This was an amazing experience, and a once in a lifetime adventure that I will treasure. This is our first tour with G Adventures and has led an extremely positive impression - so much so that we have already started looking at other tours, and I have recommended G to everyone we know who are interested in hiking the Inca Trail!
“Classic Peru” is genuinely a “highlights” tour of Southern Peru and what we saw was truly epic; a fascinating blend of Inca history & culture, the stunning scenery of the Andes and the Andean wildlife.
The 2 top highlights, for me, were a) entering the site of Macchu Picchu, shrouded in cloud, only for the wind to gradually blow that cloud away for the dramatic “reveal” and b) to see 5 or 6 Condors (adults & juveniles) gradually rise up the Colca Canyon, on the morning’s thermals, until they were soaring over our heads!
Lima is often written off but is worth a look and we arrived one day early (on Saturday) and visited the Centro Historico on Sunday morning. We were rewarded with a front-row view of the city’s own “changing of the guard” in Plaza de Armas.
The food on the trip is excellent in general and very good value. Our guide, Hector, was also excellent and very focussed on keeping us safe and in good health (managing the gradual increase in altitude, as much as possible); he’s especially knowledgable on all things culture and history.
For me, the only two negatives in the trip were:-
a) the overnight stay on Taquile Island - by all means visit the island but the poor accommodation overshadowed the stay and
b) the misleading advice in the pre-trip literature about currencies and exchange - Explore imply it’s ok to buy Peruvian Sol at Lima airport; DON’T - the rate is terrible. They also say “take US$ because the rate for the GB£ is poor”; ignore that too as the local rates (in forex bureaux) were almost entirely equivalent, so buying US$ in the UK is just a waste of money.
I’m sure Explore can quickly rectify these two things in an otherwise excellent tour.
Embark on a mesmerising four-day adventure through the heart of the Andes, where high-altitude lagoons, serene mountain passes, and vibrant local communities await. From the azure Ausangate peaks to the psychedelic hues of Rainbow Mountain, each day promises unparalleled exploration and cultural immersion.
My overall experience on this trip was absolutely unforgettable. The locations were stunning, and the people of Peru were incredibly warm and welcoming. I always felt safe exploring both Cusco and Lima, which made the trip even more enjoyable.
The four-day hike to Machu Picchu was truly amazing, and the final tour of Machu Picchu (Circuito 2), led by David, was a definite highlight. The views were simply breathtaking—an experience I’ll never forget!
This is the way to travel to Peru as the hosts pointed out significant features of where we were which we’d otherwise walk on by. The guides were very knowledgeable and their pride came through in their discussions.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Cuzco to Lima, traversing Peru’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures. This exciting journey features a visit to the mystical Machu Picchu, thrilling excursions in the Sacred Valley, and the chance to experience traditional Andean life. Enjoy the Paracas National Reserve's stunning marine life and the enigmatic Nazca Lines. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of history, nature, and cultural immersion in one of South America's most diverse nations.
Arturo was a fantastic leader and guide. Knowledgable, helpful, caring, experienced and amusing. This was my 11th Explore holiday and Arturo is up there with the best guides. The porters and cooks are heroes - we were very happy to tip them generously. The itinerary was perfect, though no one should underestimate the challenge of around ten hours walking on day three. Cusco hotel staff were fine but the layout around a central atrium means the rooms are very noisy. The hotel near Machu Picchu was lovely but the staff were rude, unhelpful and disinterested. Overall I’d fully recommend this trip - but be sure to get into shape beforehand and consider your kit carefully.
Your tour starts with a walking tour to visit the principal local market, San Pedro. Then, walk around Cusco’s city center, visiting the beautiful main square and the Cathedral of Cusco, which holds many archaeological artifacts and relics. Among them is a famous painting of the Last Supper by Marcos Zapata, showing Christ and the apostles eating a guinea pig.
Continue your tour to the huge Inca ceremonial center of Sacsayhuaman, which overlooks the city of Cusco. Then visit another important Inca site known as Qenqo, which houses subterranean passages and a mummification site. After that, you will make a short visit to the archaeological Inca site of Tambomachay, a temple dedicated to the god of water.
We will have a lovely home-style lunch, in the heart of the traditional neighborhood of San Blas, in a picturesque, rustic courtyard surrounded by cherry trees and tumbles. Perfect for an outdoor lunch next to the wood-fired oven accompanied by a melodious Andean harp.
After lunch, we will return to the city center, where you will visit one of the most sacred Inca buildings, the Temple of Qoricancha. Within its walls religious ceremonies were constant, and offerings to the Gods and the Inca’s mummies were made each day.
After the city tour you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Really nice experience, I saw a lot things and had many highlights. It was a pitty that our first CEO was not that good and caused some negative vibes in the group. The Lares Trek was cool and no problem at all for me regarding the hike but some people should have not be on the trek because they struggled really hard and we needed to wait really long for them.
I had such a wonderful experience on the Inca Trail trip. The G Adventures staff were all enthusiastic, engaged and knew what was needed to make the trip exciting, educational and enjoyable.
I recommend G Adventures to anyone interested in being immersed into a new culture and and enjoying an experience of a lifetime.
Discover Peru's heart with an exhilarating journey from Lima to Cuzco, ideal for adventurers craving cultural immersion and scenic splendor. Traverse the awe-inspiring Andes, exploring iconic sites like Machu Picchu and the vibrant streets of Cuzco. Engage in diverse activities, from historic city tours to breathtaking hikes amidst sacred valleys. This travel pass promises an unforgettable experience blending ancient history with modern allure, perfect for creating lasting memories in one of South America's most enchanting destinations.
Embark on an exhilarating four-day journey through the heart of Peru, where breathtaking landscapes and thrilling activities await. Begin in Cusco and traverse through lush jungles and quaint villages, experiencing the local culture and stunning vistas of the Andes. Culminate your adventure with an unforgettable exploration of Machu Picchu, delving into the mysteries of this ancient Incan city.
Embark on the ultimate South American adventure with Bamba’s epic journey from Peru to Argentina. Traverse iconic landscapes, from the Andean peaks to the lush Pantanal wetlands, and experience vibrant cultures in cities like Lima, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro. Highlights include Machu Picchu, the Uyuni Salt Flats, and Iguazu Falls. Perfect for backpackers and thrill-seekers, this travel pass offers flexible itineraries and unforgettable memories. Immerse yourself in nature, history, and lively local experiences.
Buenos Aires, Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Cusco, Luquina, Puno, Copacabana, La Paz, Huacachina, Candelaria, Polques, Uyuni, Potosi, Sucre, Santa Cruz, Puerto Quijarro, Corumba, Pantanal, Bonito, Campo Grande, Foz Do Iguacu, Puerto Iguazu, Colca Canyon, Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve