Compare Inca Empire by G Adventures vs Off the Beaten Path Peru Bolivia Tour 12 Day – The Best of Bolivia & Peru by Keteka

Day 1 La Paz

Arrive at any time.

Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Latin America (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.

Day 2 La Paz

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please note: if you pre-book 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. Return back to your hotel around 16:00.

Day 8 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.

Day 9 Inca Trail

Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.

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 10 Inca Trail

Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, 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.

Day 11 Inca Trail

Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. 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 the cloud forest on a 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 Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).

Day 12 Machu Picchu/Cusco

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 for a guided tour of the ruins, before your train back towards Cusco.

Day 13 Cusco

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

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.

Day 15 Lima

Depart at any time.

Day 1: Private Culinary and Historic Center Tour of Lima

Meals: Lunch

You will arrive in Lima and spend the day and evening getting to know this ancient and diverse city. You’ll get an introduction to Peru`s world renowned coastal cuisine, as well as a tour of Lima’s historical landmarks.

Morning pickup at your Lima hotel for a private tour of Lima`s historic highlights and world famous coastal cuisine. You’ll begin the morning in a local market shopping alongside moms and sous chefs. Here, you can sample fresh fruits and explore Peruvian produce. Peru is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries and producer of an exotic array of jungle, highland and coastal foods. The local market will whet your appetite for the day.

Afterwards, you can take a break to enjoy Peru’s flagship dish: ceviche. These sublime fish and seafood cocktails, gently marinated in fresh lime juice, are a Lima staple. You will also have a chance to taste other excellent options, like causa limeña – avocado and shrimp layered between mashed potatoes.

After enjoying the food, you will walk in Lima’s historic center, checking out the Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, the Archbishop’s residence, the Presidential Palace, and the bright-yellow Franciscan monastery and church, which is most famous for its bone-lined catacombs, built in 1546 as a cemetery.

The day’s gastronomic adventures end with picarones (fried deserts). Every culture has a version, and the Peruvian edition is crafted from wheat flour that is dotted with anise and blended with sweet potatoes and pumpkin, then is topped with a liberal dose of molasses syrup. In other words, sheer greasy glory when they’re fresh out of the fryer! In the evening, you will return to your Lima hotel.

Day 2: Cusco Locals Tour

Meals: Breakfast

You’ll arrive in Cusco, the former center of the Inca Empire, and spend the afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets, local markets, and learning about Cusco`s incredible history from your local guide.

After breakfast, transfer to the Lima airport for a short flight to Cusco.  Your local guide and river will be waiting at the airport to depart on a private walking tour of Cusco, including the cathedral, Coricancha, San Pedro Market, and the historic neighborhood of San Blas. There is quite a lot to see in Cusco and flexibility in your schedule; the guide can help you plan an afternoon to suit your interests once you arrive.

At midday, you’ll enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch, then make a short drive with your guide to four important ruins above the city: the fortresses of Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara & Tambomachay. Enjoy the interesting ruins and beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys before descending to your hotel in the early evening.

Day 3: Private Sacred Valley Tour and Train to Aguas Calientes

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Today, you’ll do a cultural deep dive in the Sacred Valley, visiting a local family and a community-based tourism project.

After breakfast, you will depart for the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, en route to Aguas Calientes.Along the way you’ll stop at interesting Inca ruins, artisan markets and cascading salt ponds. You’ll enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family, and gain true insight into local culture. Later you’ll visit an amazing community-based tourism project, and learn about traditional farming of crops such as potatoes, quinoa, and medicinal plants. Then, it’s on to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll tour an Inca fortress before a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes.

Day 4: Private Machu Picchu Tour

Meals: Breakfast

You’ll wake up early this morning to catch the bus to the gates of one of the great Wonders of the World. You will ascend stone steps, through heavy tree cover to finally emerge at the top of the world – Machu Picchu! The incredible Inca stone construction will be spread below, alternately hidden and revealed by clouds. You`ll have a 2.5-3 hour private tour with your guide, followed by time to explore on your own. In the afternoon, descend to Aguas Calientes for your return train to Ollantaytambo. Your driver will be waiting in the station and bring you to your hotel in Cusco for a good night’s rest.

Day 5: Altiplano Adventure; Transfer to Puno

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After an early breakfast, you will begin your transfer to Puno, along with a bilingual guide who will show you the sights along the way. The day will have several guided tours, including to Pukara, Raqchi, La Raya, Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, with a buffet lunch in Sicuani Village. There are tons of beautiful landscapes and plenty of opportunities to ask your guide any questions you may have. Below is a brief description of stops along the way:

Andahuaylillas: Referred to as the Andean Sistine Chapel because of its magnificent frescoes, the church is but one example of the Mestizo Baroque architecture typical of the Cusco School which was prominent in the 17th century. You will marvel at the ceiling of carved panels covered with gold leaf.

Raqchi (or the Temple of the god Wiracocha): This Inca temple is monumental – 100m in length, 26m in width and 14m in height. Divided into two naves, each of these still retains the base of eleven giant columns. The base of the walls consists of Imperial Inca stonework with a top section of adobe.

La Raya: The highest pass on the route between Cusco and Puno, La Raya is 4335m above sea level. Beautiful landscapes await you, as well as the animals that are symbolic of the Andes: llamas, alpacas, and vicunas!

Pukara: This is the most important and oldest ceremonial site this side of Tiahuanaco. Characterized by a series of staired platforms, the ruins also reveal some lit sculptures and tombstones, all witnesses of a pre-Inca civilization, possibly one at the origin of the Andean culture of the Altiplano.

Transfer to your hotel upon arrival in Puno.

Day 6: Lake Titicaca

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning you`ll be met at your hotel for transfer to the port. You will depart by fully equipped speedboat with on-board service, arriving at a secluded section of Taquile Island first. Here, you will explore the less touristy and scenic area of the island, and enjoy a pristine sandy beach, where you will have plenty of time to relax and feel the serenity of Titicaca. From there, you’ll hike through a pre-Inca trail with spectacular landscapes of the island, visiting families of weavers to learn about their textile art & symbolism that has been declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

At approximately 11:30AM, you’ll depart from the island for travel to the community of Santa Maria – Llachon, on the tip of the Capachica Peninsula, a very scenic off-the-beaten-track destination. You’ll be welcomed by a small community and quickly introduced to an intensive cross cultural experience, observing their traditions and participating in an ancient ceremony to learn about their magical world. Here, you’ll get to witness the preparation of Peru’s famous “Pachamanca” – a traditional way of cooking meat, fish and potatoes using underground ovens. Enjoy these delicacies in a small, but very scenic, restaurant.

From Santa Maria, you’ll travel to one of the remote areas of the National Reserve of Lake Titicaca, and explore Uros Ccapi, considered the last authentic floating islands, less commercial and little visited. The Uros are descendants of one of the oldest cultures in South America. Optional tours in reed boats. Depart back to Puno for arrival in the early evening, with transfer to your hotel.

Day 7: Private Transfer to La Paz; Tour of Isla del Sol

Meals: Breakfast

Morning travel by bus to the Bolivian border.  After clearing customs and immigration, continue to Copacabana by private transfer for a visit to fascinating Isla del Sol (Sun Island). Arrive in exciting La Paz in the late afternoon to evening. 

Day 8: La Paz

Meals: Breakfast

Morning departure on a unique walking tour through downtown La Paz to appreciate samples of murals and urban art created by talented local artists and invited muralists from other countries. Through the visual arts, visitors can learn in more depth many peculiarities that are signature of Bolivian culture, tradition, history, society and modern issues. Visitors also have a peek on new features that are reshaping the city’s culture, such as the new public transportation bus system called Puma Katari and the newly implemented cable car system.

The path includes popular sites like El Prado, Mercado Camacho, Parque Urbano Central, Teatro al Aire Libre, the esplanade of the public university UMSA and the pleasant neighborhood of Sopocachi and includes a stop at a traditional snack place to taste a typical, local pastry and hot beverage. The duration of the tour is 3 hours and includes light walking with few uphills. Afternoon free to relax, explore La Paz on your own, and prepare for Uyuni the following morning!

Day 9: Flight to Uyuni, Begin 3D/2N Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Early morning flight to Uyuni.  Covering 12,000 square kilometers (4,633 square miles) of Bolivian altiplano, the salt flats of Uyuni are an inspiring natural phenomenon. Enjoy a full-day excursion of this surreal, natural landscape, with its expansive crystalline terrain, colorful lagoons, surrounding mountain ranges and volcanoes. Today we will visit the famous train cemetery, Tunupa lookout, salt water springs, and observe bizarre stone formations sculpted by wind erosion.

Day 10: Uyuni Day 2

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

A highlight of your journey today will be the rocky outcrop of Isla Incawasi, with unusual rock formations and a forest of giant cacti.  In addition, we`ll travel across the Siloli desert (one of the driest on earth) and visit Kañapa, Hedionda and Ch’iar Quta lagoons.  With luck, we`ll be able to spot flamingos and other wildlife.

Day 11: Uyuni Day 3

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Full day excursion to Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. Visit Stone Tree, an enormous rock shaped by the wind like a tree, Red Lagoon/Laguna Colorado (characterized by the red tone of its waters inhabited by flocks of flamingoes of three different species), Sol de Mañana Geysers (fumaroles and volcanic craters of spectacular formation featuring volcanic activity), & Green Lagoon/Laguna Verde. Looking like a giant emerald, it is framed by Licancabur Volcano. It`s intensely green coloring is due to high magnesium content.  We`ll return to Uyuni in time for your flight back to La Paz.