Itinerary - Peru and Bolivia: Expedition from Machu Picchu to the Salt Desert

Roundtrip flights are not included so that you can choose where from, when and with whom you want to fly. All of that is up to you!

Ready for an exciting adventure in Peru? Our journey kicks off in the vibrant capital, Lima! After checking in at the hotel and a warm welcome meeting with the group, we’ll hit the streets to explore this modern metropolis. From the historic centre to the stunning residential neighbourhoods overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Lima is a city of contrasts. We’ll stroll through its parks, visit the beaches, and soak in the unique atmosphere that sets this city apart. To top off our first day, we’ll celebrate with a delicious welcome dinner. Let the adventure begin!

Today, we fly to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most fascinating destinations in Peru! After arriving, we’ll settle into our hotel and take it easy, giving ourselves time to adjust to the altitude—Cusco sits at an impressive 3,400 meters above sea level.

With a free day to explore, we can wander through the charming San Blas neighbourhood, grab a coffee in one of the city’s many squares, and admire the stunning mix of Inca and colonial architecture. Highlights you won’t want to miss? The magnificent Cusco Cathedral, the Temple of the Sun of Qorikancha, and the ancient ruins of Sacsayhuamán—an awe-inspiring example of Inca engineering. Cusco is a city like no other, overflowing with history, culture, and natural beauty. Let its magic sweep you away as we discover its hidden treasures!

Today is an adventure-packed day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where ancient history and folklore come together in a stunning landscape. Our journey begins in Chinchero, a picturesque town built on Inca stonework, surrounded by lush green meadows and eucalyptus forests. We’ll take in the sights, including a bustling local market where we can sample traditional dishes made by local women and try some of the local drinks with a little kick! Next up, we visit Maras, a charming village nestled at 3,400 meters altitude. But the real treat is just around the corner—the salt mines of Maras, where 3,000 small salt pools cascade down the terraces, creating a breathtaking view. As the water evaporates, a thick saline deposit is left behind, ready to be harvested. 

From there, we continue to Moray, a fascinating archaeological site that was once an experimental agricultural centre for the Incas. The site’s two giant circular depressions—150 meters deep—were used to acclimatize seeds to the Andean altitude. It’s a unique piece of Inca innovation that shows how they mastered agriculture in such a harsh environment.

Our final stop for the day is Ollantaytambo, and trust us, this place will leave you speechless. You’ll be awed by its incredible stone structures, including six massive granite blocks, the Wall of the Living Rock, and the impressive Temple of the Condor. As you explore this ancient military fortress—where the Inca forces faced off against the Conquistadors—you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time. 

But the adventure doesn’t end here—our next stop is Aguas Calientes, where we’ll relax and recharge before heading to the ultimate destination: Machu Picchu!

We are ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes: Machu Picchu awaits us! Our day begins early, boarding a shuttle that takes us up to the mountain's summit, where the ancient city stands. We will be amazed by its beauty! Among the Andean peaks, we find ourselves transported to another dimension, far from space and time.

But it doesn't end here! After exploring Machu Picchu from every angle, we will return to Cusco, a city that never ceases to surprise us. The Plaza de Armas is the vibrant heart of Cusco's nightlife: here, we find bars, restaurants, cafes, clubs, and much more, all ready to welcome us for an evening of fun and cheer. Whether you prefer dancing or karaoke, Cusco offers endless fiesta opportunities!

Today, we slow things down and dive into the rich history and culture of Cusco. We’ll explore the city’s historic districts, starting with the grand colonial Cathedral, and wander through narrow streets that still follow the urban layout of the Inca era.

A visit to the bustling San Pedro market will give us a taste of local life—literally! We’ll have plenty of time to sample some delicious local treats as we soak in the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a laid-back cultural day, but who says we can’t enjoy every bite along the way?

Rise and shine, it’s time for another epic adventure! Today, we’re heading out to conquer the famous Rainbow Mountains, one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders. As we trek along stunning trails, we’ll be surrounded by vibrant colors that make the landscape look like something out of a dream. Don’t worry, this trek doesn’t require superhero-level fitness, but the high altitude will definitely have us working up a sweat! Trust us though—the panoramic view from the top will be totally worth the effort!

After our trek, we’ll hop on a transfer to Puno, a charming town on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The 5-6 hour ride will be the perfect time to kick back and relax after an action-packed day. Rest up—there’s more adventure waiting tomorrow!

After a hearty breakfast, we set out to explore the wonders of Lake Titicaca! Our first stop is the fascinating Uros Islands—incredible floating islands made entirely of totora reeds. We’ll learn how the locals use the totora to build everything from houses to boats, giving us a glimpse into their resourceful way of life.

Next, we’ll sail across Lake Titicaca to reach Taquile Island, where a local family will be waiting to welcome us. We’ll dive into their customs and traditions, from farming to their incredible textile work, and learn all about their daily routines. These are stories passed down through generations, and we’ll be fully immersed in the culture of the islanders, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the lake.

This morning, we bid farewell to the serene shores of Lake Titicaca and make our way back to the mainland. Our route takes us through charming villages like Chucuito, Platería, and Juli, each offering stunning views as we hug the edges of the lake. With every turn, Lake Titicaca continues to wow us with its breathtaking scenery.

As we cross the border, we officially say "hasta luego" to Peru and set our sights on Bolivia’s vibrant capital, La Paz.

We wake up ready for a relaxing day of discoveries and adventures in the wonderful city of La Paz! We start our tour with a visit to the majestic Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market!), where we can explore stalls full of charms and mysteries, immersing ourselves in traditional Bolivian culture. We continue to the famous Plaza Murillo, the political heart of the city, where we can admire the Cathedral of La Paz and the Presidential Palace. We will stroll along Calle Jaén, a picturesque street with old colonial houses converted into museums, allowing us to learn about local history and art.

To ensure we don't miss out on a bit of adventure in true WeRoad style, we will set off in the evening on a night bus to our next destination: the Salar de Uyuni!

Today, an epic adventure awaits us, launching us into a world of natural wonders as we cross vast stretches of pampas, spectacular deserts, and towering volcanoes. But first, an exciting stop awaits at the entrance to Uyuni: the Train Cemetery, a place where trains abandoned in the first half of the 20th century mixed with the majestic landscape, eroded by salt and weather. We will then continue to the community of Colchani, where we will witness the process of refining iodized salt.

And finally, the long-awaited moment: the magical Salar de Uyuni. During the rainy season, the desert floods and transforms into a giant mirror that reflects the sky, creating an absolutely incredible panorama.

We wake up early, and we head towards the first destination of the day: the Siloli Desert, which sits at an altitude of 4,500 meters. The desert, made up of volcanic ash and gravel, is dotted with rocky outcrops that have been sculpted into surreal shapes by the wind and sand over thousands of years. The most impressive of these is the Stone Tree, a unique stone formation that resembles a tree due to erosion.

We continue our journey towards the stunning Green Lagoon, passing by the breathtaking Red Lagoon, the Salvador Dalí Desert, the Sol de Mañana Geysers, and the Polques Hot Springs, where you can relax and enjoy a restorative bath in the natural hot spring pools.

Our day begins with a visit to the charming Church of San Cristobal, a fascinating structure originally built by the Jesuits and later moved, stone by stone, over 20 kilometres to its current location. From there, we’ll head to a viewpoint overlooking the Ollague Volcano, an active volcano that still rumbles beneath the surface, offering spectacular views of the landscape around us. Next, we journey to Laguna Cañapa, a shimmering saltwater lagoon where we can spot a few elegant Andean flamingos gracefully wading through the shallow waters. We'll then move on to Laguna Hedionda, famous for its pungent scent due to its high sulfur content — a unique habitat that attracts the beautiful James flamingo and other bird species. Our exploration continues with a stop at Laguna Honda, a shallow lagoon whose mirror-like surface reflects the sky, providing a tranquil and mesmerizing scene.

After a day filled with these breathtaking sights, we’ll arrive back in Uyuni by late afternoon, just in time to catch our transfer to the bus terminal for our overnight journey back to La Paz.

After an overnight journey, we’ll arrive bright and early in La Paz, the world’s highest capital, and get ready to make the most of our final full day in this extraordinary city. La Paz is a fascinating blend of bustling urban life, serene plazas, colourful markets, and streets packed with personality. In the morning, take a stroll through the lively streets, discovering hidden gems, street art, and the vibrant local culture.

By afternoon, we’ll hop aboard the city’s famous cable car, which takes us soaring above La Paz, connecting us to El Alto, a nearby town famous for its maze of shops and stalls—perfect for picking up those last-minute souvenirs. And if you’re up for one last adventure, La Paz boasts one of the best nightlife scenes in the world (thanks, Lonely Planet!). Whether it’s dancing, live music, or just soaking up the energy of the city, we’ll end our trip on a high note.

Sadly, every adventure has to come to an end. After breakfast, it’s time to say our goodbyes to the amazing friends we’ve made and the unforgettable moments we’ve shared. With a final hug and a promise to stay in touch, we part ways—until the next adventure calls!