Peru & Bolivia Discovery
Embark on a 13-day adventure through Peru and Bolivia, starting with Lima’s vibrant sights and the Larco Museum. Fly to Cusco to uncover the wonders of the Sacred Valley, including Maras, Moray, and Machu Picchu. Journey by bus to Puno and Lake Titicaca, explore Copacabana, and marvel at the Island of the Sun. Experience the markets and landmarks of lofty La Paz before discovering the breathtaking Uyuni salt flats and Isla Incahuasi.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Lima!
Day 1 Welcome to Lima!
Welcome to the Peruvian capital. On arrival, you will be collected and transferred to our hotel. Once you're settled in, you can spend the rest of today unwinding in the hotel, or head out to explore the city.
Tour Style: This tour is made up of a selection of excursions and activities, with transportation and a choice of standard or superior accommodation. You will have different bi-lingual (English & Spanish speaking) local guides for each excursion. Some excursions are on a shared basis, meaning you will be joined by travellers from outside of the group and the group size may exceed 16. Please note: Internal flights are not included in the cost of the tour but we can book these for you on request.
Day 2 Lima sightseeing
Day 2 Lima sightseeing
Today we explore Lima, the 'City of Kings'. Our half day tour of the capital city begins in the pretty district of Miraflores, before we head to the equally lovely San Isidro, stopping for a quick look at a 'huaca', a sacred pre-Inca archaeological site. Making our way to the city centre, we stroll around some of the city's most important streets, arriving at last at the central Plaza de Armas. There will be free time to soak up the colonial architecture of Lima's main square.
Moving on, we visit the historic Convent of Santo Domingo, another well-preserved example of colonial architecture. Our final stop is the privately-owned Larco Museum, where there is plenty of time to browse an astonishing array of archaeological treasures. Then it's back to the hotel and a free evening for you to head out and sample some of Lima's nightlife. Make sure to try a Pisco Sour, it's an excellent local cocktail!
Day 3 Cusco
Day 3 Cusco
Lima - Cusco. After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Cusco. Note that this flight is not included in the cost of your tour. We can assist with booking this flight. See the Trip Notes for suggested flight information.
Arriving in Cusco, the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure, independently exploring this charming city.
Alternatively, join our optional tour of Cusco. Visit iconic San Pedro market before we head to the ruins of Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace, dedicated to the Sun God. On this tour we also visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Q’enqo archeological site and the Plaza de Armas, home to the majestic Cathedral.
Day 4 Exploring the Sacred Valley
Day 4 Exploring the Sacred Valley
Cusco - Sacred Valley. Today is dedicated to exploring three jewels of the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Maras, Moray and Misminay. Leaving Cusco, we head to the Maras salt mines, where the world's finest salt is extracted and exported around the world.
We then visit the archaeological site of Moray, home to huge terraces where the Incas used to grow food and other crops. We can also meet members of the Misminay indigenous community, who will warmly welcome us to their village with traditional music and dancing. Learn about the lives of these rural villagers and join them for some of their daily activities, including planting, harvesting and textile work. After our visit, we continue to the our hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Day 5 Machu Picchu
Day 5 Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco. This morning we transfer to Ollantaytambo station and board the train to Aguas Calientes, admiring the spectacular scenery en route. After a short bus ride from Aguas Calientes, we find ourselves at one of the Seven Wonders of the World, magnificent Machu Picchu. This ancient citadel was once known as the Lost City, forgotten for centuries until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Even the Spanish conquistadors never found this hidden treasure.
After the guided tour of this spectacular site, we return to Aguas Calientes. There's free time to have lunch and explore the streets, before we take the train back to Ollantaytambo and continue our journey by road to Cusco.
Day 6 Cusco free time or Rainbow Mountain
Day 6 Cusco free time or Rainbow Mountain
Today is free for you to relax at the hotel or further explore Cusco. Alternatively, you can join an optional full-day tour to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
If you join the tour, we depart Cusco early, crossing the South Valley towards Cusipata and then Phulawasipata. Here we begin our hike, ascending to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. Take in the bright colours, created by a plethora of minerals in the soil and rocks here. There's plenty of time to take photos and explore the area before we walk back to our vehicle and return to Cusco for the night.
Day 7 Cusco to Puno
Day 7 Cusco to Puno
Cusco - Puno. After breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the bus station for our bus journey to Puno. Our first stop will be Andahuaylillas, where we'll visit a beautiful 17th-century church. Next, we’ll explore the well-preserved ruins of Raqchi, also known as the Temple of Wiracocha.
After time for lunch, we make a stop at the archaeological site of Puca-Pucara, a military camp and administrative centre. Finally, we'll arrive at the bus station in Puno and be transferred to our hotel, not far from the shore of Lake Titicaca.
Please note: Some members of the group may be ending their tour in Cusco.
Day 8 Copacabana & Sun Island
Day 8 Copacabana & Sun Island
Puno - Copacabana (Bolivia) - Sun Island. We travel by tourist bus from Puno, enjoying stunning views of Lake Titicaca along the three-hour journey, until we reach the Bolivian town of Copacabana. This charming town lies on the shores of the lake, and we will visit the church and the renowned Virgen Morena.
We then take a boat across the lake to the Island of the Sun, a one-hour trip. On arrival we enjoy an included Aptapi, a traditional highland lunch. The boat journey continues to the ruins of the Pilkokaina Inca temple. Finally, we hike to La Estancia, enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca on the hour-long trek.
Tonight, we are staying at an eco-lodge on the southern part of Sun Island. Our accommodation combines traditional Andean architecture with modern comforts, respecting the natural surroundings. The adobe brick and thatch cabins are set among pre-Inca terraces.
Day 9 Return to La Paz
Day 9 Return to La Paz
Sun Island - Copacabana - La Paz. Don’t miss an early sunrise! We will hike down through Yumani, visiting the Inca stairs and the Fountain of Eternal Youth, before taking a one-hour boat trip to the Island of the Moon to explore the Inca ruins of the Inak Uyu temple.
From here, we head back to Copacabana, a journey of an hour and a half, and continue with shared transport to La Paz, a three-and-a-half-hour drive with stunning views of the Andes Royal Range along the way.
Day 10 La Paz sightseeing
Day 10 La Paz sightseeing
Today's half-day tour of La Paz will be guided by a “lustra bota” a shoe-shiner, offering us a different perspective of the remarkable Bolivian capital city. We meet our guide outside the old train station in La Paz and hop on one of the city’s many cable car lines, disembarking at the city's main cemetery, where our walking tour begins.
After a brief visit to the cemetery, we continue to the Fish Street Market, the Flower Market, and the Uruguay Market, important hubs for shopping and trade. The tour then takes us to Eloy Salmon Street, lined with shops and stalls selling the latest technology, and to the “Cholitas Market,” where local women, known as Cholitas, shop for traditional skirts and blankets. We conclude the tour at the famous Witches’ Market on Linares and Sagarnaga Streets.
If you would prefer to pay an additional cost for an alternative tour of La Paz, you can book an optional tour that combines La Paz with the nearby geological formations known as the Valley of the Moon.
City Tour and Valley of the Moon - (Minimum 02 passengers)
Begin with a tour of La Paz, visiting bustling street markets, the colonial quarter, San Francisco Church, the Gold Museum, Murillo Square, and the "Mirador de Killi Killi" viewpoint. We’ll also see an outdoor replica of the Tiwanaku temple before heading to the Valley of the Moon, a large clay pan shaped by erosion. Our tour ends back in La Paz with a cable car ride over the city.
Day 11 La Paz to Uyuni
Day 11 La Paz to Uyuni
La Paz - Uyuni. This morning we transfer from our hotel to the airport for your flight to Uyuni. Note that this flight is not included in the cost of your tour, we can assist with booking this flight. See the Trip Notes for recommended flight information.
We’ll collect you at the airport and begin our exploration of the Uyuni salt flats, covering more than 10,500 square kilometres. We head first to Isla Incahuasi, a unique island known for its volcanic rocks and giant cacti. Next, we travel north to visit the pre-Columbian fort of Ayque Pucara and the nearby chullpares, both situated on the foothills of the Thunupa volcano. We then continue east to Colchani, where we will spend the night at a salt hotel. This is an amazing hotel where the walls, ceilings, chairs and tables are made from salt!
You can join two optional activities this evening:
Luxury Cocktail during the sunset
Enjoy a luxury cocktail in the heart of the vast salt desert during an incredible sunset. You’ll be treated to snacks including ham, cheese, nuts, olives, and bread, along with wine.
Stargazing Experience
Have an extraordinary experience in the middle of Uyuni salt flats at night, where the lack of light pollution promises incredible stargazing opportunities. Hot beverages are included!
Day 12 La Paz
Day 12 La Paz
Uyuni - La Paz. This morning, you can join an optional sunrise excursion into the Uyuni salt flats, or enjoy a lie in.
Later, we transfer to the airport in Uyuni for our flight back to La Paz. This flight is not included in the cost of your tour, we can assist with booking this flight. See the Trip Notes for recommended flight information.
On arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to relax or further explore La Paz. You can also join an optional excursion to tour the Tiwanaku Ruins.
Half Day Tour to Tiwanaku Ruins
Tiwanaku is an hour and half drive from La Paz, and is one of the most significant pre-Inca civilizations. Our tour includes visits to the main sites, such as the Kalasasaya temple, the Gate of the Sun, the Ponce and Fraile monoliths, the Akapana pyramid, and the semi-underground temple. We’ll also explore two local museums as part of our tour.
Day 13 Goodbye!
Day 13 Goodbye!
After breakfast and check out, there is an included transfer to the airport.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
This straightforward hotel is just an 8-minute walk from Kennedy Park, 1 km from tours of the Huaca Pucllana pyramid, and 2 km from shopping at Larcomar. The simply furnished rooms feature bright décor and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, and desks. Guests can enjoy complimentary perks such as parking and a breakfast buffet, served in a casual restaurant with wooden floors and a relaxed bar. Meeting space is also available for those needing it.
Hacienda Cusco Plaza Regocijo is a charming hotel located just steps from Cusco’s main square, Plaza de Armas. Set in a beautifully restored colonial building, the hotel offers cozy rooms with Andean-inspired décor and modern comforts like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast in the courtyard, and the hotel's prime location makes it easy to explore Cusco's historic sites, such as the Cathedral and Sacsayhuamán. With its warm atmosphere and convenient access to both city highlights and day trips to Machu Picchu, it’s a perfect base for travellers.
Located within the Sacred Valley and surrounded by lush forests, Andean Wings Valley offers accommodation in Urubamba with free Wi-Fi access available throughout. The hotel provides 24/7 reception to cater to all your needs, while all rooms feature high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity. Transportation services are available upon request, ensuring guests can easily reach their destinations.
Located just one block from the central Plaza de Armas and two blocks from the Cathedral. Guests can explore the ancient Chucuito Colonial ruins, 18 km away, or enjoy windsurfing on Lake Titicaca. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi in the heart of Puno, just seven blocks from the lake. Amenities include a country-style wine bar adorned with artisanal art and complimentary parking. The rooms are decorated with wooden furniture and fresh flowers, and are equipped with air conditioning, cable TV, and coffee-making facilities. Casona Plaza is a 45-minute drive from Juliaca Airport.
Set on a terraced hillside, this relaxed and remote ecolodge overlooks Lake Titicaca and the Andean mountains, just 1 km from Yumani Bay. The lodge is environmentally conscious, using solar panels and water recycling. The down-to-earth cottages, with adobe walls and thatched roofs, offer stunning views of the lake and mountains, and feature cosy dining areas and en suite bathrooms. Breakfast and dinner are included, and guests can dine at an unfussy restaurant or enjoy drinks at a modest bar, both offering scenic views. The property also includes a greenhouse.
Opposite the 18th-century Basílica de San Francisco, this relaxed hotel in a colonial-style building is just a 5-minute walk from the remedy vendors at El Mercado de las Brujas and 7 km from El Alto International Airport. The laid-back rooms, featuring wooden floors, are equipped with Wi-Fi and cable TV. Guests can enjoy a casual restaurant and a bar, as well as a welcoming TV lounge and a courtyard with comfortable seating areas. A breakfast buffet is also available to start the day.
Built completely using salt bricks from Uyuni salt flats, the Palacio de Sal is a fully immersive experience and offers guests a fantastic stay. Each spacious room features beautiful wooden flooring, comfortable beds and a neutral colour scheme that is brought to life with the odd splash of colour. The hotel's restaurant serves up a delicious range of dishes using local ingredients such as quinoa and llama meat. A buffet breakfast is available each morning. The hotel is well located just 15 minutes from Colchani town and 25km for the Uyuni airport.
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