Highlights of Peru & Bolivia - 21 Days
Lima, Amazon Jungle, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Uyuni & Salt Flats
Combine these two high Andes countries for awe-inspiring views and ‘take your breath away’ moments. You will dive into the depths of the Peruvian jungle, searching for wildlife and learning the culture and natural remedies of the areas. Taking your time to get accustomed to the altitude has never been so easy when you have the pure nature and beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas around you. Visit Machu Picchu and live a day in the life of a local in Cusco then travel in comfort to the shimmering waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Then reach the highest heights of El Alto before plunging down into the valley below of La Paz. Throughout this 3 week itinerary you will learn the cultures and traditions of the Andean people and see how they are living in this modern day.
In Brief
Day 1: Arrival in Lima and Transfer to Your Hotel
Day 2: Full Day Lima Tour with Local Insight and Knowledge
Day 3: Transfer to Lima Airport – Flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado – Transfer to Tambopata Research Center
Day 4: Tambopata Research Center Activities
Day 5: Tambopata Research Center Activities
Day 6: Depart Tambopata Research Center – Flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco – Transfer from Cusco Airport to Your Hotel in the Sacred Valley Via a Camelid Sanctuary
Day 7: Lamay Village Experience
Day 8: Visit Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site – Travel by Train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Town)
Day 9: Visit Machu Picchu Citadel
Day 10: Travel by Train to Ollantaytambo – Visit Moray Archaeological site and Maras Salt Pans
Day 11: Free Time in Cusco
Day 12: Highlights Tour of Cusco with Local Insights and Knowledge
Day 13: Transfer to Cusco Train Station – PeruRail Titicaca Train Cusco to Puno – Transfer to Lake Titicaca Hotel
Day 14: Lake Titicaca Hotel Activities
Day 15: Transfer from Lake Titicaca to La Paz, via Tiwanaku Archaeological Site
Day 16: La Paz Locals Tour
Day 17: Flight La Paz to Uyuni – Salt Flats Experience
Day 18: Salt Flats Experience
Day 19: Salt Flats Experience
Day 20: Salt Flats Experience – Flight Uyuni to La Paz
Day 21: Transfer to La Paz Airport – Departure
- 20 Days / 19 Nights
- Group Size: Customised Itinerary For You
- Accommodation: Hand-Picked Hotels
- Start: Lima, Peru
Finish: La Paz, Bolivia
Included
- 20 Nights Accommodation
- Breakfasts Daily
- 13 Lunches
- 6 Dinners
- English and Spanish Speaking Guides
- Private & Shared Tours
- Private Transfers
- In country English or Spanish speaking 24 Hour Assistance
- Local Experiences
- Domestic Flights as Mentioned
Not included
- International flights
- Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
- Meals Not Mentioned
- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal Expenses
- Additional Entrances not Specified in the Itinerary
- Visas
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrival in Lima and Transfer to Your Hotel
Welcome to Peru!
After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, make your way out of the airport building where your guide and driver will be waiting for you. You will make the 45 min/1 hour trip along the coast to your hotel.
Settle into your hotel and relax after your long trip.
Overnight in Lima
Day 2 - Lima Historic and Cultural Tour with Local Insights and Knowledge
This morning you will set out on a day of exploring Lima with your private guide and driver.
Starting out with a look at the Historical side of Lima you will visit the pre-Inca heritage site of Huaca Pucllana, a ceremonial centre used between 200 – 700 A.C. You will find Huaca Pucllana nestled in the heart of the modern Miraflores district.
Afterwards we will travel by car to the Historic Centre of Lima, UNESCO City, to walk through and marvel at its architectural wonders and monuments. Here we will visit Casa de Aliaga, a stunning mansion which has been owned by the Aliaga family since the viceroyalty era. It is a true testament to Lima’s colonial splendour.
Following this visit we will make a stop for lunch. Lima is one of the most renowned cities in the world for its cuisine, for lunch you will be able to have a taste of what the hype is all about. Would you like to try Ceviche? Lomo Saltado? Or Rocoto Relleno perhaps? Wash it down with a famous Pisco Sour? (go slowly with Pisco Sours!). Your guide will be on hand to give you suggestions with the menu and pointers as to the best dishes.
After lunch you will immerse yourself in the culture of Lima. You will travel to the north of Lima to the district of Rimac, which is a member of the Heritage Cities of the World list. Rimac is home to the Plaza de Acho which is one of the most famous bullfighting rings in the world. While here in Rimac you will enjoy a visit to the awe inspiring Franciscan church and convent, Convento de los Descalzos.
You will then make your way back to your hotel for the evening.
Overnight in Lima
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 - Transfer to Lima Airport - Flight to Puerto Maldonado - Travel to Your Jungle Lodge
You will be transported to Cusco airport by private car. Your guide will be with you to assist in anything you may need for checking in to your flight to Puerto Maldonado. It is a short, but if cloudless, spectacular flight of about one hour and a half. The plane will pass over the Andes and possibly over Cusco before landing in Puerto Maldonado. It is interesting to look out the window and watch the vegetation below become denser as you near the jungle, and to follow the river you will soon be boating on. The river is the source of all in the Amazon jungle.
Flight: Lima -> Puerto Maldonado
On arrival in Puerto Maldonado you will look out for a person holding a sign with the name of your lodge, they will escort you to their office in Puerto Maldonado where you will store your main luggage, taking with you only what you will need for your jungle stay time. You will then be escorted to the river port for your boat trip to your lodge. Settle back and watch the jungle go by, and come in closer as you get deeper in.
Settle into your lodge, your guides will give you information for the rest of the day.
Overnight in Amazon Jungle lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 and 5 - Jungle Lodge Activities
Your jungle lodge offers as many as 20 different options for you to choose from each day. Generally you will participate in a morning, afternoon and evening activity. However the number of things you do whilst at your lodge will depend on your energy levels and what you are wishing to get out of your stay. Your guide will give you options for the day and you let them know which ones are of most interest to you for your stay.
A full range of activities will be given to you once your lodge is confirmed.
Overnight in Amazon Jungle lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 - Travel to Puerto Maldonado Airport - Flight to Cusco - Travel to The Sacred Valley Visiting a Camelid Sanctuary En Route
Enjoy your last morning waking up with the birds before an early boat transfer back to the town of Puerto Maldonado, collecting any stored luggage in the local office on your way to the airport for your flight to Cusco.
Flight: Puerto Maldonado -> Cusco
On arrival in Cusco you will be met by your private driver and guide and venture to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Enroute you will stop at a camelid sanctuary where you will learn the difference between alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, guanacos and all their other cousins along with their use in the past and modern day for both the animals and their wool.
Starting your descent into the Sacred Valley you will stop at a viewpoint to take in the stunning beauty of the area you are about to explore. You will be awestruck by the sight of the river carving through the lush verdant valley with soaring mountains on either side.
After checking into your hotel, take your time, relax and enjoy your surroundings. The Sacred Valley really is a magical place and you can feel this spirit in the surrounding mountains.
Overnight in Sacred Valley
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7 - Half Day Lamay Village Experience
This is a fascinating experience that will allow you to learn about traditional activities in the village of Lamay, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
You will go for a walk through this small traditional village. Starting with the visit of the Lamay Church, built in the 17th century, there is plenty of artwork that belongs to many different important cities in the world. You will visit the mezzanine of the choir and the bell tower, and learn how the bell rings for each different occasion, a language that has been lost among the years. Then you will learn about guinea pig breeding and how a traditional activity has transformed into a business opportunity for the locals.
Afterward, you will visit a traditional corn beer brewery (chichería), where you will learn about the process of making “chicha de jora” (corn beer), the benefits and importance of this drink for the farmers and local people in the village. You will enjoy this moment with chicha and a traditional and healthy snack, called “picante”.
If there is enough time, you will visit the Lamay bread oven, an important meeting place of the Lameños every morning. You will learn about breadmaking and other traditional uses that they give to such important tools.
It is the same local people and owners of these initiatives, who will explain what their life is like around their daily activity. With your visit we will be contributing to raise value to each of these important activities that each of them carries out.
Overnight in Sacred Valley
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Visit Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site - Travel by Train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Town)
Continuing along the Vilcanota River this morning you will make your way, with your guide and driver, to Ollantaytambo. You will spend some time with your guide at the terraced archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, scaling to the top for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and continuing to learn the history of this area. Explore the small cobbled streets of this town on your way to the train station, where you will board a train to the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo.
On board the train you will have time to relax in your comfortable seat and watch the scenery change outside your window, whilst having a snack made with a base of ingredients from the Andes.
On arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo you will walk, the only form of getting around, to your hotel with your guide and check in. This afternoon you will have time to relax in your hotel or explore this tiny town and its steep streets.
Tomorrow will be an early start!
Overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Please note: only cabin bags are permitted on the trains, due to space issues. Your larger luggage, suitcases etc, will be transported to Cusco and waiting for you at your hotel when you return from Machu Picchu.
Day 9 - Visit the Citadel of Machu Picchu
Early in the morning you will join the queue of excited travellers waiting to board buses and travel back up to the site of Machu Picchu. Whilst many dream of watching the sun rise over this UNESCO World Heritage Centre, it is actually the mysterious foggy time prior to the light that is most magical. With your guide, you will have a complete tour of this wonderous archaeological site whilst waiting for the sun to take its first peek over the surrounding mountains. Sunrise at Machu Picchu can come in all forms, all of them as unique as your experience in this magical area. You will marvel at the hidden city coming to life as the air turns from frosty to warm as the sun’s rays hit each part of the mountain. Please bear in mind that not every day is sunny in Machu Picchu, it is located in a cloud forest and has a subtropical climate.
After your visit, you will descend the mountain and return to Machu Picchu town. Your guide will give you some options for your afternoon activities. Two of the most popular options are a hike to Mandor waterfall or a soak in the local hot springs at the top of the town. Alternatively, you could choose to relax in your hotel or do your own exploring.
Overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Travel by Train to Ollantaytambo - Return to Cusco Visiting the Archaeological Site of Moray and the Salt Pans of Maras En Route
Mid morning you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo. With your driver and guide you will make your way back to Cusco, stopping off to admire the circular, terraced archaeological site of Moray, the quaint town of Maras and its amazing salt pans.
The scenery along this route to Cusco is spectacular, so ensure you keep an eye out the window, if your eyes will stay open!
The circular terraces of Moray are said to be a type of laboratory for plant life in the Incan times, they would use the terraces to “acclimate” plants from lower/warmer regions to then grow and thrive in the harsher Andean altitude. There are many other theories about these amazing terraces, however it goes to show the ingenuity of the Incas.
Maras salt pans, or Salineras, is a working salt mine to this day. Marvel at the different colours of the pools and see workers collecting salt whilst your guide explains the history of this site. On departure from the salt pans you will have the opportunity to purchase some of the salt collected from these pans, you can buy this salt in supermarkets all throughout Peru, and it is exported as well.
When you arrive at your hotel in Cusco you can check in and the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight in Cusco
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 11 - Free Time in Cusco
Today you have free time in Cusco. If you wish your guide will be on hand and can take you anywhere locally you would like to go. Alternatively grab a seat at a restaurant or cafe on one of the many plazas and watch the world go by. If you are interested in chocolate or cooking, please let us know and we can book you in for a chocolate making or cooking course. Cusco has a number of very good, world class restaurants and museums, we are happy to recommend something to suit your tastes.
Overnight in Cusco
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 12 - Tour Cusco with Local Insights and Knowledge and Enjoy Historic Sites
This morning you will be collected by your private guide to start your unforgettable experience in Cusco, seeing things only locals see at the same time enjoying the history and culture of this magnificent city.
You will travel by local bus to the largest market in Cusco. Travelling on the local bus will give you a feel of life in Cusco, and as you travel outside of the tourist centre you will see the buildings and people change, see how modern Cusquenians live and then those further outside the modern areas.
Stroll the alleyways of the Vinocanchon market and marvel at the vast array of produce and products on offer. This market is also known as the wholesale market, it’s where Cusco’s restaurants and vendors from other markets come to buy their goods. This means, what you are seeing may be what you eat later today at a restaurant in the centre! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some more exotic elements, such as herbal remedies.
Your return journey will be by private car, you’ll skirt the historic centre destined for the fortified complex of Sacsayhuaman. Here your guide will recount tales of old and explain how Sacsayhuaman was used and how it is continued to be used to this day.
At the end of your time in Sacsayhuman you will be transferred to a restaurant with panoramic views of Cusco.
To work off your lunch you will then continue to the historic centre by foot, via many stairs. You will pass by locals and their houses, houses that are built on steep hills with no access other than via the stairs you are walking. Through this route you will pass the bohemian neighbourhood of San Blas before arriving at the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. Both of which, along with the nearby Qorikancha you can visit with your guide or continue strolling the streets of Cusco, the choice is yours.
Overnight in Cusco
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 13 - Transfer to Cusco Train Station - PeruRail Titicaca Train Cusco to Puno - Transfer to Lake Titicaca Hotel
Today you will journey from Cusco to Puno by train. This magnificent trip will take all day and will be a pleasure aboard the PeruRail Lake Titicaca train. You will have an assigned seat, where you will be served lunch and afternoon tea, however you are free to roam the open carriages of the train, including the bar and observation car to ensure you have the most spectacular views and in the most relaxing way. Passing through grand pastures and by imposing mountains you can even glimpse a glacier or two. It truly is a pleasurable way to travel between the two cities.
For arrival at the train station in Cusco and help with the boarding process you will have a private guide and on arrival in Puno, to welcome you to this lakeside city a private guide will be waiting for you when you disembark the train.
Overnight by Lake Titicaca
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 14 - Lake Titicaca Hotel Activities
Travel by boat to the floating islands of Uros and Taquile, paddle in a canoe on the lake, visit remote villages or just laze by the lakeside. The choice is yours, just let us know what your ideal day looks like and we can put it together for you.
Overnight by Lake Titicaca
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 15 - Travel from Lake Titicaca to La Paz via Tiwanaku Archaeological Site
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Peru/Bolivia border where you will be accompanied through the immigration process before being handed over to your Bolivian guide and driver. From this border, Desaguadero, you will continue on to the archeological site of Tiwanaku.
Tiwanaku is often referred to as the “cradle of American civilisation”. This archaeological site is among the oldest of the Andean cultures and remains a surprise, for the perfection of the construction and decorative techniques displayed. Along with the Tiwanaku Museum, you will visit the following areas of the site: Akapana Pyramid, Kalasasaya temple, Puerta del Sol, Fraile and Ponce monoliths and the semi-subterranean temple. You will also have the opportunity to observe the local handicrafts: carved small stones, modelled on monoliths, Tiwanacota and Aymara amulets. Also you will marvel, and perhaps purchase, pottery worked with great mastery into such things as ceremonial vessels, incense burners, Puerta del Sol and others.
After lunch, you will continue by road to the city of La Paz and your hotel.
Overnight in La Paz
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 16 - La Paz Tour with Local Insights and Knowledge
This morning you will embark on a tour of this magnificent and chaotic city. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and begin your visit to this wonderous city to appreciate the cultural, historical, architectural and natural wealth found here.
You will visit the main square “Pedro Domingo Murillo”, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Congress. View the Government Palace and the Museum of Precious Metals (closed on Sundays) before travelling up to Killi Killi viewpoint, from here you have a panoramic view of the city of La Paz and the snow-capped mountain of Illimani, replica of the semi-subterranean temple of Tiwanaku.
Afterward, you will move to the southern area of La Paz, and observe the change in climate and construction style of the houses, which is more modern. Continuing south you will visit a place that will challenge your imagination, the Valley of the Moon. The shapes here are the product of erosion and resemble volcanic craters. Then, to get a birds eye view of La Paz you will ride on the cable cars, it is an ingenious way to travel in this crowded and often manic city. The serenity and quiet of the cable car will glide you over the chaos while you are able to take it all in.
Finally, and perhaps the most anticipated part of a visit to La Paz, you will stroll through the streets of the witches market, where local people buy products necessary for ceremonies and rituals such as Ch’alla, and also their offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Overnight in La Paz
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 17 - Transfer to La Paz Airport - Flight to Uyuni - Visit the Train Cemetery, Colchani and Incahuasi Island in the Bolivian Salt Flats
This morning’s breakfast will be an early one, before being transferred to the airport in La Paz for your flight to Uyuni.
Flight: La Paz -> Uyuni
Your first stop of the morning is to the train cemetery, here you will find abandoned train carriages and engines, and full trains which were once used in the salt manufacturing process. It is a great opportunity to get out and take some amazing photos. From here you will continue onto the town of Colchani to the manual salt process and the artisanal market where you will find various products made of salt, llama or alpaca wool, especially hats and ponchos, which may be of use whilst in the often unforgivingly cold climate.
Throughout the day you will see piles of salt, saltwater eyes, monuments of the Dakar Rally, Plaza of World flags, the first salt hotel which is now a restaurant and museum.
After lunch you will visit the giant salt structures of the salt ladder or “stairway to heaven”, the salt pyramid, salt clock, giant salt hand and the salt condor. You will then continue on to visit Incahuasi Island which is characterised by its giant cacti. You will take a walk to the top to the island from where you can see the salt flats in their awe-inspiring entirety.
On the way back to your hotel, you will stop when desired to take photos and videos and to have a sunset snack and some warming red wine.
Overnight in Colchani
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 18 - Salt Flats Experience
After breakfast you will pass through San Cristobel, Balle de Rocas and Laguna Cachi, the viewpoint of the Ollague Volcano (5865 masl). From this viewpoint you can observe the fumarolic activity emanating from the active volcano.
In the afternoon you will visit the Altiplanic Lagoon of Laguna Cañapa, Laguna Hedionda, Laguna Honda, Chiarcota and Laguna Ramaditas. These lagoons are used by flamingos as feeding and resting points during their migratory movements.
You will then continue on to your hotel in the desert.
Overnight in desert hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 19 - Salt Flats Experience
Enjoy waking up to the desert scenes before departing in the direction of your destination for the day, Colchani. Along the way you will see and do many things, it will be a full day on the Salt Flats. Firstly you will visit the Siloli Desert where the Stone Tree is located. The Stone Tree is a geomorphic formation due to wind erosion. You will pass by Laguna Colorada, which is the gateway to the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, and see geysers. If you wish, you can dip in the hot waters of the hot springs of Polques and photograph the rocks of Salvador Dali before arriving at the viewpoint of the Licancabur Volcano. The route will take you past Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca before arriving in Colchani via the Valley of Rocks and the colonial church of San Cristobal.
Overnight in Colchani
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 20 - Transfer to Uyuni Airport - Flight to La Paz - Transfer to Your Hotel
Waking up for your last morning in Uyuni and the Salt Flats. Enjoy a warm morning drink and breakfast whilst farewelling the vastness of what you have seen and travelled.
You will then be transported to the airport for your flight back to La Paz.
Flight: Uyuni -> La Paz
On arrival in La Paz you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Catch up on last minute gift buying, go back to a specific site again or just relax around your hotel, the choice is yours. Should you require a guide, one can be available for you.
Overnight in La Paz
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 21 - Transfer to La Paz Airport - Departure
Sadly your arrangements with Real Local Experiences, and your time in Peru and Bolivia have come to an end. In time for your onward flight, you will be collected and transferred to the airport where you will board your flight to your next destination.
Included meals: Breakfast
You will take home with you memories of a lifetime, many photos and perhaps a few great souvenirs!
