Few destinations are as captivating as Peru and Chile. Peru’s ancient Incan cities and Amazonian biodiversity promise a journey steeped in history and wildlife encounters. Chile, on the other hand, opens your eyes to dramatic landscapes ranging from the arid Atacama Desert to lush vineyards, and further south, the glacial fjords of Patagonia.
Seeing everything these countries have to offer on one holiday is next to impossible. Most tours combine Peru’s highlights with Chile’s northern gems. Here’s a quick look at the essential stops.
Lima: The Capital of Culture and Cuisine
Peru’s bustling capital is often the first stop on the tourist circuit. Here, grand colonial plazas sit beside bohemian districts, while coastal roads offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
At the heart of the city, Plaza Mayor takes you back in time. The square is bounded by impressive landmarks like the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop's Palace, and the Government Palace. A short drive will bring you to the Barranco Art Deco district, where tucked-away cafes invite you to sample Peruvian coffee and chocolates. Lima also shines as a cultural hub. It’s a great place to watch traditional dance shows, and enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine.
The Amazon Rainforest: Peru’s Wild Heart
The Peruvian Amazon is home to some of the most vibrant birds and countless animal and reptile species. Given the variety of ecosystems, there’s no one way to explore this rainforest.
Guided boat rides down the Madre de Dios River and in Lake Sandoval may bring you face-to-face with playful river otters. For a different perspective, walk through the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica natural area’s forest trails. Or, climb the Canopy Walkway and make your way over the network of suspension bridges for a bird’s eye view of the forest and its resident monkeys. Twilight river cruises and night tours reveal yet another side of the jungle.
The Sacred Valley: A Tale of Incan Legacy
Once the heartland of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley is dotted with ancient ruins. In Ollantaytambo, Inca urban planning is still visible in its stone terraces and narrow lanes. Nearby, the Maras salt mines and enigmatic Moray terraces will leave you awestruck by Inca ingenuity. Lunch at the acclaimed MIL restaurant, overlooking Moray, is a unique experience in itself.
The Sacred Valley also offers a peek into everyday Andean life. On one hand are the traditional workshops of Urubamba that still practice age-old pottery and weaving techniques. On the other are the Pisac market stalls where you can pick up handmade textiles, ceramics, and jewelry as souvenirs.
Cusco: A Gateway to Machu Picchu
A tour of the Machu Picchu citadel makes the sheer ingenuity of Incan design impossible to miss. The sweeping valley views and the journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu are equally special. Where else can you watch a fashion show on a moving train?
Back in the city, a walk through Cusco Imperial illustrates how the 16th-century Spanish conquest transformed the Inca city. Nearby, stand the fortress of Sacsayhuamán and the Sulca Textile Museum, famed for preserving Peruvian textiles.
Cusco is also a center of Andean spirituality. For a more complete Peruvian experience, walk with llamas to the Temple of the Moon or join a shaman-led Andean initiation ceremony.
Santiago & Valparaiso: The Capital & the Coast
Crossing into Chile, Santiago greets you with colonial charm at Plaza de Armas and breathtaking hillside views from the historic Funicular. An hour’s drive will bring you to the vibrant Valparaiso port city via the rolling Casablanca Valley vineyards. While Plaza Sotomayor reflects its maritime heritage, the colorful neighborhoods of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción showcase an artistic soul. Their mural-splashed streets are akin to an open-air art gallery. A little further along the coast, Viña del Mar invites you to relax on its sandy beaches and palm-lined boulevards.
Atacama Desert: The Land of Otherworldly Landscapes
With its unique landscape, the Valle de la Luna is one of the Atacama Desert’s most popular destinations. During the day, flamingoes wading in turquoise, altiplanic lagoons, and salt flats in areas around the valley create an unforgettable scene. The red stones at Piedras Rojas and the unexpected Tamarugo forest add a further touch of surrealism.
Atacama’s allure goes beyond scenic beauty. Hidden gems like Toconao with its white volcanic stone structures, reflect the region’s cultural roots. Your journey through the desert also takes you across the Tropic of Capricorn. And when night falls, the desert sky reveals constellations in breathtaking detail.
Planning a Holiday to Peru and Chile
The ideal holiday is one where you merely pick the destination and all the logistics are handled for you. If you’re dreaming of a trip to Peru and Chile, Odyssey turns that dream into reality with the “Peaks & Pacific: Peru to Chile Discovery tour”. From exploring ancient Inca sites and walking with Llamas to admiring Chilean street art and stargazing in the Atacama Desert, the tour packs in experiences you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
But we don’t stop at curating an itinerary. Our team can also help you process flight bookings, visas, and all the small yet essential details that transform a good trip into a seamless one. It truly is the easiest way to discover South America.