Explore Peru and Bolivia on a 12-day journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the Andes. From the coastal landscapes of Lima and Ica to the historic city of Cusco, this itinerary combines archaeological sites, traditional communities, spectacular landscapes and unique cultural experiences.
Travel through the Sacred Valley and visit Machu Picchu, discover the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake and the colourful landscapes of Rainbow Mountain, then continue to Puno and Lake Titicaca to experience the traditions of the Uros and Taquile communities.
Your journey continues into Bolivia, where you travel through La Paz and on to the spectacular Uyuni Salt Flats before returning home. This Peru and Bolivia tour brings together two countries, diverse landscapes and some of the most memorable places in the Andes in one carefully organised itinerary.
At a glance
The Peru and Bolivia tour is a 12-day, 11-night journey from Lima and Huacachina to Cusco, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca, La Paz and the Uyuni Salt Flats. It includes the Lima–Cusco flight, the train and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, 3-star hotels, bilingual guides and the bus connections between Peru and Bolivia.
Route
Lima – Ica – Cusco – Machu Picchu – Puno – La Paz – Uyuni
Public bus Puno–La Paz and semi-bed buses La Paz–Uyuni–La Paz
Group size
10 to 20 travellers
Deposit
40% to confirm your booking
Updated · Permit rules by SERNANP and Peru's Ministry of Culture
Tour Details
Why hike the Classic Inca Trail
Machu Picchu, One of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Machu Picchu is one of the world's most iconic archaeological treasures and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a recognition it received in 2007. Built by the Inca civilisation high in the Andes, the sanctuary is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Peru's most important cultural symbols. Many visitors associate it with spirituality and a deep connection with nature, and between 2007 and 2023 more than 17 million people visited the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Rainbow Mountain, a Natural Wonder of the Andes
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is one of the most distinctive landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. Its bands of red, yellow, green and other mineral colours were formed by geological processes over millions of years. At more than 5,000 m above sea level, it has become one of the most recognisable natural attractions around Cusco.
Lake Titicaca, the Highest Navigable Lake in the World
Lake Titicaca is widely recognised as the world's highest navigable lake for large vessels. On the border between Peru and Bolivia, it has shaped the history, traditions and mythology of Andean communities for centuries. The Uros and Taquile communities are especially known for their cultural heritage, traditional textiles and ways of life closely connected to the lake.
Uyuni Salt Flats, the World's Largest Salt Flat
The Uyuni Salt Flats, or Salar de Uyuni, form the world's largest salt flat, covering about 10,000 square kilometres in southwestern Bolivia. In the dry season the salt crust forms geometric patterns to the horizon; after rain, a thin layer of water turns the surface into a giant natural mirror.
Sacred Valley, the Heartland of the Inca Civilisation
The Sacred Valley of the Incas was one of the most important regions of the Inca Empire, with fertile land, rivers and a mild climate. Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo show the Incas' knowledge of agriculture, architecture and engineering and their close relationship with the natural environment.
Humantay Lake, a Sacred Lake in the Andes
Humantay Lake is a turquoise lake high in the Andes beneath Humantay Mountain, surrounded by rocky peaks and glaciers. Local beliefs connect the surrounding mountains, the apus, with protection and sacred forces, giving the lake significance beyond its natural beauty.
Huacachina, an Oasis in the Peruvian Desert
Huacachina is a small desert oasis surrounded by huge sand dunes near the city of Ica. Its lagoon, palm trees and desert landscapes make it one of the most distinctive places on the Peruvian coast, and the setting for dune excursions and sandboarding.
Itinerary: day by day
Day 4Humantay Lake4,200 m
Day 6Machu Picchu2,430 m
Day 7Rainbow Mountain5,200 m
All stops and altitudes
Day
Stop
Altitude
4
Humantay Lake
4,200 m (13,780 ft)
6
Machu Picchu
2,430 m (7,972 ft)
7
Rainbow Mountain
5,200 m (17,060 ft)
Day 1
Arrival in Lima and Free Day
On arrival at Lima International Airport, our representative will be waiting for you with a personalised sign and will assist you with the transfer to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free to rest after your international flight or explore the surroundings of your hotel at your own pace. Activity level: easy.
Includes today:
Airport pickup with a personalised sign
Transfer to your hotel
3-star hotel in Lima
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Lima
Day 2
Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica and Huacachina
Start: 5:00 am · End: 6:30 pm. We leave Lima early and travel south to Paracas, where we board a modern boat at El Chaco pier for the Ballestas Islands. The excursion passes the famous Candelabra geoglyph on the coast of the Paracas Peninsula and the marine environment around the islands.
We continue to Ica to visit Bodega Nietto and learn how Peruvian pisco is made, then stop at La Chocolatería Noelia to taste chocotejas and alfajores.
In the afternoon we reach Huacachina, the desert oasis surrounded by dunes, with time to enjoy the scenery before a buggy and sandboarding excursion through the Ica desert. Activity level: moderate.
Includes today:
Breakfast and box lunch
Boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands
Visit to Bodega Nietto and La Chocolatería Noelia
Buggy and sandboarding excursion in Huacachina
3-star hotel
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Day 3
Flight to Cusco and Acclimatisation
According to your flight schedule, we transfer you from your hotel to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco. At Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport our representative meets you and takes you to your hotel in the historic city of Cusco.
The rest of the day is for acclimatisation: take it easy, explore the surroundings of your hotel and let your body adjust to the altitude before the excursions begin. Activity level: easy.
Includes today:
Breakfast
Transfer to Lima Airport
Domestic flight Lima–Cusco
Transfer from Cusco airport to your hotel
3-star hotel in Cusco
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco
Day 4
Humantay Lake
Start: 4:30 am · End: 7:00 pm. We leave Cusco early and drive to the community of Mollepata for breakfast, then continue to Soraypampa.
From there we hike for about 1.5 hours to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), whose turquoise waters beneath the mountains are one of the most striking landscapes in the Cusco region.
After time at the lake we return to our camp for an Andean-style semi-buffet lunch before the drive back to Cusco. Activity level: challenging.
Includes today:
Breakfast in Mollepata and semi-buffet lunch
Tourist transport Cusco–Soraypampa–Cusco
Guided hike to Humantay Lake
3-star hotel in Cusco
Max altitude: 4,200 mAccommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco
Day 5
Sacred Valley VIP and Train to Aguas Calientes
Start: 6:30 am · End: 6:30 pm. We leave Cusco in the morning and travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is Chinchero, with a traditional textile centre and the archaeological park, followed by Moray, an impressive Inca agricultural site, and the Maras Salt Mines.
Around midday we arrive in Urubamba for a buffet lunch at a traditional restaurant. In the afternoon we visit the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, then board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. Activity level: moderate.
Includes today:
Breakfast and buffet lunch
Guided Sacred Valley tour and entrance fees
Tourist train Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes
3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 6
Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
Start: 8:30 am · End: 8:00 pm. After breakfast, our representative tells you when to board the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, according to your entrance time. Entry is by Circuit 1, Mountain Route.
You have about two hours to explore the citadel (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) with your guide and learn about the history, architecture and significance of this Inca site.
In the afternoon we take the train (Voyager and/or Expedition) back to Ollantaytambo, and our transport continues to Cusco, arriving in the evening. Activity level: moderate.
Includes today:
Breakfast
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit 1)
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Train to Ollantaytambo and transport to Cusco
3-star hotel in Cusco
Max altitude: 2,430 mAccommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco
Day 7
Rainbow Mountain
Start: 4:30 am · End: 7:00 pm. We leave Cusco early and drive about two hours to the community of Cusipata.
After breakfast we hike for about 1.5 hours to Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), the highest point of the journey, with spectacular views of the high Andes.
After time at the mountain we return to our camp in Cusipata for an Andean-style semi-buffet lunch before returning to Cusco. Activity level: challenging.
Includes today:
Breakfast and semi-buffet lunch in Cusipata
Tourist transport Cusco–Cusipata–Cusco
Guided hike to Rainbow Mountain
3-star hotel in Cusco
Max altitude: 5,200 mAccommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco
Day 8
Route of the Sun to Puno
Start: 6:30 am · End: 5:00 pm. Today we travel from Cusco to Puno along the famous Route of the Sun, stopping at historical and cultural sites on the way.
Our first visit is Andahuaylillas, home to a remarkable colonial church often called the "Sistine Chapel of America". We continue to the archaeological complex of Raqchi, an important site of the pre-Hispanic Andean world, and finish at the Lithic Museum of Pukará, dedicated to one of the region's pre-Inca cultures.
We then continue to Puno, where we spend the night. Activity level: easy.
Includes today:
Breakfast and buffet lunch
Tourist transport Cusco–Puno
Entrance fees at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi and Pukará
3-star hotel in Puno
Max altitude: 3,910 mAccommodation: 3-star hotel in Puno
Day 9
Uros and Taquile Islands on Lake Titicaca
Start: 7:30 am · End: 5:00 pm. After breakfast we transfer to the port and board a boat across Lake Titicaca.
Our first stop is the Uros Islands, where we learn about the traditions and way of life of the communities living on the floating islands.
We then continue to Taquile Island, known for its traditional textiles, local culture, dances and cuisine. Its textile tradition is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. After the excursion we return to Puno. Activity level: moderate.
Includes today:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Boat excursion to the Uros and Taquile islands
3-star hotel in Puno
Max altitude: 3,950 mAccommodation: 3-star hotel in Puno
Day 10
Puno to La Paz and Overnight Bus to Uyuni
Start: 6:30 am · End: 9:00 pm. We transfer you from your hotel in Puno to the bus terminal to board a public bus to La Paz, Bolivia. The journey crosses the Andean highlands with views of Lake Titicaca, and we expect to arrive in La Paz at about 2:30 pm.
The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own: walk the historic centre or ride La Paz's iconic cable cars (optional, not included).
At about 9:00 pm we board a semi-bed public bus to Uyuni, an overnight journey across the Bolivian Altiplano. Activity level: moderate.
Includes today:
Transfer from your hotel to the Puno bus terminal
Public bus Puno–La Paz
Semi-bed bus La Paz–Uyuni
Accommodation: Overnight bus
Day 11
Uyuni Salt Flats and Return to La Paz
Start: 10:30 am · End: 9:00 pm. We arrive in Uyuni early in the morning and start the excursion at about 10:30 am.
First we visit the Train Cemetery and Colchani, a traditional salt-processing and handicraft centre. We then enter the immense Uyuni Salt Flats to see salt formations, water springs and the famous Playa Blanca area. Around 1:30 pm we continue to Incahuasi Island for lunch and a walk towards the summit of the island.
We return to Uyuni at about 6:00 pm, and at 9:00 pm we board a semi-bed public bus back to La Paz, arriving at about 5:00 am the next day. Activity level: moderate.
Important: during the rainy season the route may be modified and an alternative route to Incahuasi Island may be used.
Includes today:
Lunch
Uyuni Salt Flats tour
Semi-bed bus Uyuni–La Paz
Accommodation: Overnight bus
Day 12
Departure
A hotel room is available for you to shower and change before your departure. Three hours before your scheduled flight, our team picks you up from the hotel or terminal and takes you to the airport; we confirm the exact pickup time according to your departure schedule.
This marks the end of your Peru and Bolivia journey. Activity level: easy.
Includes today:
Breakfast
Hotel room to shower and change
Airport transfer
What's included
Includes
Airport transfers and transportation according to the itinerary
Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco
Tourist transportation for scheduled excursions
Accommodation in 3-star hotels according to the itinerary
Tourist train to and from Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Entrance fees to the attractions mentioned in the itinerary
Professional bilingual guides
Meals mentioned in the itinerary
Excursions to the main destinations included in the programme
Peru–Bolivia transportation according to the itinerary
Uyuni Salt Flats tour
Basic first-aid assistance during high-altitude excursions
Final-day hotel room to shower and change before your departure
Airport transfer on the final day
Not included
International flights to and from Peru
Travel insurance
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses
Tips for guides, drivers and staff
Optional activities or services
Personal trekking equipment and appropriate clothing
Additional hotel nights
Expenses caused by flight, transportation or itinerary changes outside the agency's control
Add an extra mountain hike at Machu Picchu, subject to availability.
Machu Picchu Mountain On request
Choose an additional mountain experience at Machu Picchu, subject to availability.
La Paz Cable Car On request
Enjoy panoramic views of La Paz from the city's famous cable car system.
Private Transportation On request
Upgrade selected transfers or excursions to private transportation.
Hotel Upgrades On request
Upgrade your accommodation to a higher category, subject to availability.
Additional Hotel Nights On request
Extend your stay before or after the scheduled itinerary.
Private Tours On request
Replace selected group services with private experiences.
Additional Activities On request
Add other tours or experiences according to your interests and available time.
How to prepare
Acclimatisation
Important
Several destinations on this itinerary are at high altitude, including Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Rainbow Mountain and the Uyuni region. Take your first hours in Cusco at a relaxed pace and give your body time to adjust before demanding activities.
Clothing
Tip
Temperatures change considerably during the journey, so bring layers you can add or remove. For high-altitude excursions bring warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, comfortable trekking pants, gloves, a hat and suitable hiking shoes. For Lima, Ica and Huacachina, lighter clothing is generally more appropriate, especially in the warmer months.
Sun protection
Tip
Sun exposure can be strong in the Andes and at high altitude. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap, and reapply sunscreen regularly during outdoor activities.
Hydration
Tip
Drink enough water throughout the trip, particularly during high-altitude excursions. Carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated before and during hikes.
Personal documents
Important
Keep your passport and other important travel documents to hand throughout the journey. You may need them for flights, hotel check-ins, border crossings and other services in the itinerary.
Money
Important
Carry some Peruvian soles and Bolivian currency for personal expenses. Credit and debit cards are accepted in many tourist areas, but cash is useful for small purchases and places with limited card facilities.
Luggage
Important
Pack light and keep your essentials easy to reach. For excursions and overnight bus journeys, a small daypack is especially useful for water, documents, warm clothing, sunscreen and other personal items.
Physical preparation
Warning
Some activities require physical effort, particularly the hikes to Humantay Lake (about 4,200 m) and Rainbow Mountain (about 5,200 m). Regular walking and basic cardiovascular exercise before your trip help you prepare, and you should consider your personal ability to handle high-altitude activities.
Before you travel
Tip
Check your international and domestic flight details, passport validity and travel insurance before departure. We also recommend reviewing the itinerary and confirming any optional services or special requirements with our team in advance.
Packing list
Warm clothing
Bring warm layers, especially for high-altitude destinations such as Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Rainbow Mountain and Uyuni.
Comfortable shoes
Choose comfortable hiking or walking shoes suitable for excursions and uneven terrain.
Waterproof jacket
A lightweight waterproof jacket is useful for changing weather in the Andes.
Sun protection
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from strong sun at high altitude.
Personal documents
Keep your passport, travel documents and insurance information safe and accessible throughout the trip.
Daypack
A small backpack is ideal for carrying water, personal items and extra clothing during excursions.
Reusable water bottle
Bring a reusable bottle to stay hydrated on long travel days and high-altitude activities.
Personal medication
Carry any medication you use regularly, preferably in your hand luggage and in its original packaging.
Light clothing
Lighter clothing is recommended for warmer destinations such as Lima, Ica and Huacachina.
Frequently asked questions
How many days is the Peru and Bolivia tour?
It is a 12-day, 11-night journey through Peru and Bolivia, including Lima, Ica, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno, La Paz and Uyuni.
What destinations are included in the tour?
Lima, Paracas, the Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain, Puno, Lake Titicaca, La Paz and the Uyuni Salt Flats.
What is the highest altitude reached during the trip?
About 5,200 m (17,060 ft) above sea level, at Rainbow Mountain on Day 7. Humantay Lake, on Day 4, is at about 4,200 m.
Is this tour suitable for travellers who are not used to high altitude?
The itinerary includes several high-altitude destinations and demanding hikes. Allow time to acclimatise in Cusco and prepare properly for activities at high altitude.
Is Machu Picchu included in the tour?
Yes. The programme includes the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, the bus from Aguas Calientes to the site, a professional guide and the train according to the itinerary.
What type of accommodation is included?
3-star hotels according to the itinerary. Two nights (Days 10 and 11) are spent on overnight buses instead of hotels.
Are meals included?
Yes, the meals listed in the itinerary are included, among them breakfasts and lunches on several excursions. Each day lists exactly which meals are included.
Is transportation between Peru and Bolivia included?
Yes. The programme includes the scheduled public bus from Puno to La Paz and the semi-bed buses from La Paz to Uyuni and back.
Is the La Paz cable car included?
No. The cable car in La Paz is an optional activity and is not included in the tour price.
Can I add optional services to the tour?
Yes. Optional services such as extra experiences at Machu Picchu, private services, hotel upgrades and other activities can be requested, subject to availability and additional cost.
What should I bring for the tour?
Warm clothing for high-altitude destinations, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a waterproof jacket, personal documents, a small daypack and any personal medication you need.
How can I book the Peru and Bolivia tour?
Contact ViajaXmundo to check availability, confirm the itinerary and receive the booking details. A 40% deposit reserves the tour.
Terms and conditions
Booking and payment
A 40% deposit confirms your booking. The balance is due 30 days before departure, by bank transfer or credit card.
Cancellation
30 or more days before departure: full refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. 14 days or less: no refund.
Force majeure
If services are cancelled because of extreme weather, natural disasters, route closures or government restrictions, we offer a new date or travel credit.
Health and fitness
You are responsible for being fit enough for the tour's activities. ViajaXmundo is not liable for injury, illness or inability to complete an activity due to personal health conditions.
