Peru and Bolivia in 12 Days (PB201)

Transfer to the airport for a 1-hour flight to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival in the Amazon, continue by motor canoe for about 25 minutes along the Madre de Dios River, followed by a short walk (approx. 2 miles) through rainforest trails to reach a canal leading to Sandoval Lake. A catamaran then takes us across the lake to the lodge.

After lunch, explore the western side of Sandoval Lake by catamaran, drifting through flooded palm forest rich in wildlife and listening to hundreds of Red-bellied Macaws returning to roost at dusk. After dinner, optional night canoeing offers a chance to search for rare Black Caimans. (B, L, D)

Pre-dawn departure to experience sunrise on the lake, with the best opportunity to observe Giant Otters, most active in the early morning. After a late breakfast, explore the surrounding primary rainforest, including towering Brazil nut trees and a demonstration of how local communities harvest and process this important natural resource.

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

After dawn, enjoy breakfast followed by a final short canoe excursion around the western side of Sandoval Lake in search of Giant Otters. Return to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Cusco.

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. After the visit, transfer to your hotel. (B)

Travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, known for its rural landscapes and pleasant climate. Descend to Pisac (2,800 m) along the Vilcanota River to visit a traditional market that continues ancient trading practices among communities from surrounding villages.

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

Transfer to the train station for a 2-hour journey to Machu Picchu. On arrival in Aguas Calientes (below 2,000 m), take a 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 remarkable 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 cloud forest and views of the Urubamba Canyon.

After the visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then take the afternoon train back to Cusco. (B)

Morning transfer to Cusco Airport for a 1-hour flight to La Paz, the seat of the Bolivian government and a unique city where traditions, modern life, and living cultures blend. Upon arrival, we begin a city tour through traditional neighborhoods, the Witches’ Market, San Francisco Church, and Plaza Murillo (home to Congress and the Palacio de Gobierno).

We also visit the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), located in the lower part of the valley, known for its striking formations and warmer climate. Transfer to the hotel. (B)

At 07:30, pick up from the hotel for a scenic drive of approximately 3.5 hours to Copacabana, a beautiful town on the shores of Lake Titicaca. From there, we take a 1-hour boat ride to the southern part of Isla del Sol. We disembark near the Pilkokaina ruins and begin a 1.5-hour hike to our hotel for an overnight stay.

In the afternoon, we visit a scenic viewpoint on the island, offering spectacular views of Lake Titicaca and a sunset over the water. (B, L, D)

Early wake-up to enjoy the sunrise over this remarkable landscape. After breakfast, we hike through the village of Yumani, known as the “Garden of the Incas,” and visit Pilkocaina and the Fountain of Eternal Youth, where the Incas performed baptisms—legend says drinking its water grants eternal youth.

We then return to the bay and take a boat back to Copacabana to visit the Virgen Morena and the main plaza. From there, we continue by road back to La Paz and transfer to the hotel. (B, L)

After a restful night, transfer to La Paz Airport for a flight to Uyuni. Upon arrival, we travel to the town of Colchani to observe how locals extract and process salt. We also visit the “Ojos de Sal,” where ice-cold mineral-rich water bubbles through the salt flats, originating from an underground river fed by the Tunupa Volcano.

En route to Isla Incahuasi, we pass the first hotel built entirely from salt blocks. We stop at Isla Incahuasi for lunch, a rocky volcanic island covered in giant cacti and offering a spectacular 360-degree view over the salt flats. In the afternoon, we continue north toward the Tunupa Volcano, with sweeping landscapes ideal for sunset photography as the Uyuni Salt Lake changes colors. Dinner and overnight stay in the area. (B, L, D)

Early wake-up to enjoy sunrise over the salt flats. After breakfast, we continue crossing a section of the Uyuni Salt Flat heading south, with views toward the mildly active Ollague Volcano. We stop at several high-altitude lagoons—Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarcota, Honda, and Ramaditas—known for their populations of three flamingo species: James’s, Andean, and Chilean flamingos. Lunch is taken at one of the lagoons.

In the afternoon, we arrive at the Siloli Desert, where we enjoy dinner and overnight stay. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we cross the dramatic Siloli Desert, famous for wind-sculpted rock formations such as the Arbol de Piedra (Stone Tree). In the afternoon, we reach Laguna Colorada in the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, followed by visits to the Sol de Mañana geysers. We continue to natural hot springs where there is time to relax in warm waters. We also visit the Salvador Dalí Desert and stop at Laguna Verde, at the base of the Licancabur Volcano, for lunch.

From here, we either return to Uyuni for a flight to La Paz or continue overland to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.