12-Nights Best of Peru & Bolivia: Machu Picchu & Uyuni from $4,354

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Lima

Transfer: Jorge Chavez Lima International Airportto Lima - Miraflores

Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores (4 Star Rating)

Casa Andina Premium Miraflores is strategically located in the heart of Miraflores, surrounded by excellent restaurants and boutiques in the city of Lima. Its unmistakable local touch showcases valuable colonial antiques and an exquisite collection of contemporary art decorating the rooms and common areas of the hotels. The hotel includes a breakfast buffet, a varied menu with gourmet dishes at Alma Restaurante & Bar, and healthy options at Sama Healthy Express. The hotel also offers room service and has a gym, sauna, spa and swimming pool.

Day 2: Full Day Colonial and Modern Lima Tour with Dinner Reservations

Today you will learn about the two characters of Lima: the modern one, reflected in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, and the historic one, encapsulated in the city center, which was declared a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Along the tour through these different areas of the city you will see how the old and the modern coexist in buildings such as the Museum of Italian Art, the Palace of Justice, the Museum of Lima, and Plaza San Martín, among others. With your tour guide leading the way and like-minded travellers alongside, you'll explore the center of Lima on foot, with the Main Square as the focal point: a beautiful colonial square worthy of photographs, surrounded by emblematic buildings such as the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. You will also have the opportunity to enter one of the most iconic ecclesiastical spaces in Lima, the Convent of Santo Domingo, also declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and where the relics of three Peruvian saints are found: Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martín de Porres and San Juan Macías. Leaving the historic center, return to modern Lima, meeting the Pacific Ocean for a wonderful view best enjoyed from the iconic Park of Love and its famous sculpture created by national artist Víctor Delfín. After exploring modern and colonial Lima, you will be returned to your hotel.Tonight, set out to discover some of the best gastronomy that Lima has on offer. Arranged to coincide with your preferred dining time, reservations will be made with the restaurant of your choice (subject to availability). To take you to and from the restaurant, private transfers will be arranged. Host to some of the world's finest dining, as well as an incredible range of exceptional venues ranging from extravagant to humble, Lima has no shortage of top-notch dining options. Our top recommendations include Maido, Mayta, Cala, Astrid y Gaston, and Nanka. If you have a specific dining option in mind, please speak with your Destination Specialist. Please note, your food and drinks are not included and are to be paid for on-site.

Day 3: Depart from Lima and Arrive to Sacred Valley

Transfer: Lima - Miraflores to Jorge Chavez Lima International Airport

Transfer: Cusco to Sacred Valley

The Boleto Tourism Card (BTC) allows you to access archeological and cultural sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The BTC is a mandatory requirement for travellers visiting the area, and is included in your itinerary.

Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas (4 Star Rating)

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas is a mountain chalet-styled retreat with panoramic Andes views from every room and every angle; it breathes an air of tranquillity and relaxation. Unique among Sacred Valley hotels, it contains a full-service spa, a domed planetarium and observatory, and a gourmet restaurant and bar. The 85 inviting, spacious rooms overlook the property and extensive gardens, and feature either private balconies or sunny sitting areas. Located between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, the hotel is perfectly positioned for easy access to the valley's abundant attractions and Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Full Day Authentic Sacred Valley Tour

In the Sacred Valley you will find ancient history and living culture. Your first stop of the day is Chinchero, a place where many communities are still organized under the Inca system of ayllus and proudly wear their historic garb. Here you will visit the Parwa cultural center and learn about the textile processes, the products from which the vibrant natural dyes are obtained, and the traditional weaving techniques used to manufacture them. In addition, you will be able to see the work of the artisans live and, if you want to take a souvenir home, purchase some of their pieces (additional cost). Following a short walk, you and your group guide will pass in front of the church of Nuestra Señora de Monserrat to reach the archaeological complex, which during the Tahuantinsuyo was an agricultural and livestock center, with terraces and aqueducts. Soon after, you arrive at the archaeological site of Moray, which during the Tahuantinsuyo functioned as an agricultural research center, something like a laboratory. Its enormous concentric terraces and the variety of microclimates they created allowed the growth of a wide variety of crops. In the valley, enjoy a typical lunch and visit Ollantaytambo, an ancient military, religious and agricultural center of the Incas. Strategically located on a mountain, it offers an unbeatable view of the town, the only one that maintains the original Inca urban design. Following your exploration, you will be returned to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 5: The Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu

Transfer: Sacred Valley to Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo

At the scheduled time, board the Expedition Train with service to Aguas Calientes, the penultimate stop on your way to Machu Picchu. The train cars of the Expedition Train are steeped in the designs of Incan culture, and along the winding route to Aguas Calientes, you will take in spectacular scenery; be sure to have your camera ready as there are seemingly endless opportunities for gorgeous panoramic pictures. As you travel to Aguas Calientes, you are able to purchase a range of food and beverages from the on-board service (additional cost).As there are strict luggage restrictions in place on board the train to Aguas Calientes, a luggage transfer service has been arranged to bring your additional belongings to Cusco. Once you have completed your experience in and around Machu Picchu, your baggage will be ready and waiting for you in Cusco.

Hotel: Casa del Sol Boutique Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Casa del Sol Boutique Hotel is located in the village of Aguas Calientes, very close to the imposing buildings of Machu Picchu, where the fascinating Inca citadel was erected. The hotel is just a 5 minute walk from the train station and across the street from the bus station that takes passengers to the ruins of Machu Picchu. The 30 unique guestrooms each combine materials and art crafted by artisans from different Peruvian communities.

On this circuit, you'll catch classic postcard perfect photos of Machu Picchu from the Guardian's House, which overlooks the primary citadel. Soon after, you'll go to the lower terrace, where you will have the chance to capture some fantastic panoramic pictures of the citadel. Next, you'll continue through the urban and religious sector where you can explore the main Inca Temples and precincts including the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, the Water Fountains, and more. Widely considered to be among the most comprehensive circuits to tour Machu Picchu, you'll explore the complex for 2 hours and 30 minutes alongside your local private guide before completing the route.

Day 6: Machu Picchu to Cusco

On this circuit, you'll have the opportunity to catch classic postcard perfect photos of Machu Picchu from the viewpoint of the Guardian's House. You will also be provided access to Machu Picchu Mountain, and invited to hike up and down the trail, a journey that typically takes between one and two hours. Along the way, you will ascend some 650 meters (roughly 2,130 feet), with a particularly challenging stretch featuring large steps encountered toward the end of the route. Guests with a fear of heights, vertigo, or mobility issues may wish to forego this activity. Also worth noting is that while the trail is wide for most of the way, there are narrow, steep sections as you progress and climb higher. However, the rewards for your efforts are apparent from the moment you reach the top. The panoramic views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu (further distant) are among the most impressive possible.At the scheduled time, board the Vistadome Train with service to Ollantaytambo. The Vistadome is the ideal train for those who want to see as much of the natural surroundings as possible. Each of the cars feature impressive panoramic windows, offering incomparable scenic views and innumerous opportunities to capture amazing pictures. The Vistadome has air conditioning and heating, adjustable leather seats, and you will also receive a light snack during the journey. In addition to the exceptional views, ambient music plays, and informative audio-narratives occasionally air, and a fashion show featuring baby alpaca wool will take place (with apparel available for purchase at additional cost), en route to Ollantaytambo.

Transfer: Ollantaytambo Station to Cusco

Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco (4 Star Rating)

Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco's Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property. Several rooms in the original structure of the hotel feature surviving colonial frescoes unearthed during renovation.

Day 7: Full Day Cusco City Tour with San Pedro Market & Sacsayhuaman

This charming half-day tour of Cusco offers history, living culture and art. You will be able to appreciate how the Andean and Spanish cultures, as well as the past and the present, coexist in harmony in the Imperial City. Begin the day exploring the halls of the San Pedro Market, the oldest in the city. Designed in 1925 by Gustave Eiffel, today it brings together hundreds of merchants selling local products. You will also visit the Koricancha Temple, which during the Inca empire was a center of worship of the Sun, and upon which the Santo Domingo Convent was later built as part of the evangelization process. Its baroque style façade built on solid Inca walls perfectly summarizes the syncretism of cultures in the city of Cusco. To appreciate the greatness of the Incas, ascend to the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which - with its enormous carved stone walls - constitutes one of the best examples of Inca military architecture. Later, you will tour the archaeological center of Kenko, a ceremonial place where the sun, the moon and the stars were worshiped. The final stop of the day is one of the most impressive; the Cathedral, widely considered the most important temple in the city. It was built by the Spanish on top of the palace of the Inca Huiracoha. Its interior houses a wonderful collection of colonial art composed of goldsmith pieces and representative canvases of the Cusco School of Art.

Day 8: Cusco to La Paz

Transfer: Cusco to Cusco Airport

Transfer: La Paz Airport - Boliviato La Paz - Downtown

Hotel: Hotel Europa (5 Star Rating)

Located in the heart of the wonder city and with more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, we focus on offering our guests a PREMIUM experience, making welcoming, versatile and safe spaces available to our guests to provide comfort and tranquility during their stay. At Hotel Europa we guarantee our clients the highest quality standards in our facilities and service, with the warmth that characterizes us.

Day 9: Private Half Day Tour of La Paz & Moon Valley

This half day tour begins with a hotel pick-up in La Paz, elected as one of the seven wonder cities in the world. Found in a valley at the foothills of the Andes Range and situated at 11,942 feet (3.632 meters) above sea level, the tour travels through street markets rich in handicrafts, weavings and witchcraft items, and is followed by a visit to the colonial section of the city, including the San Francisco Church, Gold Museum, Murillo Square and the excellent the viewpoint Mirador de Killi Killi. You will also visit the outdoor replica of Tiwanaku Temple before descending to the more modern, southern part of La Paz. Here you will reach and visit the Valley of the Moon, where a clay mountain has been impressively shaped by erosion. You'll then ride by cable car, or "Teleférico," to discover a beautiful view of La Paz while traveling via one of the most popular forms of transportation in this unique part of the world. This is a must for everyone!

Day 10: La Paz to Villamar

After meeting your private driver-guide, you'll transfer to La Paz Airport to catch your morning flight to Uyuni, landing on the outskirts of the famed salt flats. By approximately 10:00am, you'll begin to travel south through the Highlands, passing the villages of San Cristobal and Culpina K until reaching the rich valley of Alota (a journey taking roughly three hours). Here you will pass through areas featuring dramatic stone formations created through gradual erosion through many millennia. Continue through these striking high valleys until reaching the village of Villamar (taking one hour). Here, you will be welcomed to your hotel, a basic accommodation in this remote and beautiful corner of Bolivia.

Hotel: Hotel Mallku Cueva (4 Star Rating)

Located in one of the most attractive and impressive path of Lípez gaps. Nestled in a rock which rises the hotel, inspired by the rustic architecture and Andean regional. Our hotel, with all rooms with private bathroom and central heating and / or electrical, is without doubt the best hotel south of Uyuni.

Meal(s): Dinner, Lunch

Day 11: Eduardo Abaroa National Reserve and Ojos De Perdiz

Be prepared for a long, though rewarding, day ahead. As the dawn rises, you will set out by car toward the Eduardo Abaroa National Reserve (or REA, locally), passing through Polkes and visiting Laguna Colourada - declared a RAMSAR site due to the nesting of over 30,000 flamingos at 14,035 feet (4,278 meters) above sea level - along the way. From here, you'll shoot up to the nearby geysers known as "Sol de Mañana", then pass alongside Challviri Lagoon, a hot spring found on the shores of Polques. Crossing through the high desert of the Pampas de Dali, you'll take in amazing views and eventually reach Laguna Verde, in the foothills of the Licancabur Mountain. The drive to Laguna Colourada is by way of the high deserts of Siloli, and includes a visit to Arbol de Piedra before finally reaching Ojos de Perdiz, some 14,865 feet (4,531 meters) above sea level. Having spent between 11 and 14 hours travelling and touring, you'll be set for a restful evening under the stars.

Hotel: Tayka del Desierto (4 Star Rating)

In the middle of an incomparable setting, painted with a range of colours that nature has capriciously combined, lies the Tayka Desert Hotel, in the heart of the Siloli Desert. The hotel was built next to a water source, where different birds of the area (among them partridges) came to drink water. The combination of the water source, also called a water hole, and the presence of these birds ended up giving its name to the hotel: Hotel Tayka del Desierto Ojo de Perdiz, also known as Ojito de Perdiz.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 12: The Uyuni Salt Flats and Colchani

In the morning, join your guide to tour north through the Hedionda and Cañapa minor lagoons, then continue east through branches of the range, once again returning to the Valley of Alota. Through the north highlands, you'll pass by the villages of San Agustin and San Juan, then enter (via Chuvica) the great Uyuni Salt Flats, crossing to Isla Incahuasi, a special habitat of volcanic rocks and giant cacti. After this unforgettable visit, set east to the village of Colchani, where the locals produce salt. Here you will enjoy a fabulous sunset, and overnight - aptly - in a salt hotel.

Hotel: Palacio De Sal (4 Star Rating)

On the shores of the majestic Salar de Uyuni -under an astonishing sky full of magnificent colors and stars- stands, bursting with historical significance, the Palacio de Sal (The Salt Palace). A haven of magical moments where every end of the day is the evidence of an irrefutable fact: no dream, however extraordinary it may seem, is ever diluted before it comes true.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 13: Return to La Paz for Departure

Following an early breakfast, you'll check-out from your hotel and begin the transfer to the airport ahead of your onward flight back to La Paz.

Meal(s): Breakfast