Peru and Bolivia
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machupicchu, Lake Titicaca - Uros and Taquile islands, Copacabana, Sun Island, Tihuanacu, Uyuni Salt flat, La Paz, Quemez, Siloli desert, Green Lagoon, Potosi, Sucre, Yatun, Jampara

Overview

A 18 day journey visiting the absolute highlights of Peru and Bolivia: We start at Lima and visit the colonial centre, a Unesco heritage site. From here we fly to the Andean mountains arriving at Cusco, another Unesco world heritage. We continue to the pittoresque Sacred Valley and travel by train to Machu Picchu. We then travel to the highest navigable lake in the world: Lake Titicaca on the border with Bolivia. From here we journey to La Paz and visit Tihuanacu, a great example of pre-Inca architecture. From La Paz we take a plane to Uyuni, to exlore the Salt flats of Uyuni in a 4x 4 wheeldrive, the Siloli desert and the Green Lagune. From Uyuni we take a bus to the colonial town of Potosi, the mining town of Sucre and the nearby Indigenous Center Jatun Yampara. We end this trip with a visit of the witches market and the Moon Valley in La Paz. From La Paz we fly back to Lima where you have another day to explore the town before returning home.

Tour highlights

– Visit the Colonial centre of Lima – The Capital of the Inca’s: Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu – Journey by luxury train to Puno – Embark on a boat trip on the highest navigable Lake in the world and visit the Moon island – Explore the Pre-inca site of Tihuanacu – Visit the Salt flats of Uyuni and sleep in a salt hotel – See Geysers and enjoy a bath in the Hot springs in Lípez Highlands – Observe Flamingo’s at the red Lagoon – Walk down the colonial town of Potosi and visit a mine in Sucre

18 days – 17 nights

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18

Arrival Lima and transfer to hotel. Afternoon Lima city tour.

Fly to Cusco. Free day at leisure

Morning city tour of Cusco. Afternoon free

Day excursion to the Sacred Valley

Train to Machu Picchu and guided tour of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, afternoon train to Cusco

Andean Explorer train to Puno or bus to Puno

Puno – Kasani – Copacabana – Sun Island – La Paz

La Paz – Tiahuanaco – La Paz

La Paz - Uyuni – Uyuni salt flat – Quemez

Quemez – Siloli Desert

Siloli desert – Green Lagoon – Uyuni

Uyuni – Potosi

Potosi – Sucre

Jatun - Yampara - Sucre

Sucre – La Paz

La Paz–Lima

Lima - Free day at leisure. Evening transfer to the airport for international flight

Departures:

Daily departures year round

Destinations:

Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machupicchu, Lake Titicaca – Uros and Taquile islands, Copacabana, Sun Island, Tihuanacu, Uyuni Salt flat, La Paz, Quemez, Siloli desert, Green Lagoon, Potosi, Sucre, Yatun, Jampara

Reservation code:

HPB-18

On arrival to Lima, we wait for you at the airport and transfer you to your selected hotel in the exclusive district of Miraflores.

In the afternoon City tour we will pick up at your hotel for your Lima City tour. The tour offers the best combination of the different attractions in Lima and its three historical periods: pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary.

We first visit Lima’s Historical Center, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988, and a Cultural Patrimony in 1991.

We will visit the colonial sites of the Plaza Mayor, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archibishop’s Palace. Right after we visit the San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs. We continue to modern section and visit the suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores. On our way we will pass by the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca pyramid shaped temple.

Then we will visit the Parque del Amor (Lovers Park) and enjoy refreshing views of the Pacific Ocean as we drive down to the Miraflores Malecon, a road overlooking the ocean. After the tour you will be taken back to your hotel.

Overnight in Lima
no meals included

This morning, make your own way to the airport to take your flight to Cusco. You will high up in the Peruvian Andes to Cusco, once the capital of the Incas Empire where you will learn more about the Andean culture as the city itself represents the center of indigenous Quechua culture.
Cusco once the capital of the Incas Empire where you will learn more about the Andean culture as the city itself represents the center of indigenous Quechua culture.

The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatization.

Transfer to the airport for flying to Cusco, our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. Free day.
Overnight in Cusco

Breakfast included

Free morning to relax and explore on your own. In the afternoon we will pick you up for your City Tour. First, we will visit the Cathedral of Cusco on the Plaza de Armas and continuously the temple of Qoricancha, also known as the temple of the Sun. After these visits, we will continue to the upper part of Cusco to visit several archaeological sites. The first stop will be at Sacsayhuaman, a ceremonial complex of the Incas. We will also visit Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. At the end, we will return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

Note: In private service you will first have a tour by foot through the city, visiting Qoricancha the Inca Sun Temple, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral, enjoying the atmosphere of the city by observing the well-preserved colonial architecture that conserves Incas original stone walls, evidence of a rich and complex history. We will continue our way until we get to San Pedro Central Market where the locals shop for Andean grains, fruits, natural medicine plants and more. Afterwards, drive up above Cusco for a visit of the spectacular Sacsayhuaman Inca complex with stupendous stonework, Qenko a place of rituals and then we will visit the house of Sulca to see the lovely textiles made by hand.

Return to your hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast included

This will be a full day tour where you will enjoy the varied landscapes of the beautiful Río Urubamba Valley, known as “Valle Sagrado de los Incas”, along the way we can see attractive colonial towns and isolated villages of indigenous communities that continue their tradition for weaving, pottery and agriculture. Main attractions will be the handicraft markets and the lofty Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, it is definitely the perfect match between a cultural experience, the Andean sunlight and delicious typical food.

We will visit first the famous Pisac Colorful Indian market to see the handicrafts and taste delicious empanadas baked in huge typical ovens. Afterwards, continue to the Pisac ruins above the town for a visit of the Sun Temple and admire the many surrounding terraces. We will continue to Urubamba to enjoy lunch, then off to one of the original Inca towns of Ollantaytambo to be amazed by the ruins that sit in front of the quaint town. After a wonderful day you will return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the night.

Overnight in Sacred Valley
Breakfast and lunch included.

This morning you will ride on the train from Ollantaytambo with breathtaking views to Aguas Calientes. You will check into your hotel and then take the bus to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

In your way up to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu you will have spectacular views from the Mountains and the typical flora and fauna of the mysterious Cloud Forest. It is highly recommended to have lunch in Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant located in the entrance of the Citadel, enjoying the atmosphere of this magical place and then have a quiet guided tour after noon, with less crowds and the chance to see the amazing sunrise.

With your Official guide you will visit the enigmatic Citadel of Machu Picchu following a specific route where you will walk through the different sectors such as the Urban and Ceremonial and other places of interest. You will also have time for taking memorable pictures. We are sure that this will be a unique experience!

The Citadel of Machu Picchu was declared by UNESCO a world heritage in 1983. It is believed to have been built in the 15th century and abandoned by the Inca Empire when the Spaniards conquered them. The locals always knew about the ruins and some locals lived around it. The ruins were brought to the world’s attention in 1911. Visit the Sun Temple, the Room of the Three Windows, the Royalty sector and more.

Note: New regulations have been stablished for the visit to Machu Picchu since 2019, according to these statements there are certain schedules for the visit, with the Machu Picchu ticket you can stay 4 hours as maximum in the Citadel. Please notice that Machu Picchu is open from 6:00 am to 5:30pm. aumentar

Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Breakfast and lunch included

Today you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own pace.

If you have chosen the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel, you can opt to do one of the various excursions on the hotel grounds which include bird-watching, orchid and nature hikes with specialist guides.

Otherwise, based on your choice you could climb the Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu Mountain Peak. This short trek inside the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu will make your day spectacular! You will hike up through Inca’s original paths that will lead you towards magical places within the Cloud Forest. With every step you will get fascinated by the beautiful views of the famous Andean Mountains. You can have a taste of the real Inca Trail doing this trek and appreciate the architectonic magnificence of the Incas. You have to see it with your own eyes!

Please make sure you check out of your hotel before you leave for the Sanctuary and to pick up your luggage and to be at the train station half an hour before your train’s departure.

Return to Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch on your own. Then board your train to the Poroy or station. Private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Note: Tickets are subject to availability. There are schedules for the visit to one of the Mountains, with the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu tickets you can stay inside the Park for 6 hours and with the Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain Peak ticket for 7 hours maximum. The visit for one of the mountains has a moderate grading that requires a good physical condition although effort is well worth it. The Huayna Picchu hike is easier and takes less time than Machu Picchu Mountain Peak.

Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast included

Transfer to the bus station for your tourist bus to Puno in which you will visit 4 archeological sites along the way. This will be a very active and interesting 9 hours journey.

This day long bus ride takes you through snow-covered peaks, high and wide Andean valleys where llamas graze on spiky grass. As you pass by villages with cobblestone streets and you will see people making adobe bricks by hand.

On our way to Puno we will visit the litho-sculptures of Pukara, La Raya, the highest point between Cusco and Puno (14234 feet / 3800 meters), Raqchi, the temple of the God Wiracocha and Andahuaylillas. The church of Andahuaylillas is known as the «Sistine Chapel of America». It is known as one of the best- preserved examples of Andean religious art. Arrival in Cusco and transfer to hotel.

Alternative option: Upgrade to Lake Titicaca train to Cusco available at an additional cost. Train operates Puno to Cusco: Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

Travel in style on the Lake Titicaca train to Cusco. Morning transfer to the local train station of Puno where the train operated by Peru Rail is waiting for your spectacular rail journey to Cusco, which runs on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The glass-walled observation coach provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The journey is broken by a scenic stop at La Raya, which is also the highest point on the route.
 First class lunch is served aboard the train in style.
 A music and fashion show and a bar-tending lesson will also be part of your experience aboard.

Overnight in Puno
Breakfast and lunch Included

At 07.30 (Time of Peru) we pick you up from your hotel, after a 2.5-hour trip we arrive to the border of Kasani, where the guide will contact you, you will make migration procedures and change vehicle to continue to Copacabana. Then we continue 30 minutes more to the town of Copacabana.
At 11:30 (Time of Bolivia) we will arrive to Copacabana and we get on board of our boat to begin the trip in the Titicaca Lake to the Sun Island, at its south part we will visit Inca’s archaeological site of Pilcocaina. Later we will continue to Yumani, there we will visit “Escalinata del Inca” (Inca’s stairs) and “Fuente de las 3 aguas” (the Source of the 3 Watersheds), enjoy a breath taking view of the lake and the Royal Range of the Andes. We get back on the boat to return to Copacabana where we will make a quick visit to the village and its church, it is a religious sanctuary in honour of Candelaria Madonna, an important pilgrimage site, and then we have a little time to visit the town and handicraft stores.
Transportation to La Paz. Arrival at 21:30 approximately.

Overnight in La Paz
Breakfast and lunch included

At 8:30 you will be picked up from you hotel, this tour takes you across the immense Altiplano (High Plateau Ranges) with spectacular views of Andean fields and small mud houses. Later we get to the town of Tiwanaku, where is one of the greatest architectural achievements of pre-Incan South America: the Tiwanaku ancient ceremonial centre.
First we will visit the anthropology museum to learn more about Tiwanaku’s history, then we go into our journey back to more than 3500 years ago. At the archaeological site we will see the “Puerta del Sol” (Sun Gate), a megalithic gateway carved from a single block of stone. Also visit Kalasaya, which is believed to be a ritual platform built using huge blocks of red sandstone. The Akapana pyramid is another structure which makes Tiwanaku one of the popular places of interest in Bolivia. Return to La Paz at 15:30.
*Includes: 1 night of accommodation at the chosen hotel in La Paz, Private transportation, bilingual guide service (English – Spanish), entrance tickets to the archaeological site and museum.
Lodging in La Paz
(B/L/-)

Early in the morning, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Uyuni *Flight La Paz- Uyuni (not included).
At your arrival to Uyuni, we will be waiting for you at the airport to give you the first instructions for the tour. You will have some free time to know the town and have breakfast on your own.
Our staff will pick you up from your hotel at 11:00 approximately, first we will visit the
Train Cemetery where you can learn more about Uyuni’s history, later we will enter to the Uyuni Salt Flat by Colchani, where we will see the salt artisanal extraction. Later, inside the Salt Flat we will arrive to the “Salt Hotel-Museum”, the first of its kind. On our way we will be able to see optic illusions, able to see just in raining season (December- March), and also we will visit “Ojos de Agua” (Eyes of water), small salt water eruptions which help us to explain the development of this salt lake.
At noon you will visit the “Incahuasi Island” in the middle of the Salt flat; there are extraordinary calcareous rocks, large populations of Cactus, caves, tunnels and a spectacular 360 grades panoramic view of the Salt Flat. We will continue our tour to the north part of the salt flat visiting a local museum, where we will be able to see pre- Columbian mummies. Later we will get to the Salt Flat viewpoint at the foot of the Tunupa volcano.
At the end of the afternoon we will arrive to Tahua for overnight.

Note: *Flight options:
Dep: 06:30 – Arr: 7:15 Dep: 08:30 – Arr: 9:15.

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic all the flight schedules have changed thenwe have confirm services with the airline before your reservation.

Overnight in Salt Hotel-Museum – Uyuni
All meals included

Leaving the salt flat behind we will travel along the volcanoes range with their eternal snow going to Lípez, there we will have a view of the Ollagüe Volcano at the distance. Then we restart the trip to the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, where we will appreciate the svelte figure of the wild Vicuñas, while we get to the lagoons of Cañapa, Hedionda and Honda where you will see different kinds of birds.
Then we will arrive to the Siloli Desert where we will have some time to take pictures of this magnificent landscape and if it is possible you would see the Vizcachas (wild desert rabbit).

Overnight in Uyuni
All meals included

This day we need to get up very early in order to start the tour at 5:30 approximately, our first activity is the visit to the Stone Tree, famous rock formation in the Desert, latert we will get to the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, arriving to the Geysers of “Sol de Mañana” during the most active moment and with the first ray of sunlight. The cold is intense but, we will be able to walk among the smoky and noisy geysers, boiling mud stewpot where red and grey mud is boiling. Later we will enjoy a bath in the hot springs in Polkes, in the middle of the Lípez Highlands.
Later we will get to the Dali Desert, there are surrealist columns of stones sculpted by the wind. After that, we will appreciate the Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon), one of the pearls of the Reserve at its best moment; we are now at the foot of Licancabur volcano. It’s time to take the road back, towards Uyuni we will arrive to the Laguna Colorada (The Red Lagoon), this is the main flamingos nesting site, and there you will find three kinds of flamingos and other kinds of birds as Andean seagulls and wild ducks. The red color of the lagoon comes from the effect of the solar radiations and wind on the algae and plankton.
We continue our journey, in the afternoon; we will take a walk around the Rocks Valley,
Giant volcanic rocks close to Alota. Our last stop is at San Cristóbal village which has been moved from its original site to the actual one for the needs of one the biggest mine in Bolivia. Arrival to Uyuni at 18:00 approximately.

Overnight in Potosi
Breakfast included

In the morning, transfer to the bus stop to take a bus toward Potosi.
At your arrival to Potosí, we will be waiting at the bus station to pick you up and take you to your hotel
In the afternoon, we will take a walking tour in Potosi, we will visit the “Casa de la Moneda” (Mint House) and we will walk by the colonial streets enjoying the major tourist attractions of the city, like the San Lorenzo church, Official Royal Pavilion, the Santo Domingo Church, arriving to the main square of the city, where you will find the cathedral. After the visits we return walking to our hotel.

Overnight in Potosi
All meals included

In the morning, we will have a visit the monument of mines, mining market; we meet women miners (palliris) and visit to a mining cooperative. Inside the mine we visit the miners.
In the afternoon, we will pick you up from your hotel to take you the bus station to take a bus to Sucre. At your arrival to Sucre, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Sucre
All meals included

We depart from Sucre to the Indigenous Center Jatun Yampara located at 23 Km from this town.
At your arrival, we will have a show walk to visit some typical homes and to observe the way of living and costumes of the ancient Yampara culture, being able to see community agro-productive activities.
Then we will have a visit to ceremonial and mortuary constructions, a native bar “La Chicheria” and some small workshops from textiles and pottery, where you can shop if you want to.
Return to Sucre

Overnight in Sucre
Breakfast and lunch included

In the morning, transfer to the airport to take the flight to La Paz. *Flight Sucre-LaPaz At your arrival to La Paz, we will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to the hotel.
At 14:00 we will pick you up from your hotel to start the city tour, the tour begins at the “Witches market” where you will find traditional remedies and witchcrafts to offer to Pachamama-Mother Earth. Later we will visit the exteriors of San Francisco Basilica and Murillo Square, in its surroundings there are: the Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Congress of the Republic and the Cathedral.
Later we continue with our tour we will visit a panoramic viewpoint where you will have a great view of La Paz city.
Finally, after crossing most part of the city, going though Miraflores district and the south part of the city we will get to the Moon Valley, a natural area, where the erosion has worn away the majority of a mountain and due to being composed of clay, over the centuries the wind and rain have created a work of art similar to moon landscape, like a desert filled with stalagmites with a lot of species of cactus. Return to hotel.

Overnight in La Paz
All meals included

At the proper time, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Lima.
Free time at leisure.
Optional: Lima Culinary Tour

This Lima food tour covers art, urban life, and Peru’s phenomenal cuisine. You’ll fall in love with the charming seaside district of Barranco as we take a magical stroll through its streets. This is the perfect plan to explore the city over a relaxed lunch spread over three perfectly-timed stops. We’ll meet up at a central Barranco location where the bright colors of the colonial buildings and fresh ocean breeze accompany us while we dig into flavorful bites at an outdoor terrace surrounded by a lush landscape. Next, tap into your creative side as we wander through an impressive gallery featuring the works of Peru’s most renowned street artist. We’ll take in the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean while conversing with our fun and entertaining local guide en route to our next stop. This upscale hidden gem will wow you with the chef’s take on traditional Peruvian dishes as you enjoy anecdotes and cultural tales steeped in the country’s history. No food tour would be complete without something sweet! We’ll try an award-winning dessert and take in the aroma of Peru’s stellar coffee on our third charming patio of the afternoon. After hanging with our team, you’ll be ready for a leisurely stroll around the city or perhaps a siesta, but either way you’ll fully understand why we say in Spanish, «barriga llena, corazón contento…» full belly, happy heart.

Overnight in Lima
No meals included

Free day at leisure
At the requested time transfer to Lima airport for your international flight.
Breakfast included

Included

Hotels included:
Lima (2 nights), Cusco (3 nights), Valle Sagrado (1 night), Machu Picchu (1 night), Puno (1 night), La Paz (3 nights), Uyuni (3 nights), Potosi (1 night), Sucre (2 nights)

Entrance tickets:
All entrance tickets for the places to visit mentioned in the program

Excursions:
All excursions mentioned in the program

Guide:
Official bilingual guides during excursions

Machupicchu:
Roundtrip bus tickets and entrance tickets to the Sanctuary on day 5

Meals:
Meals as mentioned in program

Train:
Train to Machu Picchu ( roundtrip)

Not Included

Flights:International flights
Flights: Domestic flights Lima/Cusco – La Paz/Uyuni and Sucre/La Paz
Tips: Tips at airports, hotels and tips for guides, drivers or other personal.
Second day visit to Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Peak
Insurance: Travel insurance
Train from Cusco to Puno
Anything not mentioned in our program

HOTELS

Choose your hotel category

Prices

* Prices for 2022 (we are working on it) Contact one of our Experience Travel Consultants to tailor this trip for you or if you have any questions, we are here to help you and strive to respond the same business day.