Bolivia & Peru Escape - Tour La Paz to Lima

Welcome to La Paz, the world’s highest administrative capital! If you arrive with time to spare, explore all you want. There’s a welcome meeting in the foyer of the hotel at 18:00 after which we’ll head to a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant.

After breakfast today, fall even deeper in love with La Paz as you set out on a city tour. Wander around beautiful squares like Plaza Murillo, and lay eyes on San Francisco Church - the most famous church in the city. Also visit La Paz’s famous Witchdoctor's market. Round if off with a trip on the “subway in the sky” - La Paz’s cable car. A trip to the Teleferico viewpoint offers the view of a lifetime over the city and surrounding area. After lunch you have the option of exploring the city some more at your own pace. This evening, choose to find dinner in town or join the group at a local restaurant with your tour leader.

Travel from La Paz along the shores of Lake Titicaca to Copacabana this morning. Lake Titicaca is located between Peru and Bolivia and is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world. Legend has it that Lake Titicaca gave birth to the sun and the moon. Upon arrival, take to the water and set out on a day trip to Isla del Sol (the Sun Island). This is the best place to find out all there is to know about the mystery and intrigue of pre-Inca myths. Travel back to Copacabana for the evening and spend the time available here as you wish.

Wake early and travel onward around the edge of Lake Titicaca. Soon cross the Peruvian border to arrive at the port of Puno. Puno is located on the Andean plateau of Peru and known to be Peru’s capital of folklore. The Uros islands are a main attraction in Puno and also in Peru. Upon arrival, board a traditional reed boat and get the rare opportunity to explore these floating islands. The Uru people hand-make these islands using totora reeds, located in the middle of beautiful Lake Titicaca. They maintain a traditional lifestyle away from the mainland, depending only on the lake for food. During the visit you will see how the locals produce handicrafts, witness folk dances and taste the local food. It's truly unique travel experience. Returning to Puno in the late afternoon and make your way to the hotel for the evening.

Fuel up for the long drive ahead today as we head for Peru’s Sacred Valley. Try not to doze off - the views of the Peruvian countryside are incredible! There is something noticeably spiritual about the many Inca sites all located high above 3000 meters. The first stop of the day takes you to visit the town of Pucara to see the ancient Inca ruins. Take the highest pass of the day at 4300m above sea level, La Raya. Enjoy fantastic panorama views, do some souvenir shopping at markets on the side of the road, perhaps even spot some llamas as you go. Getting closer to the Sacred Valley, stop at the ancient Inca fortress of Raqchi. Our last stop before making it to Urubamba is the “Sistine Chapel of Latin America”, the Church of Andahuaylillas. Soon arrive at the hotel, settle in and enjoy an included dinner. You’re now in the heart of the El Valle Sagrado (Sacred valley).

Discover more secrets of the Sacred Valley today. After breakfast, take to the winding roads and head deep into the local villages and imposing mountains throughout the valley. On the way you’ll see the most stunning Incan sites and learn more about the local culture, landscapes and Incan history. Deep in the Sacred Valley, make a stop at the town of Ollantaytambo and its incredible fortress. This was once the base for Incan ceremonies and the royal estate of the Incan Emperor. We also stop at a local marketplaces where locals sell traditional Latin American handicrafts. Enjoy exceptional glimpses into local life as you see the locals go about their business. If you buy, be sure to buy local! On the go you'll see llamas, alpacas, goats and sheep grazing by the side of the highway. Make it back to the hotel in Urubamba by the end of the day for a relaxing evening.

Today is sure to be a soul-stirring highlight of the tour of South America! You have the opportunity to set foot in Machu Picchu on a fully-guided tour. It’s known to be one of the most celebrated heritage sites in South America, and perhaps even the world. The entire site lies on a mountain in the Peruvian Andes surrounded by steep cliffs and lush valleys. It’s made up of the ruins of intricate buildings, tombs, stone canals and plazas. The site is known to have been the royal estate of the Inca king, Pachacutec. Exactly why it was built or what the purpose of Machu Picchu was, no one really knows. After being forgotten for many years, it was rediscovered in 1911 by an American archaeologist. To get to this treasured location, one has to travel by means of bus, train and on foot. After a day of exploring with the local guide, make your way back to the hotel.

Take one last look at the sweet scenery of the Sacred Valley, as the road leads to Cusco this morning. Stop at the fortress-temple of Sacsayhuaman along the way - another example of the ancient Inca architecture at its best. The layered walls you can see here consist of enormous rocks that were stacked to precision. Wander around in pure awe of the remains of what might have stood here once. Then take a short drive to Cusco, the former capital of the Incan Empire. Over lunchtime, look for any spot packed with Cusqueños and you'll be guaranteed a delicious meal on the cheap. This afternoon, explore Cusco on a tour with a local guide. It’s known as the bellybutton of the world and is also the longest continuously inhabited city in South America. As night falls, you can choose to attend a buffet dinner and local dance show, or take time out and spend it however you wish.

Board a flight to Lima from Cusco this morning. After a short flight, a city tour of Lima with a local expert will help you get your bearings. The dynamic city of Lima is the capital of Peru, boasting close to 10 million inhabitants. The city tour will cover all the top attractions like the Cathedral of Lima, the Convent and Plaza San Francisco, Plaza de Armas and more. Our hotel for this evening is located in the Miraflores neighborhood. After checking in and freshening up, head out for dinner with the group.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Lima, or join a memorable full-day trip to the magnificent Paracas region on Peru’s southern coast. The day starts with an early departure from the hotel and a trip to Paracas. From here we embark on a boat trip to the Ballestas islands, known for its incredible concentration of marine wildlife. See sea lions, penguins, pelicans and dolphins up close and marvel at the spectacular views of the coast. Then take a drive to the Pisco airport to take to the sky and lay eyes on the mysterious Nazca Lines. The sheer scale of these massive geoglyphs is something that must be seen to be believed. At the end of the day return to Lima in time for dinner.

The tour comes to an end after breakfast and checkout this morning. There are no planned activities for the rest of the day and you are able to depart at any time after checkout. Have a safe onward journey!