Patagonia & Machu Picchu Expedition

Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met and transferred by private service to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. This transition helps you ease into the altitude while beginning your experience in one of the most scenic regions of Peru.

Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, reflects a blend of ancient heritage and colonial influence. Nearby, the Sacred Valley opens into a landscape of mountains, traditional villages, and archaeological sites that set the stage for the days ahead.

This first stop offers a gradual introduction to the Andean world, combining history, culture, and natural surroundings.

Today, you will continue your journey through the Sacred Valley, visiting two of its most significant sites. The day begins in Pisac, a town known for its traditional market and Andean atmosphere. As you walk through its streets, you will find local handicrafts and textiles that reflect the region’s cultural heritage.

From there, you will visit the archaeological site of Pisac, where terraces carved into the mountainside reveal the agricultural ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

The journey then continues to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca sites in the valley. Here, you will explore its stone terraces, pathways, and structures, including the Temple of the Sun, gaining insight into its role as a strategic and ceremonial center.

At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, taking with you a deeper understanding of the region’s history and landscapes.

Today, you will set out on one of the most memorable segments of your journey. From Ollantaytambo, you will travel by train to kilometer 104, where your hike along the Short Inca Trail begins.

The trail leads you through varied landscapes, following ancient paths toward the Wiñay Wayna complex. Along the way, you will encounter terraces built into the mountainside and a rich natural environment shaped by the surrounding valley.

First View of Machu Picchu
After a break along the route, you will continue hiking toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From this point, you will have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, a moment that marks the culmination of the trail.

From there, you will descend toward Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night and prepare for your visit to the citadel the following day.

Today, you will set out early for a full-day excursion to Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. Leaving Cusco behind, you will travel to the trailhead at Phulawasipata, where your hike begins.

As you ascend through the Andes, the landscape opens into wide valleys framed by high peaks, including the Ausangate massif in the distance. Along the way, you may encounter local communities, herds of llamas and alpacas, and fields that reflect traditional ways of life in the region.

Reaching the Summit
The final stretch leads to the viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain, where the layered colors of the hills create one of the most distinctive landscapes in Peru. From this vantage point, you will have time to take in the scenery before beginning your descent.

After the hike, you will return to Cusco, closing a day defined by altitude, landscapes, and the natural colors of the Andes.

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred by private service from your hotel in Cusco to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, marking the next chapter of your journey.

Arrival in Buenos Aires
Upon arrival at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza), a private transfer will take you to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day will be free for you to start exploring at your own pace.

Buenos Aires is a dynamic capital, known for its architecture, cultural life, and distinctive neighborhoods. You can spend your time walking through its streets, enjoying local cuisine in a traditional parrilla, or browsing markets and shops that reflect the city’s character.

Take in the atmosphere and ease into the rhythm of the city as you begin your stay in Argentina.

Today, you will explore the main highlights of Buenos Aires with a guided city tour. After being picked up from your hotel, you will begin a journey through the city’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods.

The tour includes a visit to Plaza de Mayo, where you will see key buildings such as Casa Rosada and the Congress. From there, you will move through different areas of the city, each with its own character: the historic streets of San Telmo, the colorful atmosphere of La Boca, and the refined elegance of Recoleta, home to its well-known cemetery.

After the tour, you will return to your hotel and have time to relax before the evening experience.

Tango Show & Dinner
In the evening, you will be picked up and taken to a traditional venue to experience Argentine tango. More than just a dance, tango reflects the country’s cultural identity, shaped by immigration, music, and storytelling.

You will enjoy a live performance with professional dancers and musicians in an intimate setting, recreating the atmosphere of Buenos Aires’ tango scene from decades past. The show will be accompanied by a dinner featuring Argentine and international dishes, along with included drinks.

At the end of the evening, you will be transferred back to your hotel, closing the day with one of the city’s most emblematic experiences.

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred from your hotel to Jorge Newbery Airport for your flight to El Calafate. Upon arrival, a shared transfer will take you onward to El Chaltén, deep in the heart of Patagonia.

The journey follows the iconic Route 40, crossing the vast Patagonian steppe. Along the way, you will pass the La Leona River, a remote area tied to the legends of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, adding a touch of history to the landscape.

Arrival in El Chaltén
Set at the base of the Fitz Roy Massif, El Chaltén is known as Argentina’s trekking capital. Surrounded by mountains, glaciers, lakes, and forests, it offers direct access to some of Patagonia’s most scenic trails.

Upon arrival, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to relax or start exploring. A short walk to a nearby viewpoint, a visit to a waterfall, or time at a local brewery are all simple ways to settle into this unique mountain setting.

Today is free for you to discover El Chaltén and its surroundings at your own rhythm. This mountain village offers direct access to some of Patagonia’s most scenic trails, making it an ideal place for outdoor exploration.

For those looking for a full-day hike, Laguna de los Tres is one of the most rewarding options. You can begin the trek directly from town or take a shared transfer to Hostería El Pilar, about 14 km away, to start from a different point and enjoy varied views along the way.

Hiking Toward Fitz Roy
The trail winds through lenga forests and follows the Río Blanco, gradually leading you deeper into the landscape. Along the route, you can stop at the Piedras Blancas viewpoint, where the glacier and its surrounding formations come into view.

The final stretch leads to Laguna de los Tres, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Fitz Roy massif. This is a perfect spot to pause, take in the scenery, and enjoy a break before heading back to El Chaltén.

Whether you choose a challenging hike or a more relaxed day, the landscapes around El Chaltén offer a memorable experience at every turn.

At the arranged time, you will be picked up from your hotel in El Chaltén and travel by shared bus to El Calafate.

The journey takes approximately 3 hours, crossing the open landscapes of Patagonia. Along the way, you will follow stretches of Route 40, with views of the steppe, distant mountains, and wide horizons that define this region.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the changing scenery as you make your way to your next destination.

From El Calafate to Puerto Natales
In the morning, you will head to the bus station to begin your journey to Puerto Natales. Remember to bring your passport, as you will be crossing the border into Chile. It is recommended to arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure.

The bus ride takes approximately 5 hours, traveling across the Patagonian steppe, where wide open landscapes stretch between mountains and plains. This route offers a glimpse into the remote character of southern Patagonia.

Arrival in Puerto Natales
Upon arrival, you will reach Puerto Natales, a small town known as the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Near the entrance, you may spot the Milodón statue, a local symbol linked to the region’s prehistoric past.

After settling into your hotel, you will have time to explore the town at your own pace. This is also a good opportunity to prepare for your upcoming visit to Torres del Paine, as services inside the park are limited.

A Classic Patagonia Challenge
Today, you will take on one of Patagonia’s most iconic hikes: the trek to the Base of the Towers. This full-day experience covers approximately 24 km over 9 hours, crossing varied terrain and offering some of the most rewarding views in the region.

Into the Park
The day begins early with a transfer from Puerto Natales to the northern sector of Torres del Paine National Park. After a stop at Laguna Amarga for park entry, you will continue to the trailhead at Cerro Paine Reserve, where your guide will provide instructions and prepare you for the hike.

The trail starts with a gradual ascent through open landscapes, leading to the Paso de los Vientos viewpoint. From there, you will descend toward Refugio Chileno, where you can take a short break before continuing deeper into the valley.

Through Forests and Up to the Towers
The route then follows the Ascensio River, crossing lenga forests and gaining elevation steadily. The final section is the most demanding: a rocky ascent of around 300 meters that leads to the base of the towers.

At the top, you will be rewarded with a direct view of the granite peaks rising above a glacial lagoon. You will have time to rest, take photos, and take in the surroundings before beginning the return hike along the same trail.

At the end of the day, you will head back to Puerto Natales after completing one of the most memorable trekking experiences in Patagonia.

At the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by private service to Puerto Natales airport for your onward flight.

This marks the end of your journey, connecting the cultural landscapes of Peru with the remote beauty of Patagonia. A trip shaped by history, trekking, and some of South America’s most remarkable natural settings.