Peru: Ancient Cities & the Andes image
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Operated by G Adventures

Peru: Ancient Cities & the Andes

From
CAD 2,319
Duration
14 days
Countries
Peru
Activity
active

The adventure

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!

At a glance

Duration
14 days
Route
Lima → Cusco
Countries
Peru
Activity level
active
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Local Living & Homestays, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Peru: Ancient Cities & the Andes image

Day by day

Overlooking a small village in a Peruvian valley with a cloudy sky backdrop.
Your journey through

Peru

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere 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.
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.
Day 2Catch a local bus and drive down…
Catch a local bus and drive down the coast through the desert to Nazca.
Day 3Free time to explore Nazca
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.
Day 4Welcome to Arequipa! Take the day to explore…
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.
Day 5Enjoy a full-day tour of the spectacular Colca…
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.
Day 6Get an early startCusco
View of brick buildings densely packed on a hillside, showcasing urban architecture.Cusco
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.
Map showing Cusco
Day 7Free day in Cusco to explore
Vibrant display of handmade goods at the traditional market in Sucre, Bolivia under historic colonnades.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.
Map showing Cusco
Day 8Head into the Sacred Valley today to visit…
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.
Day 9Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas
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.
Day 10Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where…
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.
Day 11Get an early start today to climb…
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.
Day 12Cross two more passes and ruins along the way
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).
Day 13The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn…Machu Picchu
Stunning aerial view of the historic Machu Picchu in the Andes mountains, showcasing its ancient architecture and lush surroundings.Machu Picchu
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.
Map showing Machu Picchu
Day 14Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Traveller reviews

This is my second trip with G Adventures Advenures and overall it was a great journey. There was a lot of freedom to do activities with the group or break away on your own and I had a wonderful experience.
Very well organised whilst maintaining a relaxed atmosphere. Allowed me to do a lot more in 2 weeks than I would have been able to do for myself.
Excellent as usual! Both tour leaders (we had a trainee as well as a tour leader) were exceptionally knowledgeable, social, outgoing, informative, friendly, and accommodating! Our supplemental tour staff was just as friendly and informative (porters, Inca trail, etc.). They made…

Discover Peru

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Breathtaking view of snow-capped Andes mountains under blue skies in Cusco, Peru.
Captivating and rugged mountain landscape under bright daylight, showcasing natural beauty.
A breathtaking aerial view of the sunset over mountains and valleys in Cusco, Peru.
Explore the breathtaking Andes mountains in Cusco, Peru with dramatic skies and rugged terrain.
Stunning mountain landscape in Pajchanta, Peru, showcasing rolling hills and clouds.

Upcoming departures

20% off The Americas · ends 2026-06-30
DatesPrice / personAvailability
14 Jun 202627 Jun 2026CAD 2,449unknownBook my trip
21 Jun 20264 Jul 2026CAD 2,449unknownBook my trip
28 Jun 202611 Jul 2026CAD 2,799unknownBook my trip
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