3-Week Bolivia, Chile and Peru Tour Packages

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

  

  View itinerary Compare 21 days itineraries
  • 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."

    

  View itinerary

• 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.

  

  View itinerary Compare 21 days itineraries
  • 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."

    

  View itinerary

• 20 Days in South America, incl. Buenos Aires and Machu Picchu

  This 20-day adventure showcases Bolivia, Chile, and Peru's treasures. The route winds through Atacama Desert, Uyuni Salt Flats by 4WD, La Paz's markets, and Machu Picchu. Accommodations include 16 nights in hotels, 3 in lodges, with expert guides throughout.

  

  View itinerary Compare 20 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Start in the capital with a guided tour through La Boca and San Telmo neighborhoods. A recent visitor shared: "Don't miss Recoleta Cemetery - go early before tour groups arrive and bring a map to find Eva Perón's tomb." Use your free day for a tango show or take a ferry to Colonia, Uruguay (bring your passport).

    
  • Days 3-4

    Northwest Argentina

    Take a 2.5-hour flight to Salta, a colonial city in the Andes foothills. Ride the cable car up Cerro San Bernardo for city views. Plan a full day trip to Cafayate's vineyards through scenic canyons.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Atacama Desert, Chile

    The 10-hour drive to San Pedro de Atacama crosses remote salt flats. Get up early for El Tatio geysers but pack warm clothes for freezing temperatures. Visit Moon Valley later to watch the sunset over the unique landscape.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

    Take a 4WD tour across the world's largest salt flat. You'll sleep in basic but clean lodges. Recent visitors note: "Pack waterproof boots - even a little rain creates a mirror effect on the salt that's amazing for photos but soaks through regular shoes."

    
  • Days 10-11

    La Paz, Bolivia

    Take time to adjust to the high altitude (11,942 ft). Visit the Witches' Market and colonial center. The optional trip to Tiwanaku ruins takes 2 hours but offers beautiful mountain views across the Altiplano.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Lake Titicaca Region

    Stop at Copacabana before entering Peru. Take a boat to the floating Uros Islands for cultural insights. Remember to ask permission before taking photos of local residents.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Cusco, Peru

    Take the bus across the Altiplano to this former Inca capital. Give yourself time to adjust to the 11,152 ft elevation. Visit Sacsayhuaman ruins above the city and browse local markets.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

    Start at Pisac's ruins and market, then head to Ollantaytambo. The 2-hour train ride takes you to Machu Picchu. Book afternoon tickets when morning fog usually lifts. Stay in Aguas Calientes if you want to visit twice.

    
  • Days 18-20

    Cusco & Lima

    Return to Cusco by train and fly to Lima. Spend time in the historic center. Pick a restaurant in Miraflores or Barranco for your final dinner.

    

  View itinerary