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Peru And Bolivia Tour: Machu Picchu + Lake Titicaca + La Paz + Salt Flats, Uyuni

Peru + Bolivia Tour: Machu Picchu to Uyuni Salt Flats

12 NIGHTS FROM:

$2,426

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights quoted separately

PYB12L

• Peru and Bolivia Tour

• Lima

• Sacred Vally of Incas

• Machu Picchu

• Ollantaytambo

• Cusco

• Lake Titicaca

• La Paz, Bolivia

• Salt Flats, Uyuni

• Salt Hotel

This shared Peru and Bolivia tour starts in the capital city of Lima & explores the cultural treasures of Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley of the Incas, before travelling via Lake Titicaca to La Paz & the spectacular salt flats at Uyuni, where we stay in a salt hotel. All specified transfers & sightseeing included, but not flights. Departs monthly. Min 2/max 16.

Detailed itinerary ▶

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Day 1

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 2

Today your group tour starts with a half day 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, where we stop at Parque del Amor (Park of Love) with its magnificent views over the Pacific Ocean, before driving through the modern San Isidro business district, where we see the impressive Huaca Pucllana, an adobe pyramid that was a sacred pre-Inca site.

Continuing to the historic centre, 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. Here we visit the impressive 17th century Convent of Santo Domingo. 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.

Your tour concludes with a visit to 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.

In the evening do try a Pisco Sour, the nation's favourite drink.

Note: Lima Cathedral is closed on Sunday morning and all day Monday. On escorted group tours please note that for operational reasons it is sometimes necessary to substitute one hotel with another of a similar quality.

Day 3

Transfer to Lima Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Cusco Airport and transferred to your hotel in this ancient Inca capital city, set high in the Andes Mountains and today a World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon, enjoy a half day 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. In the evening savour the local cuisine. 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 4

Today enjoy a full day tour as we leave Cusco and travel 2-hours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way we stop at a viewpoint, from where you can enjoy panoramic views over the Sacred Valley.

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.

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.

Afterwards we visit the Misminay Community, where you will be welcomed with music and typical dances. Learn about the local Andean family lifestyle and share some of their daily activities.

At the end of the day check in to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Note: Shared day tours have a maximum of 24 people.

Day 5

This morning transfer to Ollantaytambo Station for the 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, where lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Afterwards return by bus to Aguas Calientes for an included lunch, before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo, where you will be met and transferred 2.5-hours to your hotel in Cusco.

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.

Day 6

At leisure to explore more of the sights of Cusco independently.

For an extra cost, there is the option to participate in a high-altitude trek to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.

Day 7

A full day on the road today as you travel 7-hours by air-conditioned tourist bus from Cusco to the town of Puno on Lake Titicaca, with sightseeing stops along the way.

This spectacular journey drops over 4,300 m as the bus travels through rural fields and remote highland plains, at times flanked by snow-capped peaks and across Andean landscapes dotted with adobe huts, herds of llama and alpaca.

Our first stop is at the village of Andahuaylillas, which has finely painted interior walls and a beautiful 17th century church, with an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Our next stop is the archaeological ruins of the Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi, followed by an included buffet lunch at a local restaurant. We continue to the archaeological site of Puka Pukara (meaning red fortress), which was a military camp that also functioned as an administrative centre. Here you can visit their small church and walk around their market stalls and a small museum. Our final stop is at La Raya Pass, the natural border between the regions of Cusco and Puno.

On arrival in Puno you will be met and transferred to your hotel in this lively university town situated on the shore of Lake Titicaca, with several churches dating back to the Spanish colonial period. Puno is an important centre for Peruvian folklore, with a rich tradition of music and dance and this is a great place to buy local handicrafts.

Note: We suggest you pack some snacks and drinks for the bus trip, as these are not provided.

Day 8

An early start today for the 3-hour tourist bus ride from Puno to Sun Island, with wonderful views of Lake Titicaca.

Enjoy the scenic drive through the Andean Highlands to Kasani, where we cross the border into Bolivia and continue to the town of Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Here we visit the church which has a famous statue of 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 9

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

Later we hike 1.5-hours down through the village of Yumani to climb the Inca Stairs and drink from the 'Water of Eternal Youth' fountain. From here we take 1-hour boat trip to visit the Chincana Ruins and the Sacred Rock, continuing another 1-hour by boat to the Island of the Moon and 1.5-hours by boat to the Inca ruins of Iñak Uyu Temple and Copacabana.

Then enjoy the scenic 3.5-hour drive through the Andean Highlands to La Paz, the highest capital city in the world at over 11,900 ft (3,600 m). Check into your hotel and enjoy views of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Illimani.

Day 10

Today explore 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 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 shared tour of La Paz, with its street markets rich in handicrafts, weavings and witchcraft items and its historic colonial sector. 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 & public holidays. Wear comfortable shoes with a good tread.

Day 11

Transfer to La Paz Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Uyuni Airport in the remote southwest corner of Bolivia - the gateway to the famous Uyuni Salt Flats, the largest in the world.

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 spending some time admiring this astonishing scenery, we travel 2-hours to Isla Incahuasi (Inca House) - a rocky volcanic outcrop of land that 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 continue northwards to visit the pre-Columbian Pucará de Ayque Fort and nearby 'chullpares' (burial towers) in the foothills of the dormant Tunupa Volcano. 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 spectacular day, we travel 2-hours to our hotel in Colchani and enjoy a desert sunset - with optional luxury cocktail/wine and snacks (pay locally).

Weather permitting, in the evening there is the option of Star Gazing on the salt flats (pay locally).

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

Day 12

Waether permitting, this morning there is the option to rise early to watch a spectacular Sunrise over the salt flats (pay locally).

Afterwards transfer 30-minutes to Uyuni Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at La Paz Airport and transferred to your hotel in this capital city.

Today is free to explore more of La Paz. Alternatively there is the option to take a tour, travelling 1.5-hours across the Bolivian altiplano to the Tiwanaku Ruins, the ancient capital of a pre-Inca civilisation that lived near the southeastern shores of Lake Titicaca (pay locally).

Day 13

Transfer to La Paz Airport for your flight home.

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