5 stops · 2 countries · ~1,670 km

The Gringo Trail: Peru & Bolivia

The classic South America route from Lima to the desert oasis of Huacachina, Cusco and Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and La Paz, ending on the Uyuni salt flats. The best hostels at every stop, and how to get to the next one.

🗺️ stops
5
🌏 countries
2
🛏️ hostels
211
💸 best cheap bed (La Paz)
€0.08

The route

Map © OpenStreetMap contributors, OpenFreeMap. The line joins the stops in order; it is not a road or flight path.

Stop by stop

  1. Getting to Huacachina · ~266 km as the crow flies

    • Bus to Ica, then taxi to the oasisabout 4.5–5.5 hPublic buses stop in Ica, 5–6 km away; Peru Hop drops at the lagoon.

    Times are typical ranges; operators change schedules, so check before you book. Sources: How to Peru.

  2. Getting to Cusco · ~414 km as the crow flies

    • Overnight busabout 16.5–19 h
    • Bus back to Lima and fly to Cusco

    ✈️ Search flights LIM → CUZ

    Times are typical ranges; operators change schedules, so check before you book. Sources: How to Peru, 12Go.

  3. Getting to La Paz · ~528 km as the crow flies

    • Bus via Puno and Copacabanaabout 15–16 h directMost travellers stop a night at Lake Titicaca; the border at Kasani closes in the evening.
    • Flight

    ✈️ Search flights CUZ → LPB

    Times are typical ranges; operators change schedules, so check before you book. Sources: Bolivia Hop, Couple Travel the World.

  4. Getting to Uyuni · ~462 km as the crow flies

    • Overnight busabout 10–12 hLeaves 8–10 pm, arrives early morning.
    • Flight (BoA, Amaszonas)about 1 h

    ✈️ Search flights LPB → UYU

    Times are typical ranges; operators change schedules, so check before you book. Sources: Bolivia Hop.

FAQ

What is the Gringo Trail: Peru & Bolivia?

The classic South America route from Lima to the desert oasis of Huacachina, Cusco and Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and La Paz, ending on the Uyuni salt flats.

How long is the Gringo Trail: Peru & Bolivia?

About 1,670 km in straight lines between our 5 stops (Lima, Huacachina, Cusco, La Paz, Uyuni); real road and rail distances are longer.

Which countries does the Gringo Trail: Peru & Bolivia go through?

Peru, Bolivia.

Where is the cheapest good hostel bed on the Gringo Trail: Peru & Bolivia?

La Paz: Paitití Hostel, rated 10.0 on Hostelworld, from €0.08 a night (the lowest dorm price among hostels rated 8+ from 50+ reviews, 11 October 2026).

Hostel prices and ratings from Hostelworld's public listings (11 October 2026). Distances are straight-line between city centres. AirConnect may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.