Andean Crossing
$ 4,243
Info & Booking
Andean Crossing – Peru | Bolivia Tour for Young Adults & Young Solo Travellers
Andean Crossing Tours for Young Adults
The one that sees you hiking up Machu Picchu & crossing the Bolivian Salt Flats
This 13 day quest will take you from a lodge nestled in the Amazon rainforest through to The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu, before an unforgettable adventure across Bolivia and it’s mind bending Salt Flats. Get ready for some out-of-this-world nature, local experiences, some of the world’s most iconic sights, and of course a whole bunch of new friends to share it all with.
“70 percent join our trips solo”
“70% of our travellers join our trips solo, so you’ll travel with like-minded young people who want to make friends, experience new things and create lifelong memories. This is the best way to turn solo travel into the most social travel imaginable.” (Cited from the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults. For the latest info and eventual changes see here)
“Most popular youth travel company in the world”
Info by the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults (“Most popular youth travel company in the world”, Wikipedia): “Our trips are exclusively for 18-35s, and whether you join us solo or in a group, our trips are designed so you can share incredible experiences with young travellers just like you.”
Reviews by tour participants:
4.8 out of 5 stars (4 Reviews)* (all reviews and the latest rating available on the details page
Target age group:
18 to 35 (35 to 45 at “Reunion Trips“)
Trip duration and price:
13 days, 2 countries from about $ 3711* (final prices – also in other currencies like British £ or € – available on the booking page)
Destinations:
South America > Peru | Bolivia
You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page
Planned Itinerary:
Day 1: Lima
Day 2: Lima
Puerto Maldonado
Jungle Lodge
Day 3: Jungle Lodge
Day 4: Jungle Lodge
Cusco
Day 5: Cusco
Sacred Valley
Day 6: Sacred Valley
Aguas Calientes
Day 7: Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu
Cusco
Day 8: Cusco
La Paz
Day 9: La Paz
Uyuni
Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa
Day 10: Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa
Day 11: Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa
La Paz
Day 12: La Paz
Day 13: La Paz
Day 1: Start Lima
Lima
Welcome to Lima! Steeped in Spanish colonialism yet buzzing with modern metro vibes, this place is sure to ignite your love for Peru. Spend your morning marveling at lavishly decorated churches and an underground tunnel cemetery overflowing with bones or catacombs, then hit the Barranco district this afternoon to get a feel for its bohemian ambiance. A stroll over the Bridge of Sighs is also a must. And of course no trip to Lima is complete without devouring at least one portion of ceviche – it’s a pretty massive deal in the city. Round off the day watching the sun set over the Pacific, most likely with a pisco sour in hand…
Selina Miraflores (or similar)
Included Meals:
DinnerIncluded ExperienceTour LimaGet to know this magnificent clifftop city. It’s steeped in history and pretty architecture. But we’re all about the epic food.
Day 2: Lima to Jungle Lodge
LimaWe’ll catch a flight to the city of Puerto Maldonado in Peru’s southern jungle. We’ll have lunch on the river as we travel upstream by a traditional Peruvian boat to our Contiki Special Stay Rain forest Lodge in the mighty Amazon jungle, where we’ll try to spot toucans, macaws and capybaras along the way.
Puerto MaldonadoA quick tour of the city will reveal colorful fruit stalls, open air markets, and locals going about their day. But now we’re back underway and we just want to get to the jungle.Jungle LodgeOur lodge is a special experience in itself! Located in then luscious rainforest and made from wood and clay, its open walls leave you sleeping virtually amongst the rainforest! After you settle in, we’ll get a different take on the jungle as we take a hike to the canopy tower. After climbing the 100ft of stairs you will be provided with a birds-eye view of the rainforest! Home to monkeys, birds, bromeliads and other jungle life, this is the ultimate way to see the jungle.
After dinner you can experience something really different, heading out to look for caiman, a member of the alligator family native to the Amazon. Scan the shores with flashlights and see if you can catch the red gleam of the light as it reflects off of the caiman’s eyes.
Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included ExperienceFly to Puerto Maldonado Cameras ready. It’s not every day you get a bird’s eye view of the Amazon rainforestIncluded ExperienceCanopy hike for amazing jungle views at our Jungle Lodge in Puerto MaldonadoIncluded ExperienceOrientation tour of Puerto Maldonado
Day 3: Jungle Lodge
Jungle Lodge
With another day at the jungle lodge, keep your eyes peeled for a wildlife like the giant otter, monkeys, tropical birds, bromeliads and other jungle life, this is the ultimate way to see the jungle.
Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4: Jungle Lodge to Cusco
Jungle LodgeWave goodbye to your jungle home, and say hello to Cusco.CuscoSpend today exploring the beautiful city of Cusco – wander the main plaza, visit the Tread Right support weaving centre or feed your sweet tooth with a visit to the chocolate museum.
Selina Saphi (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included ExperienceFly into Cusco Feel those butterflies of excitement as you board a plane to the Peruvian city. It’s the former capital of the Inca Empire.
Included Experience Walking Tour of CuscoYour chance to pick up some mementos at San Pedro Markets and then see Cusco Cathedral, San Blas and Coricancha.
Interactive Peruvian Dining ExperienceAcPeruvian Encounter dining experience where you’ll learn about traditional Peruvian culinary practices and ingredients in Cusco.
Additional costs apply
Day 5: Cusco to Sacred ValleyMake Travel Matter®
CuscoHeading out of Cusco and bound for the Sacred Valley on our private coach, this is where our journey into the ruins and mystique of this land truly begins. We’ll stop off to witness the ancient Incan art of weaving in practice by a group of talented local artisans. Throughout the journey, pay close attention to your surrounds – there’s the chance to spot the Incan farming technique of terracing. Want to know what the Peruvians do for fun? You’ll get the chance to play the traditional game of “Sapo”, and exactly what that entails we’ll leave to the imagination…Sacred ValleyOur explorations of the Sacred Valley will begin with a guided tour of the Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins. Our Local Guide will give you the D-L on visiting the circular terraced Pisac ruins first which date back to the 1400’s. Moving on to Ollantaytambo, base camp for those taking the trek tomorrow, we’ll appease dry mouths with some homemade Chicha de Jora brew. This tiny town may be small in geographical terms, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude, with artisan shops and cafes spilling out onto streets, and the roaring Urubamba river providing the perfect natural background noise. For those embarking on the Inca trail tomorrow this is your final chance to stock up on last minute essentials (socks, socks and more socks). For all others, spend your time soaking in the vibes, hanging with other travellers and just getting a feel for this iconic little town.
Tunupa Lodge Ollantaytambo (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included ExperienceExplore the Sacred ValleySee this former heartland of the Incan Empire and hike around the Pisac ruins. Make Travel Matter®Help Preserve Millenary Traditions (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)Learn about the vibrant Andean art of weaving & goldsmithing in Pisac Qolque. Every penny you spend here helps them preserve their time-worn cultural identities & form of self-expression.
Included ExperienceVisit Pisac Town and Market The sleepy town will give you a taste of local life in the Sacred Valley. Don’t forget to pick up some mementos at the market.
Included ExperienceTaste Local Chicha de JoraAKA ‘corn beer’. This ceremonial bevvy was the drink of choice for Incan nobility.
Day 6: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes or Inca Trail Trek
Sacred ValleyFor those embarking on our epic 1 day trek, we’ll catch the train to KM104 and the start of a day to remember. With just 3.5 hours on foot and 6-kilometres to cover, the enchanting site that awaits us will make it all worthwhile. Descending into the site we’ll take in Huayna Picchu ‘Little peak’ – the iconic peak you’ll have seen in every picture ever – marvelling at the incredible handiwork of the ancient Incas. Satisfaction levels at an all-time high and with a big ol’ smile on your tired face, we’ll head back to Aguas Calientes and a squishy hotel bed you couldn’t be more deserving of.
For those not embarking on the Inca Trail, the morning is yours to enjoy the surrounding lush mountains of Aguas Calientes.Aguas CalientesCan you feel the excitement mounting? Yep – those are pretty much the feels when Machu Picchu is quite literally on the horizon. This afternoon we’ll hop on the train to Aguas Calientes, a cute town in its own right complete with roaring river, quaint bridges and local haunts, but most famously known as the gateway town to Machu Picchu. We’ll meet up with those who opted for the one day trek, and basically spend the evening hyping each other up for what’s to come tomorrow.
Hotel Flower’s House (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included ExperienceTrain to the Gateway of Machu PicchuFeel the goosebumps of excitement as you glide into Aguas Calientes and get ready to start this life-changing experience.
Day 7: Aguas Calientes to Cusco via Machu Picchu
Aguas CalientesExcitement levels at an all-time high, the day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here – it’s Machu Picchu time! This is one big old tick off the life goals list, so enjoy every single second of it.
Machu PicchuBuilt around 1450 at the height of the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the new world. We’ll be treated to a guided tour of the site taking in such wonders as the Temple of the Three Windows and Wayana Picchu (the peak you’ll of seen in every Machu Picchu image ever), and of course you’ll have some alone time to explore the area as only you can do.CuscoBack on the train we’ll de-brief on our once-in-a-lifetime experience as we head back to Cusco. Last time round was all about getting acquainted with the city, so now you’ve got you’re bearings you can really get lost amongst the market stalls and cobbled streets, maybe even going truly local by trying out a serving of cuy.
Selina Saphi (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Dinner
Included Experience Entry into Machu Picchu: UNESCO World Heritage SiteIt’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to explore the Incan citadel with your new Contiki fam. #travelgoals
Day 8: Cusco to La Paz
CuscoAnother day, another country.La PazWelcome to Bolivia! If you’re looking for vistas, La Paz is your gal. Sitting in the midst of a narrow canyon and dwarfed by the mighty ice capped peak of Mount Illimani to the South, this is a city of contrasts, where 19th century churches rub shoulders with towering office blocks and pretty, colourful markets. Take your time adjusting to the altitude, then make the most of your afternoon in this hustling, cosmopolitan city.
Selina La Paz (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included ExperienceFly into La Paz Jet into this mountaintop city and enjoy the sweeping panoramic views.
Day 9: La Paz to Avaroa National Reserve
La PazToday we’re headed to Uyuni, the official gateway to the Salar de Uyuni…more commonly known as the Bolivian Salt Flats
UyuniExcited much? You should be. To get the journey started, we’ll be heading to the Great Train Graveyard, which is every bit as incredible as it sounds. Next up what you’ve been waiting for, the Salt Flats. Hope you’ve got your picture ideas ready, the possibilities are endless.Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo AvaroaWe’ll continue through the desert before parking up for the night. Expect some beautiful night skies out here.
Avaroa National Reserve
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included Experience Fly to Uyuni Swoop into this small Bolivian town – the gateway to visit the salt flats at Salar de Uyuni. Included ExperienceCheck out the Great Train Graveyard This one’s pretty surreal! An array of abandoned steam engines that were left to rust are now a work of modern art.
Included ExperienceMarvel at Salar de UyuniVisit the stretch of salt flats. They’re kind of like a giant beach made from salt. And it’s an epic backdrop for some quirky pics.
Day 10: Avaroa National Reserve
Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa
It’s time to jump back in the 4×4 and continue through the Bolivian desert. We’ll be starting a crossing through the Avaroa National Reserve. Hot springs, geysers, volcanoes, mountains, lakes and flocks of flamingos will have your head spinning 360 as you try to take it all on. Nature on steroids is probably the best description.
Avaroa National Reserve
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included ExperienceCross Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve Wild llamas and alpacas. Flamingos. Salt flats. Volcanos. The list of amazing things you’ll see here is endless.
Day 11: Avaroa National Night Bus to La Paz
Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo AvaroaToday we start the journey back to Uyuni. So sit back and enjoy the views unlike anywhere else. You’ll get a chance to have a look around the town and grab some dinner.La PazTonight we’re getting on a night bus. Falling asleep in Uyuni and waking up in La Paz? There’s no easier way to get across the country.
Overnight bus
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Day 12: La Paz
La Paz
Today’s the day to soak up Bolivia one last time. See the city from above on La Paz’s incredible cable car system, or use the your day to get a final taste of Bolivian delicacies – llama anyone?This afternoon, a nap may be calling your name, getting you nice and rested before your final night with your Contiki crew!
Selina La Paz (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Dinner
Included ExperienceGet to the heart of La PazIt’s high time we explored the world’s highest (administrative) capital! Joined by an expert local guide, we’ll check out the best sights in La Paz – get a slightly creepy gift for your BFF at the Witches Market, stand in Plaza Murillo and see the rainbow colours of Jaen Street and see the landmark St Francis Basilica.
Included ExperienceTake in some architectural highlights See San Francisco Church and Metropolitan Cathedral – two impressive landmarks in this lively cityExplore the Moon ValleyTime to step out of the city and into a truly otherworldly landscape. Get ready to fall in love with the jaw-dropping beauty of your surroundings as our local guide tells us all about this desert delight. Epic inspo awaits.
Additional costs apply
Day 13: End La Paz
La Paz
This morning your trip ends. Not ready to say goodbye to South America? Why not join us on another Contiki tour with your new mates?
Included Meals:
Breakfast
You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details & booking page
Some of the Highlights:
Included Experience
Entry into Machu Picchu: UNESCO World Heritage Site
It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to explore the Incan citadel with your new Contiki fam. #travelgoals
INCLUDED
Included Experience
Check out the Great Train Graveyard
This one’s pretty surreal! An array of abandoned steam engines that were left to rust are now a work of modern art.
INCLUDED
Included Experience
Marvel at Salar de Uyuni
Visit the stretch of salt flats. They’re kind of like a giant beach made from salt. And it’s an epic backdrop for some quirky pics.
INCLUDED
Explore the Moon Valley
Time to step out of the city and into a truly otherworldly landscape. Get ready to fall in love with the jaw-dropping beauty of your surroundings as our local guide tells us all about this desert delight. Epic inspo awaits.
ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED
Trip Highlights
The must do experiences that you can cross off your bucket list
You’ll find all highlights and eventual changes on the details page
FAQs:
You’ll find all FAQs and the latest info on the details page
Included Meals:
12 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 7 Dinners
You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page
Team:
Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides
You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page
Group Size:
Maximum 25 people
You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page
Transfers:
Coach, Mini-Van, Plane, Local Overnight Bus, 4x4s
You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page
More Details:
You’ll find all details and the latest updates on the details & booking page
(Partially) travel with a nice group or entirely travel solo?
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