G Adventures
Save 20%Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Peru · 51 days · Active
fromCAD 8,919
Next: 02 Aug
Operated by G Adventures
Inca Heartland & Bolivia Discovery
From
Price on request
Duration
31 days
Countries
Bolivia, Peru
Activity
moderate
Group size
Max 16
The adventure
On this 31-day tour of Peru and Bolivia, explore a side of South America that many visit, but few really get to know. Begin with Peru’s desert coast, where the Nazca lines have mystified travellers for eons. Then trek the Andean highlands, awash in rich Incan culture (both past and present), before experiencing the iconic Machu Picchu, where we are the Inca Trail’s largest operator. Reach even greater heights in Bolivia, where the capital of La Paz is one of the highest cities in the world. South of here, the Salar de Uyuni welcome travellers eager to explore one the planet’s starkest, and most mesmerizing, geological formations. On this tour, feel closer to the two countries’ history, nature, and culture in a way that few ever get to experience.
Arrive at any time.
Enjoy a free morning in Lima before travelling by bus to Paracas.
Opt to visit the Ballestas Islands, an excellent chance to view a lively sea lion colony, pelicans, penguins, and other varieties of bird life, before travelling to Nazca. En route, stop at a winery and at the oasis of Huacachina.
Take a guided tour of the Nazca desert cemetery and potter's studio. Opt for a flight over the Nazca Lines before the overnight bus to Arequipa.
Enjoy a free day in Arequipa, the "white city". Opt for a city tour or visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Travel to Chivay, a village near Colca Canyon, for an optional dip in the thermal baths. Continue on to nearby Colca Canyon for the day.
Enjoy time at the canyon in the early morning before heading back to Arequipa for the night.
Fly to Cusco. Choose to pre-book an optional Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour or to explore the city's markets, museums, and plazas.
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.
Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the ruins, before your train back towards Cusco.
Enjoy free time to explore Cusco or relax. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Nature lovers can book an optional adventure to go to the Amazon Jungle for a 3-day/2-night excursion.
Enjoy free time to explore Cusco or relax. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Nature lovers can book an optional adventure to go to the Amazon Jungle for a 3-day/2-night excursion.
Enjoy free time to explore Cusco or relax. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Nature lovers can book an optional adventure to go to the Amazon Jungle for a 3-day/2-night excursion.
Travel day by bus from Cusco to Puno. Spend some time on arrival wandering the small city.
Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village.
Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit the Sillustani burial site.
Travel by bus and cross the border into Bolivia, arriving in La Paz.
Enjoy a free day to explore La Paz. Opt to visit Iglesia de San Francisco, Chacaltaya, the Valley of the Moon, or the Witches' Market.
Spend the morning exploring the city before boarding an afternoon flight to Sucre and explore this beautiful colonial city or opt to go hiking in the surrounding area.
Spend two days exploring all that Sucre has to offer.
Spend two days exploring all that Sucre has to offer.
Journey from Sucre to Potosí. Spend the afternoon exploring the city.
Head south to Uyuni, the starting point for the salt flats excursion.
Enjoy a 3-day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano, with spectacular scenery. Today you will be crossing the varied landscape of the desert, enjoy incredible scenery, including volcanoes and colourful lagoons.
Continue to discover the Salar de Uyuni on a 4x4 excursion. Admire the spectacular scenery while passing red and blue lagoons and interesting rock formations along the route. Spot wild llamas, alpacas and even flamingos deep within the desert. Last stop for the evening is a G Adventures-supported community lodge in a traditional agricultural village in the heart of a desert oasis.
Enjoy a final day of exploring the unique landscapes before boarding an overnight bus back to La Paz. Today you will be heading into the Salar de Uyuni. Our groups like to get creative with photography, as the endless white of the salt flats creates some great depth illusions that are fun to play with in photos.
Enjoy a free day in the capital, walk along the winding streets, shop in the markets and enjoy the nightlife.
Depart at any time.
At a glance
Duration
31 days
Route
Lima → La Paz
Countries
Bolivia, Peru
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Local Living & Homestays, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Max 16
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Bolivia & Peru
Showing Days 1-7
31-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Enjoy a free morning in Lima before travelling by bus to ParacasTake the morning to explore more of Lima before journeying down the coast to Paracas. Walk the town’s lively peatonal (pedestrian avenue) and find a café to sample some Peruvian food such as ceviche or papa a la huancaina (potatoes with a chili cheese sauce). Try your first Pisco Sour cocktail while staying in Paracas, the neighbouring town of Pisco.
LimaTake the morning to explore more of Lima before journeying down the coast to Paracas. Walk the town’s lively peatonal (pedestrian avenue) and find a café to sample some Peruvian food such as ceviche or papa a la huancaina (potatoes with a chili cheese sauce). Try your first Pisco Sour cocktail while staying in Paracas, the neighbouring town of Pisco.
Day 3Opt to visit the Ballestas IslandsLimaThere is time in the morning for an optional excursion to the popular Ballestas Islands, which provide an excellent chance to view a lively sea lion colony, pelicans, penguins, and other varieties of birdlife. Pre-book by adding the Ballestas Islands Wildlife Tour on the checkout page or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance. Catch a bus south to Nazca. On the way, pass by the pleasant colonial town of Ica. Ica enjoys a dry, sunny climate year round and is known for its huge sand dunes. Located near the oasis of Huacachina, the dunes are perfect subjects for photographs and for a favourite local past time: sandboarding. Apart from the dunes, Ica is famous for its wines, and there are several wineries and distilleries in the area.
LimaThere is time in the morning for an optional excursion to the popular Ballestas Islands, which provide an excellent chance to view a lively sea lion colony, pelicans, penguins, and other varieties of birdlife. Pre-book by adding the Ballestas Islands Wildlife Tour on the checkout page or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance. Catch a bus south to Nazca. On the way, pass by the pleasant colonial town of Ica. Ica enjoys a dry, sunny climate year round and is known for its huge sand dunes. Located near the oasis of Huacachina, the dunes are perfect subjects for photographs and for a favourite local past time: sandboarding. Apart from the dunes, Ica is famous for its wines, and there are several wineries and distilleries in the area.
Day 4Take a guided tour of the Nazca desert…Travel south to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. The lines consist of patterns and pictures etched in the ground, crisscrossing a wide area of flat desert. It's difficult to make out the lines from the ground. The best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged. Opt to pre-book your Flight over Nazca Lines on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance. Remains of the Nazca culture are still visible during the included tour of the ancient Pre-Inca desert cemetery site of Chauchilla, with 1500-year-old mummies, bones, and pottery on the desert floor. The tour also includes a visit to an artisan’s workshop, where modern masters create Nazca style pottery. Later, board a night bus to Arequipa.
Travel south to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. The lines consist of patterns and pictures etched in the ground, crisscrossing a wide area of flat desert. It's difficult to make out the lines from the ground. The best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged. Opt to pre-book your Flight over Nazca Lines on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance. Remains of the Nazca culture are still visible during the included tour of the ancient Pre-Inca desert cemetery site of Chauchilla, with 1500-year-old mummies, bones, and pottery on the desert floor. The tour also includes a visit to an artisan’s workshop, where modern masters create Nazca style pottery. Later, board a night bus to Arequipa.
Day 5Enjoy a free day in ArequipaInterested in history and architecture? Opt to visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a bygone way of life. Pre-book by adding the Arequipa City Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery on the checkout page or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance. For spicy food lovers, checking out one of the “Picanterías” is a must. Arequipa holds a variety of regional food — alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces, waiting for you to dig in.
Interested in history and architecture? Opt to visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a bygone way of life. Pre-book by adding the Arequipa City Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery on the checkout page or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance. For spicy food lovers, checking out one of the “Picanterías” is a must. Arequipa holds a variety of regional food — alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces, waiting for you to dig in.
Day 6Travel to ChivayTravel a rough, rutted road through high plains flanked by extensive Inca and pre-Inca terracing that goes on for kilometres, en route to the Colca Canyon — the deepest canyon in the world. Stop at villages and miradors (scenic lookouts), searching for the famous symbol of Peru, the condor.
Travel a rough, rutted road through high plains flanked by extensive Inca and pre-Inca terracing that goes on for kilometres, en route to the Colca Canyon — the deepest canyon in the world. Stop at villages and miradors (scenic lookouts), searching for the famous symbol of Peru, the condor.
Day 7Enjoy time at the canyon in the early…Start early to catch the condors in flight. Travel from Chivay to the condor viewpoint to admire these magnificent birds. On the way back, stop by some local villages and viewpoints to see ancient terraces and different sections of Colca Canyon. Return to Arequipa in the afternoon for one final night in the 'white city'.
Start early to catch the condors in flight. Travel from Chivay to the condor viewpoint to admire these magnificent birds. On the way back, stop by some local villages and viewpoints to see ancient terraces and different sections of Colca Canyon. Return to Arequipa in the afternoon for one final night in the 'white city'.
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