Andean Explorer - Peru & Bolivia Adventure
Example Itinerary
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Overview
A journey through two of South America’s most diverse and fascinating destinations, this is a true voyage of discovery. Travelling from the vast salt plains of southern Bolivia to the culturally rich Sacred Valley of Peru, you’ll experience Incan ruins, spiritual lakes, barren landscapes and charming villages.
Beginning in the Peruvian capital of Lima, you will have an opportunity to explore its colonial heart, before flying on to La Paz in Bolivia. After a chance to visit ...
A journey through two of South America’s most diverse and fascinating destinations, this is a true voyage of discovery. Travelling from the vast salt plains of southern Bolivia to the culturally rich Sacred Valley of Peru, you’ll experience Incan ruins, spiritual lakes, barren landscapes and charming villages.
Beginning in the Peruvian capital of Lima, you will have an opportunity to explore its colonial heart, before flying on to La Paz in Bolivia. After a chance to visit the Witch Doctor’s Market and explore the ruins of Tiwanaku, you’ll fly south to experience the majesty of the Uyuni Salt Flats and the charms of Sucre, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is also one of Bolivia’s most beautiful cities.
Return to the Bolivian capital and up to the shores of Lake Titicaca. Discover the spiritual connection locals have to the Lake before crossing the border to Peru. Finally, arrive in Cusco to explore the stunning Sacred Valley and the lost city of Machu Picchu, without doubt one of the most awe-inspiring sites anywhere in the Americas.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover Incan ruins and structures of Peru and Bolivia
- Navigate Uyuni, the largest salt flat on Earth, in search of flamingoes and fossils
- Be blessed by a Kallawaya, natural healer of Bolivia
- Take the train to Aguas Calientes and the Lost City of the Incas at Machu Picchu
- Sail across Lake Titicaca visiting local communities and the famous reed islands
- Wander the streets of UNESCO protected Sucre and visit the silver mines at Potosi
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE LIMA
On arrival to Lima you will be met by one of our local representatives and taken to your hotel where you will have the afternoon to settle in and recover from your long journey. Depending on your flight arrival time you may have time to begin to explore the city at your own leisure this afternoon.
Day 2 LIMA
In the morning explore Lima’s old area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with fascinating historic buildings. Start with a scenic tour in the colonial downtown, which radiates from the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire. Stroll over to the Cathedral, which was begun in the 16th century and took 80 years to build. Then visit the Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted in 1535 by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of his captains. This is the only house from that time that still belongs to the same family after all these centuries. Continue to Larco Museum, located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district, which is housed in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built on a seventh-century a pre-Columbian pyramid. The museum boasts the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts, as well as pieces of erotic art. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 3 LIMA – LA PAZ (BOLIVIA)
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight (not included) to La Paz, Bolivia. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. This afternoon you will be taken on a half day guided tour of the city visiting the indigenous, colonial and modern areas, the Indian Market, Witch Doctor's Market, handicraft street and witnessing some breath-taking panoramas. Visit the Moon Valley, a clay formation resembling the face of the Moon, as well as a 21st century cable car offers you a unique bird view of the city of La Paz. Return to your hotel for the evening.
Day 4 LA PAZ - SUCRE
This morning you will be transferred to La Paz airport in El Alto to catch your flight to Sucre - Bolivia's most attractive city and a UNESCO world monument. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation before having a guided city tour to see the various sites, including the Recoleta and San Francisco churches, the House of Liberty where Simon Bolivar secured the independence of Bolivia, and the Indian textile museum. Return to your hotel at the end of the day.
Day 5 SUCRE - UYUNI SALT FLATS
Begin today travelling to Colchani on the shores of the Salt Lake Uyuni. Stop at the UNESCO listed town of Potosi. Visit the main sights including La Casa de la Moneda, with its wooden machinery used to make the silver coins for Spain during the colony, and the silver mines, with its interesting museum and shrine to the God of the underworld. Enjoy lunch in local restaurant before continuing to Colchani.
Day 6 UYUNI SALT FLATS
You will be picked up from your hotel for your excursion to the Uyuni Salt Lake and Isla Incahuasi. Uyuni is the largest salt flat on Earth, at over 10,000 square kilometres, and is located on the Bolivian Andean Altiplano. Wonder at the scenic Bolivian Andes, surreal pentagons of crystalline salt, pure sky and occasional flamingo. There is no other place like this in the whole world. Lunch at Isla Incahuasi, an oasis with formations of algae and fossils. It is covered by thousands of giant columnar cacti, which can be more than a hundred years old, growing to a height of over 12m. The landscape against the background of the salt pans extending to the horizon makes it an ideal place for photographs.
Day 7 COLCHANI – LA PAZ - TIWANAKU RUINS - HUATAJATA
Fly back to La Paz and then transfer to the archaeological site of Tiwanaku, which is over 1000 years old. Here you'll explore the Sun Gate, the temple of Kalasaya, and the impressive pyramid of Akapana, which spans over 200 square metres. After lunch, you will drive along the Royal Andean mountain range to the shores of Lake Titicaca, passing through tiny Andean villages, flanked by snow-capped peaks, rising to 6000m. Arrive into Huatajata and visit the Andean Roots Eco Village and The Altiplano Museum with its Handicrafts Village, Mud Igloos and the mortuary towers of the Urus Chipayas. Meet Tata Benjo, a “Kallawaya” or natural healer of Bolivia, who will bless visitors and answer questions by casting his sacred coca leaves. By night, visit the Native Observatory Alajpacha to learn from the Aymaras Cosmovision and watch the southern constellations.
Day 8 HUATAJATA - COPACABANA – PUNO (PERU)
You will be driven from Huatajata to Copacabana, close to the Peruvian border, to visit the shrine and the Dark Virgin. Then embark on a hydrofoil cruise to Moon Island and visit the Sun Virgins Temple “Iñak Uyu”. Continue to Sun Island, visit the Inca “Grand Stairs” and the Sacred Fountain; taste the water believed to give eternal youth and happiness. Lunch will be served at the Uma Kollu archaeological restaurant before a visit to the small handicraft market. Return to Copacabana and drive across the border to Puno in Peru.
Day 9 PUNO - CUSCO
Catch the morning bus to Cusco, passing by spectacular locations on the way such as the town of Andahuaylillas, The Temple of Wiracocha and La Raya. The journey will take most of the day, however, your bus has an English-speaking guide, television, free WiFi and hot drinks on request. There will be a stop for a buffet lunch in La Pascana restaurant. You will have a private transfer to the bus station in Puno and to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 10 CUSCO
Begin today visiting major sites of interest in the Incan town of Cusco. Visit the famous cathedral with its magnificently carved woodwork and hundreds of canvases from the 17th-century Cusco Painting School. The next stop is the Temple of the Sun to discover the incredible masonry of the Incas, an engineering feat that remains an enigma. Finish in the artisan quarter of San Blas with its steeped cobblestone alleys lined with workshops and galleries. This afternoon sees you travelling to the Sacred Valley, stopping at the Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman. The hilltop fortress overlooking the city of Cusco has huge stones used in its construction, some weighing 360 tons. Also explore Kenko (the temple dedicated to Mother Earth), Puka Pukara (the red fortress) and Tambomachay (the resting place of the Inca).
Day 11 CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY
This morning you will join a local weaving family in the charming community of Chinchero. Discover the weaving process, done using backstrap looms. You watch as wool is carded, spun, and dyed and learn about the different techniques used to create belts, ponchos and shawls. Next, you will visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo for great views of the Temple of the Sun and the Terrace of the Ten Niches stand out. At the end of this activity, enjoy a delicious lunch in Chuncho and then continue to your hotel in Sacred Valley.
Day 12 SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU - AGUAS CALIENTES
Rise early this morning to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted to the shuttle bus which will take you up to the entrance of the citadel. Upon arrival a small coach takes you up the steep roads to the entrance of the citadel, then your guide will take you on a fascinating private tour of the ruins. With its breathtaking location and astounding construction, it is clear why this Inca site is so highly regarded. Retire for the night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 13 AGUAS CALIENTES - CUSCO
The morning is free for you to enjoy at leisure. There is the option for you to return to Machu Picchu for another visit. Later this afternoon, take the train back to the Sacred Valley to collect any baggage. You will then be driven to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 14 CUSCO – DEPART LIMA
After breakfast you will be collected for a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and onward international flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Presidente Hotel, La Paz
The Presidente Hotel is a good three star hotel in downtown La Paz. While it doesn't have a huge amount of character the rooms are spacious and comfortable with everything you would need for your stay in the city. It is just a short walk from the San Francisco Church and witches market so is in a great location in the colonial part of the city. The Presidente has 103 rooms and suites, with en suite bathrooms, safety deposit boxes, 24 hour room service, wi-fi and cable television. The higher rooms are better as they are further from the street noise and also offer fantastic views across the city. There is a small indoor pool, sauna and steam room, a bar and restaurant on the 17th floor with 360 degree views of the city. This is a good value hotel in a fantastic location.
Luna Salada Hotel, Uyuni Salt Flats
Located on an elevated piece of land on the edge of the Uyuni Salt Flats, the Luna Salada is a fantastic hotel built almost entirely of salt with spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The hotel has 23 original rooms constructed from salt and 7 which are new additions. The hotel's 23 original rooms are entirely built of salt and the beds have comfortable mattresses with plenty of thick duvet to keep you warm when the cold nights set in. The majority of the rooms have views across the Salar de Uyuni and there are comfortable seating areas throughout the hotel for guests to relax and enjoy the views, as well as a games room. The restaurant boasts the same views across to the flats. This is by far the best salt hotel in the area in terms of comfort and service so well worth a stay for at least a night for a truly unique experience.
Inca Utama Hotel And Spa, Lake Titicaca
The Inca Utama Hotel and Spa is located on the edge of Lake Titicaca in Huatajata and is a good place to start your exploration of the Lake on the Bolivian side. There are 64 rooms and suites, the suites are larger with a separate living area and have direct views to the lake, and the standard rooms are a comfortable size and they all have clean modern furnishings. The hotel has a restaurant in the main building, a spa with Jacuzzi, sauna and massage rooms and there is a bar on the second floor with views across the lake. There are also 4 small museums in the vicinity, including the Altiplano museum and the native observatory 'Alajpacha' which provide a fantastic introduction to the area and its history.
Hotel Boutique La Posada, Sucre
This boutique hostal is a restored old house redecorated in a unique style, well situated in Sucre. It is a light open and breezy hotel with elegant wooden fixtures and friendly, relaxed service. La Posada's rooms overlook a lovely courtyard with mature trees and colorful plants; they all have tile floors, colorful blue-and-yellow bedspreads, and wrought-iron lamps. The Posada's restaurant is excellent, serving a daily three-course menu.
El Mapi By Inkaterra, Aguas Calientes
The four-star sister hotel to the high-end Inkaterra chain, El Mapi is a comfortable, modern hotel located in the heart of Aguas Calientes, on one of the town's main pedestrian streets. With 130 rooms, the hotel isn’t small but certainly manages to create a boutique feeling. Rooms are contemporary, and the white décor dotted with splashes of green creates a fresh, tropical atmosphere inspired by the surrounding cloud forest. After a day hiking, guests can treat themselves to the spa and hot tub looking out over the forest-engulfed town, followed by a gourmet Peruvian dinner at the stylish restaurant. True to its Inkaterra nature, small touches such as a complimentary pisco sour and a la carte dinner on your first evening, as well as an early comprehensive buffet breakfast, make your stay that bit extra special.
Sonesta Posadas Sacred Valley, Sacred Valley
Originally a small hotel designed within a 300-year old monastery, this delightful character property now boasts 87 well- appointed rooms. This hotel has beautiful gardens near the Urubamba River and guests can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, whilst being conveniently located near the main attractions of the area. Today the hotel is like a village unto itself with multiple buildings situated around picturesque plazas and attractive gardens. Each room is equipped with LCD flat screen and cable, individual climate control, hairdryer and safety deposit box. The hotel also features free Wi-Fi.
Jose Antonio Lima, Lima
Jose Antonio Hotel is well situated in the vibrant heart of Miraflores close to many good restaurants and small parks. It is a high-rise four star hotel with excellent facilities including a decent restaurant. The modern ensuite rooms are spacious and have air conditioning.
Jose Antonio Puno, Puno
Set on the lakeside of the renowned Lake Titicaca, the Jose Antonio Puno boasts stunning views and a lovely garden. Watch the sunset from the lounge with its floor to ceiling windows and comfy restaurant and lounge. The 106 rooms are simple and feature three star amenities. From the hotel you can easily access the sights of Puno including the cathedral and museum.
Jose Antonio Cusco, Cusco
Jose Antonio is set just outside the hustle and bustle of the city centre next to the Wanchaq station. Many of the rooms have outstanding views of the city, complete with soundproof windows and large beds. Melt into a sense of calm and tranquillity at the on-site spa, featuring massage treatments and a jacuzzi. The outdoor courtyard is a welcome oasis in the city, where various meals from the region are served for a romantic dinner.
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640
OTHER ITINERARIES IN BOLIVIA
Check out our group tours in Bolivia
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Bolivia. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Bolivia