Peru and Bolivia: Machu Picchu to the Salt Flats
16 days
From $ 4399
Duration16 days

Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of Bolivia and Peru. Learn about Peru’s storied past in the former Inca capital of Cusco, and venture into the heart of the Amazon jungle. Hike the Inca Trail—or catch the scenic train—to the endlessly fascinating Machu Picchu; then travel to Bolivia to see the striking Salar de Uyuni and colonial cities surrounded by soaring Andean peaks.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 16 days
    Service level: Upgraded
  • Physical Grading: Demanding
  • Ends in: La Paz
    Ages: 12+
Peru and Bolivia: Machu Picchu to the Salt Flats - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Lima
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Please note: if you booked the Lima Cooking Class it does not include extra time in Lima, and we highly recommend booking pre-trip accommodation. You will be picked up from your hotel at approx 10:00 am (10:30 from Aug-Dec) and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. Return back to your hotel around 13:00.

Also, hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.

There are some very early morning starts on this trip to make the best use of our time and see as much as we can of Peru as we can.
Day 2: Lima/Tambopata
After a brief stop in town to store large luggage, drive to the pier and travel by covered motorized boat to the jungle lodge.

En route, spot bird species typical of the local river and forest edge. The Tambopata Rainforest area holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area.

Local community members make up the majority of lodge staff, including multilingual naturalist guides. Take the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich flora and fauna and locals' extensive use of medicinal plants and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting.

Enjoy a welcome drink and orientation. Before dinner, head out for a night walk around the lodge grounds.
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized canoe to the comfortable, intimate, and exclusive G Lodge Amazon located in the lush Tambopata Rainforest. The lodge itself combines native architectural style and materials with low-impact, eco-friendly technology. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with mosquito netting for individual beds, flush toilets, showers (with solar-heated hot water), and candles for lighting (no electricity). Depending on flight arrival times, enjoy either a boxed lunch aboard the boat or lunch upon arrival at the lodge.  Meals at the lodge are typically buffet-style and a mix of local and international dishes. As much food as possible is locally sourced – and it's absolutely delicious.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Tambopata
Head out early to catch the jungle at its wildest (and coolest). Walk slowly through the forest searching for wildlife before heading out on an oxbow lake by canoe.

Search for anaconda, the elusive giant river otter, or black caiman. Even if you don't spot these shy creatures, there are plenty of birds, interesting plants, and other animals about.
Enjoy guided jungle excursions led by expert naturalists to spot wildlife at nearby oxbow lakes, rivers, and clay licks. Take advantage of free time to relax or swim, and go on a caiman-spotting cruise after dinner.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Tambopata/Cusco
Afternoon arrival into the Inca capital. Time for strolling around the plazas and markets. Admire the cobblestones streets, and visit some museums and Cathedral.
Travel by boat out of the jungle to Puerto Maldonado for a flight over the Andes and into the heart of Inca territory, Cusco. This evening, look to the night sky for a different view at the Cusco Planetarium. Enjoy a presentation on the southern sky, contemporary astronomy, and the ancient Incas’ relationship with the cosmos. Visit the on-site museum and use the telescopes to admire the stars. This adventure travels to high altitude, medically defined as anything over 8,000 ft (2,440m).
Meals: B
Day 5: Cusco/Urubamba

Enjoy a full day exploring the Sacred Valley with a local guide. Tour the G Adventures-supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a network of rural agricultural communities working to preserve more than 700 species of potatoes. Learn about potato cultivation and traditional weaving, and the importance of each to Andean culture. Next, explore the Pisac ruins and visit the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in the village of Huchuy Qosqo.
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Inca Trail
Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins. A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you’ll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Inca Trail
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Inca Trail
Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site and free time to explore until noon as permitted by the tourist ticket. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows.

Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon.
Meals: B
Day 10: Cusco/La Paz
Catch a flight to one of the loftiest cities in the world, La Paz, Bolivia. In the afternoon, take an immersive city tour on foot, van, and by cable car exploring the “highest” capital in the world, surrounded by the stunning snow-capped Andes. Explore vibrant squares, historical sites, and lively local markets, learning more about the balance of old and new of this fascinating city. This evening, enjoy an interactive culinary experience at a popular local restaurant with demonstrations of how traditional foods such as quinoa are integrated into modern fusion dishes. With our local chef, we sample a variety of dishes and discuss the growing popularity of La Paz as a foodie destination.

End place: La Paz

Meals: B
Day 11: La Paz/Sucre

Start place: La Paz

Catch a flight to charming Sucre, then enjoy an orientation walk around the main square with your CEO. This afternoon, relax at a local café, explore on your own, or opt to take an immersive city tour with a local expert that focuses on the stunning colonial architecture and historic sites, best viewed from the city’s ubiquitous rooftop terraces.

End place: Sucre

Meals: B
Day 12: Potosi Countryside

Start place: Sucre

Enjoy free time this morning before travelling into the southern highlands to our historic hacienda. Surrounded by lush farmlands and rolling hills, this working farm offers unique opportunities for cultural exchanges with the resident family. Get a glimpse into daily life here while taking part in demonstrations at the dairy and in the fields, and step back in time during visits to the property’s private rooms, chapel, and museum. Cap off your experience with an authentic farm-to-table dinner featuring specialities local to the area.
Meals: B, D
Day 13: Potosí/Uyuni
Make the short drive to the centre of Potosi and enjoy a guided tour of the Casa Nacional de la Moneda, the old silver mint and now a museum dedicated to Bolivian art and history. Take a scenic drive to Uyuni, gateway to the world's largest salt flat. Learn about the industrialization of salt and the geographical history of the region while driving across this mirror-like landscape. Enjoy a sunset picnic atop the flats before returning to our hotel. Note: During the rainy season the locations visited may change due to some routes being covered by water.

End place: Uyuni

Meals: B, L, D
Day 14: Uyuni

Start place: Uyuni

Journey deeper into the salt pans to explore their varied geographical features. Along the way, stop at the remote town of Agencha, a small Quechua community sponsored by G Adventures for Good. Here we enjoy a guided walk to learn about quinoa production and the cultural history of the area. Savour lunch prepared with local ingredients before continuing our exploration of the desert and its pans. In rainy season (approximately January to early April), it is not possible to visit the Agencha community and a box/picnic lunch will be provided instead.

End place: Uyuni

Meals: B, L, D
Day 15: Uyuni/La Paz

Start place: Uyuni

Catch a flight to La Paz and enjoy free time to explore before joining our CEO for an optional farewell dinner.

End place: La Paz

Meals: B
Day 16: La Paz

Start place: La Paz

Depart at any time.

End place: La Paz

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Cusco Planetarium, Cusco Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Andean Experience, Urubamba Your Journeys Highlight Moment: La Paz Culinary Experience, La Paz Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Bolivian Hacienda Experience, Potosí Your G for Good Moment: Parque de la Papa (Potato Park), Urubamba Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products Your G for Good Moment: Jukil Community Experience & Lunch, Santiago de Agencha
  • Arrival transfer
  • Three-day (2 nts) excursion to the G Adventures exclusive rainforest lodge
  • Sacred Valley tour
  • Choice of four-day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook, and porters or Cusco/Aguas Calientes stay with scenic train
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • La Paz city tour
  • Sucre orientation walk
  • Excursions to the Uyuni Salt Flats
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Private van, Plane, Train, Boat, Canoe, Hiking, 4x4 vehicle, Walking
  • Accommodation

    Hotels (9 nts), G Lodge Amazon (2 nts), Inca Trail camping or Cusco-stay hotel (3 nts), Hacienda/farm (1 nt)
  • Meals

    15 breakfasts,
    8 lunches,
    8 dinners

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