Altiplano Expedition

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Arrive in Lima at any time.

Day 2 Pisco

The morning is yours to explore Lima before catching a bus to Pisco, renowned for its cocktail, the Pisco Sour, and the wildlife-abundant Ballestas Islands.

Day 3-4 Nazca

Option to visit the Ballestas Islands. Travel by bus to Nazca and take an optional flight over the desert to view the mysterious Nazca Lines. Tour a Pre-Inca cemetery, complete with pottery, parched bones and 1500 year-old mummies.

Day 5-7 Arequipa / Chivay / Colca Canyon

Peru's second-largest city is surrounded by the Andes mountains and lies in the shadow of El Misti Volcano. Spend a day exploring this picturesque area before heading to Colca Canyon on Day 6. One of the deepest canyons in the world, the canyon is home to the majestic Andean Condor.

Day 8 Cuzco

Fly to Cuzco and relax, or explore this beautiful colonial city with its nearby ruins, cobblestone streets, museums and churches.

Day 9 Ollantaytambo

Travel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley and visit ancient Inca sites, including the picturesque town and ruins of Ollantaytambo.

Day 10-13 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (3B,3L,3D)

Travel this morning to km 82 and begin a once in a lifetime journey on the ancient trail of the Incas. Local porters and guides ensure that the trip is worry-free, and fascinating ruins and spectacular mountain scenery fill every day of the hike. On the final day, climb the steps to Intipunku, the 'Sun Gate', to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Return to Cuzco by train on Day 13.

Day 14-16 Cuzco

Catch your breath after the Inca Trail before you explore the many sights and sounds of Cuzco. Rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking are all possible options.

Day 17 Puno

Enjoy the view on this full day of travel through the high Altiplano region as we travel from Cuzco to Puno. Look closely and you will be able to see the traditional clay bulls on roof tops used for protection and prosperity.

Day 18-19 Lake Titicaca (B,L,D)

Take a boat trip to visit the Taquile, Amantani and Uros Islands, followed by an overnight immersion into Peruvian rural life with a homestay in a small village.

Day 20-21 La Paz

Journey along the shores of Lake Titicaca to the highest capital city in the world - La Paz, Bolivia. The bustling street life and traditional roots make La Paz a surprise highlight for many travellers.

Day 22 Night Bus / Train To Uyuni

Spend the day travelling by bus to Uyuni.

Day 23-25 Uyuni / Salt Lakes Excursion (3B,3L,3D)

Embark on a journey through the impressive Salar de Uyuni in some of the most isolated and dramatic geography in South America. Spend three days exploring the remote flats by four-wheel-drive vehicles, between piercing blue skies and blinding white salt flats.

Day 26-27 Potosí

The highest city of its size in the world, UNESCO World Heritage Potosí has had a tumultuous history as a silver mining centre during colonial times. Take an option to descend into a working mine for a close-up look at methods basically unchanged in decades, if not centuries.

Day 28-29 Sucre

Sucre is a fascinating, historic town with plenty of opportunity to explore a variety of museums and colonial buildings. Options include a short trip to the site of 60 million year-old dinosaur tracks!

Day 30 La Paz

Transfer to the airport for the flight to La Paz. Relax and take some free time to explore the highest capital city in the world in the afternoon. Highlights include museums and local markets or visits to the Tiahuanaco ruins, the Valley of the Moon, or Chacaltaya, the highest ski resort in the world.