South America Vacation: Combining a Trip to Chile and Peru

May 5
18:52

2012

Matthew Barker

Matthew Barker

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Enjoy a trip to Chile and Peru to discover some of the best sights in all of South America. Make your South America vacation one of a kind with this sample itinerary in this article by a South America travel expert.

mediaimage

Many people dream of going on a South America vacation,South America Vacation: Combining a Trip to Chile and Peru Articles however to travel to multiple countries throughout your travel can be expensive. Don’t be discouraged; there are many options for combining multiple countries for your vacation. Check out this sample itinerary, which combines a trip to Chile and Peru, to see some of the best sights in all of South America.

 

Though there are many ways you can combine a trip to Chile and Peru, many find it is expensive to fly, therefore this sample itinerary will take you across the border by land. Crossing by land also gives you the opportunity to see more of the diverse landscapes of both Chile and Peru.

 

 Peru is a country full of wonders from the marvelous Machu Picchu to the amazing Colca Canyon, and the mysterious jungle. During your time in Peru you can visit many of these great sights. After a trip to the Peruvian Amazon or Machu Picchu make your way back to Lima for a trip to Arequipa. South of Lima, the department of Arequipa is home to two of the best Peru sights.

 

The “White City” as many like to call Arequipa city is a must see during your trip to Peru. The city itself sits at the base of the Misti volcano, and its streets are filled with pearly white buildings constructed from a white volcanic stone. The unique beauty of the city can’t be found elsewhere. Another main attraction for this area is the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons; it should be included in all Peru travel itineraries.

 

A stop in Arequipa is essential before heading further south, to Tacna sitting at the Peru and Chile border. Spend some time in this border city and be sure to explore the market here, where you are sure to find some great souvenirs of Peru. You can spend a day or two in Tacna before making the journey across the border to Chile.

 

One of the most common methods for tourists to enter Chile by land is to take a bus across the border to Arica, the closest city across the border. However travelers can also take a taxi or collectivo which will also take you into Arica. Arica is a bustling city, known as the “city of eternal spring” because of its year-round beautiful but mild weather. Travelers can explore this lively city or take a trip to the nearby Lauca National Park. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife as well as some of South America’s most spectacular scenery.

 

From Arica there are many other beautiful destinations that are available for your trip to Chile. Spend time in San Pedro de Atacama, which is accessible by bus from Arica or head further south to the country’s capital, Santiago. Chile is full of beautiful and diverse scenery including the vast Patagonia.

 

When combining your trip to Chile with Peru it enables you to see more of the beautiful landscapes of South America. With this sample itinerary you can enjoy both of these destinations in a way that doesn’t break the bank.