Back Roads & Highlands of Peru

Get off the beaten path in the highlands of Peru and discover stunning mountain scenery and remote cities few tourists visit. Getting to Cusco is half the adventure — travel by public bus keeps costs down and allows you to connect with the locals in the rarefied mountain air of the Andes. Climb the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas." We operate our own treks in Peru and can ensure the fair treatment of our porters — and an exceptional experience for you.

Day 1 Lima
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Lima/Huancayo
Enjoy a spectacular bus ride into the Andes to Huancayo.

Day 3 Huancayo
Spend the day enjoying optional activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, or just enjoy the scenery.

Day 4 Huancayo/Huancavelica
Travel to the picturesque colonial city of Huancavelica aboard el Tren Macho. Take in the Peruvian countryside passing by the window and enjoy the ride amongst the locals.

Day 5 Huancavelica/Ayacucho
Travel through the highlands and remote communities of the Andes to Ayacucho.

Day 6 Ayacucho
Spend two days in Ayacucho, with optional day tours to nearby archaeological sites, markets, city tours or individual exploration.

Day 7 Ayacucho
Spend two days in Ayacucho, with optional day tours to nearby archaeological sites, markets, city tours or individual exploration.

Day 8 Ayacucho/Andahuaylas
Pass by rural areas, massive mountain peaks and small villages to reach Andahuaylas.

Day 9 Andahuaylas
Enjoy free time in Andahuaylas. Opt to visit to the Sondor archaeological site, the Pacucha Lagoon or the market.

Day 10 Andahuaylas/Cusco
Hop aboard a local bus and head to Cusco today. Upon arrival, feel free to explore the city.

Day 11 Cusco
Enjoy free time to explore Cusco or take an optional city tour, head out whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.

Day 12 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).

Day 13 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.

Day 14 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 15 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 16 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 17 Cusco
Depart at any time.