Andean High Plains Grand Tour
Trip highlights
- Discover Incan ruins such as Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray
- Marvel at the majestic Uyuni Salt Flats and take plenty of photos
- Enjoy a private tour of Machu Picchu as well as time to explore on your own
- Explore the city of Cusco and some nearby Inca ruins
- Go hiking and island hopping around Lake Titicaca
- Embark on a gastronomic journey through Bolivia in La Paz
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Private transfers
- Private tours and experiences
- Full support from your travel designer and concierge
- Help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–2
Overnight in Lima
Enjoy an evening in Peru’s capital, taking advantage of its world-class restaurants, enjoying a pisco sour and getting a good night’s sleep before your adventure in the Amazon.
Where you could stay
Days 2–4
Exploring the Sacred Valley
Northwest of Cusco, the Sacred Valley is one of the most beautiful and historically important parts of Peru. The Valley was one of the bases of Inca civilization, the river that winds its way through believed to be aligned with the cosmos. The valley is also home to many indigenous people living the same way they have been for centuries and it’s possible to visit local markets and communities.
Where you could stay
Aranwa Aqua Hotel and Spa
Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa
Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray
Your guide will collect you from your hotel in the Sacred Valley and take you on a full day private tour. Start at the Inca fortress town of Ollantaytambo. The site was built just as the Spaniards arrived and is one of the most important if not visible vestiges of how the Incas inhabited and functioned in their cities making it a fascinating place to explore. There is a fortress at the top of the hill (and quite a few steps) which is particularly interesting to investigate for the techniques the Incas used in its construction.
Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley
The Vistadome train takes you to the magnificent ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in superb modern comfort. As per its name, the train has wide glass windows built into the roof and sides of the carriages so you really do get to see the rich Peruvian countryside rushing by. Large leather seats, air conditioning, heating, and good service reflects all the contemporary efficiency and standards of Peru Rail too.
Days 4–5
Machu Picchu citadel
Your private guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, really bringing it to life by detailing the history, significance and myths surrounding it as well as taking you to the hidden corners and best viewpoints. After your tour, you’ll descend to Aguas Calientes for a delicious lunch at the rustically elegant Inkaterra hotel, before an afternoon at leisure. You can explore the areas around Machu Picchu or carry on exploring the ruins.
Where you could stay
Around the citadel
At your own pace
All aboard
Explore Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Spend a morning discovering the Machu Picchu citadel on your own time by climbing up either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Both scenic sites offer incredible, sweeping views, but vary in route. Huanya Picchu is a steeper route for the confident hiker as you pass sheer drops and takes around two hours. Machu Picchu Mountain is a rewarding three-hour ascending hike taking you away from the larger crowds to enjoy the vistas.
Vistadome train back from Machu Picchu
Board the train for the journey back from Machu Picchu with refreshments served on board.
Days 5–7
Beautiful Cusco
Enjoy this beautiful city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Capital of the Incan Empire from the early 14th century until its Spanish conquest, Cusco is a beautiful city where you can find Incan ruins next to (or underneath) but Spanish colonial architecture.
Where you could stay
La Casona Inkaterra
Cusco and beyond
City and ruins
Back on track
Cusco city and nearby ruins tour
Your local expert guide will collect you from your hotel for a tour of the city, starting out at the Santo Domingo convent monastery. This former colonial monastery was previously the Koricancha Temple, one of the most important temples devoted to the worship of the sun. According to the chronicles, it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Your next stop will be the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. After touring the most interesting sites of the city, you will be driven by private vehicle to the countryside just outside Cusco to visit some of the remarkable Inca ruins in the area such as the cult centre of Sacsayhuaman, the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko, and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara.
PeruRail Titicaca Train from Cusco to Puno
The best way to cross the Andes from Cusco to Puno. The PeruRail Titicaca Train features an open-air observatory car, allowing you to take in the majestic views while enjoying the typical music and dances of the Peruvian highlands. During your trip, which takes ten and a half hours, you will have the chance to take panoramic pictures of some of the quintessential Andean landscapes, be entertained by traditional musicians and enjoy gourmet Peruvian cuisine.
Days 7–9
Two nights at Titilaka
Set high up at an altitude of 3,860 metres (12,660 feet) the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca form the world’s highest navigable lake. The lake is set so close to the heavens that it’s a deeply spiritual place for the indigenous population of Peru and the founders of the Inca civilisation are believed to have risen from the waters of the lake. Spend your time exploring the lake and its surroundings – which are excellent for hiking – visiting the reed islands and their communities, and taking in life on the water.
Transfer to La Paz from via Tiwanaku
This is the site of one of the oldest civilisations of the Americas, pre-dating the Incas, the Tiwanaku culture which spanned 1500 years until 1000AD. These are magnificent ruins and your private guide will help to unlock its secrets for you.
Days 9–11
Lofty La Paz
In the shadow of the immense triple snow-capped peaks of Mount Illimani and at altitudes reaching 4,000m, Bolivia’s cultural capital, La Paz has earned itself the moniker of the ‘Tibet of the Americas’ and life at these lofty heights is admirable if not spectacular. The city’s indigenous, colonial, and modern influences might be as jumbled together as the electrical lines between the houses, yet a majestic Hispanic church and a modern high-rise bookending a street illustrates how it all sits captivatingly and stoically side by side.
Make it mine
Museums and views
Taste Bolivia
La Paz city tour with cable car
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and together you will visit the Gold Museum, Pedro Domingo Murillo House, National Museum of Art and the Bolivian Metals Museum. Jaen street is very picturesque and a great place for walking and looking at the old coloured houses. Continue to Killi Killi lookout point to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and enjoy lunch at local restaurant, before heading to the Teleferico cable car.
Gastronomy tour of La Paz
Food in Bolivia is a rich cultural expression, blending ancestral culinary traditions with modern fusion cuisine. This tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing native ingredients transformed into unique dishes that reflect the country’s deep-rooted heritage. Embark on a gastronomic journey through Bolivia with visits to four distinct restaurants, each offering a taste of the country’s diverse flavours. Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy three carefully curated dishes, each paired with complementary beverages, and begin with a welcome cocktail.
Days 11–13
Surreal salt flats
Arguably Bolivia’s most breath-taking experience, the shimmering Salar de Uyuni are the world’s largest salt flats. Formed from the drying up vast prehistoric lakes, the salt flats stretch as far as the eye can see. When they flood each rainy season (November-March) the flats transform into a vast mirror which reflects the sky and seems to defy reality. During the dry season (April – October) the salt glistens until the horizon creating a surreal and magical atmosphere.
Where you could stay
Airstream Deluxe Campers
Private tour of the Salt Flats
Your guide will bring you to explore one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world, the Uyuni Salt Flats. You will stop in many different spots for amazing photo opportunities. Visiting the Ojos del Mar and Colchani sites before heading to Isla Pescado where you will enjoy lunch. At the end of your time in Uyuni, you’ll fly back to La Paz for your return flight home.
Jacada helped us to plan ideal gateway to Peru and Bolivia and it was amazing. The planning was done on very professional level, with some small personal touches what made this trip memorable! Thank you Delfina, Melanie and the team!
Why book with Jacada
Pesonalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
