Compare Iconic Peru by G Adventures vs Peru Family Magic by Adventure Unbound

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: Lima City Tour

Accommodation: Lima Hotel

Fly into Lima and begin your Peruvian outdoor adventure! Upon landing, you’re greeted by a Peru Unbound guide and taken to your hotel where you have some time to freshen up. This evening, get your first glimpse of Peru on a guided tour of Lima, the “City of Kings.” Pass through the Plaza de Armas, the Religious Art Museum and the new Magic Water Circuit in Lima’s Reserve Park—a Guinness World Record holding circuit known for its 13 stunning fountains that combine movement, lights, sounds and images. We also tour of Lima’s Historical Centre is the Government Palace, cathedral, and City Hall.

Enjoy a delicious Peruvian dinner before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Day 2: Lima, Cusco & The Sacred Valley 

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Sacred Valley Hotel

Depart Lima this morning and fly to historic Cusco. Upon arrival, begin the day’s journey to the Sacred Valley. En route, visit the colorful Andean village of Pisac renowned for its marketplace that draws locals in from across the region. Peruse the stalls and the authentic goods before lunch. Spend this evening exploring the wonders of the Sacred Valley before bed.

Day 3: Sacred Valley (Stand up paddle & Chinchero Textiles)

Meals Included: Breakfast and Picnic Lunch

Accommodation: Sacred Valley Hotel

After a fresh breakfast, travel to the nearby Piuray Lagoon, where you can explore the sights on a stand-up paddle board and relax with a yoga session. Then, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the Andean mountains.

This afternoon takes us to Chinchero Textiles, a center for Cusco’s traditional textiles. We’re joined by a woman dedicated to preserving and incorporating the ancient Inca’s weaving techniques as well as pre-Columbian knitting styles. Learn more about her passion and the center’s weaving techniques and dye procedures before enjoying a leisurely evening exploring the Sacred Valley.

Day 4: Community Service - Healthy Breakfast - Aguas Calientes

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Machu Picchu Hotel

Get a cooking lesson and help prepare breakfast for local children in today’s incredible service adventure. Begin your day early with a trip to the local marketplace, where your guide helps you purchase a selection of breakfast ingredients in preparation for this morning’s cooking lesson. Engage with the local producers before heading to a nearby local school, where you may interact with the children before heading to the school kitchen to prepare an authentic Peruvian breakfast for the children. Guests also have the option of donating a school materials kit for the children.

After this morning’s enlightening interaction with the children of Peru, travel to Ollantaytambo. A guided tour of the region prepares you for boarding the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival and check-in in this evening’s accommodations, discover some fine restaurants and sites on your own.

Day 5: Machu Picchu & Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Cusco Hotel

Today takes you to one of the tour’s highlights: Machu Picchu. Travel to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu this morning and enjoy a full day of exploration as you tour the lost city’s main archeological sites. After venturing into the past, you also have the chance to trek up the towering Huayna Picchu—a stunning mountain known for its own historical landmarks and grand views.

Relax with some lunch at The Sanctuary Lodge before traveling back to Ollantaytambo and ultimately back to Cusco.

Day 6: Cusco City Tour & Choco Museum

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Cusco Hotel

After a delicious breakfast, we visit some of the fascinating attractions that the city of Cusco has to offer. Visit Cusco's Spanish colonial monuments (including the Main Square) and cathedral, both rich in historical importance and visually striking. Our tour then takes us to the Convent and Church of Santo Domingo, which the Spanish constructed on top of the ancient Incan temple of Koricancha—fabled to have golden walls.

After this "golden" visit we explore the surrounding ruins of Cusco, including Sacsayhuamán. Sacsayhuamán puts Stonehenge to shame with its three overlapping platforms of boulders, each over 360m long. It is thought to be designed as a fortress of sorts. Even if that wasn't its original purpose, there's no denying that Sacsayhuamán was yet another great accomplishment among a long list of others for the Incans.

In the afternoon, tempt your tastebuds with a tour to a chocolate museum, where you can appreciate the different varieties of cacao and their transformation to delicious products. Learn how to prepare chocolate truffles or chocolate candies filled with flavored chocolate ganache. After visiting this delicious museum, return to hotel and enjoy Cusco’s many other adventures.

OPTIONAL: Kids may participate in the chocolate museum activity while parents may visit other destinations.

Day 7: Cusco - Lima - Home

Enjoy a final Peruvian breakfast before traveling to the Cusco airport to catch your return flight home.