Travel the Highlights of Peru and Bolivia

Travel the highlights of Peru and Bolivia long itinerary

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Day 1 - Friday: Lima Arrival in Lima

Arrival in Lima, the capital of Peru. This metropol on the Pacific Coast has more than 10 million inhabitants. But despite this huge amount of citizens and the busy traffic, it is still recommendable to visit the impressive colonial city center. Not to miss highlights include: the huge Plaza de Armas, the majestic cathedral, the catacombs of the San Francisco convent, Museo Larco the Water Park (at night) and Parque del Amor with sunset! Lima is also known as gastronomic capital of South America with a wide variety in dishes.

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Day 2: Lima - Islas Ballestas - Huacachina

A busy, but very varied day! To be able to catch a boat tour to the Islas Ballestas (Bow Islands), you have to leave very early today by comfortable public transport. This bus brings you direct from Lima, through Pisco to the harbor of Paracas. At 8 am in the morning several open motor (speed)boats leave from here to make a tour around the islands.
Some people refer to these ‘arch’ islands as ‘Little Galapagos’, because of their abundant bird-life, the presence of many sea lions and even some penguins. This excursion is included in the tour.
After this excursion the tour continues to Ica and the oasis of Huacachina. From here you can join a spectacular ‘Sunset Buggy Tour’ over the sand dunes around Huacachina, a great ending for an interesting first day!

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Day 3: Huacachina - Nasca - Arequipa

Today it is only 2 hours to Nasca, famous for the presence of the mysterious Nasca-lines. There are still many theories about why and how these lines were drew in the dessert, but most likely the real answer will always stay a mystery. Depending on the weather conditions it is optional to fly in the morning or afternoon over these lines.
Under normal circumstances there will be plenty of time left to also visit the unique cemetery of Chauchilla, where century old, but well preserved mummies and skeletons look up at you from their holes in the desert ground. A relative new and interesting tour is called the Cultural and Adventurous Sunset Buggy Tour.
Tonight around 22:00h you take a comfortable public touring car towards Arequipa. Just upon your arrival around 7:30am, they will even serve you a small breakfast in the bus.

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Day 4: Arrive in Arequipa 2350 m altitude)

After arriving in Arequipa you have a free day in your busy schedule to discover Arequipa and start acclimatizing. Arequipa is guarded by several impressive volanoes, including Chanchani (6057 m), El Misty (5822 m) and Pichu Picchu (5634 m). Previous eruptions, thousands of years ago, have left the area surrounding Arequipa with white colored sillar. This relative soft, but strong type of rock, proved to be good building material. During colonial times the citizens of Arequipa started to cut big blocks out of this volcanic sillar to build their houses, churches, etc. in the center of Arequipa. Because of this Arequipa is of now often called “la Ciudad Blanca”, or the White City. To most Peruvians their ‘Ciudad Blanca’ is the most beautiful city in Peru! You can already check out our virtual city tour in Arequipa to see what you think about Arequipa.

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Day 5: Arequipa

On your second day in Arequipa, we can highly recommend to visit the impressive Santa Catalina Convent. Even nowadays a small part of this huge convent is still in use. Also the Santuarios Andinos Museum is very interesting. Their exposition includes more information about the discovery of the ‘ice princes’ Juanita. Another option for today might be to join a so called ‘Reality Tour’. This tour will bring you to less visited places of Arequipa and explains more about the daily life of the people in Arequipa. Note: this tour is only possible with a min. of 4 people.

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Day 6: Arequipa - Colca Canyon Tour

Start of the tour to the famous Colca Cañon.This tour is in shared service, with other international tourists. On request it is possible to make this a private tour, to stay overnight in Cabanaconda, or even to go hiking in the canyon. Let us know if you are interested in one of these options.
The regular tour towards the famous Colca Cañon starts early, so there is time enough to enjoy the view and make some great pictures. The road crosses through two National Parks with beautiful scenery’s and a guaranty to see many lama’s and alpaca’s. Most likely you will even see some vicuñas. These elegant members of the South American camel family are more shy and are protected by Peruvian law, to preserve them from extinction.
After the bus cross a pass at 4900m altitude, you decent towards the village of Chivay (3600m). You will get free time to walk around on your own and have lunch on the market or in a local restaurant.
After lunch you will be brought to your hotel, which is either in Chivay, or one of the surrounding villages.
In the afternoon you can go for a short hike in the beautiful surroundings and/or relax in the hot springs of Chivay.

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Day 7: Colca Canyon Tour - Cruz del Condor - Puno

We get up at 5 am to leave at 6 am in the direction of the famous viewpoint ‘Cruz del Condor’.
Depending on the season it is almost a guaranty to see condors ascending from the depth of the canon where they have their nests. This fact makes that Cruz del Condor draws many tourists, but lucky for us these giant birds don’t seem to be the least disturbed with all this attention.
After saying goodbye to the condors, you drive back to Chivay. Time to lunch before the bus goes to Arequipa/ Puno (3830m).

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Day 8: Puno - Lake Titicaca - Copacabana

Peruvians see Puno as their musical capital and there are often small parades in the streets. From Puno it is recommendable to visit the famous floating reed islands of the Uros, or the mysterious towers of Sillustani. It is said that the Collas build these towers to bury their death and that the Inca’s adopted their techniques to build their cities.
In the afternoon you travel by comfortable direct bus in about 3.5h (incl. the border crossing) to Copacabana in Bolivia. Right on time to climb the Cerro Calvario (“the Witches Hill”) and watch a beautiful sunset.

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Day 9: Copacabana - (optional: Isla del Sol) - La Paz (3650 m)

In the morning you have free time to explore this ‘pilgrim/ backpacker’ town. Check out our short YouTube video for a quick impression of Copacabana. You can decide to visit the cathedral, to relax on the beach shore of Lake Titicaca orto join a half day trip to Isla del Sol. This island offers beautiful sceneries and views over the lake and according to some Inca stories it was also the birth place of their first Inca.
In the afternoon it takes 4 hours to travel from Copacabana to La Paz. On the way we even cross the smallest point of Lake Titicaca.
Just before riding down in the valley of La Paz, you will have a great view over this chaotic, but interesting city.

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Day 10: La Paz - Uyuni

In the morning you can stroll through the historical centre of La Paz. ‘La Paz’ translates as ‘The Peace’, but ‘The Market’ would have been a better name for this busy never sleeping city. This is one of the best places to shop for souvenirs, or maybe even buy an amulet on the mysterious witches market. Our virtual city tour in and above La Paz gives a good impression of this interesting and caotic city. Another great option is to take a ‘ride’ in the new (2014/2015) cable car, which is called: Teleferico. This Swiss build Teleferico offers amazing views over the city and the valley of La Paz and also the snowcapped mountains of the surrounding Cordillera Real Mountain Range.
In the afternoon you go by public bus to Oruro, from where the train leaves to Uyuni.

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Day 11: Salar de Uyuni Tour

Today is a relaxed day. You will participate in a tour in shared service international service to visit the Salar de Uyuni. The first visit is to the so called Train Cemetery where you can see some old English trains that were used to transport minerals. The tour continues to the village of Colchani, where they still manually process the salt from the Salar de Uyuni! Then it’s time to drive onto the seemingly endless salt flats of Uyuni. You can use this special landscape to make many funny and unrealistic pictures… You will also visit a small hotel build out of salt blocks and have lunch on a coral island with huge cactusses in the middle of the salt flat, truely a surrealistic experience!

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Day 12: Uyuni - Potosi 4060 m)

The beautiful ride to Potosì is almost an excursion on its own. Due to its silver mine Cerro Rico, Potosì ones belonged to one of the biggest and richest cities in the world. It was over this silver that the Dutch buccaneer Piet Hein gained its biggest victory over the Spanish fleet. Together with the fact that Casa de la Moneda produced the first coins of the American continent, it describes Potosì’s important part in History. After arriving you have time to explore the colonial centre of this city above 4000m altitude. Check out our virtual city tour through Potosí for a recommendable walk through the Colonial center.

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Day 13: Potosi (optional Mine excursion) - Sucre

In the morning there is the option to bring a visit to the historical mines of Cero Rico. These mines brought wealth to Potosì and the western world, but also misery and death to about 8 million slaves. Nowadays they don’t find much silver anymore, but the mine still contains many other minerals. The high metal prices and silent hope to find a new silver vein make that many men still daily enter the mines under old fashion and very basic conditions.
In the afternoon you drive in three hours with private transport to the official capital of Bolivia, Sucre. This city is named after the important General Antonio José de Sucre, who fought together with Simon Bolivar in the Independence War against Spain.

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Day 14: Sucre (optional hike)

A free day in Sucre. You can decide to find out for yourself why Sucre is often called the most beautiful city of Bolivia. Check out our YouTube video for a recommendable walking route through the Colonial center of Sucre. You can also decide to join a spectacular hike in the surroundings of Sucre. This hike is called the Full Day Rockpaintings Hike. The hiking starts at about an hour from Sucre, passing the chapel of Chataquila at 3.665m. We follow the rim of the “Cordillera de los Frailes”.
Halfway this hike you visit the rock paintings of the Caves of the Inca Machay and of the Puma. Walking down to the rock paintings will give you splendid views of the valley of the Rio Ravelo and the Crater of Maragua. After visiting the rock paintings you will walk down to a few rivers that we’ll cross and from there you go down to the village of Tumpeka. from here we drive in 2 hours back to Sucre. For the evening we can recommend visiting the interesting folkloric dance show from Origenes.

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Day 15: Sucre - La Paz

Just before noon you fly in less than an hour from Sucre to La Paz. In the afternoon you have free time to stroll through the city and visit some of the museums.

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Day 16: La Paz - Cusco

It takes about 12 hours inclusive the easy border crossing to drive in a comfortable public bus from La Paz to Cusco. Although it is a comfortable ride with great views, we understand that some people might prefer to fly. Because prices and availability change frequently we advise you to inform us as soon as possible if you want us to book this flight.

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Day 17: Cusco

Your hotel is right in the historical city center of Cusco, where you can admire the integration of Inca and Colonial architecture. Cusco and surrounding have so many highlights to see, do and take pictures from, that even the experienced traveler to absorb its beauty. Check out our virtual city tour in Cusco for a recommendable walking route through this impressive Inca/ Colonial city. For those who booked one of the several 4-day hikes towards Machu Picchu it is time to prepare themselves for this challenge.

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Day 18: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Pisac - Salineras - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

For today we included a beautiful private tour through the Sacred Valley with a visit to the archeological site of Pisac. Passing along the ruins and enjoying the great views over the valley the guide will explain you part of the impressive Inca history.
After visiting the archeological site of Pisac, you will have time to stroll around on the colorful market in the village of Pisac.
From Pisac you drive in about an hour to the salt pans of Salineras. For centuries already the Maras civilization catches here a small stream of salty water that comes out of the mountain. They catch the water in small shallow pools and let it dry in the sun, until they have only salt left. The view of these white pans in the green valley is mind blowing! After Salineras you drive in an hour to the friendly tourist town of Ollantaytambo.

From Ollantaytambo your guide will lead you around the ancient Inca fortress of this village. The fortress of Ollantaytambo is one of the very few places where the Inca’s won a big battle against the Spanish conquistadors.
After visiting this interesting site you will have dinner in the village before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (now officially called Machu Picchu Pueblo).
Those who booked the famous Inca Trail, adventures Salkantay Trek, or original Jungle Inca Trail, will stay tonight in Ollantaytambo, so tomorrow they don’t have to get up as early as their companions who leave from Cusco.

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Day 19: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Today would be the start of the different optional hikes towards Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo (or Cusco). These hikes include the famous Inca Trail, the impressive 4-day Salkantay Trek and the Inca Jungle Tour.
Machu Picchu is the most known Inca ruin worldwide. However, it is not mentioned in any of the Spanish Conquistadors writings. It is believed to have been constructed around the mid-15th century and was “rediscovered” by the American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Because of its impressive structures and location, Machu Picchu is now also one of the 7 New World Wonders! Due to new regulations to protect Machu Picchu the daily number of visitors to the archaeological site has been limited. Each day has now been divided in new ‘time-slots’ of around 4 hours, during which only a certain number of visitors are allowed to enter the site. Therefore the times of your tour through Machu Picchu will depend on which timeslot we can book for you. Check out our short video of visiting Machu Picchu and climbing the Machu Picchu Mountain in July 2023. Check out our following article for more information about visiting Machu Picchu.
After visiting the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, you can take the bus back down again to Aguas Calientes and have lunch before your train departs to Ollantaytambo. From here our private transport will bring you back to your hotel in Cusco..

Important note: For everyone who wants to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Pichu Mountain, at the edges of the archeological site of Machu Picchu, make sure to let us know BEFORE your booking and we will check availability. Because we will have to buy a complete new entrance ticket, the additional costs will be around 65 US$ p.p. without a guide…
When you climb the Huyana Picchu Mountain there is also a ‘secret trail’, which goes to the back of the mountain to visit the originalTemple of the Moon. This beautiful trail takes an additional two hours and you have to start before noon from the top of the Huayna Picchu Mountain.

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Day 20: Cusco

A free day in Cusco to visit more interesting archaeological sites, go horseback riding, rafting, mountain biking, paragliding, bungy jumping, etc. We can recommend a pretty hike starting from Tambo Machy, going down to Pucara, Quenko and Sacsayhuaman.

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Day 21: Cusco

A free day in Cusco to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on one of the balconies around Plaza del Armas.

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Day 22: Cusco - Lima

Today we have scheduled in the tour an early flight back to Lima is, but this itinerary can easily be changed for passengers who want to stay longer in Cusco (25 US$ p.p. for each night longer. Please inform us with your booking if you want to stay longer.

Note – day 22: If you had booked an Inca Trail/ trek you will arrive today in the evening back in Cusco. Your flight to Lima will be re-scheduled for day 23 in the morning.

Aditional information about flying over the Nazca Lines:
Persons who weigh more than 90 kg might be asked to pay 50% additional! There is a balance at the airport and each passenger will be obligated to step on this balance before entering the plane…
Please let us know with   your booking if you want to fly over The Nazca Lines and what your weight is and we try to give you as soon as possible the actual flight prices for that date.

Tour extention options:
For more information about extending this tour with an adventures trekking, please visit: Recommended Machu Picchu tours in Peru

Another highly recommendable extention of this tour can be to visit the Amazon Rainforest. Please check out our tour options for more information: Our Amazon Tour Selection in Peru!

For more information about the Amazon in Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, you can also visit our special Amazon Rainforst Tours website.

Included and recommendations to bring with on this tour:

Includes:
– ALL transfers in Peru with private transport!
– Transfers to and from the airports in Bolivia + Potosi -> Sucre with private transport
– Overnight stays in hotels with a price range between 40-60 US$, including all breakfasts
– Day 3: night bus, we don’t have a hotel today
– Transport over long distances in public busses and:
– Train from Oruro to Uyuni
– Flight from Sucre to La Paz on day 15
– Train Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu Pueblo-Ollantaytambo
– Bus Machu Picchu Pueblo – ruins of Machu Picchu (2 ways)
–  Entrance fee to Machu Picchu, inclusive guided tour. Please be informed that due to new regulations you already have to decide with the    booking of your tour if you want to climb up Huyana Picchu, or Machu Picchu mountain (15 US$ additional fee).
– Flight Cusco-Lima, including transfer and airport taxes
– The included excursions always include an English speaking guide, except in the Salar de Uyuni:
– day 2:    Tour to Islas Ballestas in pool, including entrance fee
– day 6-7: Colca Canyon, in pool, including entrance fees
– day 11 – Tour over the Salar de Uyuni in shared services
– day 18: Private Sacred Valley Tour, including guide, transport and entrance fee worth US$ 26 per person

Exclusive in this tour:
– Optional excursions
– Extra transfers in taxi’s in Bolivia, usually not more that 2 US$ for a ride.
– Extensions of the tour.
– International flights
– Other entrance fees, (exit) taxes for international flights, food and other personal expenses
– Tips (in restaurants, for guides, drivers and more) during the tour
– Additional price for one person a room.
– International banking costs
– All things not mentioned in the tour above
– Obligated travel and health insurance

We recommend you to check the local visa and vaccination obligations.

We recommend you to bring at least with:
–    Valid identification and travel documents and when needed a valid visa
–    The information of your travel insurance
–    Valid vaccinations, ask you countries health centre for more information
–    A good backpack, or big sport-bag, preferable no hard suitcase
–    A small day (back)pack
–    Good shoes
–    Sandals
–    A warm jacket/ fleece
–    A rain jacket/ poncho
–    A warm sweater
–    Two light trousers
–    One pair of shorts
–    3 T-shirts
–    A flashlight
–    Something to be able to back-up your photos
–    Protection against the sun and mosquito’s (you can also buy in Peru)

Be aware that Peru is not a Third World Country anymore, so most things are available. If you do have any doubts about what to bring, please feel free to ask us.

Note: During high season, from half May until half of September, this tour will cost 50 US$ p.p. more.