Compare Sacred Land of the Incas by Intrepid Travel vs Off the Beaten Path Peru Bolivia Tour 12 Day – The Best of Bolivia & Peru by Keteka

Day 1 Lima

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. With Indigenous cultures dating back millennia, this country is a fascinating land of Amazonian rainforests, diverse wildlife and soaring mountains. Your adventure begins in Lima with a welcome meeting at 2 pm at your hotel. After, head downtown for a walking tour of the city's historical centre to take in the colonial mansions, palaces and churches that line the streets. Then, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon free. You might visit the Museum of the Inquisition to learn about Spanish colonialism in Peru. Otherwise, wander around the city until night falls, then embark on an optional Lima Bites and Sights Tour with Urban Adventures, taking you to the bohemian Barranco district to sample the best local street food and pisco cocktails.

Day 2 Amazon Jungle

Rise and shine early today for your journey into the wilds of the Peruvian Amazon. Take an early transfer to Lima airport, then fly to Puerto Maldonado. Here, you’ll pack a small duffle bag with essentials for the next two days. Board a motorised canoe and cruise deep into the jungle. The journey to your eco-lodge in the Madre de Dios region will take a couple of hours, so you’ll stop for lunch along the way. Settle into your thatched-roof lodge before a short orientation walk of your surroundings. Spend the evening taking in the sights and smells of the jungle and enjoy an I’m-so-far-from-home moment.

Day 3 Amazon Jungle

Get ready for an unforgettable day exploring the depths of the jungle! Set out on a half-day trek guided by local experts on the area's flora and fauna. Learn from your guides about the medicinal and practical uses for some of the plants that grow here, which Indigenous people have been studying and using for thousands of years. On your walk, keep an eye out for rainbow macaws and butterflies, and listen for the barking call of the peccaries and chattering of monkeys that call the jungle home. This part of the Amazon is also known to house capybaras, giant otters and jabirus, so keep your eyes peeled for these exotic creatures. Return to the lodge for lunch and some free time to relax. Once the sun goes down, venture out on a night walk in search of some of the jungle's nocturnal inhabitants (caimans, jaguars and anacondas).

Day 4 Cusco

Leave behind the natural wonders of the Amazon for the man-made wonders of Cusco. Return to Puerto Maldonado to collect your luggage, then take a short flight. If Lima is Peru's head, then Cusco is definitely the heart. Once you've spent some time acclimatising to the altitude of 3450 m, head out on an orientation walk with your leader. See the ancient, colonial and contemporary architecture styles, including the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the San Pedro Market, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. This tour will also include the most significant temple in the ancient Inca empire – Qoricancha. Despite being covered with a Baroque facade in the 17th century by the Spanish, the original Inca masonry has been uncovered in some areas. The rest of the day is yours to spend how you like.

Day 5 Ollantaytambo

Hop on a private bus this morning and travel through the lush terraces of the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo – one of the few places where the Inca defeated the Spanish. On the way, stop at a village to enjoy lunch and conversation in a community that still practices many Inca traditions. If you’d like, you can head to the archaeological park or if you're feeling energetic, climb to the top of the squared terraces and gaze down over the valley. Then, visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba for afternoon tea – this café is dedicated to working with single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley, where there are few opportunities for childcare and employment. As all the ingredients used here are grown and purchased locally, the establishment also prides itself on its organic and locally focused practices. Enjoy a coffee, tea or juice with a slice of vegan beet cake or a homemade cookie and continue your journey to Ollantaytambo. Tonight, maybe you’d like to sit down for a dinner of quinoa and alpaca stew at one of the local restaurants.

Day 6 Inca Trail

Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days you’ll be either hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1), hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2) or staying in Cusco for two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (Route 3). All routes visit Machu Picchu.  While away from Cusco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave, you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. You won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and travel with only a small bag for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.  Route 1 Inca Trail  Today, travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, your cook and your guide. Your first day will include uphill trekking to the campsite, which sits at 3100 m above sea level. On the way, you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal prepared by your cook.  Route 2 Quarry Trail  Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. From here, you’ll head to the small community near Qory Song’o (Golden Heart) hill, where you’ll climb to the top for the incredible views of the Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo valleys. There are also several sacred tombs in the area, protected by the locals, which you can explore with your leader and even see some of the original structure crafted from wood and leather. These remains have never been seen by travellers before, so you can be a part of this exclusive experience. Carry on to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout, where you can stop for some snacks and photos. Arrive at the campsite, 3700 m above sea level, around lunchtime. After, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas.  Route 3 Cusco:  After spending the night in Ollantaytambo, take a short drive to the town of Pisac. Pisac is well known for its market. Here you’ll have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and perhaps try some local empanadas. Arrive back at Cusco in the afternoon, where your leader will take you to San Pedro Market, where you have the option to buy some local favourites for a picnic tomorrow. 

Day 7 Inca Trail

Route 1 Inca Trail This is the most challenging day of the trek, as you ascend a 5-hour long steep path to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4200 m above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3650 m. Route 2 Quarry Trail This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. A 3-hour walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa, about 4370 m high. After enjoying the picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. After, make the 2-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4450 m. From here, descend to the sacred site that the Incas called Intipunku. This is a sun gate, where the sun will stream through at particular times of the year and there are views of the Nevado Veronica mountain year-round. The Incas built several sun gates, the most notable overlooking Machu Picchu. Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away and at 3600 m.  Route 3 Cusco Today, take a taxi to Tambomachay, an archaeological site just outside of Cusco. From here you’ll take a 2 to 3 hours walk back to Cusco. On the way, stop to admire some of the archaeological sites, including Puka Pukara, Quenqo and Saksaywaman. Arrive back in Cusco in the early afternoon and enjoy some free time. Maybe visit the Merida, Mendivil and Olave art galleries and workshops before finding a great spot to sit down and enjoy some dinner.

Day 8 Inca Trail

Route 1 Inca Trail Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass at 3980 m. Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca at 3850 m, also known as the 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the 2-hour descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site.  Route 2 Quarry Trail Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo when you finish your trek. This is where you’ll meet with the travellers in your group who didn't hike, before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes.Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu. Route 3 Train to Aguas Calientes After a 1.5-hour drive to Ollantaytambo. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Quarry Trail. You’ll catch a 1.5-hour train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 9 Inca Trail

Route 1 Inca Trail This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu – one of the famed Wonders of the World. The day starts before dawn, with breakfast at 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking. Once the final checkpoint opens at 5 am, you’ll begin the final 2.5-hour trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate). Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.    Route 2 and 3 Machu Picchu to Cusco  Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 6:00 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for the Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. This is a day to remember!     For all travellers, after taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to catch the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stop for lunch together. From here, take a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo, then drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening. 

Day 10 Cusco

Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cusco's many sights. Maybe rest your weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head to the San Pedro Market where you can find vegetables, meats, local cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and many local handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or ingredients for a picnic. The market is also where many locals (and daring travellers) go to eat ‘mystery soups.’ Some may be just chicken – however, the most popular among the locals usually contain frogs or offal. For those looking for something active, why not try mountain biking in the hills that surround Cusco?

Day 11 Puno

This morning after breakfast, travel through the dramatic scenery of the high altiplano to Puno – located on the shores of serene Lake Titicaca. At an altitude of 3800 m, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake. Today includes a bit of a long drive, but it’s worth the first glimpse of immense Lake Titicaca, whose seemingly endless waters stretch into the horizon. Puno is a melting pot of Indigenous Aymara and Quechuan culture and traditional Andean customs, and it wears its traditions on its sleeve. If you're lucky, your trip will coincide with one of the many cultural festivals here. Ask your leader where you can get the best grilled trout tonight – a true local specialty perfect for dinner.   

Day 12 Llachon community

This morning, you’ll take a tour of the immense lake by motorboat, stopping at the floating Uros Islands that look like they could come from a Pixar or Studio Ghibli movie. Built by the Uros people to protect themselves from encroaching Inca forces hundreds of years ago, the islands are constructed from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. Get a closer look at contemporary life on the shores of the lake with a homestay in a local community. Help your host family with their daily activities, try out a few words in the Quechua language and maybe even join a local soccer game to make some friends on the makeshift pitch. Tonight, sit down and swap stories with your hosts, who will cook you a feast full of traditional Peruvian favourites.

Day 13 Puno

This morning after breakfast, board another motorboat and cruise to Taquile Island – known for the intricate, hand-knitted textiles the locals produce. Here, knitting is strictly a male domain and women do the spinning. It's a great place to pick up some high-quality, locally knitted goods, with the added bonus of supporting the local community. Then, take an hour uphill trek to the main area of the island, where you can shop for handicrafts. After, descend about 500 steps to the boat. Return to Puno, where you might like to gather your group and find a local watering hole to enjoy a drink or two – try a chilcano or indulge in another pisco sour.

Day 14 La Paz

This morning, head to the bustling highland city of La Paz in Bolivia. At the border, say goodbye to your Peruvian leader and welcome your new Bolivian leader. After border formalities at the Peruvian migration office and document checks as you cross the border, you’ll discover the colonial architecture of La Paz. Browse the markets on a walking tour, taking in the vibrant expressions of culture. Over the last decade, grassroots activism and a shifting political landscape have created space for various Indigenous cultures to live openly. After the walking tour, why not head to the Witches' Market in search of folkloric remedies, potions and totems? It's a great place to pick up a last-minute souvenir!

Day 15 La Paz

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave after breakfast. If you’d like to stay in Bolivia for longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Day 1: Private Culinary and Historic Center Tour of Lima

Meals: Lunch

You will arrive in Lima and spend the day and evening getting to know this ancient and diverse city. You’ll get an introduction to Peru`s world renowned coastal cuisine, as well as a tour of Lima’s historical landmarks.

Morning pickup at your Lima hotel for a private tour of Lima`s historic highlights and world famous coastal cuisine. You’ll begin the morning in a local market shopping alongside moms and sous chefs. Here, you can sample fresh fruits and explore Peruvian produce. Peru is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries and producer of an exotic array of jungle, highland and coastal foods. The local market will whet your appetite for the day.

Afterwards, you can take a break to enjoy Peru’s flagship dish: ceviche. These sublime fish and seafood cocktails, gently marinated in fresh lime juice, are a Lima staple. You will also have a chance to taste other excellent options, like causa limeña – avocado and shrimp layered between mashed potatoes.

After enjoying the food, you will walk in Lima’s historic center, checking out the Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, the Archbishop’s residence, the Presidential Palace, and the bright-yellow Franciscan monastery and church, which is most famous for its bone-lined catacombs, built in 1546 as a cemetery.

The day’s gastronomic adventures end with picarones (fried deserts). Every culture has a version, and the Peruvian edition is crafted from wheat flour that is dotted with anise and blended with sweet potatoes and pumpkin, then is topped with a liberal dose of molasses syrup. In other words, sheer greasy glory when they’re fresh out of the fryer! In the evening, you will return to your Lima hotel.

Day 2: Cusco Locals Tour

Meals: Breakfast

You’ll arrive in Cusco, the former center of the Inca Empire, and spend the afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets, local markets, and learning about Cusco`s incredible history from your local guide.

After breakfast, transfer to the Lima airport for a short flight to Cusco.  Your local guide and river will be waiting at the airport to depart on a private walking tour of Cusco, including the cathedral, Coricancha, San Pedro Market, and the historic neighborhood of San Blas. There is quite a lot to see in Cusco and flexibility in your schedule; the guide can help you plan an afternoon to suit your interests once you arrive.

At midday, you’ll enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch, then make a short drive with your guide to four important ruins above the city: the fortresses of Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara & Tambomachay. Enjoy the interesting ruins and beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys before descending to your hotel in the early evening.

Day 3: Private Sacred Valley Tour and Train to Aguas Calientes

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Today, you’ll do a cultural deep dive in the Sacred Valley, visiting a local family and a community-based tourism project.

After breakfast, you will depart for the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, en route to Aguas Calientes.Along the way you’ll stop at interesting Inca ruins, artisan markets and cascading salt ponds. You’ll enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family, and gain true insight into local culture. Later you’ll visit an amazing community-based tourism project, and learn about traditional farming of crops such as potatoes, quinoa, and medicinal plants. Then, it’s on to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll tour an Inca fortress before a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes.

Day 4: Private Machu Picchu Tour

Meals: Breakfast

You’ll wake up early this morning to catch the bus to the gates of one of the great Wonders of the World. You will ascend stone steps, through heavy tree cover to finally emerge at the top of the world – Machu Picchu! The incredible Inca stone construction will be spread below, alternately hidden and revealed by clouds. You`ll have a 2.5-3 hour private tour with your guide, followed by time to explore on your own. In the afternoon, descend to Aguas Calientes for your return train to Ollantaytambo. Your driver will be waiting in the station and bring you to your hotel in Cusco for a good night’s rest.

Day 5: Altiplano Adventure; Transfer to Puno

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After an early breakfast, you will begin your transfer to Puno, along with a bilingual guide who will show you the sights along the way. The day will have several guided tours, including to Pukara, Raqchi, La Raya, Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, with a buffet lunch in Sicuani Village. There are tons of beautiful landscapes and plenty of opportunities to ask your guide any questions you may have. Below is a brief description of stops along the way:

Andahuaylillas: Referred to as the Andean Sistine Chapel because of its magnificent frescoes, the church is but one example of the Mestizo Baroque architecture typical of the Cusco School which was prominent in the 17th century. You will marvel at the ceiling of carved panels covered with gold leaf.

Raqchi (or the Temple of the god Wiracocha): This Inca temple is monumental – 100m in length, 26m in width and 14m in height. Divided into two naves, each of these still retains the base of eleven giant columns. The base of the walls consists of Imperial Inca stonework with a top section of adobe.

La Raya: The highest pass on the route between Cusco and Puno, La Raya is 4335m above sea level. Beautiful landscapes await you, as well as the animals that are symbolic of the Andes: llamas, alpacas, and vicunas!

Pukara: This is the most important and oldest ceremonial site this side of Tiahuanaco. Characterized by a series of staired platforms, the ruins also reveal some lit sculptures and tombstones, all witnesses of a pre-Inca civilization, possibly one at the origin of the Andean culture of the Altiplano.

Transfer to your hotel upon arrival in Puno.

Day 6: Lake Titicaca

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning you`ll be met at your hotel for transfer to the port. You will depart by fully equipped speedboat with on-board service, arriving at a secluded section of Taquile Island first. Here, you will explore the less touristy and scenic area of the island, and enjoy a pristine sandy beach, where you will have plenty of time to relax and feel the serenity of Titicaca. From there, you’ll hike through a pre-Inca trail with spectacular landscapes of the island, visiting families of weavers to learn about their textile art & symbolism that has been declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

At approximately 11:30AM, you’ll depart from the island for travel to the community of Santa Maria – Llachon, on the tip of the Capachica Peninsula, a very scenic off-the-beaten-track destination. You’ll be welcomed by a small community and quickly introduced to an intensive cross cultural experience, observing their traditions and participating in an ancient ceremony to learn about their magical world. Here, you’ll get to witness the preparation of Peru’s famous “Pachamanca” – a traditional way of cooking meat, fish and potatoes using underground ovens. Enjoy these delicacies in a small, but very scenic, restaurant.

From Santa Maria, you’ll travel to one of the remote areas of the National Reserve of Lake Titicaca, and explore Uros Ccapi, considered the last authentic floating islands, less commercial and little visited. The Uros are descendants of one of the oldest cultures in South America. Optional tours in reed boats. Depart back to Puno for arrival in the early evening, with transfer to your hotel.

Day 7: Private Transfer to La Paz; Tour of Isla del Sol

Meals: Breakfast

Morning travel by bus to the Bolivian border.  After clearing customs and immigration, continue to Copacabana by private transfer for a visit to fascinating Isla del Sol (Sun Island). Arrive in exciting La Paz in the late afternoon to evening. 

Day 8: La Paz

Meals: Breakfast

Morning departure on a unique walking tour through downtown La Paz to appreciate samples of murals and urban art created by talented local artists and invited muralists from other countries. Through the visual arts, visitors can learn in more depth many peculiarities that are signature of Bolivian culture, tradition, history, society and modern issues. Visitors also have a peek on new features that are reshaping the city’s culture, such as the new public transportation bus system called Puma Katari and the newly implemented cable car system.

The path includes popular sites like El Prado, Mercado Camacho, Parque Urbano Central, Teatro al Aire Libre, the esplanade of the public university UMSA and the pleasant neighborhood of Sopocachi and includes a stop at a traditional snack place to taste a typical, local pastry and hot beverage. The duration of the tour is 3 hours and includes light walking with few uphills. Afternoon free to relax, explore La Paz on your own, and prepare for Uyuni the following morning!

Day 9: Flight to Uyuni, Begin 3D/2N Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Early morning flight to Uyuni.  Covering 12,000 square kilometers (4,633 square miles) of Bolivian altiplano, the salt flats of Uyuni are an inspiring natural phenomenon. Enjoy a full-day excursion of this surreal, natural landscape, with its expansive crystalline terrain, colorful lagoons, surrounding mountain ranges and volcanoes. Today we will visit the famous train cemetery, Tunupa lookout, salt water springs, and observe bizarre stone formations sculpted by wind erosion.

Day 10: Uyuni Day 2

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

A highlight of your journey today will be the rocky outcrop of Isla Incawasi, with unusual rock formations and a forest of giant cacti.  In addition, we`ll travel across the Siloli desert (one of the driest on earth) and visit Kañapa, Hedionda and Ch’iar Quta lagoons.  With luck, we`ll be able to spot flamingos and other wildlife.

Day 11: Uyuni Day 3

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Full day excursion to Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. Visit Stone Tree, an enormous rock shaped by the wind like a tree, Red Lagoon/Laguna Colorado (characterized by the red tone of its waters inhabited by flocks of flamingoes of three different species), Sol de Mañana Geysers (fumaroles and volcanic craters of spectacular formation featuring volcanic activity), & Green Lagoon/Laguna Verde. Looking like a giant emerald, it is framed by Licancabur Volcano. It`s intensely green coloring is due to high magnesium content.  We`ll return to Uyuni in time for your flight back to La Paz.