Peru Highlights

This amazing journey of a lifetime takes you to the best Peru has to offer, as well as a real adventure to the Altiplano of Bolivia and the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Peru’s iconic Machu Picchu is a site that no true world traveler should miss. Coupled with the beautiful Sacred Valley, the colonial city of Cusco and the brilliant blue waters of Lake Titicaca, you will see the best Peru has to offer.

Leaving Peru, you will cross into Bolivia - a beautiful country

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Peru (-)

Upon arrival at Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport you will be warmly welcomed by a Blue World Journeys representative and escorted to your hotel by private car. You’ll probably be tired after the long journey, so enjoy the evening in your hotel, or if you have the energy, explore the local area, home to some of Lima’s best restaurants and nightlife.

Day 2 - Lima City Tour, Fly to Cusco (B)

After a leisurely breakfast in your hotel, you will be met by your guide and escorted on a half-day city tour of Peru’s capital. This highlight is Lima’s Historic Center, where the city’s most important historical, political and religious buildings can be found. Certified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the historic center features beautiful and unique architecture. The Art Museum, The Palace of Justice and The French Palace are truly awe-inspiring. The Plaza San Martin is home to an important monument that was constructed to celebrate Peru’s independence. Nearby, the Cathedral, the City Hall, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Palace of the Government overlook the huge Plaza Mayor. You will have time to walk around this lovely square before driving to the airport to board your afternoon flight to Cusco.

This evening take things easy as you acclimatize to Cusco’s 11,400-foot elevation and try one of the many great restaurants the city has to offer.

Day 3 - Sacred Valley Tour (B,L)

As Cusco was considered to be the navel of the world by the Inca, the Sacred Valley was its breadbasket and the river Urubamba (one of the headwaters of the Amazon) that flows through it the lifeblood. This is and astonishing and beautiful valley. Its warm climate and sun baked, red granite hills have always been ideal for agriculture, and being lower than Cusco, it’s a welcome respite from the altitude as you acclimatize.

We begin our tour at the artisan market town of Pisac, where you will be able to shop for local souvenirs if you wish. A visit to Ollantaytambo, an important Inca archaeological site follows, before touring through Chinchero, an Andean village located on a high plain with lovely views over the surrounding mountains, and known to the Incas as the birthplace of the rainbow.

Day 4 - Machu Picchu (B,L)

An early start is necessary today for an unforgettable trip to one of the most spectacular historical sites anywhere in the world. You will be escorted to the train station a short drive outside Cusco before boarding your luxurious ‘Vistadome’ train (ultra-deluxe Hiram Bingham train upgrade available) for the three-hour journey to the town of Aguascalientes. After lunch on arrival you will enjoy a private, guided 3-hour tour of the spectacular ruins.

Machu Picchu has to be seen to be believed. It retains an awe-inspiring grandeur and add the genius of Inca architecture built in perfect harmony with the earth and skies, and it’s no surprise that it’s officially among the New Seven Wonders of the World. Following this unforgettable tour, you will return by train to Cusco.

Day 5 - Cusco City Tour, Afternoon at Leisure (B)

This morning you will have a private, guided tour of Cusco. Known by the Inca as the navel of the world, this city has great significance in Inca history and is the site of many interesting attractions. Your tour will include the Plaza de Armas, overlooked by the city’s baroque cathedral, the temple and church of Coricancha, where the foundations of the Inca Sun Temple, once covered with plates of solid gold are now the site of a Dominican church; as well as the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress of huge stone blocks weighing hundreds of tons that was the scene of the Inca's final battle against the Spanish in 1536. This afternoon and evening will be at your leisure to enjoy the city, a delight to stroll around the streets and admire the colonial architecture.

Day 6 - Andean Explorer Train to Lake Titicaca (B,L)

Today you will have the unique experience or riding the deluxe Andean Explorer train to Lake Titicaca. During the journey you will witness the changing landscapes from high mountains, through valleys and passes and finally to the altiplano of eastern Peru, home to the stunning Lake Titicaca.

The train has been mentioned by the Society of International Railway Travelers as one of the best rail journeys in the world. Decorated in the style of the great Pullman cars of the 1920s, the Andean Explorer is a very luxurious train featuring five star dining in exquisite dining cars, as well as a beautifully furnished indoor/outdoor observatory car from which you will be able to enjoy the splendor of the Andean scenery on this ten hour journey. A full lunch is served en-route, as well as afternoon tea and entertainment including a fashion show of local clothing.

Day 7 - Welcome to Bolivia - Cruise Lake Titicaca (B,L,D)

This morning you will drive along the western shore of Lake Titicaca to the land border with Bolivia (shared vehicle with other travelers). After border formalities, you will board your luxury vessel for an overnight cruise. Following lunch on board, there will be a visit to the village of Challapampa where you will have the opportunity to experience one of the most unspoiled indigenous Titicaca villages through an innovative program organized with the local community visiting their own museum, chapel, school, a typical house, sailing in their vessels to an Inca holy temple and walking along ancient Inca trails. Finish the day with a romantic candle-lit dinner and relaxing on board in your lake-view cabin with private facilities.

Day 8 - Sun Island, drive to La Paz (B,L)

Enjoy breakfast while you marvel at the overwhelming panorama of the lake, before visiting the Inca Palace of Pilkokaina. Continue to the Inti Wata Cultural Complex including the Ekako Underground Museum, the traditional medicine and the Titicaca Reed Shipbuilders display centers, the Pachamama agricultural Inca terraces, a handicraft center, the Intica lounge and at the Manco Kapac center, look at the large variety of Andean camelids (cross between a camel and a llama). Following a visit to the Inca Garden, enjoy a unique sailing experience aboard a unique Titicaca traditional reed vessel.

Buffet lunch on board while sailing to Chua harbor. Land transfer to the city of La Paz (shared vehicle with other travelers), one of Latin America’s most exciting and dynamic cities, arriving in the early evening.

Day 9 - Fly to Sucre, City Tour (B)

A one-hour flight this morning will take you to the city of Sucre. Beautiful Sucre is Bolivia’s loveliest colonial city. Set in a picturesque valley and surrounded by low mountains, Sucre has a mild climate. Today you will visit the Historical Museum, House of Freedom, the Textile Museum, the Convent of San Felipe Nery, and admire the beautiful facades of the churches of San Lazaro and Santo Domingo.

Day 10 - Drive to Potosí, City Tour, Drive to Uyuni (B)

This morning you will drive to the city of Potosí. Declared a World Heritage of Mankind city by UNESCO, this city was once the wealthiest city in the Americas due to its silver mining industry, and is a delight to visit. You will visit San Lorenzo Church, to appreciate its beautiful facade, Casa de la Moneda Museum, the exterior of the Company Tower, the exterior of the Arch of Cobija and the artisans market in the colonial area of the city, before continuing to Uyuni.

Day 11 - Uyuni Salt Flats (B,L,D)

The otherworldly Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats) has to be seen to be believed. The largest salt flats in the world, area covers an area of over 4600 square miles of dazzling while salt. Hot springs, active volcanoes and colorful lakes populated by bright pink flamingoes punctuate this landscape of blinding white desert.

Today you will visit the Salt Flats and Incahuasi ‘Island’, rising from the heart of Uyuni, and home to a species of cacti measuring up to 26 feet high. Spectacular at any time of the year, in the November to March rainy season, the entire salt flat is covered with a few inches of water, and becomes a giant mirror where everything appears to be floating in mid air and the reflection of the sky is like nothing else seen on Earth. This area is a paradise for photographers. Overnight will be at a hotel located in the middle of nowhere, on the salt flats - a truly unique experience.

For a truly unforgettable romantic adventure, an upgrade to a night in a luxuriously furnished Airstream camper parked miles from the nearest person with a romantic dinner under the stars is available.

Day 12 - Fly to La Paz, City Tour and Moon Valley (B,L)

This morning you will drive to Uyuni’s airport for your one-hour flight to La Paz. On arrival you will be met by your guide and escorted on a city tour. You will first visit the famous Witches Market, the colonial Church of San Francisco and crafts shops on Sagarnaga Street. The tour continues to Murillo Square, to see the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Government Palace and Parliament buildings. Then visit the famous Jaen Street a colonial neighborhood, where the most interesting museums in the city are clustered together. The tour ends with a visit to the spectacular Valley of the Moon, where you will have the opportunity to take a short hike and visit a ceramic workshop where there will be a demonstration of this art.

Day 13 - Farewell to Bolivia (B)

This morning you will be escorted to the airport of El Alto for your international flight home.

Lima - Luxury - Casa Andina Private Collection

Located in the fashionable Miraflores district of Lima, the Casa Andina has been recently updated in a classic ‘Limeño’ style and features an exquisite collection of contemporary local artwork.

With 155 modern and luxurious rooms and suites and a fantastic location in the heart of Lima’s most vibrant zone, the Casa Andina Private Collection is one of the city’s leading four-star hotels.

Lima - Deluxe - JW Marriott Lima

Each of the JW Marriott’s 300 luxurious guestrooms features a beautiful panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean from the cliffs of Lima’s exciting Miraflores district. Housed in an impressive 25-story glass tower, this is one of Lima’s most desirable five star luxury hotels, featuring all the amenities and services that travelers have come to expect from this world-renowned chain.

Cusco - Luxury - Casa Andina Private Collection

Housed in a beautifully refurbished 18th century mansion and featuring four lovely colonial courtyards, the Casa Andina is located only a few minutes’ walk from the main square. Its 93 tastefully decorated and modern rooms have king size beds and stylish furnishings. This hotel makes an excellent base for visiting Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Cusco - Deluxe - Marriott Cusco

One of the highest rated hotels in Peru by our clients; the Marriott Cusco is located mere steps from the city’s main square. Built on top of ancient Incan ruins, in a restored 16th century convent, the hotel features 153 luxuriously furnished guestrooms, offering marble bathrooms, courtyard views and sumptuous furnishings.

Lake Titicaca - Luxury - Casa Andina Private Collection

Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Titicaca, a short drive from the center of the town of Puno, this intimate hotel offers 45 rooms, many with a direct view of the lake. Its peaceful location makes for a great base for visiting the highlights of the area.

Lake Titicaca - Deluxe - Libertador Lago Titicaca

Located on a private island connected to the mainland via a causeway, the Libertador is Puno’s leading hotel. With unrestricted lake views from all over the hotel, sunrises and sunsets here are unforgettable. The hotel’s 123 modern guestrooms feature spectacular views over the lake, and the hotel’s location offers guests a high level of privacy.

La Paz, Bolivia - Luxury - Stannum Boutique Hotel

Located only half a mile from the vibrant downtown area, this hotel features exclusive design and personalized service, with panoramic city views of the towering Illimani mountain and La Paz. Its contemporary design and modern furnishings sets it apart from other hotels in the same category.

La Paz, Bolivia - Deluxe - Camino Real Suites

This is a deluxe hotel strategically located in the bustling south side of the city. Featuring an innovative blend of art and high technology in its design, and a perfect balance of modernity and luxury, the Camino Real Suites offers guests a five star experience in the heart of La Paz.

Sucre, Bolivia - Luxury - Mi Pueblo Samary Boutique Hotel

Mi Pueblo Samary Boutique Hotel gracefully blends colonial and indigenous architecture in a renovated colonial mansion. With sunny patios, terraces and balconies offering a peaceful respite from the city outside, the hotel offers guests modern, luxurious accommodations with terrace, courtyard or panoramic city views.

Sucre, Bolivia - Deluxe - Parador Santa Maria La Real

This luxury hotel is Sucre’s finest. Offering guests luxurious accommodations in a beautifully restored mansion, many of the rooms feature views of the nearby cathedral and hilltops around town. Rooms are stylish and chic, furnished with classical pieces of furniture and queen or king size beds.

Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia - Luxury - Luna Salada

The Luna Salada hotel is located on the edge of the great salt flats of Uyuni. Its elevated position gives it an amazing view over the area. All rooms are designed to take advantage of the privacy, silence and surrounding landscape, and the building is constructed entirely of locally mined salt blocks. With no nearby light pollution, the view of the night sky here is amazing.

Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia - Deluxe - Palacio Del Sal

One of the most unusual hotels in Bolivia, the Palacio del Sal is constructed entirely with salt - everything, including the walls, ceilings, floors and even furniture is made of salt. The hotel’s 30 rooms are designed to resemble salt igloos and are all equipped with comfortable mattresses, private bathrooms and heating for those chilly altiplano nights.

Pricing

Price From $5195 per person (Luxury Hotels), or $5595 per person (Deluxe Hotels), for a private tour based on two people traveling in low season sharing a room.

Hotels listed on the Hotels Tab are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used.

Price Includes:

All hotels as described in the itinerary
Services of Blue World Journey’s representatives while in Peru and Bolivia
All transportation and tours as described in the itinerary in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver / guide
Domestic flights Lima - Cusco, La Paz - Sucre and Uyuni - La Paz
Luxury Vistadome train to/from Machu Picchu
Deluxe Andean Explorer train from Cusco to Puno (Lake Titicaca)
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Meals as described in the itinerary

Price Excludes:

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Sightseeing other than described in the itinerary
Additional room charges of a personal nature in hotels (eg: room service, laundry, phone calls, etc.).

UPGRADES / EXTENSIONS

Hiram Bingham Deluxe Train

One of the great railway journeys of the world, the Hiram Bingham train is named after the explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911.

For many people a visit to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable journey of a lifetime. Traveling between Cusco and Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham is truly an amazing experience. With accommodations for only 84 passengers, the train is decorated and furnished in the style of 1920s Pullman carriages, with large, comfortable chairs and polished brass and wood paneling. The two dining cars are luxurious areas set with fine crystal and silverware, where you will enjoy a gastronomic dinner prepared by a team of on board chefs.

A bar car is a great place to enjoy a cocktail accompanied by live Peruvian music and dance, while the observation car is a perfect place to get comfortable in one of the large cushioned seats as the majestic Peruvian landscape unfolds before you.

Deluxe Airstream Camper - Uyuni Salt Flats

Enjoy the incredible experience of sleeping in the middle of nowhere, miles from the nearest hotel or town in one of our luxurious, fully equipped Airstream Campers. They are modern, stylish and equipped with a double bed, sofa, electric blankets and private bath with hot shower, dining table, wardrobe, iPad port, CD player and even a minibar. Towed by 4x4 vehicle driven by your guide, you will be taken to a remote location of spectacular natural beauty for the night. Your experienced personal chef will prepare a gourmet dinner, and after an unforgettable night, a delicious breakfast will be served before continuing on your tour.

Your guide will be camping a short distance away giving you all the privacy you need, with the reassurance of guaranteed communication via satellite phone and walkie-talkies.

This is a truly unique, romantic experience that will be hard to beat.