Bolivia and Peru - A Journey to The Land of The Incas

Bolivia and Peru - A Journey to The Land of The Incas

Feel the hypnotic rhythm of South America  - it's soaked in mysticism, it's lurking behind the misty peaks of the Andes, it's in the chaotic local markets, in the smiles of the locals, in their curious customs and the patterns of their colourful clothing.  

During this tour we will explore two of South America's jewels - Bolivia and Peru. We will start our journey in La Paz - a modern and captivating city, where you can take the "subway in the sky", buy llama fetuses, used by the locals as an offering to mother earth or Pachamama and visit a coca museum. The charms and superstitions continue to follow us on our visit to the sacred lake Titicaca and its Island of the Moon and Island of the Sun - the birthplace of the Inca. In Peru we will dive deeper in the history  of  the legendary Inca and reach the highlight of the tour - their lost city of Machu Picchu. The awe-invoking citadel has long been a symbol of the power of the Inca empire and is now a playground of inspired hikers, curious tourists from all over the world and just as curious fluffy llamas willing to take a selfie with the visitors. 
 
♦ La Paz - the highest capital in the world
Lake Titicaca - often called "the holy lake", it's the highest navigable lake in the world
♦ The Sacred Valley of the Incas - a valley in Peru that contains many Inca ruins
Machu Picchu - a 15th-century Inca citadel, one of the new 7 wonders of the world

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in La Paz (Bolivia)
Arrival in La Paz and transfer to your hotel for overnight.-/-/-

Day 2.  Walking tour of La Paz
After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a walking tour around the city. We will visit the historic area of La Paz City, Murillo Square (administrative center of Bolivia), Jaen street, San Francisco Church, Witches Market and take a ride on the cable car. Optional tour to Tiahuanaco – an important pre-Columbian archaeological site of Tiahuanaco culture. This tour takes takes approximately 5 hours. B/-/-

Day 3. La Paz - Copacabana
Today a 4 –hour- drive takes us to Copacabana, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca ( Mayor Lake). We will have a short rest at the hotel and have lunch, before exploring the town in the afternoon. We will visit the local market, the fishers market, the cathedral and many others. B/-/-

Day 4. Copacabana – Isla del Sol
Today we have a pretty long journey to Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun). First we will drive to Chani – a small town on the shores of the peninsula. From here we will walk the pilgrim way – about 4-hour walk to Yamputata before taking a private motor boat to get to the southern part of Isla del Sol. Upon arrival here we will visit the Pilko Kaina temple and continue to the lodge where we will spend the night. B/-/-
NOTE: For this day suggest you to get a box lunch.

Day 5. Isla de la Luna (Island of the Moon)
Today we will take a walk (about an hour-long) to the Sacred Fountain – the water here is believed to give eternal youth and happiness. We will then take a boat to the Island of the Moon and visit the small town Coati and then continue to the Ajllawasi temple. Overnight on the island. B/-/-

Day 6. Copacabana - Puno (Peru) - The Floating Uros Islands / optional /
Today we will go back to Copacabana from where we will travel to Puno (Peru). In the afternoon we have an optional boat tour to the Floating Uros Island - artificial islands made entirely from totora reeds, inhabit and built by the uros - a civilization older than the Incas . Overnight in Puno. B/-/-

Day 7. Puno - Cusco
In the morning we take the public bus to Cusco. We will arrive at the hotel and you will have some free time to explore the city on our own. B/-/-

Day 8. Cusco
We will start the day with a walking tour of the city and visit its main highlights. In the afternoon you will have free time to continue exploring it on your own, B/-/-

Day 9. Cusco - The Rainbow Mountain /optional/ - Cusco
Free time in Cusco or an optional full-day tour to the Rainbow Mountain. The mountain Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors) used to be covered by glacier caps, but in the end of 2015 these have melted due to global warming. When it started to melt, the water mixed with minerals in the ground, turning the earth into the many colors. After a 2-3h. drive, you will have the opportunity to hike around 3 hours to the view point where you will be able to observe and admire this unique natural phenomenon. 

Day 10. Maras Salt Mines – Moray ruins
Today we will visit one of the highlights of the Sacred Valley – Maras Salt Mines. Located about 50km from Cusco, they consist of thousands of shallow pools filled with salt water and are on UNESCO’s world heritage list. We will continue with a visit to the stunning Inca ruins of Moray. Although the purpose of the site isn’t fully known, there are suggestions that the stone depression has been used as a part of an Iincan agricultural experiment. Overnight in Sacred Valley. B/-/-

Day 11. Macchu Picchu – Inca Trail
Today is time for the hightlight of our Peruvian journey – the Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu. Situated on the eastern slopes of the Andes, it was once an important religious, political and cultural center of the Incan Empire and is now one of the new seven wonders of the world. If you are in the mood for adventure you can join the optional Inca Trail day trek. Overnight in Sacred Valley. B/-/-

Day 12. Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Today we drive back to Cusco. Free time.B/-/-

Day 13. Cusco - Lima 
Flight to Lima. Free time. B/-/-

Day 14. Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and departure.B/-/-


Price Includes:
accommodation in standard hotels and lodges
meals according to the itinerary
entrance to Machu Picchu
train to/from Machu Picchu
private transportation
public bus Puno-Cusco
flight Cusco - Lima
local English speaking guides
tour Leader from Penguin Travel. (at min. 10 people)

Not Included:
international flights
meals not mentioned in the program
tips
personal expenses
entrance fees not mentioned

Additional Services:
Optional tour to the Uros Floating Islands /3h./- 40 EUR per person
Optional tour to the Rainbow Mountain / full day tour / incl. breakfast,lunch,transportation,local guide - 55 EUR per person


Bolivia and Peru - A Journey to The Land of The Incas (Rated 4.75 / 5 Based on 133 Reviews.)
Group Size
6-12
Reservation System Code
BOPERUND

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