Experience Overview
Get immersed head to toe in the land of the Incas on this seven-day, hostel-based adventure high up in the Andes. Explore deep into Cusco on an insider's tour of the city's markets, cobblestone streets, and eye-popping plazas before heading into the Sacred Valley. Make some stops at lesser-visited (but equally awesome) Inca ruins, then hike up to a spectacular waterfall. Next, hop on the train to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of these legendary mountaintop ruins. After your life has been changed forever, head back to Cusco for more bucket-list optional activities like trekking to Rainbow Mountain.
Highlights
- Explore the backstreets of Cusco on an insider's tour of the city
- Check out some lesser-visited archaeological sites before hiking to a stunning waterfall in the Sacred Valley
- Wander through the temples and terraces of Machu Picchu with an expert local guide
- Take advantage of free time for optional activities
Trip Details
Product Code: 2855
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Public bus, train, private van.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: 18 - 35 Year Olds Only
Supplier Code: SPCCHW
Starts: Cusco, Peru
Finishes: Cusco, Peru
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Insiders walking tour of Cusco with local lunch
- Visit Killarumiyoq and Iglesia Ñaupa archaeological sites
- Hike to Perolniyoc Waterfall in the Sacred Valley
- Train to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu guided tour
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hostels (4 nts), Hotel (2 nts)
- 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Transport
- Public bus, train, private van.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $951 (CAD $136 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco
Arrive at any time, and kick back at the hostel or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. After the welcome meeting you've got plenty of amazing food and drink options nearby the hostel and around the main plaza - who's in?
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Day 2: Cusco
Bust out the walking shoes as today we're going to hit the pavement! Set out on foot with your CEO to the San Pedro market before heading up into the narrow cobblestone backstreets to check out the Sapantiana aqueduct and stairway waterfall, a hidden gem of the city. Continue to San Blas for killer views and scarf down a delicious local lunch at one of the restaurants near the small plaza. Take the rest of the day to continue exploring or grab a drink near the main plaza and watch the world go by.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Head out on foot with your CEO today to the backstreets of Cusco along the cobblestone alleyways and plazas. Take in the sights and smells of the sprawling San Pedro market and try out a glass of fresh fruit juice from one of the stalls. Head up through the oldest part of the city to the huaca and aqueduct of Sapantiana with a cascading waterfall tumbling over the stone steps. Carry on to the San Blas neighborhood for awesome views over the city and to eat a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.Accommodation - Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Day 3: Cusco/Ollantaytambo
You may have seen the typical day tours to the Sacred Valley, well today is definitely not one of them! Head out in a private ride and make the first stop at the lesser-visited (but awesome) Inca ruins of Killarumiyoq, a sanctuary dedicated to the moon. After a visit with our expert guide we'll carry on to another site at Iglesia Ñaupa before setting off on foot along a trail through the mountains to the beautiful waterfall of Perolniyoc. Soak in the scenery while eating a tasty boxed lunch before hiking back out to the bus and continuing to the nearby town of Ollantaytambo. Still want more? Check out the Ollantaytambo ruins at sunset, have a drink at a cafe or just hang out with friends at the hostel.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Located 50km to the west of Cusco, the ruins of Killarumiyoq may not be as well-visited but they are no less impressive than some of the other Inca sites in the area. Thought to be a ceremonial centre dedicated to the moon and the divinity of womanhood, Killarumiyoq demonstrates how the Incas used the lunar cycles to plan agricultural calendars and to celebrate the fertility of the earth.Activity - A hidden gem of the Sacred Valley, Iglesia Ñaupa is a small Inca temple that roughly translates to "old church" in a mixture of Spanish and Quechua. We'll access the site by walking up through a series of ancient terraces with the temple on top, carved out of a natural cave. After exploring the site with our local guide, continue on to embark on a short trek into the mountains to the spectacular Perolniyoc watervall. The hike is about an hour up the mountain trail until reaching the waterfall, where we'll have plenty of time to rest, take pictures and eat a delicious boxed lunch before returning on the same trail out.Accommodation - Las Orquideas Ollantaytambo
Day 4: Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes
All aboard! Jump on the morning train and sit back for stunning views of the valley along the Urubamba River. For the hikers amongst us who have pre-booked the 1-day Inca Trail option, you'll get off the train early at km 104 to hike to the Sun Gate with a local guide and see Machu Picchu in the afternoon before meeting up with everyone again in the evening. For the rest of us, we'll arrive in town before lunch and will have the rest of the day to explore, shop, see a nearby waterfall or soak in the local hot springs. Don't stay up too late tonight though, tomorrow's the big day!
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Machu Picchu Inn
Day 5: Aguas Calientes/Cusco
Rise and Shine! The early start today might be a bit painful but it's more than worth it, we swear. Before dawn, take a bus from town up the mountain to Machu Picchu for a guided tour with our local expert. Grab some lunch in Aguas Calientes at one of the many restaurants and then head back to Ollantaytambo by train to catch the bus back to Cusco. If you haven't noticed by now, the nightlife is pretty great in Cusco, and if not.. well, now's your chance to see for yourself.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Day 6: Cusco
Free day in Cusco, yes please! For those that have not gotten enough hiking and feed-worthy moments, you could take on the full-day trek to Rainbow Mountain. Otherwise there are plenty of other things to keep you busy like mountain biking, or exploring the city's museums, markets and shops - or you may just want to relax at the hostel with friends. It's pretty win-win no matter what.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Accommodation - Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Day 7: Cusco
Depart at any time, or maybe extend your stay in the hostel for a few more days to keep the good times rolling.
Meals included: Breakfast
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Megan L. - Traveled, June 2024
Great tour that hits all the highlights you know about and some you didn't.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2024
Maria L. - Traveled, June 2024
The Inca Adventure: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Best Views Ever was an amazing experience with the staff Melissa and Javier. The Machu Pichu in particular is a logistically demanding trip to plan now a days but with g adventure you have peace of mind becau...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2024
Natalie D. - Traveled, May 2024
First time in Peru and I’m glad I picked this trip as it didn’t disappoint. This way my 5th G-Adventures tour and it’s one of my favourites. Everything about it was great, I can’t fault it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2024
Jasper L. - Traveled, May 2024
It was my first time on a group tour & staying in hostels, so I was a little nervous but it was an AMAZING experience. I will absolutely be travelling with G Adventures again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2024
Emma S. - Traveled, April 2024
Traveling with G adventures is life-changing. I wouldn't travel any other way. You get an authentic experience of the country and meet so many wonderful people. I couldn't speak more highly of Freddy, Javier, and all the others we met along the w...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2024
Tanya M. - Traveled, April 2024
This is an amazing way to see Peru! It was a quick pace and the physical activities were a bit more than I expected.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/02/2024
Susana M. - Traveled, April 2024
A magical adventure in Peru with GAdventures. The CEO of this tour make me feel in love with Peru, his traditions, his cuisine and diversity. Machu Picchu is a wonderful and inspiring place, but all the Peru is lovely. Thanks for an experience I will nev...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Ian K. - Traveled, March 2024
A once in a lifetime trip handled so smoothly and wonderfully! Machu Picchu is not the easiest place to travel to, given altitude and distance, but G Adventures made it very easy, comfortable, and fun. One of the most incredible adventures I've ever ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2024
Alice S. - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was incredible, I have loved every single second of it. Ticking the top of my bucket list off with a group of new friends is something I will never forget. I would recommend this trip to anyone. Any travellers who get Harry as a tour guide are ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
Robert A. - Traveled, March 2024
Oh my goodness, I absolutely loved this tour! It was my first time in South America and it did not disappoint. Melissa and Javier were very awesome!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Stephen H. - Traveled, February 2024
The experience in Peru was excellent. Thank you G Adventures!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/15/2024
Megan R. - Traveled, January 2024
I had done a Gadventures tour in Mexico in September of 2023. That experience led me to book another trip and I was not disappointed with my trip to Peru. Each trip gets better and better and I will be booking.l trips with Gadventures for years to come, ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/03/2024
Abigail R. - Traveled, December 2023
The best experience I could have asked for with cultural immersion, adventure, and following the less beaten path. I felt safe and prioritized by the group members and CEO the whole time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/02/2024
Dawn N. - Traveled, December 2023
This is a really great tour for those looking to experience all of the major highlights of Peru (Inca trails, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain) while seeking the quiet, poignant moments of mountain top views, waterfalls, and learning about cities with a ri...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/24/2023
Marcela R. - Traveled, September 2023
Una linda experiencia, tanto el servicio brindado, como las personas encargadas hacen que el viaje sea agradable y divertido. Como consejo tomar en consideración el cumplimiento del itinerario o informar sobre los cambios.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2023
Amanda B. - Traveled, September 2024
It was fun overall, but has room for some improvement to really make it a great tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2024
Judith R. - Traveled, August 2024
I have very good memories of my first Fam Trip. I enjoyed Cusco a lot. Thank you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2024
Manon B. - Traveled, August 2024
It was an incredible, unbelievable trip. I’m very grateful to have this opportunity to have gone. I could never get tired of seeing the beauty of the mountains of Péru. They are so unbelievably gorgeous. This trip has made me want to come back and do it ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/27/2024
Caitlin H. - Traveled, August 2024
Great tour, saw lots and was very fast paced!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2024
Shauna K. - Traveled, June 2024
A great tour, Joshi did a fantastic job. Tour of Cusco to Machu Picchu was a great experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/04/2024
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