Individual Trip: Peru – Bolivia… Journey to the Souls of the Andes, 11 days

Day 1: Athens – Lima

Departure from Athens via a European transit station, continuing to Lima with arrival the following day.

Day 2: Lima – City Visit

Transfer from the airport to the city center to begin our visit through the streets of Lima’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring fascinating historic buildings. We will start with a visit to Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted in 1535 by lead conqueror Francisco Pizarro to Jeronimo de Aliaga, one of his captains. This is the only house from that era that has remained in the same family to this day.
We will continue with a scenic tour of the city’s colonial center, which begins and extends from the main square. Here, we will admire the majestic architecture of the Spanish Empire and be impressed by the Lima Cathedral, built in the 16th century, which took more than 80 years to complete. We will conclude with the Larco Museum, located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district and housed in a beautifully renovated mansion built over a pre-Columbian pyramid. The museum boasts the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts in the world, as well as works of erotic art. Transfer to our hotel for overnight stay.
In the evening, you can optionally attend the Magic Water Circuit extravaganza, the world’s largest electronic fountain complex, certified by the Guinness World Record.
A wonderful show of water, light, music, and images presented in the famous Parque de la Reserva, one of the most beautiful parks in the city of Lima, which concludes with a “Creole” style buffet dinner and a traditional performance.

Day 3: Lima – Cusco – City Visit and Archaeological Sites

After breakfast, transfer to Lima airport for our flight to Cusco. Upon arrival and transfer, we will enjoy a guided tour of the former capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins with a visit to the Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-Baroque complex built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to sun worship, and its foundations are still visible at the base of the monastery. Ancient tradition says the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Next, we will visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument in the Main Square. Moving to the hills above Cusco, we will visit the ruins of the Sacsayhuaman fortress, whose impressive bastions offer stunning panoramic views of Cusco, and the ruins of the Qenqo temple and amphitheater, where it is believed the Incas practiced agricultural religious ceremonies. This is followed by a visit to the impressive Puka Pukara red fortress with its striking towers, streets, and squares. After the tour, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 4: Cusco Sacred Valley – Chinchero, Ollantaytambo and the Yucay Living Museum

After breakfast, departure from the hotel to visit the town of Chinchero, a traditional urban center of Cusco located at a high elevation with beautiful views of the valley. The inhabitants of this region maintain the technical traditions and ancestral knowledge of the Incas, reflected in their clothing and customs. Chinchero also features archaeological ruins and a beautiful 17th-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. We will then transfer to the Yucay Living Museum, a vibrant center of Andean traditions with demonstrations of textile production, ceramic art, and silverware, following the techniques used by their ancestors. In the wider museum area, there are also llamas, sheep, and alpacas that visitors can feed!
Next is a visit to the town of Ollantaytambo, which has been continuously inhabited since the time of the Incas. Lunch at a local restaurant with local Andean cuisine, and then we will visit the iconic fortress built into the side of the mountain. Overnight stay at our hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 5: Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

After breakfast, transfer to Ollantaytambo railway station where we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu, arriving after a romantic journey through the impressive Andean landscapes. Upon arrival, we board a bus for a 25-minute ride to reach the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. The city is believed to have been built in 1450 by the Inca Emperor Pachacuti as a holiday retreat, but within a century, the city was abandoned following the Spanish conquest. The Spanish never found it, so it escaped the destruction brought to other Inca sites because the dense jungle vegetation gradually covered it. During the guided tour, we will learn about the origins of this impressive citadel and see the most remarkable monuments, including the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, and the Sacred Sun. We then return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at Café Inkaterra, featuring stunning views of the Vilcanota River. The restaurant is known for its unique combination of Andean gastronomy with modern culinary trends, offering a fusion-style meal with a distinct flavor. Afterwards, return to Cusco and overnight stay.
Important note: Remember to confirm your booking as soon as possible so we can proceed with the advance purchase of tickets, due to the limited number of visitors allowed in the Citadel. The specific visit schedule for Machu Picchu and the time will be chosen based on availability at the time of booking confirmation.

Day 6: Cusco – Puno

Breakfast and boarding the bus that will take us from Cusco to Puno, crossing one of the most impressive routes in the Andes. During the journey, we have the opportunity to enjoy enchanting landscapes with mountains, valleys, and traditional settlements.
The first stop is at Andahuaylillas, a picturesque town located about 40 kilometers from Cusco. There, we will visit the impressive colonial church of Saint Peter, famous for its rich interior decoration with frescoes and artworks. Due to its exceptional decoration, it is often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.”
The journey then continues to Raqchi, an important Inca archaeological site. There, we will see the majestic Temple of Wiracocha, dedicated to one of the most important Inca gods. This rectangular structure stands out for its size and architecture, while on-site we can see storehouses, residences, and other ruins that bear witness to the organization of the ancient city.
Next is a stop in Sicuani, where we will enjoy a relaxing lunch. The area is known for its local cuisine and is an ideal spot for rest before continuing the route.
After lunch, a short stop is made at La Raya. Afterwards, we will take photos at the “Abra La Raya” point, which at an altitude of 4,338 meters forms the border between the provinces of Puno and Cusco. There, we will admire the impressive views of the Andes, take photos, and meet locals who often sell traditional textiles and handicrafts.
The final stop before our destination is in the town of Pucara, one of the oldest civilizations in the Lake Titicaca region. This city flourished between 100 and 200 AD and is considered the first significant urban center of the region.
Finally, the journey concludes with our arrival in Puno, a city built on the shores of Lake Titicaca, known for its cultural wealth and traditions. Check-in at the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 7: Puno – “Floating Islands” Uros & Taquile

After breakfast, our day begins early with a boat trip on Lake Titicaca, which covers 8,372 square kilometers and is considered the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world. During our boat ride, we will have the chance to enjoy the vast views of the lake and learn more about the history and significance of the region.
Our first stop is the famous “floating islands” of Uros, a complex of man-made islands constructed entirely from totora reeds. These reeds, which grow naturally in the lake, are used not only to create the islands but also to build houses, boats, and other everyday objects. The inhabitants, known as the Uros people, maintain a traditional way of life to this day and will welcome us warmly, explaining how their islands are built and maintained, and what their daily life is like in this unique environment.
After visiting the Uros Islands, we continue our journey to Taquile Island, a trip of about an hour and a half. Taquile is known for its deep-rooted cultural tradition and the unique lifestyle of its residents, which is based on community and respect for nature. The island has been recognized for its cultural value, while its residents are famous for their weaving art.
Arriving on the island, we will walk through picturesque paths with wonderful views of the lake and attend an informative presentation about the history, customs, and traditions of the place. We will then enjoy a traditional lunch with local flavors in an authentic environment that reflects the simplicity and hospitality of the residents.
Return to our hotel in Puno for the overnight stay, filled with images and experiences from one of South America’s most special destinations.

Day 8: Puno – Sanctuary of Copacabana – La Paz

Breakfast and we set off by road for the Peru-Bolivia border, with our first stop at the Sanctuary of Copacabana. We will take a tour of the country’s main pilgrimage center, including the Basilica, which houses the Dark Virgin of Copacabana, the patroness of Bolivia. We will learn about the religious significance of the site and observe the local customs still practiced by the faithful and pilgrims.
Next, we will board a catamaran for Sun Island, known as the birthplace of the Inca Empire. This island, steeped in myth and history, hosts unique archaeological monuments. During the tour, we will visit the Inca Garden, the Inca Stairs, and the Inca Fountain, sites that highlight the architecture and spiritual life of the Inca Empire.
The program continues at the Inti Wata Cultural Complex, Bolivia’s most important private tourist attraction, accessible only by catamaran. The complex includes several exhibits.
During our return to Copacabana, we will have lunch on the catamaran, giving us the opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. The journey concludes in La Paz. Check-in at the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 9: La Paz – Uyuni – Uyuni Salt Flat

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for our domestic flight to Uyuni. Upon arrival, our tour begins at the famous vast Uyuni Salt Flat (Salar de Uyuni), one of Bolivia’s most impressive natural sites. With a salt-crusted surface covering 10,500 sq. km., it was formed millions of years ago when the Andes mountain range rose due to tectonic shifts in the Pacific region, trapping a portion of the sea within it.
We will start with the village of Colchani, known for traditional salt extraction and local salt handicrafts. We will see Playa Blanca, a spot with white salt-covered landscapes. We will then end up at the Salt Museum, which presents the history and methods of salt mining in the area. Finally, the highlight of the day is the train… cemetery!
The route continues across the vast salt flats, enjoying unique landscapes that seem to stretch to the horizon. After lunch, we will visit Incahuasi Island on the northern side of the Salar, which impresses with its unique rock formations and giant cacti reaching 12 meters in height, while crossing the “Salt Flat” itself, which feels more like a giant skating rink, is an unforgettable experience.
The experience concludes with a spectacular sunset over the salt flats before returning to the hotel for our overnight stay.

Day 10: Uyuni – La Paz – City Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for our flight back to La Paz. Upon arrival, we begin our city tour at the colonial Jaén Street, one of the best-preserved historic streets in La Paz, known for its colorful buildings, characteristic architecture, and significant cultural value. We then continue to the central Murillo Square, the political and historical “heart” of the city. The square is named after Pedro Domingo Murillo, a hero of Bolivian independence, and is a meeting point for both residents and visitors. We will also see the Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the National Congress building.
Next, we head to the famous Witches Market (Mercado de las Brujas), a unique point of interest where we can see traditional items, herbs, and ritual goods from the local Andean culture. Then, we reach Rodríguez Market, the city’s largest and most vibrant food market, where visitors have the chance to experience the daily life of residents and see a wide variety of local products up close.
The experience continues with an impressive ride on the city’s Cable Car (Teleférico), which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, giving a unique perspective on the area’s geography and urban planning. The tour concludes with a visit to the Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna), a unique natural formation with striking geological features reminiscent of a lunar landscape, offering an unforgettable experience before returning to the hotel for the overnight stay.

Day 11: La Paz – Return flight to Greece

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for our international flight, arriving in Greece the following day.

Travel Notes