Discover the highlights of Peru and Bolivia with our "Best of Peru and Bolivia" itinerary. Start in Peru’s vibrant capital, Lima, where you’ll delve into its rich history and world-renowned cuisine. Journey to the Sacred Valley and marvel at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, a true wonder of the ancient world. Explore Cusco’s unique blend of Inca and Spanish influences, then head to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Embark on a luxurious journey aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train, as you travel through the breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian highlands. Cross into Bolivia to explore Copacabana and the mystical islands of the world’s highest navigable lake. This curated itinerary offers a perfect fusion of cultural treasures, historical marvels, and stunning natural beauty across two remarkable countries.
Upon arrival in Lima, meet your driver in time for your transfer to your hotel.
Hotel: Belmond Miraflores
This morning, after checking out of your hotel, meet your private driver in the lobby for your transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, your private driver will take you to the Sacred Valley. En route, enjoy lunch at Hacienda Huayoccari, a 17th-century estate that houses a remarkable collection of Peruvian art spanning various eras. You’ll reach your accommodation in the Sacred Valley this afternoon, where you’ll have the remainder of the day to relax and begin acclimating to the higher altitude.
Hotel: Belmond Rio Sagrado
After breakfast, meet your private guide in the hotel lobby for a full-day excursion of the Sacred Valley. Begin at Chinchero village, known for its exquisite textiles and lively Sunday market. Next, visit the archaeological site of Moray, famous for its impressive circular terraces, which were used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation. Continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the few remaining Incan towns, which features a significant archaeological complex and a grand fortress. After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, with the evening free for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Hotel: Belmond Rio Sagrado
After breakfast and check-out, meet your private guide in the hotel lobby for a transfer to the train station. Board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train for a scenic journey through the mountains to Aguas Calientes. As you travel, enjoy gourmet cuisine and attentive service while large panoramic windows allow you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, your guide will accompany you to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu. Explore the awe-inspiring ruins, renowned for their stunning views and enigmatic history. After your visit, descend and take the shuttle bus back to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you’ll check in and have the remainder of the evening to relax at your leisure.
Hotel: Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu
Today, you have the option to revisit Machu Picchu on your own, without a guide. You can explore the Inca Bridge, a hidden entrance used by the Inca army, or hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), which is thought to have served as the control point for those entering and exiting the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. In the afternoon, you’ll be assisted to the train station to board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train for your journey back to Cusco.
Hotel: Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for an excursion to Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park. The impressive Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, constructed with massive, precisely fitted rocks, showcases the Incan civilization's military and administrative skills. After the tour, return to your hotel to rest. In the afternoon, visit the Plaza de Armas, built on the site of the Incan main square, Huacaypata. Admire its colonial architecture, including Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Company of Jesus. Finally, explore Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, which was once adorned with gold. Afterward, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Hotel: Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
This morning, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to the train station to board Belmond’s Andean Explorer for your journey to Puno. Experience the spirit of the Andes on this luxury train, marveling at some of South America’s most breathtaking scenery as you travel along one of the highest train routes in the world. The journey is typically an overnight trip, allowing you to enjoy the stunning landscapes as you travel.
Hotel: Belmond Andean Explorer
Upon arrival in Puno this morning, you’ll be met at the station and transferred to your hotel on Lake Titicaca. The hotel provides a range of experiences, including walks along natural trails with stunning views of the Andean landscape. You can also visit a local community to learn about Andean traditions, as well as agricultural and fishing practices.
Hotel: Titilaka Hotel
Today, you have a range of experiences to choose from on and around Lake Titicaca. One of the most popular options is a full-day excursion to explore the Uros floating islands and the Island of Taquile. The floating islands of the Uros Titino communities are masterfully crafted from totora reeds, forming a distinctive habitat where land, sky, and water seamlessly merge into one mesmerizing landscape. This excursion provides an opportunity to meet the Uros-Aymara communities, learn from skilled reed raft builders, and observe the expert weavers at work. In the evening, the clear skies and serene Altiplano offer ideal conditions for astronomical observations. Dress warmly and head to the lodge gardens, where your guide will explain the movements of the stars and point out constellations such as the Warawara Hawera (Milky Way).
Hotel: Titilaka Hotel
After breakfast, embark on a drive along the shores of Lake Titicaca, crossing into Bolivia to reach Copacabana. From there, enjoy a hydrofoil cruise to Sun Island, where you’ll visit the Pilcocaina temple, the Incan Grand Stairs, and the three fountains of eternal youth. Enjoy lunch at the Uma Kollu Archaeological Restaurant. Afterward, continue to Moon Island to explore the Sun Virgin Temple, which is significant in Inca mythology as the site where the great creator is said to have commanded the moon's rising. Return to Copacabana and proceed to La Paz, one of the highest administrative capitals in the world. Upon arrival and check-in, you’ll have the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Hotel: Casa Grande Hotel
This morning, enjoy a half-day city tour of La Paz. Take a cable car ride for breathtaking views of the city, which is nestled among mountains averaging 5,500 meters (18,040 feet) above sea level. Highlights of the tour include the Presidential Palace, Congress Hall, and the Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market), where you can observe the vibrant local Quechua and Aymara-speaking communities. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own or relax at the hotel while acclimating to the altitude.
Hotel: Casa Grande Hotel
After breakfast and check-out, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Uyuni. Upon arrival, you'll be met and taken to the salt flats, where you’ll stay in an Airstream Deluxe Camper for the next two days. Your camper, towed by a 4WD jeep with a personal driver and guide, will be accompanied by a campervan serving as your restaurant and bar. This afternoon, visit Incahuasi Island (often referred to as Pescado Island), a rocky outcrop in the salt flat that resembles a fish from a distance. Later, transfer to the charming village of Jirira to enjoy the sunset and a candlelit cocktail.
Hotel: Airstream Deluxe Camper
Start your morning with a visit to Mirador Coquesa and Chijini Island, where you can marvel at the giant cacti. Next, enjoy a unique lunch experience right in the middle of the salt flats. After lunch, explore the Tunupa Volcano and visit the Mummies Museum. Take a short, easy hike to two viewpoints for breathtaking views of the expansive Salar de Uyuni (salt flats) and the colorful Tunupa Volcano. This evening, head to Colchani to explore the intriguing Salt Museum.
Hotel: Airstream Deluxe Camper
This morning, you'll transfer back to Uyuni for your flight to La Paz. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Hotel: Casa Grande Hotel
This morning, following breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight.