From Peru To Bolivia

Kick things off in style at Hotel B in Lima, which boasts its very own art collection and is a stone’s throw from the other attractive art galleries of Barranco. This hip district is where you’ll find enticing eateries, boutiques and cafes, while the colonial highlights of the city centre are a half hour away. When you’re not eyeing up the city’s churches, temples and historical ruins, or taking a walk along the clifftop trail, El Malecon, take High Tea back at the hotel on the terrace, and relish a Peruvian twist on the English tradition with local sweets, fruits and hot chocolate, which is included in your stay.

Fly to the heart of the Incan Empire and check into Sol y Luna where you’ll be able to acclimatise and become acquainted with the delights of the Sacred Valley. And this is the place to do it, with countless options to explore the stunning valley by horseback, mountain bike or foot; while thrill-seekers shouldn’t miss opportunities for rafting downriver, canoeing on Lake Huaypo or even quad biking and paragliding. Those intrigued by Peruvian culture can try whipping up regional specialties with a cookery class, or have a go at traditional weaving and pottery. For an insight into the Incan heritage, discover the ruins of Ollantaytambo, and dip into market towns such as Pisac. After two nights here, you’ll hop aboard the Vistadome train to reach Peru’s biggest icon: Machu Picchu.

Settle into your boutique lodge, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, and revel in the nature wonderland which thrives with birdlife and exotic plants. Let any stress melt away in the Andean sauna and feast on Andean cuisine as you look out over the trickling Vilcanota River, keeping an eye out for the swooping birds that call this cloud forest home. Rise as early as possible to catch Machu Picchu at the break of dawn, when it is at its most ethereal, as the sun begins to spill over the majestic peaks. You’ll learn all about this great icon on a private tour, and once you’ve taken it all in you’ll head on to Cusco on the Vistadome train.

An ancient city, where the Spanish conquistadors built their elegant cathedrals on impressive Inca foundations, Cusco is an attractive blend of pre-Columbian and colonial styles. Roam its warren of cobblestone streets to stumble upon colourful markets and aromatic cafes, and be sure to dip into the mighty cathedral itself. Further afield, the network of hiking trails awaits, as do the string of ancient ruins like Sacsayhuamán, a huge Inca fortress built on three overlapping platforms, each of them over 360m long, and Tambomachay, known as the Inca baths. It was allegedly a site dedicated to the worship of water, and a resting place for the Inca monarch. Your home in Cusco is Aranwa, a 16^th century townhouse right in the heart of the city with an inviting central courtyard lit by candles in the evening, the perfect spot for dinner. Once you’ve taken in this incredible Incan city, you’ll make for Lake Titicaca, a short flight and boat ride away.

Lake Titicaca is an eerie, magical place, home to ancient cultures and ethereal landscapes. Warmed by the Andean sun, we’ll take you to visit the reed-formed islands of Uros and Taquile, where you’ll not only encounter the colourfully dressed villagers who fish from traditional reed boats, but have flamingos and myriad birdlife all around you. Stay at the solar-powered Suasi Island, which sits on its own private island and affords spellbinding vistas of the lake right from your rustic room, and while away the hours by canoeing around the island, heading off on a nature walk, and relaxing with a massage or sauna session. Having soaked up the magic of Lake Titicaca, you’ll hop aboard the boat to Puno and then venture into Bolivia. First stop: La Paz.

Welcome to the highest capital city in the world. Sitting 4,000m above sea level, La Paz is a colourful concoction of indigenous, Spanish and modern influences, where women with black plaited hair worn beneath bowler hats stroll along colonial streets, watched over by soaring skyscrapers. Browse the mysterious potions and talismans of the Witches Market and visit the coca museum for an insight into the cultural, spiritual and medicinal significance of the controversial coca leaf. Retreat to your luxury lodging, La Casona, after busy days of sightseeing, and enjoy regional specialties at the restaurant. After two nights here you’ll fly to Uyuni for your adventure in Soniquera.

Jump in your 4x4 and bomb along the arid landscapes of Siloli Desert, a vast expanse of fiery red sands and towering mountains. You’ll encounter mind-boggling geisers, fumaroles and flamingos parading around the incredible Lagunas de Colores. Characterised by its red waters, it covers an area of 60sq km and is 4,278m above sea level. You will be able to see different types of flamingo: Tokoko, with their red plumage; Chururu, which are white, and Jututu, which are pink. The scenery is exceptionally beautiful at these heights, complemented by the impressive red hues of the lagoon. Stay at the Tayka del Desierto for the night, in the middle of the desert with nothing but lunar terrain stretching out before you for mile upon mile. Over dinner watch as the sun dips below the horizon in a blaze of orange, and without any other lights in sight, you’ll find that visibility for stargazing is second-to-none here.

Hop back in the 4x4 and have your driver take you through the desert some more to the historic ruins of Pueblo Quemado de San Pedro de Quemes. This archaeological site was once a citadel made of stone until the Chilean army set it ablaze during the Pacific War between Bolivia and Chile in 1879, forcing the residents to seek refuge elsewhere. You’ll stay for the night at Hotel Tayka de Piedra, to the south of the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounded by mountains. Head off on treks to explore the archaeological and cultural sites of the region, like Pukara de Tojota, Jawincha, Cueva Galaxias and Cueva del Diablo during your stay here, and marvel at the local flora and fauna.

Your final stop in Bolivia is no less impressive than the first. In fact, Salar de Uyuni is one of South America’s most astounding natural sights: 4,000sq miles of salt flats that stretch as far as the eye can see. You’ll be taking it all in from your 4x4, passing and stopping off to gaze in wonder at snow-capped volcanoes, prickly cacti rising from the rocks and abandoned locomotives perched at the edge of the plains. Don’t forget to take that all important perspective-fooling photo! You’ll check into the Hotel Tayka de Sal at the foot of the Tunupa volcano, from where you can hike to the natural and cultural attractions of the region. The best part? The hotel is made entirely of salt!

Bid farewell to Bolivia and return to Lima via Uyuni for your final night on this South American adventure, staying at Hotel B. The next day, we’ll fly you home from Lima Airport.