Experience 16 Days of the Best of Peru and Bolivia (PB200)

Lima – Puerto Maldonado – Cusco – Machu Picchu – Puno – La Paz – Sucre – Potosí – Uyuni

Duration

16 Days / 15 Nights

Tour Details

This grand journey combines the highlights of Peru and Bolivia, from Lima’s colonial heritage and world-renowned cuisine to the Amazon rainforest of Sandoval Lake, the Inca treasures of Cusco and Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Tiwanaku, La Paz, Sucre, Potosí, the Uyuni Salt Flats and the spectacular colorful lagoons of the Bolivian Altiplano.

Included / Not Included

Cost Includes

Transfers in and out
Hotel and lodge accommodation
3-star accommodation in Peru
4 and 5-star accommodation in Bolivia
Professional guides
Expedition train to Machu Picchu
Bus ticket Cusco - Puno
Flight La Paz - Sucre
Entrance fees
Boat excursions
Meals as described in the itinerary
Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama or return to Uyuni

Cost Does Not Include

Flights Lima - Puerto Maldonado
Flights Puerto Maldonado - Cusco
Tips
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Meals not mentioned

Trip Information

Season

Available throughout the year

Destination

Peru and Bolivia

Experience

Culture, Nature, Archaeology and Adventure

Highlights

Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Tiwanaku and Uyuni Salt Flats

Itinerary

Expand All

Lima City Tour

Arrival in Lima, the capital of Peru, where a vehicle will transfer us to the hotel. In the afternoon, we begin a guided city tour exploring the city’s rich history and architecture. We visit the UNESCO-listed historic center (1991 World Heritage Site), including Plaza Mayor, the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall, and Desamparados Train Station. The tour continues through Plaza San Martín, San Francisco Monastery with its catacombs, and the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, home to the financial center. The day concludes with time to enjoy Lima’s celebrated gourmet cuisine. (D)

Lima - Puerto Maldonado - Sandoval Lake Lodge

Morning transfer to the airport for a 2-hour flight to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival in the rainforest, a 25-minute motor canoe ride along the Madre de Dios River takes us to the trailhead for Sandoval Lake Lodge. From there, a 2-mile walk leads through rainforest to a canal opening onto the lake, where we continue by catamaran across to the lodge.

Sandoval Lake

After lunch, we explore the western section of Sandoval Lake by catamaran, drifting through flooded palm forest filled with wildlife and the sounds of hundreds of Red-bellied Macaws returning to roost. After dinner, we head out by canoe in search of the rare and impressive Black Caiman. (B, L, D)

Giant Otters & Rainforest

Pre-dawn departure for sunrise on the lake, with the best chance to observe Giant Otters, most active in the early morning. After returning for a late breakfast, we explore the nearby primary rainforest, including towering Brazil nut trees and a demonstration of how locals harvest, process, and commercialize this important resource.

Eastern Sandoval Lake

After lunch and rest time, we return by catamaran to explore the eastern side of the lake, with possible sightings of monkeys such as Brown Capuchins and other species living in the surrounding forest. After dinner, optional night canoeing offers another chance to look for Black Caimans, or a short night walk in the forest. (B, L, D)

Sandoval Lake Lodge - Puerto Maldonado - Cusco

After breakfast, enjoy a final short canoe excursion on the western side of the lake in search of Giant Otters before returning to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Cusco.

Cusco City Tour

Upon arrival, transfer for a guided city tour of Cusco, including the impressive Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park and nearby sites of Tambomachay, Q’enqo, and Puca Pucara. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel. (B)

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Depart for the Sacred Valley of the Incas, known for its fertile landscapes and mild climate. Descend to Pisac (2,800 m) along the Vilcanota River, where we visit a traditional market that still preserves ancient trading practices among local communities from surrounding villages.

Ollantaytambo

After lunch, continue through the towns of Calca and Urubamba before arriving in Ollantaytambo, an important former Inca agricultural, military, and religious center. Built to defend the valley, it is today the best-preserved living Inca town. Walk through its historic streets before transferring to your hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B, L)

Machu Picchu

Early transfer to the train station for a 2-hour railway journey to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes (below 2,000 m), continue by 20-minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu citadel, located 500 m above the Urubamba River. With your guide, explore the history and myths of this extraordinary archaeological site set beside the dramatic Huayna Picchu peak. Learn why it is considered one of the most mystical places on Earth, surrounded by steep forested mountains, misty cloud forest, and views over the Urubamba River canyon.

Return to Cusco

After the visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the mid-afternoon, take the train back to Cusco, where a transfer will take you to your hotel. (B, L)

Ruta del Sol

Transfer to the bus station for departure at 07:00 along the “Ruta del Sol” (Sun Route), a scenic 10-hour journey to Puno. Along the way, guided stops are made at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, Sicuani, La Raya, and Pukara, visiting their most important archaeological and cultural highlights.

Puno

Arrival in Puno around 20:00 and transfer to the hotel. (B, L)

Uros Islands & Taquile

A boat excursion of approximately three hours across Lake Titicaca, with a stop at the floating Uros Islands, still inhabited today. Continue sailing across the lake, enjoying panoramic views of islands, bays, reefs, and the distant snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real in Bolivia. Proceed to Taquile Island, where you will learn about traditional Andean culture, customs, and living heritage, as well as explore the island’s landscapes and communities. Return to Puno after the visit. (B, L)

Desaguadero - Tiwanaku - La Paz

Cross the border into Bolivia with a transfer to Desaguadero (approx. 2 hours) for immigration procedures. Continue to Tiwanaku, one of the most important ancient ceremonial and civic centers of the Americas, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Archaeological research shows it was once the capital of a vast empire spanning around 600,000 km² across present-day Peru, Argentina, Chile, and much of Bolivia. (B, L)

La Paz City Tour

Full-day city tour of La Paz, the seat of Bolivia’s government and a cultural meeting point of multiple traditions. Visit key highlights including traditional neighborhoods, the Witches’ Market (Mercado de Brujas), San Francisco Church, Jaén Street, and Plaza Murillo (home to the Congress and Government Palace).

Valle de la Luna

Continue to the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), located in the lower, warmer part of the valley with striking geological formations. The afternoon is free for souvenir shopping. (B)

Sucre City Tour

Morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Sucre, Bolivia’s constitutional capital. After hotel check-in and lunch, begin a guided city tour of this elegant colonial city. Visit the Recoleta Convent, offering panoramic views over Sucre and surrounding hills, followed by the House of Liberty, where Bolivia’s independence was signed in 1825 by Simón Bolívar.

Museums of Sucre

If time permits, continue to the Colonial Museum to explore Bolivia’s colonial history, and the Textile Museum, home to one of the country’s finest collections of traditional indigenous weavings. (B, L, D)

Sucre - Potosí

After breakfast in Sucre, depart on a three-hour drive to Potosí, once one of the largest and richest cities in the Americas, founded in the 16th century. The journey descends from the warm subtropical valleys around Sucre into the high puna grasslands and Altiplano, over 13,000 feet above sea level.

Potosí City Tour

Upon arrival in Potosí, explore this UNESCO World Heritage city known for its narrow streets and unique blend of baroque, Gothic, and indigenous architecture. Visit the historic Royal Mint House, a museum preserving over 400 years of history, along with the main cathedral and other important churches. After the city tour, enjoy dinner and overnight in a local hotel. (B, L, D)

Cerro Rico Mine

Morning departure at 09:00, starting with a visit to the Miners’ Market, where offerings for Pachamama (Mother Earth) and El Tío (guardian of the mine) are purchased. Continue to Cerro Rico, where visitors receive protective gear before entering the mine. Inside, traditional offerings are made, followed by a guided exploration of tunnels where miners are actively working at different levels.

Potosí - Colchani

After lunch, depart for Colchani/Uyuni on a scenic four-hour drive across the Altiplano, with stops in Pulacayo and other viewpoints for photography. Arrival in Colchani, check-in, dinner, and overnight in a unique hotel built from salt blocks. (B, L, D)

Uyuni Salt Flats

Depart Colchani around 10:30 a.m. to observe traditional salt extraction and processing, as well as the “Ojos de Sal,” where ice-cold mineral-rich water bubbles up through the salt flats from an underground river originating at Tunupa Volcano.

Incahuasi Island & Tahua

Continue toward Isla Incahuasi, passing the first hotel built entirely of salt blocks. Lunch is served en route. The island, covered in giant cacti, offers a striking 360° panoramic view of the Uyuni Salt Flat. In the afternoon, travel north toward Tunupa Volcano for sweeping landscapes and sunset views over the salt flats. Dinner and overnight in the Tahua area. (B, L, D)

Tahua - High Andean Lagoons

Early departure to witness sunrise over the salt flats. After breakfast, continue across the southern section of the Uyuni Salt Flat, with views of the Ollagüe Volcano, which remains mildly active. The route includes stops at several high-altitude lagoons—Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarcota, Honda, and Ramaditas—famous for their populations of James, Andean, and Chilean flamingos. Lunch is taken at one of the lagoons.

Siloli Desert

In the afternoon, continue into the Siloli Desert. Arrival, dinner, and overnight in this remote desert landscape. (B, L, D)

Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve

After early breakfast, travel through the Siloli Desert, passing wind-sculpted rock formations such as the Arbol de Piedra (Stone Tree). Continue into the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, arriving at Laguna Colorada in the afternoon. The journey continues to the geyser fields, followed by a visit to natural hot springs where bathing is possible. Explore the Salvador Dalí Desert and stop at Laguna Verde at the base of Licancabur Volcano for lunch.

San Pedro de Atacama or Uyuni

In the late afternoon, continue either across the border to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) or return to Uyuni. (B, L)