Best of Peru & Bolivia in 20 days

Lima

Day 1: Welcome to beautiful Peru!

This is the beginning of a fantastic adventure! Welcome to the beautiful country of Peru, a country that spans from the rainforests of the Amazon over the Andes to the Pacific Ocean. Upon arrival at the Jorege Chávez airport, you will be greeted by a member of our team and taken to your hotel. Spend your first night in South America resting in your hotel and gearing up for your upcoming journey.

Lima - Arequipa

Day 2: Discover Arequipa, the “White City”

In the morning, depart from your hotel and head back to the airport. It is time to board your flight to Arequipa, nicknamed the “White City” and the second largest city in Peru. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before heading into the city. Take a tour of the colonial downtown. Learn about sights like the main square, the cathedral, the Jesuit church and convent, as well as the Santa Catalina monastery. Enjoy the small streets lined with brightly colored houses hidden between small squares bedecked with fountains. Afterwards, return to your hotel for the evening.

Arequipa - Colca - Chivay

Day 3: The vistas of Colca Canyon

In the morning, hop onto your private vehicle, which will take you to Colca Canyon. Enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery, as you look upon one of the deepest canyons in the world. Get back in the car and continue by crossing the Salinas Aguada Blanca National Preserve as well as the Patapampa Pass. The ride is full of magnificent landscapes that will leave you reaching for your camera. Keep an eye out for vicuñas or other camelids of the region that may wander across your path. After your long journey, arrive at your hotel to spend the evening as you please.

Canyon Colca - Chicay - Puno

Day 4: Observe magnificent Andean condors

Today, get a better glimpse of the gorgeous canyon. The first stop of the day is at Cruz del Condor, in the heart of Colca. This is the best spot to observe serene Andean condors in flight as they traverse the canyon. Continue on and visit the quaint village of Pinchollo and the lookout points at Antahuilque - where you can see the full length of the canyon as well as the surrounding farming terraces. Afterwards, stop at Choquetico, a pre-inca cemetery featuring unique suspended tombs, as well as the beautiful villages of Maca and Yanque, which feature colonial architecture. In the afternoon, transfer via bus to Puno, where you will be greeted at the bus station and taken to your hotel. 

Puno - Taquile - Puno

Day 5: The unique islands of Titicaca

Wake up early in the city of Puno, capital of the Puno region, important for agriculture and livestock - particularly camelids such as llamas and alpacas. The city is located on the edge of Lake Titicaca on the Peruvian Altiplano. Travel to the port of Puno to embark upon the lake itself with your English or Spanish speaking guide. Visit the floating islands of Uros. These fascinating islands are artificial, made from reeds and plants from the lake by the islands’ inhabitants. After learning about Uros and its people, cruise further towards the island of Taquile, an important cultural sight of Peru. Step onto the island and observe the locals at work making some of the finest handicrafts in Peru. If you really fall in love, you can also purchase the handwoven textiles. In the early afternoon, head back to Puno to relax for the remainder of the day. 

Puno - Copacabana - Yumani

Day 6: Let’s go to Bolivia!

Today is a day of travel! Wake up in the morning and transfer to the bus station, where you will board your first bus that will take you across the border to Bolivia. Stop at the border in the city of Copacabana to catch your next bus, which will take you all the way to the capital city of La Paz. Upon arrival at the bus station, you will be greeted by your driver and taken to your hotel where you can spend the evening at your leisure. 

La Paz

Day 7: See the sights of La Paz

In the morning, you will be greeted by your private driver, who will escort you on a full-day tour of the metropolis and its surroundings. La Paz is the world’s highest capital city, and it is surrounded by the picturesque mountains of the Andes. Visit K’llli K’llli Mirador and Laykakota Park that offer panoramic views over the city. Get out of the city and enter the Moon Valley, where you can let the quietness of the area seep in as you walk among lunar-like rock formations. In the afternoon, come back to the city to see the historical center. Wander through the colorful markets before arriving back at your hotel to pack your bags. In the evening, travel from your hotel to the bus station, where you will board a comfortable overnight bus that will take you all the way to the most impressive natural wonder of Bolivia - the Uyuni Salt Flat.

La Paz - Uyuni

Day 8: Visit authentic Bolivian villages

You will be greeted by your driver upon arrival at the bus station, who will take you to your hotel. Then, begin your journey via private jeep through the area of Sur Lipez, a region of endless colorful landscapes, peaceful lagoons, and impressive volcanoes. Start your exploration with a visit to the impressive train cemetery on the outskirts of the flat, where you can wander through rusted train engines that tell the story of the region’s mining past. Move on to the village of Culpina K., a model of urbanization where the inhabitants have decided to do things a little differently. Instead of working in the mines, the community has organized itself to live off of the culture of quinoa and community-based tourism. On the last leg of your journey, cross the region of Rio Grande and arrive in the village of Villamar.

Desierto Del Siloli

Day 9: Relax in volcanic lagoons

Your second day in the Sur Lipez region has been reserved for the highlights! Begin your day at the Laguna Colorada, an large pinkish lake home to the thousands of flamingo that flock to its banks in some parts of the year. Keep moving to spot the Geysers Sol de Mañana, a volcanic crater of boiling mud and sulphur springs. The next stop will knock your socks off! Climb into the thermal pools of the Polques Springs and bathe in the warm waters that are surrounded by a spectacular frozen landscape. Hop back into your jeep and travel across the Laguna Salada and the Dali Desert as you observe the unique rock formations of the area through the window. Around midday, arrive at the Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde, located at the base of two volcanos. In the afternoon, travel back to Laguna Colorada, where you can spend the evening at your leisure.

San Pedro De Quemez

Day 10: Visit an active volcano

Today, head north to the Siloli Desert to take a look at its famous “Stone Tree”. Make sure to observe the surrounding areas for viscachas, or Andean rabbits, that inhabit the area. Travel along the “Route of Jewels” along the Chilean border that owes it name to the many colorful lagoons along the way. The lagoons are also home to three species of flamingos. Stop at the view point of the volcano Ollagüe, which is still active and home to one of the world’s highest copper mines. At the foot of the volcano Tomasamil, cross the Salar de Chiguana before reaching the village of San Juan. The village is home to the unique mummies of the “Lipez Lords” and an informative museum. Use the evening to wander around the town or catching up on your rest in your hotel. 

Uyuni

Day 11: Explore the magnificent Uyuni salt flats

Prepare yourself for one of the most impressive adventures of this trip: driving across the world’s largest salt flat, the Salar de Uyuni! After half an hour drive across this magical white landscape, you reach the Island of Incahuasi. This place seemingly lost in the middle of the salt flat offers and incredible view over the Salar and the volcanoes around it. Explore the small island on foot, see the giant cacti growing here, and meet some of the first inhabitants of our planet: bacterial colonies of the early earth were fossilized in this unique micro-climate! As you continue the drive across the Salar, marvel at the vastness of the endless white nothingness around you that is unlike anything else on this planet.

Potosi

Day 12: Colonial glory in Potosí

Say goodbye to Uyuni in the morning, it's time to head to your next destination: Potosí. Once home to the largest silver mine in the world, this colonial city had its most glorious days in the 16th and 17th century. It is recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its abundance of historical colonial buildings. Take a guided tour around the city and discover places such as the Casa de la Moneda, where coins for the Spanish crown used to be minted until the 19th century. You spend the night in Potosí. Choose to relax at your comfy hotel, or how about an evening stroll around town?

Potosi - Sucre

Day 13: Time for a change of scenery

If yesterday's colonial charm made you wonder where all the riches used to come from, today is for you. In the morning, you visit the mines of Cerro Rico, the "Rich Hill". The mines are still active today and you get the chance to see the miners at work and get a first-hand impression of how silver is mined.

After this impressive sight, you will move on towards the charming town of Sucre. As you leave the Altiplano landscape behind and descend into the Chuquisaca Valley, you cross the Pilcomayo River on the Sucre Bridge, a medieval-looking structure worthy of a photo.  

Sucre - La Paz

Day 14: Sucre, Bolivia's constitutional capital

Today it's time to explore Sucre. The city is the constitutional capital of Bolivia and it is famous for its flair of quietness, its beautiful colonial architecture and numerous churches. Take a guided tour around the city's most famous buildings. Visit the Convento de la Recoleta, a Franciscan monastery built in 1601, as well as the Casa de la Libertad, where the Bolivian Independence Act was signed. Crown the day with a visit to the terrace of the Monastery of San Felipe Nery, from where you can enjoy the beautiful sunset over the city.

La Paz - TIWANAKU - Puno

Day 15: Visit Tiwanaka before leaving Bolivia

This is your last day in Bolivia, but you won't leave this fascinating country without visiting one last place: the archeological site of Tiwanaku, considered one of the most important pre-colombian ruin sites in Latin America. Explore the ancient temples, such as the Akapana pyramid and see the fascinating carved images of human heads, and marvel at the massive Gate of the Sun arch. After this visit, you will drive along the coast of the Titicaca lake and the Cordillera to reach the border with Peru. You spend the night in Puno, where you will have time to relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Puno - Cusco

Day 16: On the way to Cusco

Back in Peru, start your journey towards world-famous Cusco. But just visiting the ancient city wouldn't do this region justice. You take the scenic route, take the opportunity and enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the route via the Col de la Raya. In the village of Raqchi, visit the temple of Wiracocha, the creator of the world. The temple is an architectural masterpiece built with lava from the volcano Quinchasata. Discover the relics of the large administrative center, consisting of more than 160 circular buildings. You arrive in Cusco by late-afternoon and are transferred to your hotel where you can spend a relaxing night.

Cusco

Day 17: Discover Cusco's historic downtown

In the morning, depart for a tour of the historical downtown of Cusco. Roam the busy streets and visit the Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, as well as the Cathedral and marvel at the gold art, silver, and precious stone treasures. Take a walk to the bohemian artist district, San Blas quarter. The afternoon is for you to make the most of. Explore more of Cusco fascinating streets, have a delicious coffee at a cafe, or return to your hotel and use the time to prepare yourself for tomorrow's adventures.

Cusco - Pisac - Aguas Clientes

Day 18: Sacred Valley, the Inca heartland

Today you explore the Sacred Valley of the Inca, the heartland of the Inca empire. Stop in the Spanish colonial town of Pisac, where you can visit the impressive Inca ruins and the handicraft market. Continue on to the Inca village of Ollantaytambo. The ruins of a massive Inca fortress are laid out here on a hillside. Explore the huge Sun Temple, as well as the Princess Baths fountain, before moving on to board a train to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy the train ride along the beautiful Peruvian mountain scenery, let the clear mountain air refresh your senses as you get closer to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Day 19: Magnificent Machu Picchu

This is the day you've been waiting for. Early in the morning, you are picked up and driven to Machu Picchu. The ancient Inca city is considered as a masterpiece of Inca architecture. It was abandoned during the collapse of the Inca Empire. Forgotten for centuries, it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham. Your guide will lead you into the archaeological complex, still covered by the morning mist. The city was built on top of a ridge and surrounded by precipices. A stunning view that evolves with the progression of the sun! After the guided tour, you have the opportunity to continue to explore on your own. As the sun begins to set, it's time to board the train and leave this truly magical place. Use the train ride to let the images sink in, you will never forget them.

Cusco - Lima

Day 20: Hasta pronto - See you soon!

It's time to say goodbye to Peru. Enjoy a last delicious breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, before you are taken to the airport to board your flight home. Take home the wonderful memories of the places you've visited in the last three weeks, the images of gorgeous sceneries and friendly faces of the local people will stay with you forever. Come again soon, bye bye!