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Days
24
Price from
6175
Map of Best of Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia including Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru

Tap into the essence of South America on this comprehensive adventure through three enthralling countries

A continent of astounding natural beauty, vibrant culture and momentous history, South America never fails to enchant. Commencing the journey in atmospheric Quito, take in the breadth of Ecuador's landscapes–lake-topped volcanoes, Andean highlands and hamlets hemmed in by forest–before crossing into Peru. Become acquainted with the cultural riches of Lima, then enter the wilds of the Amazon with a two-night stay in Puerto Maldonado. Be awed by the grandeur of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, meet the Uros people of Lake Titicaca and tour the Witches Market regular tourists miss with your expert local leader.

Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
La Paz, Bolivia
Destinations
Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru
Style
Peregrine
Code
PSQPC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 16
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Enjoy a night in a converted 16th century residence in Quito's historical centre

  • Explore Cuenca from a different perspective while taking a tour with a true Ceuncano, you will discover parts of Cuenca not many other travellers have the opportunity to see

  • Experience the untouched world of the Amazon rainforest. Stroll along jungle trails on the lookout for monkeys, parrots, otters and caymans, and sleep in a nature lodge lit by candles and kerosene lamps

  • Enjoy a 2 night feature stay in a restored Hacienda nearby Cotopaxi volcano. Hike through Cotopaxi National Park towards the volcano's perfectly cone-shaped peak, looking out for wildlife along the way

  • Enjoy two included visits to Machu Picchu! One guided tour of the ruins and the second visit with free time to explore on your own

  • The floating reed islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca are a marvel of concept, construction and history

  • Join a specialist historian guide on one of your included visits to an archaeological site in Cusco. Your guide will provide fascinating insights and knowledge of Peru's history and culture

Is this trip right for you?

  • Due to the high altitude of the places we visit some people can suffer altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary! Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

  • Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. There are a number of days when you’ll spend time walking around sites or on tours.

  • There are a couple of long journeys on this trip, some of which are up to 8 hours. Although this may be tiring, it's a great chance to sit back and enjoy the passing scenery and chat to your fellow travellers.

  • The Amazon Jungle can be very hot and humid, so it's important to drink plenty of water and wear light cotton clothing. Make sure you also bring tropical-strength insect repellent.

  • While accommodation in the Amazon is clean, comfortable and ideally located, it's pretty basic compared with other accommodation throughout the trip. Please remember that this is a very remote part of the world. As there's no electricity at night, the rooms are lit with candles and kerosene lamps.

  • Visitors are not permitted to explore Machu Picchu without a Machu Picchu guide (not our trip leaders) and must follow set routes within the site. This trip includes two guided visits of Machu Picchu and each visit is approximately 1.5 - 2 hours long. Once your guided visits conclude, you will need to leave the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Your leader will provide more information to ensure you get the most out of your visits to this incredible site.

Ecuador_Quito_City

Itinerary
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Welcome to Quito, Ecuador! Your tour will begin with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Quito is one of the most beautiful cities in South America, sitting at 2850 metres above sea level, beneath the snow capped Volcan Pichincha. As we don't spend much time in Quito during the trip, why not arrive early and make the most of your time here? You'll be taken on a guided tour of Old Town and some of the famous sites tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Patio Andaluz or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

This morning at approximately 9 am you'll set out on a city tour. In addition to your tour leader you'll be accompanied by a specialist Historian guide for the old town tour, who will provide you with an in-depth and unique perspective of this city and its rich colonial history. As well as visiting the popular sites of Quito, our expert guide will point out the otherwise unnoticed features and take you off the standard tourist trail to explore places not easily discoverable. First you'll explore Quito's Old Town with its countless churches, engrossing history and wonderful museums. Along the way you'll see La Compania de Jesus, the most beautiful church in the Americas, and Calle La Ronda, Quito's oldest street. Next, head north of the city for about 45 minutes to reach the Middle of the World monument, which was built by the French in the 17th century at the precise location of the equator. You'll enter the monument and then visit the local Inti Nan museum, where you can see different experiments to prove that you're at the Centre of the Earth. After visiting the Equator line you will make a quick stop at a local sorbet shop. 'Helados de paila’ a sorbet prepared in large copper pans (pailas) kept cool on a bed of straw and ice, into which fruit, sugar and water is stirred. You will observe a demonstration of how the sorbet is made. Following this, you’ll have the opportunity to try some! Later in the afternoon, travel past the Avenue of Volcanoes (approximately 2 hours) to a lodge in the Cotopaxi area. We will arrive around 5pm and settle in for the night.
Accommodation
  • Hato Verde Hacienda or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Quito - Historian led 'Old Town' city tour
  • Quito - Compañia de Jesus visit
  • Quito: Equator line museum visit
  • Equator Line - Museum visit
  • Equator Line - Pan Ice Cream 'Demonstration and Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today after breakfast at about 8 am you will travel approximately 2.5 hours (including a stop) to Quilotoa, a lake-filled dormant volcano. Although this stunning lagoon looks like a crater-lake, it's technically a caldera formed by the collapse of a volcano. Quilotoa is located at an altitude of 3,900 metres. Be prepared with warm clothes as it can get quite cold! You'll have the option to hike down to the lake. The walk down hill takes approximately 40 minutes. The walk back up to the top can take up to 1.5 hours and is quite strenuous, mainly due to the sandy and steep path. Please speak to your leader if you're concerned about this as you may decide to stay at the top, go for a walk along the crater or simply relax and take in the stunning views. After exploring Quilotoa, drive back to the lodge (approximately 2.5 hours) You will get back to the lodge at about 4 pm, enjoy some free time before dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hato Verde Hacienda or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning at about 8 am you'll depart the lodge and drive approximately 1 hour before reaching Cotopaxi National Park. Here you'll visit the highest active volcano on earth, Cotopaxi. Entering the park you are at an altitude of approximately 3600mts above sea level. You will ascend a further 200 metres by car before reaching your destination, Limpiopungo lagoon. Soak in the incredible scenery of the area under formidable snow-capped peak. Keep an eye out for park wildlife, including condors, foxes, deer, spectacled bears, and more. You will spend approximately 1-2 hours in the National Park. Your next destination is Banos. From Cotopaxi National Park the drive will take approximately 1.5 hours, including a stop. This town is a traveller's secret delight. It sits in a beautiful valley surrounded by green mountains, filled with waterfalls and hot springs. Arriving at approximately 4pm you'll have some free time, perhaps head to the hot springs for a soak.
Accommodation
  • Sangay Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cotopaxi - National Park visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning at about 9 am you'll have an included visit to the Devil's Cauldron waterfall. The drive up to the waterfall is approximately 40 minutes. The walk to the waterfall takes approximately one hour each way, is reasonably easy and can be done at your own pace. Once you reach the waterfall, there's a platform that takes you quite close. It's quite popular to have a picture taken here and we do recommend doing so, however please make sure you bring a rain jacket or poncho and a waterproof case or water tight snap-lock bag to keep your camera dry and any valuables dry. Afterwards you will head back to Banos town, just in time for some lunch at your own leisure. Of course your tour leader will recommend some great places to eat. Soon after lunch you'll drive approximately 30 minutes to Casa del Arbol, a treehouse on the edge of a canyon. Here on a clear day you will have views of Mt. Tungurahua, a nearby active volcano from its precarious perch. You'll head back down to Banos Town, arriving around 4 pm. This afternoon you'll have some free time. On weekdays, experience peace and tranquillity as you stroll through the town and its neighbouring hills. For those who like to get active, Banos also has plenty of adventure sports available.
Accommodation
  • Sangay Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Banos - Devil's Cauldron visit
Optional Activities
  • Banos - Steam baths - USD15
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Leaving Banos today at about 9am, you'll head to Cuenca, widely considered the most beautiful city in Ecuador. The drive takes approximately 7–8 hours, (including stops) arriving in the late afternoon. Cuenca has an old-world ambience with historical streets, 16th and 17th century buildings, and a Cathedral erected by the Spanish in 1557. The area was conquered by the Inca well before Spanish times and was said to be so beautiful that it rivalled Peru's Cusco. It's now a World Heritage-listed site.
Accommodation
  • Carvallo Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning starts at about 9 am with a visit to Ingapirca ruins, Located around 40 minutes to an hour away from Cuenca, Ingapirca are the largest known Inca ruins in Ecuador. Wander around the site and see the famous Temple of the Sun before returning to Cuenca. Later in the afternoon, set off to discover Cuenca from a different perspective…from Genaro’s perspective! Genaros is a local “Cuencano” whose passion for Cuenca’s history, art and architecture is contagious. Let him show you some of Cuenca’s main attractions, but also be prepared to witness a side of this town that not many travellers have the opportunity to see. The walking tour will go for around 3 hours. Later your leader will offer the group an optional visit to Turi viewpoint, where you will see spectacular views of Cuenca city.
Accommodation
  • Carvallo Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cuenca - Leader Led Orientation walk
  • Cuenca - Historian led tour of old Cuenca
  • Cuenca - Turi view point
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today begins nice an early. You will depart at approximately 5am or earlier depending on your flight departure time to Lima. Drive through the mountains (approximately 5-6 hours, including stops) until you reach the border with Peru. You'll farewell your Ecuadorian leader. The border crossing can take up to an hour. Once in Peru you'll be transferred to Tumbes Airport from where you will take an included flight to Lima. Please note this flight will be unescorted, however you will be met by our Peruvian representative upon arrival at Lima airport. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax or step out into this brand new city.
Accommodation
  • Antigua Miraflores or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

At around 2 pm, there will be a welcome briefing at the hotel with your Peruvian tour leader. Here you will likely meet people who are joining the tour in Lima.
Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place.
Later in the day your leader will take you on a walking tour of downtown Lima, including the city's historical centre. Flanked by streets of ornate mansions, palaces and churches, Plaza Mayor is the best place to start any exploration of Lima. Take a walk through the old streets to get a feel for colonial life. On one side of the plaza is the Cathedral of Lima, which houses the remains ofLima's founder, Francisco Pizarro. Visit the nearby San Francisco Monastery, with its catacombs containing some 70,000 human remains. Continue onto the Central market where you'll take a walking tour. The market has a huge variety of fresh produce on offer, including fruits, vegetables and even guinea pigs. You'll also have the opportunity to try some local Peruvian fruits and street food. Next head away from the tourist trail and visit ‘Alameda de Chabuca Granda’ an area really only known to locals, it is a place where people go as a treat to enjoy a variety local street food and authentic Peruvian desserts such as ‘Mazamorra Morada’ a sweet porridge made from purple corn or ‘Picarones’ Peruvian donuts made from local squash called Macre and sweet potatoes served with a sweet syrup, these are a must try whilst in Peru! The tour will finish in Lima's main square. You may like to go for dinner nearby, or head back to Miraflores, the evening is yours to enjoy!
Accommodation
  • Hotel Antigua Miraflores or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lima - Guided tour of San Francisco Monastery including The Catacombs
  • Complimentary airport arrival transfer
  • Lima - Guided tour Down town, Cathedral of Lima and The Catacombs
  • Lima - Alameda de Chabuca Granda - Street food tasting
Optional Activities
  • Lima - Private Lima: Home Cooked Tour Urban Adventure (price from) - USD83
  • Lima - Night Bites & Sights - Urban Adventures - USD68
  • Lima Coast Biking Tour - Urban Adventures - USD52
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Please advise us of your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure for the complimentary airport transfer. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

If you wish to take part in any of the optional activities mentioned below, you will need to book additional accommodation prior to the tour start date as there won't be any spare time once the tour has commenced.

This morning starts nice an early with a transfer to Lima Airport at approximately 5.30 am. Fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado today, which should take around 3 hours, including a 30-45 minute stop in Cusco (during this stop you will not disembark the plane). The flight will arrive into Puerto Maldonado airport just before 12 pm (midday). Take a short drive to the lodge's office in town. Upon arrival, you will be provided with a small duffle bag to pack your personal items required for the duration of your jungle stay. The remainder of your items will be stored securely in the office. From the office it's about an hours' drive to the Port of Inferno. Leave civilisation behind and venture deep into the Amazon rainforest by motorised canoe, up river to your jungle lodge in the Madre de Dios region. During the boat journey you will be given a packed lunch provided by the lodge. Upon arrival at the lodge it's a 15-20 minute walk, and you won't be required to carry your bags. Once you arrive, there is time to unpack and unwind before a short orientation and briefing. After dinner your local guide will take you out into the jungle on a night walk.
Accommodation
  • Nape lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Due to today’s boat transfer to the jungle lodge, the maximum weight limit for the Amazon is 12 kg.

Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas lodges are both owned by the indigenous Ese-Eja community of Infierno. The lodges both offer a 30-metre canopy tower that provides spectacular views of the vast expanses of forest, Tambopata River and endless opportunities to witness Amazonian wildlife. Rooms at the lodges are simple but comfortable. They are built using local materials such as bamboo, adobe mud and palm trees. Rooms don't have regular doors for the entrance and bathroom, instead traditional curtains are used. Each room opens out to the rainforest, providing a true jungle experience. Rooms are equipped with flushing toilets, showers (on occasions water may be cold due to remoteness of lodge), mosquito nets and kerosene lamps. Electricity and internet are only available in the common areas at designated times. Please note that drinks and tips are not included.

Embrace another early start (approximately 4.30 am) and visit the Oxbow Lake. The activity begins with a walk through the jungle. It will take you approximately 30-40 minutes to reach the Lake. Once at the Lake you’ll board a catamaran to take a slow ride around. Keep your eyes peeled for Squirrel Monkey troops that sometimes forage in bushes at the edge of the lake. Overhead, spectacular Scarlet and Red and Green Macaws and parrots are a regularly seen as they fly over the Lake. After the boat ride you’ll take the same path back to the lodge, arriving late morning at approximately 11 am, depending on the group's pace. Soon after you’ll head back out on a 20-minute walk through the rainforest to a clay lick visited by 7 to 10 species of parrots and parakeets. While watching from a blind, you’ll be able to get very close to view the Dusky-headed and Cobalt-winged Parakeets, Chestnut-fronted Macaws with Mealy, Yellow-crowned, Blue-headed, and Orange-cheeked Parrots. After this you’ll walk back to the lodge for lunch. There will some free time until mid-afternoon when you’ll head out for the final activity of the day. A 20-minute boat ride downriver from the lodge brings you to Centro Nap – a traditional community clinic that produces medicines from rainforest plants and administers them to patients who either cannot afford to receive treatment in town or prefer traditional medicines. An Eseeja nativa from the Community of Infierno will take you on a unique tour of Centro Nape to explain the uses of various medicinal plants. Head back to the lodge around 6 pm and enjoy some free time before dinner. After dinner head out on an optional night jungle walk.
Accommodation
  • Nape lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning at approximately 8 am, travel back to Puerto Maldonado before taking a short flight (approximately 35 minutes) to Cusco. The flight will arrive into Cusco at approximately 1.30 pm. After settling in at the hotel, embark on an orientation walk of the hotel's surrounding area and Plaza de Armas. This tour will also include a visit to the Cusco Cathedral with a specialist historian guide. Your guide will be highly educated in colonial art, and will be able to offer special insights into Cusco Cathedral, which is a World Heritage-listed site.
Accommodation
  • San Agustin Plaza Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cusco - Orientation Walk
  • Cusco - Coricancha Temple entrance fee
  • Cusco - Cathedral tour with Specialist Historian Guide
  • Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee
Optional Activities
  • Cusco - Pre-Colombian Museum - PEN20
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your leader will take you on walking tour of Cusco today. Visit the Coricancha Temple for a tour with a local guide. Once plated in thick gold, the Spanish built a Dominican church atop its walls. Afterwards, head to the San Pedro market, where you can practice your bargaining skills and take some colourful pictures. The tour will also stop at the Plaza de Armas in the heart of the city. Here you will again see the main cathedral (this time from the front only), built on top of an Incan palace and one of the city's greatest repositories of art.
Accommodation
  • San Agustin Plaza Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
  • Cusco - Inca Museum - PEN10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Due to a luggage restrictions on the train to Machu Picchu you will be required to pack all necessary items for the next 2 days into a smaller bag. The remainder of your luggage will be stored securely in your Cusco hotel.

This morning, travel by private bus for around 2 hours through the Sacred Valley on the outskirts of Cusco. Known as Wilcamayo by the Incas, this valley was greatly treasured because of its climate, fertile land and the presence of the Urubamba (Sacred) River. Long the main source of food for the high Andes, maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls. You will visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman where massive stone blocks that form the walls of this site give you an impressive picture of how greatly developed Inca engineering was. Looking over the city from its hilltop position, the fortress is the ultimate example of the Inca's military strength. En route to Ollantaytambo, visit workshops in the Chichubamba community to gain a greater insight into the local lifestyle with an included lunch and visit to some local workshops. After the community visit, continue on to Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is a magnificent example of Inca urban planning and the perfect warm up for Machu Picchu. Ollantaytambo's archaeological site is located to the east of the Plaza de Armas. The upper terraces of this site offer great photo opportunities of the squared grid town below. Today you’ll see lots of evidence of the Incas' engineering skills – in the ruins of ancient aqueducts, irrigation canals, dams on the Urubamba River, imposing sets of terraces and centres of worship dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Late afternoon head to the hotel in Ollantaytambo and settle in for night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Tika Wasi Valley or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)
  • Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Your destination today is Aguas Calientas, nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. Early this morning at approximately 7.45am you will travel by train for around 90 minutes through the meandering Urubamba Valley to reach the town. From here take a 30-minute bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu, where you will be joined by a guide who will take you through the ruins and tell you stories of its history and the ancestral people of the region. Looking at Machu Picchu for the first time, as it sits against a backdrop of forested mountains, is a truly breathtaking experience. The true purpose behind Machu Picchu may always be a mystery, since no historical records of the complex exist. In fact, none were made in the first place, since the Incas had no written language. Most archaeologists, however, believe it to be the 15th-century headquarters of ‘he who shook the earth’: Emperor Pachacuti. Today, enjoy a guided visit (approximately 1.5–2 hours) with plenty of photo opportunities. Due to visiting restrictions at Machu Picchu, we recommend exploring the Sun Gate and Inka Bridge before your guided tour starts. Your leader can advise how to get the most out of your visit. Later, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night before heading back up to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning for your second visit.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Hatun Inti or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • 1 Day Inca Trail - Add-on (Must pre-book) - USD380
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The 1-day Inca Trail hike is a great option for those wanting to experience trekking in Peru, without committing to the full four days. This trek starts from the train station known as 'KM 104' and after a steep ascent it follows the last portion of the Classic Inca Trail. Trekkers enter Machu Picchu at the Sun Gate in the afternoon, where there will be some time to take a few photos before taking a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night and rejoin the rest of the group. This trek is subject to permit availability, must be pre-booked and will incur a surcharge. Please contact your booking agent if you would like to book this activity.

Due to Peregrine's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.

At around 5.30 am this morning, take the bus back up the winding road to Machu Picchu. On your second visit to the ruins, join a local Machu Picchu guide once again to explore more of the extraordinary architecture of the many temples, palaces and living quarters. Its mortar-free design is particularly earthquake resistant and the stones are so precisely cut that, to this day, not even a knife fits between them! You'll have time along the way to take any photos you may have missed yesterday. In the afternoon, return by bus and train to Cusco, where you'll spend the night. In the evening, perhaps head out for a celebratory dinner with your group in the city.
Accommodation
  • San Agustin Plaza Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Machu Picchu Site Museum - PEN25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 5.30 am. The estimated arrival time is between 6–6.30 am. The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am, therefore it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise.

Today, enjoy free time to relax, shop or explore more of Cusco's sights. Perhaps head to a cafe on the Plaza de Armas. There are many optional activities available in Cusco, so be sure to speak with your tour leader if you wish to book any of these in.
Accommodation
  • San Agustin Plaza Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Cusco - Pisco Making - Urban Adventures - USD51
  • Cusco - Stand Up Paddle Boarding - USD75
  • Cusco - Visit a local Musician's house - USD40
  • Cusco - Totem painting workshop - USD59
  • Sacred Valley - Via Ferrata & Zipline - PEN265
  • Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking - USD120
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Depart the hotel just after 7 am this morning. Travel by bus for around 7- 7.5 hours to the tiny but unique town of Puno. This direct tourist service will take you on decent roads through spectacular mountain scenery. You will also drive through the large sprawling town of Juliaca on your way to Puno, which is a colourful and lively place renowned for its traditional street dancing, often performed in celebration of Catholic festive days in February each year. Arrive in Puno at around 3.30 pm. Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, this place is a a culture centre of Aymara and Quechuan Indian influences, and where traditional Andean customs are still strongly represented. The town is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is famous for its traditional dances. Many festivals are celebrated here, especially the Virgen de la Candelaria, so if you're lucky your visit might coincide with one of the colourful evening parades, when the streets fill with costumed dancers and musicians. Head to the hotel in Puno and settle in. Shortly after your leader will take you on an orientation walk of Puno town. This evening perhaps head out for dinner with the group – your leader will be able to recommend some great places to eat.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Hacienda Puno or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's bus journey is a direct bus service and there are no toilet stops, however there is a toilet on board. The bus company does provide you with a snack upon boarding, however we do recommend packing a few extra snacks and a drink bottle in your day pack for the ride.

Leave the hotel just before 7 am and set off to explore Lake Titicaca. Be enchanted by the striking scenery and unique cultures on a cruise around Lake Titicaca today. As Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, the sun can be extremely strong, so make sure you wear a hat and sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Stop by the floating Uros Islands. The Uros people constructed these islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes in ancient times. They are built completely from multiple layers of totora reeds, which grow in the shallows of the lake. Next call into Taquile Island for some woollen handicrafts. On the island, knitting is strictly a male domain, while women do the spinning. At approximately 1 pm, retire to the private island of Suasi where you'll spend the next two nights. This afternoon you may want to venture out on a walk around the Island or why not head to the spa and book in a massage. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation
  • Suasi Island Eco lodge or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Due to a luggage restrictions on the boat you will be required to pack all necessary items for the next two days into a smaller bag. The remainder of your luggage will be stored securely in the Puno hotel.

This morning you will visit the cultural museum on the island. Here you will find maps, pictures of the lake, and books about history of the lake and its communities. There are handicrafts and fabrics from the different groups that developed around the Lake, types of Andean grains like quinoa, and a chance to learn about the painting process of wool. An easy late-afternoon walk (approximately 30 minutes) will take you to a nice spot to witness a memorable sunset over the waters of Lake Titicaca. Enjoy a private picnic with drinks – a unique moment to soak in the beautiful landscape, appreciate the serenity, and if the clouds behave, watch the sun go down. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at Suasi Lodge.
Accommodation
  • Suasi Island Eco lodge or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Suasi Island - Spectacular Sunset over Lake Titicaca, Picnic & Drinks
  • Suasi Island - Cultural Museum Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information

Enjoy a relaxing morning, and just before 1 pm, travel back across the lake to Puno. The boat journey back to Puno is approximately1 hour and 45 minutes. Enjoy a free night in Puno to explore, eat dinner at a local restaurant or relax in the hotel.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Hacienda Puno or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The lodge will provide you with a packed lunch today. It will be available from about 12 pm, you may choose to enjoy this prior to departing the island or during the boat journey

This morning depart the hotel at approximately 7 am. Travel by minivan to Desaguadero (approximately 2.5 hours), where you'll cross the border into Bolivia. The first stop is the Peruvian migration office where you'll be asked to leave the bus and proceed through Peruvian migration. Then walk via a bridge to the Bolivian side, submit your passport at the Bolivian migration office and reboard the bus, which will continue to La Paz. About 30 minutes after crossing the border there's another stop where the army will again check your documents. On your way to La Paz, stop at Tiahuanaco for a guided visit. The archaeological site of Tiahuanaco was the base of a great civilisation that began around 500 BC before mysteriously 'disappearing' around AD1200. It is believed that the ceremonial complex dates back to the AD800 and was once at the centre of a powerful and self-sustaining empire based in the southern Central Andes. It is also where the Incas learned about building systems and agricultural practices. The sprawling ruins comprise of temples, courtyards, terraced pyramids, monolithic stone statues and gateways. The most famous structure is the Puerta del Sol (Gateway of the Sun). From the ruins it's a 2-hour drive to La Paz, where you'll spend the night. Enjoy spectacular views of the city on your approach, due to its unique location in the middle of a vast volcanic crater.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Rosario or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • La Paz - Tiawanaku archaeological site and museum tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

At around 3600 metres, La Paz feels like the top of the world and vies with Tibet for the title of highest capital in the world. Despite the abundance of colonial architecture, La Paz's indigenous roots run deep, and the atmosphere in the market-filled streets is both modern and traditional. This morning at about 9 am you'll embark on a city tour. Begin with a dramatic ride on the world’s highest 'urban' cable car, up at 13,000 feet connecting La Paz with its twin city El Alto – a challenging urban environment that is a mix of shacks, half-finished buildings and church spires. Here you will visit some craft markets, selling goods made of alpaca wool, leather and other traditional materials, before visiting the Mercado de Hechiceria or Witches' Market. Browse the weird and wonderful stalls that sell everything from potions to incantations made from herbs. This witches market is rarely seen by tourists and is much more authentic than the smaller witches market in La Paz. Just outside the market is a street with dozens of types of doctors or shamans that, for a price, can tell of your future health, love, or career. Reboard the cable car to the south of the city and take a walking tour of the extraordinary landscape of Moon Valley. This isn’t a valley, but a maze of canyons and colossal clay spires. These rugged oddities, caused by erosion, make for staggering views. Stop at Mirador Killi Killi for one of La Paz’s most impressive viewing points. Next head to the main square and Plaza Murillo. After lunch, the rest of the day is free. When the sun sets and the temperature drops, join the locals in seeking warmth in a bar or restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Rosario Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please be aware that the order of your tour may change slightly according to weather, however you will still visit everything mentioned in the itinerary.

Your Amazon and Inca Adventure ends after breakfast this morning. Flights can be booked to depart at any time, as there are no more activities planned following check out.
Optional Activities
  • La Paz - To 3,600 Metres, and Beyond Urban Adventure - USD41
  • La Paz - Food With Altitude Urban Adventure - USD57
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

22 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Bus, Plane, Private vehicle, Train, Motorised Canoe

Accommodation

Hotel Feature Stay (1 night) Hotel (16 nights), Hacienda Feature Stay (2 nights), Jungle Lodge Feature Stay (2 nights), Eco Lodge Feature Stay (2 nights)

Included Activities

  • Quito - Historian led 'Old Town' city tour
  • Quito - Compañia de Jesus visit
  • Quito: Equator line museum visit
  • Equator Line - Museum visit
  • Equator Line - Pan Ice Cream 'Demonstration and Tasting
  • Cotopaxi - National Park visit
  • Banos - Devil's Cauldron visit
  • Cuenca - Leader Led Orientation walk
  • Cuenca - Historian led tour of old Cuenca
  • Cuenca - Turi view point
  • Lima - Guided tour of San Francisco Monastery including The Catacombs
  • Complimentary airport arrival transfer
  • Lima - Guided tour Down town, Cathedral of Lima and The Catacombs
  • Lima - Alameda de Chabuca Granda - Street food tasting
  • Cusco - Orientation Walk
  • Cusco - Coricancha Temple entrance fee
  • Cusco - Cathedral tour with Specialist Historian Guide
  • Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee
  • Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)
  • Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
  • Suasi Island - Spectacular Sunset over Lake Titicaca, Picnic & Drinks
  • Suasi Island - Cultural Museum Visit
  • La Paz - Tiawanaku archaeological site and museum tour

Dates & availability - 2021 season

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Best of Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 10 and 11 (Amazon Jungle) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
4. Full name exactly as per passport is required at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on the passport), for activity and transport bookings. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
5. This trip includes two visits to Machu Picchu. According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Please refer to the itinerary for details.
6. Your trip includes taking the train to Machu Picchu, however you may choose to book the 1-day Inca Trail hike on Day 15 (additional surcharge required). This optional activity is subject to permit availability. Please contact your booking agent if you would like to book this activity. Please refer to Day 15 of the itinerary for details of the hike.

Essential trip information

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