Journeys: Inca Explorer

15 Days Lima Return
Journeys: Inca Explorer
Journeys: Inca Explorer
Journeys: Inca Explorer

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 15 Day Journeys: Inca Explorer. Experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Peru as we travel to the country’s renowned archaeological sites as well as lesser known wonders. Discover the timeless local traditions of Lake Titicaca, wander the halls of a colonial-era convent in Arequipa, and delight in views of the Sacred Valley from the train to Machu Picchu. Traverse Peru's coastal desert, and soak up the charms of vibrant Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.
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US$3,482 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Trip Length
Trip Length

15 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Lima

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Lima

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Operator
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Trip Style

National Geographic Journeys

Budget
Budget

Affordable

Age Range
Age Range

6-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

16

Pace
Pace

Moderate

Guide Style
Guide Style

Fully Guided

Tour Code
Tour Code

SPING

Itinerary

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. Stay: Hotel Radisson RED

Drive south from Lima to the district of Lurín for a visit to a cooperative of migrant artisans, whose handicrafts preserve their ancestral traditions and techniques in the creation of ceramics, textiles and retablos. Meet the artists, hear of their stories and the significance of their crafts, and then sit down for a ceramic painting workshop. Continue the journey to the sun-soaked coastal down of Paracas, which serves as the starting point for trips to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve. Check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure, opting to enjoy fresh seafood and pisco sour–Peru’s national drink. Stay: Posada del Emancipador Hotel (B)

Embark on a boat tour of the impressive Ballestas Islands, a group of rocky islets that provide refuge to sea lions, marine otters, penguins, and hundreds of species of seabirds. Next, we’ll visit one of South America’s oldest wineries. Learn about the history of wine production in Peru with a resident expert, and enjoy a tasting of pisco. After lunch, drive towards Nasca, stopping at the oasis town of Huacachina to view its soaring sand dunes. Stay: Casa Andina Standard Nazca (B)

The Nasca province of Peru is named for the mysterious Nasca civilization that flourished here between 200 BC and 600 AD. Venture to a Nasca cemetery in the desert to see ancient mummies, cloth fragments, and pottery; then visit a nearby pottery studio for a demonstration of traditional pottery making techniques. For dinner tonight, we’ll enjoy a spread of delicious dishes cooked in the style of a pachamanca, an ancient technique of burying food in an earthen oven, lending a hand with the preparation. Stay: Casa Andina Standard Nazca (B/D)

Set off on a full day drive along the coast to the beautiful, volcano-framed town of Arequipa. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a restful evening after the day’s long journey. Stay: Hotel Vita Arequipa (B/L)

Discover the sights of Arequipa, nicknamed the “white city” for its buildings made of white sillar—a type of volcanic rock. On a guided walking tour, explore the lanes of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, including a visit to the 16th-century Santa Catalina Monastery. Later, dig into Arequipa’s renowned cuisine with a cooking class led by a chef at a picantería, a traditional lunchtime restaurant. Try local favourites such as guinea pig, stuffed spicy peppers, and chicha—a local beer typically made from fermented maize. Stay: Hotel Vita Arequipa (B/L)

Fly to Cusco, once the capital of the great Inca Empire and a designated World Heritage site. Settle into your hotel and explore the charming city on your own. Opt to visit Plaza de Armas, the historic main square; venture to the 15th-century Sacsayhuaman fortress; discover a stunning array of artifacts at the Inca Museum; and more. Stay: Taypikala Hotel Cusco (B)

Drive to the scenic Sacred Valley for a full day of exploration with a local guide. Tour the G Adventures–supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you'll walk through the park to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We’ll also visit the fascinating Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, and enjoy a meal at the G Adventures–supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo, an indigenous village. Stay: Villa Urubamba (B/L)

Travel by train through the lush Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled beneath Machu Picchu. The afternoon is free for optional excursions. Take a relaxing soak in the local hot springs, visit a botanical garden, or wander the handicraft stalls in town as you prepare for an early start the following day to go up to Machu Picchu. Stay: Hotel Taypikala Machupicchu (B)

This morning, embark on a guided tour of Machu Picchu—the 15th-century Inca citadel famously introduced to the world by archaeologist Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine. After being taken through the temples and terraces of this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, return to Cusco by train. Stay: Taypikala Hotel Cusco (B)

Discover the cultural treasures of Cusco on your own today, or opt for a white-water rafting, horseback riding, or mountain biking excursion. Alternatively, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class, picking out fresh ingredients at the market and learning to prepare an array of Peruvian specialities. This evening, visit the Cusco Planetarium for a presentation on the skies of the Southern Hemisphere, and learn about the vital role that astronomy played in the lives of the ancient Inca. Weather permitting, peer through the planetarium's telescopes for a dazzling look at the stars. Stay: Taypikala Hotel Cusco (B)

Head south on a scenic drive to Puno, perched on the western shore of Lake Titicaca. The journey will take us through the Altiplano, a vast, windswept landscape of plateaus and plains that counts among the planet’s most extensive highlands. Arrive in Puno, the region’s commercial hub, and settle into your hotel. Stay: Casona Plaza Hotel Puno (B)

Set out to explore Lake Titicaca—one of the highest navigable lakes in the world and the second largest lake in South America. On a guided boat tour, visit the floating Uros Islands—built entirely of reeds—and step ashore Taquile Island, home to a thriving indigenous textile industry. For lunch, we’ll head to the small rural community of Luquina Chico. Enjoy a traditional meal in the home of a local family while taking in sweeping views of Lake Titicaca and its picturesque isles. Later, opt for a tour of Sillustani, a fascinating pre-Inca burial site. Stay: Casona Plaza Hotel Puno (B/L)

Transfer to the Juliaca airport to catch a flight back to Lima. Spend your last evening in Peru at leisure opt to explore the streets of Lima’s World Heritage-listed historic center and enjoy mouthwatering Peruvian tapas. Stay: Hotel Radisson RED (B)

Depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Encounter unique wildlife in Paracas National Park and the Ballestas Islands.
  • Learn about Arequipa's renowned regional cuisine with a cooking class by a local chef.
  • Explore the Cusco Planetarium.
  • Walk through ancient ruins and local villages in the Sacred Valley.
  • Take in stunning views on the train to Machu Picchu.
  • Visit the Luquina community and have lunch on Lake Titicaca.

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Arequipa Cooking Class, Arequipa
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Andean Experience, Urubamba
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Cusco Planetarium, Cusco
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Lake Titicaca Community Home Lunch, Lake Titicaca
  • Your G for Good Moment: Ichimay Wari: Visit & Handicraft Workshop, Lurin
  • Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay
  • Your G for Good Moment: Parque de la Papa (Potato Park), Pisac
  • Your G for Good Moment: Luquina Chico Community Visit, Lake Titicaca
  • Your Foodie Moment: Pisco winery visit and tasting, Paracas
  • Your Foodie Moment: Pachamanca, Nazca
  • Your Discover Moment: Cusco
  • Arrival transfer
  • Ballestas Islands boat trip
  • Visit the Chauchilla cemetery and potter's workshop in Nazca
  • Arequipa city tour including the Santa Catalina Convent
  • Guided boat tour of Taquile and Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca
  • Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ruins guided tour
  • Scenic train and guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Hotels – 14 nts
  • Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.

  • National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides

  • 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner

  • Private van, plane, train, boat, walking

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Operator

G Adventures
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.

On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: National Geographic Journeys
Trip Style: National Geographic Journeys

These small group tours combine meaningful cultural experiences with upgraded comfort and expert insight. Many itineraries include visits to community projects supported by G Adventures or National Geographic, offering a chance to connect with people and places in a more impactful way.

With more inclusions than other travel styles, character-filled accommodations and exclusive pre-trip reading to set the scene, these adventures are ideal for travelers who want to explore thoughtfully and return inspired.

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Dates & Pricing USD USD

Saturday 11 Apr 2026 11 Apr 26 Lima
Saturday 25 Apr 2026 25 Apr 26 Lima
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,079
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday 25 Apr 2026 25 Apr 26 Lima
Saturday 09 May 2026 09 May 26 Lima
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,079
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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