14Day Peru and Bolivia Authentic Backpacking Adventure

14Day Peru and Bolivia Authentic Backpacking Adventure

Experience the best of Peru and Bolivia and create incredible memories with new friends. Explore from Cuzco to La Paz, visiting legendary Machu Picchu, the blinding white Uyuni Salt Flats, and world famous Lake Titicaca. Join a small group of like-minded travellers for a journey you’ll never forget, with adrenaline pumping adventures like ziplining, mountain biking, white water rafting, and more!

HIGHLIGHTS

Bond with like-minded travellers on the ultimate small group tour
Bike, zipline, river raft, and trek your way to legendary Machu Picchu
Discover natural wonders at Lake Titicaca
Take an epic journey through the Uyuni Salt Flats

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Peru! Cuzco Airport Pick-Up

Pass By: Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport, Avenida Velasco Astete, Cusco 08006, Peru
Bienvenido and welcome to Peru! Today you will be picked up at Cuzco airport upon arrival and transferred to your accommodation for check-in.

Overnight in Cuzco

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Cuzco

Day 2: Cuzco Free Day (B)

Stop At: Cusco, Cusco, Cusco Region
Today you will discover the magic and beauty of Cuzco, the former capital of the Incan Empire, once considered the navel of the world. You'll have the day free to explore the city at your own pace. Walk through the cobblestone streets built atop ancient Inca pathways and imagine yourself walking among the ancient Inca roads that once led to the modern day Plaza de Armas from faraway lands. Stroll around town in the evening with your fellow travellers in search of flavourful Peruvian treats (a fresh ceviche, perhaps?) for dinner (not included). Overnight in Cuzco.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Cuzco

Day 3: Cuzco to Malaga High Pass, Mountain Biking to Santa Maria Village (1,400m), Rafting (L/D)

Stop At: Ollantaytambo, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
Today we leave Cuzco around 6:30 am to drive 1.5 hours to Ollantaytambo, where we can buy a quick breakfast and some snacks. We then continue driving for another 1.5 hours up to the Malaga High Pass (4,350 meters), where our guide will provide us with a safety briefing before we begin an adrenaline pumping, 2.5 hour bike ride down into the lush Peruvian jungle. Along the way we will see the stunning and remote Huamanmarca archaeological site and cruise through fruit plantations and over rivers before arriving to Santa Maria village (1,400 meters) around 2:00- 2:30 pm. From here we will depart on a 2-hour rafting adventure down the Urubamba River that is as fun and exciting as it is beautiful, taking us down class III & IV rapids. Finally we’ll drive to Santa Teresa (1,600m) to enjoy a well earned sleep at a rustic guesthouse.

Note: Accommodation options are very limited along the trekking route for the first 2 nights in Santa Maria & Santa Teresa villages. Most places have very basic, rustic facilities. Rooms often share a bathroom and sometimes do not have hot water. However, we always choose the best available option.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in rustic guesthouse in Santa Teresa

Day 4: Canopy Zip-Line and Trek to Aguas Calientes (B/L/D)

Stop At: Aguas Calientes, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
This morning you’ll begin the day in the best way possible- flying through the treetops on a 2-hour canopy excursion on South America's highest canopy zip-line. Traverse over 2,500 meters of cables with the longest ride covering 400 meters and the highest at 150 meters, soaring over unforgettable views.After the canopy adventure you will take a car to Hydroelectric Station where you will stop for lunch. Continue 3 more hours on foot walking by the train tracks on beautiful green lush forest to reach Aguas Calientes walking along the train tracks for the true Machu Picchu trekking experience. You'll see other backpackers making the same famous pilgramage through these ancient and beautiful Andean routes. In town there are internet cafes, cafes with board games and cards, and plenty of shops and places to relax with your new friends. Overnight in Aguas Calientes and enjoy a hot shower and a good night's sleep.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Aguas Calientes

Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cuzco (B)

Stop At: Machu Picchu, 08680, Peru
We will catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent city in the early morning light as the mist dissipates. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city on your own. If you still have energy you can also climb the Huayna Picchu Peak (to be booked in advance at an extra cost). Return to Aguas Calientes by bus. If time allows, visit the local marketplace next to the train station and shop until the train whistle blows, signaling your return to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus back to Cuzco arriving around 08:00pm. You will be dropped off at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your way to your hostel in Cusco, where you will spend the night.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Cusco

Day 6: Cuzco Free Day - Optional 4x4 Quadbike Adventure, Rainbow Mountain, or Rafting & Overnight Bus to Puno (B)

Stop At: Cusco, Cusco, Cusco Region
Today you’ll have the option of participating in some exhilarating activities. Feel the adrenaline rush of having total control of a 4x4 quadbike as you drive yourself along dirt roads in the mountains, splashing through mud puddles, passing fields and villages and enjoying the fresh crisp Andean air. You also have the option of river rafting to experience the Peru’s natural beauty by river. If thrill-seeking isn’t for you, you can visit the magnificent Rainbow Mountain and marvel at the striking colors of the mountain. Make the return trip to the town of Cruz Pata where we’ll get in vans to take us back to Cuzco, where we’ll catch an overnight bus to Puno on the shores of world famous Lake Titicaca.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight bus to Puno

Day 7: Lake Titicaca - Uros Floating Islands - Isla del Sol

Stop At: Lake Titicaca, Puno 21000 Peru
After an early arrival in Puno we’ll head out to discover Lake Titicaca, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Start your visit at 06:30am of the Uros floating islands. Stepping on these incredible islands feels very much like walking on a waterbed (but don’t worry, it’s quite safe). There are more the 90 Uros floating islands, but you will only visit two of them today to see the local way of life. At 08:30am, cross the border from Peru to Bolivia and enjoy the scenic route along the way. Arrive in Copacabana, take a boat to Isla del Sol (Sun Island) and explore this mythical place. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the island and have dinner (not included) as you make your way to your accommodation. Overnight on the Island.
Duration: 1 day

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight on the island

Day 8: Copacabana - La Paz (B)

Stop At: Isla del Sol, Copacabana Bolivia
Explore Isla del Sol before heading back to Copacabana to take a ferry across the Strait of Tiquina. Enjoy the impressive views from the water before catching the 18:00 bus to La Paz which leaves from the White Anchor in Copacabana port.Upon arrival around 22:30 you will have free time to venture around town on your own or take a good night sleep. Overnight in La Paz.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in La Paz

Day 9: La Paz Free Day - Optional Death Road Adventure (B)

Stop At: La Paz, La Paz, La Paz Department
Enjoy a free day to partake in nearby activities. If you’re an adventure lover, ride the Most Dangerous Road to get your adrenaline pumping. Cruise along this infamous dirt track, navigate hair-raising curves with sheer vertical drops, and witness sweeping views of the valley below. Begin the adventure in La Cumbre (4,700m) and descend 3,500 meters in approximately 4 hours, passing high altitude snowy peaks, beautiful waterfalls, and lush jungle scenery. Get ready to get picked-up from your accommodation to catch your overnight bus to Uyuni.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight bus to Uyuni

Day 10: Uyuni - Colchani - Incahuasi Island - Pia Pia Island - Ajencha (L/D)

Stop At: Salt Flats, Uyuni, Bolivia
Get ready for an adventure! Make your way to the meeting point to transfer to the first stop that will be Uyuni's 'train graveyard', to see the first locomotives in Bolivia. You’ll then visit the small settlement of Colchani (salt miners’ workshops next to the salt flats). Here, you’ll see handicrafts made of salt, and textile art made of llama and alpaca fiber. The tour will continue onto the Great Salt Flats of Uyuni, which are at an altitude of 3650m. Take photos as you cruise along the vast white expanse of salt, see Los Ojos de Agua Salada (‘salt water eyes’) and then visit a hotel made completely of salt! This amazing place currently serves as a museum.

Following this jam-packed morning, after lunch, you’ll carry on to “Isla Incahuasi” (Fish Island), where you will have time to take a hike to the top of the island to see giant cacti, and rock formations made of petrified coral. Make sure you and your group pose for some fun perspective- and proportion-distorted photos, taken against the backdrop of the striking white surface of the salt flats.

Then, we’ll head to Pia Pia island, to see the beautiful sunset over the salt flats. Finish off at the village of Ajencha, and enjoy the unique experience of spending the night in a hostel made almost entirely of salt, called "Santiago Jukil".

Note: Accommodation: Salt hostel "Santiago Jukil" in Agencia - double rooms. During rainy season ( from January to April): Hotel in Culpina or other location (No access to the Salt Hostel during these months).
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in salt hostel (or normal hotel during rainy months)

Day 11: Chiguana Desert - Lagoons - Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve - Red Lagoon Sol de Mañana Geyser (B/L/D)

Stop At: Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve of Andean Fauna, Bolivia
Start the morning off with breakfast, before going to visit the Chiguana Desert, located on the south side of the Uyuni salt flats. It is surrounded by volcanoes, such as the Ollague Volcano (5840m), one that is still active, and that can be seen from the lookout.

Next, we’ll continue along a rocky road - Pasito Tuntun - to the beautiful Andean lagoons, inhabited by 3 species of Andean flamingos. Marvel at three lagoons on the way: ‘Cañapa’ where you’ll spot the first pink flamingos, ‘Hedionda’ where lunch will be served, and ‘Chiarcota’ where you’ll see a wider variety of birds and altiplanic fauna.

We’ll then enter the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, and visit the Desert of Siloli, at 4550m (the highest and driest desert in the world). Make sure you take a photo next to the 'Rock tree', a lava rock formation. Before arriving to your final destination of the day, we will stop at the viewpoint by the Red Lagoon, where you can spot more pink flamingos in their natural habitat, and admire this intense, red-colored lake. Stay the night at a shared family lodging.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Stay the night at a shared family lodging

Day 12: Dali Desert - Green Lagoon – La Paz (B/L)

Stop At: Salvador Dali Desert, Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve Bolivia
Have early breakfast. Later start with a visit to Sol de Mañana Geyser, at 5,000m. You’ll walk alongside fumaroles, and steaming craters filled with boiling pots of mud at 150-200 Cº. Continue to the open air hot springs, and take a bath in 35ºC water.

The first place to visit is the Dali Desert, where Salvador Dali found inspiration for his work from the scattered boulders in the middle of the desert. You’ll then see the Green Lagoon - toxic copper water at the foot of the big Licancabur volcano, which sits at 6000m, a few kilometers from the Bolivia-Chile border.

Finally, you’ll head to La Paz on an overnight bus.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Night bus to La Paz

Day 13: La Paz Free Day (B)

Stop At: La Paz, La Paz, La Paz Department
Upon arrival in La Paz check into your accommodation and enjoy a free day at your leisure to recover from the incredible adventure you’ve just had in one of the most unique natural landscapes in the world. Discover La Paz with your guide, head out to sample Bolivian cuisine, and hang out with your new friends. This evening have dinner (not included) to say goodbye to all your friends that you’ve experienced so much with in the past weeks. Enjoy traditional Bolivian fare, sip some Piscos, and maybe even spend the night on the town after dinner to make the most out of your last night.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in La Paz

Day 14: La Paz Accommodation Check-Out (B)

Stop At: La Paz, La Paz, La Paz Department
All good things must end. Make sure that you exchange contact information with your new friends, you’ll have a lot to reminisce about! Your adventure will end upon after checking out of your accommodation. We wish you a safe journey onward!
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.