The Peru and Bolivia Train Tour

Welcome to Lima! On this Peru Tour, a local guide will be waiting just beyond security and will transfer you to downtown Lima. Check into the hotel and get settled. Simply relax in the hotel for the rest of the night or explore the district of Miraflores, which boasts an array of shops and a beautiful boardwalk that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

Today, get ready for your Lima half day city tour! Begin the 3 hour Lima city sightseeing tour with an excursion to the pre-Colombian highlights of the city, such as the Huaca Pucllana Ruins. Then explore the historical district, including the main square, the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and the Government Palace. Later, visit the Monastery of San Francisco or the Convent of Santo Domingo. Admire the quaint colonial architecture of these buildings and learn about the influence of Catholicism in the country. Tour the residential districts and finish off at Miraflores, located on the coast, the most modern and commercial part of the city. Finally, enjoy a marvelous view of the Pacific Ocean.

Today, depart Lima and fly to the Jauja Airport (JAU). Be welcomed by a local guide and transfer to downtown Huancayo. Then get ready for a full-day Mantaro Valley and Artisans Tour in the Huancayo province. The Mantaro Valley is one Peru’s most important agricultural regions. While here, visit a pottery workshop in Aco, where potters create masterful vases and handicrafts. Then head to Matacruz viewpoint for a spectacular sighting of the snow-capped Huaytapallana Mountain.

Next, visit the Ñahuimpuquio Lagoon, stopping at the pre-Inca archaeological site of Arwaturo on the way. Visit three workshops, including an artisan's workshop in Cochas, a textiles shop in Hualhuas and a silverware shop in San Jeronimo. At night, transfer back to the hotel.

Early in the morning, board the famous “Tren Macho” Huancayo train to Huancavelica. This adventure train ride takes guests from Huancayo to Huancavelica following the Mantaro river through tunnels and past stunning mountainous landscapes. There will be several stops on route to get a taste of the Peruvian countryside.

In Huancavelica, transfer to the hotel and get settled. Go sightseeing and experience the vast fertile fields and green pastures. Ride to the Santa Barbara mines, and then to a viewpoint of the vibrant, natural surroundings of Huancavelica.

Note: The "Tren Macho" (Huancayo-Huancavelica) is currently not operating. A private transfer will be organized for this portion of the tour package until the train re-opens.

After breakfast at the hotel, take a private transfer back to Huancayo. This transfer includes a few special stops along the way. Visit the old Hacienda Santa Rosa. Then, visit Sachapite to see its spectacular rock formations. Enjoy the beautiful Andean landscapes before arriving to the town of Izcuchaca, famous for its charming old Colonial bridge. After a long journey, arrive in Huancayo in the late afternoon and transfer to the hotel.

Be escorted to the Huancayo Train Station and board a Huancayo to Lima train. This 13-hour journey begins in the Mantaro Valley and climbs into the highlands, up and over the snow-covered Cordillera, until the train slowly descends to the desert coast around Lima. In total, this train crosses 68 bridges, passes through 71 rock tunnels and climbs 21 switchbacks. Upon arrival in Lima, be escorted by a local guide from the Lima Train Station to downtown Lima.

Note: Other departure days for the train Lima-Huancayo-Lima are available, depending on trip customization.  

Today, fly from Lima to Cuzco and then from Cuzco to the Sacred Valley. The first stop on this Sacred Valley Peru Tour is a visit to Maras, a village set on a plateau, famous for its salt pans. The brilliant white salt is drained into “pans” or shallow pools built into the hills, where it then dries in the sun before it is harvested. After learning about salt production and exploring the Maras salt pans, continue on to Moray. This nearby site was also in use during the Inca Empire. The circular terraces of Moray were used to produce different types of crops, in a sort of agricultural laboratory. The terraces cover a range of microclimates.

Finish the tour in the village of Chinchero, which boasts a 400-year old adobe church, adobe brick houses, locals wearing traditional dress, and Inca ruins. The Chinchero Inca ruins include a massive stone wall with a geometric pattern similar to that of Sacsayhuaman. All along the way, you’ll be treated to views of the snow-capped Andes Mountains surrounding the altiplano.

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel, and then prepare to see Machu Picchu. Travel through the Sacred Valley into the Cloud Forest on a first class Vistadome train. The glass ceiling of the train allows guests to enjoy the unbeatable scenery from all angles on the journey towards Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, walk to the shuttle bus station and be whisked up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Be greeted by an expert, local guide and begin a 3-hour Machu Picchu Tour. Gaze at the expansive stone ruins, steep terraces, and looming cliffs. The stonework at Machu Picchu is so well engineered that many of the walls are almost perfectly intact since the days of the Incas in the 15th and 16th centuries. After the tour, wander around the ruins on own, or return to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, return to Cuzco and check in to the hotel.

Optional: Spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and take the train back to Cuzco the next day.

Enjoy breakfast and then return to the magnificent Machu Picchu citadel for the second time. This time, explore Machu Picchu right as it opens before the crowds gather. If the sky is clear, watch as the sun rises over the mountains and slowly burns off the fog that surrounds the ancient Inca stones. For a bit of adventure, choose to hike the trail to Huayna Picchu, for a different view of Machu Picchu. Or simply tour the ruins and learn more about Machu Picchu history. In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes and catch the train back to Cuzco.

Arrive at the Cuzco train station in the afternoon, and be transferred to the hotel. Relax inside or explore the city of Cuzco once more.

Discover the fascinating historical and cultural legacy of the Incas on this 4-hour Cuzco city tour. Visit Korikancha, known as the Temple of the Sun during the Inca Empire, and now the site of the Santo Domingo Convent. Then stop by the Cathedral, facing the Plaza de Armas in the heart of downtown Cusco. Later, explore the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, located above the city. While here, enjoy spectacular views of the city of Cuzco below. To finish the tour, visit several other Inca stone ruins, including Q'enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

In the evening, enjoy one of Cuzco's spectacular night shows and a delicious dinner of traditional Andean and international food. Appreciate performances of typical dances such as the Andean Huaynos, Sikus, Tuntunas, and the Sanjuanitos!

Today, cross the Andes Mountains aboard the PeruRail Titicaca Train to Puno. The PeruRail Titicaca Train features an open-air observatory car, offering guests the chance to enjoy majestic views of the Peruvian highlands. Aboard the train, take panoramic pictures of some of the quintessential Andean landscapes.

Then be transferred from the Puno Train Station to downtown Puno.

Soak in the beauty of Lake Titicaca, known in Inca history as the birthplace of the Inca Empire. On today’s tour, visit the floating islands of Uros, which are made completely from reeds. Then step foot on the island of Taquile, which is home to about 1500 Quechua-speaking inhabitants. They are known for their incredible textile weaving skill.

In the evening, return to Puno for the night.

A spectacular way to tour the massive Lake Titicaca is to take a Lake Titicaca cruise. This morning, transfer from Puno over the border to Copacabana (the Bolivian side of the lake) with the help of an expert local guide. Then, enjoy a fascinating tour of the Basilica in Copacabana, a real highlight of the area. Next, board a catamaran cruise and head to Isla del Sol, a small island which urges its travelers to stop and explore. Isla del Sol made its claim-to-fame by being the "cradle of the Inca Empire."

Later, reboard the cruise, and enjoy lunch while the ship returns to Copacabana. In the late afternoon, transfer to La Paz for the night.

Calling all archaeology and history enthusiasts! Today, visit the Tiahuanaco Ruins, an archaeological site resting about an hour outside of La Paz. Learn about the mysterious history of Tiahuanaco and its temples, and see how the indigenous Aymara people live in the surrounding area, especially in Laja. Then return to the hotel in La Paz.

In the afternoon, go sightseeing in La Paz Bolivia! Begin in Plaza Murillo and see the Cathedral and Government Palace. Then walk along the cobblestone Jaen Street, a street that has kept much of its colonial charm. Later, leave the city to visit the Valley of the Moon. Observe unique rock formations here and visit a ceramic workshop. Finally, transfer to the cable car station and enjoy a scenic ride of La Paz.

After breakfast, be escorted by a local guide to the bus station and travel to Oruro, 4 hours away. Then, depart on the Expreso del Sur Train from Oruro to Uyuni. Ride along the shores of Lake Poopo and then across the desert landscapes of the Bolivian Altiplano. After around seven hours, arrive in Uyuni. Check in to one of the amazing salt hotels at the shores of the salt flats.

Note: The Expreso del Sur train from Oruro to Uyuni has the following schedule: Tuesdays and Fridays departure at 3:30 PM, arrival in Uyuni at 10:20 PM*.

Today, visit the majestic Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats. Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat, covering an area even larger than Lake Titicaca. Its endless white salt plains intrigue travelers from all around the world. Start the Uyuni tour at the train cemetery and learn about the busy mining days of Bolivia. Then, visit the Salt Factory to learn a bit more about the effects of the salt in the region and the lifestyle of the inhabitants. Later, head to the Incahuasi Island, a unique area home to llamas and cacti. Head to the highest peak of the island for a panoramic view of the surrounding land.

Next, ascend Tunupa Volcano. Visit its Museum of the Mummies and gain an incredible view of the region. Then, continue to the quaint village of Chantini and visit the Coquesa Mummies Museum and the Salt Factory. End the day in Colchani. Visit the salt mounds and take in the mysterious silhouette of Tunupa Volcano.

Note: This Peru Bolivia itinerary will vary during the rainy season (December - March) due to partial flooding of the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats. The Tour is also subject to train availability; confirm departure dates and details with one of our Expert Travel Consultants.

Rise early and have breakfast at the hotel. Then, transfer to Uyuni Airport.

A guide will be waiting just beyond the security of the La Paz Airport (LPB) to transfer you to downtown La Paz. Enjoy a free day in La Paz.

Transfer to the La Paz Airport (LPB) and depart from La Paz to your next destination.