Peru-Bolivia Combined

Bolivia, discover this 22-day trip

Trip Description

With a Peru and Bolivia tour, you will experience a wonderful adventure. It is the perfect opportunity to visit the must-see sites of these two countries, so rich in wonders. Of course, you must visit Lima, Arequipa, and the superb Santa Catalina convent before heading to Cuzco to learn more about the Inca Empire. Other adventures await you during your trip to Bolivia and Peru, such as pushing your limits with trekking through breathtaking landscapes, the fascinating Lake Titicaca, and not to mention the vastness of the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt desert in the world. The Peru-Bolivia combination is an unforgettable dive into exceptional nature and history. A combined Peru-Bolivia tour, original and tailor-made, crafted by experts present in each country to visit the must-see sites of Peru and Bolivia in 22 days and to have unique encounters.

Accomodation

No accomodation information available

Stay program

day 1
Arrival in Lima
Welcome at Lima International Airport by our representative. Transfer by private vehicle to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
day 2
Lima, Arequipa
In the morning, transfer by private vehicle to the airport to take a flight to Arequipa (NOT INCLUDED). Reception and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit of the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit Church, the Yanahuara district, the viewpoints of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, as well as the Santa Catalina Convent, founded in 1580 by a wealthy widow, Maria de Guzman. A true city within the city, the convent is a walled citadel with its alleys, passages, steps, and small squares. Overnight at the hotel.
day 3
Arequipa, Chivay
Departure for Chivay, in the Colca Valley (3600 m altitude, 3h30 journey). Passing near the Chachani volcano and observing vicuñas in the Salinas y Aguada Blanca reserve. Discover, along the way, the lunar landscapes, especially at the Pata Pampa pass at 4900 m altitude. Descent into the valley towards Chivay, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and its terraced hills. Possibility to enjoy the hot thermal springs of Chivay (optional activity, entrance fee of about 6 USD not included). Overnight at the hotel.
day 4
Chivay, Condor Cross, Puno
Early morning departure for the Cruz del Condor, a prime observation site where the probability of seeing condors putting on a show is very high. Indeed, families of Andean condors inhabit the rocky cliffs. Also discover the deepest canyon in the world, reaching 3000 m in depth in some places, as well as its small typical villages such as Maca. Departure in the early afternoon by private vehicle towards Puno (6h drive), through the wild landscapes of the Andean altiplano. Arrival in the early evening, welcome and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
day 5
Puno, Uros Islands, Taquile Island, Puno
After breakfast, departure for a cruise on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world (3800m). Visit of the famous artificial islands built of bamboo by the Uros, a people of the Andean highlands. Continue by boat to the island of Taquile. Taquile is known as the island where men knit and women spin. Hike of about one hour before reaching the heart of the village and thus appreciating the traditional costumes of the inhabitants. Descent by the other side of the island, then return to Puno by boat (3h) in the afternoon. Check-in and overnight at the hotel in Puno.
day 6
Puno, Desaguadero, Tiwanaku, La Paz
In the morning, departure by private vehicle towards the border between Peru and Bolivia (Desaguadero). Meeting with the Bolivian team at the Desaguadero border post (time to be determined). Drive by private vehicle to the site of Tiwanaku, a major civilization of the central Andes between the 5th and 11th centuries. Discovery of the Akapana pyramid and its famous Gate of the Sun, the Kalasasaya temple, as well as the "Benett" and "Ponce" monoliths, which some archaeologists compare to the Moai of Easter Island. Visit of the small museum before taking the road to reach the city of La Paz.
day 7
La Paz, discovered on foot and by cable car
Meet at 09:00 in the lobby of your hotel with your guide. The guide will adapt this day according to your wishes, so do not hesitate to let them know as soon as you meet. Day dedicated to a walking tour of La Paz to soak up the atmosphere of the city. Discover the colorful markets, the colonial district, Plaza Murillo, or calle Jaen. Possibility to take the cable car (the highest in the world) to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the city of La Paz.
day 8
La Paz, Sucre
Departure in a private vehicle to reach La Paz airport. Flight La Paz - Sucre (schedule varies depending on the day of the week). Reception at Sucre airport and transfer to the hotel. Meet at 2:00 pm in the lobby of your hotel with your guide. The guide will adapt the afternoon visit according to your wishes, do not hesitate to let them know as soon as you meet. Discover on foot the "White" city, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. With the Recoleta convent and the ethnographic textile museum (ASUR) located in the heights of the city, the 25 de Mayo square and the Casa de la Libertad (closed on Sunday afternoon and Monday).
day 9
Sucre, Potosí, Royal Mint House
Departure in the morning from your hotel by private transport to reach the colonial city of Potosi (about 3 hours by road). Visit in the early afternoon to the Casa Real de la Moneda, an unmissable museum that recounts the city's glorious past and especially the history of Bolivia (it is a bit chilly in some rooms, so bring a light jacket). If time permits, discover the city center and the churches of the imperial city on foot.
day 10
Potosí, Cerro Rico mine, Uyuni
In the morning, meet your guide at 09:00 at your hotel reception. Departure by private transport to the miners' market. Then, discovery of the Cerro Rico mines (activity reduced on Saturdays and Mondays, no visits possible on Sundays). Return to the city center at the end of the morning. Departure at 14:00 from the hotel by private vehicle to reach the city of Uyuni, located not far from the Salar.
day 11
Uyuni, valley of rocks, Villamar.
Departure to reach the Lipez region. First, a stop at the train cemetery on the outskirts of the city. Crossing the village of San Cristóbal, a village relocated following the arrival of a mining company. On the way, discover the Valley of the Rocks where erosion has created strange shapes several meters high, placed on the sandy ground as if by magic. Before reaching our destination, a short stop to enjoy a magnificent panoramic view from the Cascada canyon. Arrival at the village of Villamar in the late afternoon.
day 12
Villamar, Laguna Verde, Laguna Colorada, Desert Hotel
First, the track runs along the Salar de Capina, which is exploited for its borax. The track then continues to the Polques hot springs (4,000 m). The bravest can enjoy a bath with a view of the Chalviri lagoon. Head towards the border with Chile. On the way, you can catch a glimpse of the famous "Dali Desert" with its surreal landscapes in light ochre tones, scattered with isolated rocks. Finally, you arrive at the very end of Bolivia with the Laguna Blanca and especially the Laguna Verde (4,300 m), with its emerald color and the Licancabur volcano as a backdrop... Be careful, it's very windy. You will cross a pass at nearly 5,000 m altitude before stopping at the "Sol de Mañana" site (4,850 m altitude). Discover this area characterized by numerous geysers, fumaroles, and mud pools. Continue your journey to reach the Laguna Colorada. This one finally comes into view. A prolonged break is necessary to contemplate this exceptional lagoon. It is home to many colonies of flamingos that strut before our eyes. The track then takes the road through the Siloli desert. The latter is made up of many geomorphological formations, including the "stone tree"... the local celebrity. The surrounding landscape is equally impressive with its multicolored mountains. A few more kilometers are needed before reaching the desert hotel.
day 13
Hotel of the Desert, 1001 Lagoons, San Pedro de Quemez
The path continues northward, along the border with Chile, via the "1001 Lagoons" route. A succession of several splendid lagoons (Honda, Ch’arkota, Hedionda, and Cañapa), some of which are home to colonies of flamingos… mind-blowing. In the background, the surrounding landscape is just as impressive with multicolored mountains. Throughout the day, each section brings its share of landscapes with eclectic facets. Further on, a break to stretch your legs and admire the Ollaguë and Tomasamil volcanoes. Crossing the Salar de Chiguana, which concludes this magnificent day. Arrival at the village of San Pedro de Quemez at the end of the afternoon.
day 14
San Pedro de Quemez, Galaxy caves, Uyuni salt flat, Tahua
First, a small detour is necessary to reach the little Galaxies cave, a rather unique place... Arrival at the Salar de Uyuni: even if it was hoped for, eagerly awaited, even if it had been glimpsed in photos, it surpasses the imagination. Its immaculate surface is a blank canvas for everyone's dreams. It is dotted with rare islands that will serve as lookouts for observing, photographing, picnicking... and above all, meditating on the beauty of the world. Discovery of Incahuasi Island with a short walk (about 45 minutes) on a marked trail. It is home to many cacti placed there as if by magic... it's simply indescribable. If timing allows, visit a small salt exploitation in Tahua and the little Chantani museum. Night in the village of Tahua. Sunset over the Salar.
day 15
Tahua, Coquesa, hike to the Tunupa viewpoint, Uyuni, La Paz
Departure in the morning to reach the neighboring village of Coquesa, located at the foot of the Tunupa volcano. Discovery of the site of pre-Columbian mummies dating from around 700 AD. Gradual and peaceful hike up to the viewpoint (about 2 hours of ascent). Splendid view of the volcano's crater as well as the Salar de Uyuni. Descent by the same path in about 1 hour. After this beautiful hike, we will go to the village of Jirira for a wonderful encounter with this community. There, we will discover the culture of quinoa and the cultural history of the area. At the end of the afternoon, crossing the Salar to reach the city of Uyuni. Uyuni - La Paz flight (times vary depending on the day of the week). Reception at La Paz airport and transfer to the hotel.
day 16
La Paz, Cuzco
Departure for La Paz airport. Flight La Paz – Cuzco (NOT INCLUDED). Arrival and welcome at Cuzco airport by your assistant. Transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free for a first discovery of the city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight at the hotel.
day 17
Cuzco
In the morning, visit to the Cuzco cathedral and the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha), as well as the four Inca archaeological sites around Cuzco: Sacsayhuaman (an ancient fortress famous for its annual celebration of Inti Raymi or "festival of the sun"), Puca Pucara, Tambo Machay, and Q’enqo. Free afternoon to continue exploring the city with the local San Pedro market, where you can find all the typical products, local meals and fruit juices, as well as many souvenirs, and the bohemian district of San Blas. Overnight at the hotel.
day 18
Cuzco, Awanacancha, Písac, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes
Departure, after breakfast, towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This region, located 600 m lower than Cuzco, benefits from a pleasant climate and fertile soils that the Incas knew how to take advantage of. First stop at Awanacancha, a high-quality textile craft center, where you can observe women weaving. You will also have access to a small museum about the making of alpaca wool textiles. You will also have the opportunity to approach different camelids (llamas, alpacas, vicuñas) present on the site and which are the basis of all Andean textiles. You continue on the road for a short trip towards the archaeological site of Pisac to visit its craft market and its archaeological site, considered the most important after Machu Picchu and which overlooks the Sacred Valley. The last visit will be to Ollantaytambo to discover the ancient Inca fortress, the scene of a great Inca victory over the Conquistadors. Departure at the end of the afternoon towards Aguas Calientes, the small town at the foot of Machu Picchu, taking the famous Andean train that winds through the mountains. Check-in and overnight at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
day 19
Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley
Shuttle to the entrance of the site and guided tour from 6am to 9am (or from 9am to 12pm, or from 12pm to 3pm, to be confirmed at the time of booking) of the most famous Inca site, with its agricultural sectors, urban sectors, and its incredible constructions on the mountainside... Half an hour of free time to enjoy the magic of the site. Return to Aguas Calientes by shuttle and departure towards Cuzco in the afternoon; arrival in the evening (Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo train). Overnight at the hotel in the Sacred Valley.
day 20
Sacred Valley, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Chinchero, Cuzco
Continuation of the visit to the Sacred Valley with a first stop at Moray, a surprising site with its circular terraces that are believed to have served as an agricultural experimentation center. Next, discover a true natural curiosity in the mountains: the Maras salt mines, which have more than 3000 pools on the hillside. Then a short trip to the typical village of Chinchero and a visit to its baroque church. Return to Cuzco at the end of the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
day 21
Cuzco - Lima
In the morning, transfer to Cuzco airport to take a short flight to Lima (NOT INCLUDED). Arrival and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the central and colonial part (the cathedral, San Francisco and its catacombs, the Plaza Mayor), as well as the modern part with its residential districts along the Pacific coast. Overnight at the hotel.
day 22
Return flight from Lima airport.
Departure from the hotel for a transfer to Lima airport (3 hours before the international departure time).