Travel Inspiration: An Andean Exploration

As Singapore's leading South America travel specialists, we are often asked what a journey for a first-timer to this far-flung corner of the world would look like. Spanning 12 countries, this is a vibrant continent full of life, culture, history of ancient civilisations, and above all pristine nature. Here is what a distilled exploration of the Andes, following the world's longest mountain range from north to south, would look like in photos.

The Andes spans approximately 8,900km and it runs along the spine of South America. It starts at the foothills of Colombia in the north and continues to the high rugged 6,000m peaks near Bolivia, Peru, northern Chile, before tapering down towards Patagonia and submerging under the Atlantic Ocean and extending towards Antarctica.

Days 1 to 5: Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, Peru

Kickstart your journey in Cusco, to set the scene for the next few days of explorations. Cusco is the gateway to the Sacred Valley, but most importantly, it was the heart of the Inca Empire in the 15th century. Visit the market and taste the different fruit cultivated in Peru, and walk through traditional neighbourhoods with a mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture. The city itself is high in altitude, at about 3,400m above sea level, making this an ideal first stop to acclimatise for the next few weeks in the Andes.

The Sacred Valley is a fertile river valley which the Urubamba River flows through. Over the next few days, you will visit different Inca archaeological sites and learn about traditions which have been practised here for a long time, including salt harvesting since Before Christ. For those looking for a gastronomic experience, you can visit an investigative centre which is dedicated to preserving food as a part of the Andean cultural identity. All this can be explored by overland excursions (which means you sit in a car and walk short distances to viewpoints and archaeological sites), but the way we encourage our guests to explore this area is by integrating short or long hikes into their daily itineraries. You must have heard about a famous Inca Trail which is a 4-day walk and requires permits. The truth is, Inca trails can be found all over the continent where the Inca Empire ruled, from Colombia to Ecuador to Peru and Northern Chile. We like the ones which few people walk on, and take you to epic viewpoints like Intipunku.

Days 6 to 8: Lake Titicaca, Peru

Credit: Titilaka

For guests with time to spare, we often encourage them to take a long but worthwhile journey to Lake Titicaca. This is the world's highest navigable lake at 3,800m and it is home to an indigenous population known as the Uros. What’s special is that the Uros people continue to live on floating islands made completely of a grass called totora, which can be found all around the lake. They build their islands, above which they build their homes, and their boats as well, all with the same material. And as it is biodegradable, they repeat this cycle of building and repairing constantly. The sunrise here is also pretty spectacular!

Days 9 to 10: La Paz and its surroundings, Bolivia

Credit: Bolivia Milenaria

A highlight to visit here is the Witches’ Market. Whatever cure you are looking for, you will find it here and more. If you have a headache due to the altitude, or need a stuffed baby alpaca for ritual sacrifice, the aunties here will be able to supply you with whatever you need.

Days 11 to 13: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Leaving La Paz behind, you will fly south to Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world. This is a white desert as far as the eye can see. But as you look closer at the details in the landscape, there are islands of giant cacti, colourful highland lakes and snowcapped volcanic peaks.

Days 14 to 16: Atacama Desert, Chile

At this high altitude and vast territory, the borders start to blur. Travelling by road, you will cross into the north of Chile to a place called the Atacama Desert. This too is like Mars on earth with its rocky formations. The Atacama is surrounded by two different mountain ranges, which means there is a lot to explore. Venture into river canyons on bicycles, hike to hidden hot springs, spend the late afternoon at one of the salt lagoons observing flamingoes with a backdrop of the snow-capped Andes mountains, or stargaze at the most amazing night skies you will ever see.

Day 17: Santiago, Chile

Credit: SERNATUR

Santiago is one of the most cosmopolitan capital cities in South America. Learn about Chile’s dark past during its dictatorship years, experience the bohemian vibe of the Bellavista neighbourhood and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city from the top of Cerro San Cristobal. After working up an appetite from touring the capital, you will have the chance to taste Chile’s local delicacies from streetside empanadas shops to fine dining contemporary restaurants showcasing the country’s seasonal produce.

Days 18 to 20: Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Flying south, you will finally arrive at Chile’s most well known destination, Torres del Paine National Park. This region is also where we call home six months a year. The park is named after these granite towers, Las Torres, but there are also many other hikes to enjoy while you are here.

Days 21 to 22: Sierra Baguales, Chile

Last but not least, somewhere truly off the beaten path. Read more about Sierra Baguales, one of Patagonia's best kept secret here.

This is by no means a fixed itinerary, but is meant to serve as an inspiration. Your trip may be a combination of Peru with Chile, or Chile with Argentina, or Argentina with Brazil. It all depends on your interests as well as how much time you have. One question we frequently get asked is how much a trip like that would cost. While there are endless combinations available, a good ballpark figure is from USD10,000 per person excluding flights for a party of two. Get in touch with us at hello@pudupuda.com and let us help make your big South American adventure a reality!