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From the awe-inspiring archeological and cultural treasures of the Andean highlands to the Nazca Lines on Peru's enigmatic coast, this epic adventure explores the heart and soul of the Andes. Embrace Inca culture in Cusco, sail Lake Titicaca, and trek the Inca Trail to the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu. Interact with locals from the region’s communities for an immersive experience that few get to know. With the services of a CEO, your accommodation and transport taken care of, this trip offers great value as it introduces the region’s main sights while providing plenty of flexibility.
- Duration: 21 Days
- Guaranteed Departure: Yes
- For lovers of:
- Physical rating: Demanding
- Accommodation standard: Not Rated%
- Your Guide: English speaking
- Supplier Tour ID: JLM.E/201665
- Starts: La Paz, Bolivia
- Finishes: Lima, Peru
- La Paz
- Puno
- Lago Titicaca
- Cusco
- Ollantaytambo
- Cuncani
- Kuyoc
- Aguas Calientes
- Arequipa
- Chivay
- Nazca
- Paracas
- Lima
Itinerary
Day 1: La Paz
Arrive at any time.
Today is an arrival day, so no activities are planned. Check into the hotel, relax, enjoy the city, and take some time to adjust to the altitude.
Day 2: La Paz/Puno
Travel by bus through the Altiplano, crossing the border to the Peruvian city of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
The drive around Lake Titicaca and through the Altiplano from La Paz to Peru is impressive.
Day 3: Puno/Lago Titicaca
Guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village.
In the morning, board a boat on Lake Titicaca. Head to Taquile Island for lunch in a local restaurant and the chance for some shopping in the local weaving cooperatives.
After, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake (the homestay location can vary based on community availability). This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and to participate in local traditions. Eat with the family, learn some Quecha and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village.
Day 4: Lago Titicaca/Puno
Visit the floating islands of Uros. Optional visit to the Sillustani burial site.
Leave the homestay families late morning, and visit the Uros Islands on the way back to Puno. A popular optional activity in Puno is a visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site only a short drive away.
Day 5: Puno/Cusco
Travel through the high Altiplano region to Cusco.
Day 6: Cusco
Free time to explore Cusco. Opt for a city tour, or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.
Day 7: Cusco/Ollantaytambo
En route to Ollantaytambo, opt to take a Sacred Valley tour and visit a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op.
Ollantaytambo is a major Inca ruin site and your first taste of what lies ahead. For those craving more before they head out on the Trail, opt to take a Sacred Valley tour which includes not only Ollantaytambo and the ruin site of Pisac, but also a visit to a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op.
Day 8: Ollantaytambo/Cuncani
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to Lares town where the hike begins. Spend the first night at a G Adventures-supported campsite in Cuncani.
The Lares Trek is a scenic, less touristic route to hike through the Andes. It is one day shorter than the Inca Trail but higher in elevation. Enjoy G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products for use on the Lares Trek.
Day 9: Cuncani/Kuyoc
Start early to hike from the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain to its high pass (4,750m/15,583 ft), providing scenic views of lagoons and the snow-capped Chicon Mountain. Celebrate after reaching the highest point by making an offering of coca leaves to the Andean gods. After the morning hike, stop to rest and take in the amazing view. Continue hiking downhill to our second campsite near the stream for the night.
Day 10: Kuyoc/Aguas Calientes
Enjoy the last few hours of hiking before travelling by van to Ollantaytambo and train to Aguas Calientes. Spend some time relaxing in town or visiting the nearby hot springs.
Day 11: Aguas Calientes/Cusco
Enjoy a guided visit to Machu Picchu at sunrise. Use some free time to explore the ruins on your own. Later, travel back to Cusco.
Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit to the ruins followed by free time to explore. Opt to walk up to the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge.
When ready, head back down by bus to Aguas Calientes to meet up with the rest of the group. Take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo to meet the van for the ride back to Cusco.
Day 12: Cusco
Free day to explore Cusco or relax after the trek. If you are ready for more adventure, opt to go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.
Day 13: Cusco/Arequipa
Enjoy a final free day in Cusco before an overnight bus to Arequipa.
Day 14: Arequipa
Travel from Cusco to Arequipa. Opt to visit the Santa Catalina Convent or soak in local hot springs.
Those with an interest in history and architecture may take an optional visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a bygone way of life. Other optional excursions include rafting and mountaineering.
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.
Day 15: Arequipa/Colca Canyon
Take a full-day tour of the spectacular Colca Valley and opt for a soak in hot springs.
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, spot Andean condors soaring over the majestic Andes. Other unusual animals that may be spotted in the Andean landscape include three different species of camelids: alpaca, llama, and vicuña.
Day 16: Colca Canyon/Arequipa
Continue exploring Colca Canyon with opportunities to view condors, visit local villages, and see the old terraces. Travel back to Arequipa for the evening.
Get an early start to be on the look out for the condors flying. 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.
Day 17: Arequipa/Nazca
Explore Arequipa and opt to take a city tour. Take an overnight bus to Nazca.
Day 18: Nazca
Optional flight over the Nazca Lines.
Travel north to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. Very little can be seen from the ground. The best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged.
Day 19: Nazca/Paracas
Transfer to Paracas with a stop at a winery and at the Oasis of Huacachina.
Leave Nazca and stop at the Huacachina Oasis for some optional sandboarding. Continue to visit an artisanal winery to sample some local pisco and wine. Paracas is located one hour further.
Day 20: Paracas/Lima
Opt to visit the Ballestas Islands in the morning before travelling to Lima for a final night. Be sure to try some ceviche and a Pisco Sour.
Day 21: Lima
Depart at any time.
- Activities
- Local Living: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lago Titicaca Big Night Out: Cusco Hands-On: Huacachina Winery Visit, Huacachina
- Lake Titicaca excursion
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Inca Trail hike with a local guide and cook (4 days)
- G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products for use on the Inca Trail
- Colca Canyon excursion
- Pachamanca ceremony (Nazca)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Simple hotels (15 nts, some multi-share), overnight buses (2 nts), camping (2 nts), homestay (1 nt)
- 16 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- Public bus, train, hiking
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, specialist Lares Trek CEO on hike, local guides
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