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Bolivia and Peru Holidays: Salt Flats + La Paz + Lake Titicaca + Machu Picchu

Exploring Bolivia + Lake Titicaca + Peru

18 NIGHTS FROM:

$4,858

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights quoted separately

PPB18L

• Bolivia and Peru Holidays

• Colonial Sucre

• Potosi Silver Mine

• Salar de Uyuni

• La Paz

• Lake Titicaca

• Uros & Taquile Islands

• Cusco & Sacred Valley

• Machu Picchu

• Lima

This fascinating privately guided tour combines the best of both Bolivia and Peru holidays, including the magnificent Salar de Uyuni salt flats, the largest in the world, Cusco & the Inca citadel at Machu Picchu in Peru. Also visit the colonial city of Sucre, the silver mine at Potosi, La Paz & Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, including a night on sacred Sun Island. English speaking guide & all sightseeing included.

Detailed itinerary ▶

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Day 1

You will be met at Sucre Airport and transferred to your hotel in this capital, which is regarded as the most beautiful city in Bolivia.

Check into your hotel in this high altitude city in the southern highlands, situated at 9,214 ft (2,810 m).

Day 2

Today enjoy a half day private tour of the main sights of Sucre.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, much of Sucre's colonial architecture has been preserved, with many beautiful whitewashed buildings and pretty patios. It was in Sucre that independence was proclaimed in 1825 and it remains the nation’s capital and symbolic heart, although La Paz is today the seat of the government and treasury.

Originally a Jesuit chapel, the House of Liberty Museum (Casa de la Libertad) has the Declaration of Independence on display. On Plaza 25 de Mayo, the main square, you can see the colonial Cathedral and in Bolivar Park you can see small replicas of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe from Paris.

Other places of interest in this city include the convent and museum of La Recoleta; the museum of Indigenous Indian Art & Textiles and the Museo Universitario Charcas, which is situated in a restored 17th century building and houses three separate museums - the Anthropology Museum, Colonial Museum and Gallery of Contemporary Art.

Note: Museums in Bolivia are closed on Mondays & public holidays.

Day 3

Today we leave Sucre and travel 3-hours to the silver mining town of Potosi.

We cross the old Puente Arce bridge, as we ascend to this colonial city in the highlands. Situated at 13,420 ft (4,090 m), its is one of the highest settlements in the world. It was here at Cerro Rico ('Rich Mountain') that the Spanish conquistadors found unimaginable mineral wealth and they located their mint here. We visit this silver mine, which is still working and was once the richest in the world, travelling deep underground to see the tough working conditions.

Afterwards we spend some time exploring the town of Potosi, with its colonial streets and artisan market. Plaza 10 de Noviembre, the main square, is lined with beautiful colonial buildings including an ornate cathedral, the famous Spanish Mint, San Francisco church and San Lorenzo church, with its wonderful stone carvings in the baroque-mestizo style. We then leave town and check into our hotel.

Note: Protective clothing and helmets will be provided for the underground visit.

Day 4

Today we continue our journey through the Andes, as we travel 4-hours to Colchani.

You will see lots of colours, erosion and cactus as we drive through the villages of Chaquilla and Tika Tika. We travel past the Pulacayo tin mine and arrive in Uyuni, the gateway to Salar de Uyuni - the largest salt flats in the world.

Here we detour to visit the fascinating Train Cemetery filled with the hollowed out bodies of locomotives that have completely rusted over. Most of these trains date back to the early 20th century and were imported from Britain to improve the rail network here, but the project was abandoned and the trains left to the mercy of the salt winds.

Afterwards we check into our hotel in the small town of Colchani, where the locals produce salt.

Day 5

Today we spend the day exploring the magnificent Uyuni Salt Flats.

At over 4,000 square miles (10,000 sq.km), this vast high altitude expanse was once a prehistoric lake that ran dry, leaving behind strange desert-like landscapes - with brightly reflecting white salt crusts, unusual rock formations and eerie cacti-studded islands. Over half the world's lithium reserves are found in the brine under these salt crusts. The salt flats are also an important breeding ground for thousands of pink flamingos.

After stopping in Colchani to see a traditional salt processing plant, we continue to Ojos de Agua (the 'Eyes of Water') where underground water bubbles up to the surface. We observe the salt extraction process, before continuing 2-hours to Isla Incahuasi (Inca House Island). This rocky volcanic outcrop of land was once an island but is now situated in the heart of the salt flats and populated with giant cacti that grow to over 33 ft (10 m).

After an included picnic lunch, we spend some time admiring this astonishing scenery and later enjoy a spectacular sunset. At the end of the day we drive back to our hotel in Colchani.

Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes when visiting the salt flats and remember to wear sunglasses.

Day 6

Today we explore more of the Bolivian Salt Flats as we travel northwards to the slopes of the dormant Tunupa Volcano.

Here we visit the pre-Columbian Pucará de Ayque Fort and nearby 'chullpares' (burial towers).

The Coquesa Mummies can be seen in nearby caves and the Chantani Museum has an eclectic collection of artefacts and information on the local culture. After a boxed picnic lunch in the middle of the salt flats, we return to Colchani.

Day 7

Transfer 30-minutes to Uyuni Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at La Paz Airport and transferred to your hotel in the highest capital city in the world at over 11,900 ft (3,600 m).

Check in and enjoy views of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Illimani.

Day 8

Today enjoy a full day tour of the city of Nuestra Señora de La Paz. With its pre-Hispanic traditions, including magic rites that are practised on the streets, this city has an interesting mixture of indigenous, colonial and modern areas and is framed by the majestic triple-peaked Illimani Mountain.

Spend the morning on a shared Walking Tour guided by a 'lustra bota' (shoe shiner), a local activity inspired by the Hormigon Armado newspaper (the 'Big Issue' of La Paz). Meet your guide outside the former train terminal and hop on one of the many teleférico (cable cars) to the main cemetery, where your tour starts. After a short visit, continue walking to Fish Street Market, the Flower Market and the Uruguay Market, where various species of animals and food can be seen. Also visit Eloy Salmón Street, which is lined with shops and stalls selling the latest technology, and the Cholitas Market, where 'cholitas' (local ladies) can be seen shopping for traditional handicrafts, skirts and blankets. The tour finishes at the famous Witches’ Market on Linares and Sagarnaga Streets.

In the afternoon enjoy a private City Tour of La Paz. See street markets rich in handicrafts, weavings and witchcraft items, then visit the colonial sector of the city. On Plaza Murillo, the main square, you will see the Cathedral, the Government Palace and the National Congress buildings. We also view San Francisco Church, whose mestizobaroque facade features carvings of masks, dragons and tropical birds. Some interesting museums are clustered on the charming colonial street of Calle Jaen. We also visit the scenic Mirador Killi Killi viewpoint for outstanding views over La Paz.

Afterwards we descend to the more modern southern part of the city to reach Moon Valley, where a clay mountain has been impressively shaped by erosion, creating dramatic lunar landscapes and tall clay and sandstone spires. The colours here are breathtaking, ranging from beige tones to red and dark purple, due to variances in the mineral content. Several species of cacti grow among the stalagmites in this otherwise barren landscape. There are two circular walking tracks, with Devil’s Point (at the end of the longer 45-minute track) offering the most spectacular views. There is also a shorter 15-minute track.

Note: All museums in Bolivia are closed on Mondays and public holidays. Wear comfortable shoes with a good tread today.

Day 9

Today enjoy a half day private tour driving 1.5-hours across the Bolivian altiplano to explore the Tiwanaku Ruins, the capital of an ancient civilisation situated near the southeastern shores of Lake Titicaca.

Tiwanaku (or Tiahuanaco) is a pre-Inca archaelogical site dating back to 1,580 BC and therefore considered to be the cradle of American civilisation. Impressive buildings include the Kalasasaya Temple, the semi-subterranean Earth Temple, the remarkable Gate of the Sun, the enormous Ponce ('Right') and Fraile ('Friar') monoliths and the Akapana Pyramid.

We also visit the rural village of Tiahuanaco, where stones from the ruins have been used in its construction and where ancient traditions are still followed. The larger and better quality stones have been used in the Puma Punku Temple, which we will also visit.

After returning to La Paz, the rest of your day is free to explore more of the city independently.

Day 10

This morning enjoy the scenic 3.5-hour drive through the Andean Highlands to the town of Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

On arrival we visit the church with its famous shrine to the Virgen of Morena, the patron saint of Bolivia. We then board the 1-hour catamaran to Sun Island, the legendary birthplace of the Inca empire.

We stop at Huacani for an included 'aptapi' (typical highlands lunch) before continuing by boat to the ruins of the Pilko Kaina Inca temple. On arrival we walk 1-hour to our lodge, enjoying wonderful views over Lake Titicaca, so wear good walking shoes.

Note: Your baggage will be carried to your Sun Island lodge by donkey, so pack an overnight bag and only bring what is essential. Your main bags will be stored in Copacabana. This overnight stay is not suitable if you have any mobility issues.

Day 11

Rise early today to see a magnificent sunrise over Lake Titicaca.

Later hike 1.5-hours down through the village of Yumani to climb the Inca Stairs and drink from the 'Water of Eternal Youth' fountain. We then travel 1-hour by boat to see the Chincana Ruins and Sacred Rock. We continue for another 1-hour to the Island of the Moon and the Inca ruins of the Iñak Uyu temple before returning to Copacabana, with included 'aptapi' (typical highlands lunch).

At Desaguadero we cross the border into Peru and drive 2-hours to Puno. Puno has several churches dating back to the Spanish colonial period and is an important centre for Peruvian folklore, with a rich tradition of music and dance. This is therefore a great place to buy local handicrafts.

Day 12

Today enjoy a full day excursion to Uros and Taquile Islands on Lake Titicaca - which at 3,800 m above sea level is the highest lake in the world navigable by large boats. There are over 40 small islands dotted around this enormous inland sea.

A boat will be waiting at the port to take us to the unique floating islands of Uros, made from layers of tortora reeds. Uros Indian fishermen and hunters withdrew here to escape the invading Spanish and preserve their own culture. As a source of income, the residents of these man-made reed islands offer optional rides on their distinctive totora reed boats.

We continue to Taquile Island situated deeper in Lake Titicaca, where the local Quechua speaking Indians have kept intact the customs and traditions of their ancestors, including their incredible knitting skills. The island is 4.5 miles (7 km) long, without any roads or vehicles, and its terraced hills are scattered with pre-Inca ruins. Walk up a steep hill to the main plaza, where you can buy local handicrafts including some of the finest hand knitted items in all of Peru. A boxed lunch and private guide are included today, with a shared boat ride.

Note: The islands may be visited in different order. Lake Titicaca is situated at high altitude (12,500 ft / 3,800 m). Taquile Island is very steep, so is not recommended if you have mobility problems. Ask about alternative excursions.

Day 13

This morning transfer to Puno Railway Station in good time to board the PeruRail Train departing for Cusco.

This spectacular 10-hour train journey travels across remote highland plains, at times flanked by snow-capped peaks. The narrow gauge track wends its way through rural fields and across Andean landscapes dotted with adobe huts, herds of llama and alpaca. Enjoy an included 3-course meal with soft drink, red or white wine (pay for bar and specialty coffees) and traditional Peruvian folk music. Be sure to look out from the observation car when you travel through these small towns, to see how market stalls are cleared to make way for the train .

You will be met at Cusco Railway Station and transferred to your hotel. Check in, settle in and relax in this ancient Inca capital city set high in the Andes Mountains, that is today a World Heritage Site.

Note: The train runs from Puno to Cusco on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. On other days a coach transfer will be substituted. Remember to take a daypack for the train, as your luggage will be stowed in the baggage car.

Day 14

Today enjoy a half day shared tour of the magnificent colonial city of Cusco, built on Inca foundations and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Comprising a fascinating mix of colonial churches, monasteries and extensive pre-Columbian ruins, almost every central street in this city has remnants of Inca walls.

We start with a visit to the San Pedro Market, where you can explore the colours, flavours and traditions of modern Cusco. We then visit the impressive Temple of the Sun (Koricancha) whose walls and floors were once covered in sheets of solid gold. On the site of this ancient Inca palace and centre of worship of the Sun God, the Dominicans ordered a church to be built, which survives to this day.

We then leave the city and visit the impressive walled fortress of Sacsayhuaman (meaning 'speckled falcon') on the northern outskirts, believed to have been both a military and ceremonial centre. This enormous Inca structure has massive walls of hewn stone and is strategically located on a hill overlooking the city. We also visit Qenko (meaning 'zigzag') where the sun, moon and stars were worshipped.

Returning to Cusco, we walk along the cobbled streets of the Plaza de Armas - the central plaza around which you will see many magnificent colonial buildings - including the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

After your tour you can walk down well-preserved Loreto Street to see the remains of Incan palaces, as well as old colonial buildings. If you walk down Hatun Rumiyoc, a cobbled street near the Archbishop's Palace, keep an eye out for the famous 12-sided stone that fits so perfectly you can't even insert a coin.

Afterwards savour the local cuisine (own account). If you are feeling adventurous you can try guinea pig - a local speciality.

Note: Cusco is situated at high altitude (11,150 ft / 3,400 m), so walk slowly. The Temple of the Sun is not open on Sunday mornings & religious holidays. You will need to carry your passport to gain access to the site at Sacsayhuaman. Shared day tours have a maximum of 16 people.

Day 15

This morning we travel 2-hours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Along the way we visit the town of Pisac, famous for its ruins that lie at the top of a hill at the entrance to the valley and are separated into four groups - P'isaqa, Inti Watana, Q'allaqasa, and Kinchiraqay. We visit the Inti Watana group which includes the Temple of the Sun, baths, altars, water fountains, a ceremonial platform, and an inti watana - a volcanic ritual stone used as an astronomic clock or Inca calendar to define the change of seasons. The narrow rows of terraces beneath the citadel are thought to represent the wing of a partridge (pisaca), from which the village and ruins get their name.

We continue to the colourful Pisac Market, where all the artisans of the region get together to buy and sell their products. This is an excellent opportunity to barter for goods and crafts typical of the area, including silver jewellery. After an included lunch, you will be dropped off at your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 16

Today enjoy a full day private tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Our first stop is at the fortress at Ollantaytambo, built to protect the northern entrance to the Sacred Valley from invasion and later the centre of Incan resistance against the Spanish. The fortress and walled terraces of this town provide some of the finest examples of Incan architecture, with the six rose-coloured monoliths of the Temple of the Sun being particularly outstanding. The village itself is the best surviving example of Inca urban planning, with stone-paved streets that have been used since the 12th century.

We then drive to the archaeological site at Moray, where the Incas built enormous circular agricultural terraces on steep hills by hauling topsoil up by hand from the lower land, thereby generating much higher crop yields than would have been possible at such high altitude. This site is believed to be a former agricultural laboratory, an astronomical observatory or a place of worship - or maybe all three.

After an included lunch in a local restaurant, we continue to the Maras Salt Pans, a complex network of nearly 5,000 pre-Inca salt pans that have been hand-harvested by local families for thousands of years. The salt is formed when water from a spring that permeates these pools is evaporated by the intense sun, forming thick crystals in a variety of colours. The naturally pink ‘Sal de Maras’ is one of the finest salts in the world, getting its beautiful hue from trace elements in the spring water.

Day 17

Today transfer to Ollantaytambo Station for the air-conditioned Vistadome or Inca Rail 360 train to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu - an amazing 1.5-hour journey to this magnificent mountain top city situated in a beautiful cloud forest, that was abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911.

This legendary Lost City of the Incas is without a doubt one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. Built on the summit of Machu Picchu (meaning "Old Peak"), on a natural saddle between steep forested mountains, it overlooks the deep canyon of the Urubamba River some 7,972 ft (2,430 m) above sea level. With its giant walls, terraces and ramps that appear to have been cut naturally out of the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu's history remains shrouded in mystery as the Incas did not leave any written records.

At the gateway town of Aguas Calientes, we leave the train and board the bus for a 40-minute zig zag ride up to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of this 14th century citadel which contains a Main Plaza, Circular Tower, Sacred Sun Dial, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds - although the actual sites you will see will depend on the circuit that you have been allocated.

Afterwards return by bus to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Ollantaytambo Station, where you will be met and transferred back to your hotel.

Note: You must take your passport with you today, as this will be needed to gain entrance, which is restricted to 4-hours (based on either a morning or afternoon schedule). It is mandatory to enter with a guide and you cannot take selfie sticks, tripods, umbrellas, food or alcohol onto the site. You may not wear high heels or hard soled shoes and smoking is prohibited. If you leave the sanctuary for any reason (eg for lunch), re-entry will not be permitted. Only one bag not exceeding 11 lb (5 kg) is allowed as hand luggage on the train, so your main bags need to be left in luggage store at either your Cusco or Sacred Valley hotel, for later collection by yourself or our ground handler. From January to June parts of the rail track may be impassable at times due to mud slides, when a bus transfer will be substituted.

It is also possible to upgrade to the much more luxurious Hiram Bingham train.

Day 18

Transfer 2-hours to Cusco Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Lima Airport and transferred to your hotel.

Check in and relax in this capital city - the largest in Peru and its gastronomical centre.

Day 19

This morning enjoy a half day private tour of Lima, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well preserved architecture. Founded in 1535, it was re-named the "City of Kings" when it was conquered by the Spanish and became the most important centre in the region.

Our tour starts in the Miraflores residential district and modern San Isidro, where we see the impressive Huaca Pucllana, an adobe pyramid that was a sacred pre-Inca site. We also stop at Parque del Amor (Park of Love) with its magnificent views over the Pacific Ocean.

We continue to the historic centre, where we visit the impressive 17th century Santo Domingo Convent. The remains of the patron saint of Peru, Saint Rose of Lima, are interred here as well as the remains of Saint Martin of Porres, the patron saint of people of mixed race, and Saint Juan Macias.

On the Plaza Mayor (the main square, also called the Plaza de Armas) you can see many imposing colonial buildings with their intricate balconies - including the Government Palace, where the changing of the guard takes place, the City Hall and beautiful Cathedral.

Time permitting, there is the option to visit the Larco Museum, a remarkable private collection of treasures from ancient Peru with more than 45,000 exhibits including ceramics, textiles and many exquisite gold and silver artefacts. It is well known for its gallery of erotic pottery (pay entrance locally). We can also visit the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco.

Afterwards transfer to Lima Airport for your flight home. Before you leave do try a Pisco Sour, the nation's favourite drink.

Note: Lima Cathedral is closed on Sunday morning and all day Monday.

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