Peru & Bolivia

21 days - from $2535

This 21-day trip encompasses two of South America’s most colourful countries. Our adventure begins in Lima from where we take a short flight over the mountains to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. We explore this wonderful city before heading off along the Inca Trail to the amazing ruins at Machu Picchu. Further on we come to Lake Titicaca, where we stay with a local Indian family before continuing on to Bolivia – one of the highest and most isolated of the Latin American republics. From La Paz we head south by bus and train across the Altiplano and around the edge of Lake Poopo to the strange salt desert of Uyuni. Next, we explore the town of Potosi and the surrounding mountains that once contained the richest silver mines in the New World. The judicial capital of Bolivia is Sucre, where we have time to discover its colonial charms before returning to La Paz, where our journey ends.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage-listed colonial city of Sucre
• Eat llama in La Paz
• Eat Cuy in Cusco
• Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca
• Uyuni Salt Desert's caves and cacti
• La Paz - the world's highest 'unofficial' capital city
• The potions of 'Witches’ Market'
• Puno - a town four kilometres above sea-level
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient Inca capital of Cusco
• The 'Lost City of the Incas' - UNESCO World Heritage-listed Machu Picchu
• Warminwanusca - 'Dead Woman’s Pass' on the Inca Trail
• Swig Inca Kola
• The floating reed islands of the Uros people on the highest navigable lake in the world - Lake Titicaca
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of the Peruvian capital Lima
• The perfect pisco sour?

Itinerary:

Day 1: Lima2: Lima3-4: Cusco5-8: Important Note5: Inca Trail to Yuncachimpa (13km)6: Inca Trail to Pacaymayo (11 km)7: Inca Trail to Winaywayna (15 km)8: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (5 km) - Cusco9: Cusco10: Cusco - Puno11: Lake Titicaca (Amantani Island Homestay)12: Puno13: Puno - Copacabana - La Paz14: La Paz15-16: Uyuni (Great Salt Desert)17-18: Potosi19-20: Sucre21: La Paz

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

An experienced local tour guide in Peru and Bolivia, and there will be the services of local guides at some sites. All transportation, accommodation, sightseeing and meals as indicated.

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.