Compare Titicaca and Bolivia Adventure by Active Adventures vs Peru: See & Experience Almost it ALL in 12 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours by Charlie The Traveler

Day 1 Arrive in Cuzco, hike Sacsayhuamán fortress

Our trip starts in Cuzco, the heart of the Inca empire. Your trip leader will greet you with a cup of hot coca tea – a local speciality. After lunch, we’ll set off for a walk around this amazing ancient city and up to Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking the main Plaza and Cuzco Valley. The fortress, meaning ‘House of the Sun’, is a magnificent archaeological site representing a set of jaguar’s teeth with massive, perfectly fitted stones weighing up to 130 tonnes (143 tons) each and was the place where the Incas made their final stand against the Spanish conquistadores. No one really knows what the Incas used Sacsayhuamán for – some say it was a sanctuary and temple of the sun, others say it was a granary. No matter who is right, you’ll have a lot of fun hearing all the stories this amazing area inspires. Later, we’ll take a walk through the colourful Cuzco street markets. If you prefer, you can take some time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cuzco’s lively town square and meet up again later for an evening meal.Hotel Royal Inca I or Hotel San Agustin, Cuzco (Lunch, Dinner)Hiking Distance: 2 kilometres (1.2 miles), 1-2 hoursElevation Gain: 200 metres (656 feet)Elevation Loss: 200 metres (656 feet)

Day 2 Explore Pisac Market and Pisac Ruins

This morning we’ll journey to Pisac, where we’ll have a chance to check out a colourful mercado artesanal, one of the most vibrant markets in South America. For those who are keen, we’ll then begin a spectacular hike up to the Pisac ruins. These Inca terraces rise 600 metres (2000 feet) from the river below. It’s a heart-pumping hike up the ancient agricultural terraces, and you’ll never forget the views of Pisac and the Urubamba Valley! After exploring this ancient complex, we’ll head back down to the valley below and meet up with those who chose to take it a little easier.Hotel Royal Inca I or Hotel San Agustin, Cuzco (All meals)Pisac Ruins Hiking Distance: 7 kilometres (4.3 miles), 2-3 hours (optional)Elevation Gain: 450 metres (1,476 feet)Elevation Loss: 450 metres (1,476 feet)

Day 3 Cycle towards Puno, visit Huacarpay Lagoon

We’ll begin riding today just south of Cuzco. Along our journey we’ll visit a number of Andean towns, each with its own unique attraction. The town of Saylla is known for its pork chicharron, a favourite of Andean gastronomy, whilst further along, the town of Huasao is famous as the land of the paqos (priests of the Andean religion). Further up the valley we’ll take a walk through Oropesa, the town of delicious ‘chuta bread’. The ride finishes at the Huacarpay Lagoon, a wetland of international importance due to the vast number of migratory birds that stop here. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before stopping at the spectacular La Raya Pass, the capital of the Altiplano area and the gateway to Lake Titicaca. This is one of Peru’s great highland areas where herds of alpaca and llama graze and snow-capped mountains rise steeply from the valley. Tonight we’ll stay in Puno, which is regarded as the folklore capital of Peru. Its narrow streets are filled with the sounds of traditional Andean music, the hustle and bustle of local markets, and the bell-ring of the triciclos, which are the local bicycle taxis!Hotel Hacienda, Puno (All meals) - 3,827 metres (12,555 feet)Biking Distance: 25 kilometres (15.5 miles), 2-4 hours

Day 4 Hike Taquile Island, stay with local Quechua people

At 3,800 metres (12,500 feet), Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest commercially navigable body of water. The Incas believed it was the cradle of civilisation – the place where all life began. It’s a very special place, dotted with islands that have unique living cultures and traditions, two of which we’ll visit today. The first is Taquile Island, where we’ll hike to the highest point of the island for breath-taking 360º views of Lake Titicaca, the Capachica Peninsula, Amantani Island and the Bolivian Andes. On the way, we’ll visit an isolated village and have the chance to meet the local people and learn about their famous textiles and culture. Then it’s a short boat ride to Amantani Island, where we’ll spend the night. Our hosts, members of the indigenous Quechua community, will meet us at the lake’s edge and are always up for a game of high-altitude soccer, if you’re keen! Aside from being a great workout, it’s good fun and a unique way to get to know your hosts. When the game is over, we’ll hike to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) temple at the summit of Amantani Island for unforgettable views of the sun setting over Lake Titicaca. Later we’ll return to the homes of our hosts for a home-cooked meal. The Quechua people have maintained their traditional way of life for centuries, weaving wool, keeping cuy (guinea pigs), and farming their smallholdings. After dinner, we head down to the community hall to learn a few traditional dances with the locals. It’s very quiet here – no streetlights, no cars, no dogs even! So we’re sure you’ll love the tranquillity.Family home, Amantani Island (All meals)Taquile Island Hiking Distance: 2 kilometres (1.3 miles), 1-3 hoursElevation Gain: 100 metres (328 feet)Elevation Loss: 100 metres (328 feet)Amantani Island Hiking Distance: 4 kilometres (2.5 miles), 1-3 hoursElevation Gain: 400 metres (1,312 feet)Elevation Loss: 400 metres (1,312 feet)

Day 5 Sea kayak Lake Titicaca, Uros Reed Islands

Our hosts will wave us off from Amantani’s port this morning as we leave under our own steam in sea kayaks! This is one of the most unforgettable activities of the whole trip. The lake is so big it feels like – and even smells like – the sea, and it has its own unique dark blue colour. We’ll spend the morning making our way across it to Capachica Peninsula, then we’ll hug the shore line, grazed by sheep and shadowed by ancient remnant agricultural terraces. We’ll get in our motorboat for the final section of the trip back to Puno, stopping along the way to visit the man-made Uros Reed Islands – you’ll be amazed at the unique lifestyle of the people who make these islands their home. When we get back to Puno we’ll check in to our hotel, and enjoy dinner together.Hotel Hacienda, Puno (All meals)Kayaking Time: 3 hours

Day 6 Journey to Copacabana, visit Isla de la Luna

This morning we’ll travel south east alongside Lake Titicaca towards the Peruvian-Bolivian border. Once in Bolivia we’ll have time to explore Copacabana, a town steeped in cultural heritage and known for its colourful, traditional festivals. After lunch we’ll take a boat back across Lake Titicaca to visit Isla de la Luna (‘Island of the Moon’), a chance for you to compare the Bolivian Titicaca islands to the Peruvian ones! On this island you’ll find some fascinating ruins including Inak Uyu on the northeast shore, believed to be the convent of the Virgins of the Sun. Keep an eye out for the ruins of an Inca nunnery on the eastern shores too. Tonight we’ll spend our first evening in Bolivia, back in Copacabana.Hotel la Perla del Lago, Copacabana (All meals) - 3,841 metres (12,600 feet)Hiking Time: 2 hours

Day 7 Fly from La Paz to Uyuni, visit train cemetery

After breakfast we’ll leave Lake Titicaca and the town of Copacabana, and make the journey to El Alto Airport, just outside Bolivia’s capital La Paz. Saving precious hours, we’ll fly to southern Bolivia, to Uyuni, our base for the next couple of nights. The Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat covering over 10,000 square kilometres (4,000 square miles) and definitely a bucket list destination. On the outskirts of the desert here is the slightly bizarre and intriguing train graveyard. In the early 19th century there were ambitious plans to transform Uyuni into a prosperous transportation hub, connecting it with the port of Antofagasta on the Pacific Coast. Trains were imported from Britain and railway building began. However, after the Pacific War with Chile in 1879, Bolivia lost access to the Pacific Ocean and the export industry collapsed. The trains and other equipment were abandoned to rust and fade from memory, and Mother Nature is doing a pretty good job of that task, corroding the huge steel skeletons with her ruthless salt-laden winds.Luna Salada Salt Hotel, Uyuni (All meals) - 3,700 metres (12,140 feet)

Day 8 Explore the Uyuni Salt Flats

Today will be unforgettable. Walking on Lago Minchín, a prehistoric lake that dried up over 30,000 years ago is not something you get to do every day! This dazzling landscape that seemingly stretches on forever is a photographer’s dream, offering mirage-like contrasts and ample opportunity for creativity. We’ll start today’s explorations by visiting the indigenous community of Colchani, where we’ll observe iodized salt processing in its rustic form. What many people don’t realise is that there are fascinating cacti-studded islands and interesting rock formations dotted across this barren landscape. So after visiting the unique ‘eyes of salt’ - the outlets of subterranean rivers flowing under the Uyuni Salt Flat, we’ll take a hike on Incahuasi Island, a volcanic rock scattered with giant cacti. Tonight, you’ll rest comfortably again in the wonderfully appointed Luna Salada Hotel.Luna Salada Salt Hotel, Uyuni (All meals)Explore Incahuasi Island: 2-3 hours, short hikes

Day 9 Fly back to La Paz, city tour and cable car

It’s a short flight back to La Paz this morning, one of the seven ‘Wonder Cities of the World’ and also the highest. La Paz oozes culture and diversity, so today we’ll make the most of it, by exploring the alleyways and lively markets - including the ‘Witches’ Market’ - run by local witch doctors. These markets sell anything from traditional garments to potions, dried frogs, and armadillos! In many cases the witch doctors have made long journeys to the city to sell their wares, and pedal their goods even as business people, living a cosmopolitan way of life, walk the same streets. There aren’t many places where this juxtaposition exists in harmony, but La Paz seems to be one of them. After lunch we’ll cap off this trip from a unique vantage point, gazing across the city whilst riding La Paz’s famous cable car. Tonight we’ll share our final celebratory dinner together and reflect on the wonderful experiences of Peruvian and Bolivian culture in which we’ve shared.La Casona Hotel, La Paz (All meals)

Day 10 Depart for home

This is the last day of your ‘Chinchilla’ trip, if you have more time to spare, we’re happy to give you suggestions on how to make the most of it. On the other hand, if you’re on your way home today, we’ll send you back refreshed and invigorated from the great food, exercise, rest and adventures you’ll have had with us in Peru and Bolivia!(Breakfast)

Day 1: Where Architectural Legacies Remain

Originally founded as Ciudad de Los Reyes (City of the Kings), Lima has developed an important tourism industry. What stands out are the historic center, archaeological remains, nightlife, museums, art galleries, festivities, and popular traditions. The historic center of Lima was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. A large number of architectural legacies remain. Highlights include the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, the Plaza Mayor, the Lima Metropolitan Cathedral, the Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, and the Palacio de Torre Tagle.

Note that we can provide you with a guided sightseeing tour only if you arrive before 4:00 pm.

Start point
Transportation will be arranged for you from the airport in Lima., Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez (LIM), Av. Elmer Faucett s/n, Callao, Callao 07031, Peru

Day 2: Vineyards, Exotic Drinks & a Buggy Ride on Huge Hills

We relocated from Lima to the city of Ica. There we are taken to two wineries. Peruvian wine dates back to the Spanish colonization of the region in the 16th century. After sampling some of the best wines and spirits Peru has to offer, we are taken to Huacachina. This village is built around a small oasis and is surrounded by sand dunes. We go dune bashing as well as sandboarding.

Day 3: Large-Scale Geoglyphs Seen From the Sky & Peru's Version of the Galapagos Islands

Before returning to Lima, we take a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands and then check out the Nazca Lines. The Ballestas Islands are an important sanctuary for marine fauna like the blue-footed booby. On the way to the islands, we see El Candelabro, a large-scale geoglyph that may have served as a beacon to mariners. The Nazca Lines were created between 500 BC and 500 AD. There are several theories as to why people of those times made these lines. Hear all about these different theories as we take a flightseeing tour over this group of geoglyphs.

Day 4: Exploring the Once Capital of the Inca Empire

We relocated from Lima to the colonial city of Cusco. Peru’s urban showcase destination Cusco is known for its rich heritage with the Inca and Spaniards as well as the charming architecture both empires left behind. Even though Cusco is also known for its proximity to the Machu Picchu archeological site, the city is popular in its own right. We are provided with a guided tour.

Day 5: Stunning Archaeological Sites Spread Across a valley

We make a day trip from Cusco to the Sacred Valley. The Chanapata civilization first utilized this area around 800 BCE because of the rich soil used for agriculture. The Qotacalla civilization lived here from 500 to 900 CE. The Killke civilization then lived here from 900 until the Incan Empire took over the region in 1420. The Incan Empire ruled this area until the arrival of the Spanish. Today remains of citadels and markets are found across this long valley.

Day 6: Multicolored Mountains Found Due to Melting Glaciers

We make a day trip from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain (a.k.a. Vinicunca). Mass tourism came after 2015, attracted by the mountain’s series of stripes of various colors due to its mineralogical composition on the slopes and summits. The mountain used to be covered by glacier caps, but these have melted due to global warming. We go horseback riding at Rainbow Mountain.

Day 7: Salt Evaporation Ponds in Use Since Inca Times & the Train Ride You Have Been Awaiting

Before relocating to the village of Aguas Calientes, we visited salt mines called Maras as well as an archeological site called Moray. Maras is well known for its salt evaporation ponds. There are over 5,000 of them, which have been in use since Inca times. Moray consists of several terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is approximately 30 meters (98 feet) deep. As with many other Inca sites, Moray also has an irrigation system.

Day 8: Experiencing One of the Seven Wonders of the World

Before returning to Cusco, we are provided with a guided tour of Machu Picchu. This 15th-century citadel is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization. The Incas built the estate around 1450 but abandoned it a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest. Although known locally, it was not known to the Spanish during the colonial period. Machu Picchu remained undiscovered to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911. Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

Day 9: Two Architecturally Enticing Cities From Morning to Night

Before relocating to the colonial city of Arequipa, we have free time to explore Cusco further: whitewashed and narrow streets, a gorgeous main square, grandeur sites, and red-tiled roofs. Cusco is undoubtedly one of Latin America’s prettiest historic cities.

Day 10: One of the Nation's Top Three Destinations, Home to the Andean Condor

Today we make a day trip from Arequipa to the very scenic Colca Canyon. It is home to Andean condors, giant hummingbirds, Andean geese, Chilean flamingos, mountain caracaras, rabbits, deer, foxes, and alpacas. The Colca Canyon is Peru’s third most popular tourist destination, and for good reason.

Day 11: A Provincial Capital Made of Volcanic Stone

Before returning to Lima, we are provided with a guided tour of Arequipa. This destination definitely does not feel so large, even though it is the second-largest city in the country. Arequipa is characterized by colonial-era churches and mansions. The historic center is small but charming nonetheless.

Day 12: Our Tour Ends Today

Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Lima.

Note that if you can extend your trip, consider doing so. Lake Titicaca is worth 2 days, as is the Peruvian Amazon.

Endpoint
Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Lima., Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez (LIM), Av. Elmer Faucett s/n, Callao, Callao 07031, Peru