3-Week Bolivia, Chile and Peru Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Bolivia, Chile And Peru tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaBolivia, Chile and Peru travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day South America Itinerary, incl. Peru and Bolivia

  Three countries unfold over 21 days, from Lima to Santiago. UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca's Uros islands, and Chile's Valley of the Moon await. Local guesthouses and community lodges provide authentic cultural immersion through weaving cooperatives and traditional meals.

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Peru's Highlands

    Begin in Lima, Peru's coastal capital. Visit the historic Mercado Central for fresh ceviche. "The market's morning rush is the best time to experience local life and get the freshest seafood." Next, fly to Cusco at 3,400m. Take your first day slow - altitude sickness affects most visitors, even with medication.

    
  • Days 4-7

    Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

    Explore the Sacred Valley, stopping at the Ccaccaccollo weaving community and Ollantaytambo ruins. Take a morning train (1.5 hours) to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus to Machu Picchu. "Book the 6am bus - by 10am the site gets overwhelmed. Bring water and sun protection; there's no shade up there."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Lake Titicaca Region

    Take the scenic 7-8 hour bus ride from Cusco to Puno through the altiplano. Visit the floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island. "The altitude at Lake Titicaca (3,800m) hit harder than Cusco - pack coca tea and take it slower than you think you need to."

    
  • Days 10-11

    La Paz, Bolivia

    Enter Bolivia and travel to La Paz. Visit the Witches' Market and Valley of the Moon. "The teleferico (cable car) gives amazing city views, but bring layers - the temperature drops significantly at sunset."

    
  • Days 12-15

    Colonial Cities & Salt Flats

    Visit Sucre, Bolivia's constitutional capital, known for its white buildings. Travel to Potosí before reaching Uyuni for the salt flats tour. "The salt hotel lodging is basic but unique. Pack warm clothes - temperatures drop below freezing at night on the flats."

    
  • Days 16-18

    Salar de Uyuni

    Spend three days exploring the salt flats and desert landscapes. You'll see red and green lagoons and flamingos. Get creative with perspective photos on the salt crust. "Bring protective gear - the salt dust gets everywhere and the sun reflection is intense."

    
  • Days 19-21

    Atacama & Santiago

    Visit Chile's Atacama Desert, the world's driest non-polar desert. See Moon Valley before flying to Santiago. "Book afternoon flights from Calama to Santiago - morning fog often delays departures."

    

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• 21 Day South America Itinerary, incl. Lima and Rio de Janeiro

  Peru, Bolivia, and Chile reveal their treasures over 21 days. Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Uyuni Salt Flats, and Atacama Desert captivate visitors. Distinctive properties like Posada del Inca Eco Lodge on Sun Island offer prime viewing of sunrise over world's largest salt flat.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Lima

    Begin your exploration in Peru's capital. Explore the UNESCO-listed Plaza de Armas and the catacombs at San Francisco monastery. Visit the modern Miraflores district and plan your Pisco Sour tasting before 7 PM to avoid the evening crowds. A recent visitor shared: "The Peruvian paso horse show at Hacienda Mamacona was incredible - try to sit near the front for the best photos."

    
  • Days 3-5

    Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

    Book a morning flight to Cusco before 10 AM to avoid mountain turbulence. Start in the lower-altitude Sacred Valley to adjust before visiting Machu Picchu. Book the Vista Dome train to Aguas Calientes early. The 5:30 AM train gets you to Machu Picchu before the big crowds.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Lake Titicaca Region

    Take the scenic 6-hour bus ride from Cusco to Puno. Visit the Uros floating islands in the morning before afternoon winds pick up. Travel to Bolivia through Copacabana and spend a night on Sun Island. Pack warm clothes as evening temperatures at 12,500 feet can drop to freezing.

    
  • Days 8-9

    La Paz

    Get around this high-altitude capital on the cable car system. A tourist day pass helps you skip ticket lines. Visit the Witches' Market mid-morning when vendors are setting up. A visitor noted: "The Valley of the Moon formations are incredible at sunset, but bring a headlamp for the walk back."

    
  • Days 10-11

    Uyuni Salt Flats

    Take an early flight from La Paz to avoid afternoon delays. Bring strong sun protection for the reflective salt surface. Book a night in a salt hotel for a unique stay. The mirror effect during rainy season (December-March) is beautiful but limits access to some areas.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Atacama Desert

    Cross to Chile at Hito Cajon border early because it often closes for lunch. Take your time at Laguna Verde since the 14,800-foot altitude makes walking challenging. Book stargazing tours in San Pedro de Atacama 2-3 days ahead.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Santiago & Buenos Aires

    Use Santiago's metro system with a BIP card. In Buenos Aires, plan for late dinners and 10:30 PM tango shows. A traveler recommends: "The San Telmo Sunday market is unmissable, but watch your belongings in the crowds."

    
  • Days 16-17

    Iguazu Falls

    Start with the Argentine side for its extensive walkways and close-up views. The Brazilian side offers better panoramas but check visa requirements. Visit Devil's Throat before 9 AM to beat the crowds.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Rio de Janeiro

    Take the first Sugarloaf Mountain cable car to avoid tour groups. Visit Christ the Redeemer early before clouds appear. Choose Ipanema Beach on busy weekends instead of Copacabana. A visitor suggests: "Get a hotel in Leblon - it's safer and quieter than Copacabana but still walking distance to everything."

    

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• 15 Days in South America, incl. Machu Picchu and Uyuni Salt Flats

  This 15-day adventure connects 14 destinations across Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. Lima's historic center opens the journey, followed by Machu Picchu's ruins, Uyuni's salt flats, ending in Santiago's wine country. Selected hotels, most meals, and expert guides included.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Lima & Cusco

    Spend your first day in Lima exploring the historic center and Miraflores district. Stop by the Amano Museum to see its collection of pre-Inca textiles. Take an afternoon flight to Cusco on day two since morning flights often face delays. Once in Cusco take it slow to adjust to the high altitude (11,152 ft). You can visit the main square and Koricancha temple at a relaxed pace.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

    Visit the Sacred Valley highlights like Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo fortress. Take the scenic train ride to Machu Picchu the next day. "The ascent at Machu Picchu is steeper than expected—bring a walking stick and start early before the midday heat," according to a previous visitor.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Puno & Lake Titicaca

    The bus journey to Puno takes about 8 hours but includes stops at interesting archaeological sites. Enter Bolivia through Copacabana where you can visit the cathedral before boarding a boat to Sun Island. One traveler warns: "The climb on Sun Island is actually steeper than Machu Picchu—consider staying in Copacabana instead if mobility is an issue."

    
  • Days 7-8

    La Paz

    Take a ride on La Paz's cable car system for incredible city views. The Witch Market and Valley of the Moon are must-see spots. A visitor shares: "The cable car gives you amazing perspectives of how the city sits in this huge canyon—go during sunset for the best photos."

    
  • Days 9-11

    Uyuni Salt Flats & Atacama

    Fly to Uyuni to see the vast salt flats. Visit Incahuasi Island with its giant cacti and spend a night in a salt hotel. Your journey continues through Eduardo Avaroa Reserve where you'll spot colored lagoons and flamingos before entering Chile's Atacama Desert. Pack plenty of warm clothes as nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing.

    
  • Days 12-15

    San Pedro de Atacama & Santiago

    Discover Moon Valley and the salt flats near San Pedro. End your trip in Santiago with wine tasting in Maipo Valley and city tours. A recent traveler suggests: "Book the Concha y Toro winery tour in advance and go early to avoid afternoon crowds."

    

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