Peru & Bolivia Itinerary: From the Amazon to Uyuni

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Peru and Bolivia, a responsible itinerary that blends iconic wonders with authentic cultural encounters. From Lima’s ocean breeze to the wild Amazon rainforest, this trip is designed for eco-conscious travelers seeking depth, beauty, and meaning.

Day 1 – Arrival in Lima

Your adventure begins in Lima, the vibrant capital perched on the Pacific Ocean. After settling into your boutique hotel in Miraflores, enjoy your first impressions of Peru. Wander along the dramatic cliffside Malecón, discover Barranco’s street art and cafés, or watch surfers riding the waves at sunrise.
Accommodation: Charming 3★ boutique hotel in Miraflores
Transport: Private airport transfer
Meals: Not included (we share our favorite ceviche & seafood addresses)

Day 2 – Lima to Paracas & Huacachina

An early departure takes you south along the Pacific coast to the port of Paracas. Here, a boat excursion reveals the Ballestas Islands, often described as the “Galápagos of Peru”, home to sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and a rich birdlife.
Continue to the desert oasis of Huacachina, where palm trees encircle a shimmering lagoon surrounded by golden dunes. At sunset, enjoy an exhilarating ride by dune buggy followed by sandboarding — an unforgettable thrill in the desert.
Accommodation: Oasis lodge facing the lagoon (2★, with pool)
Transport: Shared transfer with local bilingual guide
Activities included: Ballestas Islands boat trip, Pisco vineyard visit, buggy & sandboarding
Meals: Lunch not included (stop in a local bodega possible)

Day 3 – Huacachina to Lima

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Morning at leisure in the oasis: take a paddle on the lagoon, swim in the pool, or simply relax under the desert sun. Later, travel back to Lima in comfort and settle again in Miraflores. Evening free to explore the city’s thriving culinary and cultural scene.
Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Miraflores (3★)
Transport: Comfortable bus transfer with private pick-up at terminal
Meals: Not included

Day 4 – Lima to the Amazon Rainforest

A short flight takes you to Puerto Maldonado, gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. From there, a scenic boat ride up the river leads to your eco lodge, built in harmony with the jungle and powered by solar energy.
This first immersion into the rainforest introduces you to its abundant biodiversity: colorful butterflies, playful monkeys, and the calls of tropical birds. Guided canoe rides and forest walks reveal the extraordinary life of the Amazon.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica or similar, full board eco lodge
Transport: Flight Lima > Puerto Maldonado, boat transfer to lodge
Meals: Full board included
Sustainability: The lodge minimizes impact with renewable energy and supports conservation projects

Day 5 – Exploring the Amazon

Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest. Today is dedicated to discovering the Amazon’s rich biodiversity with your naturalist guides. Walk along jungle trails, learn about medicinal plants, and observe wildlife from canopy walkways. At night, take a canoe ride to spot caimans under the stars — an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Peruvian jungle.
Accommodation: Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica or similar, eco lodge (full board)
Activities: Jungle hike, canopy walkway, nocturnal canoe ride
Meals: Full board included

Day 6 – From the Amazon to Cusco

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After one last boat ride down the river, fly to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital at 3,400 m altitude. Upon arrival, take time to acclimatize while wandering through the city’s cobbled streets. Visit the San Pedro market, sip a coca tea on the Plaza de Armas, and soak in the vibrant blend of colonial and Andean culture.
Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Cusco (3★)
Transport: Boat transfer, flight Puerto Maldonado > Cusco (~50 min), private transfer to hotel
Activities: Leisurely city walk, cultural immersion
Meals: Not included
Tip: Avoid alcohol the first evening to better adapt to altitude.

Day 7 – The Sacred Valley of the Incas

This day takes you into the Sacred Valley, a fertile region dotted with Inca ruins and traditional villages. Explore the dazzling Salinas de Maras, where 4,000 salt pools glisten in the sun, and the mysterious terraces of Moray, once an agricultural laboratory of the Incas.
Accommodation: Mountainview Lodge (upgraded villa with jacuzzi)
Transport: Private transfer with guide
Activities: Visit Maras salt ponds & Moray terraces
Meals: Local lunch included

Day 8 – Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu

Travel by panoramic train along the Urubamba River, with breathtaking Andean landscapes unfolding through the large windows. Arrive in Aguas Calientes and board the shuttle up to the legendary Machu Picchu.
With your private guide, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site at midday, before enjoying free time in the afternoon to capture iconic views and wander among llamas. In the evening, relax in Aguas Calientes, perhaps soaking in the hot springs or browsing the artisan market.
Accommodation: Hotel Jaya Suites (3★, spacious rooms in the heart of Aguas Calientes)
Transport: Expedition train confirmed, shuttle bus to Machu Picchu
Activities: Private guided visit of Machu Picchu (Circuit 3b), free visit (Circuit 1b)
Meals: Buffet lunch included at Tinkuy restaurant, dinner free
Note: Original passport is required for entry.

Day 9 – Machu Picchu to Lamay

After a peaceful morning in Aguas Calientes, board the Vistadome/Observatory train with its panoramic windows and open observation car. The ride along the Urubamba River offers breathtaking views before arriving in Ollantaytambo. Continue by private transfer into the Sacred Valley, where the quiet village of Lamay welcomes you with gardens, starry skies, and a warm lodge atmosphere.
Accommodation: Lamay Lodge (confirmed)
Transport: Vistadome/Observatory train (~1h40), private transfer
Activities: Gentle afternoon walk (butterfly garden, suspension bridge, village stroll)
Meals: Breakfast included, dinner not included

Day 10 – Pisac & Andean Immersion

Today is dedicated to authentic encounters with the Andean world. Visit the colorful market of Pisac, famous for its textiles, ceramics, and local produce. Then continue to the Amaru community, where you are welcomed by families for a unique cultural immersion. Take part in a weaving workshop, share a traditional meal, and join in a Pachamama ceremony.
Accommodation: Overnight with Amaru community family (simple, authentic immersion)
Transport: Private transfer to Pisac & Amaru community
Activities: Market visit, weaving & farming workshops, Pachamama ritual
Meals: Lunch & dinner included with host family

Day 11 – Return to Cusco

After a farewell to your hosts, travel back to Cusco. The afternoon is free to explore at your own rhythm: visit the Qoricancha temple, stroll the cobbled lanes around San Blas, or simply relax in a café overlooking the Plaza de Armas.
Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Cusco (3★ or equivalent, confirmed)
Transport: Private transfer from Amaru to Cusco
Activities: Optional visits (museums, cathedral, local designer shops)
Meals: Not included

Day 12 – Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

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Early morning departure for a private excursion to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of Peru’s most surreal landscapes at over 5,000 m. The hike is moderate but rewarding, with views of snow-capped peaks and herds of alpacas against vividly colored slopes. Arrive after most groups have left, allowing for a more intimate experience of this natural wonder.
Accommodation: Wilkamayu Hotel (3★, Sicuani)
Transport: Private vehicle with guide, ~3.5 hrs to Vinicunca
Activities: Private guided hike, cultural encounters with local herders
Meals: Dinner included at hotel

Day 13 – Sicuani to Puno & Uros Islands

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Cross the Altiplano, where herds of llamas and snow-capped peaks define the landscape. Arriving in Puno, embark on Lake Titicaca to reach the floating Uros Islands. Here, a local family welcomes you into their reed-built home, sharing stories of ancient traditions, fishing, and craftsmanship.
Accommodation: Homestay on Uros Islands (authentic and private)
Transport: Scenic drive (~4h30), boat transfer on Lake Titicaca
Activities: Private guided visit of Uros, sunset & stargazing on the lake
Meals: Included with host family

Day 14 – Uros to Taquile & Return to Puno

Sail across Lake Titicaca to reach Taquile Island, a UNESCO site recognized for its intricate textiles and community traditions. Gentle walks along terraced paths reveal breathtaking views over the deep blue waters. Return to Puno in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel Intiqa (3★, central location)
Transport: Shared boat service to Taquile
Activities: Cultural immersion, visit of Taquile Island, artisan workshops
Meals: Traditional lunch on Taquile (fish & Andean potatoes), dinner free in Puno

Day 15 – Puno to La Paz, Bolivia

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Cross the border into Bolivia, traveling from the shores of Lake Titicaca to the bustling capital, La Paz. After arrival, take a ride on the world’s highest urban cable car system for sweeping views of the Andes and the city sprawling below.
Accommodation: Hotel Mitru Express (4★ upgrade, central)
Transport: Private bus transfer (~5 hrs with border crossing)
Activities: Explore La Paz markets, “witches’ market”, optional museums
Meals: Not included

Day 16 – La Paz to Uyuni Salt Flats

Fly south to Uyuni, gateway to the world’s largest salt desert. Begin your 4x4 adventure across the surreal Salar de Uyuni: visit the Train Cemetery, cross dazzling salt plains, and stop at cactus-covered Incahuasi Island. At sunset, witness the mirror effect — one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles on Earth.
Accommodation: Casa de Sal (4★ salt-brick hotel, pending confirmation)
Transport: Flight La Paz > Uyuni (~1h), 4x4 shared excursion
Activities: Train Cemetery, Colchani village, Uyuni Salt Flats, Incahuasi Island, sunset photography
Meals: Breakfast & picnic lunch included, dinner likely at hotel

Day 17 – Uyuni to La Paz

Enjoy a final morning on the salt flats, capturing the magical play of light before flying back to La Paz. End your journey with a festive farewell: sample Andean gastronomy in a top restaurant or relax at your 5★ hotel spa.
Accommodation: Hotel Mitru Sur (5★, spa & panoramic views)
Transport: Flight Uyuni > La Paz (~1h), private transfer to hotel
Activities: Optional farewell dinner, spa & relaxation
Meals: Dinner not specified

Day 18 – Departure from La Paz

A flexible transfer takes you to La Paz airport for your international flight. Your Peru–Bolivia itinerary ends here, filled with memories of sacred valleys, ancient ruins, jungle adventures, and the otherworldly landscapes of the Altiplano.
Transport: Private transfer to airport
Meals: Not included