Peru & Bolivia Highlands Highlights

From Machu Picchu across Lake Titicaca to La Paz and the Uyuni Salt Flats

A classic multi-country South American route. Travel south from Cusco, cross the border overland via Puno and Copacabana, and fly to Uyuni to see the salt flats. The entire route is at high altitude, so you will head down to the Sacred Valley first to acclimatize. Flights are used for the Uyuni leg to avoid the risk of long-distance road blockades. The dry season offers views of the white salt plains; if you want to see the "mirror of the sky" effect, plan your trip between January and April. Best suited for travelers in good physical condition who can adapt to flexible schedules.

Road closures in Bolivia often happen without warning; check road conditions and visa requirements before departure

Day by day

Day 1 · Fly in and Head Straight to the Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu（Pisac Archaeological Park、Pisac Market）

Charter a car from Cusco Airport to Pisac (approx. 1 hour), then continue to Urubamba (approx. 1 hour)

Stay: Urubamba

Day 2 · Salt Mines and Terraces to Ollantaytambo

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu（Moray、Maras Salt Mines、Ollantaytambo）

Charter a car to visit Moray and Maras, then continue to Ollantaytambo, with a total driving time of about 2 hours

Stay: Ollantaytambo

Day 3 · Train to Aguas Calientes

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu（Machu Picchu Trains (Ollantaytambo Station)、Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)）

Take a scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (approx. 1.5–2 hours) and spend the afternoon resting in town

Be sure to book both entrance tickets and train tickets well in advance

Stay: Aguas Calientes

Day 4 · Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu（Machu Picchu）

Take the shuttle bus up the mountain (approx. 25 minutes), take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, and transfer back to Cusco (approx. 2 hours)

Stay: Plaza de Armas Area

Day 5 · A Day in Cusco's Historic Center

Cusco（Plaza de Armas, Cusco、Cusco Cathedral、Qorikancha、Sacsayhuamán）

Mainly explore the historic center on foot, or take a taxi to Sacsayhuamán (approx. 15 minutes) and walk back down

Stay: Plaza de Armas Area

Day 6 · Ruta del Sol to Puno

Cusco（Church of San Pedro Apóstol, Andahuaylillas） → Puno

Take a tourist bus for about 10–11 hours, stopping at ruins and churches along the way with lunch included, arriving in Puno in the evening

In case of road blockades due to protests, fly from Juliaca instead

Stay: Plaza de Armas and City Centre

Day 7 · Uros and Taquile Island

Puno（Uros Floating Islands、Taquile Island）

Take a boat from Puno harbor in the morning, arriving at the floating islands in about half an hour, then continue to Taquile Island (approx. 2 hours), returning in the evening

Stay: Plaza de Armas and City Centre

Day 8 · Cross the Border to Copacabana

Copacabana & Isla del Sol（Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana、Copacabana Lakefront、Cerro Calvario）

Take a cross-border bus via the Kasani border post to Copacabana (approx. 3–4 hours), and explore the town on foot in the afternoon

Double-check your passport for the entry stamp immediately after crossing the border

Stay: Copacabana Lakefront and Main Street

Day 9 · Overnight on Isla del Sol

Copacabana & Isla del Sol（Isla del Sol、Yumani & Inca Stairs、Pilko Kaina）

Take a morning boat to Yumani (approx. 1.5 hours), walk up and down the island's stone steps, and watch the sunset over the lake in the afternoon

It gets very cold on the island; bring warm clothing and cash

Stay: Yumani (Southern Isla del Sol)

Day 10 · Cross the Strait to La Paz

Copacabana & Isla del Sol（Strait of Tiquina） → La Paz City（Mi Teleférico）

Take a morning boat back to Copacabana, followed by a direct afternoon bus (approx. 3.5–4 hours) crossing the Tiquina Strait

Only take direct buses, and check road conditions before departure

Stay: Sopocachi

Day 11 · La Paz Cable Car and Moon Valley

La Paz City（Plaza Murillo、Witches' Market、Basilica of San Francisco、Valle de la Luna (La Paz)）

Ride the cable car network across the city, explore the old streets and markets on foot, and take a taxi to Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) in the afternoon (approx. 40 minutes)

Stay: Sopocachi

Day 12 · Fly to Uyuni

Salar de Uyuni（Train Cemetery (Uyuni Railway Scrap Yard)、Pulacayo、Uyuni Town）

Take an early morning flight to Uyuni (approx. 1 hour), and take a taxi or charter a car to the Train Cemetery and Pulacayo in the afternoon

Flights are subject to change; leave a buffer day at the end of your trip

Stay: Uyuni Town

Day 13 · Full Day on the Uyuni Salt Flats

Salar de Uyuni（Colchani、Salt Hotels & Dakar Monument、Isla Incahuasi）

Join a full-day 4x4 tour, visiting Colchani, the Salt Hotel, and Incahuasi Island, returning to town after sunset (approx. 10 hours total)

The salt flats reflect intense sunlight; bring sunglasses and sunscreen