Trees for Days
Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
Trees planted for this trip: 17
Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "Back Roads & Highlands of Peru" (SPBH), but here are some similar trips.
Get off the beaten path in the highlands of Peru and discover stunning mountain scenery and remote cities few tourists visit. Getting to Cusco is half the adventure — travel by public bus keeps costs down and allows you to connect with the locals in the rarefied mountain air of the Andes. Climb the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas." We operate our own treks in Peru and can ensure the fair treatment of our porters — and an exceptional experience for you.
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 8
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
View our Entry Requirements toolThere are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
Trees planted for this trip: 17
Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.
Ripple Score for this trip: 99
Arrive at any time.
Enjoy a spectacular bus ride into the Andes to Huancayo.
Spend the day enjoying optional activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, or just enjoy the scenery.
Travel to the picturesque colonial city of Huancavelica aboard el Tren Macho. Take in the Peruvian countryside passing by the window and enjoy the ride amongst the locals.
Travel through the highlands and remote communities of the Andes to Ayacucho.
Spend two days in Ayacucho, with optional day tours to nearby archaeological sites, markets, city tours or individual exploration.
Pass by rural areas, massive mountain peaks and small villages to reach Andahuaylas.
Enjoy free time in Andahuaylas. Opt to visit to the Sondor archaeological site, the Pacucha Lagoon or the market.
Hop aboard a local bus and head to Cusco today. Upon arrival, feel free to explore the city.
Enjoy free time to explore Cusco or take an optional city tour, head out whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
Depart at any time.
Simple hotels (13 nts), camping (3 nts).
14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Allow USD320-420 for meals not included.
Public bus, private van, hiking, train.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, specialist Inca Trail CEO on the hike, local guides.
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.