G Adventures
Save 20%Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Peru · 51 days · Active
fromCAD 8,919
Next: 21 JunThe adventure
Spot wildlife, explore Incan culture and marvel at the mystery of the Nazca Lines - this tour of Peru’s highlights is perfect for those wishing to explore its cultural and historical treasures. Meet the vibrant local people of Lake Titicaca and delight in views of the Sacred Valley in comfort as you travel by rail to Machu Picchu. Taking the train will allow you lots of time to explore ruins, museums and markets. With years of experience, we directly employ the best local guides so that you’re free to enjoy the beauty of the region and its people.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Peru
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive in Lima at any time. On arrival you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel.
Arrive in Lima at any time. On arrival you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2Travel to Paracas National ParkEnjoy a drive down the coastal desert to Paracas, a sleepy fishing village that serves as the starting point for all tours to the Ballestas Islands. There is little to do in town, but for those that love seafood and are looking to try Peru's national drink, the Pisco Sour, it's heaven.
Enjoy a drive down the coastal desert to Paracas, a sleepy fishing village that serves as the starting point for all tours to the Ballestas Islands. There is little to do in town, but for those that love seafood and are looking to try Peru's national drink, the Pisco Sour, it's heaven.
Day 3Visit the Ballestas Islands by boat to view…GalapagosThe Ballestas Islands are often referred to as "the poor man's Galapagos." Home to hundreds of sea lions and many species of marine birds, including the Humboldt penguin, incredible wildlife spotting is pretty much guaranteed. Continue south by land to Nazca with a stop to see the Huacachina sand dunes along the way.
GalapagosThe Ballestas Islands are often referred to as "the poor man's Galapagos." Home to hundreds of sea lions and many species of marine birds, including the Humboldt penguin, incredible wildlife spotting is pretty much guaranteed. Continue south by land to Nazca with a stop to see the Huacachina sand dunes along the way.
Day 4Tour a pre-Inca cemetery in the Nazca desert…
Tour a pre-Inca cemetery in the Nazca desert to view 1,500-year-old mummies, bones, and pottery on the desert floor. Also visit a local pottery studio for a demonstration. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Pachamanca-style dinner. Option to take a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines.
Day 5Full day of driving down the coast to the colonial city of ArequipaEmbark on a very long driving day, which will include rest stops and included lunch at Oasis Camana.
Embark on a very long driving day, which will include rest stops and included lunch at Oasis Camana.
Day 6Enjoy a city tourLimaPeru’s second most important city after Lima, Arequipa maintains a traditional colonial style and more laid back pace in comparison with the capital. Spectacular mountains surround Arequipa, the most famous of which is El Misti Volcano. Standing at 5822 m (19096 ft), it has a beautiful snow-capped peak.
LimaPeru’s second most important city after Lima, Arequipa maintains a traditional colonial style and more laid back pace in comparison with the capital. Spectacular mountains surround Arequipa, the most famous of which is El Misti Volcano. Standing at 5822 m (19096 ft), it has a beautiful snow-capped peak.
Day 7Fly to Cusco and explore this UNESCO World Heritage SiteLimaEvery year Cusco attracts thousands of travellers who come to delve into its noble but tragic past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. Relax and explore this fascinating city, and take time to acclimatize to the high altitude.
LimaEvery year Cusco attracts thousands of travellers who come to delve into its noble but tragic past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. Relax and explore this fascinating city, and take time to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Day 8Full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley…Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, with guided walks through the Ollantaytambo and Pisac ruins. Also visit a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op, and Huchuy Qosco, an indigenous village previously bypassed by the tourism industry, now running the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant where we enjoy lunch.
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, with guided walks through the Ollantaytambo and Pisac ruins. Also visit a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op, and Huchuy Qosco, an indigenous village previously bypassed by the tourism industry, now running the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant where we enjoy lunch.
Day 9Travel by train and enjoy stunning scenery following…Machu PicchuBoard a morning train that winds through the spectacular Sacred Valley to the end of the line: the village of Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled in the hills beneath Machu Picchu. This is the closest town to Machu Picchu, making Aguas Calientes an ideal night stop. To best enjoy this area, take advantage of the opportunity to visit the butterfly house, botanical gardens, or hot springs. Opt for a day hike to Mandor Gardens to see orchids and a waterfall, enjoying the lush, green scenery en route. For serious archaeology buffs, there is time for an optional independent visit to Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following morning.
Machu PicchuBoard a morning train that winds through the spectacular Sacred Valley to the end of the line: the village of Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled in the hills beneath Machu Picchu. This is the closest town to Machu Picchu, making Aguas Calientes an ideal night stop. To best enjoy this area, take advantage of the opportunity to visit the butterfly house, botanical gardens, or hot springs. Opt for a day hike to Mandor Gardens to see orchids and a waterfall, enjoying the lush, green scenery en route. For serious archaeology buffs, there is time for an optional independent visit to Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following morning.
Day 10Guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site…Machu PicchuRise early to take advantage of viewing Machu Picchu in the early morning light. This is the best time to view the 'Lost City of the Incas'. Join our local guide for a detailed interpretation of the site and Inca history without the pressure of other tour groups that arrive at midday. Later in the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and then be transferred by van to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Machu PicchuRise early to take advantage of viewing Machu Picchu in the early morning light. This is the best time to view the 'Lost City of the Incas'. Join our local guide for a detailed interpretation of the site and Inca history without the pressure of other tour groups that arrive at midday. Later in the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and then be transferred by van to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Day 11Enjoy the day at leisure with option…Take in the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore a city steeped in tradition. There are numerous optional activities including horseback riding, mountain or motor biking, rafting, hiking or visits to Incan ruins or museums around town.
Take in the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore a city steeped in tradition. There are numerous optional activities including horseback riding, mountain or motor biking, rafting, hiking or visits to Incan ruins or museums around town.
Day 12Take in scenic views while travelling through…The trip to Puno takes the better part of the day, and includes stark, beautiful scenery en route as you travel through the high Altiplano region.
The trip to Puno takes the better part of the day, and includes stark, beautiful scenery en route as you travel through the high Altiplano region.
Day 13Enjoy a guided boat tour of Lake Titicaca…In the morning, board a comfortable 35-foot fully equipped speed boat to explore the lake. Stop at various islands to enjoy the lake's scenic splendor and to meet the friendly people of these communities.
In the morning, board a comfortable 35-foot fully equipped speed boat to explore the lake. Stop at various islands to enjoy the lake's scenic splendor and to meet the friendly people of these communities.
Day 14Fly to Lima for the final nightTime for some last-minute shopping in Puno before the flight back to Lima and the final stop on the journey. Enjoy one last night out on the town.
LimaTime for some last-minute shopping in Puno before the flight back to Lima and the final stop on the journey. Enjoy one last night out on the town.
Day 15Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Traveller reviews
“The "Inca Explorer" holiday in Peru is truly a magical tour! You start in the city of Lima being bedazzled by gold: golden statues, cathedrals, museums, and then drive to the endless golden sands of the Pacific coast. The trip by boat out to the Ballestras Islands to see sea…”
“I recently returned from your Peru "Inca Explorer" trip. What a wonderful experience! The whole trip was so well organized, the hotels better than expected, the local guides extremely knowledgeable. Last not least our tour co-ordinator, Mark Myburgh, who was excellent and went…”
“we just love it.Everything was as expected and was deliver to us.”
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