Excellent
Incas, Titicaca & La Paz
Travel from Lima to La Paz on this 12 day tour, taking in the highlights of Peru before crossing into Bolivia to visit the charming lakeside town of Copacabana and the world's highest capital city. Discover the delights of Lima, Cusco and La Paz on guided city tours and take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to meet the islanders. Explore Pisac and Ollantaytambo Fortress in the beautiful Sacred Valley and marvel at Machu Picchu, the spectacular lost city of the Incas.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Travelling with children or prefer being on your own, see our private version of this tour.
Tour Overview
Duration
12 daysStarts
LimaEnds
La PazRange
SignatureTour Guide
Tour leader & local guidesGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 16Minimum age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
MondaysHotel Rating
3 - 4 starCountries
Bolivia, PeruArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 2Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Lima
Day 1 - Lima
Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival at the Lima airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel in the popular Miraflores district of the city. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city.
Day 2 - Explore Lima
Day 2 - Explore Lima
Today we explore the beautiful city of Lima, also known as the 'city of kings'. Our guided tour takes us through Plaza San Martin, also taking in Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the City Hall. We continue with a visit to the San Francisco Monastery and its famous underground crypts which are home to an estimated 70,000 remains. This bright yellow architectural wonder also houses an incredible library, holding thousands of antique texts, some of which pre-date the conquest in the 16th century. Later we take in the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, where we see Huaca Pucllana, an impressive clay pyramid that represented the ceremonial and administrative centre of the Lima culture. We also visit El Olivar park, a peaceful space with olive trees that were brought to Peru in the 15th century. The final stop on today's tour of Lima is El Parque del Amor, a romantic spot is situated on the cliffs of Miraflores overlooking the Pacific ocean. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city at your own pace.
Lima is fast becoming one of the gastronomic capitals of the world and later this afternoon there is the opportunity to join an exciting optional Lima Gourmet Food Tour, combining gastronomic delights with walks around the capital, experiencing the local culture. Please book before you travel.
Days 3-4 - Cusco
Days 3-4 - Cusco
Lima - Cusco. This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Cusco. Arriving into Cusco the rest of the day is free to relax and adjust to the altitude. This beautiful city full of history and intrigue, is located 3,399m above sea level.
The following morning we take in the highlights of the beautiful city of Cusco on a guided tour. Starting at the Plaza de Armas, built on the remains of one of the most important Incan gathering spots, we also visit the cathedral, the Kenko Amphitheatre and the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Built between 1438 and 1474, Sacsayhuaman Fortress took over 20,000 labourers to build and some of the magnificent stone work measures over 4 metres in height and over 100 tons in weight. The afternoon is free to stroll around the cobbled streets, visiting handicraft shops, markets and cafes.
Day 5 - Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo
Day 5 - Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo
Cusco - The Sacred Valley. Departing Cusco we travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas today. Our first stop is the popular Pisac markets where we have the chance to see the variety of colourful handicrafts on offer. Originally only held on Sundays, Pisac Market was a place for artisans from across the region to trade in their products. Today the market is a daily occurrence where locals and visitors alike can find some of the finest textiles, jewellery and clothing typical of this area of Peru. We continue our journey to the remarkable Ollantaytambo fortress which was constructed to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it from possible invasions of tribes from the jungle lowlands. One of the best examples of Incan architecture, many of the inhabitants of Ollantaytambo still live according to the customs and traditions they have inherited from generations of ancestors, leading to it being known as a living Inca town. We spend the night at a converted 18th century monastery nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Day 6 - Machu Picchu
Day 6 - Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco. We have an exciting day ahead, starting with a short drive to the Ollantaytambo train station where we board the train for a scenic journey to Aguas Calientes. Remember to look out the windows as the scenery along the way is utterly breathtaking. In Aguas Calientes we board a bus which takes us along a winding path up the slopes of the great Machu Picchu mountain to the famous Inca citadel.
The incredible lost city of the Incas is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, surrounded by tropical forest. Completed in the latter half of 15th Century, archaeologists believe Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Pachacuti, an Incan leader who reigned from 1438 to 1471. Built in the classical Inca style with polished dry-stone walls and terraces that seem to have been crafted naturally from the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu is a spectacular testament to the greatness of the Inca civilisation. Only a century after its completion however, the citadel was abandoned during the Spanish conquest and only thrust into the spotlight in 1911 when it was discovered by the American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham, who brought it to the world's attention.
We explore Machu Picchu on a guided tour and then return to the spa town of Aguas Calientes where there's time to stroll around before travelling by train back to Cusco.
Day 7 - Optional Chinchero or Rainbow Mountain
Day 7 - Optional Chinchero or Rainbow Mountain
Enjoy a free day in Cusco to explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively you may wish to join one of the optional excursions on offer. Visit the local Andean market town of Chinchero on a half day tour. Chinchero has one of the most traditional markets in South America, and here you will find locals in colourful traditional dress, buying and selling their produce.
Alternatively, for the fit and active, there's an optional full day excursion to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain (offered from March to November), with lunch included. After a scenic 2.5 hr drive through rugged mountain scenery, trek with a guide to the summit of Rainbow Mountain, with its striking bright stripes of mineral deposits. Please note: Optional excursions must be booked prior to departure.
Days 8-9 - Lake Titicaca
Days 8-9 - Lake Titicaca
Cusco - Puno. After an early breakfast, we travel by tourist bus to Puno (approx. 10 hr journey), passing by the lovely Wacarpay Lake, with spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters. Along the way we make a couple of stops, the first one being in Andahuaylillas to see the Church of San Pedro, which has been given the nickname the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Moving along, we pass through herds of llamas and spectacular landscapes until we get to Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile centre. Here, we see the Temple of Kalasaya, remnants of a Pucara structure. After a stop for lunch at a countryside restaurant, we continue on to Puno, our base for the next two nights.
The following day we take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to see the remarkable floating islands of Uros. These unique islands are made of a certain type of reed called totora, which enables it to float, despite the weight of a civilisation upon it. We then move on to Taquile Island, where we can mingle with the Quechua-speaking locals and learn about their efficient and unique social system as well as their fine hand weaving techniques, passed down from generation to generation. We're invited into a local home for lunch to enjoy a delicious home cooked meal. After lunch we explore more of this remarkable island including some of the islands archaeological sites. Later this afternoon we return to Puno.
Day 10 - Copacabana
Day 10 - Copacabana
Puno - Copacabana - La Paz (Bolivia). This morning wake up early for our journey to La Paz. Bidding farewell to our Peruvian tour leader, travel (unescorted) by tourist bus from Puno to the stunning city of La Paz in Bolivia. On this scenic bus journey we stop to spend the afternoon at leisure in the pretty town of Copacabana, on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca. Here there's the opportunity to independently explore the town, with its iconic whitewashed Basilica and wonderful lake views. Late afternoon it’s time to rejoin the bus and continue to our final destination in La Paz, arriving late evening.
Day 11 - La Paz
Day 11 - La Paz
At an altitude of 3660 metres, La Paz is one of the world’s highest cities. The imposing Mount Illimani looms in the background whilst below lies a valley full of sensational surprises. Buildings cling to the sides of the canyon that the city was built in and spill spectacularly downwards. Sprawling shanty towns give way to affluent high-rise apartments as the city’s central tree-lined thoroughfare runs through the downtown core.
Today we head out to explore this captivating city on a guided tour. Starting with a tremendous perspective of the city at the Killi Killi viewpoint, we make our way to Murillo Square, the main square in La Paz and home to the Presidential Palace, the National Congress of Bolivia and the Cathedral of La Paz. Be sure to look out for the clock on the Bolivian congress building, which in 2014 was changed by the Bolivian government to turn anti-clockwise. The government at the time said it was to help Bolivians to treasure their heritage, question established norms and think creatively! Our exploration continues as we descend into the mesmerising Moon Valley, this rocky landscape which has been created by centuries of weathering is quite an incredible sight. Next we take a ride in a cable car across the city, giving an impressive panorama of the city. Then we visit the famous witches market, where many mystical objects of Andean rituals and sorcery are on sale, from dried frogs to llama foetuses for Aymara rituals. Before our tour ends we visit the beautiful San Francisco church with it's exquisite carvings on the facade, it is one of the largest colonial architectural complexes found in Latin America.
The rest of the day is free for you to independently explore. Wander around the cobbled streets, admire the colourful houses and perhaps enjoy a spot of souvenir shopping before you return home.
Day 12 - La Paz
Day 12 - La Paz
Today our tour comes to an end with a transfer to the airport. Alternatively opt to extend your stay to explore more of Bolivia.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
La Paz Post Tour Accommodation
Double
Twin
Single
Pre Tour Accommodation Lima
Double
Twin
Single
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
On this half day excursion, explore the picturesque village of Chinchero, nestled within the Sacred Valley. Revered as the birthplace of the rainbow, this traditional Andean settlement boasts Inca ruins, a beautiful colonial church, breathtaking mountain panoramas, and a bustling traditional Sunday market.
$135
per passengerEmbark on a full-day guided excursion to discover the natural wonder of Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, located in the Andes of Peru. Trek to the summit and marvel at the vibrant colours of the mountain's layered sedimentary rocks, ranging from deep reds to vibrant yellows and mesmerizing blues, creating a unique and unforgettable sight. With a knowledgeable guide to lead the way and a delicious lunch included.
$205
per passengerThis gourmet food tour commences with a Peruvian Pisco cocktail and seafood by the sea at sunset. Continuing your culinary tour of the capital, venture to the historical heart of Peru and delight your palate with gourmet recipes next to the awe-inspiring pre-Inca ruins in the Huaca Pucllana. Then you're treated to a hands-on gourmet culinary experience in a hidden location, featuring a local's chef's signature dishes, to tantalize your taste buds. End the evening with a starlit stroll through the charming district of Barranco, known for its bohemian spirit and artistic allure.
$315
per passengerHotels
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
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