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

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 - Isla de la Luna – Copacabana
Transfer to the main port to take a private boat to Isla del Sol, believed to be the birthplace of the Inca Empire. During our visit, we’ll explore pre-Columbian ruins, including the historic Pillkocaina Palace. A traditional Andean lunch will be served and then we take the boat to Isla de la Luna (3925 m altitude). Here we visit Inak Uyu (Temple of the Virgins of the Sun) before returning back to Copacabana for overnight. B/L/-

Day 5. Copacabana – Kasani – Puno (Peru) - Uros Island
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, you we will be picked up and transferred to the city of Puno, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours. Along the way, we will cross the Bolivia–Peru border at Kasani. 
 This experience will allow you to discover the authenticity of the people of the lake, who for many years have lived off traditional activities, gradually improving their techniques in building their homes and the islands themselves. The Floating Islands Complex of the Uros is located 6 km east of the city of Puno, among the reeds (totora) within the Titicaca National Reserve. It takes approximately 30 minutes by motorboat to reach the islands. These islands are made entirely of totora reeds and are inhabited by people who live from fishing, egg gathering, bird hunting, and handicrafts. Nowadays, they also practice agriculture, as many of them own plots of land on the mainland where they grow crops such as potatoes, quinoa, cañihua, broad beans, and more.
Back to Puno for overnight. B/-/-

Day 6. Puno - Cusco
Drive to Cusco. Along the way, we’ll enjoy several cultural and scenic stops, including Pucara (3,900 m.a.s.l.), known for its archaeological significance and as the birthplace of the Altiplano Andean culture. La Raya (4,335 m.a.s.l.), the highest point on the route, offering breathtaking landscapes and opportunities to spot vicuñas and llamas. Visit Andahuaylillas Church, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" for its stunning interior artwork .B/-/-

Day 7. Cusco
Our guided tour today includes of the imperial city of Cusco, starting with a visit to the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha). The tour continues with several important archaeological sites located just outside the city:
Sacsayhuaman, a remarkable example of Inca megalithic architecture, Qenqo, believed to have served as a ceremonial and ritual center, possibly used for sacrifices, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, both significant for their religious and cultural roles in Inca society. In the afternoon, we’ll have free time to explore the city at our own pace. B/-/-

Day 8. Cusco – Maras Salt Mines & Moray – Aguas Calientes
In the morning, we depart for a visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be the Maras Salt Mines, where we’ll see over 3,000 salt pools, each approximately 5 meters in size. Next, we will explore the Moray Terraces, an impressive Inca archaeological site featuring concentric circular terraces. This complex served as an agricultural laboratory, simulating the diverse climatic conditions of the Inca Empire’s various ecological zones. Continue by train to Aguas Calientes for overnight. B/-/-

Day 9. Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Today is the highlight of our trip - a visit to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu. Drive by bus to ascend to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The guided tour will last about 2 hours and will cover the main sites within the complex. After the tour, we take the train to Cusco for overnight. B/-/-

Day 10. Cusco - The Rainbow Mountain - Cusco
Our day starts with an early pickup from Cusco, followed by a scenic 3-hour drive to the trailhead. On the summit (6,384 m) we’ll take a well-earned break to admire the stunning views. Our guide will share insights about the cultural and natural significance of Rainbow Mountain. Then, with a final effort, we’ll reach a viewpoint offering a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape, including the sacred Red Valley. Drive back to Cusco for overnight. B/-/-
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Day 11. Cusco - Lima
Flight to Lima. Free time. B/-/-

Day 12. Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for departure. B/-/-