11 Days • 10 Nights
Bolivia & Peru: Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Dramatic La Paz and the Uyuni salt flats
- Sacred Lake Titicaca from both shores
- The Inca capital of Cusco
- The Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Machu Picchu, the lost city
- Living Andean culture and reed islands
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 11-day journey.
Met at El Alto airport and transferred down into La Paz. Take it easy to acclimatise, with a gentle welcome dinner.
A morning tour of dramatic La Paz, then a flight south to Uyuni for a first 4x4 excursion onto the dazzling salt flats at sunset.
A morning exploring the surreal salt flats by 4x4 before flying back to La Paz for the night.
You travel to sacred Lake Titicaca and the pilgrimage town of Copacabana, with a boat trip to the Isla del Sol, mythical birthplace of the Inca.
You cross the border along the lake to Puno on the Peruvian side, visiting the extraordinary Uros floating reed islands and their communities on the way.
A scenic journey across the high Andean plateau to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, passing colonial churches and Andean scenery, with time to begin acclimatising in this beautiful city.
You explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the market of Pisac, the fortress of Ollantaytambo and Andean villages, settling into the valley for the night.
A scenic train ride and guided tour of Machu Picchu, the breathtaking lost city of the Incas perched high above the Urubamba gorge, one of the world's greatest wonders, returning to the Sacred Valley or Cusco.
A guided tour of Cusco, the Inca temple of Coricancha, the fortress of Sacsayhuaman and the colonial cathedral and streets, with time to enjoy this beautiful city.
A free day to enjoy Cusco, its markets, museums and cuisine, or an optional excursion, with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you are transferred to Cusco airport for your onward flight, having journeyed through the heart of the Andes.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 10 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, full board on the salt flats and a Sacred Valley lunch
- Airport and internal transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert English-speaking guides
- Domestic flights or 4x4 transport as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- La Paz and Cusco tours, a 4x4 Uyuni tour, Lake Titicaca excursions, a Machu Picchu train and guided visit, and flights
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Requirements vary by nationality, many (including UK and EU) do not need a visa for short stays, while others, including US citizens, do; a passport valid for at least six months and, sometimes, proof of onward travel and a yellow fever certificate for jungle areas are required. We advise you fully
- Altitude: Much of Bolivia sits very high, La Paz is around 3,600 metres and the Uyuni salt flats over 3,600 metres, so altitude sickness is a real consideration; we build in acclimatisation, and you should ascend gradually, rest, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol at first
- Currency: The currency is the Boliviano; carry cash, especially in rural areas and the salt flats, as cards are accepted only in cities and larger hotels. US Dollars in good condition can be exchanged
- Best time to visit: The dry season (May to October) is best for the highlands and the salt flats, with clear skies; the wet season (November to March) can turn the Uyuni flats into a spectacular mirror but may limit access to some areas
- The salt flats: Uyuni is explored by 4x4 with local drivers over remote terrain; conditions are basic in places, temperatures swing from hot days to freezing nights, and we brief you on what to pack and expect
- Health: A yellow fever vaccination is recommended (and sometimes required) for the Amazon lowlands; bring sun protection for the intense high-altitude sun, warm layers for cold nights, and drink bottled or purified water
- Getting around: Bolivia's distances and terrain mean itineraries combine domestic flights, 4x4s and boats; roads can be rough and journeys long, which is part of the adventure, and everything is arranged for you
- Culture & power: Bolivia has a strong indigenous Aymara and Quechua culture; please ask before photographing people and respect local customs. Power is 220V with type A and C plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the border crossing straightforward?
Yes — the crossing between Bolivia and Peru along Lake Titicaca is a well-trodden, straightforward route with your guides handling the formalities. You will need the correct entry documents for both countries, which we advise on based on your nationality.
How do we manage the altitude across two countries?
Both Bolivia and the Peruvian Andes sit very high, so we pace the itinerary to aid acclimatisation, spending time at Titicaca and easing into Cusco. You should rest, hydrate and take it easy; we advise fully and can suggest precautions.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner and full board on the salt flats and jungle sections where dining options are limited. Other meals are left free with our recommendations.
How serious is the altitude in Bolivia?
It is a genuine consideration, as La Paz and Uyuni sit very high. We build in time to acclimatise and pace the ascent, and you should rest, stay hydrated and take it easy on arrival. We advise fully and can suggest precautions; those with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor.
Do I need a visa for Bolivia?
It depends on your nationality, many do not need one for short stays, while some, including US citizens, do. We confirm exactly what you need, along with any yellow fever certificate for jungle areas, when you book.
When is the best time to visit Bolivia?
The dry season (May to October) is best for the highlands and salt flats with clear skies, while the wet season can create the famous Uyuni mirror effect but may limit some access. We advise on timing for your chosen route.
What is the Uyuni salt flats experience like?
Uyuni is explored by 4x4 with local drivers across a vast, otherworldly white expanse, with lagoons, geysers and cactus islands. Conditions are remote and basic in places, and nights are cold, but it is one of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of highlands, salt flats, jungle and colonial cities, add Lake Titicaca or the Amazon, change the pace and tailor accommodation to your comfort and budget.
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