Cusco to La Paz

From your hotel in Cusco (3400m / 11155ft), you transfer to the bus station for the journey to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca (3820m / 12533ft). The full-day journey by first-class tourist bus takes approximately 8–10 hours across the dramatic Andean Altiplano, travelling through high mountain landscapes and remote rural communities at elevations reaching over 4300m / 14108ft. The route includes several cultural and scenic stops along the way. Visit Andahuaylillas (3122m / 10243ft), home to the richly decorated church often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of America.” Continue to the village of Checacupe (3450m / 11319ft), known for its colonial and Inca bridges, before reaching Racchi (3480m / 11417ft), site of the Temple of Wiracocha, an important Inca ceremonial structure measuring approximately 30m / 98ft wide and 20m / 66ft high. After a box lunch in Sicuani (3552m / 11654ft), continue to La Raya Pass (4313m / 14150ft), the highest point between Cusco and Puno, with expansive views across the Andes. Later, visit Pucará (3910m / 12828ft), one of the earliest urban settlements of the high plains and home to the Pucará Lithic Museum. By late afternoon, arrive in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, whose vast scale resembles an inland sea more than a mountain lake. If you choose to travel by train from Cusco to Puno, an upgrade option is available upon request at an additional cost. We will pick you up at your hotel early in the morning and transfer you to the train station. Departure: 07.50 hrs, arrival: 18:20 hrs. Pick-up is scheduled 1 hour before the train departure as passengers are required to be at the station 30 minutes in advance. Please note that the Titicaca Train operates only on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The once-in-a-lifetime adventure takes approximately 10 hours 30 minutes. Your will be transferred to your hotel in Puno on arrival. The route is considered by many travel magazines to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Accommodation: Hacienda Puno or similar

Meals: L

Puno is a typical high Andean town, set on the shores of the lake and located on the great altiplano that stretches all the way to La Paz. There will be an opportunity to cruise Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and visit some of the unique floating ‘tortora’ reed islands of the Uros Indians. The afternoon is free to relax in Puno and explore its streets and markets. Accommodation: Hacienda Puno or similar

Meals: B

Departing at approximately 8:30am, travel by private guided vehicle along the shores of Lake Titicaca toward the Peru–Bolivia border at Desaguadero, located 147km / 91mi from Puno. After completing immigration formalities, continue through the Bolivian Highlands via the town of Guaqui. The route across the Altiplano providing an insight into traditional Aymara culture with several stops at scenic viewpoints along the way to take in the expansive landscapes and views of the Cordillera Real (Royal Range). Then descending into La Paz which one of the highest capital cities in the world at 3640m / 11942ft. The total distance from Desaguadero to La Paz is approximately 115km / 71mi. Accommodation: Hotel Rosario or similar

Meals: B

Enjoy a guided city tour of La Paz, dramatically set within a steep valley beneath the Andes at 3632m / 11916ft. During the tour, explore colourful street markets known for traditional handicrafts, woven textiles and local ceremonial items associated with Andean spiritual practices. Continue through the historic centre to visit landmarks including San Francisco Church, the Gold Museum and Plaza Murillo. The tour then descends into the southern districts of the city to the Valley of the Moon, where erosion has sculpted striking clay formations and unusual landscapes. A ride on La Paz’s cable car network, the Teleférico, provides panoramic views across the city and surrounding mountains. Accommodation: Hotel Rosario or similar Note: Museums in La Paz are generally closed on public holidays, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and all day Monday.

Meals: B

After breakfast we offer a transfer to the airport in La Paz where our trip concludes.

Meals: B