Southern Divide Tour with 8 Reviews by G Adventures

21 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Lima, Peru

Ends

Santiago, Chile

Highlights

Explore the Sacred Valley.

Marvel at the views from the train to Machu Picchu.

Witness traditional life on Lake Titicaca.

Encounter colonial cities and historic cultures in Bolivia.

Cross the world's largest salt flat by 4x4 at the Salar de Uyuni

Itinerary

Craving an epic journey across South America’s most iconic landscapes? The Southern Divide tour stretches across 21 days, linking Lima with Santiago, and invites seasoned explorers to traverse Peru, Bolivia, and Chile’s most celebrated sites. This adventure winds through the Sacred Valley and legendary Machu Picchu, delves into the surreal salt flats of Uyuni and the Atacama Desert, and immerses you in the vibrant culture around Lake Titicaca. With a moderate physical activity rating, this tour is ideal for experienced travelers eager for a balance of cultural depth and scenic wonders. The trip’s unique selling point is its seamless blend of history, culture, and wilderness—thanks to the tour operator’s deep regional experience and established local offices, every logistical detail is expertly handled. You’ll have the freedom to focus on the highlights, from Andean peaks to bustling local markets, while all accommodations, meals, and transport are thoughtfully arranged.

day 1 - Lima

Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Accomodation:Hotel Santa Cruz (or similar)

Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Lima Cooking Class (4hrs) , Lima City Tour

day 2 - Lima/Cusco

Hop a flight to Cusco. Enjoy a free Day for shopping and exploring the city. Choose to pre-book an optional Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour.
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city, and getting used to the altitude.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:El Puma Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Plane Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr

Optional Activities:Cusco City Tour Tour runs from 2:00PM. All of it is done by car, with walks around the visited ruins. Clothing depends on the weather, sunblock and a hat are recommended., Cusco Cooking Class , Inka Museum Get ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.

day 3 - Cusco

Spend a full Day enjoying optional activities in the area.
Opt to visit and hike the famed Rainbow Mountain, pre-book on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:El Puma Hotel (or similar)

Optional Activities:Inka Museum Get ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology., Cusco City Tour Tour runs from 2:00PM. All of it is done by car, with walks around the visited ruins. Clothing depends on the weather, sunblock and a hat are recommended., Rainbow Mountain Hike - Full-day Trip

day 4 - Cusco/Ollantaytambo

Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing used in the Ccaccaccollo community. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.

Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Peru Quechua's Lodge Ollantaytambo (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.75 hr Distance : 94 km

Included Activities:Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit Duration : 1.0 hr, Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr, Cuyo Chico Pottery Making Demonstration

Optional Activities:Ollantaytambo Storehouse Ruins and Hike Get your blood flowing on a steep hike up to the Pinkuylluna Incan storehouses. Perched on the hill, these ruins provide excellent views of the Sacred Valley and the Ollantaytambo ruins below.

day 5 - Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes

Catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. Opt to visit the local hot springs or shop in the local market.
Board a morning train that winds through the spectacular Sacred Valley to the end of the line: the village of Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled in the hills beneath Machu Picchu.

Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the butterfly house, botanical gardens or hot springs. Opt for a day hike to Mandor Gardens to see orchids and a waterfall, enjoying the lush, green scenery en route.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Wiracocha Inn (or similar)

Transport:Train Duration : 1.5 hr

Optional Activities:1-Day Inca Trail Hike , Hot Springs Visit Soak your sore muscles in the local hot springs for which the town, Aguas Calientes, was originally named.

day 6 - Aguas Calientes/Cusco

Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco in the evening.
Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit of the ruins then take a train back to Cusco.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:El Puma Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Local Bus Duration : 0.25 hr, Train Duration : 1.5 hr - 1.75 hr Distance : 31 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr - 1.75 hr Distance : 60 km

Included Activity:Machu Picchu Guided Tour

day 7 - Cusco

Use a free Day to explore more of Cusco or relax.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:El Puma Hotel (or similar)

day 8 - Cusco/Puno

Travel Day by bus from Cusco to Puno. Spend some time on arrival wandering the small city.
Travel through the high Altiplano region from Cusco to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Titicaca is also the largest lake in the world above 3800m, and the views from both Amantaní and Taquile Islands are stunning. The trip takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery en route.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Pukara House (or similar)

Transport:Local Bus Duration : 7.5 hr Distance : 389 km

day 9 - Puno

Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Titicaca including a visit to Uros and Taquile islands.
Head out by boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit the community on the Taquile Islands and enjoy a local lunch with spectacular views. Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit to Sillustani burial site.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Pukara House (or similar)

Included Activities:Day Trip to Lake Titicaca, Luquina Chico Community Visit

Optional Activities:Sillustani Burial Towers Entrance 1/2-day excursion. Can be done in the morning and the afternoon. Done on a pooled service unless booked as a large group. Transport time from Puno to the ruins is 45 minutes (one way). Guided time about 1 hr. No type of experience needed. Take warm clothing and a jacket or a fleece, hat and sunglasses. Sun screen (sun block) very important.

day 10 - Puno/La Paz

Travel by bus and cross the border into Bolivia, arriving in La Paz.
Enjoy the full-day drive around the lake and through the altiplano to La Paz. Bolivia is filled with spectacular views of the countryside. La Paz is at nearly 4000m (13,120ft) above sea level, so be prepared for cool evenings and mornings.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Las Brisas (or similar)

Transport:Local Bus Duration : 2.5 hr, Local Bus Duration : 3.0 hr

Included Activity:Border Crossing (Peru - Bolivia) Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr

day 11 - La Paz

Enjoy a free Day in La Paz. Opt to visit the Witches' Market, the city's museums or the Valley of the Moon.
Explore the city’s many fine museums or its historic structures, like the Iglesia de San Francisco. The city is also renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechicería (Witches’ Market).

With streets lined with market stalls and vendors, the pace on the street and the vibrant atmosphere is an incredible experience.

To the south of the city is the Valley of the Moon, with crater-like formations made of sand.

Thrill seekers can pre book a Death Road mountain biking adventure.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Las Brisas (or similar)

Optional Activities:Valley of the Moon Tour , Witches' Market Visit Learn more about the pre-Columbian Aymara beliefs at the Witches' Market. You can witness locals buying products such as dried frogs, potions, and talismans for use in rituals and offerings., Death Road Biking Adventure , La Paz City Tour Explore the city on a guided tour. Check out stunning cathedrals, impressive museums, and lively markets, learning more about the history of this fascinating city. Look for majestic Mt Illimani in the background.

day 12 - La Paz/Sucre

Fly to Sucre and explore this beautiful colonial city.
Optional activities include mountain biking, hiking, and searching for dinosaur footprints.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Independencia (or similar)

Transport:Plane Duration : 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Hiking Head out of town, take in some fresh air, and explore this scenic area by foot., Mountain Biking Take a guided mountain biking trip on the outskirts of Sucre and explore more of this beautiful region., Sucre Dinosaur Tracks Excursion Get ready to get up close and personal with the prehistoric times: Sucre is home to one of the world's largest collections of dinosaur footprints made some 68 million years ago. Discover more than 5,000 footprints perfectly preserved footprints in the Cal Orck’o cliff just outside the city centre. See the world's longest trail -- 347m (1138 ft) -- left by a baby Tyrannosaurus Rex now affectionately known as 'Johnny Walker'.

day 13 - Sucre

Free time to explore the city, the former capital of Bolivia. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Independencia (or similar)

day 14 - Sucre/Potosí

Travel by bus to Potosí and get a view of the mountain Cerro Rico looming over the city.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Gran Libertador (or similar)

Transport:Local Bus Duration : 2.5 hr

Optional Activities:Casa de la Moneda Learn about the first global currency at this renowned National Mint museum., Potosí Mine Visit Visit the inside of Potosí's historic mines on a eye-opening tour guided exclusively by former miners. They will share their stories firsthand about life underground. This is the only experience in the region guided entirely by former minders who have pursued toursim as a way to build a safer and healthier alternative to life beneath the surface. Visit the miners' market, an ore processing plant, and walk through the tunnels of Cerro Rico, an iconic mountain in global history. As you go, learn more about the cultural and historical significance of mining in Bolivia, and how important it was in fueling the global economy. This activity is the perfect way to enjoy a G Adventures-supported, community-led experience aiding local efforts towards education and safety around this important piece of Bolivian history. Bring a bandana and wear protective gear (boots, helmet and headlamp) as you head deep into the bowels of Cerro Rico (Rich Hill). Please note there is an optional add-on to this activity. It's recommended to consider visiting the Royal Mint Museum to complete the story. Ask your CEO for more information.

day 15 - Potosí/Uyuni

Travel through the Bolivian landscape to the town of Uyuni, the jumping off point for the three Day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Samay Wasi (or similar)

Transport:Local Bus Duration : 7.0 hr Distance : 230 km

day 16 - Uyuni/Salt Flats and Desert Crossing

Enjoy a three-day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano with spectacular scenery. Today you will be heading into the Salar de Uyuni. Our groups like to get creative with photography, as the endless white of the salt flats creates some great depth illusions that are fun to play with in photos. Last stop for the evening is a G Adventures-supported community lodge in a traditional agricultural village in the heart of a desert oasis.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Jukil Lodge (or similar)

Included Activities:Salt Flats and Desert Crossing Excursion, Jukil Community Experience & Lodge

day 17 - Salt Flats and Desert Crossing

Explore the desert altiplano on a 4x4 excursion. Admire the spectacular scenery while passing red and blue lagoons and interesting rock formations along the route. Spot wild llamas, alpacas and even flamingos deep within the desert.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Laguna Colorada (or similar)

Included Activity:Salt Flats and Desert Crossing Excursion

day 18 - Salt Flats and Desert Crossing/San Pedro de Atacama

Rise early to cover more ground of the unique landscape of the Salar de Uyuni. Continue to see incredible scenery, including volcanoes, salt lakes and geysers. Travel to the border and descend by bus to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. It's a long but scenic drive.
From the high Bolivian altiplano descend almost 2000m to the edge of the Atacama Desert, arriving at the small desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, just across the Chilean border. Said to be one of the driest places on the planet, this little town is an oasis in an otherwise barren, dry landscape.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Hostal Puritama (or similar)

Transport:4x4 Duration : 1.0 hr, Local Bus Duration : 1.0 hr

Included Activity:Border Crossing (Bolivia - Chile)

day 19 - San Pedro de Atacama

Enjoy an Included excursion to the Valley of the Moon. In San Pedro, opt to go sandboarding or mountain biking.
Enjoy an included excursion to the Valley of the Moon to learn about and appreciate the beautiful uniqueness of the landscape.

There are plenty of optional excursions in San Pedro de Atacama, including biking, exploring nearby ruins, and horseback riding. Despite its size, San Pedro offers some great restaurants as well as numerous handicrafts and artisan stores for those looking for souvenirs.

Accomodation:Hostal Puritama (or similar)

Included Activity:Valley of the Moon Visit Duration : 4.0 hr

Optional Activities:Observatory Tour Gaze at the impressive desert stars from one of the best places to see them in the world and be guided on a planetary journey with an expert astronomer., San Pedro de Atacama Hot Springs Relax in large geothermal pools surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and scenery. , Mountain Biking Price variance is by hour, or for a full-day rental. Most excursions are about 4 hours. , Sandboarding Hit the dunes and experience the rush of surfing down.

day 20 - San Pedro de Atacama/Santiago

Drive to Calama and fly to Santiago, a vibrant capital city.
From the nearby city of Calama, fly to Santiago, the capital of Chile. The city is surrounded by mountains, and there are both internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts within a couple of hours from the city centre.

Explore the city’s many museums and parks and visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Bellavista with its handicrafts, trendy cafés, and San Cristobal Hill with its views of the city and the surrounding area.

Accomodation:Ibis Budget Santiago (or similar)

Transport:Local Van Duration : 3.0 hr, Plane Duration : 5.0 hr

Optional Activities:Bellavista Neighbourhood Visit Head to Barrio Bellavista as the locals call this bohemian neighbourhood to enjoy a delicious meal, check out some art galleries, or have a drink at one of the many bars in the area. , Day Trip to Isla Negra Take a day trip to Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda’s seaside home. This house was one of the poet and politician’s three homes, while not technically an island the house is near the water and it’s believed that watching the storms on the ocean inspired Neruda to write his famous poem Oda a la Tormenta. The author and his third-wife Matilde Urrutia are both buried on the grounds and the house is now a museum.

day 21 - Santiago

Depart at any time.

Meal:Breakfast

Included Activity:Departure Day

Optional Activities:Day trip to Valparaiso Take a day trip to the beautiful port town of Valparaiso and wander by the rows of colourful houses. The Historic Quarter is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, explore the examples of 19th century Latin architecture built into the hillside. , Santiago City Tour Spend the day visiting different neighbourhoods of Santiago, stop at the Museo de la Memoria and learn about the history of Chile. Visit the Central Market and enjoy a traditional Chilean snack before heading to a local bar to try Terremoto (Earthquake) a local drink made with pineapple ice cream, white wine and pisco. , Bellavista Neighbourhood Visit Head to Barrio Bellavista as the locals call this bohemian neighbourhood to enjoy a delicious meal, check out some art galleries, or have a drink at one of the many bars in the area. , Day Trip to Isla Negra Take a day trip to Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda’s seaside home. This house was one of the poet and politician’s three homes, while not technically an island the house is near the water and it’s believed that watching the storms on the ocean inspired Neruda to write his famous poem Oda a la Tormenta. The author and his third-wife Matilde Urrutia are both buried on the grounds and the house is now a museum.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels/guesthouses (18 nts), G Adventures-supported lodge/basic hotels on Salar de Uyuni excursion (2 nts, multi-share).

Meals

18 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
Note: Allow USD560-730 for meals not included.

Transport

Plane, train, boat, public bus, 4x4 vehicles, hiking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Included activities

Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, CcaccaccolloYour G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, LamayYour G for Good Moment: Luquina Chico Community Visit, Lake TiticacaYour G for Good Moment: Jukil Community Experience & Lodge, Santiago de AgenchaYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: CuscoYour Discover Moment: SucreSacred Valley guided tourPottery making demonstrationTrain to Machu PicchuMachu Picchu guided tourFloating islands of Uros visitLake Titicaca guided tour4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni (3 days)Tour of Valley of the Moon (San Pedro de Atacama)Internal flights

What's Excluded

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Excellent booking process. Easy to do online - simple and straightforward plus the 1 query I did have was quicckly solved due to customer service being on hand to help

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Lima

day 2 - Lima/Cusco

day 3 - Cusco

day 4 - Cusco/Ollantaytambo

day 5 - Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes

day 6 - Aguas Calientes/Cusco

day 7 - Cusco

day 8 - Cusco/Puno

day 9 - Puno

day 10 - Puno/La Paz

day 11 - La Paz

day 12 - La Paz/Sucre

day 13 - Sucre

day 14 - Sucre/Potosí

day 15 - Potosí/Uyuni

day 16 - Uyuni/Salt Flats and Desert Crossing

day 17 - Salt Flats and Desert Crossing

day 18 - Salt Flats and Desert Crossing/San Pedro de Atacama

day 19 - San Pedro de Atacama

day 20 - San Pedro de Atacama/Santiago

day 21 - Santiago

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Itinerary

day 1 - Lima

day 2 - Lima/Cusco

day 3 - Cusco

day 4 - Cusco/Ollantaytambo

day 5 - Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes

day 6 - Aguas Calientes/Cusco

day 7 - Cusco

day 8 - Cusco/Puno

day 9 - Puno

day 10 - Puno/La Paz

day 11 - La Paz

day 12 - La Paz/Sucre

day 13 - Sucre

day 14 - Sucre/Potosí

day 15 - Potosí/Uyuni

day 16 - Uyuni/Salt Flats and Desert Crossing