South America Journey
Join us in South America on your private small-group journey. You will see the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the city of Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu mountain, Cusco City Tour, Puno, Lake Titicaca, a Cruise to La Paz, the Tiwanaku Archaeological Complex, and much more!
What’s Included
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9 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, and 1 Dinner |
*Overseas Transfers |
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Entrance and Program Fees |
First Class Hotels |
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Guided Tours |
Tips for Hotel Staff & Hotel Porters |
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Live Audio Headsets (Groups of 8 or more) |
The Itinerary
Day 1 – Depart The USA
Depart the USA on your flight to Lima, Peru. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to rest up before your tour.
Day 2 – The Sacred Valley of the Incas
Transfer to the Lima airport and take a flight to Cusco City. Upon arrival in Cusco, transfer you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first stop is Caccacollo, a local community where mainly women work. They will showcase their weaving skills, and you’ll have some free time to wander around the charming local market and enjoy the local artisanal goods. Next, stop in Pisaq, where the Inca ruins nearby were a significant religious center. After Pisaq, continue along the river to Ollantaytambo and enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. Then continue to Ollantaytambo. Here, you can find the remains of a massive Inca fort where a famous battle occurred between the Incas and the Spanish invaders. The Incas won this battle, and you’ll witness some of the most impressive functioning series of aqueducts and fountains among all the Incan ruins in Peru.
Day 3 – Machu Picchu Pueblo
Today, take the train to the city of Aguas Calientes, the starting point for the trip to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will walk to the hotel. Take advantage of the hotel’s included excursions, explore the area, or simply unwind.
Day 4 – Machu Picchu
Today, leave early in the morning for the world-famous site of Machu Picchu, the” Lost City of the Incas.” Partly due to its ingenious architecture and unique location in the heart of tropical vegetation, this magical place evokes mystery and admiration. The site was discovered in July 1911 by the young American archaeologist Hiram Bingham. The sunrise view is known as one of the most beautiful in the world. After this experience, your private English-speaking guide will offer you a comprehensive tour. Then, enjoy a few hours of free time to spend in the complex. You can climb the Huayna Picchu mountain on your own. Climbing Huayna Picchu is optional (not guided by our staff) and is at your own risk and responsibility. Tickets for the ascent of Mount Huayna Picchu can be booked and combined with a ticket for Machu Picchu. Return to Aguas Caliente, take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and transfer to Cusco.
Day 5 – Cusco City Tour
Today, you will visit the ancient capital of the Inca empire, Cusco, one of the most beautiful cities in South America. Experience the magic mix between the traditions and history of the Incas and the Spanish. Go on a walking tour through the top sites in the city of Cusco. Visit the Cusco Cathedral and the most important temple of the Inca Empire, Koricancha. Explore these enigmatic sites with your private guide, who will highlight important details and little-known facts. After your tour, take in a free evening to relax and rest.
Day 6 – Cusco to Puno
Embark on a comfortable bus journey across the ‘altiplano,’ the high plateau of the Andes, towards Puno. Enjoy breathtaking views of the impressive landscape. Pass through several small villages and stop at remnants of pre-Columbian cultures, including Pukara, the Raqchi ruin complex, the La Raya pass, and the village of Andahuaylillas. A delicious lunch is included along the way. This spectacular bus journey ends in the beautiful city of Puno. Puno lies on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 7 – Lake Titicaca
Visit the floating reed islands of Uros and Taquile to understand how the local people have lived for centuries. The Uros built these artificial islands initially to escape from the Incas in the world’s highest navigable lake, Titicaca. These islands, also called Islas Flotantes (floating islands), are made of richly growing rushes. The reeds at the bottoms of the islands disintegrate quickly, and new reeds are constantly added to the top. Then, visit Taquile Island, a fascinating place to learn the traditions of these hard-working local people. Like Amantani, Taquile has no roads and cars. On the village square, you can enjoy a cup of muña tea. Then, enjoy a local lunch. The square is a meeting place for locals with their colorful costumes, remarkable knitting traditions, and a football field and public assembly. Later in the day, we will continue our boat ride back to Puno. The views are fantastic, and the visit will be a memorable experience!
Day 8 – Cruise to La Paz
In the early morning, we will provide a transfer from Puno to the Sanctuary of Copacabana, crossing the border between Peru and Bolivia. A guided visit awaits you at Bolivia’s main sanctuary and pilgrimage center, which includes the basilica housing the Virgen Morena de Copacabana, the patron saint of Bolivians. Following the sanctuary visit, embark on a catamaran cruise to sail to the Isla del Sol, known as the cradle of the Incan Empire. The guided itinerary continues with a visit to the Inti Wata Cultural Complex, Bolivia’s primary private tourist attraction accessible exclusively to catamaran visitors. This complex features the Ekako Underground Museum, traditional medicine, totora raft construction centers, a handicraft center, the Intica refuge, a botanical garden of Inca agriculture, and various Andean camelids. Following these visits, return to the catamaran for a buffet lunch as you sail back to Copacabana. Finally, transfer to the city of La Paz.
Day 9 – La Paz
Visit the beautiful city of La Paz, beginning with a visit to the mystical Street of the Witches, known as “Calle de las Brujas,” the Church of San Francisco, the Plaza Murillo, overlooking the Palacio Ejecutivo, the Palacio Legislativo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Mirador de Killi Killi, from where you can admire a strategic view of the city. Then, continue with a ride in one of the cable cars that cross the sky, giving you a different perspective of the city. Finally, experience the impressive geological landscape of the Moon Valley. Afterward, visit the Tiwanaku Archaeological Complex, the former capital of a powerful pre-Hispanic empire in the southern Andes, flourishing between 500 and 900 AD. Its monumental remains bear witness to this civilization’s cultural and political importance, unique among the pre-Hispanic empires of the Americas. Here, explore the Akapana Pyramid, the semi-subterranean temple, the Kalasasaya temple, the Gate of the Sun, the Ponce Monolith, and the entrance to Puma Punku.
Day 10 – Return Home to the USA
Return home with incredible memories of your time in South America!
*(Transfer to airport included if air purchased through EOX or if you provide EOX with your flight information at least one month prior to your departure. Those not providing this information may have to make their own transfer arrangements to return to the airport.)
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