Compare Iconic Peru by G Adventures vs Machu Picchu, Cusco & Lake Titicaca by Great Value Vacations

Day 1 Lima

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Please note: if you booked the Lima Cooking Class it does not include extra time in Lima, and we highly recommend booking pre-trip accommodation. You will be picked up from your hotel at approx 10:00 am (10:30 from Aug-Dec) and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. Return back to your hotel around 13:00. Also, 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. There are some very early morning starts on this trip to make the best use of our time and see as much as we can of Peru as we can.

Day 2 Lima/Tambopata

Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized canoe to our comfortable lodge, situated near the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon rainforest. Spot local bird species along the lush shores of the Tambopata River en route to the lodge, and set off on an evening walk with a naturalist guide before dinner, keeping an eye out for some of the rainforest’s nocturnal creatures.

After a brief stop in town to store large luggage, drive to the pier and travel by covered motorized boat to the jungle lodge. En route, spot bird species typical of the local river and forest edge. The Tambopata Rainforest area holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area. Local community members make up the majority of lodge staff, including multilingual naturalist guides. Take the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich flora and fauna and locals' extensive use of medicinal plants and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting. Enjoy a welcome drink and orientation. Before dinner, head out for a night walk around the lodge grounds.

The lodge itself combines native architectural style and materials with low-impact, eco-friendly technology. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with mosquito netting for individual beds, flush toilets, showers (with solar-heated hot water), and candles for lighting (no electricity).

Day 3 Tambopata

Spend the day exploring the thriving ecosystems of the rainforest with our lodge’s naturalist guides. Scan the treetops for toucans, howler monkeys, and sloths, and glide along oxbow lakes on canoes for a chance to glimpse river otters, turtles, and, if we’re lucky, anacondas. After dinner, embark on a river tour by motorized canoe on the lookout for caimans, the smaller cousins of alligators, which are often found hiding near the muddy banks.

Head out early to catch the jungle at its wildest (and coolest). Walk slowly through the forest searching for wildlife before heading out on an oxbow lake by canoe. Search for anaconda, the elusive giant river otter, or black caiman. Even if you don't spot these shy creatures, there are plenty of birds, interesting plants, and other animals about.

Day 4 Tambopata/Cusco

Travel out of the jungle by boat and catch a flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, soaring above the Andes into Peru’s Inca heartland. This evening, visit the Cusco Planetarium for a presentation on the skies of the Southern Hemisphere, and learn about the vital role that astronomy played in the lives of the ancient Inca. Weather permitting, peer through the planetarium's telescopes for a dazzling look at the stars.

Afternoon arrival into the Inca capital. Time for strolling around the plazas and markets. Admire the cobblestones streets, and visit some museums and Cathedral.

This adventure travels to high altitude, medically defined as anything over 8,000 ft (2,440m).

Day 5 Cusco/Urubamba

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.

Day 6 Inca Trail

Set out on the iconic Inca Trail, departing Urubamba by van to the starting point of the trek. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Andean countryside, hiking along meandering streams and crossing remote mountain villages and ancient ruins as we get warmed up for the more challenging days ahead.

Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.

A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you’ll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.

Day 7 Inca Trail

Today, we ascend the long, steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass—the highest point on the Inca Trail, at 4,198 meters (13,769 feet). Enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley as you make your way up the rugged terrain, and aim to reach our camp by early afternoon. Rest and relax at camp the remainder of the day.

Day 8 Inca Trail

Today we’ll cross two spectacular passes. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, one can catch a glimpse of the snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Continue through cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass, and arrive at the misty Inca ruins of Phuyupatamarca at 3,650 meters (11,972 feet), known as "the city above the clouds.” We will either camp here or settle at a further spot, near the beautiful terraces of the Wiñay Wayna ruins, at 2,650 meters (8,694 feet).

Day 9 Machu Picchu/Cusco

The final day of our hike begins before dawn. Reach the Sun Gate—the last checkpoint on the Inca Trail—in time to witness daybreak over Machu Picchu. This 15th-century Inca citadel was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from National Geographic. Hike down for a guided tour of this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site before catching a bus to the frontier town of Aguas Calientes, where we’ll have free time for lunch. Continue by train to Cusco.

Day 10 Cusco

Free day in Cusco — explore this city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at your leisure. Choose to pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class. Opt to visit museums and ruins or try rock climbing.

Cusco is considered the mecca of Peru and rightly so. This beautiful colonial town offers nearby ruins, cobblestoned streets, museums, churches, and a lively atmosphere. The more adventurous optional activities available in Cusco include horseback riding around archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay, and Puca Pucara; and mountain biking down to the Sacred Valley, perhaps visiting an Inca ruin along the way.

Please note: if you pre-booked the Cusco Cooking Class you will be picked up from your hotel at approx 12:30 and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. You will return back to your hotel around 16:00.

Day 11 Cusco/Puno

Head south on a scenic drive to Puno, perched on the western shore of Lake Titicaca. The journey will take us through the Altiplano, a vast, windswept landscape of plateaus and plains that counts among the planet’s most extensive highlands. Arrive in Puno, the region’s commercial hub, and settle into your hotel.

Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on this full day of travel from Cusco to Puno, through the high Altiplano.

Day 12 Puno

Set out to discover Lake Titicaca—one of the highest navigable lakes in the world and the second largest lake in South America. On a guided boat tour, visit the floating Uros Islands—built entirely of reeds—and step ashore Taquile Island, home to a thriving indigenous textile industry. For lunch, we’ll head to the small rural community of Luquina Chico. Enjoy a traditional meal in the home of a local family while taking in sweeping views of Lake Titicaca and its picturesque isles. Later, opt for a tour of Sillustani, a fascinating pre-Inca burial site.

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.

Day 13 Puno/Lima

Transfer to the Juliaca airport to catch a flight back to Lima. Spend your last evening in Peru at leisure, opt to explore the streets of Lima’s World Heritage-listed historic center and enjoy mouthwatering Peruvian tapas and pisco sour—the country’s national drink.

Day 14 Lima

Depart at any time.

Day 1 Welcome to Lima!

Say "hola" to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After you settle in, explore the area and enjoy your first Peruvian meal near your hotel. 

Day 2 Lima

Explore the vibrant colonial architecture surrounding the iconic "Plaza San Martín" and the central square "Plaza de Armas" in the historic heart of the city. Here, marvel at landmarks like the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the Municipality. Venture to the San Francisco Monastery to uncover its intricate network of underground tunnels and catacombs.

Afterward, travel into Lima's modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, where lush parks such as "El Olivar" and "Parque del Amor" complement contemporary shopping centers and sleek architecture. Conclude your journey at the Larco Museum, home to an extensive collection of over 45,000 artifacts including pre-Columbian ceramics, textiles, and precious metal works. Don't overlook the museum's renowned and distinctive display of ceramics from the Mochica culture.

Day 3 Lima - Cusco

Today you will fly from Lima to Cusco. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll receive a warm welcome and be driven to your hotel in Cusco.

Set out on your walking excursion at the renowned "Plaza de Armas," where you'll marvel at the magnificent Renaissance-style Cathedral. Wander through narrow passageways flanked by ancient Incan walls until you arrive at Koricancha, the revered temple dedicated to the sun deity, "Inti." Once considered the pinnacle of Incan religious sites, this temple met its demise at the hands of Spanish conquerors in the 16th century. Witness the tangible collision of civilizations as its ruins were repurposed to construct the Catholic Church Santo Domingo.

Day 4 Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes

At the scheduled time, you'll be transported from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.

Upon reaching the train station, embark on a panoramic train journey. Treat yourself to breathtaking vistas of the Andean landscape adorned with quaint villages and majestic snow-capped peaks in the Sacred Valley. You'll arrive at Aguas Calientes, a picturesque village nestled at the base of Machu Picchu, where you'll hop on the shuttle bus bound for the ancient citadel. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Inca civilization, delve into the site's discovery, and explore the myriad of theories surrounding this enigmatic and awe-inspiring archaeological marvel. 

Day 5 Aguas Calientes - Sacred Valley - Cusco

At the appointed time, embark on a train journey traversing the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley, culminating in your return to Cusco.

En route, enhance your exploration by delving into the remarkable ruins of Ollantaytambo, a site immortalized in history as one of the rare locations where the Incas triumphed over the Spanish invaders. Ascend the ancient platforms and savor panoramic vistas overlooking the village and the valley below. Adjacent to the ruins, immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to a traditional household, where you'll gain insight into the distinctive lifestyle upheld for generations in the Sacred Valley.

Proceed to the quaint town of Pisac, renowned among both residents and visitors alike for its vibrant open-air market. Here, peruse a diverse array of Peruvian handicrafts including ceramics, paintings, textiles, and jewelry, imbued with the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Day 6 Cusco

Today, enjoy a full day in Cusco at your leisure. Pay a visit to the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art housed in a former convent in the Plaza de las Nazarenas. This museum is wonderful for visitors looking for a different perspective on pre-Columbian ceramics.

Hike up to the San Blas neighborhood and pick up a few souvenirs to take home. In the evening, indulge in a few of Peru's delicacies. Adventurous eaters may want to try the local specialty, cuy (guinea pig).

Day 7 Cusco - Puno

You'll be picked up at your hotel at the designated time and escorted to the bus station for your journey to Puno, with stops at intriguing landmarks along the route and a provided lunch. The highest point during the drive is La Raya, situated at an elevation of over 14,000 feet above sea level.

During the ride, you'll have the opportunity to explore the Andahuaylillas Church, often dubbed the "Sistine Chapel" of the Americas due to the exceptional quality of its interior artworks. Built atop what is believed to have been an important Incan structure, possibly a shrine or "Waka," the church's foundations incorporate intricately carved andesite, reflective of traditional Quechua architectural motifs. Next, discover the ruins of Raqchi, distinguished as among the best-preserved examples of adobe structures resting upon Inca stonework foundations. This architectural technique was once commonplace but has largely succumbed to the elements and Spanish influence over time. En route, visit Pucara, renowned for its pottery, notably the iconic "Toritos de Pucara" (Little Bulls of Pucara). Explore the "Museo Litico de Pucara" (Pucara Stone Museum), showcasing a fascinating array of anthropomorphic monoliths, zoomorphic sculptures, ceramics, and artifacts from the pre-Inca Pucara culture. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to visit the church situated in the main square. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.

Day 8 Puno

From Puno's dock, you'll head on an expedition to the extraordinary Uros islands, which float atop Lake Titicaca. Encounter local families adorned in vibrant traditional attire, who graciously invite you to explore their reed-made homes, boats, and islands. Witness their annual reed replenishment ritual, perpetuating the Aymara language and other time-honored customs.

Continue your voyage to Taquile Island, where you'll be captivated by intricate pre-Inca terraces and rustic pathways devoid of automobiles, electricity, or pollution. Delve into the timeless lifestyle of its inhabitants, steeped in communal traditions passed down for millennia. Discover the island's unique social fabric, where men master knitting and women excel in weaving, seamlessly integrating these crafts into their cultural identity. Your excursion includes a traditional lunch on Taquile Island.

Day 9 Puno - Lima

You'll be collected from your hotel in Puno and transported to the Juliaca airport. En route, you'll stop at the remarkable pre-Inca archaeological site of Sillustani. This sacred site serves as the eternal resting place for the nobility of the high plains, featuring towering chullpas (burial towers) reaching heights of up to 40 feet, situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Umayo.

Day 10 Depart Peru

Make your way to Lima airport for your flight back home.