Travel Crew
Sign inJoin free
Copycat of Gap 360adventureculturehikingfoodiebudgetwildlifebackpackerslow-travel

Highlights of South America – Self-Launched

35 days · Peru, Bolivia, Chile & Argentina

Gap 360 charges £3,699

£1,649saved per person (45%)

No-markup version: ~£2,050 per person

Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.

Experience the best of South America independently — from Peru's sand dunes, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu to Bolivia's salt flats, Chile's Atacama Desert and Argentina's Buenos Aires. This self-launched equivalent swaps guided group travel for local buses, shared transfers, self-bookable tours and budget-friendly hostels, saving you over £1,500 compared to the commercial operator price. All the same bucket-list moments, at a fraction of the cost.

Day-by-day

Day 1

Arrive in Lima

Lima, Peru

Arrive into Jorge Chávez International Airport and take a pre-booked airport taxi or Uber to the Barranco or Miraflores neighbourhoods (~£10–15). Check into your hostel and spend the evening exploring Barranco's craft beer bars and street art scene independently. The neighbourhood is very walkable.

🚌Airport taxi or Uber to Barranco (~£10–15)

🛏The Point Lima Hostel or Dragonfly Hostel, Barranco — from ~£12–16/night in a dorm

  • Explore Barranco neighbourhood on foot
  • Try local craft beer at one of Barranco's bars
  • Settle in and meet fellow travellers at your hostel
~£40
Day 2

Huacachina Sandboarding

Huacachina, Peru

Take an early Cruz del Sur or Oltursa bus from Lima to Ica (~£8–12, 4–5 hrs), then a short taxi/tuk-tuk to Huacachina oasis (~£2). Book a sandboarding and dune buggy tour directly at the oasis on arrival (~£10–15). Watch the sunset over the dunes — one of Peru's most iconic views.

🚌Cruz del Sur/Oltursa bus Lima → Ica (~£8–12), tuk-tuk to oasis (~£2)

🛏Banana's Adventure Hostel or Casa de Arena Hostel, Huacachina — from ~£10–14/night

  • Sandboarding and dune buggy tour around Huacachina oasis
  • Sunset viewing over the sand dunes
  • Explore the palm-fringed oasis village
~£50
Day 3

Pisco Winery & Nazca

Nazca, Peru

Spend the morning at leisure in Huacachina. Take a local bus towards Nazca, stopping en route at the Tacama or Vista Alegre winery near Ica for a pisco tasting (~£5–8 self-guided entry). Continue by bus to Nazca (~£4, 2 hrs). Check into your hostel and explore the town in the evening.

🚌Local bus Huacachina/Ica → Nazca (~£4–6)

🛏Casa Andina Standard Nazca or Hospedaje Yemaya — from ~£12–18/night

  • Pisco winery visit and tasting near Ica
  • Scenic bus journey south to Nazca
  • Evening stroll around Nazca town
~£45
Day 4

Nazca Lines & Overnight Bus to Arequipa

Nazca, Peru

Book a scenic light aircraft flight over the Nazca Lines directly at the airstrip (~£50–70 — worth every penny for this bucket-list experience). Visit the Nazca Desert Cemetery (Cementerio de Chauchilla) via a self-booked taxi tour (~£8–12). In the afternoon, experience a Pachamanca-style traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Board an overnight Cruz del Sur bus to Arequipa (~£12–15, 9 hrs).

🚌Scenic flight over Nazca Lines (~£55–70); overnight Cruz del Sur bus Nazca → Arequipa (~£12–15)

🛏Overnight bus

  • Scenic flight over the Nazca Lines geoglyphs (self-book at airstrip)
  • Visit Cementerio de Chauchilla (Nazca Desert Cemetery)
  • Traditional Pachamanca-style lunch at a local restaurant
  • Overnight bus to Arequipa
~£95
Day 5

Arequipa Free Day

Arequipa, Peru

Arrive into Arequipa early morning and check into your hostel. Spend the day exploring the 'White City' at your own pace. Visit the stunning Santa Catalina Monastery (entry ~£10), wander the Plaza de Armas, and duck into a picantería for a traditional spicy lunch. Arequipa's volcanic-stone architecture is best explored on foot.

🚌Arrived by overnight bus; city exploration on foot

🛏La Posada del Virrey or Wild Rover Hostel Arequipa — from ~£12–18/night

  • Visit Santa Catalina Monastery (self-entry ~£10)
  • Explore Plaza de Armas and surrounding baroque architecture
  • Lunch at a traditional picantería restaurant
  • Stroll the Yanahuara viewpoint for volcano views
~£48
Day 6

Colca Canyon Day Tour

Colca Canyon, Peru

Book a two-day Colca Canyon tour through a local Arequipa agency or via GetYourGuide (~£30–45 for a guided day tour including transport). The tour takes you through terraced Andean villages to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint — the best spot to watch Andean condors soar on thermals. Optional hot springs visit at Calera (~£3–5 entry).

🚌Colca Canyon tour transport included in tour price (~£30–45 all-in)

🛏Basic guesthouse in Chivay or Cabanaconde — from ~£10–15/night (usually included in tour package)

  • Guided Colca Canyon trekking tour (book via local agency or GetYourGuide)
  • Wildlife spotting — Andean condors, alpacas and llamas
  • Optional hot springs at Calera (~£3–5)
~£55
Day 7

Colca Canyon Condor Viewpoint & Return to Arequipa

Colca Canyon / Arequipa, Peru

Rise early for the condor viewpoint at Cruz del Condor for the best morning wildlife sightings. Your tour vehicle will return you to Arequipa via rural Andean villages. Spend the evening exploring Calle Zela, Arequipa's lively restaurant and nightlife strip.

🚌Return transport included in Colca Canyon tour package

🛏La Posada del Virrey or Wild Rover Hostel Arequipa — from ~£12–18/night

  • Early morning condor spotting at Cruz del Condor
  • Scenic drive back through Andean villages
  • Evening drinks on Calle Zela
~£40
Day 8

Arequipa to Cusco (Overnight Bus)

Arequipa, Peru

A free day to explore Arequipa's excellent museums — the Museo Santuarios Andinos (home to the Inca ice mummy Juanita) is a highlight (~£7 entry). Browse the covered San Camilo market for street food. In the evening, board a Cruz del Sur overnight bus to Cusco (~£15–20, 9–10 hrs).

🚌Cruz del Sur overnight bus Arequipa → Cusco (~£15–20)

🛏Overnight bus

  • Visit Museo Santuarios Andinos — Inca ice mummy Juanita (~£7)
  • Browse San Camilo market for street food
  • Optional guided city tour via GetYourGuide (~£15–20)
  • Board overnight bus to Cusco
~£45
Day 9

Cusco Arrival & Exploration

Cusco, Peru

Arrive early into Cusco and check into your hostel in the San Blas or Plaza de Armas area. Take it easy as you acclimatise to the altitude (3,400m) — drink coca tea and avoid heavy exertion. Wander the cobblestone streets, visit the Qorikancha sun temple (~£7) and soak up the living Inca history around every corner. Optional half-day city walking tour via GetYourGuide (~£12–18).

🚌Arrived by overnight bus; city exploration on foot

🛏Loki Hostel Cusco or Pariwana Hostel — from ~£10–16/night dorm

  • Acclimatise to altitude with coca tea and gentle walking
  • Visit Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) (~£7)
  • Explore San Blas neighbourhood and artisan workshops
  • Optional half-day city walking tour via GetYourGuide (~£12–18)
~£45
Day 10

Cusco Free Day — Rainbow Mountain Option

Cusco, Peru

A full free day in Cusco. The standout optional activity is the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) trek — book through a local agency or GetYourGuide (~£20–28 including transport and guide). Alternatively, rent a mountain bike for the day (~£12–15) or visit the Sacsayhuamán Inca fortress above the city (included in the Cusco tourist ticket, ~£30 for 10 sites).

🚌Rainbow Mountain tour includes transport; local travel on foot/taxi

🛏Loki Hostel Cusco or Pariwana Hostel — from ~£10–16/night

  • Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) day trek — book via local agency or GetYourGuide (~£20–28)
  • OR mountain biking around Cusco (~£12–15 rental)
  • Visit Sacsayhuamán fortress (Cusco tourist boleto, ~£30 for 10 sites)
~£55
Day 11

Sacred Valley — Community Visit & Brewery

Sacred Valley, Peru

Join a Sacred Valley day tour from Cusco (~£20–30 via GetYourGuide or local agency). Visit the Ccaccaccollo women's weaving community project to see traditional textile dyeing and weaving techniques. Stop at a local craft brewery in the valley for afternoon drinks with views over the Urubamba River valley.

🚌Sacred Valley day tour from Cusco (~£20–30 all-in)

🛏Loki Hostel Cusco or Pariwana Hostel — from ~£10–16/night

  • Ccaccaccollo community weaving project visit (included in Sacred Valley tour)
  • Traditional textile and dyeing demonstration
  • Craft brewery visit in the Sacred Valley
  • Views over the Urubamba River valley
~£50
Day 12

Start the Inca Trail (or Lares Trek / Cusco Stay)

Inca Trail, Peru

The Inca Trail must be booked many months in advance through a licensed operator — permits sell out fast. Book via a reputable local operator such as Alpaca Expeditions or Llama Path (~£250–350 all-in for the 4-day classic trail, including permits, porters, cooks and guide). Today begins at km 82, trekking through emerald valleys and passing smaller ruin sites. ALTERNATIVE: If the Inca Trail is full, book the Lares Trek (~£120–180) or a self-guided Sacred Valley/Cusco Stay itinerary. See notes below.

🚌Operator minibus to km 82 (included in Inca Trail package)

🛏Inca Trail: camping (included in package) | Lares: community camping | Cusco Stay: hostel in Cusco ~£10–16/night

  • Trek from km 82 along the Inca Trail (licensed operator required, book months ahead ~£250–350 total)
  • Pass through rural Andean villages and smaller ruin sites
  • ALTERNATIVE Lares Trek: hike through Cuncani Valley, overnight in rural community (~£120–180 total)
  • ALTERNATIVE Cusco Stay: visit Ollantaytambo ruins and Maras Salt Mines (~£20–30 tour)
~£80
Day 13

Inca Trail — Dead Woman's Pass (4,198m)

Inca Trail, Peru

Early start for the toughest day on the trail — the ascent to Dead Woman's Pass at 4,198m. It's steep and challenging but the views from the top are extraordinary. Your licensed porter crew handles camp setup and cooking. LARES ALTERNATIVE: Ascend to the Lares Trek peak at 4,750m via the foothills of Siclassa Mountain, with views over lagoons and valleys.

🚌Trekking — no additional transport

🛏Inca Trail: camping at high-altitude site (included) | Lares: camping

  • Ascend to Dead Woman's Pass (4,198m) — the highest point on the Inca Trail
  • Trek through Andean cloud forest and high-altitude páramo
  • LARES ALTERNATIVE: Summit Siclassa Mountain peak at 4,750m
~£15
Day 14

Inca Trail — Cloud Forest & Ancient Ruins

Inca Trail, Peru

Trek through a spectacular cloud forest passing snow-capped peaks and crossing two mountain passes. Camp close to ancient ruins for an atmospheric evening under the stars. LARES ALTERNATIVE: Complete final Lares Trek hiking section, then transfer by van and scenic PeruRail train to Aguas Calientes (~£15–20 train).

🚌Trekking | LARES: van transfer + PeruRail train (~£15–20)

🛏Inca Trail: camping beside ruins (included) | Aguas Calientes: El Mapi Hostel or similar ~£15–20/night

  • Trek through Sacred Valley cloud forest
  • Cross two mountain passes with snow-capped views
  • Camp beside ancient Inca ruins
  • LARES/CUSCO STAY ALTERNATIVE: Scenic PeruRail train Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (~£15–20)
~£20
Day 15

Machu Picchu at Sunrise

Machu Picchu, Peru

Rise before dawn to reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in time for sunrise over Machu Picchu — one of the most breathtaking moments in travel. All visitors must pre-book Machu Picchu entry tickets online well in advance at ~£35–45. After a guided tour of the ruins (included with Inca Trail package, or self-book a GetYourGuide guide for ~£15–20), take the PeruRail scenic train back to Cusco (~£30–40). Celebrate the achievement with a big night out in Cusco!

🚌PeruRail train Aguas Calientes → Cusco (~£30–40)

🛏Loki Hostel or Pariwana Hostel, Cusco — from ~£10–16/night

  • Sunrise at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) over Machu Picchu
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu ruins (pre-book entry ~£35–45)
  • PeruRail scenic train Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo → Cusco (~£30–40)
  • Celebratory night out in Cusco
~£100
Day 16

Cusco Free Day

Cusco, Peru

A free day to recover, explore further or tick remaining Cusco highlights off your list. The Inka Museum near Plaza de Armas is excellent (~£5 entry). Browse the San Pedro market for cheap, delicious local food. Or simply recharge at a café — Cusco's specialty coffee scene is thriving.

🚌On foot

🛏Loki Hostel or Pariwana Hostel, Cusco — from ~£10–16/night

  • Visit the Inka Museum (~£5)
  • Browse San Pedro market for street food
  • Explore remaining Cusco sights on foot
  • Relax at a local specialty coffee café
~£38
Day 17

Cusco to Puno

Puno, Peru

Take the scenic Titicaca bus (Turismo Mer or Peru Hop) from Cusco to Puno (~£10–15, 6–7 hrs) — this route stops at notable archaeological sites including Andahuaylillas church and Raqchi ruins, making it a sightseeing experience in itself. Arrive in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca and soak up the lakeside atmosphere.

🚌Turismo Mer or Peru Hop bus Cusco → Puno (~£10–15)

🛏Hostal Los Uros or Destiny Puno Hostel — from ~£10–15/night

  • Scenic bus journey Cusco → Puno with archaeological site stops (~£10–15)
  • Arrive at Lake Titicaca — South America's highest navigable lake
  • Evening lakeside stroll and dinner in Puno
~£38
Day 18

Lake Titicaca Boat Trip & Island Homestay

Lake Titicaca, Peru

Book a Lake Titicaca boat tour and homestay directly through local Puno agencies (~£25–40 per person, including boat, island visits and homestay dinner/breakfast). Sail to Taquile Island, visit the village and its famous weaving cooperative (UNESCO-recognised), then settle into your homestay family for an authentic traditional dinner and cultural evening.

🚌Boat tour (included in package)

🛏Homestay on Lake Titicaca (included in tour, ~£25–40 per person)

  • Boat trip to Taquile Island (book via local Puno agency, ~£25–40 all-in)
  • Visit Taquile weaving cooperative — browse handmade textiles
  • Traditional homestay dinner with local family on the lake
~£50
Day 19

Lake Titicaca — Uros Islands & Final Evening in Peru

Lake Titicaca / Puno, Peru

Morning with your homestay family before returning by boat, stopping at the famous Uros floating reed islands. Optional kayaking on the lake (~£10–15) or a taxi to Sillustani burial towers (Chullpas) for a fascinating afternoon of Andean archaeology (~£8 entry + ~£8 taxi). Celebrate your final night in Peru in Puno.

🚌Boat return to Puno (included); taxi to Sillustani (~£8 return)

🛏Hostal Los Uros or Destiny Puno Hostel — from ~£10–15/night

  • Visit Uros floating reed islands (included in boat return)
  • Optional kayaking on Lake Titicaca (~£10–15)
  • Optional visit to Sillustani Chullpa burial towers (~£8 entry)
  • Final evening dinner in Puno
~£48
Day 20

Puno to La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz, Bolivia

Cross into Bolivia on a shared tourist bus from Puno to La Paz (~£10–15, 5–6 hrs), crossing the Bolivian border at Desaguadero or Copacabana. The route hugs the stunning shores of Lake Titicaca. Arrive in La Paz and head to the lively Sopocachi district for dinner and drinks among colourful street art and buzzing restaurants.

🚌Shared tourist bus Puno → La Paz (~£10–15)

🛏Adventure Brew Hostel or Loki La Paz — from ~£8–14/night dorm

  • Shared tourist bus Puno → La Paz via Lake Titicaca (~£10–15)
  • Bolivia border crossing (ensure you have the correct visa — UK citizens get free 90-day entry)
  • Explore Sopocachi district: street art, restaurants and nightlife
~£38
Day 21

La Paz Free Day

La Paz, Bolivia

Explore La Paz independently — the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) is an absolute must, selling everything from dried llama foetuses to potions. Ride the Mi Teleférico cable car for sweeping city views (~£0.50 per ride!). Optional day trip to Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) via local minibus (~£2 return) for otherworldly rock formations.

🚌Mi Teleférico cable car (~£0.50); local minibus to Valle de la Luna (~£2)

🛏Adventure Brew Hostel or Loki La Paz — from ~£8–14/night

  • Visit the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) — free entry
  • Ride Mi Teleférico cable car for city views (~£0.50/ride)
  • Optional Valle de la Luna day trip (~£2 minibus + ~£2 entry)
  • Explore local food markets and street food scene
~£35
Day 22

La Paz Free Day & Overnight Bus to Sucre

La Paz / Sucre, Bolivia

Another free day in La Paz — revisit favourite spots or join optional activities. In the evening, board an overnight bus to Sucre, Bolivia's constitutional capital and 'White City' (~£12–18, 12 hrs). Several reliable operators run this route, including Trans Copacabana and Bolivar Bus.

🚌Overnight bus La Paz → Sucre (~£12–18)

🛏Overnight bus

  • Further exploration of La Paz at leisure
  • Optional Valle de la Luna trip if not done yesterday
  • Board overnight bus to Sucre
~£30
Day 23

Sucre Arrival & Exploration

Sucre, Bolivia

Arrive in Sucre and check into your hostel in the beautiful whitewashed colonial centre — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the day exploring at your own pace: visit the Museo de Arte Indígena ASUR (~£3), browse the Central Market for cheap and delicious Bolivian food, or hike up Cerro Churuquela for panoramic city views. Optional mountain biking excursion via local agency (~£20–25).

🚌Arrived by overnight bus; city exploration on foot

🛏Villa de la Plata Hostel or Hostal Sucre — from ~£8–14/night

  • Explore UNESCO-listed colonial centre on foot
  • Visit Museo de Arte Indígena ASUR (~£3)
  • Browse Central Market for local food
  • Optional mountain biking excursion (~£20–25 via local agency)
~£38
Day 24

Sucre — Dinosaur Tracks Day Trip

Sucre, Bolivia

Today is ideal for the unmissable Parque Cretácico (Dinosaur Tracks) day trip. Book a local taxi or join a shared tour (~£5–8 return transport + ~£5 entry) to see over 5,000 prehistoric dinosaur footprints on a near-vertical cliff face — including the world's longest trail left by a baby T-Rex. Back in Sucre, enjoy the evening in the cafés and bars of the colonial centre.

🚌Shared taxi or local tour to Parque Cretácico (~£5–8 return)

🛏Villa de la Plata Hostel or Hostal Sucre — from ~£8–14/night

  • Day trip to Parque Cretácico — 5,000+ dinosaur footprints (~£5 entry + ~£5–8 transport)
  • Walk the dinosaur track viewpoints and museum
  • Evening in Sucre's colonial café and bar scene
~£35
Day 25

Sucre to Potosí

Potosí, Bolivia

Take a local bus from Sucre to Potosí (~£3–5, 3 hrs) — one of the highest cities in the world at 4,090m. Acclimatise gently and explore the city's colonial streets and authentic food stalls. Head up to the Metropolitan Cathedral rooftop for a spectacular sunset over the city's terracotta rooflines.

🚌Local bus Sucre → Potosí (~£3–5)

🛏Hostal Carlos V or Koala Den Hostel Potosí — from ~£8–12/night

  • Bus journey Sucre → Potosí (~£3–5)
  • Explore Potosí's historic colonial streets
  • Visit Metropolitan Cathedral rooftop for sunset views
  • Sample local food at street stalls and markets
~£32
Day 26

Potosí Free Day — Cerro Rico Silver Mine

Potosí, Bolivia

The must-do activity in Potosí is a guided tour of the Cerro Rico working silver mine — an extraordinary and raw experience that reveals the realities of mining life. Book through a local cooperative agency (~£15–20 including equipment). The rest of the day is free to explore traditional markets, rooftop cafés and the Casa de la Moneda museum (~£4 entry).

🚌On foot and local taxis

🛏Hostal Carlos V or Koala Den Hostel — from ~£8–12/night

  • Guided tour of Cerro Rico working silver mine (~£15–20, book via local co-op agency)
  • Visit Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint Museum) (~£4)
  • Explore Potosí's traditional markets and rooftop cafés
~£42
Day 27

Potosí to Uyuni

Uyuni, Bolivia

Take a local bus or shared transfer from Potosí to Uyuni (~£5–8, 3–4 hrs) through dramatic highland scenery. Arrive in Uyuni and check into your hostel. The town itself is a springboard for the salt flats — spend the afternoon booking your 3-day Salar de Uyuni 4x4 tour (shop around on the main street for reputable agencies; prices ~£55–80 all-in for 3 days). Look for agencies with good reviews on TripAdvisor/Hostelworld.

🚌Bus/shared transfer Potosí → Uyuni (~£5–8)

🛏Toñito Hotel or Hostal Avenida Uyuni — from ~£8–14/night

  • Bus/shared transfer Potosí → Uyuni (~£5–8)
  • Arrive in Uyuni and book 3-day salt flat 4x4 tour (~£55–80 all-in)
  • Explore Uyuni town and the Train Cemetery at sunset (free)
~£35
Day 28

Salar de Uyuni — Day 1 of 3-Day 4x4 Adventure

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Your 3-day Salar de Uyuni overland 4x4 tour begins! (~£55–80 per person all-in, including transport, accommodation and most meals.) Today covers the vast white salt crust of the world's largest salt flat (six times the size of London), the iconic Isla Incahuasi (giant cacti island), and perspective photography on the endless white terrain. Overnight at an Indigenous-run community lodge or salt hotel near the flats.

🚌4x4 vehicle (included in tour package ~£55–80 total for 3 days)

🛏Community lodge or salt hotel near Salar de Uyuni (included in 3-day tour package)

  • 4x4 exploration of Salar de Uyuni salt flats
  • Visit Isla Incahuasi — giant cacti island in the middle of the salt flat
  • Perspective photography on the reflective salt crust
  • Overnight at community lodge or salt hotel (included in tour)
~£35
Day 29

Salar de Uyuni — Day 2: Coloured Lagoons & Flamingos

Salar de Uyuni / Southwest Bolivia

Day two of the 4x4 tour ventures deep into the stunning Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve (entry ~£5, usually added to tour cost). Highlights include the red Laguna Colorada (home to thousands of flamingos), steaming geysers at Sol de Mañana, and the vivid green Laguna Verde beneath a snow-capped volcano. All transport and accommodation included.

🚌4x4 vehicle (included in tour)

🛏Basic refugio lodge in the highlands (included in tour)

  • Visit Laguna Colorada — red lagoon with flamingo colonies
  • Sol de Mañana geysers (5,000m altitude)
  • Laguna Verde beneath Licancabur Volcano
  • Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve wildlife spotting (~£5 entry)
~£20
Day 30

Salar de Uyuni — Day 3: Cross into Chile / Atacama Desert

Atacama Desert, Chile

The final day of the 4x4 tour traditionally ends at the Chilean border (Hito Cajón), where many tour operators will drop you at San Pedro de Atacama — make sure to specify this when booking your tour in Uyuni (~£5–10 extra). Arrive in San Pedro de Atacama and check into your hostel. Spend the evening exploring this adobe village and booking Atacama activities for the next day.

🚌4x4 drops at Chilean border; shared transfer or arranged drop to San Pedro de Atacama (~£5–10)

🛏Hostal Takha Takha or Ckunna Hostel, San Pedro de Atacama — from ~£12–18/night

  • Final morning of Salar de Uyuni 4x4 tour
  • Cross Bolivian border into Chile at Hito Cajón
  • Arrive in San Pedro de Atacama — check in and explore the village
  • Book Atacama activities for tomorrow (Valle de la Luna, stargazing etc.)
~£40
Day 31

Atacama Desert Exploration

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Spend a full day exploring the Atacama — the world's driest non-polar desert and a genuinely otherworldly landscape. Hire a bicycle (~£5–8/day) to reach the Valle de la Luna at sunset (entry ~£6) — the closest thing to being on Mars. Book a world-class stargazing tour in the evening (~£25–35 via SPACE or similar local operator) — the Atacama has some of the clearest night skies on Earth.

🚌Bicycle hire (~£5–8); local tour transport included in activity prices

🛏Hostal Takha Takha or Ckunna Hostel — from ~£12–18/night

  • Cycle or taxi to Valle de la Luna for sunset (~£6 entry, ~£5–8 bike hire)
  • Visit El Tatio Geysers at dawn (book early morning tour ~£15–20)
  • Evening stargazing tour (~£25–35 via SPACE or local operator)
  • Explore San Pedro village and try local empanadas
~£65
Day 32

Atacama to Salta, Argentina

Salta, Argentina

Take a shared bus or minivan transfer from San Pedro de Atacama across the Andes into Salta, Argentina (~£20–30, ~5–6 hrs via the stunning Jama Pass at 4,200m). Arrive in Salta and check into your hostel. Explore the beautiful colonial Plaza 9 de Julio in the evening and try a local empanada or two — Salta is the empanada capital of Argentina.

🚌Shared bus/minivan San Pedro de Atacama → Salta (~£20–30)

🛏Hostel Bloomers or La Linda Hostel Salta — from ~£10–16/night

  • Shared bus/transfer San Pedro de Atacama → Salta via Jama Pass (~£20–30)
  • Stunning Andes mountain crossing at 4,200m
  • Explore Plaza 9 de Julio and Salta's colonial architecture
  • Try Saltena empanadas and local Torrontés white wine
~£48
Day 33

Salta Free Day

Salta, Argentina

Explore Salta, one of Argentina's most beautiful and underrated cities. Ride the cable car (Teleférico) up Cerro San Bernardo for panoramic Andean views (~£5 return). Visit the MAAM museum housing Inca child mummies (~£4). Join a free walking tour of the colonial centre (tip-based). In the evening, find a peña (folk music venue) for live Andean folk music — an authentic cultural highlight.

🚌On foot and cable car (~£5)

🛏Hostel Bloomers or La Linda Hostel Salta — from ~£10–16/night

  • Ride Teleférico cable car up Cerro San Bernardo (~£5 return)
  • Visit MAAM museum — Inca child mummies (~£4)
  • Free walking tour of Salta colonial centre (tip-based)
  • Evening peña — live Andean folk music
~£42
Day 34

Salta to Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fly from Salta (SLA) to Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) with Aerolíneas Argentinas or JetSMART (~£40–70 if booked in advance, 2 hrs). Alternatively, take an overnight bus (~£20–35, 20 hrs — an Argentine institution!). Arrive in Buenos Aires and check into a hostel in Palermo or San Telmo. Spend the evening exploring — Buenos Aires at night is electric.

🚌JetSMART/Aerolíneas Argentinas flight Salta → Buenos Aires (~£40–70) OR overnight bus (~£20–35)

🛏Circus Hostel or America del Sur Hostel, Buenos Aires — from ~£12–18/night dorm

  • Fly or bus Salta → Buenos Aires (~£40–70 flight or £20–35 overnight bus)
  • Check into Buenos Aires hostel in Palermo or San Telmo
  • First evening exploring Buenos Aires neighbourhoods
~£75
Day 35

Buenos Aires — Final Day

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Your final day in South America — make it count! Explore the colourful La Boca neighbourhood and Caminito street (~free), watch or join a tango performance in San Telmo market (~free street tango or ~£10–15 for a show), browse the famous San Telmo antiques market (Sundays), or take a free walking tour of the city (tip-based). For your final evening, splash out on a proper Argentine steak dinner at a parrilla — a fitting farewell to an incredible 35-day adventure.

🚌On foot and local Subte metro (~£0.50/ride)

🛏Circus Hostel or America del Sur Hostel — from ~£12–18/night

  • Visit La Boca neighbourhood and Caminito street (free)
  • Watch street tango in San Telmo or book a milonga (~£10–15)
  • Free walking tour of Buenos Aires (tip-based)
  • Farewell Argentine steak dinner at a traditional parrilla (~£15–25)
~£55

~£2,050

estimated per person

Launch a departure with this itineraryCustomise with Tour Buster