Peru's Ancient Wonders: The Inca Trail & Machu Picchu

Embark on the Adventure of a Lifetime to the Land of the Incas

Prepare yourself for an epic 14-day journey that combines ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. This is more than a vacation; it's a pilgrimage along the sacred paths of the Inca to the legendary Lost City of Machu Picchu. From the bustling streets of Lima to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, this adventure, designed for the curious and active traveller, will challenge your spirit and reward you with memories that will last a lifetime.

The centerpiece of our journey is the renowned four-day trek on the Inca Trail. With our expert local guides and porters handling the heavy lifting, you'll be free to immerse yourself in the stunning Andean scenery. Traverse high passes, explore ancient ruins accessible only by foot, and camp under a blanket of brilliant stars. The final reward is arriving at the Sun Gate at dawn for that first, unforgettable view of Machu Picchu. Beyond the trail, you'll acclimatize in the charming city of Cusco, explore the rich culture of the Sacred Valley, and delve deep into the Amazon for an incredible wildlife experience. This is Peru at its most authentic and exhilarating.

Your 14-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Lima
  Arrive at any time in Peru's vibrant capital. Settle in and get ready to meet your fellow adventurers. Why not take a stroll through the beautiful Miraflores district and sample your first Pisco Sour?
• Day 2: Lima to Cusco
  We catch an early flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. At 3,400m (11,152 ft), we'll take the day to acclimatize to the altitude. Explore the city's unique blend of Inca walls and colonial architecture, browse the artisan markets, or simply relax at a café in the Plaza de Armas.
• Day 3: Cusco
  A free day for you to explore! Cusco offers a wealth of options. You could take an optional trip to the colourful Rainbow Mountain, go whitewater rafting, or explore the nearby ruins of Sacsaywamán.
• Day 4: The Sacred Valley
  Journey into the heart of the Inca civilization, the Sacred Valley. We'll visit a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op and a local pottery-making community. You'll learn about ancient traditions that are still alive today before settling in for the night in the charming town of Ollantaytambo.
• Day 5: The Inca Trail Begins
  Lace up your hiking boots! We begin our 4-day trek on the legendary Inca Trail. Today is a relatively gentle introduction as we hike through a beautiful river valley, with the snow-capped peak of Verónica watching over us.
• Day 6: The Challenge of Dead Woman's Pass
  Today is the most challenging, and arguably the most rewarding, day of the trek. We ascend to the highest point of the trail, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215m (13,829 ft). The breathtaking panoramic views from the top make every step worthwhile.
• Day 7: Through Cloud Forests and Ruins
  The landscape shifts as we descend into a lush cloud forest. The trail today is a true highlight, passing several fascinating Inca ruins like Runkuracay and Sayacmarca, which seem to cling to the cliffsides.
• Day 8: The Sun Gate & Machu Picchu
  An early start brings us to the famous Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From here, you'll get your first awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu, bathed in the golden light of sunrise. We descend to the ancient citadel for a comprehensive guided tour to unravel its mysteries. Afterwards, we head to the town of Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved rest.
• Day 9: Return to Cusco
  You have the option to revisit Machu Picchu this morning (additional cost) or explore Aguas Calientes before we take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to our hotel in Cusco.
• Day 10: Cusco
  A free day to rest your weary legs or explore more of what Cusco has to offer. Visit the San Pedro market, take a cooking class, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city.
• Day 11: Into the Amazon
  We trade the mountains for the jungle! A short flight takes us to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Amazon. We'll travel by motorized canoe up the Tambopata River to our comfortable, exclusive G Lodge Amazon, nestled in the heart of the rainforest.
• Day 12: Amazon Exploration
  Wake to the sounds of the jungle. Today is filled with exploration as we venture out with local guides to spot incredible wildlife like caimans, monkeys, macaws, and maybe even a giant river otter. Learn about the diverse flora and fauna that make this one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
• Day 13: Amazon to Lima
  After a final jungle walk, we travel back to Puerto Maldonado for our flight to Lima. Tonight, enjoy a final group dinner and celebrate an incredible two weeks of adventure.
• Day 14: Lima
  Your adventure concludes today. You are free to depart at any time.