9D Cuz-Sacred Valley-Machu Picchu-Lake Titicaca-La Paz-Uyuni

Discover the Heart of the Andes in 9 Days

Imagine a journey that takes you from the ancient stones of Machu Picchu to the surreal expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats, all in just over a week. This 9-day tour, offered by Exploor Trip E.R.L, packs in some of South America’s most iconic sights at a price of $1,443 per person. You’ll explore Cusco, wander through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stand on Lake Titicaca’s floating Uros Islands, and cross the border into Bolivia for La Paz, ending with the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances the rich cultural heritage with spectacular landscapes. The guided visits to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are thoughtfully paced, giving you time not just to see but to appreciate the history and beauty. Plus, the trip includes full transportation, entrance fees, and local guides, which really helps keep things straightforward and stress-free.

One thing to consider: the itinerary involves quite a bit of travel—bus rides and train journeys—so if you prefer a slower pace or more time at each site, this might feel a bit whirlwind. However, if you’re eager to check off major highlights on your bucket list and enjoy a well-organized, cost-effective adventure, this tour is a fantastic fit.

This experience is perfect for travelers with a sense of adventure who want to maximize their time exploring each region’s highlights, without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Visits to Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, and Uyuni Salt Flats.
• All-inclusive: Transportation, entrance fees, guided tours, and some meals covered.
• Authentic experiences: Guided visits with local guides, opportunities for photos and cultural insight.
• Group size: Limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Travel convenience: All logistics handled, including train, bus, and transfers.
• Active schedule: Expect early mornings and full days, perfect for eager explorers.

Exploring the Classic Routes: From Cusco to Uyuni

The tour kicks off in Cusco, the historic heart of the Incan Empire. Your guide, likely someone like “Maria” (if previous travelers are to be trusted), will pick you up for a city tour that introduces you to the vibrant streets and colonial architecture. Cusco’s charm partly lies in its lively markets and the blend of Spanish and Incan influences, giving you a taste of local life amidst historical marvels.

Next, a full-day tour of the Sacred Valley offers insight into the Inca civilization’s ingenuity. The valley’s terraced hillsides and traditional villages bring history to life. Here, a buffet lunch provides fuel for the afternoon train trip from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu. This train ride on the Expedition Peru Rail is smooth and scenic, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Day 3 is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu. The guided tour helps you understand the site’s purpose and engineering marvels, but the real highlight is the optional ascent to Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain—a must-do for keen photographers and hikers. These hikes offer unparalleled views but require advanced booking and an additional fee, so plan ahead. Keep in mind, climbing these peaks is strenuous, and the entrance costs $65, which isn’t included in the tour price.

The following day, you’ll transfer from Cusco to Puno by guided tourist bus, offering a window into the highland regions and local life along the way. In Puno, the highlight is the Lake Titicaca tour, where you’ll visit the Uros floating islands—made of totora reeds—and the traditional community of Taquile. These visits are both scenic and culturally illuminating, with the floating islands offering excellent photo ops and a glimpse into unique local customs.

Crossing into Bolivia on Day 6, you’ll head to La Paz, a city famed for its dramatic setting and vibrant markets. The city tour introduces you to highlights like Plaza Murillo and the bustling markets, while the Valley of the Moon walk offers a surreal landscape reminiscent of a lunar surface—an Instagram favorite and a reminder of Bolivia’s volcanic past.

The journey intensifies as you board a night bus to Uyuni, arriving early on Day 8 for a full-day tour of the Salt Flats. You’ll visit the Train Cemetery, the Salt Hotel, and Incahuasi Island with its giant cacti. The flats are an otherworldly landscape of endless white, broken only by jagged islands and vibrant reflections—this is the highlight for many travelers.

After the Salt Flats tour, you’ll spend another night on the bus, returning to La Paz the next day, where your adventure concludes with transfers to the airport.

The Value of This Tour

At $1,443, this 9-day package offers remarkable value considering that it includes most major entrance fees, transportation, and guided tours. The logistical planning is handled for you, freeing you to focus on the experience. It’s a cost-effective way to cover a lot of ground without the stress of booking each leg separately or navigating complicated public transport on your own.

The inclusion of local guides at each site enriches the experience, providing insights that you’d likely miss exploring independently. Plus, the small group size limits the crowd effect, making it easier to connect with your fellow travelers and ask questions.

However, the schedule is quite packed, with early mornings and full days. If your ideal trip involves more leisure time or in-depth exploration, this might feel rushed. Also, some optional activities, like the Huaynapicchu hike, require additional planning and cost.

Overall, if you’re looking for a well-organized, comprehensive journey that hits all the must-see spots in Peru and Bolivia, this tour offers a fantastic blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Cusco

Upon arrival, your transfer will whisk you to your hotel. In the afternoon, a city tour introduces the historic core of Cusco, with its blend of Inca and colonial architecture. Walking through cobblestone streets, you’ll see the impressive Qorikancha temple and the bustling San Pedro Market. This primer sets the tone for the adventure ahead, highlighting the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2: Sacred Valley & Train to Machu Picchu

The Sacred Valley tour takes you through scenic villages like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, where Incan ruins dot the landscape and local markets burst with color. After a buffet lunch, you’ll board the Peru Rail Expedition train at Ollantaytambo, a comfortable and scenic ride that transports you into the heart of the Andes. You’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes, where your hotel provides a restful night after a long day.

Day 3: Machu Picchu & Optional Mountain Climb

The highlight of the trip is undoubtedly Machu Picchu. Early morning bus ride to the site, with a guided tour that explains the stonework, terraces, and purpose of this mysterious citadel. If you’re feeling adventurous and have pre-reserved a permit, you can hike up Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views. Remember, these hikes are physically demanding and cost an extra $65.

Day 4: Cusco to Puno

Traveling by guided tourist bus, you’ll cross high Andean terrain, passing traditional villages and scenic landscapes. The journey offers ample photo opportunities and a chance to learn about regional customs. Arriving in Puno, you’ll settle into your hotel, preparing for the lake excursion.

Day 5: Lake Titicaca – Uros & Taquile

Lake Titicaca’s floating Uros Islands are a marvel, made of reeds that form both land and boats. You’ll meet local inhabitants, hear their stories, and see their handcrafted boats. Later, a visit to Taquile Island reveals a community that preserves traditional weaving and social practices. This day blends stunning scenery with authentic cultural exchanges.

Day 6: Puno to La Paz

A straightforward bus trip takes you into Bolivia and to La Paz. The city, set in a bowl-shaped valley, offers striking views of surrounding mountains and a lively street scene. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore or relax.

Day 7: City Tour & Valley of the Moon

The La Paz city tour covers highlights like the historic Plaza Murillo and vibrant markets. For a surreal experience, you’ll visit the Valley of the Moon, a landscape carved by erosion that looks otherworldly. In the afternoon, your bus journey continues to Uyuni, where you’ll spend the night on the bus, moving seamlessly between Bolivia and Peru.

Day 8: Salar de Uyuni

The full-day Salt Flats tour is the tour’s crown jewel. Visiting the Train Cemetery and Salt Hotel, then heading out to Incahuasi Island, you’ll be surrounded by endless white salt and giant cacti. The reflections and natural formations make for memorable photos. This landscape is unlike anything else in the world.

Day 9: Return and Farewell

Arriving back in La Paz, your trip concludes with transfers to the airport. You leave with a deep appreciation for the varied landscapes, ancient sites, and vibrant cultures of the Andes.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to see the highlights of Peru and Bolivia without the fuss of independent planning. It suits those comfortable with a busy schedule, early mornings, and long travel days, but who value expert guides and organized logistics. If your goal is a comprehensive snapshot of this region’s most famous sights, with a good balance of culture and scenery, this is a smart choice.

Travelers who love photography, exploration of historic ruins, and experiencing local traditions will find plenty to love. However, if you prefer a slow-paced vacation or want more time at each site, you might find this itinerary a bit tight.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Peru and Bolivia?
Yes, it introduces the major highlights in a well-organized way, making it manageable even for first-timers.

Are the transportation arrangements comfortable?
The trip includes all transfers, train tickets, and bus rides, with transportation within the package arranged for convenience and efficiency.

What’s included in the price?
All transfers, transportation, entrance fees, guide services, and some meals are covered, making it easier to budget.

Do I need to book the optional hikes in advance?
Yes, especially for Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, as permits are limited and require pre-booking with an additional fee.

How is the group size?
Limited to 15 participants, the small group size fosters a more intimate experience and easier interactions with guides.

Are meals included?
Breakfasts are included daily, along with some lunches—such as the buffet in the Sacred Valley and meals on the Lake Titicaca tour and in Uyuni.

Can vegetarians or specific dietary needs be accommodated?
The tour mentions included meals but does not specify dietary accommodations. It’s best to communicate special needs in advance.

What is the level of physical activity?
Expect early mornings and walking at sites like Machu Picchu and the Salt Flats. The optional hikes are physically demanding, so consider your fitness level.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
The itinerary involves uneven terrain, bus rides, and walking stairs at sites, which may be challenging for mobility-impaired travelers.

What should I pack?
Layers for variable weather, good walking shoes, sun protection, a hat, and a camera are essentials. Also, bring some Bolivian and Peruvian soles for small purchases.

This 9-day circuit offers a well-rounded, practical way to experience the highlights of Peru and Bolivia. Its mix of culture, history, and scenery promises moments you’ll cherish while keeping logistics straightforward. Whether you’re after iconic ruins, floating islands, or the endless salt flats, this tour delivers a packed adventure in a manageable package for curious explorers.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby