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The Ultimate Guide to One of the World's Most Scenic Road Trips: Bradt Travel Guides

Vernon Blair

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Published in Chile: Carretera Austral: A Guide To One Of The World S Most Scenic Road Trips (Bradt Travel Guides)

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If you're looking for an unforgettable road trip experience, look no further. This incredible journey will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth, from towering mountains to sparkling lakes and charming towns. Along the way, you'll have the chance to explore ancient ruins, hike to breathtaking viewpoints, and sample delicious local cuisine.

Chile: Carretera Austral: A guide to one of the world's most scenic road trips (Bradt Travel Guides)

by Hugh Sinclair

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15916 KB
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Print length	:	544 pages

Planning Your Trip

The first step in planning your road trip is to decide on your itinerary. How much time do you have? What are your interests? Once you have a general idea of what you want to see and do, you can start to map out your route.

There are many different ways to travel this route, so you can customize your trip to fit your own interests and budget. You can choose to drive the entire route in one go, or you can break it up into smaller sections. If you're short on time, you can even fly into one of the major cities along the route and rent a car.

What to See and Do

There's no shortage of things to see and do on this road trip. Here are just a few of the highlights:

**Visit the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.** This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru, and for good reason. The ruins are perched on a mountaintop overlooking the Urubamba Valley, and they offer stunning views of the surrounding Andes Mountains.
**Hike to the summit of Mount Huayna Picchu.** This challenging hike is worth it for the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from the top. The trail is steep and rugged, but it's well worth the effort.
**Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas.** This beautiful valley is home to several ancient Inca ruins, including Ollantaytambo and Pisac. You can also visit the colorful markets in these towns and sample the local cuisine.
**Visit Lake Titicaca.** This high-altitude lake is the largest in South America. You can take a boat trip to the floating islands of Uros, or visit the pre-Incan ruins of Tiahuanaco.
**Explore the colonial city of Cusco.** This charming city is the perfect place to start or end your road trip. Cusco is home to many beautiful churches, museums, and restaurants.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of places to stay along this route, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are a few of our recommendations:

**El Mapi Hostel, Cusco:** This friendly hostel is located in the heart of Cusco. It offers clean and comfortable rooms, as well as a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
**Hotel Pakaritampu, Ollantaytambo:** This charming hotel is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It offers beautiful rooms with private bathrooms, as well as a swimming pool and a restaurant.
**Hotel Titilaka, Puno:** This luxury hotel is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. It offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The hotel also has a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant.

What to Eat

Peruvian cuisine is a delicious mix of Andean, Spanish, and African influences. Here are a few of the dishes you should try on your road trip:

**Ceviche:** This refreshing dish is made with raw fish marinated in lime juice, onions, and chili peppers.
**Lomo saltado:** This stir-fry dish is made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes.
**Aji de gallina:** This creamy chicken stew is made with aji peppers, onions, and garlic.
**Pachamanca:** This traditional Andean dish is made with meat, potatoes, and vegetables cooked in a pit in the ground.

Getting There

The best way to get to the starting point of this road trip is to fly into Lima, Peru. From Lima, you can take a bus or train to Cusco.

Tips for a Successful Road Trip

Here are a few tips to help you have a successful road trip:

**Plan your route carefully and allow plenty of time for driving.**
**Make sure your car is in good condition and has been serviced recently.**
**Pack light and leave plenty of room for souvenirs.**
**Be prepared for all types of weather.**
**Take breaks often and get out of the car to stretch your legs.**
**Don't drive at night if you can avoid it.**
**Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid crime.**
**Have fun and enjoy the journey!**

This road trip is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. The stunning landscapes, charming towns, and delicious cuisine will make you want to come back for more. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

Chile: Carretera Austral: A guide to one of the world's most scenic road trips (Bradt Travel Guides)

by Hugh Sinclair

4.4 out of 5