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Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 11 Day The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins. No traveller should ever have to choose between exploring Peru’s coastal desert or adventuring to Machu Picchu, so we created this 11-day, hostel-based tour to help the world out. Kicking off from Lima, you’ll feast on fresh seafood and cruise around on dune buggies at a desert oasis before heading up to the mountains where ruins, hikes, and outrageous scenery await. In Cusco, you’ll get an insider’s tour of the city and then head out to visit some lesser-known highlights of the read more Sacred Valley, all leading up to the big moment of seeing Machu Picchu for the very first time.
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Our Price From
US$1,183 per person
Price shown based on multi share
Save up to $395 per person
Trip Length
11 Days
Trip Starts
Lima
Trip Ends
Cusco
Departures
Jun 2026 to Nov 2026
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Roamies
Accommodation
Hostels
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
18-35 Years
Max. Group Size
24
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
SPMCHW
Itinerary
Arrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Hungry? You've got solid options with all of the great bars and restaurants near the hostel in the funky neighborhood of Barranco.
Accommodation:
Hostelworld Viajero Barranco
Included Experiences
- Meet Your CEO and Group: 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.
Buckle up, it's going to be a big one today. Head south from Lima along the coast to a small fishing town for a delicious seafood lunch and learn how Peruvian ceviche is prepared ... doesn't get much fresher than that! Next, head inland and board dune buggies to rip around the sand dunes and even try your hand at sandboarding before taking a swim in a desert oasis at sunset. Carry on to another desert oasis at Huacachina, where we'll check into our hostel and take a load off. Having fun yet? It’s only day 2!
Accommodation:
Viajero Huacachina
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Seafood Lunch at the beach: Tuck into a delicious and fresh seafood lunch near the beach featuring ceviche, one of Peru's most iconic dishes. Learn about how it's prepared so that you can try it out when you get home. If seafood isn't your thing, don't worry - there will be plenty of other options available for you.
- Dune Buggies and Sandboarding at a Desert Oasis: Get the adrenaline pumping as you zip off into the desert in dune buggies over the rolling sand. Try your hand at sandboarding before arriving to a remote oasis where you'll have the chance to swim, kayak and chill out as the afternoon winds down to sunset.
Today is all about you with a free day in Huacachina. If exploring the surroundings is your thing, you could check out the Nazca Lines from the air, take a kiteboarding class in Paracas, visit some nearby pisco distilleries, or maybe even take another ride in the dune buggies! Otherwise staying near the hostel at the oasis by the pool with a cold drink is always a great option too.
Accommodation:
Viajero Huacachina
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Optional Experiences
- Flight over Nazca Lines: Take to the skies for the best view of the enigmatic Nazca Lines, a series of patterns and pictures etched in the ground, crisscrossing a wide area of flat desert. Marvel at the lines measuring up to 10km (6 mi) in length, yet, remaining perfectly straight. See depictions of birds, insects, and animals only recognizable from the air. Decide for yourself the origin of the lines – who drew the lines, and why, remains a mystery. Current beliefs suggest that they may be part of complex agricultural calendar.
- Sunset Sandboarding & Dune Buggies: Get your adrenaline pumping in a dune buggy on the desert dunes, ride the ups and downs in these desert mountains. Strap on a board and try out sandboarding, just like it sounds like snowboarding, but on sand. Enjoy the softer landings and the warmer temps. After, head back to the oasis of Huacachina through the stunning dunes and watch the sunset in the distance.
Start early today and hop on a bus to the nearby town of Paracas for a boat excursion out to the Ballestas Islands. Seabirds, penguins and sea lions galore! Take some time to eat some more great seafood for lunch if that's your jam before returning to Lima in the afternoon for a final night out on the town with your mates. Pisco sour anyone?
Accommodation:
Hostelworld Viajero Barranco
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Ballestas Islands Trip: Get ready to do some amazing wildlife watching on this trip to Ballestas Islands (aka Lima's Little Galapagos) on the Peruvian Coast. Spot playful sea lions, Humboldt penguins, boobies, pelicans, and more than 200 species of sea birds. Be sure to bring a camera to capture some amazing pics.
- Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Rise and shine and get ready to head high up into the Andes today on a short 1 hour flight to Cusco. You'll check into our comfy hostel in the historical centre and then take taxis up to the "Cristo Blanco" statue with the CEO for awesome views of the city and of the sprawling Sacsaywaman archaeological site right next to it. We'll wander back down to the main plaza through the backstreets of the city and then have the rest of the afternoon to explore and acclimatize to the altitude, grab a drink at a cafe on the main plaza or just relax back at the hostel.
Accommodation:
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Bust out the walking shoes as today we’re going to hit the pavement! Set out on foot with your CEO to the San Pedro market before heading up into the narrow cobblestone backstreets to check out the Sapantiana aqueduct and stairway waterfall, a hidden gem of the city. Continue to San Blas for killer views and scarf down a delicious local lunch at one of the restaurants near the small plaza. Take the rest of the day to continue exploring or grab a drink near the main plaza and watch the world go by.
Accommodation:
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Backstreets walk of Cusco: San Pedro, Sapantiana and San Blas with Lunch: Head out on foot with your CEO today to the backstreets of Cusco along the cobblestone alleyways and plazas. Take in the sights and smells of the sprawling San Pedro market and try out a glass of fresh fruit juice from one of the stalls. Head up through the oldest part of the city to the huaca and aqueduct of Sapantiana with a cascading waterfall tumbling over the stone steps. Carry on to the San Blas neighborhood for awesome views over the city and to eat a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
You may have seen the typical day tours to the Sacred Valley, well today is definitely not one of them! Head out in a private ride and make the first stop at the lesser-visited (but awesome) Inca ruins of Killarumiyoq, a sanctuary dedicated to the moon. After a visit with our expert guide we'll carry on to another site at Iglesia Ñaupa before setting off on foot along a trail through the mountains to the beautiful waterfall of Perolniyoc. Soak in the scenery while eating a tasty boxed lunch before hiking back out to the bus and continuing to the nearby town of Ollantaytambo. Still want more? Check out the Ollantaytambo ruins at sunset, have a drink at a cafe or just hang out with friends at the hostel.
Accommodation:
Las Orquideas Ollantaytambo
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Visit to Killarumiyoq: Located 50km to the west of Cusco, the ruins of Killarumiyoq may not be as well-visited but they are no less impressive than some of the other Inca sites in the area. Thought to be a ceremonial centre dedicated to the moon and the divinity of womanhood, Killarumiyoq demonstrates how the Incas used the lunar cycles to plan agricultural calendars and to celebrate the fertility of the earth.
- Iglesia Ñaupa and Hike to Perolniyoc Waterfall: A hidden gem of the Sacred Valley, Iglesia Ñaupa is a small Inca temple that roughly translates to "old church" in a mixture of Spanish and Quechua. We'll access the site by walking up through a series of ancient terraces with the temple on top, carved out of a natural cave. After exploring the site with our local guide, continue on to embark on a short trek into the mountains to the spectacular Perolniyoc watervall. The hike is about an hour up the mountain trail until reaching the waterfall, where we'll have plenty of time to rest, take pictures and eat a delicious boxed lunch before returning on the same trail out.
All aboard! Jump on the morning train and sit back for stunning views of the valley along the Urubamba River. For the hikers amongst us who have pre-booked the 1-day Inca Trail option, you'll get off the train early at km 104 to hike to the Sun Gate with a local guide and see Machu Picchu in the afternoon before meeting up with everyone again in the evening. For the rest of us, we'll arrive in town before lunch and will have the rest of the day to explore, shop, see a nearby waterfall or soak in the local hot springs. Don't stay up too late tonight though, tomorrow's the big day!
Accommodation:
Machu Picchu Inn
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Experiences
- Hot Springs Visit: Soak your sore muscles in the local hot springs for which the town, Aguas Calientes, was originally named.
- Mandor Waterfall Hike: Head out on a nature walk to Mandor Waterfall. See how many different types of butterflies you can spot along the way. Enjoy the waterfall set in lush green jungle before returning to Aguas Calientes.
- One-Day Inca Trail Hike: Traverse cloud forests while enjoying spectacular views on this '1-day Inca Trail' trek. Start by disembarking the train at km 104. Follow the local guide as the trail rises steeply up into the mountains and winds past the archaeological sites of Wiñay Wayna and Inti Pata. Gain insight into the fascinating culture of the Incas en route to the trek's culmination at the Sun Gate. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way, and reach the Sun Gate in the late afternoon. Enjoy free time to explore a bit of Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following day. After, take one of the blue buses from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a hotel in town. Opt to visit nearby hot springs to soak sore muscles, if time permits. **Please note this must be pre-booked as it requires an Inca Trail permit. Travellers completing this trek will be assigned Circuit 3 for their guided visit of Machu Picchu, but will also have access to the panoramic viewpoint upon arrival via the Sun Gate. Please speak to your GCO or travel agent for more information.
Rise and Shine! The early start today might be a bit painful but it's more than worth it, we swear. Before dawn, take a bus from town up the mountain to Machu Picchu for a guided tour with our local expert. Grab some lunch in Aguas Calientes at one of the many restaurants and then head back to Ollantaytambo by train to catch the bus back to Cusco. If you haven't noticed by now, the nightlife is pretty great in Cusco, and if not.. well, now's your chance to see for yourself.
Accommodation:
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Machu Picchu Guided Tour: 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.
Free day in Cusco, yes please! For those that have not gotten enough hiking and feed-worthy moments, you could take on the full-day trek to Rainbow Mountain. Otherwise there are plenty of other things to keep you busy like mountain biking, or exploring the city's museums, markets and shops - or you may just want to relax at the hostel with friends. It's pretty win-win no matter what.
Accommodation:
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Optional Experiences
- Rainbow Mountain Hike - Full-day Trip: Lookout over these colourful Andean mountains striped with maroon, turquoise, lavender, and gold. The sediment, elevation, and proximity to the ocean create a landscape that has to be seen to be believed. Get started early to drive around 3 hours approximately to the starting point of this challenging, yet rewarding full-day hike. Reaching 5,029m (16,500 ft) this 8 km hike is no walk in the park, but these unique mountains do not disappoint. The ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours.
- Cusco Tourist Ticket: This ticket allows admission at 16 sights of the city of Cusco including many popular museums and cathedrals, the ticket also provides entrance to Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, and sights in the South Valley of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Horseback Riding: Hop in the saddle and explore Cusco’s archaeological sites by horseback on a 3.5 hr tour – no previous experience needed. Dress for the weather, and bring sunblock and a hat, just in case.
- Mountain Biking: Take to two wheels and head out into the hills around Cusco for some nature-meets-adrenaline fun. Try a trip to the Sacred Valley, perhaps, visiting an Inca ruin along the way.
- Inka Museum: Get ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.
- Cusco City Tour: 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.
Depart at any time, or maybe extend your stay in the hostel for a few more days to keep the good times rolling.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Trip Inclusions
- Ride dune buggies through the desert before sunset.
- Spot birds and sea lions on a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands.
- Check out some lesser-visited archaeological sites before hiking to a stunning waterfall in the Sacred Valley.
- Wander through the temples and terraces of Machu Picchu with an expert local guide.
- Take advantage of free time for optional activities.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Foodie Moment: Seafood Lunch at the beach, Cerro Azul
- Seafood lunch near the beach in Cerro Azul
- Sandboarding and dune buggy excursion to a desert oasis
- Boat excursion to spot wildlife at the Ballestas Islands
- Insiders walking tour of Cusco with local lunch
- Visit Killarumiyoq and Iglesia Ñaupa archaeological sites
- Hike to Perolniyoc Waterfall in the Sacred Valley
- Train to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu guided tour
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Public bus, train, private van, plane
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hostels (8 Nights), Hotel (2 Nights)
- Accommodation will be primarily in multi-share hostels (typically 6-8 people per room), with a choice of mixed gender and female-only dorms as well as available upgrades to twin-share rooms (same gender).
- Some rooming exceptions may apply due to the unique nature of the itineraries and of the hostels themselves, which have been specifically chosen to give local flavour to your trip. Please see the full itinerary description and the Rooming Exception section below for any specific exceptions to the rooming that may apply to this tour.
- 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.
- 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches
- 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 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.
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: Roamies
Roamies trips combine the freedom of backpacking with the ease of group travel, built for curious, social travellers aged 18 to 35. You will explore must-see destinations and stay in top-rated hostels that are central, comfortable, and packed with character.
With a small group of like-minded adventurers and a Chief Experience Officer to guide the way, expect a mix of iconic highlights, offbeat discoveries, and plenty of unforgettable moments.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Wednesday
29 Apr 2026
29 Apr 26
Lima
Saturday
09 May 2026
09 May 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,379
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
13 May 2026
13 May 26
Lima
Saturday
23 May 2026
23 May 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,479
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
27 May 2026
27 May 26
Lima
Saturday
06 Jun 2026
06 Jun 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,479
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
10 Jun 2026
10 Jun 26
Lima
Saturday
20 Jun 2026
20 Jun 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,579
US$1,184
Save $395
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
24 Jun 2026
24 Jun 26
Lima
Saturday
04 Jul 2026
04 Jul 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,579
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
08 Jul 2026
08 Jul 26
Lima
Saturday
18 Jul 2026
18 Jul 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,579
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
22 Jul 2026
22 Jul 26
Lima
Saturday
01 Aug 2026
01 Aug 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,579
US$1,184
Save $395
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
05 Aug 2026
05 Aug 26
Lima
Saturday
15 Aug 2026
15 Aug 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,579
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
19 Aug 2026
19 Aug 26
Lima
Saturday
29 Aug 2026
29 Aug 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,579
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
02 Sep 2026
02 Sep 26
Lima
Saturday
12 Sep 2026
12 Sep 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,479
US$1,257
Save $222
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 26
Lima
Saturday
26 Sep 2026
26 Sep 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,479
US$1,183
Save $296
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
07 Oct 2026
07 Oct 26
Lima
Saturday
17 Oct 2026
17 Oct 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,479
US$1,257
Save $222
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
28 Oct 2026
28 Oct 26
Lima
Saturday
07 Nov 2026
07 Nov 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,479
US$1,257
Save $222
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
18 Nov 2026
18 Nov 26
Lima
Saturday
28 Nov 2026
28 Nov 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,479
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
09 Dec 2026
09 Dec 26
Lima
Saturday
19 Dec 2026
19 Dec 26
Cusco
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,479
Multi 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.
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.
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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