Epic Peru, Bolivia & Argentina: Self-Launched Adventure

Arrive in Lima and check into a hostel or budget hotel in the Miraflores district — the safest and most convenient base for travellers. Spend the afternoon exploring independently: walk through Parque Kennedy, stroll along the cliffside LarcoMar complex, and visit Parque del Amor for views over the Pacific. In the evening, head to the vibrant Barranco neighbourhood for street food and nightlife, or splurge at a mid-range restaurant to try ceviche and Peruvian desserts like mazamorra morada.

🚌Airport to Miraflores via taxi or Uber — ~£10–12. Alternatively take the Airport Express Lima bus to Miraflores for ~£3.

🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in Miraflores (e.g. Kokopelli Hostel or Pirwa Miraflores) — ~£15–20/night

• →Self-guided walk of Miraflores: Parque Kennedy, LarcoMar, Parque del Amor — free
• →Optional: San Francisco Monastery & Catacombs self-entry — ~£5
• →Optional: Larco Museum self-entry — ~£10
• →Optional: Lima Discovery tour via GetYourGuide — ~£25

Take an early morning flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado (approx. 1.5 hrs). Book a 2-night Amazon lodge package independently through operators such as Rainforest Expeditions or Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica — these are self-bookable online and include canoe transfers, meals, and guided jungle activities. On arrival, a motorised canoe takes you upriver into the Madre de Dios jungle. Afternoon: guided nature walk spotting macaws, monkeys, and butterflies.

🚌Lima to Puerto Maldonado flight (LATAM or Sky Airline) — book in advance for ~£60–80 each way

🛏Amazon jungle lodge (e.g. Refugio Amazonas or Posada Amazonas by Rainforest Expeditions) — 2-night all-inclusive package ~£120–150pp

• →Motorised canoe transfer to jungle lodge (included in lodge package)
• →Guided afternoon nature trek — included in lodge package
• →Night caiman-spotting boat tour on the Tambopata River — included in lodge package

A full day of jungle activities included in your lodge package. Morning: guided half-day trek through the rainforest, learning about medicinal plants and spotting wildlife including peccaries, jabirus, and otters. Afternoon: free time at the lodge to swim, birdwatch, or relax in a hammock. Evening: night excursion by boat to spot caimans on the river with a spotlight — a truly unforgettable experience.

🚌No transport needed today — all activities at/near lodge

🛏Amazon jungle lodge (2nd night, as above) — cost covered in Day 2 package

• →Half-day guided jungle trek — included in lodge package
• →Wildlife spotting: macaws, monkeys, caimans
• →Night boat excursion on Tambopata River — included in lodge package

Return by canoe to Puerto Maldonado and fly to Cusco (approx. 1 hr). At 3,400m above sea level, spend the day acclimatising — take it slow! Self-guided walk around the historic centre: visit the exterior of Qoricancha temple, the bustling San Pedro Market, Plaza de Armas, the famous Twelve Angled Stone, and charming San Blas neighbourhood. In the evening, book a Pisco Sour class independently through GetYourGuide or at a local bar like Mama Africa or Indigo.

🚌Puerto Maldonado to Cusco flight (LATAM or Sky Airline) — ~£50–70. Airport to centre by taxi ~£5.

🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Cusco centre (e.g. Loki Hostel Cusco or Pirwa Colonial) — ~£12–18/night

• →Self-guided walking tour of Cusco historic centre — free
• →San Pedro Market visit — free
• →Optional: Qoricancha Temple self-entry — ~£5
• →Pisco Sour mixology class (book via GetYourGuide) — ~£15–20
• →Optional: Full Boleto Turístico pass (16 archaeological sites) — ~£30

Take a shared minivan tour of the Sacred Valley — these depart daily from Cusco and are widely available from tour agencies around Plaza de Armas for ~£20–30pp including a guide. Visit a local community in the valley (check if it's market day: Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday for the best experience), browse handmade crafts, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Drive to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon. Explore the impressive Inca fortress ruins independently (self-entry ~£30 with Boleto Turístico, or buy at the gate).

🚌Shared minivan Cusco to Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo — included in day tour, ~£5 extra for drop-off at Ollantaytambo

🛏Budget guesthouse in Ollantaytambo (e.g. Hostal Iskay or KB Tambo) — ~£12–15/night

• →Shared Sacred Valley day tour from Cusco (via local agency or GetYourGuide) — ~£20–30pp
• →Pisac market visit (on market days: Sun/Tue/Thu) — free entry
• →Ollantaytambo Inca ruins — included in Boleto Turístico or ~£15 gate entry
• →Lunch at local community restaurant — ~£5–8

For self-guided travellers, the scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is the most practical and stunning option, winding through the cloud forest of the Urubamba Valley. Book in advance through Peru Rail or Inca Rail (Vistadome class recommended for panoramic windows). Arrive in Aguas Calientes — a small, lively town at the foot of Machu Picchu. Check in, explore the town, and visit the local market. Get an early night ahead of tomorrow's Machu Picchu visit.

🚌Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes by Peru Rail / Inca Rail (Vistadome class) — book well in advance, ~£35–45pp one way

🛏Budget hostel or guesthouse in Aguas Calientes (e.g. Hostal Cusi or El Mapi by Inkaterra budget wing) — ~£15–22/night

• →Scenic train journey through Urubamba cloud forest — included in transport
• →Explore Aguas Calientes town and market — free
• →Optional: hot springs (Aguas Calientes thermal baths) — ~£4

Rise early and catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu (buses run from 5:30am). Machu Picchu entry must be booked well in advance online at the official government portal (machupicchu.gob.pe) — slots sell out months ahead. Choose a time slot that allows you to enter at dawn for the most magical experience before the crowds. Spend 3–4 hours exploring the citadel independently using a self-guided audio guide (available via GetYourGuide app). Optionally hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (requires separate timed ticket booked in advance). Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo and a taxi or bus back to Cusco.

🚌Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo by train — ~£35–45pp. Ollantaytambo to Cusco by shared taxi or bus — ~£5–8pp.

🛏Return to Cusco hostel (as Day 4) — ~£12–18/night

• →Machu Picchu entry (book in advance at machupicchu.gob.pe) — ~£35–45pp
• →Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu gate (return) — ~£15pp
• →Optional: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike — ~£15 additional ticket
• →Optional: Self-guided audio tour via GetYourGuide app — ~£8

Take the scenic tourist bus from Cusco to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca (approx. 6–7 hrs). Operators like Inka Express run daily comfortable tourist buses with English commentary, stops at Andean sites including Raqchi, Pucara, and La Raya pass (the highest point at 4,335m), and lunch included for ~£25–35pp. Arrive in Puno in the late afternoon and check into a hostel near the lake. Explore the town and enjoy a local dinner of trout or quinoa soup.

🚌Cusco to Puno via Inka Express tourist bus — ~£30pp (includes lunch and site commentary)

🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Puno (e.g. Casona Plaza Hotel or Hostal Los Uros) — ~£12–18/night

• →Inka Express tourist bus with site stops (Raqchi, La Raya, Pucara) — ~£25–35pp
• →Arrive and explore Puno waterfront — free
• →Local dinner in Puno — ~£5–8

Take a short boat ride from Puno harbour to the famous Uros floating islands, constructed entirely from totora reeds. You can arrange this independently at the harbour (boats depart from 7am, ~£10pp return) or book a guided tour via GetYourGuide for ~£15–20pp. For the authentic homestay experience on the islands or nearby Taquile or Amantaní islands, book in advance through local agencies in Puno — overnight homestays with local families cost around £25–35pp including dinner and breakfast. This is one of the most unique and memorable experiences on the trip.

🚌Puno harbour to Uros Islands by boat — ~£10pp return

🛏Homestay on Uros/Amantaní/Taquile island — ~£25–35pp including dinner and breakfast

• →Boat trip to Uros floating islands (self-arranged at harbour or via GetYourGuide) — ~£10–20pp
• →Homestay with local island family (book via Puno local agency) — ~£25–35pp including dinner & breakfast
• →Optional: visit Taquile or Amantaní island for traditional weaving demonstrations

Return from the islands to Puno and take a shared bus to Copacabana on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca (approx. 3–4 hrs, ~£5–8pp). The bus crosses the Strait of Tiquina by ferry barge — a fun and quirky experience. Remember to arrange your Bolivian visa in advance if required (UK citizens currently need a visa, ~£24). Explore Copacabana's colourful cathedral and lakeside promenade, and enjoy fresh trout at a waterfront restaurant.

🚌Shared bus Puno to Copacabana — ~£6pp (departs regularly from Puno terminal)

🛏Budget hostel or guesthouse in Copacabana (e.g. Hostal La Cupula or Utama Hotel) — ~£10–15/night

• →Bus from Puno to Copacabana (crossing via Strait of Tiquina ferry) — ~£5–8pp
• →Visit Copacabana Cathedral — free
• →Hike to Calvario hill for panoramic lake views — free
• →Optional: boat trip to Isla del Sol — ~£5pp return

Take a morning bus from Copacabana to La Paz (approx. 3.5 hrs, ~£5pp). The bus travels along the shore of Lake Titicaca and crosses the Strait of Tiquina by barge. La Paz is one of the world's most dramatic cities, sitting in a deep canyon at nearly 3,600m, ringed by the Andes. Spend the afternoon exploring: take the famous Mi Teleférico cable car system (the urban cable car network, ~£0.50 per line) for incredible views over the city, and visit the famous Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) on Calle Linares.

🚌Copacabana to La Paz by shared bus — ~£5pp (approx. 3.5 hrs)

🛏Hostel in La Paz (e.g. Loki La Paz, Wild Rover, or Adventure Brew Hostel) — ~£10–15/night

• →Mi Teleférico urban cable car — ~£0.50 per line (multiple lines available)
• →Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) — free
• →Plaza Murillo and Government Palace — free
• →Optional: Valle de la Luna half-day tour via GetYourGuide — ~£15pp

Full day to explore La Paz. Morning: visit the Mercado Rodriguez (local food market) for a cheap and delicious breakfast. Walk up to the San Francisco Basilica. Afternoon: take the red Mi Teleférico line to El Alto for sweeping views, or join a self-bookable city walking tour via GetYourGuide (~£15pp). If feeling adventurous, book the famous Death Road (Yungas Road) mountain biking experience — one of the most thrilling day trips in South America, bookable through Gravity Bolivia or via GetYourGuide for ~£45–60pp including gear and a safety briefing.

🚌Local transport via Mi Teleférico and walking

🛏Hostel in La Paz (2nd night, as above) — ~£10–15/night

• →Mercado Rodriguez food market breakfast — ~£2–3
• →San Francisco Basilica — free
• →Optional: Death Road mountain biking day trip (Gravity Bolivia or GetYourGuide) — ~£45–60pp
• →Optional: Self-guided city walking tour via GetYourGuide — ~£15pp
• →Mi Teleférico to El Alto viewpoint — ~£1

Spend the morning at leisure in La Paz before boarding an overnight bus to Uyuni (departs typically around 8–9pm, arriving at approximately 6–7am). Book with Todo Turismo or similar reputable Bolivian bus company — semi-cama (reclining seats) buses cost ~£10–15pp. Alternatively, there is a daytime train from Oruro to Uyuni (~£10pp, approx. 7 hrs) if you prefer. Uyuni is the gateway to the world's largest salt flats.

🚌La Paz to Uyuni overnight bus (Todo Turismo or similar) — ~£12pp

🛏Overnight bus (semi-cama/recliner seat) — ~£12pp

• →Free morning in La Paz for last-minute sightseeing or shopping
• →Overnight bus to Uyuni

Arrive in Uyuni in the early morning. Check into your hostel, freshen up, and head straight out for a day tour of the Salar de Uyuni — the world's largest salt flats at over 10,000 sq km. Book a 1-day 4WD jeep tour independently in Uyuni town (agencies line the main street, e.g. Oasis Bolivia, Cordillera Traveller). Tours typically cost £15–20pp and include transport, a guide, entry fees, and lunch. Visit the salt hotels, the train cemetery, Incahuasi cactus island, and take the classic perspective photos on the endless white mirror. At sunset, the flats reflect the sky magnificently.

🚌Uyuni town to salt flats by 4WD jeep — included in tour

🛏Hostel or salt hotel in Uyuni (e.g. Tambo Aymara or Hotel Luna Salada for a splurge) — ~£10–18/night

• →Full-day 4WD Salar de Uyuni tour (book in Uyuni town) — ~£15–20pp
• →Incahuasi cactus island with panoramic salt flat views — included in tour
• →Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes) — included in tour
• →Classic perspective photography on the flats

Optional: upgrade to a 3-day salt flat and Altiplano jeep tour that takes you across the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, past coloured lagoons (Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde), geysers, and flamingos, ending at the Chilean border. This is bookable in Uyuni for ~£70–85pp for 3 days all-inclusive. Otherwise, take a free day in Uyuni to relax, or take a sunrise tour of the salt flats (spectacular when there's a thin layer of water reflecting the sky). Prepare for the journey to Argentina.

🚌Local jeep tours as above

🛏Hostel in Uyuni — ~£10–15/night

• →Optional: sunrise or sunset salt flat jeep excursion — ~£15pp
• →Optional: 3-day Altiplano tour to Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde, geysers (book in Uyuni) — ~£75pp all-in
• →Explore Uyuni town market — free

Take an early morning bus or shared shuttle from Uyuni to the Bolivian/Argentine border at Villazón/La Quiaca (approx. 4–5 hrs, ~£8pp). Cross the border on foot and take a local bus or shared taxi from La Quiaca to Jujuy (approx. 3 hrs, ~£5pp), then a further bus to Salta (approx. 1.5 hrs, ~£3pp). Alternatively, book a direct tourist shuttle from Uyuni to Salta via the border — available from agencies in Uyuni for ~£30–40pp. Salta is a beautiful colonial city in northwest Argentina — explore the main square and enjoy your first Argentine dinner.

🚌Uyuni to Salta via border crossing — direct tourist shuttle ~£35pp, or local buses ~£15pp total

🛏Hostel in Salta (e.g. Baluch Backpackers or Hostel Cayetano) — ~£12–18/night

• →Border crossing at Villazón/La Quiaca — free (check visa requirements for Argentina)
• →Explore Salta's Plaza 9 de Julio and colonial architecture — free
• →Optional: MAAM (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology) — ~£5

Spend the morning in Salta: visit the beautiful San Francisco Church, Mercado Artesanal, and ride the Teleférico San Bernardo cable car for panoramic views. Afternoon: take a day trip to the stunning Quebrada de Humahuaca — a UNESCO World Heritage canyon of rainbow-coloured mountains. Shared tours or minivans depart from Salta or Jujuy (~£20–30pp), or book via GetYourGuide. Don't miss Purmamarca and the Hill of Seven Colours (Cerro de los Siete Colores).

🚌Local buses and minivans within Salta and to Quebrada — ~£10–15pp

🛏Hostel in Salta (2nd night) — ~£12–18/night

• →San Francisco Church, Salta — free
• →Teleférico San Bernardo cable car — ~£5pp
• →Day trip to Quebrada de Humahuaca and Purmamarca (via local agency or GetYourGuide) — ~£20–30pp
• →Hill of Seven Colours (Cerro de los Siete Colores) — free

Take a morning flight from Salta to Buenos Aires (approx. 2 hrs). Domestic flights with Aerolíneas Argentinas or JetSMART cost ~£40–70 booked in advance. Check into your hostel in the lively Palermo or San Telmo neighbourhood. Spend the afternoon wandering the colourful Caminito street in La Boca, and the evening exploring the bars and restaurants of Palermo Soho. Try a classic Argentine parilla (steakhouse) for dinner.

🚌Salta to Buenos Aires domestic flight (Aerolíneas or JetSMART) — ~£50–70pp. Ezeiza Airport to city by Bus Tienda León (~£5) or taxi (~£20).

🛏Hostel in Buenos Aires, Palermo or San Telmo (e.g. Milhouse Hostel, América del Sur, or HI Buenos Aires) — ~£15–22/night

• →Caminito street art and La Boca neighbourhood walk — free
• →San Telmo antiques market (if Sunday) — free
• →Dinner at a local parilla (steakhouse) — ~£12–20pp

Spend the day exploring Buenos Aires on foot. Walk from San Telmo through the historic centre (Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral — all free). Stroll the elegant Recoleta neighbourhood and visit the famous Recoleta Cemetery (entry free), home to Eva Perón's tomb. Head to the stunning MALBA modern art museum (~£8 entry) or the Teatro Colón (guided tours bookable online, ~£12). In the evening, enjoy a traditional tango show — look for free milonga (social tango dance) events in San Telmo.

🚌Buenos Aires Subte (metro) day pass — ~£2. Walking recommended.

🛏Hostel in Buenos Aires (2nd night, as above) — ~£15–22/night

• →Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral — free
• →Recoleta Cemetery — free
• →Optional: MALBA (Latin American Art Museum) — ~£8
• →Optional: Teatro Colón guided tour — ~£12
• →Free milonga social tango event in San Telmo — free (check local listings)

Morning: explore the leafy Palermo neighbourhood — visit the Japanese Garden (~£3), Bosques de Palermo park (free), and browse the boutiques and street food of Palermo Soho and Hollywood. Afternoon: join a self-bookable tango class (book via GetYourGuide or Klook for ~£20–30pp for a beginner group lesson in a traditional milonga setting). Evening: head to a tango dinner show in San Telmo — Esquina Carlos Gardel or La Ventana offer shows from ~£50pp including dinner, or watch a free street tango performance.

🚌Subte and walking — ~£2

🛏Hostel in Buenos Aires (3rd night) — ~£15–22/night

• →Bosques de Palermo park — free
• →Japanese Garden — ~£3
• →Beginner tango class (GetYourGuide/Klook) — ~£20–30pp
• →Optional: Tango dinner show (La Ventana or Esquina Carlos Gardel) — ~£50–70pp
• →Optional: Free street tango at San Telmo market — free

A day dedicated to Buenos Aires' legendary food and drink scene. Morning: join a self-guided street food walk of San Telmo market (Sunday market is the best). Afternoon: visit a bodega or wine bar in Palermo for a Malbec tasting — try Anuva Wines or join a wine tasting tour via GetYourGuide (~£20–25pp). Evening: splurge on an authentic Argentine asado at a traditional parrilla like Don Julio or La Cabrera (budget ~£20–30 for a full steak dinner with wine).

🚌Subte and walking — ~£2

🛏Hostel in Buenos Aires (4th night) — ~£15–22/night

• →San Telmo market (Sundays best) — free entry
• →Malbec wine tasting session (GetYourGuide or Anuva Wines) — ~£20–25pp
• →Argentine steak dinner at local parrilla — ~£20–30pp

Take a day trip from Buenos Aires to El Tigre and the Paraná Delta — a lush river delta of islands, waterways, and weekend homes just 30km north of the city. Take the Mitre train line from Retiro station to El Tigre (approx. 1 hr, ~£1pp) and then hop on a local lancha colectiva (shared water taxi) to explore the delta waterways. Visit the Mercado de Frutos artisan market. This is a favourite local escape and completely self-guided.

🚌Mitre train line Retiro to El Tigre — ~£1pp each way

🛏Return to Buenos Aires hostel (5th night) — ~£15–22/night

• →Train from Buenos Aires Retiro to El Tigre — ~£1pp
• →Lancha colectiva water taxi through Paraná Delta — ~£3–5pp
• →Mercado de Frutos artisan market — free entry
• →Optional: kayak hire on the delta — ~£10–15pp

A final full free day in Buenos Aires. Morning: visit the Colegiales or Chacarita neighbourhood — the less-touristy side of the city with excellent cafes and local vibes. Afternoon: explore the Puerto Madero waterfront district. Evening: Buenos Aires nightlife truly starts late (midnight onwards!) — explore the bar scene in Palermo or Villa Crespo, or head to a live cumbia or folk music venue for a truly local experience.

🚌Subte and walking — ~£2

🛏Hostel in Buenos Aires (6th night) — ~£15–22/night

• →Chacarita Cemetery (free, less touristy than Recoleta) — free
• →Puerto Madero waterfront walk — free
• →Optional: Buenos Aires street art tour (Graffitimundo) — ~£15pp
• →Buenos Aires nightlife — budget ~£15–20 for drinks

Final free day in Buenos Aires before departure. Use the morning for any last-minute sightseeing, souvenir shopping at San Telmo or Florida Street, or simply relax at a traditional Buenos Aires café (confitería) with a cortado and medialunas. If your flight departs late, the city centre and Palermo are both easy to reach from either Ezeiza (international) or Aeroparque (domestic/regional) airports.

🚌Hostel to Ezeiza airport by Bus Tienda León (~£5) or taxi (~£20)

🛏Hostel check-out day — depart for airport

• →Final morning walk — San Telmo or Palermo
• →Traditional confitería breakfast (café con leche and medialunas) — ~£3–4
• →Souvenir shopping at San Telmo market or Florida Street artisan stalls — free to browse

Transfer to Ezeiza International Airport for your onward flight. Allow plenty of time — Ezeiza is approximately 35–45 minutes from the city centre by express bus. Your 26-day South American adventure ends here, having ticked off the Amazon jungle, Machu Picchu, the Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca, and the cosmopolitan delights of Buenos Aires — all at a fraction of the guided tour cost.

🚌City to Ezeiza airport via Bus Tienda León — ~£5pp

🛏N/A — departure day

• →Airport transfer and departure
• →Optional: last café stop at the airport