Experience the Inca's lost city, sail on the highest navigable lake, and walk on a stunning salt flat.
8 nights and 9 days, starting and ending locally
Embark on a unique 9-day journey through South America, immersing yourself in the heart of the continent. Experience the wonders of the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu, sail across the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, and marvel at the otherworldly beauty of the Uyuni Salt Flat.
This exclusive tour, now in its seventh year, has been carefully curated to offer you the most authentic and unforgettable South American experience. By limiting group sizes and increasing the number of departures, we ensure personalized attention and a more intimate travel experience.
Key aspects of this tour
Discover the Andes: A Scenic Overland Adventure
Join us on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Andes. Our overland adventure from Cusco to Lake Titicaca offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of this remarkable region.
As we travel along the winding mountain roads, you'll be captivated by the stunning scenery, from snow-capped peaks to lush valleys. Encounter friendly locals, ancient ruins, and fascinating wildlife. This is your chance to experience the true spirit of the Andes.
To a View You’ll Never Forget!
Enjoy a full day exploring Machu Picchu. You’ll tour the ancient ruins with a guide and hike up to Huayna Picchu, where you’ll be rewarded with a truly breathtaking view. The hike up the steep Inca trail is challenging, but as you catch your breath at the summit and take in the scenery, you’ll find yourself pondering why the ancient Incas chose to build such structures in this remote location (let’s hope the clouds clear for the best view).
In Uyuni, we only employ veteran drivers who are thoroughly familiar with the salt flats. They expertly avoid the muddy areas and share information with each other to find the best spots where the water on the flats creates stunning reflections. At night, they will check the sky conditions and the presence of moonlight to guide you to the perfect moment to witness a sky full of stars.
A World Apart That Gives You Chills
To witness a sky full of stars in every direction, all the elements need to align perfectly—the water level of the salt flat, the moonlight, the clouds, the rain, and other weather conditions.
However, we are at the mercy of raw nature.
Situated at an altitude of 3,600 meters, the vast Uyuni Salt Flats stretch endlessly to the horizon. The winds and weather are unpredictable, sometimes revealing a breathtaking beauty far beyond our imagination.
Having observed the salt flat’s ever-changing expressions for many years, we will use our knowledge and experience to invite you into this extraordinary landscape.
Our wish is to share this "otherworldly" experience with you.
By analyzing factors like location within the salt flat, predictions of rain and wind, and the movements of the sun and moon, and combining this with the knowledge and experience of our seasoned local guides, we offer a flexible journey that adapts to the rhythms of nature, rather than being tied to a fixed schedule.
Join us for a warm drink and a night under a sky full of stars!
Our top priority is your safety.
Traveling from Cusco to the Uyuni Salt Lake, we pass through high altitudes of 3,400 to 3,700 meters. Our dedicated Japanese staff will closely monitor your health throughout the journey. In case of any emergencies, we will accompany you to a local hospital and provide translation services to ensure your peace of mind.
Highlights
From Machu Picchu to the Salt Flats: Explore South America's Greatest Wonders
Tour Dates
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Day1
Arrival in Lima, the Capital of Peru
A local guide will be waiting for you at the Lima airport. Once all tour participants have gathered, you'll be transferred by car to your hotel in the city, a drive of about 45 minutes.
Since you'll be arriving late at night, no meal is provided after arrival. As your flight the next morning is early, we recommend getting some rest as soon as possible.
Please note: The next morning, you will take an 8:00 AM flight to Cusco. If you are arranging your own flight, please ensure that you arrive in Lima by 3:00 AM.-
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Britania
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Day2
From Lima to Machu Picchu via Cusco
In the early morning, after having breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer from Lima Airport to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will enjoy a city tour and visit various ruins, including Loreto Street, the Stone of Twelve Angles, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, and Sacsayhuamán.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Afterward, you will transfer by private car to Ollantaytambo Station, where you can enjoy the scenic Andes along the way. From Ollantaytambo Station, you will board the high-altitude train to Machu Picchu.
You are expected to arrive in Machu Picchu at 8:43 PM.
Dinner is not included.
The next morning, you will head to Machu Picchu, so we recommend getting to bed early.-
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Inka Tower Machupicchu Hotel
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Day3
Machu Picchu Ruins Tour, Huayna Picchu Hike, and Return to Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu and then walk to Huayna Picchu. (On the way, you may have the chance to witness the majestic sunrise over Machu Picchu.)
You will then hike up Huayna Picchu. The trail is an Inca-built trekking route, and while it is walkable for those in good health, the high altitude makes it a challenging climb with thin air. Take your time and ascend at your own pace. The view of the ruins from the summit is a breathtaking reward for your efforts.
Please note that due to the limited number of tickets for Huayna Picchu, you may be assigned to hike Machu Picchu Mountain instead, depending on the timing of your booking.
After descending Huayna Picchu, you will tour the Machu Picchu ruins with a Japanese-speaking guide, who will provide expert insights into the site.
Following the tour, you will take a bus to Machu Picchu Village, where you will have lunch.
After some time for souvenir shopping, you will board an afternoon train back to Cusco.
Dinner is not included.-
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Taypikala Cusco
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Day4
From Cusco to Lake Titicaca
You will travel by road (using a tourist bus) from Cusco to Puno. Along the way, you'll pass through the majestic Andes Mountains, reaching altitudes of 4,200 meters, offering breathtaking views.
While it might be tempting to doze off in the warm comfort of the bus, be sure to take in the stunning scenery outside. You’ll also visit some ruins en route to Puno.
Lunch will be provided in the form of a boxed meal or at a local restaurant along the way.
Upon arrival in Puno, you will transfer to your hotel.
Dinner is not included.-
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Intiqa
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Day5
Transfer from Puno to La Paz
First, you will visit the Uros Islands. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will depart for Desaguadero, the border between Peru and Bolivia. The journey to the border takes about two and a half hours.
At Desaguadero, you will go through immigration procedures to enter Bolivia. (This process can take between one to two hours, depending on the customs queue.)
After crossing the border, you will transfer to your hotel in La Paz and check in.
Dinner is not included.
If you’d like to try local Bolivian cuisine or are in the mood for foreign food in Bolivia, please let your guide know. They will recommend a good restaurant for you.-
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Hostal Naira
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Day6
From La Paz to Uyuni
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel or take a boxed breakfast with you. You will then transfer to La Paz Airport for your flight to Uyuni.
Upon arrival in Uyuni, you will meet your guide and begin your tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats! You will visit the Train Cemetery and observe the salt refinement process in Colchani Village.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the sunset over the Uyuni Salt Flats.
Dinner will be at the hotel restaurant.-
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Uyuni town hotel
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Day7
A Full Day at the Uyuni Salt Flats!
If the weather is clear in the early morning, you'll head to the Uyuni Salt Flats to observe the starry sky. After that, you'll wait at the salt flats for the sunrise and enjoy watching it as it rises. (Please note that the schedule may change depending on the weather and moonrise.)
You will then return to the hotel for breakfast.
At a time that suits your condition, you will set out on the Uyuni tour. Spend the day at the salt flats taking trick photos and artistic shots.
Lunch will be a picnic in the middle of the salt flats.
In the evening, enjoy the sunset over the Uyuni Salt Flats.
Dinner will be at the hotel restaurant.-
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Uyuni town hotel
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Day8
Return to La Paz
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel (depending on your flight time, it may be a boxed breakfast or an early breakfast). You will then transfer to Uyuni Airport for your flight back to La Paz.
Upon arrival in La Paz, you will go on a city tour and visit the Valley of the Moon.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Dinner is not included.-
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Dinner: x
Hostal Naira
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Day9
Farewell at La Paz Airport
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel (depending on the time, you will be given a boxed breakfast or an early breakfast). You will then transfer by private car to La Paz Airport (approximately 40 minutes).
After checking in for your departure flight, you will say goodbye to your guide at La Paz Airport.-
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Lunch: x
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Dinner: x
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Hotels
Travel Rate
Explore Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca & the Uyuni Salt Flats: 9-Day South American Adventure
Price per person (USD)
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- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Hike
- Meals specified in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodations as listed in the itinerary
- Land transfers and tours
- Airfare between Lima and Cusco, and La Paz and Uyuni
- Encounters with landscapes that will create lifelong memories
- Round-trip airfare and airport taxes
- Optional tours
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips at the destination
Information
Important notice for this itinerary
- Regarding Local Staff (Driver Only): Please be aware that local staff who serve as drivers during land transfers may only be able to communicate in basic English or Spanish.
- About the Peru Rail: You will either take the "PeruRail Vistadome" or the "IncaRail Executive" train. Both are panoramic trains with glass windows on both sides of the ceiling.
- Regarding Luggage During Your Stay in Machu Picchu Village: Large luggage such as suitcases cannot be brought onto the train. Therefore, you will need to pack lightly for the 2-day, 1-night stay in Machu Picchu Village. Your other luggage will be stored at your hotel in Cusco. Please prepare your overnight bag in advance. After arriving in Cusco, you will retrieve your overnight bag, and the driver will responsibly transport your suitcase to the hotel.
- Regarding the Machu Picchu Ruins Please note that during the early morning tour of Machu Picchu, the sunrise may not be visible due to weather conditions.
- Regarding the Huayna Picchu Hike: Currently, entry to Huayna Picchu is allowed only until 1:00 PM, and access is limited to 400 people per day. Due to its popularity, we will do our best to secure a morning time slot so that you can enjoy a leisurely tour of the ruins afterward. However, please understand that due to weather conditions or restrictions on the number of visitors, we may not be able to accommodate your request. If Huayna Picchu is fully booked, you will be guided by an English-speaking guide to climb "Machu Picchu Mountain" instead.
- Regarding Domestic Flights and Train Departure Times: The times listed are only approximate. Please be aware that they are subject to significant changes due to weather conditions, available flights, or sudden changes in the operation schedule.
- Regarding the Huayna Picchu Hike Currently, entry to Huayna Picchu is allowed only until 1:00 PM, and access is limited to 400 people per day. Due to its popularity, we will do our best to secure a morning time slot so that you can enjoy a leisurely tour of the ruins afterward. However, please understand that due to weather conditions or restrictions on the number of visitors, we may not be able to accommodate your request. If Huayna Picchu is fully booked, you will be guided by an English-speaking guide to climb "Machu Picchu Mountain" instead.
- Transportation: Transfers to La Paz and Uyuni will be in a large bus with a group. Please ensure you adhere to the designated meeting times. Additionally, the driver will only speak Spanish.
- Regarding the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour: Please be aware that sunrise, sunset, and stargazing at the Uyuni Salt Flats may not be visible due to weather conditions. The guide or driver may change the tour itinerary based on the moonrise, weather, and road conditions.
- Private Vehicles: For sections of the itinerary where a private vehicle is specified, we will generally provide a private car exclusively for your group. However, during peak seasons, if a private guide or car cannot be arranged, you may need to share the vehicle with other customers from our company. In such cases, please note that there will be no reduction in the tour cost.
- Regarding Luggage: The organizers cannot be held responsible for any damage, loss, or theft of your luggage unless it is due to intentional or negligent actions by the organizers. Please take care to manage your personal belongings.
- Tour Cancellation Due to Natural Disasters: In the event of a tour being canceled due to natural disasters, unforeseen accidents, political changes, wars, strikes, or riots, the tour may be suspended due to circumstances beyond our control. Please note that no compensation or refunds will be provided in such cases.
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