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Back Roads & Highlands of Peru
17 days, Lima to Cusco
Itinerary
Day 1Lima
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru. We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
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.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Lima City Tour
40USD per personDiscover Lima’s cultural and culinary highlights on this half-day guided tour. Visit the Santo Domingo Monastery, walk around Plaza de Armas, marvel at the Bodega y Quadra Museum, and get to know some of Lima's lovely neighbourhoods. Stop to enjoy some authentic Peruvian tapas and be introduced to Pisco Sours during a demonstration and tasting.
Magic Circuit of Water and Tapas Night
68USD per personExperience nightlife in downtown Lima with the spectacular "Magic Water Circuit" (Circuito Mágico del Agua) show complete with lights, music and dozens of fountains. Enjoy some tapas and take in the sights with a pisco sour in hand. The perfect night out!
Pachacamac and Paso Horse Show
98USD per personDive into Peruvian history and explore a famous temple built in honor of Pachacamac or the "Earth Maker", a powerful figure considered amongst gods and worshiped during the Pre Incan era. After you've got your history fix, head out to enjoy a local lunch and Peruvian dancing. After lunch continue on to see the Peruvian Paso Horse and learn more about this majestic beauty.
Day 2Lima/Huancayo
Enjoy a spectacular bus ride into the Andes to Huancayo.
Travel the route of the locals and start the Andean adventure on the road from Lima to Huancayo in the central Andes.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Huancayo
Spend the day enjoying optional activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, or just enjoy the scenery.
The villages of Cochas Grande and Cochas Chico are two interesting day trips in the Mantaro Valley, some 12km (7mi) south of the city.
Free Time
With so much to see and do, get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Horseback Riding
Head out on horseback for a fun way to explore the surrounding landscape.
Bike Rental
Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.
Day 4Huancayo/Huancavelica
Travel to the picturesque colonial city of Huancavelica aboard el Tren Macho. Take in the Peruvian countryside passing by the window and enjoy the ride amongst the locals.
Local Train
All aboard el Tren Macho! Enjoy the ride on this historical train that has been running since 1926 between Huancayo and Huancavelica.
Please note in the event the train is not operational the group will travel by local bus.
Day 5Huancavelica/Ayacucho
Travel through the highlands and remote communities of the Andes to Ayacucho.
The altitude of Ayacucho, its colonial feel, and the local pre-Inca history make it one of the most fascinating cities in the Andes.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Start exploring this interesting mountain town.
Meals included:
BreakfastDays 6–7Ayacucho
Spend two days in Ayacucho, with optional day tours to nearby archaeological sites, markets, city tours or individual exploration.
The city is known for a handicrafts district famous for silver, carvings and woven items. There are many beautiful colonial churches and mansions to visit as well. The surrounding area also offers a number of attractions, including the Huari Capital and Quinua and Vilcashuaman, considered the geographical centre of the Inca Empire.
Free Time
Explore the city or head further afield.
Optional Activities - Days 6–7 HideShow
Quinua Visit
Venture about an hour outside Ayacucho to reach Quinua, a small town known for its pottery and as the site where the Battle of Ayacucho was fought and won in 1824.
Ayacucho City Tour
Take a tour of the city to see some of the sights, learn more about the colonial history of the area and admire the fantastic architecture.
Barrío de Artesanos de Santa Ana Visit
Head to the Barrío de Artesanos de Santa Ana, a handicrafts district where you can purchase silver jewelry, alabaster carvings, painted altars and nativity scenes, dried gourds, and a good selection of woven items. Ready, set, shop!
Vilcashuaman Visit
Take an excursion to historical Vilcashuaman, considered the geographical centre of the Inca Empire.
Wari Ruins Visit
Visit the expansive ruins of Wari, all that remains from the pre-Incan empire that once lived here. The location of the ruins was the capital city of the Wari and covers approximately 16km (10 mi).
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Ayacucho/Andahuaylas
Pass by rural areas, massive mountain peaks and small villages to reach Andahuaylas.
The focus of the day is the journey itself. You can't beat the scenery like this and there's no better way to get to know the country than to travel straight through some of the most remote regions.
Arrive at Andahuaylas, set amidst a beautiful glacial valley. Agriculture is key to the lives of the locals here and the town has a good market.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Andahuaylas
Enjoy free time in Andahuaylas. Opt to visit to the Sondor archaeological site, the Pacucha Lagoon or the market.
Free Time
Explore Andahuaylas, opt to visit nearby Pacucha Lagoon or the Sondor Ruins remaining from the Chanka Empire.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Pacucha Lagoon Visit
Visit the Pacucha Lagoon and opt to sunbathe on the scenic shore.
Sondor Archaeological Site Visit
Hike to the remote archaeological site to get close to the surrounding landscape and learn about the history and culture of the area. Enjoy the view of the valley bellow the ruins and bring a picnic lunch for a great way to spend an afternoon.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Andahuaylas/Cusco
Hop aboard a local bus and head to Cusco today. Upon arrival, feel free to explore the city.
The nearby Sacred Valley, museums, churches and cobblestoned streets steeped in history, all combine to create a terrific atmosphere.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Cusco, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting Museo Inka, Museo de Historia Regional, and whitewater rafting. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Inka Museum
10PEN per personGet ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
130PEN per personThis ticket allows admission at 16 sights of the city of Cusco including many popular museums and cathedrals, the ticket also provides entrance to Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, and sights in the South Valley of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Cusco Cooking Class
Channel your inner chef and get a taste of Peruvian cuisine. Learn all about the essential ingredients, and try your hand at preparing unique Peruvian dishes with a local expert
Whitewater Rafting Urubamba
69USD per personRise for an early morning pick up and drive to Chuquicahuana for a safety briefing. Enjoy a full day of rafting on the Upper Vilcanota River (about 2.5 hrs on the water). Be thrilled by fast rapids that are a constant Class III and IV for around 11km (9 mi), and don’t forget to take in the gorgeous scenery. Rehash all the excitement afterward over a riverside picnic lunch.
Cusco City Tour
45PEN per personEnjoy a half-day tour of Cusco's main sights. Walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. Visit Qenqo, Koricancha, the Cathedral, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the archaeological site of Sacsaywaman.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Cusco
Enjoy free time to explore Cusco or take an optional city tour, head out whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.
The nearby Sacred Valley, museums, churches and cobblestoned streets steeped in history, all combine to create a terrific atmosphere.
Opt to visit and hike the famed Rainbow Mountain, pre-book on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute–get exploring.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Rainbow Mountain Hike - Full-day Trip
Lookout over these colourful Andean mountains striped with maroon, turquoise, lavender, and gold. The sediment, elevation, and proximity to the ocean create a landscape that has to be seen to be believed. Get started early to drive around 3 hours approximately to the starting point of this challenging, yet rewarding full-day hike. Reaching 5,029m (16,500 ft) this 8 km hike is no walk in the park, but these unique mountains do not disappoint. The ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Cusco City Tour
45PEN per personEnjoy a half-day tour of Cusco's main sights. Walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. Visit Qenqo, Koricancha, the Cathedral, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the archaeological site of Sacsaywaman.
Inka Museum
10PEN per personGet ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
130PEN per personThis ticket allows admission at 16 sights of the city of Cusco including many popular museums and cathedrals, the ticket also provides entrance to Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, and sights in the South Valley of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Whitewater Rafting Urubamba
69USD per personRise for an early morning pick up and drive to Chuquicahuana for a safety briefing. Enjoy a full day of rafting on the Upper Vilcanota River (about 2.5 hrs on the water). Be thrilled by fast rapids that are a constant Class III and IV for around 11km (9 mi), and don’t forget to take in the gorgeous scenery. Rehash all the excitement afterward over a riverside picnic lunch.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Cusco/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.
Private Vehicle
Make stops along the way as you pass through this gorgeous valley, descending in elevation the whole way.
Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit
Visit the Ccaccaccollo community centre which G Adventures travellers' donations helped create in 2005, thereby enabling local women to sell traditional textiles to travellers. See local weaving and dyeing techniques used to create garments and souvenirs, and learn how the Planeterra weaving co-operative has impacted the community and those who visit it. This includes the purchase of alpacas to provide a steady supply of wool, looms, and sewing machines as well as several training courses on production, sales and small business management.
Cuyo Chico Pottery Making Demonstration
In the rural village of Cuyo Chico in the Sacred Valley, a group of families joined together to create a small business based on their traditional adobe ceramic crafts. Using clay from their surroundings, they mold bowls, plates, and all manner of decorations. Learn about the ceramics process as well as the traditional adobe brick-making that forms the basis of houses throughout the valley, all while taking in a spectacular view of the Pisac Ruins. After the demonstration, peruse the items for sale directly from the artisans in their shop.
Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley
Contribute to sustainable tourism in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village of 65 families in the Sacred Valley, by eating at the Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn how the resident-run restaurant was kickstarted by G Adventures and the Multilateral Investment Fund, to become a successful farm-to-table program that boosts the local economy and several spin-off microenterprises.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 13Inca Trail
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Inca Trail Hike
Get your blood pumping on this first day of hiking the Inca trail. The trekking is fairly easy and serves as good training for the next few days. Pass rambling rivers and a small village, and enjoy scenic mountain views; it’s just a taste of what’s to come.
Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products
Enjoy G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products, for use on our treks. This G Adventures for Good project empowered local Cusqueña women to start their own business in order to reduce the environmental impact of treks in the region. Planeterra provided $10,000 of seed funding for two young entrepreneurs to register their biodegradable products in order to sell them to the tourism industry. "Esencia Andina" is now a successful business that produces biodegradable soaps, detergents, and natural products for travellers, guides, porters, and cooks on our treks.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 14Inca Trail
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.
Inca Trail Hike
Trek over progressively spectacular and steeper terrain on your way to Warmiwañusca (aka Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769ft). Be prepared to face strong Andean weather (blazing sun or cold winds) around the pass. Take the hike slow, and drink lots of water along the way – amazing views are waiting as a reward. Enjoy some ample time to rest and relax after reaching the camp; most campers arrive around early afternoon.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 15Inca Trail
Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Inca Trail Hike
Cross two passes and more ruins along the Inca Trail on the last full day of hiking. Traverse Runquraway at 3,950m (13,113 ft), and then reach the second pass at 3,700m (12,136 ft). Spot the gorgeous Cordillera Vilcabamba and the Urubamba Valley in the distance on a clear day. Camp at either the Phuyupatamarca ruins or the Wiñay Wayna ruins.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 16Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the ruins, before your train back towards Cusco.
Inca Trail Hike
Wake around 03:30 to reach the Sun Gate as early as possible. Head to the checkpoint and join the lineup to wait for the gate to open. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu (fingers crossed for a clear day). Hike down to Machu Picchu (about 45 mins) for a 1.5 hr guided tour of the site, and free time to explore.
Catch the bus outside the Machu Picchu gate after your visit for a 25-min downhill ride to Aguas Calientes. Eat and relax before the train ride back to Cusco this evening.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
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.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 17Cusco
Depart at any time.
Optional Activities - Day 17 HideShow
Inka Museum
10PEN per personGet ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
130PEN per personThis ticket allows admission at 16 sights of the city of Cusco including many popular museums and cathedrals, the ticket also provides entrance to Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, and sights in the South Valley of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Whitewater Rafting Urubamba
69USD per personRise for an early morning pick up and drive to Chuquicahuana for a safety briefing. Enjoy a full day of rafting on the Upper Vilcanota River (about 2.5 hrs on the water). Be thrilled by fast rapids that are a constant Class III and IV for around 11km (9 mi), and don’t forget to take in the gorgeous scenery. Rehash all the excitement afterward over a riverside picnic lunch.
Cusco City Tour
45PEN per personEnjoy a half-day tour of Cusco's main sights. Walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. Visit Qenqo, Koricancha, the Cathedral, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the archaeological site of Sacsaywaman.