Cusco, Peru - 21 Days Itinerary
Cusco, Peru - 21 Days Itinerary
Embark on an unforgettable 21-day Andean adventure, blending the challenge of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with the vibrant landscapes of Palccoyo and the surreal salt flats of Uyuni. This journey balances cultural immersion and local culinary exploration with the comfort of boutique accommodations, featuring scenic travel via the PeruRail Titicaca train and a breathtaking crossing into Bolivia.
Arrival in Cusco
Check-in and Rest
Arrive in Cusco and check into your accommodation.
Rest to allow for immediate altitude acclimatization.
Gentle Cusco Orientation
Viewpoints and Streets Tour
A quiet walking tour of Cusco's best photo spots to help acclimate without heavy exertion.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains
A less demanding alternative to Vinicunca, visiting three rainbow mountains and a stone forest.
Bring layers and plenty of water.
Textile Workshop Culture
Textile Workshop Experience
Learn traditional Andean dyeing and weaving techniques with local experts.
Preparation for Salkantay
Trek Gear Prep
Final briefing and equipment check for the upcoming Salkantay trek.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains
Palccoyo Exploration
Visit the three rainbow mountains and the unique stone forest.
A quieter, more accessible alternative to Vinicunca.
Salkantay Start: Humantay Lake
Trek to Humantay
Begin the Salkantay trek heading toward the glacial Humantay Lake.
Salkantay Pass
Crossing the Pass
Trek over the Salkantay Pass (4,600m) with breathtaking glacial views, descending into the cloud forest.
Jungle Descent
Trek to Aguas Calientes
Hike through lush jungle landscapes along the river, arriving in the village of Aguas Calientes.
Machu Picchu Citadel
Machu Picchu Tour
Guided visit of the historical sanctuary before returning to Cusco.
Train to Cusco
Return journey by Vistadome train through the Sacred Valley.
Titicaca Train Journey
Luxury Train Transit
Experience the PeruRail Titicaca train from Cusco to Puno.
Includes gourmet lunch, live music, and observation carriage views of the Andean landscape.
Uros and Taquile Islands
Floating Islands Tour
Explore the Uros floating reed islands and the culture of Taquile Island, known for its intricate textile art.
Operated by Titicaca Travel Peru.
Sillustani Exploration
Sillustani Tombs
Visit the impressive pre-Incan chullpas (funerary towers) overlooking Lake Umayo.
Kasani Border Crossing
Crossing to Bolivia
Private transfer from Puno hotel to the Kasani border, then transition to Copacabana, Bolivia.
Ensure your passport is ready for the immigration process at the Kasani crossing.
Basilica Visit
Explore the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana and the surrounding town center.
Departure to La Paz
Bus to La Paz
Tourist bus transport from Copacabana to the city of La Paz.
La Paz City Walk
Gentle exploration of La Paz city center and local markets.
Arrival in La Paz
Bus to La Paz
Travel from Copacabana to the capital of Bolivia via local bus service.
Use public bus or private transfer service from Copacabana to La Paz Terminal.
Teleferico City Tour
Experience the world's most unique public transport system by riding the red and blue cable car lines for aerial city views.
Fantastic way to see the city geography without physical exertion while acclimating.
La Paz Culture & Flight to Uyuni
Witches Market
Explore the famous Mercado de las Brujas to see unique Andean spiritual offerings.
Flight to Uyuni
Short internal flight to start your desert expedition.
Check in 2 hours prior for domestic flight.
Salar de Uyuni Exploration
Salt Flats Expedition
Full day tour of the Salar, visiting Incahuasi Island and the historic Salt Hotel.
Lagunas Route Exploration
Lagunas and Volcanoes
Head south to see Laguna Colorada and the flamingo colonies in the high Andes.
Return to Uyuni and Final Evening
Sol de Mañana Geysers
Morning visit to the high-altitude volcanic geyser fields.
Drive Back to Uyuni
Scenic drive back across the Altiplano to the town of Uyuni.
Departure from La Paz
Final Bolivian Breakfast
Enjoy a final coffee and local pastry in La Paz before checking out of your hotel.
Transfer to El Alto
Private transfer from your accommodation to El Alto International Airport (LPB).
Ensure your driver is aware of the high-altitude traffic patterns between the city center and the airport.
Check-in & Departure
Check-in for your international flight back to Zurich.
This 21-day itinerary for Cusco, Peru can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.