Peru: Ancient Cities & the Andes
Experience Overview
Climb the legendary Inca Trail to the cloud forest citadel of Machu Picchu, dine the traditional way at a ceremonial Pachamanca feast, or take an optional flight over the Nazca Lines — the adventure is yours to choose! With the services of a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and your accommodation and transport taken care of, this trip offers great value as it introduces the region’s main sights, providing plenty of flexibility so you can experience an adventure you'll never forget. Take a trip that's packed with just the essentials — 14 days of maximum Peru at minimum cost. This is everything you imagined Peru would be — and more!
Highlights
- Conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Meet the locals at an Andean homestay
- Witness soaring condors at Colca Canyon
- Sip pisco sours and devour fresh seafood.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2912
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Hiking, local bus, train.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: SPPS.A
Starts: Lima, Peru
Finishes: Cusco, Peru
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Foodie Moment: Pachamanca, Nazca Your Discover Moment: Cusco Your Local Living Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community Homestay, Ccaccaccollo Your Big Night Out Moment: Cusco
- Overnight Colca Canyon excursion
- Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook, and porters (4 days)
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Simple hotels (7 nts), overnight bus (2 nts), homestay (1 nt), camping (3 nts).
- 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Transport
- Hiking, local bus, train.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, specialist Inca Trail CEO on hike, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2895 ($207 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Arrive at any time. Get to know your group tonight as you head out to one of the many bars and restaurants in the bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco. Enjoy a local craft beer with your fellow travellers as you get excited for the adventure to come.
There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. (Check-in time is approx 3pm.)
After the welcome meeting, head out for an optional dinner at a nearby local restaurant. If you arrive late, no worries, the CEO will leave you a message at the front desk.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - In the late afternoon, meet with your fellow group members to go over the details of the trip. Check the notice board (or ask reception) to see the exact time and location of this group meeting.Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Accommodation - Hotel Gemina
Day 2: Lima/Nazca
Catch a local bus and drive down the coast through the desert to Nazca.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Hotel Hacienda San Marcelo
Day 3: Nazca/Arequipa
Free time to explore Nazca; Opt for a flight over the famous Nazca Lines or take a tour of the Nazca Desert Cemetery and Potter's Studio. Enjoy a traditional "Pachamanca" lunch, then later catch the overnight bus to Arequipa.
Meals included: Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy some free time during the day.Activity - Enjoy a traditional meal. Assist in the preparation of a thousand-year-old tradition: "Pachamanca," an ancient ceremony akin to the Polynesian meal of burying a variety of delicious treats wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooking them with pre-heated rocks buried in the ground.Transport - Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
Day 4: Arequipa
Welcome to Arequipa! Take the day to explore what is known as the 'white city.' If you're into history and architecture, visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, where you'll get a unique glimpse into a bygone way of life. For spicy food lovers, visiting one of the 'picanterías' is a must. Satisfy your craving with a variety of local regional foods: alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Make the most of your time here.Accommodation - Terra Mistica Monasterio
Day 5: Arequipa/Colca Canyon
Enjoy a full-day tour of the spectacular Colca Valley and venture to the impressive Colca Canyon — one of the deepest canyons in the world — on an overnight excursion. With a little luck, you'll spot Andean condors soaring over the majestic Andes. Keep a lookout for other unusual animals! Give your body some much needed relaxation by taking a dip in the the hot springs.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Spot condors on this guided tour, and keep your eyes peeled for other unusual animals. Look for three different species of camelids: alpaca, llama, and vicuña, which are all typical of Peru.Accommodation - Vita Colca Hotel
Day 6: Colca Canyon
Get an early start–be on the look out for condors. Travel from Chivay town to a condor viewpoint to get a glimpse of these magnificent birds in the air. On the way back, stop in local villages, and see old terraces. Catch an overnight bus to Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Spot condors on this guided tour, and keep your eyes peeled for other unusual animals. Look for three different species of camelids: alpaca, llama, and vicuña, which are all typical of Peru.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
Day 7: Cusco
Free day in Cusco to explore. Choose to pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class. Opt to go mountain biking or just relax in a café.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Make the most of your time in Cusco.
Day 8: Cusco/Ccaccaccollo
Head into the Sacred Valley today to visit the G-Adventures supported women's weaving co-op in the Ccaccaccollo community. Learn about weaving, and meet the adorable resident llamas. If you see a knitted item you like, buy it — a perfect keepsake from your journey. Get further immersed in the local life of the Ccaccaccollo community during an overnight homestay.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: 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 - Get further immersed in the local life of the Ccaccaccollo community during an overnight homestay. Meet your Quechua family and take part in a number of community activities. Get a crash course in Quechua culture and tradition and help prep a typical meal, assist in the garden, and play a game of soccer. Accommodation - Homestay Ccacaccollo
Day 9: Ccaccaccollo/Ollantaytambo
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas. You can choose to take a Sacred Valley tour and visit the impressive Pisac ruins, the colourful artisan market (market days only), and the large ruin site of Ollantaytambo that lies adjacent to the town of the same name. Catch your breath at Ollantaytambo and prepare for the hike the next morning.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Las Orquideas Ollantaytambo
Day 10: Inca Trail
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where your trek begins. Hike through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons. You'll see 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 11: Inca Trail
Get an early start today to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, 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 some much needed R&R.
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 12: Inca Trail
Cross two more passes and ruins along the way. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through cloud forest on the 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 13: Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Wake up around 03:30 and walk to the checkpoint. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site. Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon. Tonight, dance the night away at a popular night club.
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.Activity - Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Day 14: Cusco
Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
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
William D. - Traveled, July 2024
A great experience that I would highly recommend to anyone. The Inca trail is fantastic if you feel fit, but the alternative Cusco stay sounded amazing too and the beautiful Machu Picchu can still be seen. Peru is a wonderful country that has something f...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/18/2024
Friedemann H. - Traveled, July 2024
There is one last thing that I want to say about Roger (did not know where to put it). We had one passenger in our group who got sick for days. I do not think he handled the situation well. The passenger were transfered to a hospital in Arequipa and then...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2024
Mira L. - Traveled, July 2024
Hands down one of the best trips I’ve ever done
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2024
Sean B. - Traveled, July 2024
Overall I had a good time. The Inca Trail was excellent, however as stated Roger lacks experience. I also felt that at certain parts of the tour we spent to much time in buses.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2024
Lauren H. - Traveled, June 2024
It was a fantastic holiday and I would 100% recommend it to everyone. Our CEO was very knowledgeable and very willing to accommodate any of our needs. I particularly liked that when we done one of our added extra tours, the flight over the Nazca Lines, t...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2024
Sophie L. - Traveled, June 2024
This trip showcased the beauty of Peru. It covered a variety of activities which was great. Our CEO was amazing and was always eager to help us and make sure we had the best time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/02/2024
Malcolm S. - Traveled, June 2024
Trip of a lifetime! Would highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2024
Rachel H. - Traveled, June 2024
This trip has worked its way to the best experience I have ever had while travelling with Peru being my new favourite place. I loved the whole 2 weeks from start to finish from the people and tour guides, to the sites and activities planned.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2024
James C. - Traveled, June 2024
Fantastic. CEO Enrique was phenomenal, and the tour was well organised and jam packed with experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2024
Molly C. - Traveled, June 2024
I loved this experience. I learned a lot about Peruvian culture and got to see and explore a country I didn’t know too much about. My main reason for this trip was to learn more about Incan history and I definitely wasn’t disappointed. Everyone in my gro...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2024
James C. - Traveled, June 2024
Fantastic. CEO Enrique was phenomenal, and the tour was well organised and jam packed with experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2024
Sven O. - Traveled, June 2024
I had an action packed 2 weeks in Peru. We were constantly on the move and got to see a lot of the country, experience the culture and interact with the people. I liked having a smaller group of 7 people. We go to know one another well and became friends...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2024
Timothy M. - Traveled, May 2024
The trip was a wonderful overview of Peru seeing many of the best regions with the difficulties of travel taken care of.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2024
Amanda P. - Traveled, May 2024
Fantastic trip, great tour guides, and unique experiences!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2024
Inês J. - Traveled, May 2024
Two unforgettable weeks in Peru! I had a lot of fun, the itinerary was designed to see as much as possible and our CEO was incredible and did everything to make sure we had the best experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2024
Madhura S. - Traveled, May 2024
Great use of time, lots of activities and very well planned. Was never worried about the safety aspects as the tour was hasslefree
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/02/2024
Pauline D. - Traveled, May 2024
Overall a very accessible and well organised trip, with a correct award-winning Inca Trail experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2024
Matthew M. - Traveled, May 2024
It was a great trip that fit what we expected for the price and amount of time. Was fun and great people, but restaraunt wait times took up so much time and we would sit at tables for over two hours.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2024
Malene K. - Traveled, May 2024
Thank you Delford <3 he did an amazing job!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2024
Elise F. - Traveled, May 2024
Great experience saw a lot in the 2 weeks and had a great time would recommend this tour for others
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2024
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