Lima to La Paz

Package Overview

Nineteen days. Peru to Bolivia. Big views, homestays, local transport and backpacking stories you’ll keep forever. Kicking off with top-tier eats in Lima, you’ll roll down the coast to Paracas, Huacachina’s dunes and the Nazca Lines, all the way to Arequipa’s white-stone streets. Next up: Cusco, then taking a train to Machu Picchu. Finish strong on the Route of the Sun to Puno, a Lake Titicaca homestay, then cross into Bolivia to roll into La Paz.

Routing

Trip Duration: 19 Days

Day Wise Itinerary

Day 1 - Lima

Hola, welcome to Lima! You’ll meet your crew this evening in this beautiful city packed with rich cultural heritage. Then we’ll get to know each other over a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

• Accomodation: NAIA Miraflores Hotel (or similar)
• Meals: Dinner
• Location Visited: Lima,

Day 2 - Lima to Huacachina via Paracas National Reserve

It’s been short ‘n’ sweet, Lima. But we’ve got no time to waste! After breakfast, we’ll hit the road on public transport and drive along the coast towards the rugged cliffs of the Paracas National Reserve. Are. You. Ready? Coastal scenery doesn’t get more stunning than this. We’ll take a tour of Peru's toasty coast, lined with rocky cliffs and bright blue waves. It’s not everyday you get to ride a buggy (or sandboard down the slopes, if that’s your vibe) over the largest sand dunes in all of South America. You’ll be absolutely awestruck. And that’s absolutely normal. Afterwards, we’ll check into our hostel (located right in the middle of a quaint little desert oasis!). Trust us, the sleep’s gonna hit different tonight.

• Accomodation: Viajero Huacachina Hostel (or similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Lima, Paracas National Reserve, Huacachina,

Day 3 - Huacachina to Overnight Coach via Nazca Lines

Wakey Wakey. Say goodbye to this desert oasis cuz we're jumping on the Peru Hop network — our public transport coach to the next desert wonder. Thought it couldn’t get any better? Well, the Nazca Lines beg to differ. These mysterious yet impressive 2000-year-old sand imprints have blown away the most brilliant minds. And today, you have the chance to view them from a tower. Settle in with your crew for a smooth ride to Arequipa. Get ready for more unreal desert and mountain views along the way.

• Accomodation: Overnight Bus
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Huacachina, Nazca Lines, Overnight Coach to Arequipa,

Day 4 - Overnight Coach to Arequipa

Morning, travellers. We'll ditch the overnight coach and make our way to the hotel in this beautiful 'White City'. Welcome to Arequipa! Three majestic volcanoes, the vibrant Santa Catalina Monastery and a guided tour of all the city’s highlights await us. Next: check in, freshen up and spend the day exploring this wonderful city on our own.

• Accomodation: Qema Arequipa (or similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Overnight Coach to Arequipa, Arequipa,

Day 5 - Arequipa

Today is all yours. Wander the white-stone streets, post up in a sunny plaza cafe, or head out to explore viewpoints and markets at your own pace. Slow it down or pack it in, you do you.

• Accomodation: Qema Arequipa (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: Arequipa,

Day 6 - Arequipa to Cusco

Arequipa, you were awesome. But it's time to roll. This morning, we’ll jump back on the Peru Hop coach, cruising from white-stone streets and Misti views into big-sky altiplano territory. Think Lagunillas lagoons, roaming vicuñas, wide-open plains and Lake Titicaca’s basin in the distance — with plenty of photo stops baked in. Feeling the altitude? Yep. Welcome to Cusco! Tonight, the city’s yours to explore and grab dinner with the crew. Tomorrow? We dive all the way in.

• Accomodation: Viajero Cusco (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: Arequipa, Cusco,

Day 7 - Cusco

Another day, another incredible Latin American destination to uncover; today it's sun up 'til sun down in Cusco. We’ll kick things off with a city tour, then the afternoon’s yours. Shop for artisan jewellery and woodwork, wander San Pedro Market with cacao nibs in hand and coca tea on the go. Feeling adventurous? Sign up for a mountain biking experience and explore the epic scenery just beyond the city.

• Accomodation: Viajero Cusco (or similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Cusco,

Day 8 - Cusco

Rise and shine! Want to see the unreal colours of Rainbow Mountain? Opt in for an early hike and earn those views. More of a slow morning person? Take your time exploring the city instead, or opt for a massage or an interactive dining experience where you’ll dish up some Peruvian classics yourself.

• Accomodation: Viajero Cusco (or similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Cusco,

Day 9 - Cusco to Sacred Valley

Catch ya later, Cusco. Today we’ll head for the Sacred Valley on our private coach. But first, a proper Andean culture stop. We’ll meet llamas, alpacas and vicuñas up close, learn the ancient Incan art of weaving from talented local artisans, and even try our hand at the traditional game of Sapo. Keep your eyes on the landscapes too for terraced hillsides and local village life rolling by. And just like that, we’ve made it to the Sacred Valley. Rest up in your lodge for the night.

• Accomodation: Tunupa Lodge (or similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Cusco, Sacred Valley,

Day 10 - Sacred Valley

Free day in the Sacred Valley? Yup. Roam the streets and say goodbye (just for a bit) to the hikers. Tomorrow we conquer Machu Picchu.

• Accomodation: Tunupa Lodge (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: Sacred Valley,

Day 11 - Sacred Valley to Cusco via Machu Picchu

Jump on the Inca Rail from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and watch the Andes roll by on a two-hour ride that seriously delivers on scenery. Hop on the bus up from Aguas Calientes and step into Machu Picchu with your private guide leading the way. Spend the half-day unpacking the stories, the stonework, and those unreal terraces you’ve seen all over your feed. Bucket list? Ticked. Off. After the main event, we’ll rail it back and roll on with a private transfer to Cusco. Mountains out the window. Camera roll filling up. Take a minute to soak it all in as we make our way back to Cusco.

• Accomodation: Viajero Cusco (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco,

Day 12 - Cusco

Today’s yours to take Cusco at your own pace. Cafe hop around the Plaza de Armas, hunt down local markets, or just wander those cobbled streets and see where they lead

• Accomodation: Viajero Cusco (or similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Cusco,

Day 13 - Cusco

Hikers and non-hikers reunite today, and the city’s yours to enjoy together. Spend your free time swapping trail stories over coffee, exploring the cobbled streets, or diving back into Cusco’s markets and plazas.

• Accomodation: Viajero Cusco (or similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Cusco,

Day 14 - Cusco to Puno

Today we’ll hop on board a shared coach once again and travel to Puno along the famous Route of the Sun, with iconic stops along the way — Andahuaylillas (AKA the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”), Raqchi and the Temple of Wiracocha. Plus viewpoint and culture breaks at La Pascana, La Raya and the Pucará Museum. By the time we roll into Puno, we’ll have ticked off one of Peru’s best overland journeys. Welcome to the folkloric capital of Peru!

• Accomodation: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar)
• Meals: Lunch
• Location Visited: Cusco, Puno,

Day 15 - Puno to Lake Titicaca

Lake time! Today, we'll make our way to Lake Titicaca, cruising out across the lake towards Taquile Island. On the way, you’ll visit a floating island built from totora reeds, stepping onto the man-made platforms and checking out the reed houses up close. We'll explore a quieter part of Taquile on a short hike to an open-air market where the community shares dances, textiles, and local traditions. Then follow a pre-Incan path down to a sandy beach for some chill time. Hungry? Once we arrive on the Capachica Peninsula, we'll head into a local family homestay, and sit down for lunch made from local produce, with an optional late-afternoon hike up to a nearby hill for sunset. Later, after dinner, we’ll round things off with a small celebration of traditional music and dancing, then settle in for the night in basic but comfy rooms.

• Accomodation: Llachon Island Homestay (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Location Visited: Puno, Lake Titicaca,

Day 16 - Lake Titicaca to Puno

Say goodbye to your host fam. After an early brekkie, we'll boat back across the lake with the crew.  The rest of the day? All yours to do whatever you please.

• Accomodation: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: Lake Titicaca, Puno,

Day 17 - Puno to La Paz

Morning! Jump in to your private transfer from the hotel to the bus station, then roll out on the tourist bus to La Paz via Copacabana (about 10 hours). Settle in, snack up, and watch the landscapes do their thing. Welcome to Bolivia! Once we arrive, we'll snag a private transfer to the hotel. Come get your first taste of La Paz on a welcome dinner with your crew.

• Accomodation: Hotel Las Brisas Centro (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Location Visited: Puno, La Paz,

Day 18 - La Paz

We'll kick off our La Paz discovery with a half-day Shoe Shiner City Tour and see the city through a local lens. You'll tick off viewpoints, street life, and big city energy. Then it’s free time to roam, market-hop, and snack your way through town. Ever heard of the Bolivian Fighting Cholitas? Tonight, you have the option to see them live in action.

• Accomodation: Hotel Las Brisas Centro (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: La Paz,

Day 19 - La Paz

Aaaand, that's it.19 unforgettable days of exploring South America has come to an end. Grab a final brekkie, take those group pics and leave with memories you'll be talking about for decades.

• Accomodation:
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: La Paz,