Tour Overview

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: La Paz - Bolivia
Arrival and transfer to the international hostelling lodge in La Paz.

Day 2: La Paz - Oruro - Uyuni
Mid-morning bus departure from La Paz to Oruro. In Oruro, you will take the afternoon train to Uyuni to cross the Altiplano and East part of Lake Poopó, the second largest lake in Bolivia. From the train, you can observe old and present mining factories, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, the Andean Rhea, Andean flamingos, and other wildlife. Arrival at Uyuni at night. Overnight in Uyuni. (L)

Day 3: Uyuni's Salt Lake.
You will depart from Uyuni to Colchani to see how locals extract and process the salt. Also you will observe the "ojos de sal" which are sections where ice cold healing water bubbles through the salt. This water comes from an underground river from the Tunupa Volcano. On the way to Isla Incawasi you will see two hotels made entirely from salt blocks. At Isla Incawasi you will have lunch and then explore the island with its amazing huge cactuses. The infinite view of the salt lake from this place is impressive. In the afternoon you will return to Uyuni and visit the train cemetery. Hotel in Uyuni to rest until the train departs at 11:45 pm. Overnight train to Oruro (D,L).

Day 4: Oruro - La Paz
Breakfast at the Oruro Train Station and morning trip by bus to La Paz. Arrival by noon. Transfer to your hotel.(B)

Day 5: Tihuanaco and Q'allamarka
Pick up you up at 8:00 am from your hotel. Attractive drive starting in downtown La Paz, passing El Alto, then heading the highway to Desaguadero. This drive passes through the small town of Laja, where the City of La Paz was first founded. The scenery shows many of the highest snow peaks of the Cordillera Real. Arrival to the Q'allamarca Community. Local authorities, the Yatiris and musicians; all dressed in traditional customs, will greet you. Experience an unforgetable visit guided by Aymaras that still preserve ancient rituals and traditional agriculture. Men and women from the community will invite you to taste a traditional mid-morning lunch including potatoes, broad beans, cheese, corn, and vegetable soups. Right after lunch, you will departure to the Tihuanaco Archeological Site, the most important monument of Bolivia which is currently re-excavated. Visit to the new site museum, the Akapana Pyramid, the Templete of Kalasasaya, the Sun's Gate and the Moon Gate, and more. Bus to Puno. Arrival and transfer to the internationsl hosteling.

Day 6: Titikaka Lake - Overnight at Islander`s Home
After breakfast, a tour by boat to the island's of Uros on Lake Titicaca. A tour of the reed islands of Uros before continuing on to Taquile. Accommodation on the island in one of the Islander's homes.

Day 7: Puno - Cusco
Transfer to the bus station for the wonderful journey across the Altiplano. You will stop along the way at numerous, archaeologically significant places and lunch at Sicuani. Arrival and transfer to your international hostelling lodge in Cusco.

Day 8: Cusco City Tour
In the afternoon a self guided tour of Cuzco on foot. Places to visit include the cathedral, Qoricancha temple, and for a small cost, perhaps take a taxi to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cuzco, Qenko and Puka Pukara. Free evening.

Day 9: Sacred Valley
Full-day excursion to Urubamba, the sacred valley of the Incas and to the ancient Inca market town of Pisac. A visit will be made to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town that was not defeated by the Spanish. Return to Cuzco and the traditional market town of Chinchero. Return to your hostel.

Day 10: Cusco - Machu Picchu
Early train journey to Aguas Calientes for a full day's guided tour of Machu Picchu, the most spectacular ancient city in the world. Overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes.

Day 11: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Opportunity to visit Machu Picchu at sunrise. Free time to enjoy this unforgettable site before returning to Cusco aboard the afternoon train. Accommodation in the Inca capital

Day 12: Cusco - Lima - Back Home
Transfer to Cusco airport for the flight to Lima and your onward flight home or for numerous other extensions to the program.

This Package Includes

• All Internal Flights
• All Transport
• Backpacker Train to and from Machu Picchu
• Accommodations in International Hostelling Lodges
• Entrance Fees and All Tours as per the Itinerary