Hey there! If you’re planning an adventure to Peru and Bolivia, you’re in for an incredible experience. With breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and friendly locals, this itinerary will guide you through some of the best spots in both countries.
Let’s dive into this Peru Bolivia travel itinerary that I’ve crafted, complete with day-by-day plans and useful tips to make your journey unforgettable!
Peru Bolivia Travel Itinerary
I’ve structured this itinerary for 10 days, which I believe is a perfect amount of time to explore the highlights of both countries. This way, you won’t feel rushed and can truly soak in the beauty and culture around you.
Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect:
- Day 1: Arrival in Lima, Peru
- Day 2: Lima City Tour
- Day 3: Flight to Cusco
- Day 4: Sacred Valley Day Trip
- Day 5: Machu Picchu Adventure
- Day 6: Travel to La Paz, Bolivia
- Day 7: La Paz City Tour
- Day 8: Tiwanaku Archaeological Site
- Day 9: Lake Titicaca Excursion
- Day 10: Departure from La Paz
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lima, Peru
- Morning: Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. Check into your hotel (average price: $50 per night).
- Afternoon: Grab a bite at a local restaurant. Try ceviche, a delicious Peruvian dish (cost: around $10).
- Evening: Explore the vibrant Miraflores district. Walk along the cliffs and enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
| Day Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Destination | Lima |
| Accommodation | Lima Hotel – $50 |
| Activities | Miraflores Walk |
| Transport | Airport Transfer (Taxi – $15) |
| Food | Ceviche – $10 |
| Extra Notes | Enjoy sunset views over the ocean. |
Day 2: Lima City Tour
- Morning: Join a guided city tour. Visit Plaza Mayor and Larco Museum (tour cost: $30).
- Afternoon: Lunch at a local market. Enjoy traditional dishes (cost: $8).
- Evening: Discover the nightlife in Barranco, which is known for its bohemian vibe and art scene.
| Day Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Destination | Lima |
| Accommodation | Lima Hotel – $50 |
| Activities | City Tour, Plaza Mayor |
| Transport | Tour Bus Included |
| Food | Lunch at Market – $8 |
| Extra Notes | Visit local galleries in Barranco. |
Day 3: Flight to Cusco
- Morning: Take a morning flight to Cusco (flight cost: $100). Check into your hotel (average price: $50 per night).
- Afternoon: Acclimatize by exploring Cusco’s historic center. Visit Sacsayhuamán and Qorikancha.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant. Try lomo saltado (cost: $12).
| Day Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Destination | Cusco |
| Accommodation | Cusco Hotel – $50 |
| Activities | Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha |
| Transport | Flight – $100, Taxi – $10 |
| Food | Lomo Saltado – $12 |
| Extra Notes | Stay hydrated to acclimatize. |
Day 4: Sacred Valley Day Trip
- Morning: Join a day tour of the Sacred Valley (tour cost: $60). Visit Pisac Market.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch in Urubamba (cost: $10) and visit Ollantaytambo ruins.
- Evening: Return to Cusco and rest at your hotel.
| Day Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Destination | Sacred Valley |
| Accommodation | Cusco Hotel – $50 |
| Activities | Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo |
| Transport | Tour Bus Included |
| Food | Lunch in Urubamba – $10 |
| Extra Notes | Shop for souvenirs at Pisac. |
Day 5: Machu Picchu Adventure
- Morning: Take an early train to Aguas Calientes (train cost: $80). From there, a bus to Machu Picchu (bus cost: $12).
- Afternoon: Explore the ruins. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the ancient architecture (cost: $5).
- Evening: Return to Cusco by train. Have dinner at a local eatery (cost: $15).
| Day Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Destination | Machu Picchu |
| Accommodation | Cusco Hotel – $50 |
| Activities | Explore Machu Picchu |
| Transport | Train – $80, Bus – $12 |
| Food | Picnic Lunch – $5, Dinner – $15 |
| Extra Notes | Bring water and snacks for the day. |
Day 6: Travel to La Paz, Bolivia
- Morning: Take a morning bus to La Paz (cost: $25; duration: 6-8 hours).
- Afternoon: Arrive in La Paz and check into your hotel (average price: $50 per night).
- Evening: Stroll through the Witches’ Market and grab dinner at a local restaurant (cost: $10).
| Day Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Destination | La Paz |
| Accommodation | La Paz Hotel – $50 |
| Activities | Witches’ Market Exploration |
| Transport | Bus – $25 |
| Food | Dinner – $10 |
| Extra Notes | Try to negotiate prices at the market. |
Day 7: La Paz City Tour
- Morning: Join a city tour. Visit Plaza Murillo, Valley of the Moon, and take a Cable Car ride (tour cost: $30).
- Afternoon: Lunch in La Paz (cost: $8).
- Evening: Explore the local dining scene. Try salteñas (cost: $5).
| Day Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Destination | La Paz |
| Accommodation | La Paz Hotel – $50 |
| Activities | City Tour, Cable Car |
| Transport | Included in tour |
| Food | Lunch – $8, Salteñas – $5 |
| Extra Notes | Don’t miss the panoramic views from the cable car. |
Day 8: Tiwanaku Archaeological Site
- Morning: Visit Tiwanaku (tour cost: $50), one of the most important archaeological sites in Bolivia.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch near Tiwanaku (cost: $10).
- Evening: Return to La Paz and relax at your hotel.
| Day Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Destination | Tiwanaku |
| Accommodation | La Paz Hotel – $50 |
| Activities | Explore Tiwanaku |
| Transport | Tour Bus Included |
| Food | Lunch – $10 |
| Extra Notes | Learn about ancient cultures. |
Day 9: Lake Titicaca Excursion
- Morning: Take a bus to Copacabana (cost: $15; duration: 3-4 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore Lake Titicaca and visit Isla del Sol (boat ticket: $20). Have lunch on the island (cost: $10).
- Evening: Return to La Paz for your last dinner (cost: $15). Reflect on your incredible journey over a warm meal.
| Day Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Destination | Lake Titicaca |
| Accommodation | La Paz Hotel – $50 |
| Activities | Isla del Sol Exploration |
| Transport | Bus – $15 |
| Food | Lunch – $10, Dinner – $15 |
| Extra Notes | Bring your camera for stunning lake views! |
Day 10: Departure from La Paz
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Take some time to shop for last-minute souvenirs (budget around $20).
- Afternoon: Visit any last-minute sites or cafes depending on your flight time. Check out of your hotel and head to the airport (taxi cost: $15).
- Evening: Catch your flight home or to your next destination.
| Day Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Destination | Departure from La Paz |
| Accommodation | N/A (last day) |
| Activities | Last-minute shopping |
| Transport | Taxi – $15 |
| Food | Breakfast – $8 |
| Extra Notes | Keep your travel documents handy. |
Additional Information for Your Trip
Is Bolivia or Peru better?
This depends on your interests! Peru offers stunning archaeological sites like Machu Picchu and rich culinary experiences, while Bolivia has breathtaking landscapes, like Salar de Uyuni and the high-altitude culture of La Paz. I suggest experiencing both for the best of each!
How many days are enough for Bolivia?
To fully experience Bolivia, I recommend spending 5 to 7 days. This duration allows you to explore key highlights and immerse yourself in the rich culture and stunning landscapes.
Start in La Paz, where you can visit attractions like the Witches’ Market and the Valley of the Moon. Spend a couple of days at Lake Titicaca, taking in the beautiful scenery and exploring islands like Isla del Sol. Finally, make sure to include a visit to the Salar de Uyuni, one of the most surreal landscapes in the world.
If you have extra days, consider adding trips to Potosí for its mining history or Sucre for its colonial architecture. With 5 to 7 days, you’ll have enough time to appreciate the wonders of Bolivia!
How can you travel between Bolivia and Peru?
Traveling between Bolivia and Peru is straightforward, with several options to suit different budgets and preferences:
- By Bus: The most common and affordable way to travel. Buses operate between La Paz and Puno (about 6-7 hours, costing $15-$25) and from Puno to Cusco (around 6 hours, costing $10-$15).
- By Train: While there’s no direct train, you can take a train from Cusco to Puno and then a bus to Copacabana in Bolivia. The train ride is scenic, with prices ranging from $40-$150.
- By Air: The quickest option, with flights from La Paz to Cusco or Lima taking about 1-1.5 hours. Prices vary, typically between $100-$300.
- Shared Taxis or Rideshares: These offer flexibility, especially at border crossings like Desaguadero. They can be more expensive than buses but are convenient for small groups.
Tips:
- Check Visa Requirements: Make sure to understand the visa regulations for both countries.
- Currency Exchange: Have local currency handy for smoother transactions.
- Acclimatize to Altitude: Allow time to adjust to the high altitudes in both countries.
With these travel options, crossing the border between Bolivia and Peru can be easy and enjoyable!
Can you take a train from Peru to Bolivia?
While there isn’t a direct train from Peru to Bolivia, you can take a train from Cusco to Puno and then a bus to La Paz. It’s a scenic route that I highly recommend!
When should I visit Peru and Bolivia?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September. This is when you’ll find the most pleasant weather for hiking and exploring.
Conclusion
This Peru Bolivia travel itinerary covers the highlights of both countries, ensuring you get to experience the culture, history, and stunning landscapes.
I hope my journey inspires you to pack your bags and embark on this incredible adventure.
Whether you’re hiking through Machu Picchu or cruising on Lake Titicaca, you’re sure to create unforgettable memories. Safe travels!