Altitude, Andes & Ancient Trails
From the dizzying streets of La Paz to the white peaks of the Andes, this journey follows South America’s spine, salt deserts, ancient trails, sacred lakes and cities carved into cloud and stone
This route crosses the heart of the Andes, combining Bolivia’s wild landscapes with Peru’s ancient history.
Start in La Paz, one of the world’s highest capitals, where cable cars glide above a basin of red cliffs. From there, head south to the Salar de Uyuni, a vast salt desert stretching into infinity. Return north for the world’s highest navigable lake, Titicaca, before crossing into Peru to explore Arequipa’s colonial streets, Colca Canyon’s condors, and Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire.
End the trip with the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, then unwind on the coast with desert dunes and vineyards in Huacachina.
A white desert that bends perspective, endless horizon, mirror reflections, flamingos and fossil islands, where salt is the constant everywhere you look (including the walls of your accommodation!). A 3 day expedition here is the perfect amount of time to take it all in.
A 4-day trek reaching 4,650m traversing across snow peaks and cloud forest, with view of glaciers and emerald lakes, to reach Machu Picchu, the jewel of Incan engineering.
Isla del Sol is a sacred site in Inca mythology believed to be the birthplace of the sun and first Incas, offering stunning views, ancient ruins, and traditional Aymara/ Quechua villages with rustic charm, no cars, and great hiking.
Day 1: Arrive in La Paz
Day 2: Explore La Paz
Day 3: La Paz to the Salar de Uyuni
Day 4: Across the Uyuni salt flats and altiplano
Day 5: Uyuni return and overnight bus to La Paz
Day 6: La Paz recovery day
Day 7: Death Road from La Paz
Day 8: La Paz to Copacabana and Isla del Sol
Day 9: Isla del Sol to Arequipa
Day 10: Explore Arequipa
Day 11: Colca Canyon day trip
Day 12: Arequipa to Cusco
Day 13: Begin the Salkantay Trek
Day 14: Salkantay Trek
Day 15: Salkantay Trek
Day 16: Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
Day 17: Cusco to Huacachina via Lima
Day 18: Huacachina oasis and dunes
Day 19: Lima coastal finale
Day 20: Fly out
The first part of the day-by-day route, free to read.
Arrive in La Paz, Bolivia’s chaotic, breathtaking capital. The altitude hits fast so walk slowly and drink local teas.
Join a free walking tour through the Witches’ Market and colonial streets, and take the Mi Teleférico cable cars for panoramic rides over the bowl-shaped city. Each line offers a different view of the sprawling Andean metropolis and is a great way to see the city from above.
Spend an evening at Mirador Killi Killi or the rooftop bar of Selina La Paz. Prepare for the long overnight bus to Uyuni.
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Open the full itinerary“The Salkantay Trek was one of the hardest but most rewarding things I’ve ever done. You earn every step of that Machu Picchu sunrise. Machu Picchu Reservations organises this trek methodologically, with all accommodation and food organised, and the vibes of the people in the group amazing, especially the pre-dawn hike Karaoke in Aguas Calientes!”
“The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia were unexplainable - the optical illusions associated with kilometres of salt water reflecting the sun created some colours I'd never seen before, and the rocky "islands" scattered across the landscape created amazing contrasts. 3 days here was the perfect length to truly appreciate the beauty of this place”
“An exhausting but unforgettablee trip: the landscapes don’t make sense: one day it’s a desert of mirrors, the next you’re watching condors at sunrise. An always at crazy elevations! You feel like your at the roof of the world in a mystical setting powered by ancient mythologies and legends.”
Terra Nova Collective
