ICONIC PERU
14 DAYS, LIMA TO LIMA

Whether you’re challenging yourself by hiking the Inca Trail or peering up into the canopy to search for jungle wildlife, this two-week trip throughout Peru is the ideal Incan-Amazon adventure. Whether you catch the scenic train to Machu Picchu or embark on one of the world’s best-known hikes to its peaks, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning combination of ruins, mountainscapes and cloud forests. This is the Peru you’ve been looking for.

 

 

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

TRAVEL STYLE: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC JOURNEYS

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

SERVICE LEVEL: UPGRADED

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours such as private transport (including internal flights on some tours) and more included meals and activities.

PHYSICAL RATING: DEMANDING

Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.

TRIP TYPE: SMALL GROUP

Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 10

 

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

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• Spot wildlife in the Amazon jungle at the G Adventures exclusive lodge

• Learn the art of weaving at a women's co-op in a traditional village

• Explore the Cusco Planetarium 

• Choose to hike the Inca Trail with our expert local guides or catch the comfortable train to Machu Picchu

• Visit the Luquina community and have lunch on Lake Titicaca

 

 

DAY 1 LIMA
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Accommodation: Hotel Antigua Miraflores (or similar)

 

DAY 2 LIMA/TAMBOPATA
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized canoe to the comfortable, intimate, and exclusive G Lodge Amazon located in the lush Tambopata Rainforest.

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.

 

DAY 3 TAMBOPATA
Enjoy guided jungle excursions led by expert naturalists to spot wildlife at nearby oxbow lakes, rivers, and clay licks. Spend some time relaxing in a hammock, enjoying the local swimming hole then go for a caiman-spotting cruise after dinner.

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 by boat out of the jungle to Puerto Maldonado for the flight over the Andes and into the heart of Inca territory, Cusco. This evening, look to the night sky for a different view at the Cusco Planetarium. Enjoy a presentation on the southern sky, contemporary astronomy, and the ancient Incas’ relationship with the cosmos. Visit the on-site museum and use the telescopes to admire 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.

 

DAY 5 CUSCO/URUBAMBA
Full-day excursion of the Sacred Valley with an expert local guide including the Pisac and ollantaytambo ruins and a visit to a G Adventures-supported women's weaving project in a local community. Also, enjoy lunch at the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo, an indigenous village.

Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, with guided walks through the Ollantaytambo and Pisac ruins.

Also visit a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op, and Huchuy Qosqo, an indigenous village previously bypassed by the tourism industry, now running the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant. Stop to enjoy lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel San Agustin Urubamba (or similar)

 

DAY 6 OLLANTAYTAMBO/WAYLLABAMBA CAMP
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the hike begins.

Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.

 

DAY 7 WAYLLABAMBA CAMP/PAQAYMAYO CAMP
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 8 PAQAYMAYO CAMP/WIÑAYWAYNA
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 Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).

 

DAY 9 WIÑAYWAYNA/CUSCO
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Wake up around 03:30 and walk to the checkpoint. 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. 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.
Accommodation: Taypikala Hotel Cusco (or similar)

 

DAY 10 CUSCO
Free day in Cusco - explore this UNESCO World Heritage site at your leisure. Opt to visit museums and ruins or try white water rafting or 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; white water rafting on the Urubamba River; and mountain biking down to the Sacred Valley, perhaps visiting an Inca ruin along the way.

 

DAY 11 CUSCO/PUNO
Drive to Puno, enjoying scenic mountain views.

Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on this full day of travel from Cusco to Puno, through the high Altiplano.
Accommodation: Casona Plaza Hotel Puno (or similar)

 

DAY 12 PUNO
Enjoy a guided boat tour of Lake Titicaca visiting the floating Islands of Uros and Taquile. Explore a bit further afield on the Lake, visiting the Luquina community and enjoy a traditional lunch in local homes. Option to visit the Sillustani 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 Juliaca and fly back to Lima to enjoy your last night in Peru.
Accommodation: Hotel Antigua Miraflores (or similar)

 

DAY 14 LIMA
Depart at any time.

 

 

CALL US NOW ON 0333 1234 246 OR

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INCLUDING:

• Arrival transfer.

• Three-day(2-night) excursion to the G Adventures exclusive rainforest lodge.

• Visit Cusco Planetarium.

• Sacred Valley tour including Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins.

• Visit the Women's Weaving Co-op.

• Lunch at Sacred Valley Community Restaurant.

• Choice of four-day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook and porters, or Cusco/Aguas Calientes stay with scenic train.

• Guided tour of Machu Picchu.

• Guided tour of Taquile and Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca.

• Visit the Luquina community and enjoy a home lunch.

• Internal flights.

• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

 

NOT INCLUDING:
- Air tickets international (we will be holding a set number of flights - enquire for details)
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- All drinks
- Visa fees and/or visa authorization
- Tips
- Porterage Fee
- Other expenses that not mentioned on the itinerary 

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- SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON REQUEST

 

10 Great reasons to join us...

• You will be inspired like never before. We passionately believe that one of the best ways to inspire people about the natural world and to get them interested in conservation - is to take them into the natural world.

• By joining this trip you will be helping us make a direct contribution to the vital work of the Katala foundation in their efforts to conserve the critically endangered Palawan forest turtle.

• You will get back in touch with nature and learn wildlife tracking skills from the Batak tribe.

• You will be able to learn all about Nigel Marven’s wildlife documentary making adventures from around the world 

• Our trips have been known to change peoples lives….check out the feedback below

• You need a holiday! But not all holidays are the same. Our trips are the perfect combination of wildlife viewing, exploration, relaxation & fun.

• You will make lasting friendships…. that will most likely last a lifetime.

• Wilderness is therapy. Absolutely nothing is better for the soul than getting out in the natural world. And exploring some of the most beautiful locations on the planet will leave you feeling more rejuvenated and alive than ever.

• You don’t have to rough it. Who said you have to rough it on a wildlife tour anyway? Far from it, we have selected some really nice little hotels in some incredible locations. So that at the end of the day, you can relax in comfort.

• Our wildlife trips are for pretty much everyone with a serious passion for wildlife and the natural world. You don’t have to be a biologist or researcher or a student - as long as you have a passion for wildlife and the natural world, then our trips are definitely for you.

 

Don't just take our word for it, just check out the sample feedback from clients who have travelled with us before....

 

“UK-based Greig Smith Travels specialises in ecotourism and wildlife holidays. Naturepixel has been on three expeditions organised by Greig Smith Travels and each of them has been outstanding”

 

Daniel Holloway - Australia,Naturepixel, Agilethinking.com.au

 

"you have given us the best holidays of our lives".

Iain Mackay, UK

 

“As I said, we both had a great time and it's right up there as one of the best holiday experiences we've had!”

Clint Evans & Sally Kettle (read about Sally's Galapagos trip in the BBC article below)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35663084?SThisFB

 

“ An Incredible bespoke travel company” 
Abigail Michalski Food Content & Community Manager - The Jamie Oliver Group

"Driver/guide (Dani) was one of the best ever experienced; courteous, knowledgeable most relaxed driving and obliging, Vehicle was always immaculately clean and felt safe all the time. Excellent in all aspects; Managed from initial inquiry through booking and finally return home with efficiency and attention to detail often beyond expectations. We know that the idea is to grow business but please don’t let that be a reason to lose the perfect personalised service you currently have.

Barry Clare UK (Madagascar trip)

“ thank you for organising a diverse and interesting experience with a marvellous infrastructure second to none. Your ground agents and wider team are a real credit to you and certainly excelled on our previous experiences with both Transindus and Audley........I am have already been already been singing your praises re your excellent services and look forward to recommending more business whenever possible for you. With very warm wishes and many thanks from both of us”
Dr Susan Oliver OBE. UK www.susanoliver.com

"Dear Paul

We are just back from our trip, and I have to tell you, it was absolutely marvellous. Nothing went wrong, and apart from a few very minor niggles, everything was perfect"

Dr Dinah Bisdee, UK, www.theguardian.com/profile/dinah-bisdee

“All in all, a spectacular holiday!”
Charles Carey UK, www.oilmerchant.co.uk

“The whole trip was utterly amazing, a most memorable experience in every way, thank you Paul”

Susan Pullman, UK

"If I had to sum up the trip in a couple of words it would simply be 'blown away. You really nailed it. To every detail. Not a thing was missed or not thought of. From the pick ups to the late check outs to the temples to the cooking. We will never forget this trip…..

...Again the planning, tours, timing, friendliness of guides and just overall itinerary was excellent.  Not a thing went wrong, and we loved every minute of it.
A huge thank you to you, and your team, and the guides for this trip.  The fact that you and your team go out and vet these hotels and do the tours just makes all the difference and makes the holiday stand out from anything we have ever experienced.  Well done, Thank you and I’ll be in touch to organize the trip for 2016 very soon.

 

Sanjay & Ruby Hunjan, UK

 

"Congratulations on a thoroughly successful trip that exceeded all of my expectations" 

Rowland Griffin, Griffin Ecological, UK Ecologist, Founder Project Chiccan,

 

"You should be applauded for providing a satisfying, sustainable and professional ecotourism experience and be proud to have directly influenced greater conservation movements. I would highly recommend your expeditions"

 

Dr. Todd Lewis B.Sc. AIBiol. (Senior Ecological Consultant)”. UK www.drtoddlewis.weebly.com