Experience Overview
No traveller should ever have to choose between exploring Peru’s coastal desert or adventuring to Machu Picchu, so we created this 11-day, hostel-based tour to help the world out. Kicking off from Lima, you’ll feast on fresh seafood and cruise around on dune buggies at a desert oasis before heading up to the mountains where ruins, hikes, and outrageous scenery await. In Cusco, you’ll get an insider’s tour of the city and then head out to visit some lesser-known highlights of the Sacred Valley, all leading up to the big moment of seeing Machu Picchu for the very first time.
Highlights
- Ride dune buggies through the desert before sunset
- Spot birds and sea lions on a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands
- 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: 2900
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Public bus, train, private van, plane.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: SPMCHW
Starts: Lima, Peru
Finishes: Cusco, Peru
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Seafood Lunch at the beach, Cerro Azul
- Seafood lunch near the beach in Cerro Azul
- Sandboarding and dune buggy excursion to a desert oasis
- Boat excursion to spot wildlife at the Ballestas Islands
- 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 (8 nts), Hotel (2 nts)
- 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Transport
- Public bus, train, private van, plane.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1979 (CAD 180 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Arrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Hungry? You've got solid options with all of the great bars and restaurants near the hostel in the funky neighborhood of Barranco.
Day 2: Lima/Huacachina
Buckle up, it's going to be a big one today. Head south from Lima along the coast to a small fishing town for a delicious seafood lunch and learn how Peruvian ceviche is prepared ... doesn't get much fresher than that! Next, head inland and board dune buggies to rip around the sand dunes and even try your hand at sandboarding before taking a swim in a desert oasis at sunset. Carry on to another desert oasis at Huacachina, where we'll check into our hostel and take a load off. Having fun yet? It's only day 2!
Day 3: Huacachina
Today is all about you with a free day in Huacachina. If exploring the surroundings is your thing, you could check out the Nazca Lines from the air, take a kiteboarding class in Paracas, visit some nearby pisco distilleries, or maybe even take another ride in the dune buggies! Otherwise staying near the hostel at the oasis by the pool with a cold drink is always a great option too.
Day 4: Huacachina/Lima
Start early today and hop on a bus to the nearby town of Paracas for a boat excursion out to the Ballestas Islands. Seabirds, penguins and sea lions galore! Take some time to eat some more great seafood for lunch if that's your jam before returning to Lima in the afternoon for a final night out on the town with your mates. Pisco sour anyone?
Day 5: Lima/Cusco
Rise and shine and get ready to head high up into the Andes today on a short 1 hour flight to Cusco. You'll check into our comfy hostel in the historical centre and then take taxis up to the "Cristo Blanco" statue with the CEO for awesome views of the city and of the sprawling Sacsaywaman archaeological site right next to it. We'll wander back down to the main plaza through the backstreets of the city and then have the rest of the afternoon to explore and acclimatize to the altitude, grab a drink at a cafe on the main plaza or just relax back at the hostel.
Day 6: 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.
Day 7: 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.
Day 8: 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!
Day 9: 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.
Day 10: 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.
Day 11: Cusco
Depart at any time, or maybe extend your stay in the hostel for a few more days to keep the good times rolling.
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Xiu Y. - Traveled, July 2024
Overall, my experience was good and fun, and I enjoyed the activities. However, the issues with my accommodation, the unexpected separation during the Machu Picchu tour, and the delayed and unsafe transportation back to Cusco significantly marred what co...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2024
Laura H. - Traveled, July 2024
Had the best time, amazing country and amazing guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/07/2024
Sofie S. - Traveled, June 2024
I meet so many nice people who all wanted to experience Peru. And G adventures tour really got us there. I’m left with a feeling, that I could have spend so many more days in Cusco. Will def recommend Peru!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/06/2024
Amelia N. - Traveled, June 2024
A fast paced but exciting tour of Peru.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2024
Leah K. - Traveled, June 2024
Peru has become the best country I visited. My favorite parts were rainbow mountain and Huacachina. I am so glad I got to see other parts of the country besides just Cusco. I had so much fun and made great friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/07/2024
Abigale S. - Traveled, June 2024
My trip to Peru has been the experience of a lifetime. I have learned so much from CEOs Fio and Yossep - they have taught us so much about the history and love for their country. Their kindness and leadership will hold a special place in my memories for ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2024
Kim J. - Traveled, June 2024
it was very memorable. jam packed with experiences. very busy. it would have been nice to have 1 day off
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/11/2024
Matthew F. - Traveled, May 2024
G adventures makes it possible to experience a culture very safe and efficiently, not only do you get to see so much of a country but you also make some life long friends along the way. The hard part is figuring out the next place to travel to with G.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2024
Elena V. - Traveled, May 2024
One of the best trips of my life. I loved the people I met and felt like I would never have been able to experience Peru in the same way on my own. The value of the trip was awesome given all the activities we did, and the room and board was also better ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2024
Elena V. - Traveled, May 2024
One of the best trips of my life. I loved the people I met and felt like I would never have been able to experience Peru in the same way on my own. The value of the trip was awesome given all the activities we did, and the room and board was also better ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2024
Renee H. - Traveled, May 2024
This was a truly wonderful experience. Our guide had a great energy, and was very knowledgeable about each area visited and the country as a whole. He went above and beyond to ensure everything went smoothly! This was my 2nd trip with G adventures and I ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2024
Nicole F. - Traveled, May 2024
Amazing experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2024
Dennis J. - Traveled, May 2024
This trip was exceptional. Everything was taking care of, and everyone was able to have the best experience possible. I would recommend this trip to anyone looking to visit Peru.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2024
Nicole F. - Traveled, May 2024
Amazing experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2024
Anna S. - Traveled, May 2024
I loved it and would do it all over again. My third time with G Adventures and for sure not the last one.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2024
Megan F. - Traveled, April 2024
Best group trip I have ever taken. So well organized, and packed with activities but with enough downtime to relax as needed. Made friendships that will last a life time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2024
Zelansky S. - Traveled, April 2024
Peru was an amazing country and I’m so glad I got to experience it with amazing roamies and an amazingly hilarious guide. I will treasure the memories I made with these group of people forever
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2024
Kate D. - Traveled, April 2024
I’d absolutely recommend this trip to anyone wanting to see peru who is short on time but still wants the overall experience of the vast different landscapes in Peru
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Thomas B. - Traveled, April 2024
It was a really good experience. We never had an uncomfortable feeling.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Giuliana Z. - Traveled, April 2024
We had such an amazing trip! We were able to see such a variety of what Peru has to offer in a short time, without it feeling overwhelming.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
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