This compact tour of the archaeological highlights and cultural treasures of the Andean highlands has it all. Cruise Lake Titicaca and immerse yourself in rural life with a homestay in a small village. Wander the cobblestoned streets of Cusco before breaking a sweat hiking mountain passes along the Inca Trail on your way to Machu Picchu. Because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment, which means you’re free to enjoy the beauty of the region.
- Duration: 12 Days
- Guaranteed Departure: Yes
- Physical rating: Demanding
- Supplier Tour ID: PPC.F/201806
- Your Guide: English speaking
- Starts: Lima, Peru
- Finishes: Cusco, Peru
- Age requirement: 12 +
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Lima/Puno
Fly to Juliaca and transfer to Puno. Take it easy in the afternoon, wandering the markets and exploring the city.
Fly to Juliaca then take a short bus ride to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Titicaca is also the largest lake in the world above 2000m, and the views from its Islands are stunning.
Day 3: Puno/Lake Titicaca
Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Titicaca and a homestay in a small village.
Head out by boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit the community on the Taquile Islands and enjoy a local lunch with spectacular views.
Afterwards, cruise to the another village (this can vary based on community availability) for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake. 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 Quechua and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village.
Day 4: Lake Titicaca/Puno
Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit to 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
Hop on the bus for a full day's drive to Cusco.
The trip from Puno to Cusco takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery en route as you travel through the high Altiplano region. Check out a bit of Cusco, find a spot for dinner or get prepared to head into the Sacred Valley.
Day 6: Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.
Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.
Day 7: Ollantaytambo/Cusco
Return to the Sacred Valley with your CEO to explore the sites of the Maras Salt Mines and the ancient Incan agricultural terraces of Moray. Continue on a scenic drive through small villages and stunning views of the Andean countryside. Stop for a picnic lunch at Piuray Lagoon and opt to explore by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Return to Cusco for the evening.
Leave the hikers to start their trek and head out to explore Moray and Maras ancient Incan ruins. Enjoy a scenic drive through Andean farmland on the way to Piuray Lagoon.
Day 8: Cusco
Enjoy a free day to explore the city or take advantage of the many optional activities available.
Day 9: Cusco/Aguas Calientes
Travel by van to Ollantaytambo to catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 10: Machu Picchu/Cusco
Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge before returning to Cusco in the evening.
Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with the guide. Enjoy a guided visit of the ruins followed by free time to explore. When ready, head back down by bus to Aguas Calientes to meet up with the rest of the group and take a train back to Cusco.
Day 11: Cusco
Enjoy a free day to explore Cusco or relax. Choose to pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class. Opt to go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, or mountain biking.
Day 12: Cusco
Depart at any time.
- Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay Your Local Living Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lake Titicaca Your Discover Moment: Cusco
- Floating islands of Uros visit
- Lake Titicaca guided tour and homestay
- Sacred Valley guided tour
- Pottery making demonstration
- G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products for use on the Inca Trail
- Machu Picchu guided tour
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels/guesthouses (10 nts), homestay (1 nt)
- 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
- Public bus, private van, plane, train, boat, hiking
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
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