Machu Picchu, Titicaca & La Paz
Private tour: 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
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Lima
Day 1 Lima
Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival at the Lima airport you’ll be transferred to your 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 explore the beautiful city of Lima, also known as the 'city of kings'. Your guided tour takes you through Plaza San Martin, also taking in Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the City Hall. 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 take in the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, where you see Huaca Pucllana, an impressive clay pyramid that represented the ceremonial and administrative centre of the Lima culture. 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 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 transfer to the airport for your 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 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, 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 travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas today. The first stop is the popular Pisac markets where you 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. Continue onwards 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. 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. Start the day with a short drive to the Ollantaytambo train station where you 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 board a bus which takes you 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.
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, 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, 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 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, pass through herds of llamas and spectacular landscapes until you get to Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile centre. Here, see the Temple of Kalasaya, remnants of a Pucara structure. After a stop for lunch at a countryside restaurant, continue on to Puno, your base for the next two nights.
The following day 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. Then move on to Taquile Island, where you 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. Experience local life with a visit to a home and enjoy a homecooked lunch. After lunch explore more of this remarkable island including some of the islands archaeological sites. Later this afternoon return to Puno.
Day 10 Copacabana
Day 10 Copacabana
Puno - Copacabana - La Paz (Bolivia). This morning wake up early for your journey to La Paz. Travel by tourist bus from Puno to the stunning city of La Paz in Bolivia. On this scenic bus journey you 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 your 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 head out to explore this captivating city on a guided tour. Starting with a tremendous perspective of the city at the Killi Killi viewpoint, make your 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! Exploration continues as you descend into the mesmerising Moon Valley, the rocky landscape which has been created by centuries of weathering is quite an incredible sight. Next take a ride in a cable car across the city, giving an impressive panorama of the city. Then 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 your tour ends 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 independent exploration. Wander around the cobbled streets, admire the colourful houses and perhaps enjoy a spot of souvenir shopping before returning home.
Day 12 La Paz
Day 12 La Paz
Today your tour comes to an end with a transfer to the airport. Alternatively opt to extend your stay to explore more of Bolivia.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
The modern Hilton Garden Inn is located in the vibrant heart of Lima’s upscale Miraflores district, only a 5-minute stroll from Miraflores Central Park and Kennedy Park. The hotel features spacious rooms with contemporary amenities, including free Wi-Fi, HD TV and a mini-refrigerator. You can enjoy a relaxing swim in the rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city, work up a sweat at the fitness centre or savour Peruvian cuisine at the on-site restaurant. From the hotel’s prime location you can also take a scenic stroll along Malecón de Miraflores, a popular coastal path which stretches for 6-miles, and visit the popular The Larcomar shopping centre.
The recently renovated Sonesta Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Cusco. The Plaza de Armas, Cusco Craft Center, Centro de Textiles and Cusco Museum of Popular Art are all just a short walk away. The well-appointed guest rooms feature either a mountain or city view, with cable TV, free WiFi and private bathrooms. The hotel’s restaurant serves a fusion of Peruvian and international food. There are two bars and a café for you to relax and enjoy a drink after a busy day sightseeing.
Scenically housed in an old monastery at the foot of a mountain in Peru's iconic Sacred Valley, the Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay is located just outside Urubamba and makes a great base for exploring the region. Rooms combine the contemporary and the rustic, featuring private bathrooms, TV, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. The onsite restaurant serves Andean classic dishes with a modern twist, and there's also a bar for customers to enjoy. As with many rural Peruvian hotels, there are resident alpacas!
Set on the banks of Lake Titicaca you cannot go wrong with the view from this hotel in Puno. This modern property boasts spacious and comfortable guest rooms outfitted with air-conditioning, safety deposit boxes, TVs and a fully stocked mini bar. The hotel restaurant Sillustani enjoys fantastic has floor to ceiling windows serves up a delectable menu. When you return from a day of sightseeing why not grab a drink from the bar and admire the vista from the lounge. While Hotel Jose Antonio might be located a taxi ride from Puno, but its well worth it for the view.
This friendly 3-star hotel offers comfortable, en suite guest rooms, equipped with flat screen TVs and a terrace. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and a tasty continental breakfast is served each morning. Hotel Gloria is located on a quiet street, 1.9km from Irpavi Teleferico (cable car) Station and within easy reach of the main attractions of La Paz. El Alto International airport is just 20kms away.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
Add on:Chinchero Half Day Tour
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.
Add-on: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Trek
Embark 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.
Add on: Lima Gourmet Food Tour
This 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.
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