Andean Exploration – Cultural Experience in Peru and Bolivia 20 Days

Day 1 – Arrival in Lima

Upon arrival at Lima’s international airport, you will be warmly welcomed by the Terres des Incas team. A private transfer will take you to your hotel located in the modern and secure district of Miraflores, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Free time to rest after your flight or enjoy a first walk along the Malecón seaside promenade.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Lima.

Included:

• Personalized welcome

• Hotel in Lima

• Private transfer

Day 2 – Lima: History and Culture

Today is dedicated to discovering Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit Plaza San Martín, Jirón de la Unión, and Plaza Mayor, surrounded by the Cathedral and the Government Palace. The tour continues with La Merced Church and the impressive catacombs of the San Francisco Monastery.
Free afternoon and overnight in Lima.

Included:

• Professional English-speaking guide

• Hotel in Lima

• Private transportation

• Entrance fees

• Breakfast

Day 3 – Lima – Arequipa

Transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival, reception and private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest or enjoy a first exploration of the “White City.”

Included:

• Lima – Arequipa flight

• Private transfer

• Hotel in Arequipa

• Breakfast

Day 4 – Arequipa, the White City

Guided tour of Arequipa, dominated by the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes. Visit the viewpoints of Carmen Alto and Yanahuara, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the famous Santa Catalina Monastery.
In the afternoon, explore the surrounding countryside: Tingo, Cayma, Sachaca viewpoint, the Founder’s House, and Sabandía Mill.
Overnight in Arequipa.

Included:

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Private vehicle

• Entrance fees

• Hotel in Arequipa

• Breakfast and lunch

Day 5 – Arequipa – Colca Valley

Departure toward the Colca Valley through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you will observe vicuñas and vast high-altitude landscapes. Stop at the Volcano Viewpoint (4,900 m / 16,076 ft).
Arrival in Coporaque and welcome by local families for an authentic cultural immersion.

Included:

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Private vehicle

• Overnight with a local family

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 – Colca – Condor’s Cross – Puno

Early morning visit to the Condor’s Cross to observe majestic Andean condors in flight. Visit traditional villages in the valley, lunch in Chivay, then continue to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Included:

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Private vehicle

• Tourist bus Colca – Puno

• Hotel in Puno

• Breakfast and lunch

Day 7 – Lake Titicaca: Uros and Amantani Islands

Boat navigation on Lake Titicaca. Visit the floating Uros Islands and meet the local community. Continue to Amantani Island to discover terraced agriculture and daily island life.
Overnight with a local family.

Included:

• Boat excursion

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Homestay accommodation

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 – Amantani – Taquile – Puno

Morning on Amantani, then crossing to Taquile Island, renowned for its textile art recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Traditional lunch and return to Puno.

Included:

• Private boat

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Entrance fees

• Hotel in Puno

• Breakfast and lunch

Day 9 – Puno – La Paz (Bolivia)

After breakfast, departure toward Bolivia’s administrative capital. The journey crosses the Andean Altiplano, offering vast landscapes, traditional villages, and scenes of rural life.
Arrival in La Paz, dramatically set within a massive Andean basin. Hotel check-in and free time for personal exploration.

Included:

• Puno – La Paz transportation

• Hotel in La Paz

• Breakfast

Day 10 – La Paz City Tour, Moon Valley and Cable Car

A full day exploring La Paz, one of South America’s most unique cities. With your professional guide, discover historic plazas, emblematic neighborhoods, and traditional markets.
Visit the otherworldly Moon Valley, followed by a spectacular ride on the city’s cable car system, offering panoramic views. End the day at the Witches’ Market and San Francisco Church.

Included:

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Transportation

• Entrance fees

• Hotel in La Paz

• Breakfast

Day 11 – La Paz – Uyuni

Transfer to La Paz airport for your flight to Uyuni, gateway to the world’s largest salt desert. Hotel check-in and free time to prepare for the Altiplano adventure.

Included:

• Domestic flight La Paz – Uyuni

• Airport transfer

• Hotel in Uyuni

• Breakfast

Day 12 – Uyuni Salt Flats, Train Cemetery and Tunupa Volcano

Begin the exploration of the legendary Salar de Uyuni. Visit the Train Cemetery, then venture onto the vast white salt flats. Continue toward the sacred Tunupa Volcano, offering breathtaking views.
Enjoy the magical sunset over the salt desert. Overnight in a unique salt hotel.

Included:

• 4x4 transportation

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Entrance fees

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner

• Salt hotel accommodation

Day 13 – Salar de Uyuni – Incahuasi Island

Continue exploring the salt flats with a visit to Incahuasi Island, famous for its giant cacti and 360° panoramic views. Time for walking and photography before returning to Uyuni.

Included:

• 4x4 transportation

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Entrance fees

• Breakfast and lunch

• Hotel in Uyuni

Day 14 – Uyuni – La Paz – Puno

Flight back to La Paz, then overland transfer to Puno, crossing the Altiplano once more. A transition day reconnecting Bolivia and Peru.

Included:

• Uyuni – La Paz flight

• Overland transfer La Paz – Puno

• Transfer assistance

• Breakfast

• Hotel in Puno

Day 15 – Puno – Cusco (Route of the Sun)

Scenic journey to Cusco with cultural stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya, and Pucará. Lunch included.

Included:

• Tourist bus

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Entrance fees

• Breakfast and lunch

• Hotel in Cusco

Day 16 – Cusco, Inca Capital

Complete city tour of Cusco and surrounding Inca sites: Coricancha, Cathedral, Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
Free afternoon for acclimatization.

Included:

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Private transportation

• Entrance fees

• Breakfast

• Hotel in Cusco

Day 17 – Sacred Valley of the Incas

Visit Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo Fortress. In the evening, panoramic train to Aguas Calientes.

Included:

• Private transportation

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Entrance fees

• Panoramic train

• Breakfast and lunch

• Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 18 – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Bus ride to Machu Picchu. Guided visit of the archaeological site. Return by train and transfer to Cusco.
Optional (not included): Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Included:

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Entrance tickets

• Shuttle bus

• Private vehicle

• Hotel in Cusco

• Breakfast and lunch

Day 19 – Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains

Early departure toward the Canchis Province. Breakfast stop in Cusipata, then easy hike through the colorful Palccoyo Mountains, still preserved from mass tourism. Enjoy views of Ausangate, the Stone Forest, and roaming llamas and alpacas.
Lunch in Cusipata and return to Cusco.

Included:

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Entrance fees

• Breakfast and lunch

• Hotel in Cusco

• Private vehicle

Day 20 – Cusco – Lima – International Departure

Private transfer to Cusco airport. Assistance with check-in and domestic flight to Lima. Connection with your international flight or free time depending on schedule.
End of your exceptional journey in Peru and Bolivia with Terres des Incas.

Included:

• Airport transfer

• Cusco – Lima flight

• Airport assistance

• All ground transportation mentioned in the program, including:

• Private vehicles

• Tourist buses

• Shared or collective services, depending on the route and destination
  All transportation is carefully selected for comfort, safety, and reliability.

1. Domestic flights included in the itinerary:

• Lima – Arequipa

• La Paz – Uyuni

• Uyuni – La Paz

• Cusco – Lima

Carefully selected accommodation throughout the journey, combining comfort, character, and authenticity:

• Comfortable and charming hotels

• A unique salt hotel experience in the Salar de Uyuni

• Overnight stays with local families (Colca Valley and Amantani Island) for cultural immersion

• Daily breakfasts at hotels.

• Lunches and dinners explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.

Professional, specialized guides, including:

• Professional English-speaking guides or local English-speaking guides

• Experts in Andean history, culture, and geography

Entrance fees to all cultural and archaeological sites listed in the itinerary.

Complete cultural visits in Peru and Bolivia, including:

• Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

• Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Salar de Uyuni, Colca Canyon, Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains

Boat excursions on Lake Titicaca, visiting:

• Uros Floating Islands

• Amantani Island

• Taquile Island

• Full exploration of the Salar de Uyuni in 4x4 vehicles with professional driver and guide

• Panoramic train journey to and from Machu Picchu.

• Authentic cultural experiences with local communities, fostering meaningful encounters and respectful cultural exchange.

• Permanent local assistance throughout the entire journey, ensuring traveler safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

• International flights to and from South America.

• Meals not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.

• Beverages, unless specifically indicated.

• Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, snacks, laundry services, or additional services not described in the program.

• Tips for guides, drivers, and local staff (optional and at the traveler’s discretion).

• Travel insurance, which is strongly recommended (medical assistance, trip cancellation, and repatriation coverage).

Optional activities not included in the itinerary, such as:

• Huayna Picchu

• Machu Picchu Mountain

Supplements, including:

• Single room supplement

• Private services not specified in the program

Health and Altitude Acclimatization

• Stay well hydrated throughout the journey.

• Walk and participate in activities at a relaxed pace during the first days at high altitude.

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially at the beginning of the trip.

• Consult your doctor prior to travel if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

• Always follow your guide’s recommendations regarding altitude and physical effort.

Clothing and Equipment

• Pack clothing suitable for varied climates:

  • Light, comfortable clothing for the coast and Machu Picchu

  • Warm layers for high-altitude regions (Arequipa, Puno, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Uyuni)

• Bring a waterproof jacket or rain poncho.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes (not necessarily technical, but well broken-in).

• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.

• Carry insect repellent, especially for Machu Picchu and lower-altitude areas.

Documents and Money

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.

• Digital and printed copies of important documents.

• Cash for small purchases in rural areas.

• Bank cards for use in major cities.

Cultural Attitude and Travel Mindset

• Show respect for local customs, traditions, and communities.

• Travel with an open mind and a spirit of cultural discovery.

• Be flexible in the face of weather conditions and geographic realities of the Andes.

• Embrace the opportunity to experience an authentic, meaningful, and human journey.