This great adventure traverses the South American continent from Lima on the Pacific coast across to Buenos Aires on the banks of the River Plate - gateway to the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way we discover the delightful Inca city of Cusco, trek the amazing Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, stay with a local Indian family on the high waters of Lake Titicaca, explore the salt plains of the Uyuni Desert, travel along the old silver trade route through spectacular Humahuaca Gorge and discover the old Jesuit missions near Cordoba. After all of this we finally arrive in lively and cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. What more could you want from a South American adventure?
Highlights
Colonial LimaCuscoThe Sacred ValleyInca Trail TrekMachu PicchuLake Titicaca HomestayLa PazSucrePotosiUyuni Salt DesertQuebrada de HumahuacaTilcara Pre-Inca RuinsColonial SaltaAlta Gracia Jesuit MissionChe Guevara HouseBuenos AiresItinerary:
1 - 2 Lima3 - 4 Cusco5 - 9 Trekking the Inca Trail - Cusco10 - 12 Puno - Lake Titicaca13 - 15 La Paz16 - 17 Sucre18 - 19 Potosi - Uyuni20 Uyuni Salt Desert21 Huamahuaca - Tilcara22 - 24 Salta25 - 26 Cordoba27 - 29 Buenos Aires
What's It Like?
Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the 'must see' sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.
Included: An experienced local tour leader in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and in Argentina, and there will be the services of local guides at some sites. All transportation, sightseeing, accommodation and meals as indicated.
Not Included: International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.nature.
Meals: Allow US$400 for additional meals.
Valid From: 1/10/2008
Starts/Ends: Lima/Buenos Aires
Notes: ? The local flight is from Lima to Cusco.
? If you don't wish to do the Inca Trail, we have Non-trekking alternative available on this tour - please see the detailed trip notes under 'itinerary variation' for further information.
Remember to book early for this trip!
The Peruvian Government has introduced strict quotas on the number of permits issued for hiking the ?Classic? Inca Trail route. These can often be sold out months in advance. To apply for your group?s permits, we will need your deposit and your passport details, so we ask that you book your holiday early. In the event that we are unable to obtain permits for the ?Classic? route we will use the alternative ?Lares? route, an equally challenging trek culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu.
Trip Reference: GSLA
