Essential Peru Upgraded Adventure

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

After a brief stop in town to store large luggage, drive to the pier and travel by covered motorized boat to the jungle lodge. En route, spot bird species typical of the local river and forest edge. The Tambopata Rainforest area holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area. Local community members make up the majority of lodge staff, including multilingual naturalist guides. Take the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich flora and fauna and locals' extensive use of medicinal plants and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting. Enjoy a welcome drink and orientation. Before dinner, head out for a night walk around the lodge grounds.

Head out early to catch the jungle at its wildest (and coolest). Walk slowly through the forest searching for wildlife before heading out on an oxbow lake by canoe. Search for anaconda, the elusive giant river otter, or black caiman. Even if you don't spot these shy creatures, there are plenty of birds, interesting plants, and other animals about.

Return to Puerto Maldonado by motorized canoe and catch a flight to Cusco. In the evening visit the Cusco Planetarium to learn about the importance of astronomy to the ancient Inca and, weather permitting, look up at the stars through telescopes.

Send a full day exploring the Sacred Valley, stopping first at the G Adventures–supported Parque de la Papa, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. Take a tour of the Inca Ruins at Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and enjoy a delicious lunch at the G Adventures–supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.

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.

The picturesque colonial town of Cusco is rightfully considered the mecca of Peru. Offering nearby ruins, cobblestoned streets, museums, and churches there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this town’s lively atmosphere. For the more adventurous, consider optional activities like horseback riding around archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay, and Puca Pucara; or maybe white water rafting on the Urubamba River; and mountain biking down to the Sacred Valley.

Venture south on a scenic drive across the Altiplano to Puno, which sits on the western shore of Lake Titicaca. Settle into the hotel on arrival and get ready for the next day's excursion.

Enjoy a guided boat tour on Lake Titicaca—one of the highest navigable lakes in the world. Visit floating Uros Islands and step ashore Taquile Island before enjoying a traditional meal with a local family in the small rural community of Luquina Chico. Later, opt for a tour of the pre-Inca burial site, Sillustani.

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima where you will spend the evening exploring the streets of this city’s historic district. Make sure to try the country’s national drink—pisco sour.

Depart at any time.