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Lima to La Paz with Train to Machu Picchu | 2027
Tour Description:
Nineteen days. Peru to Bolivia. Big views, homestays, local transport and backpacking stories you’ll keep forever. Kicking off with top-tier eats in Lima, you’ll roll down the coast to Paracas, Huacachina’s dunes and the Nazca Lines, all the way to Arequipa’s white-stone streets. Next up: Cusco, then taking a train to Machu Picchu. Finish strong on the Route of the Sun to Puno, a Lake Titicaca homestay, then cross into Bolivia to roll into La Paz.
Click for larger view.
Dates & Pricing
| Tuesday 05 Jan 27 — Saturday 23 Jan 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 19 Jan 27 — Saturday 06 Feb 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 02 Mar 27 — Saturday 20 Mar 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 16 Mar 27 — Saturday 03 Apr 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 30 Mar 27 — Saturday 17 Apr 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 13 Apr 27 — Saturday 01 May 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 20 Apr 27 — Saturday 08 May 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 27 Apr 27 — Saturday 15 May 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 04 May 27 — Saturday 22 May 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 11 May 27 — Saturday 29 May 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 18 May 27 — Saturday 05 Jun 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 25 May 27 — Saturday 12 Jun 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 01 Jun 27 — Saturday 19 Jun 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 08 Jun 27 — Saturday 26 Jun 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 15 Jun 27 — Saturday 03 Jul 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 29 Jun 27 — Saturday 17 Jul 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 06 Jul 27 — Saturday 24 Jul 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 13 Jul 27 — Saturday 31 Jul 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 27 Jul 27 — Saturday 14 Aug 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 03 Aug 27 — Saturday 21 Aug 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 10 Aug 27 — Saturday 28 Aug 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 24 Aug 27 — Saturday 11 Sep 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 31 Aug 27 — Saturday 18 Sep 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 07 Sep 27 — Saturday 25 Sep 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 14 Sep 27 — Saturday 02 Oct 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 28 Sep 27 — Saturday 16 Oct 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 12 Oct 27 — Saturday 30 Oct 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 19 Oct 27 — Saturday 06 Nov 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 26 Oct 27 — Saturday 13 Nov 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 09 Nov 27 — Saturday 27 Nov 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 16 Nov 27 — Saturday 04 Dec 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 30 Nov 27 — Saturday 18 Dec 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 07 Dec 27 — Saturday 25 Dec 27 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 21 Dec 27 — Saturday 08 Jan 28 | Starting at $2,795 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDining Summary
3 Dinner (D)
9 Breakfast (B)
2 Lunch (L)
Included Experience
Paracas: Mother nature has her favourites, and the Paracas National Reserve is one of them. We'll take a tour of this protected natural area guilded with deserts, islands and the beautiful blue ocean.
Nazca: Climbing up 43 ft in the sky, you'll see the fascinating group of geoglyphs called the Nazca Lines from a (really) tall tower. Think: desert artwork of spiders, spirals and a mysterious astronaut-like human.
Arequipa: Get to know the ‘white city’ better. Explore the highlights like Plaza de Armas and take some pics of the incredible backdrop of volcanoes.
Cusco: Your chance to pick up some mementos at San Pedro Markets and then see Cusco Cathedral, San Blas and Coricancha.
Sacred Valley: See llamas IRL and learn how Indigenous communities use weaving to share stories, identity, and culture — a tradition passed down without written language (and help keep ancient skills alive by providing sustainable income for local artisans!) Your visit here will help support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
Machu Picchu: It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to explore the Incan citadel with your new Contiki fam. #travelgoals
Cusco: Travel from Cusco to Puno on a full-day journey that turns the transfer into part of the adventure. Along the way, you'll stop at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya and Pucará, (plus enjoy buffet lunch with Andes views). It's a comfy ride with reclining seats, air conditioning and onboard restrooms.
La Paz: Tuck into a 3-course set menu at Manq’a (“food” in Aymara), a seriously cool restaurant with a big heart. Your meal supports culinary training and better opportunities for vulnerable youth, while championing sustainable, fairly priced local produce and proud cultural food traditions.
La Paz: See the city through the eyes of masked shoe shiners (these are the people who keep La Paz moving). Expect a walking tour that goes beyond the usual sights, with real stories about daily life, stigma, and informal work, all while supporting community projects that back shoe shiners and their families.
3 Dinner (D)
9 Breakfast (B)
2 Lunch (L)
Included Experience
Paracas: Mother nature has her favourites, and the Paracas National Reserve is one of them. We'll take a tour of this protected natural area guilded with deserts, islands and the beautiful blue ocean.
Nazca: Climbing up 43 ft in the sky, you'll see the fascinating group of geoglyphs called the Nazca Lines from a (really) tall tower. Think: desert artwork of spiders, spirals and a mysterious astronaut-like human.
Arequipa: Get to know the ‘white city’ better. Explore the highlights like Plaza de Armas and take some pics of the incredible backdrop of volcanoes.
Cusco: Your chance to pick up some mementos at San Pedro Markets and then see Cusco Cathedral, San Blas and Coricancha.
Sacred Valley: See llamas IRL and learn how Indigenous communities use weaving to share stories, identity, and culture — a tradition passed down without written language (and help keep ancient skills alive by providing sustainable income for local artisans!) Your visit here will help support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
Machu Picchu: It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to explore the Incan citadel with your new Contiki fam. #travelgoals
Cusco: Travel from Cusco to Puno on a full-day journey that turns the transfer into part of the adventure. Along the way, you'll stop at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya and Pucará, (plus enjoy buffet lunch with Andes views). It's a comfy ride with reclining seats, air conditioning and onboard restrooms.
La Paz: Tuck into a 3-course set menu at Manq’a (“food” in Aymara), a seriously cool restaurant with a big heart. Your meal supports culinary training and better opportunities for vulnerable youth, while championing sustainable, fairly priced local produce and proud cultural food traditions.
La Paz: See the city through the eyes of masked shoe shiners (these are the people who keep La Paz moving). Expect a walking tour that goes beyond the usual sights, with real stories about daily life, stigma, and informal work, all while supporting community projects that back shoe shiners and their families.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYLima
Hola, welcome to Lima! You’ll meet your crew this evening in this beautiful city packed with rich cultural heritage. Then we’ll get to know each other over a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Lima to Huacachina via Paracas National Reserve
It’s been short ‘n’ sweet, Lima. But we’ve got no time to waste! After breakfast, we’ll hit the road on public transport and drive along the coast towards the rugged cliffs of the Paracas National Reserve. Are. You. Ready? Coastal scenery doesn’t get more stunning than this. We’ll take a tour of Peru's toasty coast, lined with rocky cliffs and bright blue waves. It’s not everyday you get to ride a buggy (or sandboard down the slopes, if that’s your vibe) over the largest sand dunes in all of South America. You’ll be absolutely awestruck. And that’s absolutely normal. Afterwards, we’ll check into our hostel (located right in the middle of a quaint little desert oasis!). Trust us, the sleep’s gonna hit different tonight.
Huacachina to Overnight Coach via Nazca Lines
Wakey Wakey. Say goodbye to this desert oasis cuz we're jumping on the Peru Hop network — our public transport coach to the next desert wonder. Thought it couldn’t get any better? Well, the Nazca Lines beg to differ. These mysterious yet impressive 2000-year-old sand imprints have blown away the most brilliant minds. And today, you have the chance to view them from a tower. Settle in with your crew for a smooth ride to Arequipa. Get ready for more unreal desert and mountain views along the way.
Overnight Coach to Arequipa
Morning, travellers. We'll ditch the overnight coach and make our way to the hotel in this beautiful 'White City'. Welcome to Arequipa! Three majestic volcanoes, the vibrant Santa Catalina Monastery and a guided tour of all the city’s highlights await us. Next: check in, freshen up and spend the day exploring this wonderful city on our own.
Arequipa
Today is all yours. Wander the white-stone streets, post up in a sunny plaza cafe, or head out to explore viewpoints and markets at your own pace. Slow it down or pack it in, you do you.
Arequipa to Cusco
Arequipa, you were awesome. But it's time to roll. This morning, we’ll jump back on the Peru Hop coach, cruising from white-stone streets and Misti views into big-sky altiplano territory. Think Lagunillas lagoons, roaming vicuñas, wide-open plains and Lake Titicaca’s basin in the distance — with plenty of photo stops baked in. Feeling the altitude? Yep. Welcome to Cusco! Tonight, the city’s yours to explore and grab dinner with the crew. Tomorrow? We dive all the way in.
Cusco
Another day, another incredible Latin American destination to uncover; today it's sun up 'til sun down in Cusco. We’ll kick things off with a city tour, then the afternoon’s yours. Shop for artisan jewellery and woodwork, wander San Pedro Market with cacao nibs in hand and coca tea on the go. Feeling adventurous? Sign up for a mountain biking experience and explore the epic scenery just beyond the city.
Cusco
Rise and shine! Want to see the unreal colours of Rainbow Mountain? Opt in for an early hike and earn those views. More of a slow morning person? Take your time exploring the city instead, or opt for a massage or an interactive dining experience where you’ll dish up some Peruvian classics yourself.
Cusco to Sacred Valley
Catch ya later, Cusco. Today we’ll head for the Sacred Valley on our private coach. But first, a proper Andean culture stop. We’ll meet llamas, alpacas and vicuñas up close, learn the ancient Incan art of weaving from talented local artisans, and even try our hand at the traditional game of Sapo. Keep your eyes on the landscapes too for terraced hillsides and local village life rolling by. And just like that, we’ve made it to the Sacred Valley. Rest up in your lodge for the night.
Sacred Valley
Free day in the Sacred Valley? Yup. Roam the streets and say goodbye (just for a bit) to the hikers. Tomorrow we conquer Machu Picchu.
Sacred Valley to Cusco via Machu Picchu
Jump on the Inca Rail from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and watch the Andes roll by on a two-hour ride that seriously delivers on scenery. Hop on the bus up from Aguas Calientes and step into Machu Picchu with your private guide leading the way. Spend the half-day unpacking the stories, the stonework, and those unreal terraces you’ve seen all over your feed. Bucket list? Ticked. Off. After the main event, we’ll rail it back and roll on with a private transfer to Cusco. Mountains out the window. Camera roll filling up. Take a minute to soak it all in as we make our way back to Cusco.
Cusco
Today’s yours to take Cusco at your own pace. Cafe hop around the Plaza de Armas, hunt down local markets, or just wander those cobbled streets and see where they lead
Cusco
Hikers and non-hikers reunite today, and the city’s yours to enjoy together. Spend your free time swapping trail stories over coffee, exploring the cobbled streets, or diving back into Cusco’s markets and plazas.
Cusco to Puno
Today we’ll hop on board a shared coach once again and travel to Puno along the famous Route of the Sun, with iconic stops along the way — Andahuaylillas (AKA the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”), Raqchi and the Temple of Wiracocha. Plus viewpoint and culture breaks at La Pascana, La Raya and the Pucará Museum. By the time we roll into Puno, we’ll have ticked off one of Peru’s best overland journeys. Welcome to the folkloric capital of Peru!
Puno to Lake Titicaca
Lake time! Today, we'll make our way to Lake Titicaca, cruising out across the lake towards Taquile Island. On the way, you’ll visit a floating island built from totora reeds, stepping onto the man-made platforms and checking out the reed houses up close. We'll explore a quieter part of Taquile on a short hike to an open-air market where the community shares dances, textiles, and local traditions. Then follow a pre-Incan path down to a sandy beach for some chill time. Hungry? Once we arrive on the Capachica Peninsula, we'll head into a local family homestay, and sit down for lunch made from local produce, with an optional late-afternoon hike up to a nearby hill for sunset. Later, after dinner, we’ll round things off with a small celebration of traditional music and dancing, then settle in for the night in basic but comfy rooms.
Lake Titicaca to Puno
Say goodbye to your host fam. After an early brekkie, we'll boat back across the lake with the crew. The rest of the day? All yours to do whatever you please.
Puno to La Paz
Morning! Jump in to your private transfer from the hotel to the bus station, then roll out on the tourist bus to La Paz via Copacabana (about 10 hours). Settle in, snack up, and watch the landscapes do their thing. Welcome to Bolivia! Once we arrive, we'll snag a private transfer to the hotel. Come get your first taste of La Paz on a welcome dinner with your crew.
La Paz
We'll kick off our La Paz discovery with a half-day Shoe Shiner City Tour and see the city through a local lens. You'll tick off viewpoints, street life, and big city energy. Then it’s free time to roam, market-hop, and snack your way through town. Ever heard of the Bolivian Fighting Cholitas? Tonight, you have the option to see them live in action.
La Paz
Aaaand, that's it.19 unforgettable days of exploring South America has come to an end. Grab a final brekkie, take those group pics and leave with memories you'll be talking about for decades.
