Peru and Bolivia Explorer | Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2026)

Peru and Bolivia Explorer | Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2026)

13 Days
From

$4660

$3939

Peru and Bolivia Explorer | Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2026)

13 Days Starting in Lima, Peru and ending in La Paz, Bolivia

Visiting: Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, La Paz, Uyuni, Avaroa National Reserve

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

PBEXTK26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $4660 $3939 Operator discount: -$721 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru and Bolivia with the "Peru and Bolivia Explorer | Inca Trail Trek" tour starting in March 2026. Begin your adventure in Lima, where you can explore its rich history and vibrant culinary scene. Journey into the heart of the Amazon rainforest at a jungle lodge in Puerto Maldonado, and then head to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Discover the Sacred Valley's ancient ruins and local culture before embarking on a trek to the iconic Machu Picchu. Cross into Bolivia to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni and the Avaroa National Reserve. Conclude your trip in La Paz, a city of stunning contrasts and vibrant markets. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural wonders, and unforgettable experiences.

Highlights

  • Marvel at the lavishly decorated churches and catacombs in Lima, and enjoy a sunset over the Pacific with a pisco sour.

  • Explore the Amazon rainforest from a jungle lodge in Puerto Maldonado, spotting wildlife like toucans and caimans.

  • Discover the vibrant city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, and visit the San Pedro Markets.

  • Experience the Sacred Valley, with its ancient Incan ruins and traditional weaving demonstrations.

  • Embark on a trek to Machu Picchu, exploring the iconic Incan citadel and its breathtaking surroundings.

  • Visit the surreal Bolivian Salt Flats at Salar de Uyuni, capturing unique photos against the vast white landscape.

  • Explore the Avaroa National Reserve, with its hot springs, geysers, and flocks of flamingos.

  • Discover the vibrant city of La Paz, Bolivia, with its colorful markets and stunning views from the cable car system.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Start Lima

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Selina Miraflores (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Lima! Steeped in Spanish influence yet buzzing with modern metro vibes, this place is sure to ignite your love for Peru. Spend your morning marveling at lavishly decorated churches and an underground tunnel cemetery overflowing with bones or catacombs, then hit the Barranco district this afternoon to get a feel for its bohemian ambiance. A stroll over the Bridge of Sighs is also a must. And of course no trip to Lima is complete without devouring at least one portion of ceviche – it’s a pretty massive deal in the city. Round off the day watching the sun set over the Pacific, most likely with a pisco sour in hand���

Day 2: Lima To Jungle Lodge

Location: Puerto Maldonado

Accommodation Name: Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll catch a flight to the city of Puerto Maldonado in Peru’s southern jungle. We’ll have lunch on the river as we travel upstream by a traditional Peruvian boat to our Contiki Special Stay Rain forest Lodge in the mighty Amazon jungle, where we’ll try to spot toucans, macaws and capybaras along the way. A quick tour of the city will reveal colorful fruit stalls, open air markets, and locals going about their day. But now we're back underway and we just want to get to the jungle. Our lodge is a special experience in itself! Located in then luscious rainforest and made from wood and clay, its open walls leave you sleeping virtually amongst the rainforest! After you settle in, we’ll get a different take on the jungle as we take a hike to the canopy tower. After climbing the 100ft of stairs you will be provided with a birds-eye view of the rainforest! Home to monkeys, birds, bromeliads and other jungle life, this is the ultimate way to see the jungle. After dinner you can experience something really different, heading out to look for caiman, a member of the alligator family native to the Amazon. Scan the shores with flashlights and see if you can catch the red gleam of the light as it reflects off of the caiman’s eyes.

Day 3: Jungle Lodge

Location: Puerto Maldonado

Accommodation Name: Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

With another day at the jungle lodge, keep your eyes peeled for a wildlife like the giant otter, monkeys, tropical birds, bromeliads and other jungle life, this is the ultimate way to see the jungle.

Day 4: Jungle Lodge To Cusco

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Selina Saphi (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wave goodbye to your jungle home, and say hello to Cusco. Spend today exploring the beautiful city of Cusco - wander the main plaza, visit the Tread Right support weaving centre or feed your sweet tooth with a visit to the chocolate museum.

Day 5: Cusco To Sacred Valley

Location: Sacred Valley

Accommodation Name: Tunupa Lodge Ollantaytambo (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Heading out of Cusco and bound for the Sacred Valley on our private coach, this is where our journey into the ruins and mystique of this land truly begins. We’ll stop off to witness the ancient Incan art of weaving in practice by a group of talented local artisans. Throughout the journey, pay close attention to your surrounds – there’s the chance to spot the Incan farming technique of terracing. Want to know what the Peruvians do for fun? You’ll get the chance to play the traditional game of “Sapo”, and exactly what that entails we’ll leave to the imagination… Our explorations of the Sacred Valley will begin with a guided tour of the Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins. Our Local Guide will give you the d-l on both, visiting the circular terraced Pisac ruins first which date back to the 1400’s. Moving on to Ollantaytambo, base camp for those taking the trek tomorrow, we’ll appease dry mouths with some homemade Chicha de Jora brew. This tiny town may be small in geographical terms, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude, with artisan shops and cafes spilling out onto streets, and the roaring Urubamba river providing the perfect natural background noise. For those embarking on the Inca trail tomorrow this is your final chance to stock up on last minute essentials (socks, socks and more socks). For all others, spend your time soaking in the vibes, hanging with other travellers and just getting a feel for this iconic little town.

Day 6: Sacred Valley To Aguas Calientes Or Inca Trail Trek

Location: Aguas Calientes

Accommodation Name: Hotel Flower's House (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

For those embarking on our epic 1 day trek, we’ll grab a packed lunch and catch the train to KM104 and the start of a day to remember. With just 3.5 hours on foot and 13-kilometres to cover, the enchanting site that awaits us will make it all worthwhile. Descending into the site we’ll take in Huayna Picchu 'Little peak' – the iconic peak you’ll have seen in every picture ever – marvelling at the incredible handiwork of the ancient Incas. Satisfaction levels at an all-time high and with a big ol’ smile on your tired face, we’ll head back to Aguas Calientes and a squishy hotel bed you couldn’t be more deserving of.  For those not embarking on the Inca Trail, the morning is yours to enjoy the surrounding lush mountains of Aguas Calientes. Can you feel the excitement mounting? Yep – those are pretty much the feels when Machu Picchu is quite literally on the horizon. This afternoon we’ll hop on the train to Aguas Calientes, a cute town in its own right complete with roaring river, quaint bridges and local haunts, but most famously known as the gateway town to Machu Picchu. We’ll meet up with those who opted for the one day trek, and basically spend the evening hyping each other up for what’s to come tomorrow.

Day 7: Aguas Calientes To Cusco Via Machu Picchu

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation Name: Selina Saphi (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Excitement levels at an all-time high, the day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here – it’s Machu Picchu time! This is one big old tick off the life goals list, so enjoy every single second of it.  Built around 1450 at the height of the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the new world. We’ll be treated to a guided tour of the site taking in such wonders as the Temple of the Three Windows and Wayana Picchu (the peak you’ll of seen in every Machu Picchu image ever), and of course you’ll have some alone time to explore the area as only you can do. Back on the train we’ll de-brief on our once-in-a-lifetime experience as we head back to Cusco. Last time round was all about getting acquainted with the city, so now you’ve got you’re bearings you can really get lost amongst the market stalls and cobbled streets, maybe even going truly local by trying out a serving of cuy.

Day 8: Cusco To La Paz

Location: La Paz

Accommodation Name: Selina La Paz (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Another day, another country. Welcome to Bolivia! If you're looking for vistas, La Paz is your gal. Sitting in the midst of a narrow canyon and dwarfed by the mighty ice capped peak of Mount Illimani to the South, this is a city of contrasts, where 19th century churches rub shoulders with towering office blocks and pretty, colourful markets. Take your time adjusting to the altitude, then make the most of your afternoon in this hustling, cosmopolitan city.

Day 9: La Paz To Avaroa National Reserve

Location: Uyuni

Accommodation Name: Avaroa National Reserve

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we're headed to Uyuni, the official gateway to the Salar de Uyuni...more commonly known as the Bolivian Salt Flats. Excited much? You should be. To get the journey started, we'll be heading to the Great Train Graveyard, which is every bit as incredible as it sounds. Next up what you've been waiting for, the Salt Flats. Hope you've got your picture ideas ready, the possibilities are endless. We'll continue through the desert before parking up for the night. Expect some beautiful night skies out here.

Day 10: Avaroa National Reserve

Location: Avaroa National Reserve

Accommodation Name: Avaroa National Reserve

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It's time to jump back in the 4x4 and continue through the Bolivian desert. We'll be starting a crossing through the Avaroa National Reserve. Hot springs, geysers, volcanoes, mountains, lakes and flocks of flamingos will have your head spinning 360 as you try to take it all on. Nature on steroids is probably the best description.

Day 11: Avaroa National Night Bus To La Paz

Location: La Paz

Accommodation Name: Overnight bus

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we start the journey back to Uyuni. So sit back and enjoy the views unlike anywhere else. You'll get a chance to have a look around the town and grab some dinner. Tonight we're getting on a night bus. Falling asleep in Uyuni and waking up in La Paz? There's no easier way to get across the country.

Day 12: La Paz

Location: La Paz

Accommodation Name: Selina La Paz (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today's the day to soak up Bolivia one last time. See the city from above on La Paz's incredible cable car system, or use the your day to get a final taste of Bolivian delicacies - llama anyone?This afternoon, a nap may be calling your name, getting you nice and rested before your final night with your Contiki crew!

Day 13: End La Paz

Location: La Paz

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning your trip ends.  Not ready to say goodbye to South America? Why not join us on another Contiki tour with your new mates?

What's Included

  • Dining Summary

    The tour includes 7 dinners, 12 breakfasts, and 4 lunches.

  • Included Experience

    The tour includes experiences such as exploring Lima, getting a bird's eye view of the Amazon rainforest, staying at a Jungle Lodge in Puerto Maldonado, visiting Cusco, hiking around the Pisac ruins in the Sacred Valley, exploring Machu Picchu, and visiting the salt flats at Salar de Uyuni.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various locations including Selina Miraflores, Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge, Selina Saphi, Tunupa Lodge Ollantaytambo, Hotel Flower's House, Selina La Paz, and an overnight bus.

  • Transport

    Transport includes flights, private coach, traditional Peruvian boat, train, and 4x4 vehicles.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and optional activities are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Peru and Bolivia with a mix of flights, traditional Peruvian boats, private coaches, and trains. Experience the Amazon by boat, explore the Sacred Valley by coach, and journey to Machu Picchu by train. Overnight buses provide a convenient way to traverse Bolivia.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of accommodations including the Selina Miraflores in Lima, the Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge in the Amazon jungle, and the Selina La Paz in Bolivia. Enjoy unique stays like the Tunupa Lodge in Ollantaytambo and Hotel Flower's House in Aguas Calientes, offering comfort and local charm.

Dining Summary

  • 7 Dinner (D)
  • 12 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Lunch (L)

Included Experience

  • Lima: Get to know this magnificent clifftop city. It’s steeped in history and pretty architecture. But we’re all about the epic food.
  • Lima: Cameras ready. It’s not every day you get a bird’s eye view of the Amazon rainforest
  • Puerto Maldonado: We'll make our way through the lush green Amazon rainforest at our Jungle Lodge in Puerto Maldonado. There's no better way to reconnect with nature!
  • Puerto Maldonado:
  • Cusco: Feel those butterflies of excitement as you board a plane to the Peruvian city. It’s the former capital of the Inca Empire.
  • Cusco: Your chance to pick up some mementos at San Pedro Markets and then see Cusco Cathedral, San Blas and Coricancha.
  • Sacred Valley: See this former heartland of the Incan Empire and hike around the Pisac ruins.
  • Sacred Valley: Learn about the vibrant Andean art of weaving & goldsmithing in Pisac Qolque. Every penny you spend here helps them preserve their time-worn cultural identities & form of self-expression.
  • Sacred Valley: The sleepy town will give you a taste of local life in the Sacred Valley. Don’t forget to pick up some mementos at the market.
  • Cusco: AKA ‘corn beer’. This ceremonial bevvy was the drink of choice for Incan nobility.
  • Machu Picchu: Feel the goosebumps of excitement as you glide into Aguas Calientes and get ready to start this life-changing experience.
  • Machu Picchu: It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to explore the Incan citadel with your new Contiki fam. #travelgoals
  • Cusco: Jet into this mountaintop city and enjoy the sweeping panoramic views.
  • La Paz: Swoop into this small Bolivian town – the gateway to visit the salt flats at Salar de Uyuni.
  • Uyuni: This one’s pretty surreal! An array of abandoned steam engines that were left to rust are now a work of modern art.
  • Uyuni: Visit the stretch of salt flats. They’re kind of like a giant beach made from salt. And it’s an epic backdrop for some quirky pics.
  • Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa: Wild llamas and alpacas. Flamingos. Salt flats. Volcanos. The list of amazing things you’ll see here is endless.
  • La Paz: It’s high time we explored the world’s highest (administrative) capital! Joined by an expert local guide, we’ll check out the best sights in La Paz - get a slightly creepy gift for your BFF at the Witches Market, stand in Plaza Murillo and see the rainbow colours of Jaen Street and see the landmark St Francis Basilica.
  • La Paz: See San Francisco Church and Metropolitan Cathedral – two impressive landmarks in this lively city

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences can I expect during the stay at the Jungle Lodge?

    During your stay at the Jungle Lodge, you can expect to travel upstream by a traditional Peruvian boat, try to spot wildlife such as toucans, macaws, and capybaras, and take a hike to a canopy tower for a bird's-eye view of the rainforest. You will also have the opportunity to go on a night excursion to look for caiman, a member of the alligator family native to the Amazon.

  • What activities are included in the visit to the Sacred Valley?

    In the Sacred Valley, you will witness the ancient Incan art of weaving, play the traditional game of 'Sapo', and explore the Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins with a local guide. You will also have the chance to try homemade Chicha de Jora brew and explore the artisan shops and cafes in Ollantaytambo.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?

    During the visit to Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of the site, including the Temple of the Three Windows and Wayana Picchu. You will also have some free time to explore the area on your own.

  • What is the experience like at the Bolivian Salt Flats?

    At the Bolivian Salt Flats, you will visit the Great Train Graveyard and have the opportunity to take creative photos on the vast salt flats. The journey continues through the desert, offering beautiful night skies.

  • What natural wonders can I see in the Avaroa National Reserve?

    In the Avaroa National Reserve, you will see hot springs, geysers, volcanoes, mountains, lakes, and flocks of flamingos. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
$4660 $3939

Operator discount: -$721

Peru and Bolivia Explorer | Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2025)

Saturday - Thursday

May 10, 2025 - May 22, 2025
$4660 $3939

Operator discount: -$721

Peru and Bolivia Explorer | Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2025)

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025
$4660 $3939

Operator discount: -$721

Peru and Bolivia Explorer | Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2025)

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025
$4660 $3939

Operator discount: -$721

Peru and Bolivia Explorer | Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2025)

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025
$4660 $3939

Operator discount: -$721

Peru and Bolivia Explorer | Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2025)

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025
$4660 $3939

Operator discount: -$721

Peru and Bolivia Explorer | Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2025)

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 20, 2025 - Jan 01, 2026
$4660 $3939

Operator discount: -$721

Peru and Bolivia Explorer | Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2025)

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 22, 2026
$4660 $4129

Operator discount: -$531

Peru and Bolivia Explorer | Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2025)

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 05, 2026
$4660 $4129

Operator discount: -$531

Peru and Bolivia Explorer | Inca Trail Trek (From Mar 2025)

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
$4895

Saturday - Thursday

May 09, 2026 - May 21, 2026
$4895

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 09, 2026
$4895

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 25, 2026 - Aug 06, 2026
$4895

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 27, 2026
$4895

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026
$4895

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 21, 2026 - Dec 03, 2026
$4895

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$4895
Prices last published on 07-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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