Exploring Peru and Bolivia in 13 Days: An Unforgettable Journey

Imagine wandering through the ancient streets of Cusco, gazing up at the majestic ruins of Sacsayhuaman, and then crossing borders to witness the surreal salt flats of Uyuni. For those eager to see the highlights of both countries without the hassle of planning every detail, this 13-day tour package offers a well-organized blend of history, culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes. Priced at around $2,534 per person, it’s a substantial investment, but one that includes nearly everything—from guided tours to accommodations—making it a hassle-free way to experience two of South America’s most captivating destinations.

What we love about this experience is how it balances iconic sights like Machu Picchu and Salar de Uyuni with authentic cultural stops, such as local markets and Inca ruins. Plus, the small group size of only 10 participants ensures you’ll get more personalized attention and a more intimate experience. On the flip side, the itinerary involves quite a bit of travel—buses, flights, and boat trips—which might be tiring if you’re not used to long days on the move. This trip is best suited for travelers who love a mix of adventure and history, and who aren’t adverse to some early mornings and busy schedules.

Key Points

Well-rounded itinerary covers major sights in Peru and Bolivia, blending culture, history, and natural beauty.
Small group size enhances personal attention and a more relaxed experience.
Includes most meals and accommodations, providing good value for a guided multi-country tour.
Highlights include Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, La Paz, and Uyuni Salt Flats.
Transport logistics are well-organized, with flights, buses, and boat trips included.
Active days involve sightseeing, walking, and some optional excursions for extra adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 13-Day Peru & Bolivia Tour

This tour is designed for curious travelers eager to see some of South America’s most iconic destinations without the stress of figuring out logistics alone. It’s priced at $2,534 per person, which covers most meals, accommodations, transportation, and guided excursions. While not cheap, the value lies in the comprehensive nature of the experience—seeing everything from bustling city streets to remote natural wonders.

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Day 1-2: Lima—A Taste of the Capital

Your adventure begins in Lima, Peru’s lively capital. After an arrival transfer, you’ll spend your first day relaxing or exploring. The next morning, a guided tour takes you through Lima’s key attractions: Miraflores, San Isidro, Huaca Pucllana, and the historic Plaza de Armas. The highlight is the guided walk around the city’s colonial core, ending with a visit to the Convent of Santo Domingo. Expect a good overview, perfect to orient yourself and start soaking up Peruvian culture.

What’s special? The combination of modern neighborhoods like Miraflores, with ocean views, and ancient sites like Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Incan pyramid. The guided tour ensures you hit the highlights efficiently, saving you time and effort.

Day 3-4: Cusco and Sacred Valley—Inca Heartland

A morning flight whisks you to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. From there, the tour shifts to the Sacred Valley, where lush landscapes and Inca sites abound. Highlights such as Koricancha Temple, Sacsayhuaman Fortress, and traditional villages like Chinchero offer a glimpse into indigenous life and ancient engineering.

A visit to Pisac and Ollantaytambo is included, with a buffet lunch in Urubamba. This region is where centuries-old traditions still thrive, and the terraced hillsides are a photographer’s dream.

Authentic experiences include wandering through local markets and seeing artisans craft textiles using centuries-old techniques. We loved the way the guides explain the deep significance of these sites, making history feel alive.

Day 5: Machu Picchu—The Crown Jewel

A guided tour of Machu Picchu is the tour’s zenith. You’ll arrive early at Aguas Calientes, then ascend to the citadel, where you’ll walk through intriguing ruins, terraces, and temples. The guide provides context about the Inca civilization, making the experience more meaningful.

After lunch, you return to Cusco. This day is somewhat packed but worth every effort. Seeing Machu Picchu in person is a moving experience—almost impossible to capture in photos alone.

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Day 6: Free Day in Cusco

This day offers flexibility. You might relax, explore more of Cusco’s charming streets, or opt for optional excursions like Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lagoon, both known for their stunning vistas. If you’re into outdoor adventures, this is a good chance to see more of the Andes’ natural beauty.

Tip: The optional hikes are physically demanding but rewarding for those who love challenging scenery.

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Day 7-8: From Cusco to Puno, then to Isla del Sol

A scenic bus journey takes you from Cusco to Puno, with interesting stops along the way, such as Andahuaylillas, La Raxa, and Raqchi. Arriving in Puno, you’ll prepare for the next day’s boat trip.

The boat ride to Isla del Sol in Lake Titicaca is the trip’s cultural highlight. The island, believed to be the birthplace of the Incas, features Inca ruins, traditional villages, and breathtaking lake views. Staying overnight on Isla del Sol allows you to experience rural life and watch the sunrise over the lake—a moment many travelers cherish.

Day 9: Isla del Sol to La Paz

After a sunrise breakfast, explored the Yumani Inca steps and Chincana ruins. Then, you’ll transfer to La Paz, Bolivia. Crossing borders by boat and land, this segment is a seamless way to experience two countries in one trip.

Day 10: La Paz—City of Contrasts

A guided city tour covers La Paz’s highlights: ride the cable car for panoramic views, visit the colorful markets, and experience the famous Witches Market, where you can browse local herbs, amulets, and traditional remedies. The city’s vibrant atmosphere and high-altitude charm make it a favorite stop.

Day 11-12: Uyuni Salt Flats—A Surreal Landscape

Flying from La Paz, you’ll reach Uyuni, known for the world’s largest salt flat. Visiting Train Cemetery, Colchani, and Incahuasi Island (home to giant cacti), you’ll see some of the most unusual landscapes on Earth. The salt flats’ reflective surface creates otherworldly vistas, perfect for photographers.

A bus back to La Paz and a visit to the Tiwanaku ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, round out your Bolivian experience. These ancient stone structures reveal the sophistication of early Andean civilizations.

Day 13: Departure

Your journey concludes with a transfer to La Paz airport. This straightforward end lets you reflect on a trip filled with striking scenery, historic sites, and cultural encounters.

Practical Considerations and Value

While this tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences, it does involve considerable travel time—flights, bus rides, boat trips—which can be tiring. The group size of 10 keeps things intimate, but with so many moving parts, flexibility on your part helps.

The cost of $2,534 covers most essentials: accommodations, guided tours, transportation, and meals. This makes it a good deal if you prefer a guided experience rather than planning every detail yourself. You can expect 12 hotel nights with breakfast, some lunches, and one dinner included, which simplifies budgeting.

Transportation is well-organized, with flights connecting major cities and buses between highland sites. The boat trip to Isla del Sol adds an authentic touch, giving you a break from land-based travel.

What to keep in mind? The itinerary is busy, and some days involve early starts. Also, altitude can be an issue—Cusco and La Paz are high up, so a few days of acclimatization are wise.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip suits adventurous travelers eager to see iconic sites without the hassle of independent planning. It’s ideal for those interested in history, indigenous culture, and stunning landscapes. If you’re comfortable with a packed schedule and some long travel days, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

Families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy guided experiences and want a rundown of Peru and Bolivia will appreciate the mix of city sights, rural culture, and natural wonders.

Final Thoughts

This 13-day Peru & Bolivia tour offers a compelling window into two fascinating countries. From the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu to the surreal expanse of Uyuni Salt Flats, every day brings a new highlight. The guide-led approach ensures you see the best while learning about local customs and history.

The value is clear in the thoughtfully arranged itinerary, including most meals and accommodations, and the small group size adds a personal touch. While it’s a busy trip, the variety of landscapes and cultural experiences makes it an enriching adventure for curious travelers willing to keep pace.

If you’re looking for a trip that balances iconic sights with authentic cultural moments, this tour hits many of the right notes. It’s perfect for travelers prepared for some early mornings and travel days, eager to check off major highlights within two incredible countries.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
Most meals (12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 1 dinner), accommodations in hotels, all guided excursions, and transportation (flights, buses, boat trips) are included.

Are flights between cities arranged?
Yes, the tour includes flights from Lima to Cusco and from La Paz to Uyuni, simplifying your travel logistics.

What kind of accommodations can we expect?
You’ll stay in hotels with breakfast included, offering a comfortable base after busy sightseeing days.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
While most activities involve walking and some altitude, the overall pace is manageable for most travelers in good health. Optional excursions like Rainbow Mountain may be more demanding.

How much free time is there?
Some days, especially in Cusco and La Paz, include free time for exploration or optional activities, allowing you to customize your experience.

What are the main highlights?
Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, La Paz city tour, Uyuni Salt Flats, Lake Titicaca, and Inca ruins are the key sights.

Is the group size small?
Yes, limited to 10 participants, ensuring more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

What should I pack?
Layered clothing for high-altitude visits, good walking shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for flexible travelers.

In sum, this tour offers a balanced, well-organized experience that brings together the best of Peru and Bolivia. Whether you’re captivated by ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, or vibrant markets, this journey promises memories that will stay with you long after you return home.