Inca Heartland & Bolivia Discovery

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.

Day 1 Lima
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Lima/Paracas
Enjoy a free morning in Lima before travelling by bus to Paracas.

Day 3 Paracas/Nazca
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.

Day 4 Nazca/Arequipa
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.

Day 5 Arequipa
Enjoy a free day in Arequipa, the "white city". Opt for a city tour or visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery.

Day 6 Arequipa/Colca Canyon
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.

Day 7 Colca Canyon/Arequipa
Enjoy time at the canyon in the early morning before heading back to Arequipa for the night.

Day 8 Arequipa/Cusco
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.

Day 9 Cusco/Ollantaytambo
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).

Day 10 Inca Trail
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.

Day 11 Inca Trail
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.

Day 12 Inca Trail
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).

Day 13 Machu Picchu/Cusco
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.

Day 14 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.

Day 15 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.

Day 16 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.

Day 17 Cusco/Puno
Travel day by bus from Cusco to Puno. Spend some time on arrival wandering the small city.

Day 18 Puno/Lake Titicaca
Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village.

Day 19 Lake Titicaca/Puno
Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit the Sillustani burial site.

Day 20 Puno/La Paz
Travel by bus and cross the border into Bolivia, arriving in La Paz.

Day 21 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.

Day 22 La Paz/Sucre
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.

Day 23 Sucre
Spend two days exploring all that Sucre has to offer.

Day 24 Sucre
Spend two days exploring all that Sucre has to offer.

Day 25 Sucre/Potosí
Journey from Sucre to Potosí. Spend the afternoon exploring the city.

Day 26 Potosí/Uyuni
Head south to Uyuni, the starting point for the salt flats excursion.

Day 27 Uyuni/Salt Flats and Desert Crossing
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.

Day 28 Salt Flats and Desert Crossing
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.

Day 29 Salt Flats and Desert Crossing/Uyuni
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.

Day 30 La Paz
Enjoy a free day in the capital, walk along the winding streets, shop in the markets and enjoy the nightlife.

Day 31 La Paz
Depart at any time.