Real Peru to Bolivia: Self-Launched Adventure

Arrive into Jorge Chávez International Airport and grab a pre-booked taxi or the Airport Express Lima bus (~£4) to Miraflores. Check into your hostel and self-explore the Miraflores district on foot — walk Parque Kennedy, the clifftop LarcoMar mall and the romantic Parque del Amor with its sweeping Pacific views. Head south on foot or grab an Uber (~£2) to the bohemian Barranco neighbourhood for ceviche and craft beer. Tonight is perfect for meeting fellow travellers in your hostel common room before the adventure begins.

🚌Airport Express Lima bus to Miraflores (~£4). Local Uber/taxi within city ~£2-4 per ride.

🛏Hostel in Miraflores — e.g. Pariwana Hostel Lima or Selina Miraflores. Dorm ~£12-15/night, private ~£30-40/night.

• →Self-guided walking tour of Miraflores — Parque Kennedy, LarcoMar, Parque del Amor (free)
• →Explore Barranco's street art, bars and restaurants (free to walk)
• →Visit the free Museum of the Inquisition in the historic centre (free)
• →Optional: San Francisco Monastery & Catacombs (~£5 entry, book on the door)

Take an early morning flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado (book independently with LATAM or Sky Airline, ~£60-90 one way). On arrival, arrange transfer to your jungle lodge via the lodge itself — most budget lodges on the Tambopata River offer boat transfers from town. Store excess luggage at your lodge's town office and head upriver by motorised canoe into the Madre de Dios jungle. Settle in and enjoy your first Amazonian afternoon — birdwatching, swimming, hammock time.

🚌LATAM/Sky Airline Lima → Puerto Maldonado (~£60-90). Lodge boat transfer from town (~included or ~£5-10).

🛏Budget jungle eco-lodge on the Tambopata River — e.g. Tambopata Research Center budget option, Refugio Amazonas (Rainforest Expeditions) or Posada Amazonas. Expect ~£40-60/night all-inclusive (meals + basic guiding included). Book directly or via their websites.

• →Motorised canoe transfer up the Tambopata River to lodge (included with lodge booking)
• →Afternoon birdwatching walk around lodge grounds with resident guide
• →Optional: visit to a local Brazil nut concession to learn about sustainable harvesting

A full day of jungle immersion. Most budget lodges include guided half-day treks and night excursions in their rates — confirm this when booking. The morning half-day trek takes you through primary rainforest where guides point out medicinal plants, track wildlife footprints and spot macaws, monkeys and butterflies. After lunch at the lodge, rest in a hammock or explore independently around the lodge grounds. Tonight, join the lodge's night boat tour on the Tambopata River to spot caimans by spotlight — a spine-tingling highlight.

🚌No transport needed — all activities from the lodge.

🛏Same jungle eco-lodge as Day 2 (all meals typically included).

• →Guided half-day jungle trek spotting wildlife and medicinal plants (included with lodge)
• →Night caiman-spotting boat tour on the Tambopata River (included with most lodges)
• →Optional: guided canopy tower visit for macaw and parrot clay lick observation (~£10 extra)

Return by canoe to Puerto Maldonado and catch your flight to Cusco (book in advance with LATAM or Sky Airline, ~£55-80). Cusco sits at 3,400m so take it easy today — altitude sickness is real. Drink coca leaf tea (available everywhere), rest and walk slowly. Self-guide a gentle stroll around the main Plaza de Armas, the Qorikancha temple exterior (free from outside, £5 entry inside), San Blas neighbourhood and the famous Twelve Angled Stone on Hatun Rumiyoc street. In the evening, head to a local bar for a pisco sour lesson — many hostels run free pisco sour events, or try a paid mixology class (~£15-20) at a local bar.

🚌Puerto Maldonado → Cusco flight with LATAM/Sky Airline (~£55-80). Airport taxi to hostel (~£5-8).

🛏Hostel in Cusco — e.g. Loki Hostel Cusco, Pariwana Cusco or Wild Rover. Dorm ~£8-12/night, private ~£20-30/night.

• →Self-guided walk: Plaza de Armas, Twelve Angled Stone, San Blas neighbourhood (free)
• →Qorikancha (Coricancha) Temple visit (~£5 entry)
• →San Pedro Market browse — try street food and fresh juices (~£3-5)
• →Pisco sour tasting at a local bar or hostel event (~£5-15)

Take a shared colectivo (minivan) from Cusco's Puputi terminal toward Pisac (~£1.50). Explore Pisac's famous market (best on Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday) and browse hand-painted beads, textiles and ponchos. Grab lunch at the market for a few soles. Continue by colectivo toward Ollantaytambo (~£1.50) and check into your hostel. In the late afternoon, climb the spectacular Ollantaytambo Inca ruins — one of the finest in Peru (~£20 with Boleto Turistico, or ~£10 standalone). Tomorrow you begin your trail to Machu Picchu.

🚌Cusco Puputi terminal → Pisac colectivo (~£1.50). Pisac → Ollantaytambo colectivo (~£1.50). Very easy to arrange independently.

🛏Hostel in Ollantaytambo — e.g. Apu Lodge or KB Tambo. Dorm ~£8-12/night.

• →Pisac market — browse and buy local crafts and textiles (free entry, budget for shopping)
• →Pisac Inca ruins if time allows (~£20 with Boleto Turistico)
• →Ollantaytambo Inca fortress visit (~£10-20 depending on pass)
• →Explore Ollantaytambo's living Inca town on foot (free)

The Inca Trail requires an independently booked licensed operator — you cannot walk it without one. Book well in advance (permits sell out months ahead, especially June-September). Recommended budget operators: Llama Path, Alpaca Expeditions or Peru Treks. A full 4-day/3-night Inca Trail with a licensed operator, porters, cook, tent and meals typically costs £250-350 per person — far cheaper than what's bundled into a group tour. Today you meet your guide and porters at the 82km trailhead, trek through cloud forest past the Inca site of Llactapata (~12km, ~8hrs), and reach camp at 3,100m for a hot meal under the stars.

🚌Minivan from Ollantaytambo to 82km trailhead (arranged by your trekking operator, ~included).

🛏Camping on the Inca Trail (tents, foam mats and meals provided by your licensed operator).

• →Inca Trail Day 1: Trek from 82km marker to Ayapata campsite (~12km, ~8hrs)
• →Visit Inca ruins of Llactapata and Huillca Raccay en route
• →Views of snow-capped Veronica Peak

The toughest day of the trek. A brutal 5-hour ascent to Warmiwañusca ('Dead Woman's Pass') at 4,200m — the highest point of the trail. Take it slow, breathe deeply and soak in the extraordinary views. Descend steeply to the Pacaymayo Valley campsite at 3,650m. Your cook will have hot food waiting. Tonight, compare blisters with new friends around the camp.

🚌On foot — no transport needed.

🛏Camping on the Inca Trail (provided by operator).

• →Inca Trail Day 2: Ascent to Warmiwañusca Pass (4,200m) and descent to Pacaymayo Valley (~12km, ~8hrs)
• →Panoramic views of the valley and surrounding Andes

A spectacular day passing multiple Inca archaeological sites. Climb to Runkuracay Pass (3,980m), descend past the ruins of Sayacmarca and continue to the breathtaking Phuyupatamarca ('Town Above the Clouds') at 3,850m. Descend 2 hours down original Inca steps to tonight's campsite beside the magnificent Wiñay Wayna ruins. A long but unforgettable day.

🚌On foot — no transport needed.

🛏Camping on the Inca Trail at Wiñay Wayna campsite (provided by operator).

• →Inca Trail Day 3: Runkuracay Pass, Sayacmarca ruins, Phuyupatamarca ruins (~15km, ~10hrs)
• →Wiñay Wayna archaeological site visit in late afternoon
• →Views of Cordillera Vilcabamba snow-capped peaks

The big one. Wake at 3:30am to queue at the Intipunku (Sun Gate) checkpoint. As dawn breaks, Machu Picchu appears below you — one of the world's truly unmissable moments. Your guide leads a 2-hour tour of the citadel. Note: Machu Picchu entry is included in your Inca Trail permit, but book well in advance. After exploring, descend to Aguas Calientes by bus (~£6 return) for a celebratory lunch and a well-earned hot shower. Take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo (PeruRail or Inca Rail, ~£30-45) and then a colectivo or taxi to Cusco (~£5).

🚌Bus Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes (~£6 return). PeruRail/Inca Rail Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo (~£30-45). Colectivo/taxi Ollantaytambo → Cusco (~£5).

🛏Hostel in Cusco — return to your previous hostel or book ahead. Dorm ~£8-12/night.

• →Inca Trail final stretch to Intipunku (Sun Gate) at sunrise
• →Guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel (included in trail permit)
• →Optional: hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (~£12 extra, book in advance)
• →Bus down to Aguas Calientes (~£6 return)

You've earned a rest. Recover from the trail with a slow morning, a big breakfast and some café-hopping in San Blas. If you're feeling energetic, pick up the Boleto Turistico (~£25) for access to museums and archaeological sites including Sacsayhuamán fortress. Cusco's nightlife is legendary — the Inca Trail porters and guides celebrate their return too, so the bars around Plaza Regocijo are jumping. Try the ChocoMuseo chocolate-making workshop for something sweet (~£20), or join a free walking tour departing from Plaza de Armas.

🚌Walk or local taxi within Cusco (~£2-3).

🛏Hostel in Cusco. Dorm ~£8-12/night.

• →Sacsayhuamán Inca fortress (~£12 standalone or included in Boleto Turistico)
• →Cusco Cathedral interior (~£8)
• →Free walking tour from Plaza de Armas (tip-based)
• →ChocoMuseo chocolate workshop (~£20, book via GetYourGuide)
• →Cusco nightlife — Paddy's Pub, Norton Rat's Tavern or Mythology bar on Plaza de Armas

Take the tourist bus from Cusco to Puno (book via Peru Hop, Inka Express or direct with operators, ~£20-30). The Inka Express option is highly recommended — it stops at Andahuaylillas church, Raqchi ruins, La Raya mountain pass and Pukara museum along the way, with a guide, making it a full-day scenic journey (~£25 with lunch). Arrive in Puno in the late afternoon, check into your hostel near the main square and head out for a lakeside dinner as the sun sets over the world's highest navigable lake.

🚌Cusco → Puno via Inka Express tourist bus (~£25 inc. lunch) or Peru Hop (~£20). Book in advance online.

🛏Hostel in Puno — e.g. Hostal Pukara or Los Uros Hostel. Dorm ~£7-10/night, private ~£15-20/night.

• →Inka Express tourist bus with guided stops: Andahuaylillas church, Raqchi ruins, La Raya pass (~£25 inc. lunch)
• →Arrive Puno — evening walk to the lakeside waterfront (free)

Book a Lake Titicaca island tour directly from the port in Puno — avoid expensive hotel-packaged tours. Local boat tours to the Uros floating reed islands and Amantaní or Taquile Island with an overnight homestay cost ~£15-25 all-in (boat + guide + homestay + dinner and breakfast with family). This is the same experience offered by group tours at a fraction of the price. Spend the afternoon on the Uros islands, amazed by the hand-crafted reed islands and boats, then continue to Amantaní for your homestay. Your host family will feed you, dress you in traditional clothing and invite you to an evening dance on the hilltop.

🚌Local ferry from Puno port to Uros then Amantaní (~£5-8 return, arranged by tour operator).

🛏Homestay with local family on Amantaní Island, Lake Titicaca (~£10-15/night, meals included). Book at the port in Puno or via a local agency — avoid markups from hotel desks.

• →Uros floating reed islands boat tour and guided walk (~included in tour price)
• →Overnight homestay with local family on Amantaní Island (dinner + breakfast included ~£15-25 total)
• →Evening community dance in traditional costume
• →Sunrise hike to Pachatata temple on Amantaní (free)

Wake early for sunrise views over the lake. Return by boat via Taquile Island — famous for its UNESCO-recognised weaving traditions — before heading back to Puno port. From Puno, take a shared tourist shuttle to Copacabana, Bolivia (~£8-12, departing from agencies near Plaza de Armas around midday). The crossing at the Bolivian border (Yunguyo crossing) is straightforward — British passport holders require a visa on arrival (~£15-20, check current requirements before travel). Copacabana is a charming lakeside town — arrive in time for sunset over the lake.

🚌Boat back to Puno port (~included in tour). Tourist shuttle Puno → Copacabana (~£8-12, includes lake crossing on the Bolivia side). Book at Puno agencies.

🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in Copacabana, Bolivia — e.g. Hostal La Cúpula or Hostal Sonia. Double/private ~£10-15/night.

• →Taquile Island visit — watch local weavers and buy directly from cooperatives
• →Border crossing at Yunguyo into Bolivia (Bolivia visa ~£15-20 for UK citizens — verify before travel)
• →Evening stroll along Copacabana waterfront and cathedral visit (free)

Rise early for a morning boat to Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) — the legendary birthplace of the Inca civilisation (~£4-6 return by local ferry). Hike the 11km sacred Inca trail from the north to south of the island, passing terraced ruins and panoramic lake views. Return to Copacabana for a late lunch. In the afternoon, catch a tourist bus to La Paz (~£4-6, departing from Copacabana waterfront in the afternoon, ~3-4 hours with a boat crossing of the lake strait at Tiquina). Arrive in La Paz in the evening — check into your hostel in the lively Sopocachi or Sagarnaga neighbourhood.

🚌Local ferry Copacabana → Isla del Sol return (~£4-6). Tourist bus Copacabana → La Paz (~£4-6, ~3-4hrs including Tiquina crossing).

🛏Hostel in La Paz — e.g. Loki La Paz, Adventure Brew Hostel or Wild Rover. Dorm ~£7-10/night.

• →Isla del Sol morning boat trip and north-to-south Inca trail hike (~£4-6 return ferry)
• →Visit to Chinkana Inca ruins and Puma Rock on Isla del Sol (free)
• →Bus to La Paz with lake strait crossing at Tiquina (~£4-6)

Welcome to one of the world's most dramatic capital cities, perched in a natural bowl at 3,600m surrounded by Andean peaks. Spend your final day exploring on foot — ride the Mi Teleférico cable car network for sweeping city views (~£0.50 per ride), wander the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) on Calle Linares, browse the colourful Sagarnaga street for souvenirs and have a farewell lunch in the San Miguel neighbourhood. If you have an evening flight, there's time for a Yungas Road mountain bike tour (the 'World's Most Dangerous Road') with Gravity Bolivia (~£55, book via GetYourGuide or direct). Otherwise, head to El Alto airport for your onward flight.

🚌Mi Teleférico cable car (~£0.50/ride). Local micro (minibus) or taxi within La Paz (~£1-3). Airport taxi to El Alto (~£5-8).

🛏Check out — hostel luggage storage typically available for late departures.

• →Mi Teleférico cable car city panorama (~£0.50/ride)
• →Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) — browse dried llama foetuses and local remedies (free)
• →Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) by micro/taxi (~£5-8 return trip)
• →Optional: Death Road mountain bike tour with Gravity Bolivia (~£55, full day)
• →Farewell dinner in Sopocachi neighbourhood