Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

The Best 15-Day Tour of Peru and Bolivia

The Best 15-Day Tour of Peru and Bolivia

4MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2022-10-21

Impressive Inca ruins,  The Amazon Jungle, and charismatic cities all come together in Peru, which is why the country has so much to offer travelers to South America. But that's no reason to stay within its territory. With Bolivia just across the border, conveniently straddled by the fascinating and awe-inspiring Lake Titicaca, it's worth combining the two countries in a single trip. We explain why you gain so much more than just another stamp on your passport when you see Bolivia and Peru together. Peru seduces with its ancient archaeological sites, living Andean cultures, and pisco sours, however traveling into Bolivia, delivers a contrasting blast of the surreal, with wild landscapes, high altitude cities, and the world's most extensive salt flats.

 

At over 2100/ 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is the most-visited tourist hot spot in Peru. An iconic symbol of the Inca Empire, this site was built around 1450AD and was never found by The Spanish invaders due to its remote location. The ruins are generally reached on Machu Picchu tours from Cusco by first taking a train journey and then ascending nearly 1,640 feet (500 meters) from the Urubamba River valley on a winding road by shuttle bus.

Machu Picchu

The Andes form the spine of neighboring Bolivia and Peru. They plunge into a landscape of terraced farmland, Inca ruins, valleys, and arid deserts dotted with colonial cities and indigenous villages. While vacations to Bolivia usually include some of its neighboring countries of Chile, Argentina, and Peru, holidays to Peru have often centered around this country alone. With Machu Picchu as its spectacular, iconic signature sight, plus a wealth of other Inca ruins, Lake Titicaca, and the Amazon jungle, Peru is jam-packed with cultural and scenic riches that make it a well-established destination in its own right. You cannot spend a thoroughly rewarding fortnight or so in Peru without traveling beyond its borders. Still, organized tours that take Bolivia offer more insight into these incredible Andean countries. 

 

When it comes to South American archaeological sites, Machu Picchu steals the limelight every time. Peru’s world wonder is undeniably awe-inspiring, however, the lesser-known Bolivian site of Tiwanaku is a fascinating site due to its historical importance to the region. Remember there were no borders in ancient times!

Tiahuanaco

 

Lima

Discover the stunning "City of Kings" on your guided tour, with its gorgeous colonial cathedral, Santo Domingo convent, and government palace, or gaze out over the Pacific Ocean and explore the cultural heritage of the Larco Museum or The Huaca Pucllana. 

 

The Sacred Valley

Barter with local artisans at the Pisac market, and travel back in time down the ancient streets of Ollantaytambo, with its magnificent archaeological site that once protected invasions from outside of The Inca empire.

 

Pisac town is the gateway to the Sacred Valley, which back in the day, probably served as protection for Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Nowadays, we can be grateful that the Inca people built one of the most picturesque sites in The Sacred Valley! Pisac town and its market is a must-visit place on your Cusco day trips. This traditional market town offers a look into traditional life in The Sacred Valley of The Incas.

Pisaq Market

Machu Picchu

Travel into the clouds and experience the "Lost City" of the Incas, with its magnificent stone temples, sundial, and Sungate, for an unforgettable journey into the past and the majestic Machu Picchu archaeological remains. 

 

Cusco

Explore this ancient Inca Capital on a guided tour of its quaint cobblestone streets, impressive Inca foundations, and colonial churches, tasting some delicious traditional Peruvian cuisine along the way.

 

Cusco´s Main Square is in the middle of the majestic Imperial City of the Incas. It stands as a beacon of Peruvian history in the Andes. The Plaza de Armas is a melting pot of the rich historical narratives and cultural mix that define Cusco. It is surrounded by colonial architecture encapsulating centuries of history within its shadow. Visit on a Cusco city tour.

Plaza De Armas, Cusco

Lake Titicaca

Meet the indigenous Uros people on their floating reed islands, situated on the highest navigable lake in the world. Then head to Taquile Island to see male knitters and women weavers on this island gem of the altiplano.

 

Copacabana

Cross the border into Bolivia and visit the Basilica of Copacabana, where cars are blessed by the virgin. Then take a boat out to Sun and Moon Island on Lake Titicaca, the fabled birthplace of The Inca Civilisation.

 

Copacabana on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca is a real tourist town. It has some local people but most are there for the tourists and Bolivia tours. Some people hate it, but it has its charms. The main square is the home of the church of Copacabana. This colorful church gives blessings of vehicles which has cars driving off with colorful flowers on their bonnets! Visit Copacabana on your Bolivia vacation packages.

Lake Titicaca

La Paz

Marvel at the high-altitude city from above in your cable car ride and explore the mysterious Witches Market, where the traditional and the modern melt together in the most surreal kind of way.

 

Sucre

Enjoy a guided tour of the city and visit the House of Liberty, where Bolivia's independence was signed in Bolivia's official capital. Then head out to see traditional markets in Tarabuco and giant dinosaur prints at the Creatic Park.

 

The Bolivian city of La Paz is one of the world's most remarkable South American capitals (kind of!) At 3,650 m (11,975 ft) above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world, even though the official capital is Sucre! The cable car system is the world's longest and highest, and offers stunning views of the city below and surrounding mountains. Make sure you visit on your vacations in South America.

Aymara Women in Traditional Dress

Potosi

Visit the city's Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint) before plunging into the depths of the Cerro Rico mine, where miners still work today.

 

Salar de Uyuni

Marvel at the largest salt flats on Earth, surrounded by endless, arid deserts, steamy geysers, and some of the starriest skies you will ever witness.

 

Imagine salt reaching as far as the horizon with reflections like you are standing on an enormous mirror and a landscape that makes you think you are on another planet. The salt flats in Bolivia is definitely a place you will never forget! Visit on your Bolivia tours.

Salt Flats

 

Contact us at Valencia Travel Cusco for more information about how to combine these incredible countries to experience more of these unique Andean regions.
 

SHARE THIS POST