From Peru to Bolivia, Lima to La Paz, we take a tour of some of the regions most fascinating destinations, starting with the captivating Peruvian capital of Lima. We'll learn about the incredible flora and fauna of the vast Amazon Jungle. Taking a scenic train ride through the Andean mountains we'll reach the breathtaking 'lost city' of Machu Picchu before interacting with the indigenous people of the floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca. This 14 day tour ends in the lofty city of La Paz.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Explore Lima
Today we explore the beautiful city of Lima, also known as the 'city of kings', we'll visit the well preserved historical center. Making our way through Plaza San Martin, we'll also take in Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the City Hall. Our tour of the city continues with a visit to the San Francisco Monastery and it's famous underground crypts which are home to an estimated 70,000 remains. This bright yellow architectural wonder is also home to an incredible library, holding thousands of antique texts, some of which pre-date the conquest in the 16th century. Later we'll head through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, passing by Huaca Pucllana, a clay pyramid that was the ceremonial and administrative center of the Lima culture and later considered a sacred town by the Inca's. Next up we'll stop at El Olivar park, a peaceful space where we'll find olive trees that were brought to Peru in the 15th century. Our final stop on today's tour of Lima is El Parque del Amor, this romantic spot is situated on the cliffs of Miraflores overlooking the Pacific ocean.
The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore this fascinating city at your own pace. With Lima fast becoming one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, be sure to taste some of the delicious local cuisine.
Overnight: Lima | Breakfast
The Amazon Jungle
Lima - Puerto Maldonado. Transferring to the airport this morning we board our flight to Puerto Maldonado. We’ll then travel by canoe to our wonderful jungle Eco lodge. After lunch we will embark on a walk along the property’s nature trails. Your guide will explain the importance of the rainforest and the vital role that this ecozystem plays in the equilibrium of the planet. As the sun begins to set we head back in the canoes, hopefully spotting some of the nocturnal animals that are found in this area as well as learning about the constellations.
Day 4 starts with an excursion on the lodge’s private cocha. You'll be able to try your hand at some native fishing, one of the main techniques being the 'catch and release' method. Disembarking the boat we'll visit the remains of the old Fitzcarrald steamboat to learn about its history. After this take a boat trip to Rolin, this river Island has an an abundant and interesting ecozystem. Exploring the island you can admire the vibrant vegetation, also be sure to keep an eye out for the birds who will be making their way back to land.
Overnight: The Amazon | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Cusco
Puerto Maldonado - Cusco. This morning travel back to Puerto Maldonado before flying onwards to Cusco, after arriving into Cusco you'll have the chance to relax and adjust to the altitude. This beautiful city full of history and intrigue, is located 3,399m above sea level.
On the morning of day 6 enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of the beautiful city of Cusco. Along the way we will visit some of the most famous landmarks of the city, starting at the Plaza de Armas, built on the remains of one of the most important Incan gathering spots. We'll also visit the Cathedral, the Kenko Amphitheatre and the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Built between 1438 and 1474, Sacsayhuaman Fortress took over 20,000 laborers to build and some of the magnificent stone work measures over 4 meters in height and over 100 tons in weight. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to do any independent exploring of Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast x 2
Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo
Cusco - The Sacred Valley. Bidding farewell to Cusco we travel on to the Sacred Valley today. Our first stop is the popular Pisac markets where we will have the chance
to see the variety of colorful handicrafts on offer. Originally only held on Sundays, Pisac Market was a place for artisans from across the region to trade in their products. Today the market is a daily occurrence where locals and visitors alike can find some of the finest textiles, jewelery and clothing typical of this area of Peru. Then we travel on to the remarkable Ollantaytambo fortress which was constructed to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it from possible invasions of tribes from the jungle lowlands. One of the best examples of Incan architecture, many of the inhabitants of Ollantaytambo still live according to the customs and traditions they have inherited from generations of ancestors, leading to it being known as a living Inca town.
Overnight: Sacred Valley | Breakfast
Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco. We have an exciting day ahead, starting with a short drive to the Ollantaytambo train station where we'll take a scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes early this morning, remember to look out the windows as the scenery along the way is utterly breathtaking. Watch as the landscape changes from Andean Highlands to the beginning of the Jungle. Upon arrival we board the bus up to Machu Picchu where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent lost city and have plenty of free time to explore and take photos.
For many visitors to Peru, Machu Picchu is the main highlight and rightly so, with its incredible history and beautiful views it's a truly mystical part of the country. Macchu Picchu was built in the 15th, believed to be as an estate for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti, it was abandoned only a century after completion during the Spanish conquest, however, it lay largely unknown until 1911 when the American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham brought it to the worlds attention. Later this afternoon take the train back to Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast
Cusco
Enjoy a free day in Cusco today to explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively you may wish to partake in one of the optional activities on offer today. You may wish to join a trip to the small town of Chinchero, an authentic Andean village. Or perhaps try your hand at a Peruvian culinary experience, with a unique insight into Peru's food and culture. A local chef will aid you in creating some exquisite dishes.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast
Lake Titicaca
Cusco - Puno. After an early breakfast, we’ll travel by bus to Puno, passing by the lovely Wacarpay Lake, with spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters. Along the way we’ll make a couple of stops, the first one being in Andahuaylillas to see the Church of San Pedro, which has been given the nickname the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Moving along, we pass through herds of llamas and spectacular landscapes until we get to Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile center. Here, we’ll be able to lay eyes on the Temple of Kalasaya, remnants of a Pucara structure. After a stop for lunch at a countryside restaurant, we continue on to Puno, our base for the next two nights.
The following day we take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to see the remarkable floating islands of Uros. These unique islands are made of a certain type of reed called totora, which enables it to float, despite the weight of a civilization upon it. We’ll then move on to Taquile Island, where we can mingle with the Quechua-speaking locals and learn about their efficient and unique social system as well as their fine hand weaving techniques, passed down from generation to generation. Next we'll be invited into a local home for lunch to enjoy a delicious home cooked meal. After lunch we'll discover more of this remarkable island including some of the islands archaeological sites. Later this afternoon we return to Puno.
Overnight: Puno | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2
La Paz
Puno - La Paz. Bidding farewell to our Peruvian tour leader we travel by public bus around the shores of Lake Titicaca and across the border to La Paz in Bolivia. At an altitude of 3660 meters, La Paz is one of the world’s highest cities. The imposing Mount Illimani looms in the background whilst below lies a valley full of sensational surprises. Buildings cling to the sides of the canyon that the city was built in and spill spectacularly downwards. Sprawling shanty towns give way to affluent high-rise apartments as the city’s central tree-lined thoroughfare runs through the downtown core.
On day 13 we'll head out to explore this captivating city, starting with a tremendous perspective of the city at the Killi Killi viewpoint, we'll make our way to Murillo Square, the main square in La Paz and home to the Presidential Palace, the National Congress of Bolivia and the Cathedral of La Paz. Be sure to look out for the clock on the Bolivian congress building, which in 2014 was changed by the Bolivian government to turn anti-clockwise. The government at the time said it was to help Bolivians to treasure their heritage, question established norms and think creatively! Our exploration continues as we descend into the mesmerizing Moon Valley, this rocky landscape which has been created by centuries of weathering is quite an incredible sight. Next we'll take a ride in a cable car across the city, giving an impressive panorama of the city on one of the most innovative and ecological uses of mass public transport. We'll find ourselves at the witches market next, where many mystical objects of Andean rituals and sorcery are on sale, from dried frogs to llama fetuses for Aymara rituals. We then continue to the beautiful San Francisco church with it's exquisite carvings on the facade, it is one of the largest colonial architectural complexes found in Latin America.
The rest of the day is free for you to wander down the cobbled streets and past colorful houses.
Overnight: La Paz | Breakfast x 2
La Paz
Today our tour comes to an end with a transfer to the airport. Alternatively opt to extend your stay to explore La Paz and perhaps visit the spectacular Uyuni Salt Flats - we can arrange a private tour for you upon request.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates marked with a 'G' are operating. All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Jose Antonio Lima , Lima
The modern and well-designed Jose Antonio Hotel offers a comfortable stay in Lima's flourishing Miraflores district. The contemporary guestrooms feature classy neutral decorations and furnishings with an excellent selection of amenities. The hotel's Las Espuelas restaurant serves delicious Peruvian and international cuisine in an elegant setting whilst the La Jalca bar is a great place to unwind over a cocktail. The Jose Antonio Hotel is located in the residential district of Miraflores with many options for shopping and dining nearby. The international airport is 30 minutes away and it's only a 20 minute drive to the historic centre of Lima.
Inkaterra Haciencda Concepcion, Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon
Built in a former cacao and rubber plantation, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion is a rustic chic jungle lodge. Guests stay in rooms or cabanas, all with beautiful interiors, delightful en suites and comfortable beds. Meals are served in a buffet style, using only the best local ingredients and especially good homemade breads. The lodge also a friendly bar with free Pisco sours served between 5 and 7pm! Positioned within walking distance of the beautiful and secluded Lake Sandoval in the Peruvian Amazon.
Xima Cusco Hotel, Cusco
Boasting a fantastic location by Cusco’s largest craft market, Xima Cusco Hotel is just a short walk from the city’s main square, as well as plenty of local shops and restaurants. Its modern guestrooms provide free internet access and a flat-screen TV, with some also featuring a balcony with views over Parque Orellana. The hotel’s spa offers a range of massage treatments using techniques from the Inca culture, the perfect way to unwind after visiting the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet in the Atrium Café.
Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay, Sacred Valley
Scenically housed in an old monastery at the foot of a mountain in Peru's iconic Sacred Valley, the Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay is located just outside Urubamba and makes a great base for exploring the region. Rooms combine the contemporary and the rustic, featuring private bathrooms, TV, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. The onsite restaurant serves Andean classic dishes with a modern twist, and there's also a bar for customers to enjoy. As with many rural Peruvian hotels, there are resident alpacas!
Hotel Jose Antonio, Puno
Set on the banks of Lake Titicaca you cannot go wrong with the view from this hotel in Puno. This modern property boasts spacious and comfortable guest rooms outfitted with air-conditioning, safety deposit boxes, TVs and a fully stocked mini bar. The hotel restaurant Sillustani enjoys fantastic has floor to ceiling windows serves up a delectable menu. When you return from a day of sightseeing why not grab a drink from the bar and admire the vista from the lounge. While Hotel Jose Antonio might be located a taxi ride from Puno, but its well worth it for the view.
El Rey Palace, La Paz
Located in the heart of La Paz, just 1km from Plaza Del Monticulo and 1.5km from Plaza Murillo, El Rey Palace is in a perfect location to explore the highlights of the city. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, with king size beds and modern amenities. A generous buffet breakfast is provided in the mornings and free Wifi is available throughout the hotel.
At a Glance
Tour Add-ons
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