Peru: Ancient Cities & the Andes
14 days
From $ 2149
Duration14 days
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  • Etepia
  • Peru: Ancient Cities & the Andes

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!

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 14 days
    Service level: Basic
  • Physical Grading: Demanding
  • Ages: 18+
Peru on a Shoestring - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Lima
Arrive in Lima at any time. 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.
Arrive at any time. If you booked the Lima Cooking Class it does not include extra time in Lima and we highly recommend booking pre-trip accommodation. You will be picked up from your hotel at approx 10:00 (10:30 from Aug-Dec) and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. You will return back to your hotel around 13:00.
Day 2: Lima/Nazca
Head south to Nazca, home to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries: the Nazca Lines.
Day 3: Nazca/Arequipa
Opt to pre-book your Flight over Nazca Lines on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Enjoy free time to explore Nazca and opt for a flight over the famous Nazca Lines. Assist in preparing a traditional "Pachamanca" dinner, before the overnight bus to Arequipa. Enjoy a Pachamanca dinner.
Meals: D
Day 4: Arequipa
Interested in history and architecture? Opt to visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a bygone way of life. Pre-book by adding the Arequipa City Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery on the checkout page or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

For spicy food lovers, checking out one of the “Picanterías” is a must. Arequipa has a variety of regional food: alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces.
Wander the streets of the 'white city' and opt to visit the Catalina Convent.
Day 5: Arequipa/Colca Canyon
Enjoy an overnight excursion to the impressive Colca Canyon - one of the deepest canyons in the world. Stop in fascinating villages and at “miradors” (scenic lookouts), where, with a little luck, visitors can see Andean condors soaring over the majestic Andes. Other unusual animals that can be spotted in the Andean landscape include three different species of camelids: alpaca, llama, and vicuña.
Take a full-day tour of the spectacular Colca Canyon, and soak in hot springs. Admire the pre-Inca terraces and the wildlife, including alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas.
Meals: B
Day 6: Colca Canyon
Get an early start to go on the lookout for flying condors. Travel from Chivay town to a condor viewpoint to admire these magnificent birds in the air. On the way back, stop by some local villages and viewpoints to see old terraces and sections of Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world. Take a lunch break and return to Arequipa in the afternoon. Get ready for the overnight bus to Cusco.
Set out looking for the majestic soaring condors. Return to Arequipa, and catch an overnight bus to Cusco.
Meals: B
Day 7: Cusco
Free day in Cusco to explore. Choose to pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class. Opt to go mountain biking, whitewater rafting, or just relax in a café. Please note: if you pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class you will be picked up from your hotel at approx 12:30 and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. Return back to your hotel around 16:00.
Day 8: Cusco/Ccaccaccollo
Meet the women at the weaving co-op and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them. Get to know your Quechua family and take part in a variety of community activities before a soccer match with the locals.
Visit the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op in the Ccaccaccollo community. Learn a few Quechua words while staying overnight with one of the families and taking part in daily activities.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Ccaccaccollo/Ollantaytambo
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas. Opt 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 our breath at Ollantaytambo and prepare for the hike the next morning.
Embark on an optional Sacred Valley tour that includes markets and Incan historical sites and ruins.
Meals: B
Day 10: Inca Trail
Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the hike begins. A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you’ll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: 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: B, L, D
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, hikers 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: B, L, D
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 and free time to explore. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows.

Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon.
Meals: B
Day 14: Cusco
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
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Inclusions

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: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Hands-On 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

  • Transport

    Hiking, Local bus, Train

  • Accommodation

    Simple hotels (7 nts), Overnight bus (2 nts), Homestay (1 nt), Camping (3 nts)

  • Meals

    9 breakfasts,
    4 lunches,
    5 dinners

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