From the tango salons of Buenos Aires to the sacred heights of Machu Picchu, this extraordinary fully-escorted 21-day expedition spans over 3,500 km from the Río de la Plata to the Pacific Ocean on one of South America’s most spectacular overland and rail journeys, augmented by air, road and boat travel. Spanning Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru, the Andean Expedition traces the legendary backbone of the continent — through wine valleys, salt deserts, Andean villages, and Inca citadels — revealing a tapestry of cultures and landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth. This tour blends comfort and adventure, and showcases iconic rail experiences like the Train to the Clouds, the Titicaca Train, and the Belmond Hiram Bingham, all complemented with boutique accommodation, immersive cultural experiences, many meal inclusions and expert local insight throughout.
Welcome to Argentina’s capital. Private transfer to your boutique hotel in San Telmo and orientation with your Tour Leader.
Overnight: Hotel Anselmo, Buenos Aires
Explore Recoleta, La Boca, and Plaza de Mayo. Evening dinner and private tango performance.
Overnight: Hotel Anselmo, Buenos Aires (B, D)
A relaxing boat journey through the canals of the Paraná Delta and lunch in charming Tigre. Return by suburban rail.
Overnight: Hotel Anselmo, Buenos Aires (B, L)
Morning flight to Tucumán, then travel by road through the Calchaquí Valley to Cafayate, surrounded by vineyards.
Overnight: Hotel Asturias, Cafayate (B, L, D)
Visit renowned wineries and enjoy a gourmet lunch among the vines. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Asturias, Cafayate (B, L)
Marvel at the red canyons and surreal formations of this scenic valley. Lunch en route.
Overnight: Design Suites, Salta (B, L)
Drive from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres, board the Tren a las Nubes for the spectacular run to the Polvorilla Viaduct (4,200 m), then return to San Antonio and drive back to Salta.
Overnight: Design Suites, Salta (B)
Visit the UNESCO-listed valley of multicolored hills and overnight in the charming village of Purmamarca.
Overnight: Hotel Las Marias, Tilcara (B, L)
Cross into Bolivia and continue by train through dramatic mountain scenery to the remote town of Tupiza.
Overnight: Hotel Mitru, Tupiza (B, L, D)
Travel through surreal Andean landscapes to Uyuni, visiting the eerie Railway Cemetery before reaching your unique salt hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Palacio de Sal, Colchani (B, L, D)
Explore the vast white desert, visit a traditional salt-processing village, and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by endless horizons.
Overnight: Hotel Palacio de Sal, Colchani (B, L, D)
Fly to La Paz and discover the city’s colonial center, Witches’ Market, and panoramic viewpoints.
Overnight: Hotel Europa, La Paz (B, L)
Experience La Paz from above on its aerial cableway system, then visit the otherworldly Moon Valley.
Overnight: Hotel Europa, La Paz (B, L, D)
Drive to Lake Titicaca and sail to Sun Island, sacred in Inca mythology. Traditional Andean lunch and gentle exploration.
Overnight: Hotel El Rosario del Lago – Copacabana (B, L, D)
Morning at leisure, visit Copacabana’s basilica, and continue along the lakeshore into Peru.
Overnight: Hotel Jose Antonio, Puno (B, L)
Board the Perurail Titicaca Train for a full-day ride through magnificent Andean scenery.
Overnight: Novotel, Cusco (B, L)
Explore Chinchero, Moray’s circular terraces, and the salt mines of Maras.
Overnight: Novotel, Cusco (B, L)
Travel to Aguas Calientes by scenic rail, ascend to Machu Picchu, and return aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham with gourmet dinner.
Overnight: Novotel, Cusco (B, L, D)
Visit Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman, and San Blas before an afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Novotel, Cusco (B)
Morning flight to Lima. Enjoy a special farewell lunch upon arrival, followed by an afternoon city tour of the historic center and the coastal Miraflores district.
Overnight: DoubleTree Pardo, Lima (B, L)
Private transfer to Lima Airport for onward flights.
(B)
Full support before, during & after your trip
Fully escorted by Rail South America and English-speaking local guides
3 nights Hotel Anselmo - Buenos Aires
2 nights Hotel Asturias - Cafayate
2 nights Design Suites - Salta
1 night Hotel Las Marias - Tilcara (Purmamarca)
1 night Hotel Mitru - Tupiza
2 nights Palacio de Sal - Colchani
2 nights Hotel Europa - La Paz
1 night Hotel El Rosario del Lago - Copacabana
1 night Jose Antonio - Puno
4 nights Novotel - Cusco
1 night DoubleTree Pardo - Lima
All internal domestic flights (Economy Class: Buenos Aires - Tucuman, Uyuni - La Paz, Cusco - Lima)
All scenic train tickets including the 'Tren a las Nubes' and the Belmond Hiram Bingham train
All meals, transfers, entrance fees, and train tickets (as per itinerary)
One checked bag up to 15kg / 33lb per person on internal flights
International flights to Buenos Aires and from Lima
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Entrance visas (if applicable)
Other services not mentioned
Tips and gratuities to guides and drivers
Personal Expenses (drinks, some meals not specified, incidentals)
The best train trips possible, private luxury coach for off-train travel, guided walking where suitable, and other appropriate and appealing options to make exploration easy
Hand-picked hotels and resorts based on location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Please Note: Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.
Hear from some of our adventurers that have already ridden the rails with us.
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Reserve your place on this exciting exploration of Buenos Aires To Lima: an Andean Expedition.
