Welcome to Bolivia! Arrive at any time today, we will transfer you to your hotel. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Overnight - La Paz

Transfer to airport with local representative for a flight to Sucre to meet your tour leader. Often referred to as Bolivia’s White City, the country’s official capital, Sucre, is situated at nearly 2800m (9184 ft) above sea level, offering its visitors and inhabitants a more moderate, comfortable climate than many of Bolivia’s cities at higher elevations. The city’s fine museums and colonial buildings, make it a city of great historical interest. Optional activities over the new two days include a visit to dinosaur footprints, an old tin baron’s mansion, a textile cooperative, mountain biking and hiking. Overnight - Sucre

Sitting at 4070m (13,350 ft), Potosí is the highest city of its size on earth. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 in recognition of its tragic history as a silver mining centre during the time of Spanish colonization. Working conditions for miners were appalling, and the indigenous population was decimated. African slaves were brought in to replace the native workers, and it is estimated that as many as eight million indigenous people and Africans died in the mines during the first three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Though sometimes distressing and uncomfortable because of the harsh working conditions, the optional trip underground into the mines of today is an experience that should not be missed. Overnight - Potosi

Spend the next three days exploring the stunning landscapes between the Salar de Uyuni and Chile’s Atacama Desert by four-wheel-drive vehicle. Piercing blue skies contrast with blinding white salt as you drive across the flat lakebed. The area’s unusual landscape of mountains, active volcanoes, and geysers is like nowhere on earth. Twice submerged by a large high-altitude lake, Salar de Uyuni salt flats now cover a total area of over 12000 square km (7440 square miles) and today serve as one of the country’s main salt mining centres. The tour takes us through Laguna Colorada, a large red lagoon whose colour is the result of algae & plankton growth in the mineral-rich waters, and Laguna Verde (5000 m/16400 ft), a lake that owes its striking blue-green colour to high concentrations of lead, sulphur, copper and other minerals. The numerous geysers, boiling mud pools, thermal baths and Licancabúr volcano (5960 m/19549 ft), which looms just behind the lagoon, are clear evidence of the region’s volcanic activity. Surprisingly, both wildlife and flora manage to survive and even thrive in the desolate landscape. Overnight - Salar de Uyuni (B:3, L:3, D:3)

We return to Uyuni for the night bus and then train back to the bustling city of La Paz. Overnight - train

We arrive into La Pz by daybreak on day 10, in time to see the sunrise over the glistening peaks of the Cordillera Real. La Paz is a great city to explore on foot, and there is plenty to do here in your free time. Visit fine museums, go handicraft shopping, take a tour of the Valley of the Moon, or visit the world’s highest ski resort, Chacaltaya. Overnight - La Paz

Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on a full day of travel from La Paz to Puno, around Lake Titicaca and on to Puno, stopping en route for a break in the pleasant town of Copacabana. Located at 3830 m above sea level, Puno is the highest altitude of any place we sleep on the tour. As a result the weather can be extreme with very cold nights and a strong sun during the day (don’t worry, if you get cold, buy an alpaca sweater from the market —they are inexpensive). Overnight - Puno

On the morning of day 13 we board a boat on Lake Titicaca and head to Taquile Island for lunch in a local restaurant and the chance for some shopping in the local weaving cooperatives. The people of Taquile Island's unique culture, style of dress and lifestyle make for a memorable visit. From there we head to Amantani where overnight with a local family and enjoy typical music of the area.

The following morning we visit the floating islands of Uros en route to Puno. The Totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake are used for making everything from the islands themselves to the model boats that the islanders sell. The Uros people began their unusual floating existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from the Colla and Inca tribes. Today about 300 families live on the islands, however their numbers are slowly declining. Overnight - Amantani Island (1) Puno (1) (B:1, L:1, D:1)

Day 15 is spent travelling through the stark beauty of the Altiplano to Cuzco. Cuzco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend. Acclimatise and explore the heart of Cuzco and the museums, markets and ruins of this beautiful colonial town. Overnight - Cuzco

Travel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. An important source of food for the Inca, the Sacred Valley is a lush agricultural region that continues to supply the city of Cuzco with much of its produce. Visit the impressive Pisac ruins and the colourful artisan market (market days only). The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, site of another large Inca ruin. Here we catch our breath and prepare for the hike ahead. Overnight - Ollantaytambo

The 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is physically challenging but worthwhile, it is a 40km (25 mile) hike, with 3 high passes to be crossed, one of which reaches an elevation of 4200m (13776 ft). The trail is often steep, and travels over large stone steps that are oftentimes uneven. We depart Ollantaytambo for km 82 where we begin our walk in the footsteps of the Incas. Passing several smaller ruin sites, through some beautiful cloud forest, with spectacular views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba and the Urubamba Valley en route. Overnight - Camping - Inca Trail (B:3, L:3, D:3)

On the final day of the hike we climb the steps to the Sun Gate overlooking the peaks that surround Machu Picchu. When the morning is clear, there is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous site appears in front of you.

NOTE: Those passengers not able or interested in the hike spend 2 days in Cuzco, then travel by train to Aguas Calientes, where they overnight. Next morning they take the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance and rendezvous with the hikers at the ruins. If you decide not to do the hike we need to know prior to your departure in order to obtain train tickets. Overnight - Cuzco

Today a short flight takes us to Arequipa. Peru’s second most important city after Lima, Arequipa maintains a traditional colonial style and more laid back pace in comparison with the capital. Sitting at 2325 m (7626 ft) above sea level and surrounded by the Andes mountains, this delightful colonial town is well worth a visit. Arequipa was built from a very light coloured volcanic rock called sillar, so older buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname, “the White City.” The main plaza with its cafés and nearby cathedral is a top draw for visitors. Spectacular mountains surround Arequipa, the most famous of which is El Misti Volcano, at 5822 m (19096 ft) with its beautiful snow-capped peak. Also looming nearby are the volcanoes Chachani and Pichu Pichu. Those with an interest in history and architecture may want to take an optional visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina. Overnight - Arequipa

Travel a rough, rutted road through high plains flanked by extensive Inca and pre-Inca terracing that goes on for kilometres, en route to the Colca Canyon—one of the deepest canyons in the world. Our first stop is Chivay, a picturesque village near the canyon, where we can take a dip in the local hot thermal baths, watch live Andean music at a peña or go for a llama steak. Two nights gives us time to take short hikes to acclimatize to the altitude. Take a tour around the canyon, stopping in fascinating villages and at “miradors” (scenic lookouts), where with a little luck we see Andean Condors soaring over the majestic Andes. Return to Arequipa for one more night on the town or a chance to rest up before the night bus to Nazca. Overnight - Chivay (2), night bus to Nazca (1)

Travel north to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. The lines consist of patterns and pictures etched in the ground, crisscrossing a wide area of flat desert. Some of the lines measure up to 10 km (32 miles) in length, and yet remain perfectly straight. The depictions of birds, insects and animals are only recognizable from the air. Who drew the lines, and why, is something modern archaeologists can only theorize about, but current beliefs suggest that they may be part of complex agricultural calendar. From the ground we can make out very little, and the best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged. Overnight - Nazca

In the morning we travel to Pisco. On the way we pass the pleasant colonial town of Ica before continuing on to Pisco. This small port town is renowned for its production of Pisco - the white grape brandy produced in the region. Tonight we have an evening on the town to enjoy the Peruvian seafood and taste the local brew. Overnight - Pisco

Rise early for our optional excursion to the Islas Ballestas to witness birdlife, penguins and sea lions. Later today we travel 230km north to Lima, where we arrive later this afternoon. Known as the City of Kings, Peru’s capital city Lima has many fine museums, the more affluent coastal districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro offer good nightlife and cafés all within walking distance. Overnight - Lima

Fly to Quito today on your pre-purchased unescorted flight. Please note this flight is not included in your tour cost and must be booked by yourself.. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel. There are no planned activities, so enjoy the city. In 1978 UNESCO declared Quito a World Heritage site. Quito is separated into two basic sections, the old and the new cities, the old city is full of historical buildings and churches. Overnight - Lima

Early flight to Baltra, in the Galapagos islands. Upon arrival we are met by a representative and are transferred by ferry and bus to Puerto Ayora where we will meet our naturalist guide and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station after boarding our boat. The Galapagos Islands are located about 1000 km (620 miles) off the Pacific coast of South America. The archipelago is comprised of 13 major islands and scores of islets that served as a living laboratory for Charles Darwin, the renowned evolution theorist. The Charles Darwin Research Station is the one place where visitors can easily see the famous Galapagos Tortoises, which may live up to two hundred years. Overnight - Galapagos motor yacht (L, D)

Over the next two days we explore the islands with our naturalist guide, explore on foot and learn about the natural history and unique wildlife. There is the exciting opportunity to snorkel among sea lions with time to relax out on deck. We visit Punta Cormorant and Post Office Bay on Floreana Island and Española Island.

Punta Suarez on the western side of Española Island (also called Hood) is spectacular: gargantuan waves break on jagged cliffs and large bird colonies thickly populate the interior of the island. Overnight - Galapagos motor boat (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Sail to Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the most populated island within the archipelago, and Puerto Ayora is its main town. Morning visit to black turtle cove before cruising back to Baltra Island for our return flight to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel and enjoy one last night out in historic Quito. Overnight - Quito (B)

Depart at any time today.