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Day by day…
This expedition brings together the «unforgettable» of Perú and Bolivia in a balanced 19-day program. You will visit CUSCO, “the navel of the world”, Machu Picchu, the most important Inca site. You will be also able to navigate the mysterious Lake Titicaca and to get into the particular atmosphere of La Paz, one of the most beautiful Andean cities. You will finally be able to visit the magnificent Uyuni Salt Flats in the region of Sud Lípez.
Have a good trip!
Day 1: LIMA RECEPTION
Reception at Jorge Chavez airport, flight? to ? and transfer to Ducado Hotel** located in the Miraflores district.
Free for lunch
Day 2: LIMA – CUSCO (AIRPLANE)
Transfer to the Lima airport for a flight to Cusco. Reception at the airport and transfer to Tika Wasi Hotel **.
In Quechua, Cusco means « navel of the world » because this town was the capital of the Inca Empire and was the departing point of the four regions of the World according to the cosmic vision that the Inkas had. Cusco is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities of the Peruvian Sierra.
Rest to get acclimatized to the altitude. Free time for lunch. After lunch, guided tour of Cusco and it’s surroundings: The temple of the Sun – the Cathedral - Tambomachay - Pukapucara - Sacsayhuaman - Q'enko. Transfer to Tika Wasi Hotel ** at the end of the afternoon.
Free time for meals.
Note 1: unaccompanied flight.
Note 2: the timetable will be confirmed before booking
Day 3: CUSCO – PISAC – MARAS – OLLANTAYTAMBO – URUBAMBA (PRIVATE)
8: 00 am Departure to the Sacred Valley in a private vehicle. After a 1-hour trip, we will be arriving at the Pisac ruins, which was once one of the most important fortresses of the Inca Empire mainly built to stock the Empire’s food supplies. Guided tour of the Inca site. We will walk back down to Pisac and walk around the Indian market (Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays). Lunch in a restaurant to taste a typical buffet. In the beginning of the afternoon, we will go to a beautiful and strange site called Maras. They cultivate and harvest salt in the Cordillera! Walk back down to Urubamba valley where our vehicle will be waiting for us. Then, we will be back on our way to Ollantaytambo (about ½ an hour) where we will visit the fortress, which was a military, religious and agricultural strategic center. Transfer to Casa de Campo **. Free for dinner.
Note 1: 1 h 15min walk
Note 2: The Ollantaytambo site tour can also be done the next day at 7 am.
Day 4: URUBAMBA - OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUASCALIENTES (TRAIN)
Departure at 08.35 a.m. to catch a train to Aguascalientes. Arrival at about 10: 00 a.m. Installation at Presidente Hotel **. Free for lunch. Time to relax or walk to a waterfall. In the end of the afternoon a specialized guide will show us orchids that grow naturally in the region located halfway between the cordillera and the Amazonian jungle (Andean foothills).
Free time for dinner.
Note: the train timetable will be confirmed when you book the trip.
Day 5: AGUASCALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU- CUSCO (TRAIN)
Hiram Bingham, an American anthropologist discovered Machu Picchu, in 1911. The archeologists estimate this citadel was built in the middle of the 15th century. Today several hypotheses have been ventured on the function this inaccessible citadel. Was it for military purposes? A kind of secret harem dedicated to the Inkas? A place to rest for the Inkas? It is still an enigma!
Departure early in the morning at 06.30 a.m., by bus to reach Machu Picchu citadel. The day will be dedicated to visiting the site. Free for lunch. Return to Aguascalientes by bus and connection to catch the train to Cusco at 03:55 p.m., arrival at 8:20 p.m. Transfer to Tika Wasi Hotel ** in Cusco.
Free time for meals
Suggestions: You can also reach Huayna Picchu peak. The hike up there is quite difficult. You will need good shoes, light backpacks and not to be afraid of heights. From the top, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Machu Picchu. You will need about 2 hours to go up and come back down.
Or you can walk to the Sun gate. Less dangerous and you will also have a beautiful view. It will take you about an hour and a half, both ways.
Note: the train timetable will be confirmed when you book the trip.
Day 6: CUSCO- PUNO (BUS)
Transfer to the bus terminal to go to Puno. Beautiful scenery all along the way. We will visit the archeological sites of Raqchi and Andahuaylillas village with its famous « Sixtine chapel «, which was built in the middle of the 17th century. Lunch on the way to Sicuani (included)
Departure from Cusco at 08: 00 a.m. and arrival in Puno at about 05: 30 p.m.
Transfer to Balsas Inn **.
Lunch Included.
Free for dinner.
Note 1: unaccompanied bus trip.
Option: The Andes Orient Express train only runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Day 7: PUNO – UROS – AMANTANI (BOAT)
Transfer to Puno’s port to board early in the morning to go to Uros and Taquile islands. After a 40-min boat ride, guided tour of the Uros floating islands. These islands are not natural; the Uros tribe built them. This tribe’s main activity is fishing. After a 40-min tour, departure by boat to Amantani located 2h30 away from the Uros Island.
Arrival in Amantani in the end of the morning and a family will receive you in their house. Lunch with the family. In the afternoon we will visit sites that are dedicated to the Pachamama and the Pachapapa.
Lunch, dinner and night, in your family’s house.
Everything is included
Day 8: AMANTANI –TAQUILE – PUNO (BOAT)
Departure by boat at 08: 30 to Taquile Island located at 1 hour from Amantani. Taquile is an island of great cultural interest. The inhabitants still follow the ancient traditions and the Inca laws. Guided tour of the island and its Inca ruins. Free time to have lunch in one of the island’s typical restaurants. Time to relax and return to Puno in the middle of the afternoon.
Transfer to Balsas Inn **.Free time for meals.
Note 1: it is forbidden to navigate by night on the lake.
Day 9: PUNO - DESAGUADERO - BOLIVIA - LA PAZ
In the morning, departure in private vehicle for Desaguadero. On the road, bordering the lake, visit the Aymara villages of Chucuito, Juli and Pomata. Lunch in Pomata (not included). We will meet our guide on the border (Bolivian immigration after the bridge). Departure in private transport. Along the way, we will stop at the archaeological site of Tiwanaku. Guided visit through these pre-Columbian ruins, which are considered to be amongst the most important of the continent. Arrival to La Paz by the end of the afternoon.
Lunch and dinner free. Hotel Naira ***.
Note : A market takes place every Friday in Desaguadero. It makes the circulation difficult and can delay the passage of the border.
Day 10 : LA PAZ – UYUNI
Transfer to the La Paz bus station for a trip in bus and train or integrality in bus. We will cross the Altiplano from north to south until reaching the village of Uyuni, very near to the Salt Flats (between 12 or 13 hours).
Appointment at the hotel one hour before the departure of the bus.
* If Tuesday or Friday, bus to Oruro at 10:00. Arrival to Oruro at 14:00 and then train (Expreso del Sur) to Uyuni at 15:30. Arrival to Uyuni at 22:20. Meet our team in Uyuni.
* If Wednesday or Sunday, bus to Oruro at 14:00. Arrival to Oruro at 18:00 and then train (Wara Wara) to Uyuni at 19:00. Arrival to Uyuni at 02:20 the day after. Nobody waiting at the station in Uyuni.
* If Monday / Thursday / Saturday, bus to Oruro at 15:30. Arrival at Oruro at 19:00. Change of bus, departure at 20:00 and arrival to Uyuni the day after at 05:00.
Lunch and dinner free (bar-restaurant La Loco recommended). Hotel Kory Wasy **.
Note 1 : In order to improve the general conditions of the trip (comfort and connections), we would recommend you to travel on Tuesday or Friday.
Note 2: Unaccompanied trip.
Note 3: For the trip in train, food service on board.
Day 11 : UYUNI – SAN CRISTOBAL – VILLAMAR
Expedition 4WD of 4 days from Uyuni to Uyuni – Vehicle 4WD Land Cruiser all equipped.
Departure from the hotel at 09:00 by jeep for a visit of “Trains cemetery”, just outside of the town. Cape to south, we will pass the new model village of Culpina K before arriving to San Cristobal for lunch (we’ll visit the colonial church if it is opened). Then we go on through Rio Grande, zone of vicuñas and ñandus (ostriches’ cousins), before reaching Villamar at the end of the afternoon.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in the house of a villager in Villamar (limited comfort).
Day 12 : VILLAMAR - LAGUNA VERDE - LAGUNA COLORADA
Departure from Villamar, cape south to Laguna Colorada. Then we will discover the geyser Sol de Mañana (4850 m.a.s.l.), a volcanic crater with gushes of vapours of sulphur and mineral waters. Later on, we skirt the Salted Lagoon before crossing Dali's desert (called as this because of the landscapes that remind us of one of the master’s paintings). During the afternoon, we will arrive to Laguna Verde (at the foot of Licancabur volcano - 5960 m.a.s.l.) in order to watch its colour change. Return to Laguna Colorada by the end of the afternoon.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in a shelter (limited comfort).
Day 13 : LAGUNA COLORADA – SAN JUAN
We overcome direction to the north through the magnificent landscapes of the Siloli desert before reaching the so-called “Route of the Jewels”: lagoons Ramaditas, Honda, Ch’arkota, Hedionda and Cañapa, sanctuaries of 3 varieties of flamingos. Then, the road descends from 4200 to 3600 meters of altitude. We will pass at the foot of two important volcanos: Tomasamil (5900 m.a.s.l.) and Ollagüe (still active). Later on, we cross the Salt Flats of Chiguana before arriving to the village of San Juan.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in the house of a villager (limited comfort).
Day 14 : SAN JUAN - SALT FLATS – UYUNI
From San Juan, 2 hours of travel will leave us to the Uyuni Salt Flats (3650 m.a.s.l.). We will stop in the heart of the Salt Flats on Incahuasi Island. This place, covered by stones of volcanic origin, is also known as the Isla del Pescado (Fish Island). In the afternoon, we will cross the Salt Flats until the west end. Along the road, visit of the salt mines of Colchani and the salt hotels (they are closed since November 2001). Arrival to Uyuni by the end of the afternoon.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner free (bar-restaurant La Loco recommended). Hotel Kory Wasy **.
Day 15 : UYUNI – POTOSÍ
Departure around 10:00 in local bus (option private jeep). We will cross the Frailes Mountain range to arrive to the City of Potosí (nominated as a National Heritage City by UNESCO) by the end of the afternoon (6h). Free evening (visit of the Santa Teresa convent recommended).
Lunch and dinner free. Hotel Jerusalem ** (contact: Tatiana or Jorge).
Note: trip Uyuni - Potosi unaccompanied.
Day 16 : POTOSÍ (4100 m.a.s.l.)
Day dedicated to discover Potosi, an impressive city nominated as a National Heritage City by UNESCO.
At 09:00, meeting in the hotel lobby to visit the mines of the Cerro Rico where we will meet miners in their environment. In the afternoon, visit to the Casa de la Moneda, where the Spanish minted the coins for the crown until the XIX century.
Lunch and dinner free. Hotel Jerusalem ** (contact: Tatiana or Jorge).
Day 17 : POTOSÍ – SUCRE VISIT
Departure from the hotel at 09:00 to Sucre in private transport (taxi or mini bus depending on the number of person, asphalted road). About 3 hours of a splendid scenery. In the afternoon, guided tour of Sucre, colonial city nominated as a National Heritage City by UNESCO. Among others: the textile museum, la Casa de la Libertad (closed on monday), the Recoleta convent, the cathedral…
Lunch and dinner free. Hotel España *** (contact: Rita or Gladys).
Note: trip Potosi - Sucre unaccompanied.
Day 18 : SUCRE – LA PAZ
Departure from the hotel in private transport 2 hours before the flight for a transfer to the airport. Flight Sucre – La Paz (50mn, changing schedule according to the day of the flight). Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon free.
Lunch and dinner free. Hotel Naira ***.
Note: flight La Paz – Sucre unaccompanied.
Day 19 : DEPARTURE
Departure from the hotel in private transport, 3 hours before the flight, for a transfer to the airport / international flight ? at ?.
Included (Peru and Bolivia)
Spanish guide/ driver, guides for stages (Sucre, Potosi), cook starting from day 11 to 14, transport (includes the local flight Sucre – La Paz), 2/3 stars hotels in twin room with breakfast, night in the house of villagers, mentioned meals, entrance to parks and cultural places, mentioned visits.
Not included (Peru and Bolivia)
International flight way back, individual equipment, obligatory individual insurance, mentioned meals “free”, (from 3 to 8 $us per person / meal), drinks, airport taxes (about 2 and 5 $us per person on national flights and 25 $ and 28 $us per person on international flights).
Hotels
Lima
Cuzco
Vallée Sacrée
Aguascalientes
Puno
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3 star
Faraona
Yupanqui
Incaland
Machu Picchu Inn
Hacienda
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4/5 star
Sol de Oro *****
Novotel ****
Posada del Inca ****
Machu Picchu Pueblo ****
Libertador *****
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Hotels Bolivia
Coroico
La Paz
Puente Villa
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4/5 star
Viejo Molino ***
Plaza *****
no option
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