TailorMade Peru: Andes & Machu Picchu

Make it truly your own. Start with this TailorMade sample itinerary, then work with our Private Travel team to customize the tour. Ancient civilizations and incredible animal life come together on this Peru itinerary that you can tweak and craft to your liking. Spot boobies, pelicans, and sea lions at the Ballestas Islands (known as Peru's Little Galápagos) then trek the challenging but rewarding Inca Trail to bask in the sight of Machu Picchu at sunrise.

Day 1 Lima
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

Day 2 Lima/Paracas
Enjoy a free morning in Lima before travelling in a private vehicle to Paracas.

Day 3 Paracas/Nazca
Visit the Ballestas Islands before travelling to Nazca. En route, stop at a winery and at the Oasis of Huacachina.

Day 4 Nazca/Arequipa
Take a guided tour of the Nazca desert cemetery and potter's studio and enjoy a flight over the Nazca Lines before an overnight drive to Arequipa.

Day 5 Arequipa
Enjoy a city tour of Arequipa and visit the Santa Catalina Monastery.

Day 6 Arequipa/Colca Canyon
Travel to Chivay, a village near Colca Canyon, for an optional dip in the thermal baths. Continue on to nearby Colca Canyon for the day, take a guided tour to spot condors.

Day 7 Colca Canyon/Puno
Travel by private vehicle to Puno. Arrive with a little time to wander the markets and explore the city.

Day 8 Puno/Lake Titicaca
Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village.

Day 9 Lake Titicaca/Puno
Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno.

Day 10 Puno/Cusco
Hop in a private vehicle for a full day's drive to Cusco.

Day 11 Cusco
Enjoy a half-day tour of Cusco's main sights. Walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. Visit Qenqo, Koricancha, the Cathedral, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the archaeological site of Sacsaywaman. After, enjoy a free afternoon.

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 the Pisac ruins. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the Ollantaytambo ruins.

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 16km (9h) 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 if time allows before returning to Cusco.

Day 17 Cusco
Enjoy a free morning in Cusco before visiting a local market and learning about Peruvian cuisine in a cooking class.

Day 18 Cusco/Tambopata
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized boat to the comfortable and intimate G Lodge Amazon.

Day 19 Tambopata
Enjoy guided excursions by expert naturalists to spot wildlife at nearby oxbow lakes and along jungle trails. Spend some time relaxing in a hammock, enjoying the local swimming hole or visiting a nearby plantation. Go for a caiman-spotting cruise after dinner.

Day 20 Tambopata/Lima
Fly back to Lima for a final night in the city.

Day 21 Lima
Depart at any time.