Classic: Backroads & Highlands of Peru (SPBH)

Countries Visited: Peru
Trip Style: Classic - Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.
Service Level: Basic
  • Excellent value, amazing prices, quality experiences
  • Simple and clean hotels, guesthouses and hostels chosen for location and character
  • Affordable public and private transport for maximum cultural interaction
  • Plenty of optional activities tailored to your interests and budget
    Physical Demands Rating: 4 - You might encounter a few high-altitude hikes or other more strenuous activities. Pro tip: Put down that pastry, buster.
    Group Size: Max 16, avg 8
    Meals Included: 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
    Accommodations: Not Availaible

    Highlights
    Gaze at Andean vistas, experience the culture and mingle with the locals, conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, savour the diverse cuisine in Peru.

    Description
    Get off the beaten path in the highlands of Peru and discover stunning mountain scenery and remote cities few tourists visit. Getting to Cusco is half the adventure - travel by public bus keeps costs down and allows you to connect with the locals in the rarefied mountain air of the Andes. Climb the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas." We operate our own treks in Peru and can ensure the fair treatment of our porters - and an exceptional experience for you.
  • Call (218) 773-3344 for more information or to book today! Mention code 12967584

    Tour Operator
    G Adventures
    Duration
    17 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1LimaDay 1 Lima
    There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. Additional Notes: 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. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
    Day 2HuancayoDay 2 Lima/Huancayo (1B)
    Travel the route of the locals and start the Andean adventure on the road from Lima to Huancayo in the central Andes. Transport: Local bus (6.50 hour(s))
    Day 3HuancayoDay 3 Huancayo
    The villages of Cochas Grande and Cochas Chico are two interesting day trips in the Mantaro Valley, some 12km (7mi) south of the city.
    Day 4HuancavelicaDay 4 Huancayo/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. Transport: All aboard el Tren Macho! Enjoy the ride on this historical train that has been running since 1926 between Huancayo and Huancavelica. Local train (7.00 hour(s))
    Day 5AyacuchoDay 5 Huancavelica/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. Transport: Local bus (3.00-4.00 hours)
    Days 6-7AyacuchoDays 6-7 Ayacucho
    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.
    Day 8AndahuaylasDay 8 Ayacucho/Andahuaylas
    The focus of the day is the journey itself. You cant beat the scenery like this and theres 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. Transport: Local bus (4.00-5.00 hours)
    Day 9AndahuaylasDay 9 Andahuaylas (1B)
    Enjoy free time in Andahuaylas. Opt to visit to the Sondor archaeological site, the Pacucha Lagoon or the market.
    Days 10-11CuscoDays 10-11 Cusco
    The nearby Sacred Valley, museums, churches and cobblestoned streets steeped in history, all combine to create a terrific atmosphere. Transport: Local bus (6.00-7.00 hours)
    Day 11CuscoDay 11 Cusco (1B)
    The nearby Sacred Valley, museums, churches and cobblestoned streets steeped in history, all combine to create a terrific atmosphere.
    Day 12OllantaytamboDay 12 Cusco/Ollantaytambo (1B, 1L)
    Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported womens weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about the traditional weaving and dyeing practiced here. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs right from the source. Take a guided tour of the impressive Pisac ruins, the colourful artisan market (on market days only) and a small indigenous village of Huchuy Qosco. Here, have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant. Learn about the project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch, the proceeds from which go directly back to the remote community. Continue on to the town of Ollantaytambo. Go on a guided tour of the large ruin site just adjacent to the town. Ollayntaytambo is the first taste of what lies ahead in Machu Picchu. Included Activities: Ccaccaccollo Community and Womens Weaving Co-op visit Pisac Ruins Guided Tour Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley Ollantaytambo Ruins Guided Tour Transport: Make stops along the way as you pass through this gorgeous valley, descending in elevation the whole way. Private Vehicle (1.00-2.00 hours)
    Day 13Inca TrailDay 13 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata. Additional Notes: 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. Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike Transport: Private Vehicle (0.75 hour(s))
    Day 14Inca TrailDay 14 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Start early to climb the long steep path to WarmiwaNusca, 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. Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike
    Day 15Inca TrailDay 15 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Cross two more passes and ruins along the way. 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 cloud forest on the 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 WiNay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft). Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike
    Day 16CuscoDay 16 Machu Picchu/Cusco (1B)
    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 to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site and free time to explore until noon as permitted by the tourist ticket. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows. Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon. Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike Machu Picchu Guided Tour Transport: Train (1.50 hour(s), 118km) Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s))
    Day 17CuscoDay 17 Cusco (1B)
    Depart at any time.
    Disclaimer

    Local Flights: N/A

    Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

    VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

    Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

    Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
      
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