5-Day Adventure & Culture in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador Itinerary

Begin your adventure early with a flight or bus ride from La Paz to Uyuni (approx. 1 hour by flight or 8 hours by bus). Upon arrival, join the highly recommended From Uyuni Full-Day Guided Trip to Salar de Uyuni. Start your exploration at the famous Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes), where you can see old trains that were once used in Bolivia’s mining industry. For breakfast before departure, visit Luna Salada Restaurant located within one of Uyuni's salt hotels.

Continue your tour into the vast expanse of Salar de Uyuni. Marvel at this natural wonder that stretches as far as the eye can see. Don’t miss visiting Incahuasi Island in the middle of the salt flats which is covered in giant cacti. Enjoy a picnic lunch provided during your tour amidst this breathtaking scenery.

As evening approaches, witness one of nature’s most stunning spectacles – sunset over Salar de Uyuni. The reflection on the salt flats creates an otherworldly mirror effect that is simply unforgettable. Return to Uyuni town for dinner at Minuteman Revolutionary Pizza, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious pizzas.

Fly from Uyuni to Cusco (approx. 2 hours via connecting flights). Start your day exploring Cusco’s historical center with a visit to Plaza de Armas (Huacaypata), surrounded by colonial buildings and churches like Cusco Cathedral. Have breakfast at Jack's Café, popular among travelers for its hearty breakfasts.

In the afternoon, take part in a guided tour: Cusco City Tour and Mystical Ruins Through Time. This tour includes visits to significant Inca sites such as Sacsayhuaman and Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun). For lunch, head over to Limbus Restobar which offers panoramic views over Cusco along with delicious Peruvian dishes.

End your day with some leisure time exploring San Blas neighborhood known for its artisan shops and galleries or enjoy an evening food tour: Cusco Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails & Local Market Tour. Dinner can be enjoyed at Chicha por Gastón Acurio, renowned for its innovative Peruvian cuisine.

Start your day early with a train ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (approx. 3.5 hours). Upon arrival, take a bus up to Machu Picchu. Begin your exploration with Machu Picchu Tour Full Day by Vistadome Train. This tour provides an in-depth look at the ancient Inca city, including its temples, terraces, and plazas. For breakfast before departure, visit Café Inkaterra in Aguas Calientes.

Continue your guided tour through Machu Picchu’s most iconic sites such as the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone. Take some time to hike up to the Sun Gate for a panoramic view of the entire site. Enjoy a packed lunch provided during your tour amidst this historical wonder.

After a full day of exploration, return to Aguas Calientes by bus and then take the train back to Cusco. Have dinner at Cicciolina, known for its fusion of Peruvian and Mediterranean cuisine. Relax and reflect on your incredible day at one of Cusco’s cozy cafes or bars.

Fly from Cusco to Arequipa (approx. 1 hour). Start your day with a visit to Plaza de Armas, surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings including the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. For breakfast, head to Manolo, famous for its churros and coffee.

In the afternoon, explore more of Arequipa’s historical sites with a guided tour: Arequipa Food Tour Experience. This tour includes visits to Santa Catalina Monastery and Museum of Andean Sanctuaries where you can see the famous mummy Juanita. For lunch, try Zig Zag Restaurant, known for its delicious alpaca steaks.

Conclude your day with an evening stroll through Yanahuara neighborhood which offers stunning views over Arequipa and its surrounding volcanoes. Enjoy dinner at Chicha por Gastón Acurio, another renowned restaurant by celebrity chef Gastón Acurio offering traditional Peruvian dishes with a modern twist.