Bolivia to Peru: Lakes, Salt Flats & Machu Picchu


From AUD $4919 Was AUD $6149
Small Group
Demanding
Rating
(3 reviews)

Bolivia to Peru: Lakes, Salt Flats & Machu Picchu
25 days
Small Group
Budget
Demanding
English
Experience Overview
Combine two of South America’s must-see countries on a 25-day adventure through Bolivia and Peru.
Combine two of South America’s must-see countries on a 25-day adventure through Bolivia and Peru. From the bustling market-filled streets of La Paz to Incan culture high in the Andes, embrace cultures past and present, and interact with locals from the region’s communities that few rarely get to know. Plus, conquer the Lares Trek and experience the stunning views of majestic Machu Picchu. As the region’s largest operator, we run our own treks, which ensures the fair treatment of our porters, quality food, service, and equipment. With an included three-day exploration of the Uyuni Salt Flats, this tour packs an authentic experience away from the tourist track.
Highlights
- Explore the winding streets and markets of La Paz
- Experience the Salar de Uyuni and high mountain wilderness by 4x4
- Immerse yourself in the colonial cities and historic cultures of Bolivia and Peru
- Hike the Lares trek
- Discover Machu Picchu with a local expert
- Explore the pre-Incan ruins of Tiahuanaco
- Witness life on Lake Titicaca
- Haggle at Sacred Valley markets
Trip Details
25 days
Public bus, plane, train, boat, ferry, hiking, 4x4 vehicle.
Small Group
English
La Paz, Bolivia
Lima, Peru
Budget
Classic
Demanding
Itinerary
Day 1: La Paz
There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting.
Day 2: La Paz/Sucre
Day 3: Sucre
Day 4: Sucre
Day 5: Sucre/Potosí
Day 6: Potosí/Uyuni
Day 7: Uyuni/Salt Flats
Travel through the Bolivian landscape to the town of Uyuni. Despite its isolation and challenging climate (cold and blustery most of the year), the town of Uyuni has earned the nickname of Hija Predilecta de Bolivia (Bolivia's Favourite Daughter).
It is also the starting point for our 2-night excursion through the spectacular Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats) in 4x4 vehicles.
Settle in to your G Adventures-supported community salt-brick bungalow, complete with salt floors and furniture, after a guided walking tour up to the sacred Jukil mountaintop for sweeping valley views and a dinner of local ingredients prepared by ladies from the community.
Day 8: Salt Flats
Day 9: Salt Flats/La Paz
Day 10: La Paz
Spend the day exploring and shopping in the many markets of the city -- it is an especially good place to buy textiles and leatherwork. Visit the Witches' Market or take one of the several optional excursions available.
Day 11: La Paz
Day 12: La Paz
Little is known about the Tiahuanaco people who constructed the great ceremonial centre on the southern shore of Lake Titicaca over 1000 years ago. Spend most of the day visiting these mysterious ruins—a cradle of Incan civilization—before returning to La Paz.
Day 13: La Paz/Puno
Peru is made up of three main geographical areas: the Andes, the Amazon, and the desert coastal area.
Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on a full day of travel from La Paz, around Lake Titicaca, and on to Puno.
Day 14: Puno/Lake Titicaca
Head out by boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit the community on the Taquile Islands and stop at a restaurant and enjoy a local lunch with spectacular views.
After, cruise to the another village (this can vary based on community availability) for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake. This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and to participate in local traditions. Eat with the family, pick up some Quecha and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village.
Day 15: Lake Titicaca/Puno
Leave the homestay families late in the morning and visit the Uros Islands on the way back to Puno. A popular optional activity in Puno is a visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site only a short drive away.
Opt to pre-book the Lake Titicaca Kayaking on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Day 16: Puno/Cusco
The bus trip from Puno to Cusco takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery en route as you travel through the high Altiplano region. Check out a bit of Cusco, find a spot for dinner, or get prepared to head into the Sacred Valley.
Day 17: Cusco
While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. It forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. There are several good museums in Cusco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum, and the Religious Art Museum.
Opt to visit and hike the famed Rainbow Mountain, pre-book on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Day 18: Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.
Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.
Day 19: Lares Trek
The Lares Trek is a scenic, less touristic route to hike through the Andes. It is one day shorter than the Inca Trail but higher in elevation. Enjoy G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products for use on the Lares Trek.
Day 20: Lares Trek
Day 21: Lares Trek/Aguas Calientes
Day 22: Machu Picchu/Cusco
Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit to the ruins, then head back down by bus to Aguas Calientes to meet up with the rest of the group. Take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo to meet the van for the ride back to Cusco.
Day 23: Cusco
Day 24: Cusco/Lima
Take a short flight to the coast and the capital city of Lima. This vibrant city has a fantastic main square, tons of shopping, and incredible eating. Opt to join the group for one final evening out.
Day 25: Lima
- Flights to and from origin and destinations
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
- Recommended gratuities/tipping
- Optional activities/tours
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.
You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.
Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.
If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).
If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.
Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.
- It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
- Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
- Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
From
AUD $6149
Duration: 25 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Demanding
Combine two of South America’s must-see countries on a 25-day adventure through Bolivia and Peru.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 09 Jan 2026
Customer Reviews
05/26/2024
If there were more stars to give, we would give them. My wife and I were on the 30 day Absolute Peru tour and had a fantastic time. The group were great and the guides fantastic. We were lucky enough to have Elmer as the main guide, but in training were Edward and Joseph, who later went on the look after their own group, who would have been lucky to have them. The tour was very well organised and Elmer made sure we knew exactly where to be and when, what to wear, what to bring and what to expect. He also catered to some strange requests with efficiency and diligence, which was greatly appreciated. Thank you to Elmer, Edward, Joseph and everyone behind the scenes at Tourradar for a wonderful experience we will remember for the rest of our lives.
05/24/2024
Itinerary: Overall Good. You will do many varied things on this tour. But you will completely miss Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo. Two of the most important archeological sites in Peru. They will not bring you to those sights because there is an admission fee. They will instead bring you to free sites like Big White Jesus statue and the granaries of Ollantaytambo. Which is extremely lacking. They will also make you spend an entire day at their sponsored co-ops where they produce very overpriced goods. Complete waste of a day that you paid for. Tipping: There is a persistent request for tips. This makes one think that G adventures does not pay their workers a fair wage or asks them to expect less in hopes of making it up in tips. I don't mind in tipping hard working individuals like the porters on the Inca trail that go above and beyond, but when its always expected on small day trips, it gets tiring. Do not Pre-pay in advance for day tours Never pre-pay for a day tour too far in advance. Decide the day before. I pre-paid for the Rainbow mountain hike after the Inca trail. Big mistake. You may not feel like wanting to go on another long hike after the Inca trail. And there's no refunds. Looking back, I would have stayed in Cusco and relaxed for the day. Meals Some meals are included and some are not. The ones that are not are opportunities for the guide to introduce you to something new while getting a commission. You're free to go somewhere else but with peer pressure, you may find it hard when the entire group is going somewhere. Figure out where and what you want to eat and let the others get fleeced. Hotels They will be 1-2 stars. Bathrooms and beds are clean but the room itself seems poorly constructed. Would I go again? Yes, but I would pay attention to the things that make it a lesser experience. Figure out what's important to me and deviate from their agenda that makes it a lesser experience when possible.
Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
05/26/2024
If there were more stars to give, we would give them. My wife and I were on the 30 day Absolute Peru tour and had a fantastic time. The group were great and the guides fantastic. We were lucky enough to have Elmer as the main guide, but in training were Edward and Joseph, who later went on the look after their own group, who would have been lucky to have them. The tour was very well organised and Elmer made sure we knew exactly where to be and when, what to wear, what to bring and what to expect. He also catered to some strange requests with efficiency and diligence, which was greatly appreciated. Thank you to Elmer, Edward, Joseph and everyone behind the scenes at Tourradar for a wonderful experience we will remember for the rest of our lives.
05/24/2024
Itinerary: Overall Good. You will do many varied things on this tour. But you will completely miss Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo. Two of the most important archeological sites in Peru. They will not bring you to those sights because there is an admission fee. They will instead bring you to free sites like Big White Jesus statue and the granaries of Ollantaytambo. Which is extremely lacking. They will also make you spend an entire day at their sponsored co-ops where they produce very overpriced goods. Complete waste of a day that you paid for. Tipping: There is a persistent request for tips. This makes one think that G adventures does not pay their workers a fair wage or asks them to expect less in hopes of making it up in tips. I don't mind in tipping hard working individuals like the porters on the Inca trail that go above and beyond, but when its always expected on small day trips, it gets tiring. Do not Pre-pay in advance for day tours Never pre-pay for a day tour too far in advance. Decide the day before. I pre-paid for the Rainbow mountain hike after the Inca trail. Big mistake. You may not feel like wanting to go on another long hike after the Inca trail. And there's no refunds. Looking back, I would have stayed in Cusco and relaxed for the day. Meals Some meals are included and some are not. The ones that are not are opportunities for the guide to introduce you to something new while getting a commission. You're free to go somewhere else but with peer pressure, you may find it hard when the entire group is going somewhere. Figure out where and what you want to eat and let the others get fleeced. Hotels They will be 1-2 stars. Bathrooms and beds are clean but the room itself seems poorly constructed. Would I go again? Yes, but I would pay attention to the things that make it a lesser experience. Figure out what's important to me and deviate from their agenda that makes it a lesser experience when possible.
04/06/2024
An amazing but very full on adventure. From day one, right through to the end it was very eventful, busy, challenging but most of all extremely rewarding. We had no expectations we we began the tour but our expectations were exceeded. We were blessed with mostly great weather, amazing scenery, fabulous fellow travellers and fantastic and very supportive guides.

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