17-Nights An Epic Journey Through Peru and Bolivia - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

Itinerary Details

1 Arrive Lima, Peru

Founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Lima — “The City of Kings” — is where baroque churches and mansions stand alongside sleek high-rises. From the historic Plaza Mayor to the cliffside parks of Miraflores, the streets bustle while peaceful courtyards offer moments of calm. The air, often scented with jasmine, reflects the contrast of cloudy winters and warm, breezy summers.

From Plaza Mayor, where Lima was founded, proceed to the historic cathedral — an architectural masterpiece — passing the Presidential Palace before continuing to the Santo Domingo Convent. After exploring the historic center, lunch at a local restaurant offers a taste of the city’s culinary scene. Barranco then invites a stroll through its rejuvenated streets.

A flight brings you to Cusco, nestled in the Andes over 7,800 feet above sea level. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, it’s where Inca temples, colonial churches, museums and palaces stand side by side, many built atop ancient Inca foundations. Upon arrival, transfer to the Sacred Valley, pausing for lunch at a family-run farm producing Cusco Giant White corn. Gaining insight into the region's agricultural traditions, sample local country food and the tranquil hacienda setting. The afternoon is free for rest and acclimatization to the high-altitude surroundings.

For an authentic taste of Peru, embark on a llama-led journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, traversing ancestral paths and soaking in stunning views. Visit the Village of the Flowers to learn about local life and honor Mother Earth. After a picnic lunch surrounded by the valley's natural beauty, explore Moray, an archaeological site with concentric agricultural terraces that reach depths of 492 feet.

Depart for Ollantaytambo to explore its ancient fortress and charming town before continuing by train through the scenic Andes toward Machu Picchu. After arriving in Aguas Calientes, a short ride takes you to the iconic ruins, which you privately tour with your own expert.

Begin your day with an early morning exploration of Machu Picchu, its ancient stone terraces shrouded in mist and framed by towering peaks. Returning to Aguas Calientes, board the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train for a scenic journey through the Andes en route to Cusco, complete with a dining car, bar and observatory offering sweeping views.

Your exploration of Cusco begins with a visit to the Cathedral on Plaza de Armas, blending Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque influences. Nearby, Santo Domingo Church — built atop the Koricancha — is dedicated to the Sun God. At the ancient, well-preserved fortress of Sacsayhuaman, massive, precisely cut stones are a testament to Incan engineering. From its vantage point, take in epic views of Cusco’s red-tiled rooftops and the surrounding Andean landscape.

Board your flight to La Paz, set high in a vast basin and surrounded by soaring peaks, including the majestic Illimani. During a half-day city tour of La Paz, wander through the indigenous and colonial areas, exploring the Indian and Witch Doctor’s Markets and taking in breathtaking panoramas.

Fly to Uyuni, a remote town surrounded by the vast Bolivian Altiplano, where the immense Uyuni Salt Flats stretch endlessly into the horizon. The Train Cemetery — a haunting reminder of the area's industrial past – gives way to a salt processing workshop in Colchani. From there, venture into the world’s largest salt flats before heading toward Isla Incawasi, an oasis dotted with giant cacti and fossils.

Today centers on the surreal beauty of the Uyuni Salt Flats, beginning with a drive to Coquesa at the base of Thunupa Volcano. From the crater, sweeping views of the salt flats stretch to the horizon. After exploring the village, hike to the Coquesa Mummies cave, where ancient remains whisper tales of a distant past.

Fly to La Paz and settle into your hotel with time to unwind or explore as you choose.

Departing La Paz, journey to Huatajata on Lake Titicaca’s shores, framed by the Andes. At the Andean Roots Eco Village, see the Altiplano Museum, mud igloos, traditional crafts and the ancient Urus Chipayas mortuary towers. Meet the Limachi family, famous for building reed boats used in historic Atlantic crossings. Cruising by hydrofoil to Moon Island, explore the Incan Temple of the Sun Virgins, and on Sun Island, visit the Inca Grand Stairs and Sacred Fountain, purportedly holding the waters of youth. After strolling through the local handicrafts market at Uma Kollu, cross to Copacabana by hydrofoil, seeing its market, historic shrine and the Dark Virgin before arriving in Puno.

Perched at over 12,500 feet in the Altiplano, Puno is a cultural and natural gem on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The stunning landscapes, vibrant indigenous traditions and rich folklore create a setting steeped in history and spirit. Relax at your hotel or explore the Uros floating islands, where you meet the skilled reed raftsmen and expert weaver women, learning about their remarkable heritage and the ancient techniques.

Fly back to Lima to begin the next leg of your journey.

Fly to Iquitos along the Amazon River, gateway to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Travel overland to the remote village of Nauta, where your luxurious river adventure begins. After settling into your suite, meet your expert naturalist guides before an Amazonian-inspired dinner.

Begin each day at dawn with a birding excursion, spotting vibrantly colored macaws and other exotic species. Explore the Amazon’s diverse wildlife, including amphibians, reptiles and mammals like frogs, iguanas, and spider monkeys. After lunch on board, a local expert delivers an exclusive lecture. In the evening, opt for a night safari by skiff, where your guide illuminates the dark water, revealing glowing caiman eyes and other nocturnal creatures.

Early morning exploration with a local expert reveals rare and vibrant avian species, along with glimpses of frogs, iguanas, bats and an array of insects. High above, spider monkeys swing through the trees, while sloths cling motionless to the branches. Back aboard the vessel, midday brings insight through a talk led by one of the region’s naturalists. As night falls, the river transforms once more —venture out by skiff to witness the jungle as its nocturnal rhythm begins.

Return to Nauta and disembark your vessel. In Iquitos, explore a vibrant local market, rich with the rainforest’s bounty. Continue to the Museum of Indigenous Amazonian Cultures, offering a thoughtful look into the traditions, artistry and resilience of the region’s native communities. Later, board your flight to Lima to connect with your international departure.