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!
Travel Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Service Level
Basic
Physical Grading
4 - Demanding
What's Included
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: 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.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
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.
How large will the group be?
Max 18, avg 14.
What meals are included in this trip?
10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Hiking, local bus, train.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Simple hotels (7 nts), overnight bus (2 nts), homestay (1 nt), camping (3 nts).
Itinerary
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.
Lima/Nazca
Catch a local bus and drive down the coast through the desert to Nazca.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Cusco
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
