Peru - Bolivia: Andean Adventures and Plateau Wonders
Description
Discover the best of Peru and Bolivia on this 10-day tour. Start in Lima, exploring its historic architecture, then head to Cusco and the Sacred Valley with its stunning Inca ruins. Visit Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the islands in Puno. End in La Paz, where you'll experience the local culture and its breathtaking mountainous landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lima.
Welcome to Peru! Upon landing in Lima, our team will greet you and accompany you to your hotel. During the transfer, we will provide you with a documentation kit containing detailed information about your adventure.
Relax and enjoy the comfort of your accommodation as you prepare to discover the wonders that this country has in store for you.
Day 2: Lima Tour.
We begin our exploration with a unique view of Lima, where the modern and the historic converge. In Miraflores and San Isidro, we will feel the vibrant rhythm of the contemporary city. Then, we will immerse ourselves in the historic heart of Lima, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We will walk through Plaza Mayor, admiring imposing structures such as the Government Palace and the Cathedral. A special visit will take us to the Convent of Santo Domingo, home to the relics of the most venerated Peruvian saints.
The highlight will be the Larco Museum, a treasure trove housing more than 45,000 pre-Columbian pieces. Here, its famous erotic ceramics room and collection of ancestral jewelry will transport us to the mysteries of the Mochica culture and other pre-Incan civilizations.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 3: Lima - Cusco.
In the morning, we will take a flight to Cusco, the historical jewel of Peru. Upon arrival, enjoy a free day exploring this fascinating colonial city, built upon ancient Incan foundations. Stroll through the San Blas neighborhood, visit the Sun Temple (Koricancha), or admire the impressive Sacsayhuamán Fortress.
Day 4: Cusco - Sacred Valley.
You will explore three wonders of the Sacred Valley: Maras, Moray, and Misminay. In Maras, you will enjoy the stunning salt mines, while in Moray you will discover the Inca agricultural terraces. This fascinating site was used as an agricultural laboratory, creating microclimates for cultivation.
Then, in Misminay, you will experience a cultural exchange with the local community, participating in activities such as planting, harvesting, and textile work. A unique opportunity to learn about the Andean way of life.
Accommodation: Hotel of your choice.
Day 5: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco.
At the scheduled time, you will take the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. During the journey, you will enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Andes, with views of the mountains, the Vilcanota River, and picturesque villages. This unique landscape will prepare you for the exciting destination that awaits.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will board a bus to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. You will explore the ruins, immersing yourself in their history and mysticism, and have time to take spectacular photos of the site. Afterward, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and free time before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo, where you will be transferred to Cusco.
Day 6: Cusco.
This day will be free for you to enjoy the city of Cusco at your own pace, exploring its beautiful landscapes, stunning views, and nearby communities. You can enjoy the local wildlife and, if you dare, don't miss the famous Vinicunca Mountain, also known as the Rainbow Mountain.
Optional (with additional cost): Full-day trip to Vinicunca Mountain.
You will depart early for Cusipata and then travel to Phulawasipata, where you will begin the hike. During the journey, you will enjoy the local nature, observe herds of llamas and alpacas, and have panoramic views of Apu Ausangate, the highest snow-capped mountain in Cusco. You will also have the chance to interact with the local community and learn about their potato crops. After approximately an hour and a half of hiking, you will reach Vinicunca, at 5,020 meters above sea level, and be rewarded with a spectacular view of the colorful slopes of the mountain. Afterward, you will return to Phulawasipata and, after walking a total of 8 km, enjoy a traditional lunch in Cusipata.
Day 7: Cusco - Puno.
At the scheduled time, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the bus station to begin the journey from Cusco to Puno. During the trip, you will enjoy the magnificent landscape of the southern Cusco valley. The first stop will be in Andahuaylillas, where you can admire its beautiful 17th-century church, which houses an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs.
Next, you will visit the ruins of Racchi, also known as the "Temple of Wiracocha," a site with different areas that were used for various purposes. Finally, you will explore the archaeological site of Puca-Pucara, an ancient military camp that also served as an administrative center.
Upon arrival in Puno, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 8: Puno - Copacabana - Isla del Sol.
Today, you will embark on a tourist bus trip from Puno, enjoying a wonderful view of Lake Titicaca. The journey takes about 3 hours to reach Copacabana, a picturesque town on the lakeshore. You will visit its church and the famous "Virgen Morena."
Then, you will travel by boat across the lake to Isla del Sol, where you will enjoy an aptapi (typical highland lunch) in Huacani. The journey will continue by boat to the ruins of the Inca temple Pilkokaina.
Later, you will take a walk to La Estancia, a place with spectacular views of Lake Titicaca.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch (typical aptapi), and dinner.
Day 9: Isla del Sol - Isla de la Luna - La Paz.
Don't miss the early sunrise to start the day full of energy. From Yumani, you will walk to visit the Inca stairs and the Fountain of Eternal Youth, before boarding a boat to Isla de la Luna (approximately 1 hour), where you will explore the ruins of the Inca temple Iñak Uyu.
Afterward, you will continue your boat journey to reach Copacabana (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes). From there, you will take a shared transport to La Paz (approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes), enjoying breathtaking views of the Real Cordillera of the Andes.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Day 10: La Paz Tour.
This day will be dedicated to a unique tour of La Paz, starting at the old train station, taking the Red Line cable car to the main cemetery. Then, you will explore the Fish Market, Flower Market, and Uruguay Market, with its local animals and products.
You will also visit Eloy Salmón Street, known for its technology stores, and the Cholitas Market, famous for traditional skirts and blankets. The tour will conclude at the Witch Market, where you will learn about the Andean worldview.
Optional experience with an additional cost: City and Valle de la Luna Tour.
A 4-hour tour that includes craft markets and items related to witchcraft, followed by a visit to the Church of San Francisco, the Gold Museum, and Plaza Murillo.
You will then enjoy panoramic views from the Killi Killi viewpoint before reaching Valle de la Luna, a landscape of clay mountains formed by erosion. The tour includes a cable car ride.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 11: La Paz - Uyuni.
At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take the morning flight from La Paz to Uyuni (Flight not included).
Upon arrival, transfer to Uyuni town and enter the Salar de Uyuni at 10:00 AM. You will enjoy a tour of "Isla Incahuasi" and its impressive giant cacti. Then, you will visit the pre-Columbian fortress of Ayque Pucará and the nearby chullpares, before continuing towards Colchani for an amazing sunset.
Optional with an additional cost: Luxury cocktails during sunset with snacks and wine, and a star observation experience with hot drinks (depending on weather).
Overnight at the Palacio de Sal Hotel, a unique place built entirely of salt, offering an unforgettable rest.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch (picnic in the salt flat), and dinner at the hotel.
Day 12: Uyuni - La Paz.
Start with an optional sunrise at the Salar de Uyuni, where you can enjoy a serene landscape surrounded by water and salt, along with a spectacular sunrise. This experience, depending on the weather, includes a hot drink. Afterward, you will take a return flight to La Paz, with a transfer to the hotel from El Alto Airport, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and surrounding mountains.
Optionally, you can take a half-day tour to the ruins of Tiwanaku, an ancient pre-Inca civilization located 1½ hours from La Paz. The tour includes visits to important structures such as the Kalasasaya Temple, the Sun Gate, the Ponce and Fraile monoliths, the Akapana pyramid, and the semi-subterranean temple, as well as two local museums with artifacts and ceramics from that era.
The night will be spent in La Paz, where you can rest and prepare for the next day of your adventure.
Day 13: La Paz.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, it will be time to depart. At the scheduled time, we will transfer you to the airport to catch your international flight.
Although this journey ends, the incredible experiences will remain forever in your memory! See you soon, and may new adventures await you!
Includes
- Tourist transportation.
- Official tourism guide.
Excludes
- Others, not listed in the program.
- Additional expenses.
- Snacks.
- Admission Tickets.