Between Lima and La Paz Road Trip Itinerary
Take a journey of a lifetime with this 21-day road trip from Lima, Peru to La Paz, Bolivia. With a total distance of 2299 kilometers, this trip will take you through some of the most incredible landscapes and historical sites in South America.
Start your journey in Lima, Peru and make your way to Paracas, a beautiful coastal town with stunning beaches and beautiful wildlife.
Continue your journey to Arequipa, a city with beautiful colonial architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Colca Canyon, the world’s deepest canyon.
From Arequipa, head to Puno, a city located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Here you can explore the fascinating ruins of Tiwanaku, a pre-Incan civilization.
Your final destination is La Paz, Bolivia, a vibrant city offering a mix of culture and adventure.
The best time to take this road trip is during the dry season, from May to October. The roads are generally in good condition, though you might encounter some narrow and curvy roads. Make sure to bring all the necessary documents for crossing the border.
This road trip is suitable for everyone and can be managed on a fair budget. You will be rewarded with unforgettable experiences and memories.
21
number of days
2,322 km
route length
moderate
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Lima
Distance 2,322 km
Driving time 43.8 h
Pace: modest
603.8 kWh
Airports
LIM
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Lima is the vibrant capital of Peru, located on the Pacific Coast and is the perfect starting point for the “Between Lima and La Paz Road Trip”. The city is full of culture, history and beauty. The city of Lima has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its immense cultural and historical significance. Visitors can explore the amazing cathedrals, museums, and galleries, as well as the bustling markets and colorful plazas.
The city’s main international airport is Jorge Chávez International Airport (IATA: LIM), from which visitors can easily rent a car for their road trip. If you’re looking for the best sights to visit in Lima, make sure to check out the Plaza de Armas, the Government Palace, the Larco Museum, and the Huaca Pucllana ruins. For a unique experience, a visit to the Huaca Huallamarca pyramid is highly recommended.
Whether you’re looking for a great cultural experience or a thrilling adventure, Lima is the perfect starting point for your “Between Lima and La Paz Road Trip”. With car rentals available at Jorge Chávez International Airport, you can easily explore all the amazing sites that Lima has to offer.
1
Lima
- Paracas
Distance 254 km
Driving time 3.4 h
Pace: fast
76.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Let's go on an amazing road trip from Lima to Paracas! We will drive for about 253 km, which should take around 4 hours. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and visit some interesting sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pachacamac, a pre-Inca archaeological site and Huaca Pucllana, an ancient adobe pyramid. You can also admire the breathtaking views of the Paracas National Reserve, home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, and plants, as well as the amazing Islas Ballestas, home to several species of sea lions and birds. Don't forget to pay attention to the historical sites and picturesque landscapes along the way! Remember, more information about attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and campsites along the route is available on this stage of the itinerary. So, hop in your car and let's hit the road!
Paracas - Peru - South America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Paracas
- Nasca
Distance 211 km
Driving time 3.6 h
Pace: modest
55.0 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Paracas to Nasca! This 212 km drive will take you fewer than 4 hours, but it is full of interesting sites to explore. Start your journey in Paracas to visit the Ballestas Islands, a wildlife sanctuary with unique birds and sea lions. Next, move on to Ica, where you can see the Oasis of Huacachina, a beautiful lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. As you continue your journey, you will pass through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pampa Galeras, home to beautiful cacti and other unique desert plants. Finally, you will arrive in Nasca, where you can explore the mysterious Nasca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs carved into the desert. Along the way, you can also enjoy the picturesque landscapes and take in the scenic roads. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Nasca - Peru - South America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Nasca
- Arequipa
Distance 567 km
Driving time 10.1 h
Pace: modest
147.5 kWh
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Embark on a road trip adventure starting in Nasca, Peru and ending in Arequipa, Peru! This 567 km journey takes less than 9 hours and offers a variety of stunning landscapes and historical sites. As you drive along the winding roads, you will be able to experience the unique UNESCO Heritage sites, panoramic views of the majestic mountains, and the beautiful desert.
Along the way, make sure to stop and explore the ruins of the ancient city of Cahuachi and the mysterious Nasca Lines. Take in the breathtaking views of the Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world. Or take a break in the quaint, small town of Chivay, where you can experience the local culture and cuisine.
Your journey will end in Arequipa, Peru's second largest city. Here you can explore the old city center and the beautiful Plaza de Armas, as well as visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina, one of the largest and best preserved colonial complexes in South America.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the best of Peru!
Arequipa - Peru - South America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
Arequipa
- Cusco
Distance 565 km
Driving time 13.1 h
Pace: modest
146.8 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Arequipa to Cusco – a journey of 557km that will take you through captivating landscapes, historical sites and picturesque villages. The route is lined with stunning views of volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, and the majestic Colca Canyon. Along the way, you will pass by some of the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Sillustani and Raqchi. As you drive through the winding and narrow roads, be sure to keep an eye out for the steep ramps that you will encounter. With so many sights to see, you won’t want to miss a thing. Make sure to take in the panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the Inca ruins of Tipon. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, hop in the car and explore the beauty of Arequipa to Cusco!
Cusco - Peru - South America - Road Trip - Pixabay
Cusco - Peru - South America - Road Trip - Pixabay
Cusco - Peru - South America - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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5
Cusco
- Puno
Distance 388 km
Driving time 6.9 h
Pace: modest
101.0 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Cusco to Puno, Peru! This 389km route, which can be driven in fewer than 7 hours, will take you along some of the most picturesque and historically significant sites in the country. Along the way, you'll find steep ramps, winding curves, and narrow roads, all of which will provide incredible views of majestic mountains and valleys. Make sure to take time to appreciate sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Temple of the Sun in Cusco, the beautiful city of Andahuaylas, and the traditional town of Sicuani. Additionally, the route offers some of the most stunning views of the Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America. Keep an eye out for these and other amazing sights as you make your way to Puno. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Take the wheel and enjoy the ride!
Puno - Peru - South America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Puno
- Copacabana
Distance 144 km
Driving time 2.7 h
Pace: modest
37.4 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Puno to Copacabana? This 142 km journey will take you less than 3 hours to complete, so get your camera ready and let's get going! As you start your journey, you will cross the Peruvian-Bolivian border, so make sure you have all your documents ready. During the trip, you will drive along winding roads and take in the stunning views of the countryside. Make sure to take a few pictures along the way! Some of the most interesting places to visit along the route are the ruins of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site, and the stunning Lake Titicaca. You can also explore the picturesque town of Llave, with its colonial-style churches. Once you reach Copacabana, take some time to explore the stunning Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana and the famous Isla del Sol. For more information on attractions, accommodation, and restaurants along the route, check out the itinerary of this amazing stage of your road trip!
Copacabana - Peru - South America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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7
Copacabana
- Tiwanaku
Distance 118 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: modest
30.7 kWh
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Embark on an amazing road trip from Copacabana to Tiwanaku! The 105 km distance will take you less than 3 hours to drive, but take your time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Bolivian highlands. On the way, you'll find some UNESCO World Heritage sites, so keep an eye out for them! The road is very winding in some sections, so drive carefully. In other sections, it's quite narrow, so keep a safe distance from other cars. You'll also want to pay attention to the historical sites and sights along the way. There are plenty of places to stop and explore, so take your time and enjoy the journey! When you reach Tiwanaku, you'll find more attractions and activities that are worth exploring. If you need more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Tiwanaku - Peru - South America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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8
Tiwanaku
- La Paz
Distance 74 km
Driving time 1.6 h
Pace: modest
19.4 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Tiwanaku, Bolivia to La Paz! This 75 km journey will take you fewer than 2 hours and bring you to some of the most stunning and historical sites of Bolivia. On your way, make sure to keep an eye out for the ruins of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca. As you drive through the winding roads, take in the stunning landscapes of the Andes mountains. Along your route, you will also have the opportunity to visit the mysterious Valley of the Moon and the lively town of Chua Cocani. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so be sure to check out the itinerary for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
La Paz - Peru - South America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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La Paz
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La Paz is the enchanting capital city of Bolivia and the perfect ending point for the "Between Lima and La Paz Road Trip". Located in the Andes mountains, La Paz is the highest administrative capital in the world at an altitude of 3,640 meters above sea level. This city is home to a unique mix of cultures, from the indigenous Aymara population to the Spanish colonial traditions that remain in the form of architecture and city layout.
The city is a great destination for travelers, offering plenty of attractions and activities to explore. Some of the most popular sites to visit in La Paz include the Moon Valley, the Witches' Market and the Murillo Square. Visitors should also take the time to explore the city's museums, which showcase the history and culture of the region.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is El Alto International Airport (LPB), located just outside of La Paz. From there, visitors can take a bus or taxi to the city center.
For those making the drive from Lima, the road trip will take around two days, depending on the route taken. Drivers should be aware of the altitude changes and be prepared for snow and icy roads in some areas.
At the end of the "Between Lima and La Paz Road Trip", visitors will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience. La Paz is a city rich in history, culture, and adventure - one that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression in the minds of all who visit.
La Paz - Peru - South America - Road Trip - Pixabay
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Between Lima and La Paz Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Lima
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End:
La Paz
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Distance:
2,322 km
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Stay:
21 days
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Getting there:
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
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When to drive:
March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a 21-day Road Trip that will take you through the heart of South America, from the vibrant city of Lima, Peru, to the bustling streets of La Paz, Bolivia, traversing approximately 2,299 kilometers (1,428 miles). Not only will you encounter diverse and stunning landscapes ranging from coastal vistas to Andean peaks, but you will also be enthralled by the rich tapestry of culture and history that intertwines through these two nations.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Lima: Begin your journey in Peru's sprawling capital, renowned for its exquisite gastronomy, pre-Columbian art, and the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved architecture including the Plaza Mayor and the 16th-century Cathedral of Lima.
- Paracas: Explore the Paracas National Reserve, a haven for marine life and birds. Embark on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the 'Poor Man’s Galapagos' for the plethora of wildlife sightings including sea lions and Humboldt penguins.
- Arequipa: Marvel at the 'White City', famous for its baroque buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic rock. It sits at the foot of the Misti volcano and provides access to the Colca Valley with its traditional villages and terraced agriculture that pre-dates the Incas.
- Colca Canyon: Witness one of the most profound canyons on Earth, Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Look to the skies to spot the majestic Andean condors soaring above.
- Puno: Situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level. Discover the unique Uros floating islands, made entirely of reeds, and learn about the indigenous cultures that maintain their traditional way of life.
- La Paz: Finalize your adventure in La Paz, the world's highest de facto capital city at roughly 3,640 meters (11,940 feet) above sea level. Visit the Witches' Market for a peek into Andean mysticism and ride the Mi Teleférico, the world's longest and highest urban gondola network, for panoramic views of the city.
Best Time to Go:
To experience the best of this Road Trip with clear skies and minimal rainfall, plan your journey during the dry season, which spans from May to October. This period offers optimal Road conditions and outdoor adventure opportunities.
Potential Risks:
Travelers should prepare for challenging driving conditions including narrow, winding Roads, and high altitudes that can cause sickness. Adequate travel preparation, including securing travel insurance, familiarizing with local driving laws, and ensuring you have all necessary documentation for border crossings, is crucial.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Peru's culinary scene is globally recognized, providing travelers with the chance to indulge in traditional dishes like ceviche in Lima or rocoto relleno in Arequipa.
- The Salar de Uyuni, not far from La Paz, is the world's largest salt flat and offers an otherworldly experience, especially after rain when it transforms into a giant mirror reflecting the sky.
- The Tiwanaku ruins near Lake Titicaca are among the most ancient and mystifying archaeological sites in South America, predating the Incan civilization.
A good choice for:
This epic Road Trip from Lima to La Paz is an invitation to create enduring memories against the backdrop of the Andes, with an extraordinary mix of natural splendors and a deep cultural legacy. It's an ideal expedition for those who seek not just a journey, but a meaningful adventure into the heart of South America's history and natural beauty.
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