Day 1 CuzcoRelax amid the quaint cafes and cobblestone streets of Cuzco and take time to acclimatise to the soaring 3,400m altitude. Days 2-5 Classic Inca Trail/Quechua Community Trek/OllantaytamboFollow ancient Inca paths past soaring mountain peaks and camp beside ancient forests. Meet locals while passing through traditional Quechua communities before descending into the Sacred Valley to explore the vast Ollantaytambo ruins. There is also the option to hike the classic Inca Trail instead. Days 6-7 Machu Picchu/CuzcoBe mesmerised by the sight of the crowning glory of the Incas, Machu Picchu bathed in the golden morning light. Why not brave the steep climb up Huayna Picchu for unforgettable views of this iconic site. Back in Cuzco, rest those weary muscles at one of the quaint cafes surrounding the Plaza de Armas or browse the wealth of bustling markets. Day 8 PunoSpot the ancient funerary towers of Sillustani rising from the windswept antiplano. Spend the night in Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Days 9-10 Lake Titicaca/CopacabanaSail across the glassy surface of the world's highest navigable lake to visit the Uros people who live on, and construct, floating reed islands. Visit the Island of the Sun, a key feature in the creation stories of many local indigenous people. Days 11-13 La PazRamble through La Paz's jumble of twisted streets, stare up at the engulfing snow capped mountains or shop in the eclectic markets, including the famed Witches' Market. Day 14 LivichucoExplore the small Andean village of Livichuco, a remote Bolivian retreat that few tourists are lucky enough to experience. Be welcomed into the Aymara community and receive an introduction to their Qaqachaqa culture. Day 15 PotosiGaze at barren semi-desert landscapes en route to the colonial mining city of Potosi. Gain an insight into the harsh realities of life in the area on an optional tour of a working mine. Days 16-17 Salar de UyuniVisit the legendary Bolivian salt flats, an enormous expanse of blinding white salt crystals that has to be seen to be believed. Head to fiery Laguna Colorada and the equally beautiful Laguna Verde. Day 18 Bolivian AltiplanoJourney towards the Argentine border, camping among spectacular scenery. Day 19 San Pedro de AtacamaDepart Bolivia and travel across the border into Chile, camping at one of the world's best places for stargazing. By day, visit the surreal lunar landscape of Valle de la Luna. Days 20-22 SaltaDelight in the laidback atmosphere of Argentina's elegant colonial city of Salta. Relax in the main plaza, discover the pumping nightlife or head out of town to Quebrada de Humahuaca, a narrow valley flanked by spectacularly colourful mountains and giant cacti. Day 23 CafayateLearn about Argentina's wine production on a guided vineyard tour, perhaps taking the opportunity to indulge in some renowned blends. Day 24 QuilmesDrive through the beautiful Argentinean landscape to the Tucuman province. Camp near the ancient Quilmes Ruins. Days 25-27 Estancia stayExperience Argentine hospitality while staying on a working cattle ranch. Perhaps explore the Pampas on horseback before savouring the mouth-watering aromas and succulent flavours of a traditional barbecue. Days 28-30 MendozaTraverse the high passes of the Andes travelling to Mendoza. Relax in the shade of the trees that line the city's wide avenues, visit local art galleries or chill out with a glass of wine. Days 31-33 SantiagoHead to the lively Bellavista neighbourhood for some epicurean delights or discover Santiago's literary heritage at the house of Pablo Neruda. For an insight into the city's turbulent history, check out the Museo de la Solidaridad Salvador Allende. Day 34 Salto de LajaTravel through fertile agricultural areas and gaze at scenic vineyards en route to Saltos del Laja. Days 35-36 PuconSavour the breathtaking views of the picturesque Pucon region, which boasts crystal lakes and forest-clad mountains. For those weary from hiking, why not immerse yourself in the nearby thermal springs. Day 37 Puerto Montt/Overnight FerryPitch a tent close to the port city of Puerto Montt, in the midst of the Chilean Lakes District. Day 38 Carretera AustralTravel along the scenic delights of the Carretera Austral highway. Hugged by rugged mountains, Chaiten is a humble fishing village punctuated by the smouldering Corcovado and Michinmahuida volcanoes. Days 39-41 Chilean Fjord CoastVisit Patagonia and camp in the wilds, amid the intense beauty and isolation of one of the world's final frontiers. Days 42-44 Los Glaciares National Park/El ChaltenArrive in Los Glaciares National Park. Trek over glaciers, admire stunning views of mountain ranges or take a boat trip on Viedma Lake. Days 45-46 Perito Moreno Glacier/El CalafateListen to the moan of the advancing glacial ice and watch as huge chunks break off Perito Moreno Glacier and collapse into the channel below. Days 47-51 Torres del Paine National ParkSpend four days exploring the rugged Torres del Paine National Park, punctuated by granite cliffs piercing barren plains and home to guanacos and flightless rhea birds. Day 52 Strait of MagellanTravel to the end of the world and enter the wilds of Tierra del Fuego. Days 53-54 UshuaiaEnd this epic South American adventure at the world's southernmost town, Ushuaia, set between the Beagle Channel and looming glacial peaks.
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