Highlights
- Climb to the top of Lima's clay pyramid, Huaca Pucllana, for expansive city views
- Take a boat tour on Lake Titicaca to the famous Uros floating islands
- Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Tiwanaku near La Paz
- Trek across bridges and through spires in Bolivia's strange Valle de la Luna
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lima (Peru), Dinner at Astrid y Gastón | Lima |
| Day 2 | Highlights of Lima Tour | Lima |
| Day 3 | Fly to Juliaca, Transfer to Puno, Dinner at Mojsa Restaurant | Puno |
| Day 4 | Lake Titicaca Tour: Uros Floating Islands & Taquile Island | Puno |
| Day 5 | Transfer to La Paz (Bolivia) via Copacabana & Isla del Sol, La Paz City Tour | La Paz |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to the Ancient City of Tiwanaku | La Paz |
| Day 7 | Discover the Valle de la Luna, Depart La Paz |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lima (Peru), Dinner at Astrid y Gastón
¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru's largest city and central metropolitan hub, and home to one-third of the country's population. Located at the site of a pre-Columbian Indigenous Ychsma settlement, which was conquered by the Inca empire in the 15th century and later by the Spanish conquistadores, Lima has a fascinating history and a diverse mix of cultures, including Amerindian, European, Afro-Peruvian, and Asian—especially Chinese and Japanese.
Lima's breezy location on the Pacific Ocean and mild desert climate make it the perfect city for exploring on foot. Head downtown to mingle with locals and stretch your legs. Lima is also known as one of the world's best food destinations, and for dinner, you'll head to the famous Astrid y Gastón, the product of a Peruvian and German couple who met at culinary school in France. Housed in the luxurious Casa Moreyra, you'll enjoy the traditional fusion plates and the European-inspired desserts.
Day 2: Highlights of Lima Tour
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide for an expansive Lima tour. Take in views over the ocean from the clifftop paths of Miraflores, home to the eclectic Parque del Amor (Love Park), which includes beautiful mosaic walls, and Huaca Pucllana, a large clay pyramid built around 500 CE with seven staggered levels. Make your way to the uppermost section for great views of the city. Next, head to the Museo Larco for a spellbinding introduction to Peru's ancient cultures and gold artifacts housed inside a mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid. Stay for lunch in the museum's café.
Head to the historic center and Plaza de Armas, a UNESCO-listed site with fascinating Spanish architecture. Here, you'll visit impressive colonial landmarks, including the 16th-century Baroque Convent of Santo Domingo and its underground Catacombs. Stroll through the traditional Jirón de la Unión to reach Plaza San Martín before sampling Lima's signature pisco sours at the historic Bolívar Hotel.
Finally, stroll to the bohemian district of Barranco. The ornate wooden bridge, Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), is the most photographed sight in the neighborhood. As you explore the cobblestone streets, stop in Dédalo, a gallery store showcasing the best of Lima's contemporary craft and design. End your day at the restaurant Cala, watching incredible sunset views over the ocean while you enjoy classics with a twist.
Day 3: Fly to Juliaca, Transfer to Puno, Dinner at Mojsa Restaurant
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Say adiós to Lima this morning and meet your driver for a transfer to Lima's airport. Hop on a 1.5-hour flight to Juliaca, where a driver will be waiting to take you to Puno. After you check into your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to explore. This vibrant city sits on the shores of Lago Titicaca, one of South America's largest lakes and the highest navigable lake in the world. Puno is often called the folkloric capital of Peru, with a rich culture and many traditional festivals held here yearly.
Puno does sit at a high altitude, so take today to acclimatize with rest and a lot of water. You can easily stroll to some of this compact city's sights, such as the Baroque-style Puno Cathedral or the main avenue, Jirón de Lima, where you'll find shopping, restaurants, and local bars. Not far from Jirón de Lima is Parque Pino, a lovely green space with benches, fountains, and walking paths. For dinner, head to Mojsa to sample Andean flavors with a magnificent view of Puno's cathedral.
Day 4: Lake Titicaca Tour: Uros Floating Islands & Taquile Island
This morning begins a guided boat tour of Lake Titicaca, starting at the famous Uros Islands. It's believed that the Uros were one of the first ethnic groups to populate the Andean region, and they live on artificial floating islands constructed out of the totora plant, a thick, buoyant reed, which is used to make everything from homes and boats to the islands. The Uros people offer guided tours to their homes and sell traditional handicrafts to supplement their hunting and fishing economy. During today's visit to these islands, you'll learn about their everyday life and traditions.
Hop back on your boat and head to the island of Taquile, where you'll enjoy a local lunch of quinoa soup, vegetables, and fresh fish from the lake at a local restaurant. After, explore the island, which was mostly isolated from the outside world until the 1950s. On the island, decisions are made communally, there are no cars, and there's little electricity. Learn about the lives and traditions of the Taquileños, such as the exquisite weavings created by local artists, and appreciate the incredible views of Lake Titicaca from the island's shores. Eventually, take a boat back to Puno.
Day 5: Transfer to La Paz (Bolivia) via Copacabana & Isla del Sol, La Paz City Tour
Today, you'll cross the border to Bolivia. Leave Puno in the morning for the three-hour ride to Copacabana, a small lakeside village with Indigenous origins and important Inca ruins. Enjoy a brief visit to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Copacabana and stroll around town before walking down to the beach to catch a ferry to Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun). On this legendary island, known as the cradle of the Inca Empire, you'll climb the steep Escalara del Inca (the Inca Steps) to see the beautiful Inca Garden and Fuente del Inca (Fountain of the Inca), where you can drink the sacred water for purification.
Then, go to the Inti Wata Cultural Complex to learn about traditional shipbuilding, Indigenous customs, and Andean handicrafts. See the famous Pachamama Agricultural Inca Terraces and the archaeological remains of the Pilkakaina Inca Palace before boarding the ferry to Huatajata, where you'll catch a bus to La Paz, Bolivia's capital city.
Day 6: Day Trip to the Ancient City of Tiwanaku
Today, your guide will take you to the ruined city of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as "the Cradle of American Man." This archaeological site is among the oldest in Andean history. Located near Lake Titicaca and partly surrounded by mountains and hills, the ancient city was built almost 13,000 feet (4,000 m) above sea level, making it one of the highest urban centers ever constructed. Tiwanaku peaked between roughly 500 and 1000 CE when the population reached at least 10,000 people.
You'll see the main temples, some still under excavation, including the Pyramid of Akapana, Kalasasaya, and Puma Punku, as well as the inspiring Gateway of the Sun and Gateway of the Moon. In addition to these traditional examples of Tiwanaku's architecture, giant monoliths, and symbolic representations are scattered throughout the archaeological complex. Their construction remains a mystery: colossal stone blocks were placed with such precision that not a single gap exists between them. In the evening, head back to your hotel in La Paz to rest.
Day 7: Discover the Valle de la Luna, Depart La Paz
Today, you'll discover the fascinating geological anomaly called the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon). It was named thus because legendary astronaut John Glenn thought its bizarre landscape looked similar to what he'd seen on the moon. Meet your guide for a 6-mile (10 km) trip to this intricate maze of towering spires and deep canyons. You can explore two different routes, getting lost in the wild colors and strange rock formations, before returning to La Paz.
Then, it's time to say adiós to Bolivia. At the right time, head to the airport for your flight home or onward to your next adventure. Safe travels!
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