10-day adventure from Machu Picchu to Salar de Uyuni

Cusco - Sacred Valley

Tag 1: Welcome to Peru

Upon arrival at Cusco’s airport, look out for a friendly local representative who'll transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city, where you'll be free to relax and wander around at a slow pace.

Today is an essential day for your trip, where you’ll be able to rest and acclimatize to the altitude and conditions during your stay. This smooth transition will assure that during the following days, you'll enjoy your tour without any concerns about altitude sickness.

Ollantaytambo - Maras - Moray

Tag 2: Visit the heartland of Inca culture

Begin today with a trip to Ollantaytambo, a town unchanged since Inca times and home to an archaeological site with impressive stonework, only seconded by that of Machu Picchu.

Have lunch here, then begin the drive to Moray - one of the most unusual Inca sites. Its circular terraces, built upon a natural depression, seem to have been an agricultural experimental station.

Finally, you'll visit Maras, a salt extraction complex consisting of thousands of small white terraces. This site dates back to long before the Incas even arrived in Cusco.

Machu Picchu - Cusco

Tag 3: Stand in awe amidst the Andes

Today is the big day! After breakfast, take a short drive to Ollantaytambo's train station, from where you'll board the morning train to Aguas Calientes. Appreciate the changing landscape from green fields and eucalyptus forests to lush jungle, while traveling beside the meandering Urubamba River.

Upon your arrival into Aguas Calientes, take a 30-minute bus up to the impressive mountain setting where Machu Picchu lies. Shrouded by the mist of the Andes and surrounded by steep escarpments and lush vegetation, it’s a sight that lives up to every expectation.

Once here, you'll find a secluded spot overlooking the site, for an initial overview of Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour around the citadel, enjoying fewer crowds during this less busy time of day. Once the tour is over, you'll head on back to Aguas Calientes, from where you'll journey back to Cusco.

Cusco

Tag 4: Immerse yourself in the magic of Cusco

Strap on your walking shoes, as it's time for a soft stroll around Cusco’s historical center to discover a city rich in ancient heritage. Visit popular sites such as the Main Square, ornate cathedrals, and Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), stopping along the way down ancient streets, in local markets, and amidst traditional neighborhoods where you will uncover the magic of this beautiful city.

In the afternoon, explore artisan stores filled with souvenirs of all kinds - weavings, jewelry, stonework, and more! Then, end the day at a local restaurant, indulging in the very best of Andean cuisine - the perfect way to get a more authentic feel for this fantastic city and its people.

Cusco - Vinicunca - Cusco

Tag 5: Marvel at Rainbow Mountain

Early this morning, begin your day with a journey south to explore Vinicunca, the marvelous Rainbow Mountain in the proximities of Ausangate.

Today you'll be hiking a total of 5km up- and downhill. This high-altitude adventure starts at an elevation of about 4,500m (14764ft) and ends at the top of Vinicunca, at around 5,200m (17060ft). This trek is a little demanding, but the astonishing landscape will make all your efforts worthwhile!

After some time at the top, make your journey back to enjoy a delicious boxed lunch, before beginning your return drive to Cusco.

Cusco - La Paz

Tag 6: Explore the streets of La Paz

Leaving Cusco and Peru behind, today you'll fly to Bolivia's El Alto, the highest international airport in the world, and transfer to your hotel in the center of La Paz.

This afternoon, depart on a four-hour tour through La Paz. First, you will explore the city center and its street markets, going in search of handicrafts, weavings, and witchcraft items. Then, continue to the colonial area and visit the Basilica of Saint Francis, the Gold Museum, and Plaza Murillo. From there, drive to the Killi Killi viewpoint for amazing views of La Paz and its surrounding mountains.

Afterwards, continue to the Valle de la Luna on the city's outskirts, where the clay and rock mountain has been worn away over time by the wind - an erosion process which has shaped a bizarre but beautiful lunar-maze landscape. End the tour with a cable car ride to El Alto, before finally returning to your hotel.

La Paz - Uyuni Salt Flat - Colchani

Tag 7: Marvel at the stars in Uyuni

This morning, you'll be transferred to El Alto International Airport to board your flight to Uyuni. Upon your arrival there, your guide will be waiting to take you on a scenic drive to the famous salt flats.

Along the way you'll visit a train cemetery, home to the remains of locomotives from the 19th and early 20th centuries. You'll then stop in Colchani to see the traditional salt processing plant, and visit Ojos de Agua, an area where underground water rises up to the surface in a fascinating natural display.

Next up is Incahuasi Island, located in the middle of Salar de Uyuni, where the famous giant cacti grow and where you'll enjoy lunch in the middle of the salt flats.

In the evening, you'll venture once more into the flats, this time to enjoy the starlit sky that can often be seen in these high areas - a truly amazing spectacle.

Colchani - Tunupa Volcano - Colchani

Tag 8: Admire the sunset over the salt flats

Wake up amidst the salt flats and prepare to continue exploring this fantastic part of Bolivia.

First, you'll pass through the area where local workers extract and produce salt blocks. Then, head north to the slopes of the stunning Tunupa volcano to visit Pukara Ayque. Spend a while at this pre-Columbian site, marveling at the mummies located there, before stopping for lunch in the middle of the salt flats, enjoying the surroundings as you eat.

You'll have time to rest and relax in this marvelous setting, and as day turns to night, witness the sunset in the salt flats before heading back to your hotel.

Colchani - La Paz

Tag 9: Journey back to La Paz

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the local airport to board your flight back to La Paz. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your driver and taken to the comfort of your hotel.

La Paz is one of the world’s highest capital cities, and any stay here means an adventure with altitude. The bustling city streets are home to a pervasive undercurrent that shifts the character of the city with every turn, from excitement to serenity and everything in-between.

The rest of the day will be free for you to relax or continue exploring at your own pace. Your local expert will happily provide recommendations for additional activities, shops, and restaurants to enjoy during your afternoon here.

La Paz

Tag 10: Say farewell to Bolivia

All good things must come to an end, but you'll have hopefully had a wonderful time exploring all that Peru and Bolivia have to offer! At an arranged time you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport of La Paz for your international flight back home.