Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 15 Day Journeys: Inca Explorer. Experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Peru as we travel to the country’s renowned archaeological sites as well as lesser known wonders. Discover the timeless local traditions of Lake Titicaca, wander the halls of a colonial-era convent in Arequipa, and delight in views of the Sacred Valley from the train to Machu Picchu. Ponder the mystery of the Nasca Lines, and soak up the charms of vibrant Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.
Itinerary
Arrive in Lima at any time. On arrival you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Stay: Hotel Radisson RED
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. Stay: Posada del Emancipador Hotel (B)
The 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 stops to visit a winery and see the Huacachina sand dunes along the way. Stay: Casa Andina Standard Nazca (B)
Nazca is home to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. The entire desert area was also once the home for the ancient Paracas and the Nazca cultures, which preceded the Incas by more than half a millennium. Stay: Casa Andina Standard Nazca (B/D)
Embark on a very long drive, which will include rest stops and lunch at Oasis Camana. Stay: Hotel Vita Arequipa (B/L)
Peru’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 5822m (19096 ft), it has a beautiful snow-capped peak. Stay: Hotel Vita Arequipa (B/L)
Every 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. Stay: Taypikala Hotel Cusco (B)
Drive to the scenic Sacred Valley for a full day of exploration with a local guide. Tour the G Adventures–supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you'll walk through the park to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We’ll also visit the fascinating Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, and enjoy a meal at the G Adventures–supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo, an indigenous village. Stay: Villa Urubamba (B/L)
Board 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. Stay: Hotel Taypikala Machupicchu (B)
Rise 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 transfer by van to Cusco, arriving in the evening. Stay: Taypikala Hotel Cusco (B)
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 Inca ruins or museums around town. Stay: Taypikala Hotel Cusco (B)
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. Stay: Casona Plaza Hotel Puno (B)
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. Stay: Casona Plaza Hotel Puno (B/L)
Time 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. Stay: Hotel Radisson RED (B)
Depart at any time. (B)
Trip Inclusions
Encounter unique wildlife in Paracas National Park and the Ballestas Islands.
Learn about Arequipa's renowned regional cuisine with a cooking class by a local chef.
Explore the Cusco Planetarium.
Walk through ancient ruins and local villages in the Sacred Valley.
Take in stunning views on the train to Machu Picchu.
Visit the Luquina community and have lunch on Lake Titicaca.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Arequipa Cooking Class, Arequipa
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Andean Experience, Urubamba
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Cusco Planetarium, Cusco
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Lake Titicaca Community Home Lunch, Lake Titicaca
Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay
Your G for Good Moment: Parque de la Papa (Potato Park), Pisac
Your G for Good Moment: Luquina Chico Community Visit, Lake Titicaca
Your Foodie Moment: Pisco winery visit and tasting, Paracas
Your Foodie Moment: Pachamanca, Nazca
Your Discover Moment: Cusco
Arrival transfer
Ballestas Islands boat trip
Visit the Chauchilla cemetery and potter's workshop in Nazca
Arequipa city tour including the Santa Catalina Convent
Guided boat tour of Taquile and Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca
Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ruins guided tour
Scenic train and guided tour of Machu Picchu
Internal flights
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Hotels (14 Nights)
Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
Private van, plane, train, boat, walking
Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate.
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in USA. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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