Adventure 13D in Peru and Bolivia – Machu Picchu |Hotel|

Adventure 13D in Peru and Bolivia – Machu Picchu |Hotel|

Traveling through Peru and Bolivia on this 13-day adventure offers a fantastic balance of iconic sights and authentic experiences. For around $1,780 per person, you’ll visit Machu Picchu, the Uyuni Salt Flat, Rainbow Mountain, and several charming local villages. This tour is perfect if you love history, natural wonders, and a dash of adrenaline, all wrapped up in carefully planned logistics and comfortable accommodations.

What we especially appreciate are how this tour manages to give you a taste of both the well-known highlights and lesser-visited gems — like the Salt Mines of Maras or the tranquil Humantay Lagoon. Plus, the inclusion of local home stays adds an authentic, human touch that many travelers find memorable.

A word of caution: the itinerary is packed and starts quite early on some days — so if you’re not a morning person or prefer a more relaxed pace, this may be a challenge. Also, booking well in advance is essential, particularly for Machu Picchu entry tickets, which can sell out quickly during high season.

This tour suits travelers with a sense of adventure, a good level of fitness for hikes and long bus rides, and a desire to see the best of Peru and Bolivia without the hassle of organizing every detail yourself.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major attractions like Machu Picchu, Salar de Uyuni, Rainbow Mountain, and local villages.
• Authentic experiences including home stays and visits to salt mines and lagoons.
• Varied transportation from trains and buses to 4×4 rides, offering diverse perspectives of the landscape.
• Early mornings and long days are typical, so good planning and stamina help.
• All entrance fees and many meals included, which helps with budgeting.
• Small group sizes (limited to 15 participants) ensure more personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the 13-Day Experience

Starting Point: Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Cusco, the historic hub of the Incas. The first day is dedicated to getting you familiar with the city’s highlights, such as the Temple of the Sun (Qoriacancha) and Sacsaywaman — the impressive fortress built with enormous stones that often leave visitors marveling at Inca engineering. Our guide, whose name I wish I knew, seemed genuinely enthusiastic about sharing stories behind these constructions, making the ruins feel alive rather than just ruins.

We love that the tour includes a visit to Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, giving a well-rounded introduction to Incan architecture and spirituality. Dropping off near Kusipata Square at the end of the day, you can soak in the lively atmosphere and perhaps enjoy a local dinner nearby.

The second day takes us into the Sacred Valley, a lush corridor filled with vibrant markets and ancient ruins. Visiting Pisac and Ollantaytambo offers insight into traditional Peruvian life and Inca craftsmanship. Lunch in Urubamba is a highlight, with hearty, local cuisine. Later that afternoon, we leave Ollantaytambo station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, a journey that’s as scenic as it is efficient.

Machu Picchu: The Crown Jewel

The third day is devoted to Machu Picchu, and this is where the tour truly shines. Waking early for breakfast and then traveling by bus up the mountain, you get your first glimpse of this iconic site. The guided tour, lasting about 2.5 hours, is detailed enough to bring the stones and terraces to life, without feeling rushed.

We loved the way the guide explained the significance of specific structures and the craftsmanship involved. It’s worth noting that entrance tickets must be booked in advance — something to plan for — and the tour advises checking availability ahead of your booking date. After exploring, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before catching the train back to Cusco, completing an unforgettable day.

From Cusco to Salt Flats and Lagoon Adventures

The fourth day takes us out of the city and into the marvels of Maras and Moray. The salt mines of Maras, with their thousands of tiny salt pools framed against the mountains, offer a fascinating look at traditional salt extraction. Visiting the agricultural terraces of Moray, often compared to a giant Inca farm experiment, provides a striking contrast in landscape and purpose.

This day is a good example of how this tour balances archaeological sites with natural beauty. Returning to Cusco by mid-afternoon, you’ll have a chance to rest or explore some local markets.

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High-altitude Hikes: Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain

Days five and six are physically demanding but incredibly rewarding. Humantay Lagoon involves a two-hour hike starting early in the morning, climbing through stunning scenery to reach the vivid turquoise waters set against towering mountains. Our guide’s advice to pace ourselves and take plenty of photos was spot-on.

The next day, we tackled Rainbow Mountain, often called “the painted peak.” The 2-hour hike is challenging but doable with proper acclimatization — and the views are absolutely worth it. The tour includes a buffet lunch, which is a thoughtful touch after the exertion. Both hikes are highlights for nature lovers and those craving a physically active experience.

The overnight in Puno after Rainbow Mountain is a logistical necessity, but it’s nice to experience a different city and prepare for the Bolivian leg of the journey.

Exploring Lake Titicaca and the Islands

From Puno, the tour shifts to the Uros floating islands and Amantani, where we stayed in a local family’s home. The boat ride offers spectacular views of Lake Titicaca, and visiting the Uros people gives a glimpse into a unique way of life on floating reed islands.

Overnight in Amantani is authentic and simple, with a home-cooked dinner and the chance to experience local hospitality. The next day, we traveled to Taquile Island, known for its weaving traditions, and enjoyed a traditional lunch before returning to Puno in the late afternoon.

Crossing Borders: From Peru to Bolivia

Day nine marks a significant change — we leave Puno in the morning and head to La Paz, Bolivia. The journey includes bus rides that offer glimpses of the changing landscapes and an overnight sleeper bus to Uyuni. The logistics, including bus transfers and border crossings, are handled smoothly, allowing us to focus on the scenery.

The Salar de Uyuni and Salt Flats

The following days are a highlight of the trip: exploring the Uyuni Salt Flat with a private 4×4. The train cemetery and the salt hotel are unique photo ops, and the visit to Lago Colorada and Ollague Volcano reveals otherworldly landscapes.

Our guide in Uyuni was Spanish-speaking only, which might be a consideration for non-Spanish speakers, but the scenery speaks for itself. Visiting fumaroles and Polques hot springs adds geothermal drama to the adventure, with warm-up spots amid the cold desert.

Final Days in Bolivia

The last days involve more volcanic lagoons and geothermal activity, culminating in a scenic return to La Paz. The transfer to La Paz airport wraps up this well-rounded journey, giving travelers a chance to reflect on the diverse landscapes, cultural encounters, and physical achievements.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This 13-day tour provides a fantastic blend of cultural history, natural wonders, and active excursions. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy early mornings, long travel days, and a variety of transport modes. The inclusion of local home stays and authentic meals makes it particularly appealing for those wanting to connect beyond the typical tourist trail.

If you’re ready for a physically active trip with some altitude challenges, and keen to explore both famous sites and hidden gems, this tour offers excellent value. Just be prepared for the pace and book your Machu Picchu tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-structured way to see some of the most breathtaking sights in Peru and Bolivia without the stress of planning every detail. The combination of cultural landmarks, natural marvels, and adventurous activities makes it a memorable option for curious travelers who want to experience the Andes in depth.

The price of $1,780 might seem steep for some, but when you break down what’s included — transportation, guides, entrance fees, some meals, and authentic stays — it’s a fair deal for a comprehensive adventure. The small group size ensures you’ll get personalized attention, making the experience more intimate and engaging.

If you’re up for a trip that mixes history, nature, and adventure, and don’t mind some early mornings, this tour could be just what you need.

FAQ

Is booking in advance necessary?
Yes, especially for Machu Picchu entrance tickets, which require booking months ahead to ensure availability during your preferred dates.

What kind of transportation is included?
The tour features a variety of transport, including a round-trip tourist train, buses, private 4×4 during the Uyuni salt flat excursion, and local boats for island visits.

Are meals included?
Most breakfasts and several lunches are included, as well as some dinners. Specific meals like lunch at Machu Picchu and buffet lunches in Sacred Valley are covered, but extra food not mentioned is at your own expense.

How strenuous are the hikes?
The hikes to Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain are physically demanding due to altitude and elevation changes. Good fitness and acclimatization are recommended.

Is there a minimum age or fitness requirement?
While not explicitly stated, the active nature of hikes and early mornings suggests it’s better suited for physically capable travelers, particularly those comfortable at high altitudes.

Are small group tours more intimate?
Yes, with a limit of 15 participants, you’ll likely experience a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere compared to larger group tours.

What languages are guides available in?
The tour features guides speaking Spanish and English, with the Uyuni guide being Spanish-only, which may be worth noting if language is a concern.

This 13-day adventure offers an enriching and diverse experience through some of South America’s most stunning landscapes and monuments. It’s a trip for explorers eager to see the highlights and dive into local culture, with enough flexibility and comfort to keep you engaged and comfortable throughout.

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