Classical Adventure, Peru and Bolivia

A classic tour of the ancient history, archaeological sites and varied landscapes of two neighbouring South American countries: Peru and Bolivia.

  • 13 days
Duration
13 days
Group size
15 people
Country
Bolivia

Classical Adventure, Peru and Bolivia Overview

A classic tour of the ancient history, archaeological sites and varied landscapes of two neighbouring South American countries: Peru and Bolivia.

This classic tour explores the ancient history, archaeological sites and varied landscapes of two neighbouring South American countries: Peru and Bolivia.

The tour combines adventure and culture, with guided sightseeing at the main sites of Peru and Bolivia. Within two weeks you visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including local markets and ruins; Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas; the Uros floating islands and Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca; Copacabana and Sun Island; and the Uyuni salt flat, and you trek to Rainbow Mountain.

The journey begins in Lima, known as the City of Kings, with its colonial World Heritage sites. You then fly to Puno to visit the Uros floating islands and Taquile Island in the Titicaca National Reserve. After seeing the ancient Inca steps on Sun Island, you take another flight to Uyuni to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats. Next, the tour takes you to the Sacred Valley for hiking and camping at Wayllabamba, Warmiwañusca, Pacaymayo, Puyupatamarca and Wiñaywayna. You then visit Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world, and Rainbow Mountain. The tour ends with sightseeing in Cusco and Lima.

Both countries have elegant colonial cities as well as natural and cultural landmarks. Over two weeks you explore the Andean highlands of Peru and Bolivia, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world.

Key highlights of the Classical Adventure, Peru and Bolivia

Itinerary

  1. When you arrive in Lima, you are met and transferred to your hotel for the night.

    Altitude
    150 m (490 ft)
    On foot
    None, arrival day
    Night in
    Hotel, Lima
    Meals
    None
  2. After an early breakfast, you are transferred from the hotel to the airport for the flight to Puno. Please arrange your own flight. On arrival in Puno, you are met and transferred to your hotel.

    Altitude
    3,830 m (12,570 ft)+3,680 m
    On foot
    None, flight day
    Night in
    Hotel, Puno
    Meals
    Breakfast
  3. After breakfast, you tour the Titicaca National Reserve and visit the Uros floating islands, a group of more than 40 islands made from layers of totora reeds. Although the Uros people have intermarried with the Aymara and no pure Uros remain, they continue to live as their ancestors did and keep some Uros traditions. The islanders fish, hunt birds and graze cattle on the islets. After approximately three hours, the tour reaches Taquile Island. Its population was relatively isolated from the mainland until the 1950s, and the sense of community remains strong, reflected in well-organised community life and collective decision-making. Taquile Island is known for its crafts, particularly weaving, which dates back to the ancient Inca, Pukara and Colla civilisations. You then return to Puno and the hotel. Lunch is included.

    Altitude
    3,830 m (12,570 ft)
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Puno
    Meals
    Breakfast
  4. After breakfast, you are transferred by bus from the hotel to Copacabana, stopping at the towns of Juli, Pomata and Yunguyo-Casani. In Copacabana you visit the cathedral and the main square. After boarding a catamaran at the harbour, you continue to Isla del Sol (Sun Island), the most visited island on Lake Titicaca because of its Inca ruins and scenery. The catamaran passes through the Strait of Tiquina. On arrival at the harbour of Chua, a bus takes you to your hotel in La Paz.

    Altitude
    3,640 m (11,940 ft)−190 m
    On foot
    Easy walking, 1–2 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, La Paz
    Meals
    Breakfast
  5. After an early breakfast, you are transferred from the hotel to the airport for the flight to Uyuni. Flights depart at 06:30 or 08:00 and take around 60 minutes. On arrival you are met, and passengers on the first flight are taken to a local restaurant for a second breakfast (paid by each passenger). The visit begins at the train cemetery, only 5 minutes from Uyuni, and then continues onto the great salt flat to Incahuasi Island, one of its main attractions. A small path leads to the top of the island, from where there is a 360° view of the salt flat. Lunch is served outdoors, followed by free time to enjoy the view. You will see water bubbling up on the surface, known as the 'Ojos de Salar', which comes from the underground river of the Tunupa Volcano. You then drive towards the village of Colchani to visit the salt factories and the souvenir market. Finally, you return across the salt flat, arriving at the hotel at sunset. The hotel is ranked among the world's ten most unusual hotels and offers a high level of comfort, with facilities built entirely from salt and views over the salt flat. After check-in, there is time to explore the hotel and relax before dinner in the restaurant.

    Altitude
    3,660 m (12,010 ft)+20 m
    On foot
    Easy walking, 1–2 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Uyuni
    Meals
    Breakfast
  6. At the scheduled time, you are transferred from the hotel to the airport for the flight to La Paz and the connecting flight to Cusco. On arrival in Cusco, you are met and transferred to your hotel.

    Altitude
    3,400 m (11,150 ft)−260 m
    On foot
    None, flight day
    Night in
    Hotel, Cusco
    Meals
    Breakfast
  7. After an early breakfast, the tour starts with a three-hour bus ride through the Sacred Valley to Km 82 (the 54.68-mile post) at 2,750 m (9,022 ft). From here you hike for approximately five hours through the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba River to the campsite at Wayllabamba, at 3,000 m (9,842 ft). Lunch and dinner are provided.

    Altitude
    3,000 m (9,840 ft)−400 m
    On foot
    12 km, 5–6 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Wayllabamba
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. After breakfast, you climb to Warmiwañusca Pass at 4,200 m (13,779 ft), which has a panoramic view of the Peruvian Andes. The trail then descends to the second campsite at Pacaymayo, 3,600 m (11,811 ft). Total hiking time is approximately six to seven hours. Lunch and dinner are provided.

    Altitude
    3,600 m (11,810 ft)+600 m
    On foot
    12 km, 6–7 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Pacaymayo
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  9. After breakfast, the hike continues past the archaeological sites of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca to Wiñaywayna, at 2,650 m (8,594 ft). The third campsite is at Wiñaywayna. Total hiking time is approximately seven hours. Lunch and dinner are provided.

    Altitude
    2,650 m (8,690 ft)−950 m
    On foot
    16 km, 7 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Wiñay Wayna
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  10. After an early breakfast, the hike starts at 5:30 am to see the sunrise at Intipunku, the Sun Gate. You arrive at Machu Picchu at around 8:00 am for a two-hour guided tour. After the tour, you climb Huayna Picchu mountain. At the scheduled time, you take a shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then the train back to Cusco and your hotel. Lunch is included.

    Altitude
    3,400 m (11,150 ft)+750 m
    On foot
    6 km, 5–6 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Cusco
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  11. A day tour, including a trek, to the mountain known as the 7 Colour Mountain, departing from Cusco. Located in the Cusco region of southern Peru, the route passes through landscapes of glaciers, snow-capped mountains and clear rivers and lakes. You pass villages of Quechua descendants and the surrounding countryside, and see the colours of Rainbow Mountain. You are collected from your accommodation at around 3:00 am and drive first to Arco (on the road to Puno) and then to the Checacupe district (a 2-hour journey). The drive continues to Pitumarca and several small villages until you reach the community of Hanchipata-Quesuno (another 1.5 hours), where the hike begins. Along the way there are views of the surrounding mountains and the Ausangate glacier, and you can see local wildlife and camelids in their natural environment. The trek takes about 3 hours to reach Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). Here you have about an hour to rest and take photographs. You then hike back to the starting point and return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 19:00.

    Altitude
    5,200 m (17,060 ft) at Rainbow Mountain+1,800 m
    On foot
    3–4 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Cusco
    Meals
    Breakfast
  12. After an early breakfast, you spend the day sightseeing in Cusco.

    Altitude
    3,400 m (11,150 ft)−1,800 m
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Cusco
    Meals
    Breakfast
  13. In the morning you fly to Lima, and in the afternoon you go sightseeing in the city. The tour begins in the historic centre with important buildings such as the Government Palace, Lima Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and the Municipal Palace. It also includes the Church and Monastery of San Francisco, the largest complex of colonial art in the Americas. You will see the stone facades and wooden balconies of the colonial houses, and pass Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca structure that was most likely an important ceremonial and administrative centre of the Lima culture. The tour ends in the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. San Isidro has modern apartment buildings and parks such as El Olivar, with olive trees brought from Spain in the 15th century. Miraflores has its Central Park and the Larcomar shopping centre overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In the evening you visit the water fountains, followed by a cultural show and dinner.

    Altitude
    150 m (490 ft)−3,250 m
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Lima
    Meals
    Breakfast

What's included

  • Camping equipment, including double-occupancy tents, mattresses, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, table, chairs, cooking equipment and utensils
  • All meals during the hike as indicated in the itinerary, cooks, and porters to carry and set up all equipment and tents
  • Bilingual tour guide and assistant
  • Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
  • Emergency oxygen tank and first aid kit

Not included

  • Sleeping bags, personal porter (available by prior arrangement) and personal items.
  • Note: on the Inca Trail you need items such as toilet paper, a sleeping bag and a backpack. We recommend light sportswear during the day, extra layers and jackets at night, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat or cap and a torch. Keep your passport or personal ID with you in a safe place at all times.

Photos

A look at the trail, the villages and the mountains.

Reviews

Exceptional5.0 out of 5Reviews from Tripadvisor
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Showing 10 reviews from 901 on Tripadvisor

Peru/Bolivia July 2026

July 2026, Tripadvisor

This was my first trip with Earthbound Expedition Ltd (EE), as recommended to me by my sister who had previously done several other trips with Badri. I was simply blown away by the meticulous planning and exceptional care and attention given to one and all in the group. No doubt a group of 20+ comes with various challenges, needs and requirements, and yet Badri somehow managed to accommodate everyone. There is plentiful food in supply... at all times... and in accordance with ones dietary needs !!! The Inca trail is no simple feat and Badri and his team of porters and guides made an extremely difficult trek achievable with the constant encouragement and physical help where needed and got everyone to the finishing line in sickness and in health. That first glimpse of the Machu Pichu Inca ruins from the Sun gate followed by a full guided tour of the site itself made every painful step getting to it, and even the camping part, Well Worth It!!! The whole trip was well organised with a full itinerary including other amazing sights to the breathtaking Rainbow Mt, the incredible Uyuni Salt flats (Bolivia), the beautiful landscapes of Colca Canyon and majestic Condors in flight! Badri gives a truly unique and personal experience, which is lacking in so many other tour companies. His sunny disposition and charming personality is infectious and he has a lot of trekking experience. Basing on my personal experience, I would highly recommend Earthbound Expedition to those seeking adventure, group comradery and personal experience. I certainly hope to join in on other expeditions with this company. Only one observation, the group was 100% Indian and many of them had done one or various previous trips with 'EE'. Of course, this also speaks volumes for customer satisfaction... My personal big thanks to Badri and his whole team for making this such a memorable trip for me xxx

Peru/Bolivia July 2026

July 2026, Tripadvisor

This was my first trip with Earthbound Expedition Ltd (EE), as recommended to me by my sister who had previously done several other trips with Badri. I was simply blown away by the meticulous planning and exceptional care and attention given to one and all in the group. No doubt a group of 20+ comes with various challenges, needs and requirements, and yet Badri somehow managed to accommodate everyone. There is plentiful food in supply... at all times... and in accordance with ones dietary needs !!! The Inca trail is no simple feat and Badri and his team of porters and guides made an extremely difficult trek achievable with the constant encouragement and physical help where needed and got everyone to the finishing line in sickness and in health. That first glimpse of the Machu Pichu Inca ruins from the Sun gate followed by a full guided tour of the site itself made every painful step getting to it, and even the camping part, Well Worth It!!! The whole trip was well organised with a full itinerary including other amazing sights to the breathtaking Rainbow Mt, the incredible Uyuni Salt flats (Bolivia), the beautiful landscapes of Colca Canyon and majestic Condors in flight! Badri gives a truly unique and personal experience, which is lacking in so many other tour companies. His sunny disposition and charming personality is infectious and he has a lot of trekking experience. Basing on my personal experience, I would highly recommend Earthbound Expedition to those seeking adventure, group comradery and personal experience. I certainly hope to join in on other expeditions with this company. Only one observation, the group was 100% Indian and many of them had done one or various previous trips with 'EE'. Of course, this also speaks volumes for customer satisfaction... My personal big thanks to Badri and his whole team for making this such a memorable trip for me xxx

Peru & Bolivia

June 2019, Tripadvisor

Fantastic trip. Well organised, excellent service and veggie/vegan food sorted everywhere we went. Nothing was too much. Did Machu Picchu via Inca Trail. Everyone managed to do the highest point Dead Woman's Pass at 4200m and always arrived during daylight. Were encouraged to do Wayna Pikchu and it was absolutely breathtaking.

Excellent, well planned time

November 2013, Tripadvisor

I was excited but skeptical to embark on this trip but it ended up being an amazing experience, no small thanks to Earthbound Expeditions. From the moment we booked, there were emails and info regarding how to prepare and what to bring etc. Communications were always prompt. On the actual trip, our guide and porters were amazing. I have a fear of heights so some parts of the trail were challenging, but Thakur and the porters seemed to know exactly when I needed help and took me by the hand and led me down/or up the mountain. I look back at pictures and think back and am amazed by what was accomplished on this trip. I definitely recommend this trip, this tour company etc. Just keep in mind you are not going to four star hotels and enjoy each moment as it comes. Every part of the experience can be special. It all depends on your perspective.

Marie FBronx, New YorkRead on Tripadvisor

Excellent, well planned time

November 2013, Tripadvisor

I was excited but skeptical to embark on this trip but it ended up being an amazing experience, no small thanks to Earthbound Expeditions. From the moment we booked, there were emails and info regarding how to prepare and what to bring etc. Communications were always prompt. On the actual trip, our guide and porters were amazing. I have a fear of heights so some parts of the trail were challenging, but Thakur and the porters seemed to know exactly when I needed help and took me by the hand and led me down/or up the mountain. I look back at pictures and think back and am amazed by what was accomplished on this trip. I definitely recommend this trip, this tour company etc. Just keep in mind you are not going to four star hotels and enjoy each moment as it comes. Every part of the experience can be special. It all depends on your perspective.

Marie FBronx, New YorkRead on Tripadvisor

Fantastic service

December 2013, Tripadvisor

We linked up with Earthbound through email after reading about it on trip advisor. Rajan was extremely prompt with replies and we soon had an itinerary mapped out. When we arrived at the airport, we were picked up by a driver and taken to our hotel. There, we spoke with Rajan over the phone and the following morning Rajan met us and escorted us to the domestic airport in Kathmandu where we took a flight to Pokhara. We met our guide, Lehk, and our porter, Jit, upon arrival and began our trek after lunch. The accommodation throughout the trek is simple and rustic - no hot water showers, we washed up with room temperature water at best but this is a luxury. The rooms are fairly clean, basic and the food was excellent. Nothing was unbearable. Lehk and Jit took good care of us throughout the trek. We enjoyed our trek tremendously and will definitely engage earthbound expeditions when we return.

cruzicSingaporeRead on Tripadvisor

Fantastic service

December 2013, Tripadvisor

We linked up with Earthbound through email after reading about it on trip advisor. Rajan was extremely prompt with replies and we soon had an itinerary mapped out. When we arrived at the airport, we were picked up by a driver and taken to our hotel. There, we spoke with Rajan over the phone and the following morning Rajan met us and escorted us to the domestic airport in Kathmandu where we took a flight to Pokhara. We met our guide, Lehk, and our porter, Jit, upon arrival and began our trek after lunch. The accommodation throughout the trek is simple and rustic - no hot water showers, we washed up with room temperature water at best but this is a luxury. The rooms are fairly clean, basic and the food was excellent. Nothing was unbearable. Lehk and Jit took good care of us throughout the trek. We enjoyed our trek tremendously and will definitely engage earthbound expeditions when we return.

cruzicSingaporeRead on Tripadvisor

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13 days

$2,870 per person

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