South America Adventure: Lima to La Paz
South America Adventure: Lima to La Paz
South America Adventure: Lima to La Paz
11 Days Starting in Lima, Peru and ending in La Paz, Bolivia
Visiting: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Puno, La Paz
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26325
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable South America Adventure from Lima to La Paz, exploring the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Peru and Bolivia. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion, with highlights including the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, the scenic train journey through the Urubamba Valley, and the traditional life on Lake Titicaca. Experience the rich heritage of the Sacred Valley, visit community projects, and enjoy guided tours of iconic sites. Travel by plane, train, boat, and bus, staying in comfortable hotels and guesthouses. With a focus on sustainable tourism, this tour supports local communities through visits to women's weaving co-ops and community restaurants. Ideal for those seeking a classic adventure with a touch of cultural exploration, this journey promises to be a memorable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: hotel
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Additional Information: We suggest arriving early to experience everything Lima has to offer. A full day tour will be available to book during your trip check-out process.
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 (10:30 from Aug-Dec) and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. You will return back to your hotel around 13:00.
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.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Lima/Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hop a flight to Cusco. Enjoy a free day for shopping and exploring the city. Choose to pre-book an optional Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour.
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city, and getting used to the altitude.
Additional Information: 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.
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
FREE TIME: Spend the day shopping and exploring the city.
Day 3: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend a full day enjoying optional activities in the area.
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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Don't waste a minute— head out an explore.
Day 4: Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 used in the Ccaccaccollo community. 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.
TRANSPORT: FULL DAY Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit the Ccaccaccollo community centre which G Adventures travellers' donations helped create in 2005, thereby enabling local women to sell traditional textiles to travellers. See local weaving and dyeing techniques used to create garments and souvenirs, and learn how the Planeterra weaving co-operative has impacted the community and those who visit it. This includes the purchase of alpacas to provide a steady supply of wool, looms, and sewing machines as well as several training courses on production, sales and small business management.
ACTIVITY: Contribute to sustainable tourism in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village of 65 families in the Sacred Valley, by eating at the Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn how the resident-run restaurant was kickstarted by G Adventures and the Multilateral Investment Fund, to become a successful farm-to-table program that boosts the local economy and several spin-off microenterprises.
ACTIVITY: In the rural village of Cuyo Chico in the Sacred Valley, a group of families joined together to create a small business based on their traditional adobe ceramic crafts. Using clay from their surroundings, they mold bowls, plates, and all manner of decorations. Learn about the ceramics process as well as the traditional adobe brick-making that forms the basis of houses throughout the valley, all while taking in a spectacular view of the Pisac Ruins. After the demonstration, peruse the items for sale directly from the artisans in their shop.
Day 5: Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes
Location: Aguas Calientes
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. Opt to visit the local hot springs or shop in the local market.
Board a morning train that winds through the spectacular Sacred Valley to the end of the line: the village of Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled in the hills beneath Machu Picchu.
Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the butterfly house, botanical gardens or hot springs. Opt for a day hike to Mandor Gardens to see orchids and a waterfall, enjoying the lush, green scenery en route.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 6: Aguas Calientes/Cusco
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco in the evening.
Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit of the ruins then take a train back to Cusco.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
ACTIVITY: Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 7: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Use a free day to explore more of Cusco or relax.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Don't waste a minute—get out and explore the landscape on horseback, mountain bike, or explore some of the city's landmarks.
Day 8: Cusco/Puno
Location: Puno
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel day by bus from Cusco to Puno. Spend some time on arrival wandering the small city.
Travel through the high Altiplano region from Cusco to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Titicaca is also the largest lake in the world above 3800m, and the views from both Amantaní and Taquile Islands are stunning. The trip takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery en route.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 9: Puno
Location: Puno
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Titicaca including a visit to Uros and Taquile islands.
Head out by boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit the community on the Taquile Islands and enjoy a local lunch with spectacular views. Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit to Sillustani burial site.
ACTIVITY: Head out for a day on beautiful Lake Titicaca. Travel to Taquile Island to visit the community and check out the spectacular views. Do some shopping at the local weaving cooperatives and learn about the Taquileños, known for their fine handwoven textiles and clothing.
Continue on to the floating islands of Uros. Learn about the totora reeds that grow in the shallows of Lake Titicaca used to make everything from the islands themselves to the boats the islanders use for transportation (if constructed well, they last up to six months). Find out from locals how the islands are constructed; as the layers closest to the water start to rot, they are replaced with fresh reeds on top.
Day 10: Puno/La Paz
Location: La Paz
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel by bus and cross the border into Bolivia, arriving in La Paz.
Enjoy the full-day drive around the lake and through the altiplano to La Paz. Bolivia is filled with spectacular views of the countryside. La Paz is at nearly 4000m (13,120ft) above sea level, so be prepared for cool evenings and mornings.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
ACTIVITY: Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 11: La Paz
Location: La Paz
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit
Visit the Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op to learn about traditional weaving and dyeing techniques.
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G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley
Enjoy a meal at the Parwa Community Restaurant in the Sacred Valley, supporting local community projects.
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Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group during the welcome moment.
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Discover Moment: Cusco
Explore Cusco during your discover moment.
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Sacred Valley guided tour
Participate in a guided tour of the Sacred Valley.
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Pottery making demonstration
Attend a pottery making demonstration.
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Train to Machu Picchu
Travel by train to Machu Picchu.
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Machu Picchu guided tour
Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
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Floating islands of Uros visit
Visit the floating islands of Uros.
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Lake Titicaca guided tour
Take part in a guided tour of Lake Titicaca.
What's Not Included
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Meals not specified
Meals other than the specified 10 breakfasts and 1 lunch are not included.
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Optional activities
Optional activities such as the Cusco Cooking Class and Rainbow Mountain hike are not included.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping, drinks, and tips are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
Mode of Transport
Travel through South America using a variety of transport modes including planes, trains, boats, public buses, 4x4 vehicles, and hiking.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels and guesthouses for 10 nights, providing a cozy retreat after each day's adventure.
Meals Included
10 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officer's (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. This will typically include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.
Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
What to Take
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the South America Adventure tour?
The tour uses a variety of transportation methods including planes, trains, boats, public buses, 4x4 vehicles, and hiking.
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What type of accommodation is provided on the tour?
The tour includes accommodation in hotels and guesthouses for 10 nights.
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What activities are included in the Sacred Valley visit?
During the visit to the Sacred Valley, you will stop at a women's weaving co-op, visit a local pottery making community, and have lunch at the Parwa Community Restaurant. There is also an option to hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses or explore the local area.
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What can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?
You will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu, where you will explore the ruins with a local guide, learn about its history, and enjoy the views of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
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What is the experience like on Lake Titicaca?
The tour includes a guided visit to Lake Titicaca, where you will explore the Taquile Islands, enjoy a local lunch, and visit the floating islands of Uros to learn about their unique construction using totora reeds.
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Is there a group leader on the tour?
Yes, all G Adventures group trips are accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who will assist with travel arrangements, provide information, and offer suggestions for activities and dining.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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