extraordinary nature in this desolate yet beautiful area. Be sure not to miss the 'Valle de la Luna' and the 'Valle de la Muerte'. Also enchantingly beautiful are the coloured lakes Miscanti and Miñiques, where you will experience the sensation of stepping into a picture book. If you want to visit the Tatio geysers, you can book an excursion to go out in the morning before sunrise and arrive at the geyser field just at the most active time of the day.

The Atacama Desert, located in northern Chile west of the Andes Mountains, is a desolate wonderland of dramatic landscapes and captivating attractions. The remote landscapes range from the pale beauty of salt flats dotted with the showy pink of flamingos and the surreal, steamy landscape of the Tatio geysers at sunrise, to the bizarre rock formations of the Moon Valley and the ancient archaeological sites of Tulor and Quitor Pukara. The region's culture is unique and welcoming, and a plethora of small villages continue to practise timeless traditions on the often extreme, though highly photogenic terrain. One of the favourite activities in the area is stargazing, as the desert has the clearest skies in the entire southern hemisphere. The Atacama is also home to one of the most famous astronomical observatories in the northern half of Chile, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array.

The world's longest mountain range, the Andes, stretches along the western coastline of South America, from Venezuela to Argentina. However, the northern Andes includes only Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. The area boasts some of the richest tropical mountain forests on earth and is home to a large number of species including most of the world's spectacular bears. Seven different ecoregions can be found along the way, as well as numerous charming colonial towns, Inca ruins and, of course, Bogota - the capital of Colombia and the third-highest city in South America, at 2,640 metres above sea level.

Located more than 1,800 metres above sea level in mountain peaks of Peru, Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. This legendary city was abandoned by the Inca Empire, taken over by the jungle and only rediscovered in 1911. Built by the Incas atop "Machu Picchu" (Old Summit), you will find the "Lost City of Machu Picchu", a site of extraordinary beauty and enormous archaeological significance. It reflects the Inca Empire at its peak, with giant walls, terraces and slopes that seem to have been carved into the rock formations. The phenomenal technological skills of the Inca engineers can be seen in many facets of the place: the high precision of the massive stone buildings, the water channels that reveal a deep understanding of hydraulics, and Intihuatana (the highest point of the Sun), which served as a solar calendar that regulated planting and harvesting.

Cusco, the former capital of the Incas (the name Cusco means ‘navel of the earth’ in Quechua, the language of the Incas), is unlike any other city in the world. The colonial buildings are constructed on the foundations of the Incas, which are still clearly visible in many places. The city boasts an endless array of monuments and sights and is beautifully situated in a valley. Artists, scientists, indigenous people and tourists come together here, creating a magical atmosphere that you simply must experience.
There are many ways to enjoy and explore Cusco and its surroundings. A trip to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an excursion to the salt terraces or to a shamanic village are just a few of the many varied options. Cusco is also the perfect place to relax on a terrace or to explore the many alleyways and shopping streets.

Machu Picchu Pueblo is a riverside city known for its famous Machu Picchu ruins. This cloud forest city is surrounded by towering forested cliffs and boasts an endless array of hotels, restaurants, markets and labyrinthine streets. Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, is an excellent base to explore the famous ancient archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of other activities, including: a relaxing massage after a long day of exploration, a hike through the lush rainforest to the Mandor Falls, an adventurous hike up Mount Putucusi or a visit to the relaxing thermal baths with the Andes as a backdrop. Also, don't miss the Machu Picchu Museum and Botanical Gardens.

Lima was the capital of the Spanish Vice-Kingdom of Peru in colonial times. Around the 'Plaza de Armas' and the 'Plaza de San Martin', the buildings bear witness to the wealth of yesteryear. You can take beautiful city walks past various monuments such as the cathedral, the Peruvian parliament building and the monastery of San Francisco. Lima's colonial centre is also on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Striking in Lima are the cliffs that rise from the sea almost immediately behind the narrow beach and highway. As a result, the entire coastline has spectacular views. A fine example of the vistas over the Pacific Ocean can be found in Miraflores district, also known as Lima's business district and also a district of luxury shops, embassies and hotels. Larcomar, a mall carved into the rocks, is particularly special. A little further south from Miraflores is the artists' district of Barranco. Along the Bridge of Sighs you will find the best restaurants here.

Peru is best known for the sacred archaeological site Machu Picchu, visited every year by intrepid hikers who brave the arduous slopes of the Inca Trail to explore the ancient ruins. But the country has much more to offer besides the mystical allure of this legendary site. Among other palm-fringed beaches, quaint Andean villages and archaeological treasures dating back hundreds of years before Machu Picchu, everything is infused with a rich melange of the country's indigenous and colonial cultures. Equally enticing are the exotic corners of Peru's Amazon rainforest, extraordinary dining options in Lima, stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife, the shimmering mountain-lined waters of Lake Titicaca and the bustling city of Cusco, referred to by the Incas as 'the centre of the world'.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas includes dozens of ruins dating back to the Inca era. There are also several indigenous markets where you can stroll through and buy typical colourful rugs and other goodies. The name of the valley is aptly chosen, as the special surroundings with snow-capped peaks and the rugged Urubamba River that meanders through the area are truly beautiful.

North Chile is an arid, but spectacularly beautiful, region dominated by the Atacama Desert and the high Andean plateaux, and fringed by a long stretch of Pacific coastline. There are many wonderful places to visit in this diverse region, but highlights include Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley, near San Pedro de Atacama), a wondrous landscape of strange and colourful rock formations; the Lauca National Park, near Putre, which contains the world's highest active volcano; Vicuna, in the Elqui Valley, one of the best places for stargazing on the planet; and Iquique, the pick of the coastal resorts with its long, sandy beaches and historic architecture. As well as a huge array of outdoor activities to enjoy, there are winery and bodega (cellar) tours available in the area surrounding Pisco Elqui.

Spread across Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina, the Altiplano, an Andean plateau (Spanish for 'high plain') lies in west-central South America. This is 'where the Andes are at their widest and the most extensive area of high plateau on Earth outside Tibet'. The magnificent canyons, peaks, marshlands and lakes provide a wonderland for adventure tourists to explore, with abundant opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and climbing. Explorers may spot llamas, foxes, and several species of flamingos, which appear as swathes of pink on the salt flats. Once home to the legendary Inca Empire, this spectacular area provides the chance to immerse yourself in a variety of cultures and heritages. Stark and diverse landscapes, small rural villages of traditional communities, and clear night skies make this a beloved destination for photographers.

On the eastern slopes of the Andes in Bolivia's La Paz Department, the Yungas region links highland plateaus with the Amazon basin. Steep valleys descend from over 4,000 metres to subtropical lowlands, creating varied microclimates that sustain cloud forests, farmland, and rivers. Historically, this corridor facilitated trade between Andean and Amazonian communities, leaving a legacy of agricultural terraces and traditional villages. The North Yungas centres on Coroico, reached via mountain roads that pass waterfalls and dense vegetation, while the South Yungas includes Chulumani, surrounded by coffee and coca plantations. Trails connect small settlements and viewpoints overlooking deep valleys. Wildlife ranges from spectacled bears to tropical birds, attracting researchers and hikers. The dry season from May to September suits trekking and cycling, whereas the wet months intensify river flow and turn slopes a brighter green.