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Description
This is our highly recommended 3 weeks Peru and Bolivia itinerary from La Paz to the Amazon via the Death Road, Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, Huacachina oasis near Ica and Lima.
| Our 3 Weeks Peru and Bolivia Itinerary |
|---|
| 1. La Paz, Coroico and the Death Road |
| 2. Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert |
| 3. Lake Titicaca |
| 4. Cusco and surroundings |
| 5. Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley |
| 6. Arequipa, Colca Canyon |
| 7. Ica and the Paracas Peninsula |
| 8. Lima |
Gallery
Overall costs
$ 2400
Duration
23 days
Rating
Itinerary:
1. La Paz, Coroico and the Death Road
La Paz is the transport hub for almost every tourist in Bolivia so its very likely you will be there for a day or two. We did a free walking tour which was very interesting and went to a rooftop bar for some drinks.
On the next day we did the famous bike trip down the Death Road (Camino de la muerte) to Coroico. Normally the tour operator brings you back to La Paz in the afternoon, but we stayed in Coroico for two days of hiking through the Yungas.
2. Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert
We got to Uyuni via night bus from La Paz, reservation of tickets is highly recommended. Once we arrived in Uyuni, we went to a tour company to book a 3 day trip through the Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert.
You pass some of the most stunning landscapes of this planet!
But bring a warm sleeping bag, you will be above 4000m sea level and the nights are very cold.
3. Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is most famous for its floating villages, although we didn’t go there since we heared there is not much to see and its becoming more and more a tourist trap.
We stayed on the bolivian side in a little town called Copacabana. There is a nice hill beside the city centre from where you get nice views over the lake and the mountains in the back.
4. Cusco and surroundings
Cusco is a nice place with lots of restaurants and bars and the best place to organize a trip to Machu Picchu. The town is famous for its cathedral and the old stone buildings made of giant rocks.
We spend a day outside Cusco to hike around a little lake.
5. Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
I think almost every tourist has to pass the Urubamba valley which is also called Sacred Valley on their way to Machu Picchu. If you go there with a tour operator it is most likely that they will also include some stops in the valley.
You can also choose one of the many hiking options.
The whole area is packed with Inca ruins and beautiful landscapes.
6. Arequipa, Colca Canyon
Arequipa has two big volcanoes in its neighborhood where you can go hiking or cycling. The Colca Canyon can also be reached within a day trip. It is one of the deepest canyons in the world and has a nice vista point where you can see andean condors.
7. Ica and the Paracas Peninsula
Next to Ica is a little oasis town called Huacachina which has definetly seen some better days. Buggy tours are offered from many operators to see the dunes, the sunset and for some sandboarding.
An hour away from from Ica is the Paracas Peninsula with lots of wildlife and desert landscapes. It is also possible to take a boat tour around the Ballestas islands which is famous for its sea lions and birds.
8. Lima
We stayed in Lima for just one day. There is not much to see and one day should be enough. Most people stay in Miraflores on the ocean which is one of the better neighborhoods of Lima.