Luxury Peru & the Uyuni Salt Flats

Day 1 : Lima

Arrive in Lima and transfer to the luxury Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel, located in the stylish suburb of Miraflores.

Day 2 : Lima

Enjoy a captivating journey through Lima, exploring the modern and colonial allure of The City of Kings. Traverse Miraflores and San Isidro, then delve into the Historic Centre. Capture the splendour of colonial architecture at the Main Square and savour Peruvian cocoa at the Chocolate Museum. Witness the grandeur of the Convent of Santo Domingo before passing through Huaca Huallamarca on your way back to Miraflores. Disembark at Love Park for stunning photos of the Lima coast.

Next, immerse yourself in the Treasures of Ancient Peru at the Larco Museum, a beacon of Latin American cultural richness. With over 45,000 artefacts spanning five thousand years, the museum unveils the history of Ancient Peru. Explore the Mochica culture’s unique “erotic pottery” exhibition. Conclude your visit with a delectable lunch in the enchanting ambience of the museum’s restaurant.

Day 3 : Lima > Cuzco > Sacred Valley

Today you will fly to Cuzco and then travel by car to the Sacred Valley of the Incas via the colourful Awanacancha and Pisac markets. After some time at the markets, continue to the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado, a luxury haven located in the heart of the beautiful Sacred Valley, your home for the next two nights.

This area is some 800 metres lower than Cuzco and spending your first nights here significantly aids acclimatization to altitude.

Day 4 : Sacred Valley

Travel to the Raqchi viewpoint, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the Urubamba Valley. Explore the captivating Moray archaeological site with its intriguing concentric terraces—once an Incan botanical laboratory. Next, marvel at the Maras salt mines, producing the world-renowned Maras salt.

Continue to Ollantaytambo, home to an expansive Inca archaeological complex perched atop a mountain. Descend to the town, preserving its original Inca urban layout, and wander its charming stone streets. Explore the local market before indulging in a delectable lunch at Sol y Luna Wayra, an Urubamba restaurant, complemented by a Paso horse exhibition.

Day 5 : Sacred Valley > Machu Picchu

Take a scenic Vistadome train journey to Machu Picchu. On arrival enjoy a buffet lunch before a guided tour of the ruins. It was to Machu Picchu that the Inca royalty fled after the Spanish invasion, where they were never discovered by the conquistadors.

Your guide will explain all about this magnificent historical gem as you explore this incredible site. Later return to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes for the night at the luxury award-winning Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, set in a five-hectare garden.

Day 6 : Machu Picchu > Sacred Valley > Cuzco

Enjoy your morning at leisure. There’s time for a second entry to Machu Picchu (at an additional cost) or to explore the markets of Aguas Calientes.

Later you will return by rail and road to Cuzco and stay for two nights in the Belmond Hotel Monasterio, a former monastery located close to the heart of the old city.

There is the option today to upgrade to the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train when travelling back to Cuzco (additional cost applies).

Day 7 : Cuzco

Explore Cuzco, the Imperial City and UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a captivating journey. Begin at the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace, and witness the fusion of Inca and Dominican architecture. Traverse the Plaza de Armas to marvel at the Cathedral, a pinnacle of the city. Ascend to the formidable Sacsayhuaman Fortress, showcasing Inca military brilliance. Discover Kenko’s celestial significance and Puca-Pucara’s historical role as an Inca resting place.

Conclude at Inka’s Expression art workshop, where the diverse applications of Peruvian natural products are showcased, revealing their nutritional, healing, and cosmetic properties. Immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Cuzco’s heritage on this enriching tour.

Day 8 : Cuzco > La Paz

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to La Paz. On arrival transfer to your hotel.

Later, embark on a fascinating tour through La Paz, recognized as one of the world’s seven wonder cities, nestled in a valley at the Andes’ foothills, at 3632 metres above sea level. Explore vibrant street markets showcasing handicrafts, weaving, and intriguing witchcraft items.

Visit the colonial heart of the city, including San Francisco Church, the Gold Museum, and Murillo Square, with a stop at the panoramic “Mirador de Killi Killi” and an outdoor replica of the Tiwanaku temple. Descend to the modern southern part, where the Valley of the Moon reveals a stunning clay mountain shaped by erosion. Complete your tour by riding the cable car, the “Teleferico,” for an exceptional view of La Paz; a must for everyone.

Day 9 : La Paz > Uyuni

Today you will take a morning flight to the small town of Uyuni, the gateway to the largest salt flat in the world. Upon arrival, your adventure starts with a visit to the renowned Train Cemetery, housing remnants of steam locomotives from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Next, proceed to Colchani to witness local artisans using traditional methods for salt extraction. Enter the vast Uyuni Salt Flats, spanning over 12,000 km2 of pure salt. Explore the “Stairs to Heaven,” an intriguing salt staircase crafted by Bolivian artist Gaston Ugalde and capture picturesque moments. Witness the “Eyes of the Salt,” outlets for subterranean rivers with medicinal waters. Continue to Incahuasi Island, an isolated oasis with giant cactuses reaching up to 10 metres. Conclude this unique experience with a lunch amidst the surreal salt flat. Transfer back to your hotel.

Day 10 : Uyuni Salt Flat

Today journey north after breakfast, reaching the base of the majestic Tunupa volcano. Explore Coquesa, renowned for its pre-Columbian “mummies.” Have fun capturing unique “perspective” photos on the salt flats with expert guidance from our driver and guide. As we return to Uyuni, savour the beauty of a captivating sunset—a breathtaking moment enhanced by the interplay of sunlight and salt, creating a spectacular landscape. Seize the opportunity to capture stunning perspective photographs during this magical and picturesque experience.

Day 11 : Uyuni > La Paz

Transfer back to the airport in Uyuni and take a late afternoon flight to La Paz for your overnight.

NB: Alternatively, consider extending your journey across the mesmerizing salt flats and crossing into Chile near San Pedro de Atacama. Delight in an overnight stay in Villamar before continuing into Chile’s Atacama Desert.

Day 12 : La Paz

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight where arrangements end.