Compare Iconic Peru by G Adventures vs Titicaca and Bolivia Adventure by Active Adventures

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 Arrive in Cuzco, hike Sacsayhuamán fortress

Our trip starts in Cuzco, the heart of the Inca empire. Your trip leader will greet you with a cup of hot coca tea – a local speciality. After lunch, we’ll set off for a walk around this amazing ancient city and up to Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking the main Plaza and Cuzco Valley. The fortress, meaning ‘House of the Sun’, is a magnificent archaeological site representing a set of jaguar’s teeth with massive, perfectly fitted stones weighing up to 130 tonnes (143 tons) each and was the place where the Incas made their final stand against the Spanish conquistadores. No one really knows what the Incas used Sacsayhuamán for – some say it was a sanctuary and temple of the sun, others say it was a granary. No matter who is right, you’ll have a lot of fun hearing all the stories this amazing area inspires. Later, we’ll take a walk through the colourful Cuzco street markets. If you prefer, you can take some time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cuzco’s lively town square and meet up again later for an evening meal.Hotel Royal Inca I or Hotel San Agustin, Cuzco (Lunch, Dinner)Hiking Distance: 2 kilometres (1.2 miles), 1-2 hoursElevation Gain: 200 metres (656 feet)Elevation Loss: 200 metres (656 feet)

Day 2 Explore Pisac Market and Pisac Ruins

This morning we’ll journey to Pisac, where we’ll have a chance to check out a colourful mercado artesanal, one of the most vibrant markets in South America. For those who are keen, we’ll then begin a spectacular hike up to the Pisac ruins. These Inca terraces rise 600 metres (2000 feet) from the river below. It’s a heart-pumping hike up the ancient agricultural terraces, and you’ll never forget the views of Pisac and the Urubamba Valley! After exploring this ancient complex, we’ll head back down to the valley below and meet up with those who chose to take it a little easier.Hotel Royal Inca I or Hotel San Agustin, Cuzco (All meals)Pisac Ruins Hiking Distance: 7 kilometres (4.3 miles), 2-3 hours (optional)Elevation Gain: 450 metres (1,476 feet)Elevation Loss: 450 metres (1,476 feet)

Day 3 Cycle towards Puno, visit Huacarpay Lagoon

We’ll begin riding today just south of Cuzco. Along our journey we’ll visit a number of Andean towns, each with its own unique attraction. The town of Saylla is known for its pork chicharron, a favourite of Andean gastronomy, whilst further along, the town of Huasao is famous as the land of the paqos (priests of the Andean religion). Further up the valley we’ll take a walk through Oropesa, the town of delicious ‘chuta bread’. The ride finishes at the Huacarpay Lagoon, a wetland of international importance due to the vast number of migratory birds that stop here. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before stopping at the spectacular La Raya Pass, the capital of the Altiplano area and the gateway to Lake Titicaca. This is one of Peru’s great highland areas where herds of alpaca and llama graze and snow-capped mountains rise steeply from the valley. Tonight we’ll stay in Puno, which is regarded as the folklore capital of Peru. Its narrow streets are filled with the sounds of traditional Andean music, the hustle and bustle of local markets, and the bell-ring of the triciclos, which are the local bicycle taxis!Hotel Hacienda, Puno (All meals) - 3,827 metres (12,555 feet)Biking Distance: 25 kilometres (15.5 miles), 2-4 hours

Day 4 Hike Taquile Island, stay with local Quechua people

At 3,800 metres (12,500 feet), Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest commercially navigable body of water. The Incas believed it was the cradle of civilisation – the place where all life began. It’s a very special place, dotted with islands that have unique living cultures and traditions, two of which we’ll visit today. The first is Taquile Island, where we’ll hike to the highest point of the island for breath-taking 360º views of Lake Titicaca, the Capachica Peninsula, Amantani Island and the Bolivian Andes. On the way, we’ll visit an isolated village and have the chance to meet the local people and learn about their famous textiles and culture. Then it’s a short boat ride to Amantani Island, where we’ll spend the night. Our hosts, members of the indigenous Quechua community, will meet us at the lake’s edge and are always up for a game of high-altitude soccer, if you’re keen! Aside from being a great workout, it’s good fun and a unique way to get to know your hosts. When the game is over, we’ll hike to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) temple at the summit of Amantani Island for unforgettable views of the sun setting over Lake Titicaca. Later we’ll return to the homes of our hosts for a home-cooked meal. The Quechua people have maintained their traditional way of life for centuries, weaving wool, keeping cuy (guinea pigs), and farming their smallholdings. After dinner, we head down to the community hall to learn a few traditional dances with the locals. It’s very quiet here – no streetlights, no cars, no dogs even! So we’re sure you’ll love the tranquillity.Family home, Amantani Island (All meals)Taquile Island Hiking Distance: 2 kilometres (1.3 miles), 1-3 hoursElevation Gain: 100 metres (328 feet)Elevation Loss: 100 metres (328 feet)Amantani Island Hiking Distance: 4 kilometres (2.5 miles), 1-3 hoursElevation Gain: 400 metres (1,312 feet)Elevation Loss: 400 metres (1,312 feet)

Day 5 Sea kayak Lake Titicaca, Uros Reed Islands

Our hosts will wave us off from Amantani’s port this morning as we leave under our own steam in sea kayaks! This is one of the most unforgettable activities of the whole trip. The lake is so big it feels like – and even smells like – the sea, and it has its own unique dark blue colour. We’ll spend the morning making our way across it to Capachica Peninsula, then we’ll hug the shore line, grazed by sheep and shadowed by ancient remnant agricultural terraces. We’ll get in our motorboat for the final section of the trip back to Puno, stopping along the way to visit the man-made Uros Reed Islands – you’ll be amazed at the unique lifestyle of the people who make these islands their home. When we get back to Puno we’ll check in to our hotel, and enjoy dinner together.Hotel Hacienda, Puno (All meals)Kayaking Time: 3 hours

Day 6 Journey to Copacabana, visit Isla de la Luna

This morning we’ll travel south east alongside Lake Titicaca towards the Peruvian-Bolivian border. Once in Bolivia we’ll have time to explore Copacabana, a town steeped in cultural heritage and known for its colourful, traditional festivals. After lunch we’ll take a boat back across Lake Titicaca to visit Isla de la Luna (‘Island of the Moon’), a chance for you to compare the Bolivian Titicaca islands to the Peruvian ones! On this island you’ll find some fascinating ruins including Inak Uyu on the northeast shore, believed to be the convent of the Virgins of the Sun. Keep an eye out for the ruins of an Inca nunnery on the eastern shores too. Tonight we’ll spend our first evening in Bolivia, back in Copacabana.Hotel la Perla del Lago, Copacabana (All meals) - 3,841 metres (12,600 feet)Hiking Time: 2 hours

Day 7 Fly from La Paz to Uyuni, visit train cemetery

After breakfast we’ll leave Lake Titicaca and the town of Copacabana, and make the journey to El Alto Airport, just outside Bolivia’s capital La Paz. Saving precious hours, we’ll fly to southern Bolivia, to Uyuni, our base for the next couple of nights. The Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat covering over 10,000 square kilometres (4,000 square miles) and definitely a bucket list destination. On the outskirts of the desert here is the slightly bizarre and intriguing train graveyard. In the early 19th century there were ambitious plans to transform Uyuni into a prosperous transportation hub, connecting it with the port of Antofagasta on the Pacific Coast. Trains were imported from Britain and railway building began. However, after the Pacific War with Chile in 1879, Bolivia lost access to the Pacific Ocean and the export industry collapsed. The trains and other equipment were abandoned to rust and fade from memory, and Mother Nature is doing a pretty good job of that task, corroding the huge steel skeletons with her ruthless salt-laden winds.Luna Salada Salt Hotel, Uyuni (All meals) - 3,700 metres (12,140 feet)

Day 8 Explore the Uyuni Salt Flats

Today will be unforgettable. Walking on Lago Minchín, a prehistoric lake that dried up over 30,000 years ago is not something you get to do every day! This dazzling landscape that seemingly stretches on forever is a photographer’s dream, offering mirage-like contrasts and ample opportunity for creativity. We’ll start today’s explorations by visiting the indigenous community of Colchani, where we’ll observe iodized salt processing in its rustic form. What many people don’t realise is that there are fascinating cacti-studded islands and interesting rock formations dotted across this barren landscape. So after visiting the unique ‘eyes of salt’ - the outlets of subterranean rivers flowing under the Uyuni Salt Flat, we’ll take a hike on Incahuasi Island, a volcanic rock scattered with giant cacti. Tonight, you’ll rest comfortably again in the wonderfully appointed Luna Salada Hotel.Luna Salada Salt Hotel, Uyuni (All meals)Explore Incahuasi Island: 2-3 hours, short hikes

Day 9 Fly back to La Paz, city tour and cable car

It’s a short flight back to La Paz this morning, one of the seven ‘Wonder Cities of the World’ and also the highest. La Paz oozes culture and diversity, so today we’ll make the most of it, by exploring the alleyways and lively markets - including the ‘Witches’ Market’ - run by local witch doctors. These markets sell anything from traditional garments to potions, dried frogs, and armadillos! In many cases the witch doctors have made long journeys to the city to sell their wares, and pedal their goods even as business people, living a cosmopolitan way of life, walk the same streets. There aren’t many places where this juxtaposition exists in harmony, but La Paz seems to be one of them. After lunch we’ll cap off this trip from a unique vantage point, gazing across the city whilst riding La Paz’s famous cable car. Tonight we’ll share our final celebratory dinner together and reflect on the wonderful experiences of Peruvian and Bolivian culture in which we’ve shared.La Casona Hotel, La Paz (All meals)

Day 10 Depart for home

This is the last day of your ‘Chinchilla’ trip, if you have more time to spare, we’re happy to give you suggestions on how to make the most of it. On the other hand, if you’re on your way home today, we’ll send you back refreshed and invigorated from the great food, exercise, rest and adventures you’ll have had with us in Peru and Bolivia!(Breakfast)