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On the road in Bolivia and Peru
By Carol Sutton, House of Travel Matamata


The roads less travelled in Bolivia and Peru. An insight into two fascinating countries with one of our travel consultants.

 

INDULGE ALL YOUR SENSES with a taste of Bolivia and Peru…
First stop La Paz! At around 3,600 metres, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. Visit the “Valley of the Moon” and use the world’s most extensive cable car system, a public transportation system costing just $0.80 per ride! Next up, a short flight to Uyuni to visit the Salar de Uyuni (Bolivan Salt Flats) and 12,000 square kilometres of PURE SALT. We stayed at Palacio del Sal Hotel, a hotel built completely from salt. Take a drive across the salt plains and discover the mysterious island Isla Incahuasi, covered in cacti, fossils and corals. Definitely take some epic pics, the Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest reflecting mirror. I adore Bolivia — put it on your bucket list!  

La Paz


Acclimatised fully, it was time to head to Cusco, and prepare for our four Day Inca Trail Trek. Cusco itself is a magical city that straddles two worlds. Ancient Incan ruins with colourful handicrafts markets dotted across Cusco exude a wonderful ornate local flavour. But equally you’ll be impressed by the majestic architecture that gives the city a truly Renaissance feel.

Cusco


Don’t cut your time short in Cusco, indulge, there is so much to see and do, plus several massages at 30 soles (NZ$12) are compulsory. Another Cusco must-do is Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. A hidden gem and the alternative trek for Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. You will not only see one ‘Rainbow Mountain’ but numerous others, and hike for only one hour instead of three. The views are magnificent.

Peru

Machu Picchu is the highlight of most travel itineraries, receiving over 1.2 million visitors annually (most arrive via train on a day trip from Cusco) but for the adventurous, with a moderate to high level of fitness, I would thoroughly recommend the four Day Classic Inca Trail Trek. Robyn Williams, a friend and travelling companion, wrote “A stunning 43km walk over four days with two amazing friends to Machu Picchu. The destination was the dream, but in reality, the journey was the highlight, filled with stunning scenery and unforgettable memories”. To me, this sums up the experience perfectly.

Peru




TIP SHEET

GETTING THERE
LATAM flies Dreamliners direct from Auckland to its hub in Santiago, Chile. From there, grab easy connections to Lima, Cuzco, La Paz and more.


TRANSPORT
To maximise your time there, travel with a small group tour. Or we can create you a personalised itinerary with a private guide.


TIME
If combining both Peru and Bolivia, you really need at least 10 to 15 days.


VISAS
No visas are required when travelling on an NZ passport to Peru or Bolivia.


WHEN TO GO
Awesome year round! But if you want to hike the Inca Trail, June to September is driest.


HEALTH
For altitude sickness, consume lots of water and sugar! The local coca tea helps and is readily available at hotels.



Ready to go? Come in-store, call 0800 713 715 or Click Here for all our South America holiday deals. 
 

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