An Epic Journey Through Peru and Bolivia

Arrive in Lima, Peru’s vibrant coastal capital, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing after your journey or taking your first glimpse of this fascinating city, renowned for its rich history, elegant neighbourhoods and celebrated culinary scene. Spend the night in Lima before continuing your Peruvian adventure the following day.

Explore Lima’s historic centre, discovering the magnificent Plaza Mayor, the imposing Lima Cathedral and the historic San Francisco Monastery, while gaining fascinating insights into Peru’s influential role at the heart of Spanish colonial South America. Continue through the sophisticated modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, where leafy avenues, elegant neighbourhoods and contemporary city life reveal a striking contrast to Lima’s colonial heritage. Along the way, discover how centuries of Indigenous, Spanish and modern influences have shaped the distinctive character of Peru’s vibrant capital.

Fly to Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire, where you will spend the day acclimatising to the city’s high altitude and absorbing its remarkable atmosphere at a relaxed pace. Wander through atmospheric cobbled streets where ancient Inca stone foundations sit beneath elegant Spanish colonial buildings, revealing the fascinating layers of history that define this UNESCO-listed city. Take time to explore charming plazas, traditional neighbourhoods and local markets, or simply relax and admire the dramatic Andean surroundings as you settle into one of South America’s most captivating historic cities.

Delve deeper into Cusco’s remarkable Inca and colonial heritage, beginning at Qorikancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, before visiting the magnificent Cusco Cathedral overlooking the historic Plaza de Armas. Continue beyond the city to explore the impressive archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, each offering a fascinating insight into the engineering, ceremonial traditions and daily life of the Inca civilisation. From Sacsayhuamán’s immense precisely fitted stone walls to the sacred waterways of Tambomachay, these extraordinary sites reveal the architectural sophistication and spiritual beliefs of one of South America’s most influential ancient cultures.

Journey through Peru’s spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas, where dramatic Andean peaks rise above fertile farmland, traditional villages and remarkable archaeological sites. Visit Pisac, renowned for its impressive Inca ruins and colourful traditional market, before travelling deeper into a valley that once served as one of the Inca Empire’s most important agricultural and administrative regions. Continue to Ollantaytambo, where the magnificent hillside fortress, monumental stone terraces and remarkably preserved Inca streets offer a fascinating insight into the civilisation’s sophisticated engineering and urban planning. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, the Sacred Valley provides an unforgettable combination of ancient history, living Andean culture and spectacular natural beauty.

Travel by scenic train through the spectacular Andean landscape to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the legendary Machu Picchu. From here, ascend into the mountains to discover one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites, dramatically positioned among lush peaks and cloud forest. Explore its remarkable stone terraces, temples, plazas and ceremonial structures while learning about the sophisticated engineering, history and spiritual traditions of the Inca civilisation. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, take time to appreciate the enduring mysteries and extraordinary atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, an unforgettable highlight of your journey through Peru.

Journey from Cusco to Puno through the dramatic high-altitude landscapes of Peru’s Altiplano, where sweeping plains, rugged mountains and remote Andean communities create an unforgettable backdrop. Along the way, discover fascinating archaeological and cultural sites that reveal the region’s layered history and the transition from the heartlands of the Inca Empire towards Lake Titicaca. Experience the changing landscapes and enduring traditions of the Peruvian Andes before arriving in Puno, the gateway to the legendary waters and distinctive cultures of the world’s highest navigable lake.

Explore the legendary waters of Lake Titicaca, beginning with a visit to the remarkable Uros Floating Islands, traditionally constructed from layers of locally harvested totora reeds. Discover how Uros families have adapted their way of life to this extraordinary high-altitude environment while maintaining distinctive customs and traditions. Continue across the deep blue waters to Taquile Island, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, strong community traditions and intricate handwoven textiles. Spend time learning about local customs and centuries-old practices while enjoying spectacular views across the lake and surrounding Andes, offering a fascinating insight into the living cultural heritage of the Lake Titicaca region.

Cross into Bolivia and continue to the lakeside town of Copacabana, beautifully positioned on the shores of Lake Titicaca. From here, travel by boat across the deep blue waters to Isla del Sol, one of the most sacred places in Inca mythology. According to ancient tradition, the island was the birthplace of the Sun and the legendary origin of the first Inca rulers, giving it profound spiritual significance throughout the Inca world. Explore its dramatic landscapes, ancient archaeological remains and traditional communities while enjoying spectacular views across Lake Titicaca and the distant Andean peaks, immersing yourself in the mythology and cultural heritage of this remarkable sacred island.

Continue to La Paz, one of South America’s most dramatically situated cities, nestled within a vast Andean canyon and surrounded by soaring mountain peaks. Explore the fascinating Witches’ Market, where traditional remedies, ritual objects and local crafts offer an intriguing insight into Bolivia’s enduring Indigenous traditions, before visiting Plaza Murillo, the historic and political heart of the city. Complete your exploration aboard the famous Mi Teleférico cable cars, soaring high above La Paz as you travel between neighbourhoods spread across the city’s steep mountain slopes. From above, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the dense urban landscape and surrounding Andes, offering a memorable perspective on Bolivia’s extraordinary high-altitude capital.

Travel south towards Uyuni, venturing deep into one of South America’s most remote and visually extraordinary regions. As you journey across Bolivia’s vast Altiplano, the scenery gradually transforms into an otherworldly landscape of sweeping high-altitude plains, rugged mountains and seemingly endless horizons. Experience the remarkable sense of isolation and scale that defines this dramatic corner of the Andes as you approach Uyuni, gateway to the legendary salt flats and some of Bolivia’s most spectacular natural landscapes.

Venture across the extraordinary Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat and one of South America’s most surreal natural wonders. Stretching seemingly without end beneath the vast Bolivian sky, its brilliant white salt crust creates an otherworldly landscape of immense scale and striking beauty. Journey across the salt flats to Incahuasi Island, a rocky outcrop rising dramatically from the pristine white expanse and renowned for its towering centuries-old cacti. Explore its trails and enjoy spectacular panoramic views across the Salar before continuing your adventure through this remote high-altitude wilderness, experiencing one of the most iconic and unforgettable landscapes in the Andes.

Journey through Bolivia’s extraordinary Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, where some of the country’s most dramatic high-altitude landscapes unfold across the remote Altiplano. Travel through a surreal wilderness of towering volcanoes, steaming geothermal fields and vividly coloured mineral lakes, where striking shades contrast against the stark desert terrain. Discover spectacular lagoons inhabited by flocks of flamingos and encounter wildlife uniquely adapted to this extreme environment, all framed by vast skies and rugged Andean peaks. The remarkable combination of volcanic scenery, colourful waters and remote wilderness makes this one of the most visually captivating regions of your journey through Bolivia.

Return to La Paz for a final opportunity to experience the distinctive energy and character of Bolivia’s extraordinary high-altitude capital. Spend time exploring the city at your own pace, revisiting its colourful markets and vibrant neighbourhoods or discovering more of its fascinating blend of Indigenous traditions and contemporary culture. Savour the flavours of Bolivian cuisine at one of the city’s restaurants before enjoying a relaxed final evening reflecting on your remarkable journey across the Andes, from ancient Inca cities and the legendary waters of Lake Titicaca to the immense Salar de Uyuni and the otherworldly landscapes of Bolivia’s remote Altiplano.

Transfer to El Alto International Airport for your onward flight, bringing an extraordinary journey through Peru and Bolivia to a close. Depart with lasting memories of the historic heartland of the Inca Empire, the spectacular peaks and valleys of the Andes, the legendary waters of Lake Titicaca, the vast wilderness of Bolivia’s Altiplano and the surreal white expanse of the Salar de Uyuni. From ancient archaeological wonders and living Indigenous traditions to dramatic high-altitude landscapes, your journey concludes after experiencing some of South America’s most remarkable cultural and natural treasures.