Best ofPeru &Bolivia

Day Three: Discover historic Lima

We enjoy a leisurely morning, giving us time to adjust to the time zone or explore Miraflores at our own pace. In the afternoon, we set out to discover Lima’s colonial heritage. We visit the historic Aliaga House, inhabited by the same family for more than five centuries, offering a fascinating glimpse into Peru’s past. Continuing to the elegant Plaza Mayor, we admire its grand architecture and visit Lima Cathedral, learning about the city’s role during Spanish rule. Later, we explore the renowned Larco Museum, home to an impressive collection spanning over 5,000 years of Peruvian history. Gold artefacts, ceramics and beautifully curated galleries bring ancient cultures to life. Our day ends with dinner in the museum’s atmospheric garden restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Day Four: Ballestas Islands & desert oasis

An early start takes us south along Peru’s dramatic coastline towards Paracas. Here, we board a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, a wildlife-rich sanctuary often compared to the Galápagos. As we cruise past rugged cliffs, we look out for sea lions, pelicans, seabirds and Humboldt penguins, while learning about the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph carved into the desert hillside. After lunch, we continue to Huacachina, a beautiful oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes. We take time to walk beside the lagoon, enjoy the peaceful scenery and capture memorable photos before returning to Lima in the evening after a rewarding day of striking natural contrasts.

Day Five: Into the Andes: Lima to Cusco

Today we fly into the Andes to Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel and spend the afternoon taking things gently to acclimatise to the altitude. Our Tour Leader shares helpful tips to help everyone adjust comfortably. Those who wish may enjoy a short, relaxed walk through nearby streets, where impressive Inca stonework blends seamlessly with Spanish colonial architecture. The evening is free for independent dining, with the option to join the group for dinner.

Day Six: Cusco & Inca heritage

This morning we explore Cusco’s rich history on a guided tour. We begin at Coricancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, before visiting the impressive Cathedral, home to remarkable colonial art and intricate craftsmanship. Leaving the city centre, we travel into the surrounding hills to discover remarkable archaeological sites. At Sacsayhuamán, we marvel at enormous stones precisely fitted together without mortar. We continue to Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, each revealing different aspects of Inca engineering and spirituality. Returning to Cusco, we enjoy a free afternoon to browse markets, relax in cafés or simply soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful city.

Day Seven: Sacred Valley & journey to Machu Picchu

We travel through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and traditional villages. Our first stop is Chinchero*, known for its terraces and weaving traditions, where we see local artisans at work. At the Living Museum of Yucay, we learn about ancient craft techniques still used today before enjoying a traditional Andean lunch. Later, we explore Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns, dominated by an impressive hilltop fortress.

Day Eight: Marvel at Machu Picchu

Today we experience one of the highlights of our journey — Machu Picchu. A short bus ride brings us to the legendary citadel, dramatically set among misty mountain peaks. With our expert guide, we explore temples, terraces and ceremonial spaces while learning about Inca history and daily life. We pause at scenic viewpoints to take in the beauty and mystery of this extraordinary site. Afterwards, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before travelling back by train through the Sacred Valley and onward to Cusco for a relaxing evening.

Day Nine: Rainbow Mountain - The Mountain of Seven Colours

We set out early for an unforgettable excursion into the high Andes. Travelling through remote villages and sweeping landscapes, we reach the starting point for our walk to Rainbow Mountain. Surrounded by grazing alpacas and snow-capped peaks, we gradually ascend to the viewpoint where vibrant mineral layers create striking bands of colour across the mountainside. After time for photos and rest, we descend and enjoy lunch before returning to Cusco.

• Walking Distance: 7.5 km / 4.7 miles
• Maximum Altitude: Vinicunca – 16,700 feet / 5,100 m.a.s.l.
• Minimum Altitude: Pitumarca – 11,712 feet / 3,570 m.a.s.l.
• Duration: 3 hrs. 30 min. (walking roundtrip)
• Level: Moderate 

Day Ten: Scenic journey to Puno

Today we travel across the Andean plateau towards Lake Titicaca. Along the way, we stop at Andahuaylillas, home to a beautifully decorated church often called the “Sistine Chapel of America.” We continue to the archaeological site of Raqchi and later visit Pukara, learning about cultures that pre-date the Incas. Surrounded by vast open landscapes and mountain scenery, we enjoy lunch en route before arriving in Puno on the shores of the legendary lake.

Day Eleven: Lake Titicaca & Island Communities

Today we experience one of South America’s most fascinating cultural encounters as we explore Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. After breakfast, we travel to the port and board our boat, setting out across deep blue waters surrounded by vast Andean landscapes. Our first stop is the remarkable floating islands of the Uros people, constructed entirely from layers of totora reeds that grow naturally in the lake. Here, we are warmly welcomed by local families who explain how the islands are built, maintained and even expanded using traditional techniques passed down through generations. We learn about daily life, fishing traditions and how this unique community has adapted to life on the water.

Day Twelve: From Peru to Bolivia & arrival in La Paz

Today we continue our journey across the Andes as we travel overland from Peru into Bolivia. The scenic route follows the shores of Lake Titicaca, offering ever-changing views of rural villages, grazing llamas and wide-open landscapes. After crossing the border, we continue to Copacabana, a charming lakeside town known for its important religious sanctuary and relaxed atmosphere. After lunch, we make a memorable crossing of the Titicaca Strait by boat while our vehicle travels separately — a unique part of the journey that adds to the sense of adventure.

Day Thirteen: Uyuni Salt Flats

This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Uyuni, the gateway to one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth. On arrival, we begin our adventure with a visit to the small village of Colchani, the entrance to the Uyuni Salt Flats. Here, we learn how local families traditionally harvest and process salt, gaining insight into daily life in this remote corner of Bolivia. From Colchani, we venture onto the vast white expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats, the largest salt desert on Earth, stretching over 10,000 square kilometres across the Bolivian Altiplano.

Day Fourteen: Uyuni Salt Flats & Altiplano serenity

This morning we visit one of Uyuni’s most unusual landmarks — the haunting Train Cemetery on the outskirts of town. Here, a collection of abandoned locomotives and railway cars lies scattered across the desert, silent reminders of Bolivia’s once-thriving mining industry and the railway boom of the early twentieth century. The rusting trains, set against the stark Altiplano landscape, create a strangely beautiful and atmospheric scene.

Day Fifteen: Return to La Paz & farewell celebrations

We say goodbye to Uyuni this morning as we transfer to the airport for our return flight to La Paz. Back in the capital, we transfer to our hotel and enjoy some free time to explore further. Those who wish may visit colourful local markets, browse traditional handicrafts or relax in a café while watching daily life unfold in this vibrant city. La Paz offers a fascinating blend of indigenous traditions and contemporary culture, providing a fitting final glimpse of Bolivia.

Day Sixteen: Departure day

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our onward journeys home. As our adventure comes to an end, we depart with unforgettable memories of spectacular landscapes, rich cultures and the companionship that makes travelling with Solos so special.