Peru and Bolivia Beautiful Itinerary

Peru and Bolivia itinerary. This trip that takes you from Machu Picchu to Uyuni, allows you to discover two Andean countries with immense cultural richness. Each possessor of a wonder of the modern world. Being these, the enigmatic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, in Peru, and the fascinating city of La Paz, in Bolivia. In addition, you will visit places such as the beautiful Lake Titicaca, the cradle of the Inca civilization, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and its colorful craft markets, and the spectacular Salar de Uyuni. The landscapes that you will see will be so beautiful that they will remain in your most precious memories

Without a doubt, we can offer many other alternatives for this same program. Either shorter or longer. This depends on your availability of time and budget.

Why to choose Culturandes Travel & Adventure for this Peru and Bolivia itinerary?

Are you looking for unforgettable memories for this adventure? Culturandes Travel & Adventure want you to have a hassle-free planning and an unforgettable travel experience without any stress and unexpected situations by the hand of its experts travel advisors and knowledgeable local guides providing you:

  • Reliable and high level services
  • Certified Peruvian tour operator
  • Safe transport according to the highest standards
  • Adequate equipment for the activity
  • Detailed and personalized information prior to the trip
  • 24 hour support during your trip
  • Excellent official local guides who will be the star of your trip

We are experts in private and customized tours all around Peru, ask our expert travel advisors to upgrade your experience with additional activities and extensions.

Group services versus Private services?

This is a question we all need to ask ourselves when planning a trip. The answer depends largely on the age, the particular interests of each person and, above all, the economy of each passenger. Below, we list the differences between conducting a group service versus a private service. It should be noted that, in either of the two modalities, you will receive top quality care from the entire team of professionals who will make your trip unforgettable

Group Services

  • The driver follows the stops designated by the tour
  • Groups can have between 15 and 20 people
  • Guidance is simultaneous in English and Spanish for the entire group
  • The itinerary has to be strict to fulfill the daily plan
  • Guidance is available at the same time for the entire group
  • The main advantage of group services is the affordable price

Private Services

  • The driver will make the necessary stops where you indicate
  • Of 5 or more people, the private service has a similar price to the group service.
  • You own the time you want to have at each stop
  • Guidance is in only 1 language and at the passenger’s choice (prior consultation for rare languages)
  • The guide will be available only for you and attentive to your requirements
  • The travel experience becomes much more personal and deep in knowledge

We urge you to get in touch with us so we can design your trip to Peru together, probably combining some excursions in private and some in group services. Our team of experienced voyagers knows what it means to plan a trip of a lifetime as well as the investment that implies, therefore, we want everything to go perfect.

 


TOUR CATEGORY
  • Archaeological
  • Cultural
  • Nature

LOCATION
  • Bolivia
  • Cusco
  • La Paz
  • Lago Titicaca
  • Machu Picchu
  • Peru
  • Sacred Valley
  • Taquile Island
  • Uros Islands
  • Uyuni

ACTIVITY LEVEL
  • Easy

DURATION
  • 09 days

WHEN TO GO
  • Year round

CUSCO

  • Feel the very unique atmosphere and energy of the mystical capital of the Inca Empire steeped in deep history and covered in such majestic ruins
  • Wander down cobblestone streets hugged by old colonial buildings and ancient stone walls pieced together by the hands of Inca stonemasons
  • Learn about meticulously preserved traditions and relics back centuries
  • Enjoy Cusco’s nightlife, one of the most famous and thriving scenes found anywhere in the world! with a vast abundance of nightclubs, restaurants, bars and lounges

SACRED VALLEY

  • Enjoy the vibrant and colorful markets full of beautiful handcrafted clothing or souvenirs where you can test your bargaining skills
  • Walk through the ancient salt pans of Maras, dating from the Inca period
  • Meet native weavers as they create beautiful rugs or traditional clothing with the same old techniques of their ancestors
  • Be amazed by the wonderful Inca agricultural engineering in Moray
  • Tour the spectacular Ollantaytambo fortress
  • Explore the wonderful Pisaq considered one of the finest remaining Inca archaeological sites in the country

MACCHU PICCHU

  • Enjoy a fantastic scenic train ride to Machu Picchu and visit “The Lost City of the Incas”
  • Remain astonished by a place where the legend of the past is so vividly present while you discovered the Incas civilization best-kept secret
  • Climb Huayna Picchu or walk to the Sun Gate to sample breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding area

LAKE TITICACA

  • Marvel at the famous Lake located between the border of Peru and Bolivia at almost 4000 MASL, considered the cradle of the Inca civilization and the highest traversable lake in the world
  • Be impressed by the inhabitants of the floating island of Uros, one of the most fascinating indigenous groups of the continent
  • Soak into some of the most important pre-Columbian cultures of America
  • Enjoy places full of amazing Andean scenery and authentic culture

LA PAZ

  • Learn about the unique culture and tradition of one of the seven wonder cities of the World
  • Don’t miss the Witches’ Market where vendors line the streets to sell a number of strange and fascinating products used in rituals to bring health, love, intelligence, wealth, etc.

UYUNI

  • Hike to the top of an island in the middle of the Salt Flat of Uyuni and see giant cactus and rock formations made of petrified coral
  • Take fun perspective and proportion-distorted pictures on the blinding white surface of the salt flats

DAY 01 ARRIVE LIMA

After arriving to Lima Jorge Chavez International airport and clearing immigration and customs, transfer to your accommodation on your own.

If your flight arrives later in the afternoon and the next day you have an early flight in the morning, we advise you to stay in the very comfortable hotel Costal del Sol Wyndham of the airport (additional price to consult with our travel advisors).

We can provide you an arrival and departure transfer in private transportation

ASK OUR EXPERTS TO UPGRADE YOUR EXPERIENCE

DAY 02 FLY TO CUSCO - CITY TOUR + NEARBY RUINS

Transfer to the airport on your own.  We highly recommend you to arrive at the Jorge Chavez airport two hours before your flight departure.  An early flight to Cusco (3400 masl) is advisable.  Meeting with our representative at the Alejandro Velasco Astete airport and transfer to your accommodation.  You will have some free time to acclimatize to the altitude taking things very slowly wandering around the magic city of Cusco also considered as the Navel of the World.

In the afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel on a vehicle to the city’s greatest landmarks. Explore the magical capital of the Incas in a tour that includes the Plaza de Armas, the famous Baroque style Cathedral considered one of the most splendid Spanish colonial churches in the Americas, built over an important Inca temple, with amazing altars, intricately wood carved pulpits, choir and multitude of paintings of the Cusqueña school, including a Marcos Zapata painting of the Last Supper with a local specialty, cuy (guinea pig), as the main dish.  You will continue with the visit of the Santo Domingo monastery, which was built over the Koricancha temple, one of the most important temples dedicated to the worship of the sun. According to the chronicles, it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Stop at San Cristobal lookout point for a magnificent view of the city of Cusco, before proceeding to the nearby remarkable Inca ruins in the area: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko, and the archeological site of Tambomachay, where the god “water” was worshipped. Return to your hotel.  On your own you can explore the nightlife in Cusco´s varied and exciting pubs where there is plenty of live folk music and good food to enjoy in a lively atmosphere.

MAKE IT DIFFERENT (OPTIONAL)

Love to Cook? Peruvian Cuisine is widely regarded one of the most delicious and diverse in the world. Our kitchen provides the perfect setting for your hands-on cooking lessons and demonstrations with our talented Peruvian chefs.  Our products are bought from the local markets and providers, whom you will get to know during our market tour.

If you are more active, ATV, biking, rafting, yoga classes in front of a beautiful lagoon or Vía Ferrata excursions can be arranged according to your preferences.

ASK OUR EXPERTS TO UPGRADE YOUR EXPERIENCE

DAY 03 SACRED VALLEY - CHINCHERO– MORAY – MARAS – PISAQ- OLLANTAYTAMBO – TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU

THE ORDER OF THIS TOUR MAY BE MODIFIED WITHOUT PREVIOUS NOTICE, AND AS YOU WILL STAY IN OLLANTAYTAMBO TO TAKE THE TRAIN TO AGUAS CALIENTES YOU MAY PROBABLY LOSE SOME ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE THAN CAN BE VISITED ON THE RETURN WAY TO CUSCO CITY

You are one step closer to the highlight of this trip: Machu Picchu the most treasured city of the Incas, but to reach the Lost City, you have to venture into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which is full of surprises.

Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel to the town of Chinchero, which is about 40 minutes from Cusco, on the way you will enjoy beautiful Andean landscapes highlighted by the beauty of the snowy Chicón and Verónica of the Urubamba Mountain Range . Chinchero is a clearly Inca town, with its unique colonial church built by the Spaniards on top of an Inca palace where the past persists stubbornly, as if the spirit of a millenary culture clung to this place refusing to disappear. The native settlers, dressed in colorful traditional costumes, come down from their communities and gather in the main square to exchange their products, preserving many of their ancestral traditions. Seeing this group of people with deep cultural roots is a sight worth admiring.

Afterwards, you will visit the Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray, where several groupings of terraces were formed in an almost perfect circular shape at different heights, in order to achieve a gradient of microclimates with the aim of getting perfect crops. There, the Incas cultivated important foods for their diet such as corn, or the grain of quinoa, also various medicinal plants such as panti, ornamental as the flowers of Kantu and carried out many experiments of cultivation for recreation of their masters. A system of canals where today the rain is deposited assured the irrigation of the hanging terraces of the great amphitheater, the perfection of Moray was such, that to this day, it works impeccably.

Then you will visit to the famous salt mines of Maras, which were very important for the Incas as a salt supply and are still in operation today. For a few Soles you can buy a package of this salt, famous for having many more minerals than sea salt. In addition to its historical importance, the salt mines of Maras also offer an unforgettable view with the stark white of its steeply descending salt pans juxtaposed against the green of the surrounding mountain slopes.

Next, you will continue with the visit to the impressive archaeological complex of Pisac allowing you to enjoy some of the best archaeological complexes in the area. Its exquisitely carved walls are among the most perfect of all Andean architecture, surrounded by an impressive group of terraces that are still used as well as its granaries and pantries that are still preserved in the hillside irrefutable proof of the wisdom of the men who populated that zone. Then you will go down to the famous market town of Pisac, where you will test your bargaining skills in a colorful and cheerful environment, and you can stock up on souvenirs for friends and family!

Finally, you will visit the formidable fortress temple of Ollantaytambo, the spectacular archaeological complex that seems to have been a kind of walled gate that stopped in several war expeditions trying to reach the Inca treasure, the great steep andeneria, which protects this spectacular fortress, marks one of the few places where the Spanish conquerors lost an important battle in the year 1537.

In the highest part you will find a ceremonial center with huge blocks of stone perfectly carved in a very fine work. To build it, stones from the quarry located on the other side of the Urubamba River were used 6 km away. from distance, which shows the great ability of the Incas to transport these huge blocks using an ingenious technique that would allow them to transport them across mountainous areas and the torrential Urubamba River.

After this complete day, you will hop on board of one of the prettiest train rides in South America with final destination Machu Picchu, which rises enigmatic among the clouds of the majestic Andes (Expedition train leaving 19:04 arriving 20:45). The citadel was probably the most impressive urban creation of the Inca Empire in its heyday. Its giant walls, terraces and ramps look as if they had been carved naturally in the escarpments of the rock.

This natural environment located on the eastern slopes of the Andes encompasses the upper Amazon basin, with its rich diversity of flora and fauna. At night, visit the bars along the railroad tracks to share stories with some of the hikers who successfully completed the Inca Trail, or end your fantastic day relaxing the muscles in the hot springs.

MAKE IT DIFFERENT (OPTIONAL)

We highly recommend having an extra day in the Sacred Valley. Many visitors without a lot of time on their hands almost race through the valley’s highlights and markets on a daylong guided tour. Seeing it this way is certainly a worthwhile experience, but it really doesn’t compare to experiencing everything the valley has to offer at a more leisurely pace that allows you an overnight stay or two in the valley and the chance to soak up the area’s immense history, relaxed character, stunning scenery, and in the dry season, gorgeous spring weather.

IMPORTANT NOTES!

  • If you do want to see the beautiful scenery and ancient buildings of Machu Picchu, book your trip early.  The Peruvian Government has placed a limit on the number of people allowed to hike the trails of the citadel per day and entrances tend to book up quickly.
  • For active people there is the option of hiking the one day Inca Trail or the more demanding 4 days trekking but be sure to inform us well in advance as in high season they tend to book up quickly, ask our expert travel planners to upgrade your experience
  • For those who want to hike the Huayna Picchu mountain reservations has to be made well in advance, as the local authorities just allow 400 persons per day in two shifts of 200 persons each one (there is an additional to pay for this entrance)
  • You might be interested in upgrading your train experience if this is the case please contact our expert travel planners

DAY 04 – VISIT OF MACHU PICCHU CITADEL – TRAIN BACK TO CUSCO

When, in 1911, the American archaeologist and historian Hiram Bingham discovered “The Lost City of the Inca Empire”, he could not imagine that he had reached the most enigmatic Inca ruins, one of the most spectacular and overwhelming places on earth that still conserves its mystery, charm and mystical appeal, despite its enormous popularity, even more so after having been designated one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Exploring the place continues to be an exciting experience, especially at dawn, when the scenic rays of light extend over the Andean peaks. At the indicated time you will approach the station to board the bus that goes up to the citadel. After the guided tour, you will descend from the archaeological zone to the station, and embark on the train Expedition, which will meander slowly through the Andean landscape until you reach Poroy train station, where you will be transferred to the vehicle that will take you back to Cusco.

DAY 05 BUS – BUS CUSCO/PUNO - ANDAHUAYLILLAS - RAQCHI – LA RAYA – PUKARA – PUNO

Lunch

This touristic bus offers one of the most spectacular trips to explore the “Ruta del Sol” with stops in strategic places to discover the diversity of landscapes, Andean villages and Inca archaeological sites settled in the Cusco- Puno corridor.

The first stop will be the Chapel of Andahuaylillas, referred to as the Andean Sistine Chapel owing to its magnificent frescoes being a superb example of the prominent 17th century Mestizo Baroque style of architecture, which is typical of the Cusco School. Take the time to marvel at the ceiling of carved panels covered with gold leaf. The next stop will be in Raqchi one of the most important temples dedicated to the Inca God Wiracocha, your journey will continue until arriving at Abra La Raya (4338 m or 14,232 feet), the watershed between the valley that drains into Lake Titicaca and the valley that leads down to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Pukara will be the last visit before arriving to Puno, it was the first regional population center in the northern end of Lake Titicaca Basin during the Late Formative Period (500 BC- AD 200), and will provide valuable insights into the origins of Andean civilization in the highlands.

Around 5 pm, arrival at Puno, charming small town and folk capital of Peru, located at 3800m altitude, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Reception at the bus station and transfer to the accommodation.

DAY 06 – FULL DAY AT LAKE TITICACA – TAQUILE AND UROS ISLANDS, COMMUNITY OF LLACHON

Lunch

This excursion begins with a transfer from your Puno hotel to the port. Depart on the fully equipped speedboat with services on board to the south of Taquile Island.  Hike through a pre-Inca trail with spectacular landscapes of the island, visiting families of weavers to learn about their textile art and symbolism that has been declared by UNESCO as world heritage. Leave the island and arrive to the community of Santa Maria – Llachon, on the Capachica Peninsula where you will be welcomed and quickly introduced to an intensive cross-cultural experience, observe their traditions and participate in an ancient ceremony to learn about their magical world. Then experience the preparation of “Pachamanca” a traditional way of cooking meat and vegetables using underground ovens, this is one of the main dishes of the Peruvian cuisine. Enjoy this delicacy in a small, but very scenic, restaurant. For the more adventurous there is an optional kayak along the coast of Llachon (ask for additional price). After leaving Santa Maria, you will arrive at Uros Titino islands, located in a remote area of the National Reserve of Lake Titicaca, these are considered as the last authentic floating islands, less commercial and little visited. Their inhabitants are descendants of one of the oldest cultures in South America. Optional tours in reed boats are available. At the end of the journey, return to Puno and transfer to your lodging.

MAKE IT DIFFERENT! (OPTIONAL)

If you want a more active experience, go kayaking in the highest navigable lake in the world.

ASK OUR EXPERTS TO UPGRADE YOUR EXPERIENCE

DAY 07 – BUS PUNO/COPACABANA/LA PAZ

Early in the morning you will be transferred to the bus station to begin an interesting bus ride along the Lake Titicaca shores, traversing the vast altiplano giving you the opportunity to enjoy nice views of the lake and of the impressive Royal mountain range.

The bus will leave from Puno city  (07:30) until Kasani (09:30), the border between Peru and Bolivia, where you will have to make the immigration process in both borders (don’t forget to take your passport), then you will continue to Copacabana (11:30 Bolivian time), this beautiful village is famous throughout the Bolivian nation as cultural heritage for its religious celebrations and traditional festivals, a quick stop is scheduled to change the bus to a small one.  Arrival to la Paz is scheduled at 17:30 (Bolivian time).  Reception by our staff at the bus station and transfer to your hotel.

MAKE IT DIFFERENT! (OPTIONAL)
If you are looking for a more affordable budget, you have the option of a night bus from La Paz to Uyuni.

ASK OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS FOR THE BEST OPTION

DAY 08 – FLIGHT LA PAZ/UYUNI – UYUNI SALT FLATS


Lunch on route

Early in the morning you will be picked up from your accommodation to be transferred to La Paz airport to board the flight to Uyuni.  Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our staff and initiate your adventure to Uyuni salt flats.

Placing you at the frontier of endless natural beauty, this day will provide you with an unforgettable travel and life experience.

The Salt Flats of Uyuni are by far Bolivia’s main attraction as they represent a unique experience, impossible to equal anywhere else in the world. This legendary prehistoric lake, called Lago Minchín, went dry between 30,000 to 42,000 years ago, leaving behind the most dazzling desert-like landscape of glistening bright-white salt flats, cacti-studded islands and rock formations.

You will start the tour by visiting the Train Cemetery, continuing towards the indigenous community of Colchani, observing the elaboration of iodized salt in its rustic form. You then enter to the white deserts in their fullness, observing the method of salt extraction, the piles of salt and the unique “eyes of salt”. Finally, you will enter the famous Incahuasi Island, a volcanic rock prehistoric island scattered by giant cacti, before arriving to your hotel to spend the night.

NOTES

  • In rainy season (December – March) the Incahuasi Island is not visited since the Salt Flat is flooded and the landscape becomes a giant mirror that reflects the colors of the sky so the car will enter as far as possible.
  • In each car can go up to 05 passengers + guide + driver.

MAKE IT DIFFERENT! (OPTIONAL)

  • We strongly recommend an extra night in the famous Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve
  • If you are looking for a more affordable budget, you have the option of a night bus from Uyuni to La Paz

ASK OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS TO UPGRADE YOUR EXPERIENCE SPENDING THE NIGHT IN A MAGIC SALT HOTEL

DAY 09 – FLIGHT UYUNI / LA PAZ – CITY TOUR

You will be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to the Uyuni airport for your flight to La Paz.  Upon arrival meet your guide and begin the city tour of La Paz.

As one of the seven wonder cities of the world, La Paz has so much culture and diversity to offer its visitors: today you will take a walking tour providing you with the perfect opportunity to observe and experience the lively nature of La Paz City; wonder through its unique alleys and lively markets; and learn about its unique culture and traditions. Throughout the entire time, you will be accompanied by a highly skilled bilingual local tour guide, who will be happy to answer any question you might have.  This is undoubtedly a great way to explore this unique city, providing you with an experience you won’t forget!

You will begin your day visiting the Valley of the Moon, (about 10 km south of La Paz), where you can walk a special path through the canyons, explore and enjoy this fascinating landscape. Afterwards enjoy the view of the city from the Cable Car, the longest and highest cable car network in the world.

After this ride on top of the world, you will continue to the visit of the city center visiting Plaza Murillo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Government Palace, the Parliament, Jaen street to visit the museum it houses to finally arrive to the Witches Market, the craft shops of Sagarnaga Street and the atrium of the Church of San Francisco.

At the end of this tour you will be transferred to Laz Paz airport for your international flight.

ASK OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS ADVISORS TO UPGRADE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH A FULL DAY TO TIAHUANACO OR VISITING THE WONDERFUL SANTA CRUZ CITY OR CROSSING THE BORDER WITH CHILE AND EXPLORING THE ATACAMA DESERT, THE DRIEST IN THE WORLD

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