Wonders of Peru and Bolivia

Upon arrival to Lima, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Here, a trip representative will present you with a documentation kit including detailed program information, help with your luggage, and assist with hotel registration.

Following breakfast, set out on a half-day exploration of Lima. Through the day you will visit the modern and colonial portions of Lima, which is often referred to as The City of Kings, and your tour begins in the modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, then passes along a "huaca" or sacred pre-Inca site, before heading to the Historic Center. Once in the centuries-old center, you will walk along some of the most historic streets of the city, leading to the Plaza de Armas, where you will have some time to take pictures of the amazing colonial architecture that surrounds it. You will also have the chance to peek into an iconic building that has served Lima's citizens for centuries and continues to be an important landmark. Then you will visit the Convent of Santo Domingo, an astonishing building constructed in an intricate, colonial style. After exploring the Historic Center, you will head to the Larco Museum, which houses the incomparable Treasures of Ancient Peru private collection.

After breakfast and coinciding with your flight to Cusco, you will be transferred to Lima airport. Please note that domestic flights are not included in the program price, however, they can be added; please speak to your Destination Specialist. Once in Cusco, enjoy the charm of this beautiful colonial city that was built upon the remains of amazing Inca buildings. Not to miss: Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), the Cathedral, and the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. This afternoon is left at leisure to help adjust to the elevation, though an optional evening activity to visit the San Pedro Market and ruins can be arranged. Please speak to your Destination Specialist for more details.

Once breakfast is finished, you will set out in the direction of the Maras salt mines, an amazing place where the finest salt in the world is extracted. On the way, you will make a stop at the Raqchi viewpoint, from where you will have an impressive view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Then, you will visit the Misminay community. Upon arrival, the villagers will give you a warm welcome with music and typical dances. There, you will be able to learn about the Andean families' lifestyle by sharing some of their daily activities with them. Then, you will enjoy a delicious and traditional lunch prepared with local products. You will continue with a visit to Moray, a fascinating archeological site with huge concentric terraces, which the Incas used as a botanical laboratory.

Enjoy another hearty breakfast before setting out to visit indomitable Machu Picchu. To begin, you will board the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu (timetables are subject to confirmation). Upon arrival, prepare to visit one of the most striking wonders of the world: Machu Picchu. You will be driven to the archeological site alongside a professional tour guide who will impart to you all the history that surrounds this mysterious and enchanting place. Once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, to relax, or to meditate. At the agreed upon hour, you will descend to nearby Aguas Calientes for lunch, and board the train later that afternoon for the return trip to Ollantaytambo, then transfer back to Cusco.

After breakfast, the day is yours! Enjoy a day at leisure in Cusco. Alternatively, consider joining an optional activity to tour the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Please speak to your Destination Specialist for more information.

Aligned with your scheduled departure, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the bus station, and then will travel from Cusco to Puno. En route, enjoy the magnificent scenery of the southern valley of Cusco. The first stop of the day is Andahuaylillas, host to a beautiful 17th century church that contains an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. After that, the ruins at Racchi - also known as the "Temple of Wiracocha" - will be visited. After this visit, you will enjoy a typical and delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant, and soon after, will visit the archaeological site of Puca-Pucara, which was a military camp that also functioned as an administrative center. Finally, you will arrive at the bus station in Puno, where - upon arrival - an awaiting driver will transfer you and other guests on the tour to your hotel.

Following breakfast, travel by bus from Puno while taking in wonderful views of Lake Titicaca over the course of this 3-hour transfer. Once you reach Copacabana, a pleasant town on the shores of the lake, you'll visit its church and the famous "Virgen Morena". Travelling by boat for approximately 1-hour, you'll cross the lake to the Island of the Sun and, upon arrival, enjoy an aptapi lunch (a typical highland meal). The trip continues by boat to the ruins of the Pilkokaina Inca Temple, and wraps up with a hike to La Estancia, where you will relish in wonderful views of Lake Titicaca.

A word to the wise: do not miss sunrise this morning! Set your alarm for an early start, and bask in what will likely be one of the most beautiful sunrises you've ever seen. Following breakfast, hike down through Yumani, visiting the Inca stairs and the Water of the Eternal Youth, then take a 1-hour trip by boat to the Island of the Moon and the Inca ruins of Iñak Uyu Temple. After visiting, carry on for another 90-minutes to Copacabana, where you will board an awaiting bus and begin the shared, 3.5-hour transfer to La Paz, taking in very nice views of the Andes Royal Range along the way

A visit to the popular neighborhoods and markets of La Paz, guided by a "lustra bota" or shoe-shiner, will provide different impressions of this unique city. After meeting with the "lustra guide" outside the former train terminal of La Paz, hop on to one of the many telefericos (cable cars) lining this vibrant city. You will get off where the walking tour starts, which is the city's main cemetery. After a short visit, continue walking to the Fish Street Market, the Flower Market and the Uruguay Market where various local specialties can be found. The tour continues to Eloy Salmón Street, lined with shops and stalls selling the latest technology and to the "Cholitas Market" where Cholitas (local women) can be seen shopping for traditional skirts and blankets. The tour concludes at the famous Witches' Market on Linares and Sagarnaga Streets, where you will learn a little bit of Andean cosmovision.

After enjoying breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight from La Paz to Uyuni (flight not included). Please speak with your Destination Specialist for assistance booking domestic flights. Upon arrival to Uyuni, you will be transferred to Uyuni village, travelling through a radically unique landscape. You'll visit Isla Incahuasi, a special area noted for its volcanic rocks and giant cacti, then head north to visit the pre-Columbia fort of Ayque Pucara and the nearby chullpares, both of which are found in the foothills of the Thunupa Volcano. After exploring this incredible region, you'll begin the two-hour transfer eastward to Colchani, arriving just in time to catch a lovely sunset. If you are so inclined, consider adding on one of the following optional experiences: Luxury Cocktail at Sunset or Star Gazing.

This morning, consider joining in an optional excursion to catch sunrise on the salt flats. Alternatively, pack your belongings at a more relaxed pace, and get set for your transfer to the airport and flight to La Paz (flight not included). Once you have made it to La Paz, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, consider joining in on an optional tour to the Tiwanaku Ruins, which are found roughly 90-minutes outside of La Paz.

Following breakfast, and aligned with your onward travels, you will be transferred to the airport.