Andean Adventure

21 days - from $2050

Peru and Bolivia are both steeped in history and culture. The Inca Empire lasted for over 300 years and long before that various coastal civilisations had flourished. Your Andean Adventure enables you to discover this wealthy heritage and also allows you to experience the stunning natural wonders of the region. Our trip starts in Lima and continues southward through the Sechura Desert to Nazca and Arequipa. From there it's on to Cusco – one-time capital of the Inca Empire. We trek ancient Inca mountain trails and visit the magnificent ruins at Machu Picchu, before continuing east to Lake Titicaca and ending our journey in La Paz.

Highlights

• Eat Cuy in Cusco
• Eat llama in La Paz
• The potions of 'Witches’ Market'
• Swig Inca Kola
• Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca
• La Paz - the world's highest 'unofficial' capital city
• Puno - a town four kilometres above sea-level
• Ballestas Islands
• The 'Lost City of the Incas' - UNESCO World Heritage-listed Machu Picchu
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of the Peruvian capital Lima
• The floating reed islands of the Uros people on the highest navigable lake in the world - Lake Titicaca
• The perfect pisco sour?
• Warminwanusca - 'Dead Woman’s Pass' on the Inca Trail
• The condors of one of the deepest canyons in the world - Colca Canyon
• The white volcanic 'sillar' architecture and Cathedral of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Arequipa
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nazca Lines - gigantic lines, symbols and animal images etched into the ground
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient Inca capital of Cusco

Itinerary:

Day 1: Lima2: Lima - Paracas3: Ballestas Islands - Nazca4: Nazca - overnight bus5: Arequipa6-7: Arequipa8-9: Cusco10-13: Important Note10: Inca Trail to Yuncachimpa (13km)11: Inca Trail to Pacaymayo (11km)12: Inca Trail to Winaywayna (15km)13: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (5km) - Cusco14: Cusco15: Cusco - Puno16: Lake Titicaca (Amantani Island Homestay)17: Puno18: Puno - Copacabana19-20: La Paz21: La Paz

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

An experienced Peruvian tour guide, and there will be the services of local guides at some sites. All transportation, accommodation, sightseeing and meals as indicated.

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.