Inca Empire

From the bustling market-filled streets of La Paz to Incan culture high in the Andes, this two-week adventure provides a panoramic...

Bolivia, Peru
DAY 1 La Paz

Arrive at any time.

Administrative

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.

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Optional Activities - Day 1Show

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Hotel Las Brisas

Hotel
DAY 2 La Paz

Today, visit the pre-Incan ruins of Tiahuanaco. Little is known about the Tiahuanaco people who constructed the great ceremonial centre on the southern shore of Lake Titicaca over 1000 years ago. Spend most of the day visiting these mysterious ruins—a cradle of Incan civilization—before returning to La Paz.

Bus

Local Bus

La Paz- Tiahuanaco2h70km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Landmark

Tiahuanaco Ruins Visit

Tiahuanaco2h

Enjoy a visit to this spectacular pre-Colombian archaeological site. It was the capital of an empire that extended into Peru and Chile from 300 to 1000 AD. Check out the fantastic buildings, architecture, sculptures and carvings firsthand and get a taste of an era long gone.

Bus

Local Bus

Tiahuanaco- La Paz2h70km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Accommodation

Hotel Las Brisas

Hotel
DAY 3 La Paz/Puno

Travel by bus through the altiplano, crossing the border to the Peruvian city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Peru is made up of three main geographical areas: the Andes, the Amazon, and the desert coastal area. Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on a full day of travel from La Paz, around Lake Titicaca, and on to Puno.

Bus

Local Bus

La Paz- Desaguadero2.5h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Administrative

Border Crossing (Bolivia - Peru)

Copacabana- Yunguyo0.5h

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Bus

Local Bus

Desaguadero- Puno3.5h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Accommodation

Pukara House

Hotel
DAY 4 Puno/Lake Titicaca

Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village. Head out by boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit the community on the Taquile Islands and stop at a restaurant and enjoy a local lunch with spectacular views. After, 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, pick up some Quecha and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village.

Water Tour

Lake Titicaca Guided Boat Tour Day 1

Lake Titicaca

Board a boat on Lake Titicaca and head to Taquile Island for an optional delicious Peruvian lunch at a restaurant followed by some shopping at the local weaving cooperatives. Taquileños are known for their fine handwoven textiles and clothing, men are taught how to knit around age five and they create the majority of the textiles. After, enjoy an overnight stay with a host family and a chance to learn about life on the islands.

Landmark

Your G for Good Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay

Lake Titicaca

In the aymara community of Luquina Chico on Lake Titicaca, 40 families welcome you to experience their way of life. Thanks to the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the local families here have strengthened their communities, preserving traditions and creating opportunities for future generations. Split into smaller groups and get a taste of local life firsthand as we move into family homes for the night. Play soccer with the children, enjoy some dancing, watch dinner being made, learn about regional cuisine, and dress up in local clothes for an unforgettable evening with the whole village, enjoying traditional music and dancing. Lend a hand the next morning, and help out with chores like feeding animals, harvesting local produce, or bringing back buckets of water from the well.

DAY 5 Lake Titicaca/Puno

Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit the Sillustani burial site. Leave the homestay families late in the 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. Opt to pre-book the Lake Titicaca Kayaking on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

People

Uros Floating Islands Visit

Lake Titicaca1h

Take a tour of these unique islands. Learn about the buoyant totora reeds that grow in the shallows of Lake Titicaca used to make everything from the islands themselves to the boats the islanders use for transportation (if constructed well, they last up to six months ). Find out from locals how the islands are constructed; as the layers closest to the water start to rot, they are replaced with fresh reeds on top.

Free Time

PunoAFTERNOON

Enjoy some free time exploring the area.

Water Tour

Lake Titicaca Guided Boat Tour Day 2

Lake Titicaca

Spend the morning with the homestay families, then depart after lunch. Visit the floating islands of Uros on the way back, and learn about the unique lifestyle of the locals. Meet residents and learn how they built the islands with totora reeds, which are also used to make their homes, boats, crafts (and are also edible!).

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Optional Activities - Day 5Show

Accommodation

Pukara House

Hotel
DAY 6 Puno/Cusco

Hop on the bus for a full day's drive to Cusco. The bus 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.

Bus

Local Bus

Puno- Cusco7h-8h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Accommodation

Hotel de la Villa Hermoza

Hotel
DAY 7 Cusco

Enjoy a free day to explore the city's museums and local markets. Choose to pre-book the optional Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour to see some of the ruins as well. While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. It forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. There are several good museums in Cusco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum, and the Religious Art Museum. 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

CuscoFULL_DAY

There's so much to the colonial city— go see for yourself.

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Optional Activities - Day 7Show

Accommodation

Hotel de la Villa Hermoza

Hotel
DAY 8 Cusco

Fill up on breakfast at your hotel in Cusco before walking to the Cusco Cathedral where your guide will meet the group for your walking tour of Cusco's colonial side. See the colonial and Inca architecture visible throughout the city and visit the Sapantiana staircase waterfall aqueduct before having lunch near the main plaza. Afterwards, walk back to the hotel and enjoy free time for the rest of the evening.

Land Tour

Cusco Colonial Side Walking Tour

Cusco6h

Spend time on a group walking tour of the colonial areas in Cusco. Start in Cusco City and finish with a visit to the Sapantiana waterfalls before having a delicious lunch at a restaurant near the main plaza.

Free Time

CuscoAFTERNOON

Take advantage free time to further explore this lovely city.

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Optional Activities - Day 8Show

Accommodation

Hotel de la Villa Hermoza

Hotel
DAY 9 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.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Cusco- Ollantaytambo1.75h94km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Planeterra

Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit

Ccaccaccollo

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.

People

Cuyo Chico Pottery Making Demonstration

Pisac- Urubamba

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.

Planeterra

Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley

Lamay- Ollantaytambo

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.

Accommodation

Peru Quechua's Lodge Ollantaytambo

Lodge
DAY 10 Ollantaytambo

Enjoy the Sacred Valley with your G representative today. 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. Then visit the Chincheros ruins. Known to the Incas as the birthplace of the rainbow, this site offers stunning views of the Andean countryside. Return to Ollantaytambo for the evening.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Ollantaytambo- Moray1h20km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Nature

Maras Salt Mines and Moray Visit

Maras- Moray

Tour the unique Inca ruins of Moray, consisting of circular terraces and a sophisticated irrigation system located at 3500m (11483 ft). Learn about the history and study of this fascinating site – speculation has it that it was an Inca agriculture experiment station. Then visit the impressive Maras Salt Mines and see thousands of individual ancient salt pools spilling over a hillside. Learn about the different varieties of salt, and try the renowned pink salt, famous worldwide.

Land Tour

Scenic Andean Drive and lunch near Maras

Moray- Maras1h-1.5h

Set out on a scenic drive above the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop along the way to look out over small farms carved into the hills and small villages dotted along the landscape. Enjoy the views and have lunch near Maras, opt to relax, explore the surroundings.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Maras- Chincheros0.5h23km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Chincheros Ruins Visit

Chincheros0.75h-1h

Chincheros is known to the Incas as the birthplace of the rainbow. This typical Andean village has Inca ruins, a colonial church, and sweeping mountain views. Explore the ruins and check out the impressive architecture of this ancient place.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Chinchero- Ollantaytambo1.5h-1.75h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Peru Quechua's Lodge Ollantaytambo

Lodge
DAY 11 Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes

After breakfast visit the Ollantaytambo ruins where you'll walk up the 200 stone steps to reach the top. Then, catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. After enjoying a quick orientation walk around the town of Aguas Calientes the group will have free time for optional activities. Opt to visit the Machu Picchu Museum, the Mandor Waterfalls, and the butterfly garden. Or consider taking a dip in some thermal baths to relax those muscles.

Landmark

Ollantaytambo Ruins Visit

Ollantaytambo1h-1.5h

Explore this ancient site right in the heart of Ollantaytambo city. Learn about the principles of Incan architecture and get a first taste of climbing around a massive ruins site.

Rail

Train

Ollantaytambo- Aguas Calientes1.5h

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Aguas Calientes Orientation Walk

Aguas Calientes0.5h-0.75h

The group will arrive at Aguas Calientes with their assistant guide or CEO and they will have an orientation walk through the town of Aguas Calientes. Your CEO can then help you coordinate any optional activities you may want to try during your time here.

Free Time

Aguas Calientes

Spend free time getting to know the area. Maybe visit the local hot springs for a nice rejuvenating soak.

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Optional Activities - Day 11Show

Accommodation

Hotel Wiracocha Inn

Hotel
DAY 12 Machu Picchu/Cusco

Rise early to enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. After, catch the train towards Cusco. Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit to the ruins, then head back down by bus to Aguas Calientes to meet up with the rest of the group. Take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo to meet the van for the ride back to Cusco.

Bus

Local Bus

Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu0.25h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Land Tour

Machu Picchu Guided Tour

Machu Picchu1.5h-2h

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.

Rail

Train

Aguas Calientes- Ollantaytambo1.5h-1.75h31km

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Ollantaytambo- Cusco1.5h-1.75h60km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Hotel de la Villa Hermoza

Hotel
DAY 13 Cusco

Enjoy a free day to explore Cusco or relax. Active options include, horseback riding and mountain biking.

Free Time

CuscoFULL_DAY

Finish up anything you didn't get to the first time around.

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Optional Activities - Day 13Show

Accommodation

Hotel de la Villa Hermoza

Hotel
DAY 14 Cusco/Lima

Fly to Lima. Opt for a city tour or wander the neighbourhood of Miraflores. Take a short flight to the coast and the capital city of Lima. This vibrant city has a fantastic main square, tons of shopping, and incredible eating. Opt to join the group for one final evening out.

Air

Plane

Cusco- Lima1.5h-2h572km

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

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Optional Activities - Day 14Show

Accommodation

Hotel Santa Cruz

Hotel
DAY 15 Lima

Depart at any time.

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Optional Activities - Day 15Show

Day
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