Best of Peru & Bolivia with Inca Trail Trek: From the Amazon to the Andes - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Lima (Peru), Explore the Capital at Leisure

Welcome to Peru's vibrant capital, Lima, known for its history, culture, and coastal charm. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel in the upscale district of Miraflores or San Isidro. After checking in and freshening up, venture out to explore the city at your own pace. A good place to start is the UNESCO-listed Plaza Mayor de Lima in the heart of the historic center. Wander the grand square surrounded by landmarks like the Government Palace of Peru, Lima Cathedral, and Archbishop's Palace of Lima.

Then, visit the nearby Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, a 17th-century Baroque masterpiece famed for its striking yellow facade and richly decorated interiors. Admire the intricate woodwork, frescoes, and religious art inside, and visit the eerie catacombs beneath the church, where thousands of human bones are arranged in geometric patterns. The convent also has a vast library filled with ancient texts and manuscripts. In the evening, head to the bohemian district of Barranco to try Peru's national dish, ceviche (fish, lemon juice, onion, and chili served with toasted corn, lettuce, and sweet potatoes).

Day 2: Fly to Puerto Maldonado, Transfer to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción 

After a restful night in the capital, return to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to the tropical town of Puerto Maldonado, your gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. When you arrive, transfer to the Río Madre de Dios for a 25-minute boat ride to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, an eco-friendly jungle lodge. Settle into your stylish, stilted wooden cabaña or room on the private eco-reserve before heading to the on-site, palm-thatched restaurant, Casa Grande, for a hearty buffet lunch. After refueling, you'll set off with a guide to explore the depths of the jungle on foot, beginning at the Eco Center.

Follow your guide along the Concepcion Trails, the property's private nature trails, for an immersive introduction to the intricate ecosystems of the Amazon basin. As you navigate the primary and secondary rainforests, you'll hike past towering trees and vibrant orchids and hear the sounds of wildlife like monkeys and exotic birds. At dusk, switch to a motorized canoe for a twilight riverboat ride. Learn about the river's ecosystems as you search for nocturnal creatures, such as caimans, capybaras, and ocelots. In the evening, return to the lodge for an a la carte dinner featuring local Amazonian ingredients.

Day 3: Canoe Tour of Lago Sandoval, Visit the Inkaterra Canopy Center

Start your day with a trek to Lago Sandoval in the neighboring Reserva Nacional Tambopata, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. When you arrive, board a wooden canoe and paddle across the serene lake in search of wildlife. You may encounter squirrel monkeys in the surrounding trees, caimans searching for prey, and even the elusive giant river otters. Be sure to look up, as the reserve is home to over 600 bird species, including hoatzins, black-collared hawks, and scarlet macaws. Return to the lodge in time for lunch, followed by a 20-minute boat ride to the Inkaterra Canopy Center.

When you arrive, navigate the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, a network of seven suspension bridges that link eight observation platforms, by ascending the first tower at 95 feet (29 m) above the forest floor. As you walk, keep an eye out for monkeys, birds of prey, and three-toed sloths. After conquering the walkway, descend and continue to the Anaconda Walk, a 656-foot-long (200 m) boardwalk built over the seasonally flooded aguajales (swamp) wetlands. Then, as darkness falls, explore the rainforest on foot to look for more nocturnal creatures before returning to the lodge for dinner around 7:30 pm.

Day 4: Fly to Cusco, Discover the Former Capital of the Inca Empire

Wake to the sounds of the Amazon on your last morning in the jungle before checking out of the ecolodge at 10:00 am. On the way to the airport, stop at the Butterfly House, designed to mimic the natural habitat of these colorful insects. Peru is home to over 4,000 butterfly species, many of which you'll see today, like the blue morpho, great eggfly, and postman butterfly. At the airport, board your 50-minute flight to the city of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Check in at your hotel, then take advantage of your free afternoon with some self-guided sightseeing.

You could admire the artistic quarter of San Blas, wander through the UNESCO-listed historic center, or shop for souvenirs at the Mercado Central de San Pedro. If you like museums, a good one to visit is the Museo Inka, where you can learn about one of the most advanced cultures in pre-Columbian America. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, the museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts, including intricately woven textiles, ceramics, and tools that illustrate the daily life, religious practices, and engineering prowess of the Incas.

Day 5: Guided Tour of Sacsayhuamán, Awana Kancha & Pisac

Join your guide on a full-day tour of Cusco and its surroundings, starting at Sacsayhuamán, a 15th-century Inca fortress overlooking the city. As you wander through the extensive complex, you'll see the remnants of ceremonial platforms, temples, and colossal stone walls. Continue to Awana Kancha, a cultural center where you can witness skilled artisans demonstrate their traditional weaving techniques. You'll also have the opportunity to interact with friendly llamas and alpacas and learn about their importance in Andean agriculture and daily life.

Then, make a short stop at Mirador Taray for panoramic views of the Sacred Valley on the way to Pisac, situated along the Río Vilcanota. Sit down for lunch at Hacienda Sarapampa, a family-run farm dedicated to the traditional farming of giant white corn. Afterward, explore the Pisac Archaeological Park to see the well-preserved Inca burial grounds, irrigation systems, and astronomy centers. End your day at the Pisac Market, where you can shop a wide array of colorful textiles and traditional crafts handmade by local artisans before returning to your Cusco hotel.

Day 6: Transfer to the Sacred Valley, Guided Tour of Chinchero & Moray

Leave the city behind as you set off on a tour of the Sacred Valley, starting in Chinchero, a picturesque Andean village that the Inca believed to be the birthplace of the rainbow. Marvel at the ancient agricultural terraces and colonial-era churches before continuing to Moray. This archaeological site, renowned for its impressive circular terraces, is believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where the Incas experimented with different crops and microclimates. Your next stop is the Salineras de Maras, a patchwork of terraced salt pools and paths used since Inca times for salt production.

For lunch, head to a local farm in Ollantaytambo for pachamanca, a traditional Inca meal cooked underground using hot stones. When you arrive, tour the organic farm, cañazo (sugar cane liquor) distillery, and coffee roasting facility. Then, watch the cooking process before sitting down to enjoy chicken, pork, or lamb paired with Andean potatoes, sweet potatoes, and organic vegetables. Alpaca, rabbit, and cuy (guinea pig) are also available upon request. Wash everything down with chicha morada (purple corn drink), wine, or beer. After the meal, transfer to your hotel in Sacred Valley to check in.

Day 7: Start the Classic Inca Trail Trek

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to start your four-day trek along the 26-mile (42 km) Inca Trail, culminating at the iconic Machu Picchu. Transfer to Ollantaytambo early in the morning, then meet your group at Km 82, the start of the trail along the railway from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. After registering for the hike, follow your guide and porters across the Río Urubamba and begin the trek. The first day is easier than the rest, making it a good warm-up and giving you time to acclimatize to the altitude. 

Enjoy views of the towering mountain ranges, lush green valleys, and Inca ruins as you make your way to the village of Miskay, where you can take a break for lunch by the river. Stretch your legs and start the ascent through the terraced fields dotted with wildflowers. Following today's 4-6-hour trek, you'll arrive at Yuncachimpa, a campsite situated at an altitude of approximately 11,800 feet (3,600 m). Rest your feet and enjoy views of Nevado Verónica, a snowcapped mountain, before sitting down for dinner around the campfire.

Day 8: Conquer Dead Woman's Pass on the Inca Trail

The second day of your trek is called the "Free Hike Day," as you can walk at your own pace. Start early in the morning with a trek through Llulluchapampa, a verdant valley nestled between towering peaks. Follow the steep, 1.8-mile (3 km) path through the valley, listening to the gentle streams that add a soothing soundtrack to your journey. Then, continue for another 2-3 hours until you reach Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's Pass)—the highest point of the trek at approximately 13,780 feet (4,200 m), requiring both physical endurance and mental fortitude. 

As you climb, enjoy the views of snowcapped peaks and pristine valleys. When you reach the summit, celebrate your accomplishment and take a short break before descending the ancient stone steps to the shimmering Río Pacaymayo. For the final leg of your journey, you'll hike through Runkurakay Pass, surrounded by rolling hills and rugged mountains. At the end of today's 7-8 hour trek, you'll arrive at your campsite, Chaquicocha, at an altitude of 11,800 feet (3,600 m). Relax your tired limbs and settle in for the evening.

Day 9: Trek to Phuyupatamarca & Wiñay Wayna

The third day of the Inca Trail hike is often considered the most memorable as it's scenic and culturally rich. Trek through cloud forests filled with orchids, ferns, and moss-covered trees as you slowly ascend. At the top of the second pass, you'll see two small lakes nestled amid the rugged mountain terrain. Then, before the third pass, you'll walk through an Inca tunnel that was chiseled through solid rock. At the other end, take in views of the rushing Río Urubamba framed by green valleys and the towering Andes Mountains. 

Continue to Phuyupatamarca, known as the "Town in the Clouds," as it sits at an altitude of 12,140 feet (3,700 m). The town is famous for its well-preserved terraced ruins, water channels, and ceremonial baths, ingeniously designed to capture and distribute water. After navigating another Inca tunnel, you'll stop at Wiñay Wayna. This Inca archaeological site features well-preserved stone structures, fountains, and a complex of buildings believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes. Then, follow a zigzag trail up to a red-roofed white building, which is your final campsite.

Day 10: Complete the Hike to Machu Picchu, Transfer to Cusco

After an early 4:30 am breakfast, you'll set off with your flashlight to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Step through the stone gateway and find a spot to watch the sunrise cast a golden light over the towering peaks and ancient citadel below. Once it's bright enough, start the one-hour descent to the UNESCO World Heritage site for a guided tour. As you wander past the well-preserved agricultural terraces and ceremonial spaces, listen as your guide explains the Inca's advanced engineering techniques, spiritual beliefs, and uses for each structure.

Following the two-hour tour, enjoy some free time to explore more of the site at your own pace. Visit landmarks like the Temple of the Sun, believed to have been used for astronomical observations and religious ceremonies, or the Inca Bridge, built directly into the cliffs. If you want to unwind, hop on a 20-minute bus to Aguas Calientes, a rustic town known for its hot springs. In the afternoon, take a 2.5-hour train to Ollantaytambo, where you'll meet your driver for a two-hour transfer back to Cusco. When you arrive, check in at your hotel and get some much-deserved rest. 

Day 11: Fly to Arequipa, Food & Walking Tour of the White City

Say goodbye to Cusco for the last time as you transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight to Arequipa, known as the "White City" for its striking colonial architecture. When you arrive, check in at your hotel and get ready for a full-day food and walking tour of the city. Head to the Mercado San Camilo first and peruse the colorful stalls filled with fresh produce, spices, and traditional Peruvian ingredients. Stop to try local specialties like anticuchos (grilled skewered meat), cuy chactado (fried guinea pig), chicha (fermented corn drink), and pisco (brandy made from distilled grapes).

Your guide and the friendly vendors will share the origins of various dishes and the traditional cooking methods that make Arequipean cuisine unique. Then, continue to the Historic Centre of Arequipa to savor more delicious food and drinks and admire the 16th-century Monasterio de Santa Catalina, which reflects Spanish and Moorish architectural styles. Your next stop is the Yanahuara Scenic Overlook, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and dormant Misti volcano. After six hours and over 17 Peruvian foods and drinks, return to the hotel with a full stomach.

Day 12: Transfer to Colca Canyon via Mirador de Los Andes

Trade the White City for one of the world's deepest canyons this morning as you set off on a three-hour transfer to Colca Canyon. The scenic journey begins with a gradual climb to Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca, a protected reserve spanning vast plains, salt flats, and wetlands. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like vicuñas (small wild llamas), alpacas, and viscachas (chinchilla-like rodents) dotting the landscape. Continue to the highest point of your journey, Patapampa Pass, at 15,300 feet (4,820 m) above sea level.

Here, you'll stop at Mirador de Los Andes for sweeping views of the surrounding snowcapped peaks and volcanoes, including Hualca Hualca, Ampato, and Sabancaya. Back in the car, pass pre-Inca agricultural terraces that are a feature of the canyon's landscape as you descend to the town of Chivay. Stop in the main square with its central fountain and white-stone cathedral for a delicious lunch before transferring to your nearby hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel's amenities, explore on your own, or unwind in one of the area's natural hot springs, such as La Calera.

Day 13: Visit Mirador Cruz del Condor, Transfer to Puno

Early this morning, you'll meet your guide and transfer to Mirador Cruz del Condor, one of the most popular viewpoints overlooking the canyon, which drops nearly 4,000 feet (1,220 m) below. It's also the best place to see the majestic Andean condor in flight as they soar on the thermal currents rising from the canyon. Watch these giant birds, with wingspans reaching up to 10 feet (3 m), take flight and glide gracefully on the warm air streams. Beyond the condors, the viewpoint offers sweeping views of terraced fields and remote villages tucked into the canyon walls. 

Return to Chivay for lunch and some free time to peruse the local market before starting a 5-6-hour transfer to Puno, a vibrant city on the shores of Lago Titicaca. Known as the folklore capital of Peru, Puno is famous for its lively festivals and colorful dances, especially during the Fiesta de la Candelaria in February. The journey takes you through high-altitude plains and the picturesque valleys of the Andes dotted with small villages, offering a glimpse at traditional Andean life. If you haven't sufficiently acclimatized yet, it's a good idea to take it easy after arrival in Puno, as it's at a higher altitude than Chivay. 

Day 14: Boat Tour to the Uros Floating Islands & Taquile Island

Spend a full day exploring Lago Titicaca on a scenic boat tour, starting at the Uros Floating Islands. The human-made islands were constructed from totora reeds by the Uros people, one of the first ethnic groups to populate the Andean region. As you step onto one of the islands, enjoy a welcome from the friendly locals, who'll teach you about their traditional way of life. Tour their thatched houses, built from the same reeds that form the islands as they grow in abundance around the lake. Then, learn about their traditional practices like fishing, weaving, and reed boat making.

After the tour, thank the Uros people for their time and continue to Taquile Island for lunch at a local restaurant. Reaching the restaurant requires a strenuous climb up 500 steps, then on arrival, enjoy regional dishes like quinoa soup, fresh fish caught in the lake, and vegetables. Afterward, wander around the island, where you'll see thatched-roof houses, terraced fields, and local artisans proudly showcasing their handmade textiles. As you walk, you'll learn more about the Taquileños' communal and isolated way of life, as there are no cars and minimal electricity on the island.

Day 15: Explore the UNESCO-listed Tiwanaku (Bolivia), Transfer to La Paz

Bid farewell to Peru as you transfer three hours to Tiwanaku, a pre-Columbian archaeological site in western Bolivia. After changing cars (and guides) in Desaguadero, where you'll cross the border, you'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage site. As you wander past the remnants of temples, pyramids, and statues dating back to 1500 BCE, you'll learn about the ancient city that was once the capital of a powerful pre-Hispanic empire. Stop at highlights like Pumapunku, a vast complex known for its massive stone blocks, and Akapana, a large stepped pyramid used for ceremonial purposes. 

Other iconic structures include Puerta del Sol, a monumental stone gateway engraved with astronomical carvings, and the Temple of Kalasasaya, featuring a stone platform where rituals likely took place. Visit the on-site museum for an up-close look at well-preserved and intricately carved stone sculptures, pottery, textiles, and tools that highlight the advanced craftsmanship of the Tiwanaku people. You'll also discover the social, political, and religious practices that defined this ancient culture. Take a break from exploring for lunch before transferring 1.5 hours to La Paz, the world's highest capital city. 

Day 16: Depart La Paz

Now that you've spent 16 days exploring some of Peru and Bolivia's highlights and hiking the Inca Trail, it's time to head home. If you have a later flight, you can discover more of La Paz on your own. Consider a stroll along Calle Sagàrnaga, a colorful street lined with stalls and shops selling handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Or, get one last look at the city from Mi Teleférico, the world's highest urban cable car system. Look down at the bustling streets, traditional neighborhoods, and surrounding Andes Mountains before meeting your driver and transferring to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!