The Valley of the Moon | La Paz | Bolivia
FROM: £2,125 pp
Incas, Titicaca & La Paz - 12 days map

Travel from Lima to La Paz on this 12 day tour, taking in the highlights of Peru before crossing into Bolivia to visit the charming lakeside town of Copacabana and the world's highest capital city. Discover the delights of Lima, Cusco and La Paz on guided city tours and take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to meet the islanders. Explore Pisac and Ollantaytambo Fortress in the beautiful Sacred Valley and marvel at Machu Picchu, the spectacular lost city of the Incas.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels

Trip Highlights

Lima - Explore the capital of Peru on a guided tour, with its vibrant plazas & Spanish colonial architecture
Sacred Valley of the Incas – Roam around the Pisac ruins, the Ollantaytambo fortress and local markets
Puno & Lake Titicaca - Visit the Uros floating reed islands and Taquile Island on South America's largest lake
La Paz - Ride a cable car and enjoy spectacular views across one of the highest cities in the world, visit the mesmerising Moon Valley and the mystical Witches Market
Cusco – Take in the highlights of the captivating capital of the Inca Empire on a guided tour and explore the Sacsayhuaman Fortress.
Machu Picchu – Take a scenic train ride to explore the spectacular Inca citadel, which is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World
Copacabana - Spend an afternoon independently exploring this charming Bolivian town, with its iconic whitewashed Basilica and wonderful views of Lake Titicaca

Included

11 breakfasts and 2 lunches
1 economy flight: Lima - Cusco
Guided tour of Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and La Paz
Escorted by an English-speaking local tour leader on days 3 - 9, Cusco to Puno (for groups of 4 or more), with specialist local guides for all included sightseeing
Expedition train to Machu Picchu
8 nights 4 star hotels and 3 nights 3 star hotels in the Sacred Valley and La Paz
Airport transfers on day 1 and day 12
Boat excursion on Lake Titicaca
Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles and on a tourist bus from Cusco to Puno and Puno to La Paz
Entrance fees and Cusco Tourist Ticket

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - refer to the Tipping paragraph in the Trip Notes for further information

Itinerary

Day 1

Lima

Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival at the Lima airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel in the popular Miraflores district of the city. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city.
Overnight: Lima

Day 2

Explore Lima

Today we explore the beautiful city of Lima, also known as the 'city of kings'. Our guided tour takes us through Plaza San Martin, also taking in Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the City Hall. We continue with a visit to the San Francisco Monastery and its famous underground crypts which are home to an estimated 70,000 remains. This bright yellow architectural wonder also houses an incredible library, holding thousands of antique texts, some of which pre-date the conquest in the 16th century. Later we take in the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, where we see Huaca Pucllana, an impressive clay pyramid that represented the ceremonial and administrative centre of the Lima culture. We also visit El Olivar park, a peaceful space with olive trees that were brought to Peru in the 15th century. The final stop on today's tour of Lima is El Parque del Amor, a romantic spot is situated on the cliffs of Miraflores overlooking the Pacific ocean. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city at your own pace.

Lima is fast becoming one of the gastronomic capitals of the world and later this afternoon there is the opportunity to join an exciting optional Lima Gourmet Food Tour, combining gastronomic delights with walks around the capital, experiencing the local culture. Please book before you travel.
Overnight: Lima  |  Breakfast

Days 3-4

Cusco

Lima - Cusco. This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Cusco. Arriving into Cusco the rest of the day is free to relax and adjust to the altitude. This beautiful city full of history and intrigue, is located 3,399m above sea level.

The following morning we take in the highlights of the beautiful city of Cusco on a guided tour. Starting at the Plaza de Armas, built on the remains of one of the most important Incan gathering spots, we also visit the cathedral, the Kenko Amphitheatre and the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Built between 1438 and 1474, Sacsayhuaman Fortress took over 20,000 labourers to build and some of the magnificent stone work measures over 4 metres in height and over 100 tons in weight. The afternoon is free to stroll around the cobbled streets, visiting handicraft shops, markets and cafes.
Overnight: Cusco  |  Breakfast x 2

Day 5

Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo

Cusco - The Sacred Valley. Departing Cusco we travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas today. Our first stop is the popular Pisac markets where we have the chance to see the variety of colourful 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, jewellery and clothing typical of this area of Peru. We continue our journey 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. We spend the night at a converted 18th century monastery nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Overnight: Sacred Valley  |  Breakfast

Day 6

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 board the train for a scenic journey to Aguas Calientes. Remember to look out the windows as the scenery along the way is utterly breathtaking. In Aguas Calientes we board a bus which takes us along a winding path up the slopes of the great Machu Picchu mountain to the famous Inca citadel.

The incredible lost city of the Incas is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, surrounded by tropical forest. Completed in the latter half of 15th Century, archaeologists believe Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Pachacuti, an Incan leader who reigned from 1438 to 1471. Built in the classical Inca style with polished dry-stone walls and terraces that seem to have been crafted naturally from the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu is a spectacular testament to the greatness of the Inca civilisation. Only a century after its completion however, the citadel was abandoned during the Spanish conquest and only thrust into the spotlight in 1911 when it was discovered by the American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham, who brought it to the world's attention.

We explore Machu Picchu on a guided tour and then return to the spa town of Aguas Calientes where there's time to stroll around before travelling by train back to Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco  |  Breakfast

Day 7

Optional Chinchero or Rainbow Mountain

Enjoy a free day in Cusco to explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively you may wish to join one of the optional excursions on offer. Visit the local Andean market town of Chinchero on a half day tour. Chinchero has one of the most traditional markets in South America, and here you will find locals in colourful traditional dress, buying and selling their produce.

Alternatively, for the fit and active, there's an optional full day excursion to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain (offered from March to November), with lunch included. After a scenic 2.5 hr drive through rugged mountain scenery, trek with a guide to the summit of Rainbow Mountain, with its striking bright stripes of mineral deposits. Please note: Optional excursions must be booked prior to departure.
Overnight: Cusco  |  Breakfast

Days 8-9

Lake Titicaca

Cusco - Puno. After an early breakfast, we travel by tourist bus to Puno (approx. 10 hr journey), passing by the lovely Wacarpay Lake, with spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters. Along the way we 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 centre. Here, we see 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 civilisation upon it. We 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. We're invited into a local home for lunch to enjoy a delicious home cooked meal. After lunch we explore 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

Day 10

Copacabana

Puno - Copacabana - La Paz (Bolivia). This morning wake up early for our journey to La Paz. Bidding farewell to our Peruvian tour leader, travel (unescorted) by tourist bus from Puno to the stunning city of La Paz in Bolivia. On this scenic bus journey we stop to spend the afternoon at leisure in the pretty town of Copacabana, on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca. Here there's the opportunity to independently explore the town, with its iconic whitewashed Basilica and wonderful lake views. Late afternoon it’s time to rejoin the bus and continue to our final destination in La Paz, arriving late evening.
Overnight: La Paz  |  Breakfast

Day 11

La Paz

At an altitude of 3660 metres, 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.

Today we head out to explore this captivating city on a guided tour. Starting with a tremendous perspective of the city at the Killi Killi viewpoint, we 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 mesmerising Moon Valley, this rocky landscape which has been created by centuries of weathering is quite an incredible sight. Next we take a ride in a cable car across the city, giving an impressive panorama of the city. Then we visit the famous witches market, where many mystical objects of Andean rituals and sorcery are on sale, from dried frogs to llama foetuses for Aymara rituals. Before our tour ends we visit 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 independently explore. Wander around the cobbled streets, admire the colourful houses and perhaps enjoy a spot of souvenir shopping before you return home.
Overnight: La Paz  |  Breakfast

Day 12

La Paz

Today our tour comes to an end with a transfer to the airport. Alternatively opt to extend your stay to explore more of Bolivia.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.

Guaranteed Departure

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room

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.

Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores, Lima

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

The modern Hilton Garden Inn is located in the vibrant heart of Lima’s upscale Miraflores district, only a 5-minute stroll from Miraflores Central Park and Kennedy Park. The hotel features spacious rooms with contemporary amenities, including free Wi-Fi, HD TV and a mini-refrigerator. You can enjoy a relaxing swim in the rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city, work up a sweat at the fitness centre or savour Peruvian cuisine at the on-site restaurant. From the hotel’s prime location you can also take a scenic stroll along Malecón de Miraflores, a popular coastal path which stretches for 6-miles, and visit the popular The Larcomar shopping centre.

Sonesta Hotel, Cusco

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

The recently renovated Sonesta Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Cusco. The Plaza de Armas, Cusco Craft Center, Centro de Textiles and Cusco Museum of Popular Art are all just a short walk away. The well-appointed guest rooms feature either a mountain or city view, with cable TV, free WiFi and private bathrooms. The hotel’s restaurant serves a fusion of Peruvian and international food. There are two bars and a café for you to relax and enjoy a drink after a busy day sightseeing.

Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay, Sacred Valley

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Mid-range Boutique Hotel

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

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

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.

Hotel Gloria Calacoto, La Paz

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

This friendly 3-star hotel offers comfortable, en suite guest rooms, equipped with flat screen TVs and a terrace. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and a tasty continental breakfast is served each morning. Hotel Gloria is located on a quiet street, 1.9km from Irpavi Teleferico (cable car) Station and within easy reach of the main attractions of La Paz. El Alto International airport is just 20kms away.

At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Lima
Ends
La Paz
Departs
Mondays
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 16
Hotel Rating
3 - 4 star
Tour Guide
Tour leader & local guides
Meals
Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 2
Countries
Minimum Age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adult
Arr. Transfer
Yes
Dep. Transfer
Yes
View across the Plaza Mayor in Lima with mountains in the background
View across the Plaza Mayor in Lima with mountains in the background
Looking out across the rooftops around the Plaza de Armas in Cuzco with the Andean mountains in the
The impressive mountain views of the Sacred Valley in Peru
Looking out across the lost Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
Looking out across the rooftops around the Plaza de Armas in Cuzco with the Andean mountains in the
Traditional reed boats on the water of the Lake Titicaca
La Paz High 1

Tour Add-ons

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