Inca Empire
Experience Overview
From the bustling market-filled streets of La Paz to Incan culture high in the Andes, this two-week adventure provides a panoramic view of Peru and a glimpse of Bolivia. Embrace cultures past and present in Cusco and La Paz and interact with locals from the region’s communities for an immersive experience that few rarely get to know. Conquer the Inca Trail, one of the world’s best known and challenging hikes, and experience the stunning views of majestic Machu Picchu. As the region’s largest operator, we run our own treks, which ensures the fair treatment of our porters, quality food, service, and equipment.
Highlights
- Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Explore the pre-Incan ruins of Tiahuanaco
- Witness life on Lake Titicaca
- Soak in the views and culture of the Sacred Valley
Trip Details
Product Code: 1744
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Public bus, plane, train, boat, ferry, hiking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Classic
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: BILM.A
Starts: La Paz, Bolivia
Finishes: Lima, Peru
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lake Titicaca Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Cusco
- Tiahuanaco visit
- Floating islands of Uros visit
- Lake Titicaca guided tour
- Sacred Valley guided tour
- Pottery making demonstration
- Inca Trail guided hike with cooks and porters (4 days)
- Machu Picchu guided tour
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (10 nts), camping (3 nts), homestay (1 nt).
- 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Transport
- Public bus, plane, train, boat, ferry, hiking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, specialist Inca Trail CEO on the hike, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2719 ($181 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: La Paz
Arrive at any time.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Hotel Las Brisas
Day 2: La Paz
Today, visit the pre-Incan ruins of Tiahuanaco.
Little is known about the Tiahuanaco people who constructed the great ceremonial centre on the southern shore of Lake Titicaca over 1000 years ago. Spend most of the day visiting these mysterious ruins—a cradle of Incan civilization—before returning to La Paz.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Enjoy a visit to this spectacular pre-Colombian archaeological site. It was the capital of an empire that extended into Peru and Chile from 300 to 1000 AD. Check out the fantastic buildings, architecture, sculptures and carvings firsthand and get a taste of an era long gone. Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Hotel Las Brisas
Day 3: La Paz/Puno
Travel by bus through the altiplano, crossing the border to the Peruvian city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Peru is made up of three main geographical areas: the Andes, the Amazon, and the desert coastal area.
Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on a full day of travel from La Paz, around Lake Titicaca, and on to Puno.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Pukara House
Day 4: Puno/Lake Titicaca
Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village.
Head out by boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit the community on the Taquile Islands and stop at a restaurant and enjoy a local lunch with spectacular views.
After, cruise to the another village (this can vary based on community availability) for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake. This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and to participate in local traditions. Eat with the family, pick up some Quecha and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Board a boat on Lake Titicaca and head to Taquile Island for an optional delicious Peruvian lunch at a restaurant followed by some shopping at the local weaving cooperatives. Taquileños are known for their fine handwoven textiles and clothing, men are taught how to knit around age five and they create the majority of the textiles. After, enjoy an overnight stay with a host family and a chance to learn about life on the islands.Activity - In the aymara community of Luquina Chico on Lake Titicaca, 40 families welcome you to experience their way of life. Thanks to the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the local families here have strengthened their communities, preserving traditions and creating opportunities for future generations. Split into smaller groups and get a taste of local life firsthand as we move into family homes for the night. Play soccer with the children, enjoy some dancing, watch dinner being made, learn about regional cuisine, and dress up in local clothes for an unforgettable evening with the whole village, enjoying traditional music and dancing. Lend a hand the next morning, and help out with chores like feeding animals, harvesting local produce, or bringing back buckets of water from the well.
Day 5: Lake Titicaca/Puno
Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit the Sillustani burial site.
Leave the homestay families late in the morning and visit the Uros Islands on the way back to Puno. A popular optional activity in Puno is a visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site only a short drive away.
Opt to pre-book the Lake Titicaca Kayaking on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take a tour of these unique islands. Learn about the buoyant totora reeds that grow in the shallows of Lake Titicaca used to make everything from the islands themselves to the boats the islanders use for transportation (if constructed well, they last up to six months ). Find out from locals how the islands are constructed; as the layers closest to the water start to rot, they are replaced with fresh reeds on top.Free_time - Enjoy some free time exploring the area.Activity - Spend the morning with the homestay families, then depart after lunch. Visit the floating islands of Uros on the way back, and learn about the unique lifestyle of the locals. Meet residents and learn how they built the islands with totora reeds, which are also used to make their homes, boats, crafts (and are also edible!). Accommodation - Pukara House
Day 6: Puno/Cusco
Hop on the bus for a full day's drive to Cusco.
The bus trip from Puno to Cusco takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery en route as you travel through the high Altiplano region. Check out a bit of Cusco, find a spot for dinner, or get prepared to head into the Sacred Valley.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Hotel de la Villa Hermoza
Day 7: Cusco
Enjoy a free day to explore the city's museums and local markets. Choose to pre-book the optional Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour to see some of the ruins as well.
While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. It forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. There are several good museums in Cusco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum, and the Religious Art Museum.
Opt to visit and hike the famed Rainbow Mountain, pre-book on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - There's so much to the colonial city— go see for yourself.Accommodation - Hotel de la Villa Hermoza
Day 8: Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.
Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Make stops along the way as you pass through this gorgeous valley, descending in elevation the whole way.Activity - Visit the Ccaccaccollo community centre which G Adventures travellers' donations helped create in 2005, thereby enabling local women to sell traditional textiles to travellers. See local weaving and dyeing techniques used to create garments and souvenirs, and learn how the Planeterra weaving co-operative has impacted the community and those who visit it. This includes the purchase of alpacas to provide a steady supply of wool, looms, and sewing machines as well as several training courses on production, sales and small business management.
Activity - In the rural village of Cuyo Chico in the Sacred Valley, a group of families joined together to create a small business based on their traditional adobe ceramic crafts. Using clay from their surroundings, they mold bowls, plates, and all manner of decorations. Learn about the ceramics process as well as the traditional adobe brick-making that forms the basis of houses throughout the valley, all while taking in a spectacular view of the Pisac Ruins. After the demonstration, peruse the items for sale directly from the artisans in their shop.Activity - Contribute to sustainable tourism in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village of 65 families in the Sacred Valley, by eating at the Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn how the resident-run restaurant was kickstarted by G Adventures and the Multilateral Investment Fund, to become a successful farm-to-table program that boosts the local economy and several spin-off microenterprises.Accommodation - Peru Quechua's Lodge Ollantaytambo
Day 9: Inca Trail
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.
Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Get your blood pumping on this first day of hiking the Inca trail. The trekking is fairly easy and serves as good training for the next few days. Pass rambling rivers and a small village, and enjoy scenic mountain views; it’s just a taste of what’s to come.Activity - Enjoy G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products, for use on our treks. This G Adventures for Good project empowered local Cusqueña women to start their own business in order to reduce the environmental impact of treks in the region. Planeterra provided $10,000 of seed funding for two young entrepreneurs to register their biodegradable products in order to sell them to the tourism industry. "Esencia Andina" is now a successful business that produces biodegradable soaps, detergents, and natural products for travellers, guides, porters, and cooks on our treks.Accommodation - Campsite Wayllabamba
Day 10: Inca Trail
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman's Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Trek over progressively spectacular and steeper terrain on your way to Warmiwañusca (aka Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769ft). Be prepared to face strong Andean weather (blazing sun or cold winds) around the pass. Take the hike slow, and drink lots of water along the way – amazing views are waiting as a reward. Enjoy some ample time to rest and relax after reaching the camp; most campers arrive around early afternoon.
Day 11: Inca Trail
Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Cross two passes and more ruins along the Inca Trail on the last full day of hiking. Traverse Runquraway at 3,950m (13,113 ft), and then reach the second pass at 3,700m (12,136 ft). Spot the gorgeous Cordillera Vilcabamba and the Urubamba Valley in the distance on a clear day. Camp at either the Phuyupatamarca ruins or the Wiñay Wayna ruins.
Day 12: Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the ruins, before your train back towards Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Wake around 03:30 to reach the Sun Gate as early as possible. Head to the checkpoint and join the lineup to wait for the gate to open. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu (fingers crossed for a clear day). Hike down to Machu Picchu (about 45 mins) for a 1.5 hr guided tour of the site, and free time to explore.
Catch the bus outside the Machu Picchu gate after your visit for a 25-min downhill ride to Aguas Calientes. Eat and relax before the train ride back to Cusco this evening.Activity - Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel de la Villa Hermoza
Day 13: Cusco
Enjoy a free day to explore Cusco or relax. Active options include, horseback riding and mountain biking.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Finish up anything you didn't get to the first time around.Accommodation - Hotel de la Villa Hermoza
Day 14: Cusco/Lima
Fly to Lima. Opt for a city tour or wander the neighbourhood of Miraflores.
Take a short flight to the coast and the capital city of Lima. This vibrant city has a fantastic main square, tons of shopping, and incredible eating. Opt to join the group for one final evening out.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Accommodation - Hotel Santa Cruz
Day 15: Lima
Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Valeska P., - Traveled, October 2023
- Very interesting tours with a lot to see in a short amount of time - Booking process was really easy - Very good and immediate support via Whatsapp when we would have an issue with the flights (We booked the wrong flights and G Adventures office checked them in advance and would not tell us --> of course completely our fault, but it would have been great if someone would have told us) - I like that G Adventures has local projects in the countries
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Lukas B., - Traveled, October 2023
1 because it depends on personal preferences, for me was perfect
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/05/2023
Rosemary P., - Traveled, October 2023
Have been on two tours now and enjoyed both of them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Irina V., - Traveled, August 2023
The great work of the CEO, the program and activities included in it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2023
Rachel H., - Traveled, July 2023
G Adventures cater for all ages and is such a well run value for money experience and I recommend to all my friends. The accommodation is always good and activities very well organised
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/02/2023
Tony P., - Traveled, July 2023
It was my first group adventure experience and it was very enjoyable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2023
Samuel P., - Traveled, July 2023
My father had an exceptional time on this tour and we would trust G Adventures as a tour group time and time again after our time in Peru
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/15/2023
Shannon H., - Traveled, July 2023
Great tour, great CEO?s and the amount of support G Adventures put into surrounding communities is humbling.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
Helen H., - Traveled, June 2023
All the arrangements are prepared for you, apart from my flights I did not have to concern myself over any part of the holiday. I was advised of meeting times and options, so no stress.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Yinrui Denise T., - Traveled, May 2023
It has been a wonderful experience from the booking of the tour online, to receiving urgent assistance when we had issues with obtaining our Bolivia visa, and finally on embarking on the trip with the local tour guides and G CEO.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Sean B., - Traveled, November 2023
Very personalized tour guides, awesome integration into the local community, everything extremely well organized, transfers seem to just happen magically without any trouble. can't speak highly enough about the whole experience, I will sing your praises to everyone I can, thank you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/05/2023
Nicole B., - Traveled, November 2023
I had the most amazing time on my trip and would 100% recommend G Adventures to a friend or family member. Best trip of my life and it can be attributed to the organization, specifically our guide Romel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2023
Kaleb K., - Traveled, November 2023
This tour was better than I expected it to be. It was just the right amount of time seeing things with a little bit of free time mixed in. Our guide Romel was phenomenal. He definitely made the tour worthwhile. Had he not been so good, then I might not have enjoyed it so much. He made everything super easy and went above and beyond. Best tour guide I've ever had.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2023
Ruoxuan L., - Traveled, May 2023
Trip programme was well planned and efficient. We felt very well taken care of and our CEO was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2023
Mark C., - Traveled, November 2023
Overall it would be because of Romel, he is the second CEO from G Adventures I've had and He was as good if not better then Mudi in Egyp
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2023
Andrew D., - Traveled, September 2023
EVERY TIME I TRAVEL WITH G Adventures I HAVE A GREAT TIME. AND EVERYTHING IS DONE SO PROFESSIONALLY IT MAKE TRAVELING SO EASY AND ENJOYABLE
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Lynn S., - Traveled, September 2023
This is my fourth experience with G Adventures and once again they have exceeded my expectations on this particular adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Ferdinand W., - Traveled, November 2023
various option and variety of tours. barely any work to organize the trip since G Adventures does it. great opportunities with the optional activities
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2023
Agustin A., - Traveled, August 2023
Great experience and knowledgeable staff and attentive CEO
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Paige L., - Traveled, June 2023
Fantastic communication through entire booking process and up to date information about your trip. Informative CEO, great destinations and small groups.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/29/2023
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
