Peru & Bolivia Essentials: Machu Picchu to Uyuni
This 14-day photography and cultural journey through Peru and Bolivia traces a route from Lima and Cusco to the Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), Puno, La Paz and Salar de Uyuni.
This fourteen-day journey through Peru and Bolivia moves from the Pacific coast to the Andean highlands and on to the Bolivian altiplano and salt flats. We begin in Lima with a clifftop promenade walk and waterfront dining in Miraflores, then fly to Cusco for a relaxed historic-centre walk before continuing into the Sacred Valley and Pisac. The rhythm balances guided days with travel: a train to Aguas Calientes for a guided Machu Picchu visit, Ollantaytambo and the Cusco ruins circuit, then a high-altitude hike on Rainbow Mountain and through the Red Valley.
From Cusco we drive to Puno, stopping at Andahuaylillas Church and Tinajani Canyon, and spend a day on Lake Titicaca at the Uros floating islands and Taquile. We then fly to La Paz, sightsee by cable car and in the centre, and take a day trip to Tiwanaku. The final stage crosses the altiplano to Uyuni for the salt museum, Salar de Uyuni sunset, jeep photography, the train cemetery, Incahuasi Island and Colchani. We return to La Paz, with an optional culinary tour and an evening cholitas wrestling show, before departure. This itinerary suits travellers comfortable with high altitude and varied road, boat, and walking days.
Is this trip right for you?
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
Seasonality
Travel style
- All of the highlights, Blend of activities, free time and cultural immersion
Accommodation
- Comfortable accommodations with character
Transport
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Mix of public and private transport
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Transport used on this trip- Road transport
- Airplane
- Car
- Train
- Boat / ferry
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Travel time:
Estimates incomplete
· at least 4 longer travel days
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Travel time estimates- 2 flights
- Short transfers (up to 2 hours): at least 6
- Transfers over 2 hours, up to 5 hours: at least 5
- Transfers over 5 hours: at least 3
Some transfer times are still being confirmed; the daily average is not yet available.
Counts refer to individual road or boat transfers. The daily average includes all itinerary days, including days without transfers. Flights, walking and activity durations are excluded.
Flights are counted separately. Airport procedures, waiting and sightseeing stops are not added to the recorded transfer durations.
Times are approximate and depend on traffic and local conditions.
Meals
- Meals are not included, except when specified in the program.
Activity level
- Excellent fitness level required and a good acclimatation
What Not to Expect
- No guarantee of clear weather, mirror reflections or specific light conditions at Vinicunca or the Salar de Uyuni.
- No single-country itinerary: the route crosses from Peru into Bolivia, including a flight connection through Lima.
Who is it for
- Travellers who want archaeology and living culture, from Cusco and the Sacred Valley to Tiwanaku and the Uros islands.
- Photographers drawn to high-altitude scenery such as Vinicunca, the altiplano and the Salar de Uyuni.
- Travellers comfortable with a mix of flights, trains, boats and full-day road journeys.
Who is it not for
- Travellers who prefer one base and few transfers, since this route changes location almost every day.
- Anyone unwilling to hike above 4,000 m or to acclimatise to altitude over the first days.
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 6 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Detailed itinerary
Arrive in Lima, sightsee in Miraflores
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Lima Airport Arrival Transfer
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Miraflores clifftop promenade walk and waterfront dining
Fly to Cusco, walking tour, drive Sacred Valley to Pisac
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Flight Lima Airport –> Cusco Airport
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Cusco Historic Center Walking Tour
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Transfer Cusco –> Pisac
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Pisac town square and craft market visit
Train to Aguas Calientes, bus and guided Machu Picchu tour
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Transfer Ollantaytambo train station –> Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
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Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
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Machu Picchu Guided Excursion
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Transfer Machu Picchu –> Sacred Valley
Explore Ollantaytambo, afternoon Cusco ruins circuit
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Ollantaytambo Ruins and Inca Town
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Ollantaytambo to Cusco Return Transfer
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Cusco Ruins Circuit visit
Hike Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) and the Red Valley
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Transfer Cusco –> Ausangate trailhead
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Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Hike
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Transfer Ausangate trailhead –> Cusco
Scenic drive Cusco to Puno with stops
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Transfer Cusco –> Puno
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Andahuaylillas Church visit
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Tinajani Canyon visit
Boat to Uros floating islands, Taquile Island
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Boat transfer: Puno –> Islas Flotantes de los Uros
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Uros Floating Islands visit
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Taquile Island Visit
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Boat Return from Taquile to Puno
Fly Puno to La Paz via Lima; La Paz sightseeing
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Flight from Puno to La Paz (via Lima)
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La Paz City Sightseeing
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La Paz Cable Car Ride
Day trip to the ruins of Tiwanaku
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Transfer La Paz –> Tiwanaku
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Tiwanaku Ruins visit
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Transfer Tiwanaku –> La Paz
Car journey La Paz to Uyuni; salt museum and salar sunset
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Transfer La Paz –> Uyuni
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Uyuni Salt Museum visit
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Salar de Uyuni tour and sunset
Jeep tour of the salt flats, train cemetery
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Uyuni Salt Flats Photography
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Train Cemetery visit
Incahuasi Island, Colchani salt-harvesting village
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Incahuasi Island walk
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Colchani salt-harvesting village visit
Return to La Paz; optional culinary tour and cholitas wrestling
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Transfer Uyuni –> La Paz
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Optional La Paz Culinary Tour
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Cholitas Wrestling Show in El Alto
Depart La Paz; hotel transfer to airport
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Transfer La Paz –> La Paz Airport
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 9.295 USD (664 USD / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 8.095 USD (578 USD / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 6.495 USD (464 USD / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 5.595 USD (400 USD / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles
- Preparation Meeting (Pre-trip briefing and final Q&A session held via Zoom)
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Breakfast on day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, day 7, day 8, day 9, day 10, day 11, day 12, day 13 and Departure day, Lunch on Arrival day, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, day 7, day 8, day 9, day 10, day 11, day 12, day 13 and Departure day, Dinner on Arrival day, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, day 7, day 8, day 9, day 10, day 11, day 12 and day 13
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
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30% (1.949 USD approx)
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Your depositThe deposit is used to secure services for your trip, such as hotels and flights.
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Extend your journey
Optional extensions and add-ons you may consider for your trip. Each can be added to your itinerary on request — just let me know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.
No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.
Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.
Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.
Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.
