Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 21-10-2022
Impressive Inca ruins, The Amazon Jungle, and charismatic cities all come together in Peru, which is why the country has so much to offer travelers to South America. But that's no reason to stay within its territory. With Bolivia just across the border, conveniently straddled by the fascinating and awe-inspiring Lake Titicaca, it's worth combining the two countries in a single trip. We explain why you gain so much more than just another stamp on your passport when you see Bolivia and Peru together. Peru seduces with its ancient archaeological sites, living Andean cultures, and pisco sours, however traveling into Bolivia, delivers a contrasting blast of the surreal, with wild landscapes, high altitude cities, and the world's most extensive salt flats.
Machu Picchu
The Andes form the spine of neighboring Bolivia and Peru. They plunge into a landscape of terraced farmland, Inca ruins, valleys, and arid deserts dotted with colonial cities and indigenous villages. While vacations to Bolivia usually include some of its neighboring countries of Chile, Argentina, and Peru, holidays to Peru have often centered around this country alone. With Machu Picchu as its spectacular, iconic signature sight, plus a wealth of other Inca ruins, Lake Titicaca, and the Amazon jungle, Peru is jam-packed with cultural and scenic riches that make it a well-established destination in its own right. You cannot spend a thoroughly rewarding fortnight or so in Peru without traveling beyond its borders. Still, organized tours that take Bolivia offer more insight into these incredible Andean countries.
Tiahuanaco
Lima
Discover the stunning "City of Kings" on your guided tour, with its gorgeous colonial cathedral, Santo Domingo convent, and government palace, or gaze out over the Pacific Ocean and explore the cultural heritage of the Larco Museum or The Huaca Pucllana.
The Sacred Valley
Barter with local artisans at the Pisac market, and travel back in time down the ancient streets of Ollantaytambo, with its magnificent archaeological site that once protected invasions from outside of The Inca empire.
Pisaq Market
Machu Picchu
Travel into the clouds and experience the "Lost City" of the Incas, with its magnificent stone temples, sundial, and Sungate, for an unforgettable journey into the past and the majestic Machu Picchu archaeological remains.
Cusco
Explore this ancient Inca Capital on a guided tour of its quaint cobblestone streets, impressive Inca foundations, and colonial churches, tasting some delicious traditional Peruvian cuisine along the way.
Plaza De Armas, Cusco
Lake Titicaca
Meet the indigenous Uros people on their floating reed islands, situated on the highest navigable lake in the world. Then head to Taquile Island to see male knitters and women weavers on this island gem of the altiplano.
Copacabana
Cross the border into Bolivia and visit the Basilica of Copacabana, where cars are blessed by the virgin. Then take a boat out to Sun and Moon Island on Lake Titicaca, the fabled birthplace of The Inca Civilisation.
Lake Titicaca
La Paz
Marvel at the high-altitude city from above in your cable car ride and explore the mysterious Witches Market, where the traditional and the modern melt together in the most surreal kind of way.
Sucre
Enjoy a guided tour of the city and visit the House of Liberty, where Bolivia's independence was signed in Bolivia's official capital. Then head out to see traditional markets in Tarabuco and giant dinosaur prints at the Creatic Park.
Aymara Women in Traditional Dress
Potosi
Visit the city's Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint) before plunging into the depths of the Cerro Rico mine, where miners still work today.
Salar de Uyuni
Marvel at the largest salt flats on Earth, surrounded by endless, arid deserts, steamy geysers, and some of the starriest skies you will ever witness.
Salt Flats
Contact us at Valencia Travel for more information about how to combine these incredible countries to experience more of these unique Andean regions.
