Compare Essential Peru by Exodus Travels vs Titicaca and Bolivia Adventure by Active Adventures

Day 1 Start Lima

Welcome to Lima, the busy capital of Peru. There’s plenty of adventure on your trip, but today’s all about settling into the hotel.  You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima. There will be a notice board in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held. Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)

Day 2 Drive south to Paracas and tour the Ballestas Islands; to Ica

Day 3 On to Nazca; see the Nazca Lines; optional scenic flight

We drive towards Nazca, stopping to visit the viewing platforms overlooking the Nazca Lines. These are one of the great archaeological mysteries, consisting of enormous drawings and patterns etched in the desert sand. In the afternoon, there is usually time to take a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (additional cost), weather permitting. Due to the small planes used, this is not suitable for those with a fear of flying or who suffer from travel sickness. As an alternative, your leader can help arrange optional visits to the nearby burial grounds, Antonini Museum or the planetarium. Accommodation: Casa Andina Hotel/Alegria (or similar)

Day 4 Turn inland from coastal desert, climbing high into the Andes

We turn inland from the coastal desert today, climbing high into the Andes on a long (around 12 to 13 hours) but spectacular drive. We’ll pass through the largest vicuña reserve in the country, so look out for these smaller wild relatives of the llama. This region has only recently become easily accessible to tourists due to an upgrade of the Abancay/Chalhuanca road. The altitude here can make physical exertion difficult; the highest point we reach today is Negro Mayu, a pass at 15,092ft (4,600m) above sea level. We recommended that you rest in the evening. Tonight, we stay in Abancay on the road to Cuzco. Accommodation: Hotel de Turistas Abancay (or similar)

Day 5 Drive to Cuzco, visiting Inca sites on the way

We set off towards Cuzco this morning, stopping to visit the Inca Saywite stone and Tarawasi ruins. The glaciated summits of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the descent into the Apurimac River valley demonstrate the dramatic contrasts of the Andes; expect stunning scenery throughout today's roughly seven to eight-hour drive. It is recommended to take it easy upon arrival into Cuzco and to drink plenty of water to allow your body time to acclimatise to the altitude (11,155ft/3,400m). Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)

Day 6 Free day to explore Cuzco

To help you acclimatise, we embark on a relaxed walking tour this morning, which takes in the historic buildings and winding streets of Cuzco. The rest of the day has been left free for exploring on your own. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people watching, and the Koricancha Sun Temple in the Santo Domingo Church and monastery is worth a visit. The Mercado San Pedro is the place to try local produce and there are many handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs, such as alpaca jumpers and scarves. Outside the town are more Inca ruins, notably the fortress of Sacsayhuaman where the Inca armies made their last stand against the conquistadors. A combined entrance fee (tourist ticket) for these sites and many others is recommended – please see the Optional Excursions section below for prices. Sightseeing excursions to places outside Cuzco, including the Sacred Valley of the Incas, are also available. Please ask your tour leader. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)

Day 7 Train to Aguas Calientes; tour of Machu Picchu

For most people, the highlight of the trip is the visit by train to one of the greatest ruins in the world, the lost city of Machu Picchu. This is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world, in a mountain setting of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it; the Incas left no records of it, so Machu Picchu remains a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. We transfer (approximately two hours) to Ollantaytambo railway station to catch a train to Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu). The railway line follows a beautiful route through the Urubamba River valley. In the afternoon, we take a short bus ride up the winding road to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ruins.  Visiting in the afternoon tends to be quieter than the mornings and the mist that shrouds the ruins at dawn has usually dispersed. Please note that exploring the ruins involves a reasonable amount of walking, including up and down steep and uneven stone steps. Accommodation: Terraza de Luna (or similar)

Day 8 Free morning or optional second visit to Machu Picchu; afternoon return to Cuzco by train and by road.

We have a free morning to sleep in, relax and enjoy the buzz of this little town in the jungle below the ruins. Should you wish to visit Machu Picchu again this morning, you need to purchase a second entrance ticket in advance.  This will allow you further time to explore the Lost City on your own – for the second visit it is not mandatory to have a guide. Please contact your sales representative for details. In the afternoon, we board the train back to Ollantaytambo and then continue by minibus to Cuzco, arriving in the late evening. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)

Day 9 Free day for optional excursions

Day 10 Drive to Lake Titicaca, with stops en route; boat to Amantani Island for homestay

Today we travel for eight to 10 hours along the Vilcanota River and onto the altiplano, the high plains separating the Andes from the jungle. Although it is quite a long drive, the views are often spectacular. There are scheduled stops at interesting sites to help break up the day and we will get to appreciate the immensity of the Andean landscapes. This afternoon, we arrive at the shores of Lake Titicaca (12,467ft/3,800m above sea level) and board a boat for our trip to Amantani Island. A hike around the island offers great views across the lake, while the night spent with a local family is a fantastic cultural insight into lives very different to our own. A packed lunch is included today. Accommodation: Amantani Island homestay (basic)

Day 11 Explore the island; afternoon boat to Puno visiting the floating reed islands

We explore the island in the morning before boarding our boat for the three-hour journey to Puno on the lakeshore. On the way, we visit Uros Island. The Uros have been living on reed rafts for centuries, and although many have now moved to the mainland there are still a couple of thousand who remain on the islands. A reasonable amount of their income is now provided by strictly regulated tourism, but they also still fish the lake and barter with mainland communities for daily essentials. Accommodation: Casona Plaza Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Drive across the altiplano to Colca Canyon

Today we head across the altiplano again. This time we cross to the southwest, heading back towards the coast to the high Colca Canyon (a five to six-hour drive). En route, we see vicuñas and possibly flamingos, crossing the Patapampa Pass (15,781ft/4,810m) before descending into what is considered the second-deepest canyon in the Americas (the deepest, the Cotahuasi Canyon, is also in Peru). There is time in the evening for an optional visit to the hot springs near the main town of Chivay (11,926ft/3,635m) – a warming pleasure after the chill of Lake Titicaca. Accommodation: Hotel Pozo del Cielo (or similar)

Day 13 Morning condor viewing; afternoon drive past huge volcanoes to the White City of Arequipa

Rise early to view condors soaring on the morning drafts rising out of the canyon. We then ascend out of the canyon and cross Patapampa Pass on our way to Arequipa, which is known as the White City due to the pale volcanic stone used to construct many of its colonial buildings. The picturesque city has a year-round pleasant climate and is surrounded by towering volcanoes, including the near-perfect cone of El Misti. Accommodation: Su Majestad Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Morning visit Santa Catalina Convent; afternoon fly to Lima

In the morning we visit the huge, serene convent of Santa Catalina. Built in 1580 and only opened to the outside world in the 1970s, it offers a rare insight into the lives led by the nuns and has changed little through the centuries. There are still around 20 nuns living in the northern corner of the complex. In the afternoon or evening we fly to Lima where we will transfer to our hotel in Miraflores. Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)

Day 15 End Lima

Today we start our return journey home, although there may be time for optional tours of Lima, including visits to the Gold Museum and tours of the historic downtown. You could also join our optional trip extension to the Amazon rainforest, where you explore lakes, rivers and jungle trails in search of incredible wildlife.

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)