Southern Cross Westbound - Rio to Lima

1. Tag: Rio de Janeiro

Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting. Booking pre- or post-trip accommodation is highly recommended to allow time for activities and to fully experience this vibrant city.

Optional Activities:
Rio Hang Gliding
750BRL per person. Glide like a bird on this exhilarating and inspiring air adventure. Get all the guidance you need to go airborne with your instructor, and take to the skies for an unbeatable experience and amazing views of this incredibly picturesque city. Careful – you may become addicted to the freedom of flying!

Rio Football Game
150-200BRL per person. If it's a game day, catch a football match (or some call it soccer). Watch the local cheers for their team and join in the celebrations.

Rio de Janeiro City Tour
240BRL per person. There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city pulsing with passion, music and the waves of the sea. Take a city tour and visit some of Rio’s hot spots. Visit the art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, the colourful Lapa Steps and the Rio Cathedral. Ride a cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain and marvel at the magnificent views of the bay, city and beaches beyond.

2. Tag: Rio de Janeiro

In the morning, explore the favela with a local resident on a supported tour to watch a drumming demonstration, get a Capoeira lesson, and sample craft beers with a new perspective of the city. Enjoy a free afternoon to discover all that Rio has to offer.

Optional Activities:
Rio de Janeiro City Tour
240BRL per person. There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city pulsing with passion, music and the waves of the sea. Take a city tour and visit some of Rio’s hot spots. Visit the art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, the colourful Lapa Steps and the Rio Cathedral. Ride a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and marvel at the magnificent views of the bay, city and beaches beyond.

3. Tag: Rio de Janeiro - Ilha Grande

Take a bus and ferry to Ilha Grande. Enjoy free time to explore this picturesque, laid-back island, opt to go on a hike to a nearby swimming hole or explore the many beaches.

4. Tag: Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a car-free island surrounded by beautiful nature. Opt to go for a hike, swim, or sit at one of the beach bars.

Optional Activities:
Swimming
Dive in and enjoy the beautiful water of this island paradise.

Snorkelling Ilha Grande
Rent a mask and snorkel, pull on some fins and get set to enter the underwater world of colourful tropical fish, shells and all things seaworthy. November through May is Ilha Grande’s best time to snorkel. Hotspots include the Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon and Abraãzinho Beach. Luxuriate in the warm salt water, look down and, in some cases, see to a depth of 15m (50 ft).

Lopez Mendez Hike
Grab your bathing suit, slip on your walking shoes and take the hike from Abraão to the beautiful beach of Lopez Mendez. Follow a well-marked trail up and down, through forest and past other beaches. Eat Jack fruit picked along the way. Drink water from a natural spring. Listen to howler monkeys. After 2.5-3 hrs, arrive at the stunning Lopez Mendez beach, where the white powder sand squeaks under foot and the rolling green hills provide a stunning contrast to the turquoise water.

Ilha Grande Boat Excursion
120BRL per person. From the main village of Vila do Abraão, take a boat tour to some of the best beaches around the island. See tropical fish and cool off in the salt spray of the turquoise waters. Stop to swim and snorkel and pinch yourself for being lucky enough to partake in this tropical piece of paradise. Enjoy the scenery while drinking a caipirinha, Brazil's national drink.

Hike to Pico do Papagaio
130BRL per person. Enjoy a guided hike from Abraão to Pico do Papagaio, soaking in the scenery along the way. It will take roughly 4 hours to hike up and about 2 hr to hike back down. The 360 degree views from the top are well worth the effort.

Ilha Grande Diving
Explore one of the world’s largest concentrations of underwater shipwrecks, many lost during pirate battles in the 16th-18th centuries in the waters off Ilha Grande. Dive to see the Pinguino cargo ship as well as the remains of a helicopter near Laja do Mataríz. Discover massive underwater caves, swim with schools of tropical fish and admire the colours of corals and reefs, in the warm salt water where visibility varies from 6-20m (20-66 ft).

5. Tag: Ilha Grande - Paraty

Travel up the coast to Paraty and wander the cobblestoned streets of this beautiful colonial town.

6-7. Tag: Paraty

Enjoy a free day to explore Paraty. Optional activities include a Caipirinha boat trip, kayaking and horseback riding. Opt to pre-book the "Paraty Caipirinha Boat Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour. Continue to enjoy the slow pace of Paraty, a colonial town with fantastic architecture, or opt to take a day trip to Trindade to surf and relax on the beach.

Optional Activities:
Kayaking
90BRL per person. See Paraty's from a whole other level—sea level! Check out the spectacular views of the old town and the coastal mountain range and explore otherwise inaccessible mangroves.

Paraty Boat Tour
100BRL per person. Home to hundreds of pristine islands and idyllic white sand beaches it doesn't get much better than the Costa Verde. Cruise up the coast with a caipirinha in one hand and your camera in the other. Stop along the way to swim in the crystal clear waters or to catch a few rays. Snorkeling equipment is provided for those wanting a peek at what is under the water's surface.

4x4 Tour
100BRL per person. Hop in the back of a jeep and hang on for this tropical tour. Enter the Serra da Bocaina National Park, visit waterfalls (great for photos and swimming), and step back in time along the Gold Trail road, constructed by African slaves to transport gold mined inland and transported to Paraty port bound for Portugal.

Horseback Riding Paraty
120-150BRL per person. Throw on some long pants, grab the reins and hop up on a well-trained horse. Trail ride through the Atlantic rainforest in the mountains around Paraty. Cross rivers and follow trails lined with tropical trees. Reach a lookout and see the village and the water below. Stop at a waterfall and jump in! Let the rushing water massage your muscles then hop back on the horses and gallop home.

Trindade Day Trip
5BRL per person. Located about 25km (15.5 mi) away from the town of Paraty is the small beach town of Trindade. Walk along the sandy beach, play in the water and opt to go surfing.

Diving Paraty
Brazil is a diver’s paradise. Its waters include a rich variety of fish, mammals, kelp and coral. Spot brilliantly coloured fish accented against the white sand ocean floor. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea turtles and nurse sharks. Paraty boasts at least 10 locations recommended for SCUBA diving. Explore the waters off islands with exotic names – Cocos, Meros, Deserta – and add an unforgettable underwater adventure to your list of most memorable moments.

Cachaça Distillery Visit
90BRL per person. Tour a cachaça distillery where sugarcane juice is used to create the most popular distilled spirit in Brazil. If it tastes familiar, that's because it's the main ingredient in a Caipirinha, the country’s national cocktail. Often called “Brazilian rum,” cachaça is so popular, it’s produced by 40,000 micro-companies across the country. The blend from Paraty is sweet and salty; taste the sea as you sip this local liquid.

8. Tag: Paraty - Iguazú Wasserfälle

Take a flight to the famous Iguassu Falls. Skip the 19 hour journey by land and hop a flight to Iguassu from São Paulo.

9. Tag: Iguazú Wasserfälle

Experience Iguassu in Argentina by exploring trails and catwalks.Spend the whole day on the Argentine side of Iguassu, exploring the paths over the falls or experience the UNESCO World Heritage site from a boat tour. Tours utilize trails and catwalks adapted to the landscape of the area, and walking is easy for all ages; guided tours of the complex are available several times a day. Opt to take a boat tour to view the falls from below. Explore trails that will bring you directly over the falls of the Devil's Throat—the highest and deepest of the falls. Other trails allow access to the stretch of falls across the forest on the Argentine side. Opt to take an inflatable boat to the base of the thundering falls.

Optional Activities:
Iguassu Falls Bird Park Visit
60BRL per person. Grab a camera and get up and close and personal with macaws, parrots, parakeets, and 150 other species of birds. Located on the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, the bird park is on 12 acres of native subtropical forest. Enter a huge aviary to see the birds free from cages and nets. Check out other exhibits to view butterflies, alligators, and snakes (boas and anacondas).

Iguassu Helicopter Ride
460BRL per person. Fly above the roaring cascades of Iguassu falls on a memorable helicopter ride to get a unique view and mind-blowing photo opportunities. Sit back in the comfortable seats, enjoy the ride and let the experienced pilot guide you over the immense falls.

Iguassu Falls Boat Tour
70USD per person. Enter the jungle from the “Sendero Yacaratía” and enjoy the panoramic view. Board motorboats that pass through the Lower Canyon of the Iguassu River, and continue onto the falls. After enjoying the view from San Martin Island, sail to “Tres Mosqueteros” to the "Devil's Throat." Sail along the shore before and enjoy the splendour of the San Martin waterfall, a wonderful and unforgettable experience.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Iguassu Falls Visit

10. Tag: Iguazú Wasserfälle - Bonito

In the morning, visit the Brazilian side of the falls to get the best panoramic view. Visit the Brazil side of the falls to get a panoramic view of Iguaçu, one of the world's largest and most impressive waterfalls. In total, there are over 275 individual falls spread out over 3km (2 mi). Find the best spot to take jaw-dropping photos of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, embark on the long travel journey to Bonito.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Iguassu Falls (Brazil Side) Guided Tour

11. Tag: Bonito

Spend time in Bonito with optional activities available like snorkelling in the rivers or exploring the nearby caves and waterfalls.

Optional Activities:
Bonito Snorkelling
236-280BRL per person. Bonito is famous for the spectacular snorkelling in the beautiful clear water. Marvel at colourful fish.

Waterfall Tour
210BRL per person. Enjoy a guided hike through lush forest to multiple of Bonito's waterfalls, cool off with a refreshing dip along the way.

Canopy Tour Bonito
160BRL per person. Make your way through a fun tree-top canopy course suspended above the forest. Buckle up your harness, don your helmet, and prepare to launch. Glide along cables suspended high above the forest greenery as you glide past.

Balneario Municipal
60BRL per person. Enjoy the turquoise waters at this swimming hole, go for a swim, lounge on the banks, or enjoy a game of beach volleyball at the nearby facilities.

Cave Rappelling & Snorkelling
700BRL per person. Harness up and abseil down 70 meters down into a large cave. Once inside, jump in the water (with a wetsuit of course) to get another view of these impressive geological formations from below the surface with a mask and snorkel.

Gruta Azul
100BRL per person. Check out the unbelievably blue water of this cave that shimmers in the sunlight. While not visible from the cave, the site was recently discovered to have prehistoric mammal bones from over 12,000 years ago at the bottom of the grotto, saber tooth tigers, giant sloths, and armadillos, oh my!

12. Tag: Bonito - Pantanal

Journey into the Pantanal, a perfect place to experience the wildlife of Brazil. Enjoy a 2-day excursion into the wetlands with a local guide. Experience the Pantanal, an immense wetland area famed for its profuse wildlife. A 2-day excursion allows visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area. The Pantanal, a largely flat, wetland area about half the size of France, is still one of the best places on the continent for observing wildlife. The area is rich in bird life, including beautiful and colourful macaws and Jabiru storks. With luck and appropriate weather you may spot capivara (capybara), howler monkeys, caiman, giant river otters, anacondas, and anteaters.

Please note, while on the rustic excursion in Pantanal the nights will be spent in hammocks.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Pantanal Wildlife Excursion

13. Tag: Pantanal

Full day of exploring the Pantanal. Try piranha fishing or horseback riding. Opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys, macaws, giant otters and caiman. The Pantanal, a largely flat, wetland area about half the size of France, is still one of the best places on the continent for observing wildlife. The area is rich in bird life, including beautiful and colourful macaws and Jabiru storks. With luck and appropriate weather you may spot capivara (capybara), howler monkeys, caiman, giant river otters, anacondas, and anteaters.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Pantanal Wildlife Excursion

14. Tag: Pantanal - Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Leave the Pantanal and head for the border. Board an overnight bus to Santa Cruz, Bolivia. From the frontier town of Corumbá, Brazil, cross into Bolivia. From here, an overnight bus heads to Santa Cruz.

15. Tag: Santa Cruz de la Sierra - Sucre

Hop on a flight to Bolivia's colonial gem, Sucre. Enjoy a few days in the city to recover from the journey from Brazil, opt to go hiking or take it easy.

16. Tag: Sucre

Spend a few days exploring all that Sucre has to offer.

Optional Activities:
Sucre Dinosaur Tracks Excursion
Get ready to get up close and personal with the prehistoric times: Sucre is home to one of the world's largest collections of dinosaur footprints made some 68 million years ago. Discover more than 5,000 footprints perfectly preserved footprints in the Cal Orck’o cliff just outside the city centre. See the world's longest trail -- 347m (1138 ft) -- left by a baby Tyrannosaurus Rex now affectionately known as 'Johnny Walker'.

Hiking
Head out of town, take in some fresh air, and explore this scenic area by foot.

Mountain Biking
Take a guided mountain biking trip on the outskirts of Sucre and explore more of this beautiful region.

Sunday Tarabuco Market
40BOB per person. On a Sunday morning, the Tarabuco market offers a glimpse into daily Bolivian life and the diversity of its people. Where indigenous groups from the surrounding area gather on Sundays to sell their goods.

17-18. Tag: Sucre

Spend two days exploring all that Sucre has to offer.

Optional Activities:
Sucre Dinosaur Tracks Excursion
Get ready to get up close and personal with the prehistoric times: Sucre is home to one of the world's largest collections of dinosaur footprints made some 68 million years ago. Discover more than 5,000 footprints perfectly preserved footprints in the Cal Orck’o cliff just outside the city centre. See the world's longest trail -- 347m (1138 ft) -- left by a baby Tyrannosaurus Rex now affectionately known as 'Johnny Walker'.

Mountain Biking
Take a guided mountain biking trip on the outskirts of Sucre and explore more of this beautiful region.

Hiking
Head out of town, take in some fresh air, and explore this scenic area by foot.

Sunday Tarabuco Market
40BOB per person. On a Sunday morning, the Tarabuco market offers a glimpse into daily Bolivian life and the diversity of its people. Where indigenous groups from the surrounding area gather on Sundays to sell their goods.

19. Tag: Sucre - Potosí

Journey from Sucre to Potosí. Spend the afternoon exploring the city.

Optional Activities:
Silver Mine Tour
150BOB per person. Take the opportunity to visit a working silver mine and learn more about the process of extraction and working conditions faced by as much as half of the people who live and mine in Potosí. Bring a bandana and wear protective gear (boots, helmet and headlamp) as you head deep into the bowels of Cerro Rico (Rich Hill).

Casa de la Moneda
40BOB per person. Learn about the first global currency at this renowned National Mint museum.

20. Tag: Potosí - Uyuni

Head south to Uyuni, the starting point for the salt flats excursion.

21-22. Tag: Salzwüste

Enjoy a 3-day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano, with spectacular scenery. Last stop for the evening is a supported community lodge in a traditional agricultural village in the heart of a desert oasis.

Travel through the Bolivian landscape to the town of Uyuni. Despite its isolation and challenging climate (cold and blustery most of the year), the town of Uyuni has earned the nickname of Hija Predilecta de Bolivia (Bolivia’s Favourite Daughter).

It is also the starting point for our 2-night excursion through the spectacular Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats) in 4x4 vehicles. Spend three days in the stunning landscape between the Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert in Chile. Enter a world unlike anything else as we drive across the salt flats; the piercing blue sky contrasts against the blinding white of the flat salt beds. Take memorable photos of the unusual landscape complete with mountains and active volcanoes. Visit the red lagoon of Laguna Colorada and enjoy the uniqueness of this region.

Settle in to your supported community salt-brick bungalow, complete with salt floors and furniture, after a guided walking tour up to the sacred Jukil mountaintop for sweeping valley views and a dinner of local ingredients prepared by ladies from the community.

During the rainy season the locations visited may change due to some routes being covered by water.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Salt Flats Excursion

23. Tag: Salzwüste - La Paz

Enjoy a final day of exploring the Salar de Uyuni before boarding an overnight bus back to La Paz.

24-25. Tag: La Paz

Enjoy a free day in the capital, walk along the winding streets, shop in the markets and enjoy the nightlife. For the thrill seekers opt to bike the famous "death road". Spend the day exploring and shopping in the many markets of the city -- it is an especially good place to buy textiles and leatherwork. Visit the Witches' Market or take one of the several optional excursions available.

Enjoy another free day to explore La Paz. Opt to visit Iglesia de San Francisco, Chacaltaya, the Valley of the Moon or the Witches' Market. Opt to pre-book the "Death Road Biking Adventure" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.

Optional Activities:
Witches' Market Visit
Learn more about the pre-Columbian Aymara beliefs at the Witches' Market. You can witness locals buying products such as dried frogs, potions, and talismans for use in rituals and offerings.

Valley of the Moon Tour
150BOB per person. Tour the lunar landscape of the Valley of the Moon, observe the clay formations carved into the landscape by years of erosion.

Chacaltaya Visit
Chacaltaya (Aymara for 'cold road') is a mountain in the Cordillera Real, part of the beautiful Bolivian Andes.

La Paz City Tour
90BOB per person. Explore the city on a guided tour. Check out stunning cathedrals, impressive museums, and lively markets, learning more about the history of this fascinating city. Look for majestic Mt Illimani in the background.

Death Road Biking Adventure
Get your adrenaline pumping as you soar down the 'world's most dangerous road.' Start high up in the Andes at 4,700m (15,420 ft) and wind your way down this steep, narrow road on the mountainside into the depths of the Bolivian jungle. This is not one for the faint of heart, adrenaline junkies only!
Please note that the entrance fee of 53 Bolivianos(not included in this activity) must be paid directly to the National Park prior to biking, only local currency is accepted. We are unable to pre-pay this fee in advance, due to the park policy.

26. Tag: La Paz

Visit the pre-Incan ruins of Tiahuanaco. Little is known about the Tiahuanaco people who constructed the great ceremonial centre on the southern shore of Lake Titicaca over 1000 years ago. Enjoy a visit to this spectacular pre-Colombian archaeological site. It was the capital of an empire that extended into Peru and Chile from 300 to 1000 AD. Check out the fantastic buildings, architecture, sculptures and carvings firsthand and get a taste of an era long gone. Spend most of the day visiting these mysterious ruins—a cradle of Incan civilization—before returning to La Paz.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Tiahuanaco Ruins Visit

27. Tag: La Paz - Puno

Travel by bus through the altiplano, crossing the border to the Peruvian city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Peru is made up of three main geographical areas: the Andes, the Amazon, and the desert coastal area. Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on a full day of travel from La Paz, around Lake Titicaca, and on to Puno.

28. Tag: Puno - Titicaca See

Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village. Head out by boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit the community on the Taquile Islands and stop at a restaurant and enjoy a local lunch with spectacular views. Board a boat on Lake Titicaca and head to Taquile Island for a delicious Peruvian lunch at a restaurant followed by some shopping at the local weaving cooperatives. (Taquileños are known for their fine handwoven textiles and clothing, men are taught how to knit around age five and they create the majority of the textiles.) After, enjoy an overnight stay with a host family and a chance to learn about life on the islands.

After, cruise to the another village (this can vary based on community availability) for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake. This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and to participate in local traditions. Eat with the family, pick up some Quecha and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Lake Titicaca Guided Boat Tour Day 1

29. Tag: Titicaca See - Puno

Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit the Sillustani burial site.

Leave the homestay families late in the morning and visit the Uros Islands on the way back to Puno. Take a tour of these unique islands. Learn about the buoyant totora reeds that grow in the shallows of Lake Titicaca used to make everything from the islands themselves to the boats the islanders use for transportation (if constructed well, they last up to six months ). Find out from locals how the islands are constructed; as the layers closest to the water start to rot, they are replaced with fresh reeds on top. A popular optional activity in Puno is a visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site only a short drive away.

Opt to pre-book the Lake Titicaca Kayaking on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Optional Activities:
Sillustani Burial Towers Entrance
45PEN per person. Take a guided tour of the Sillustani burial towers known as "chullpas." Be awed by these fantastic ruins located outside Puno – their remarkable towers stretch up to 12m (39 ft) in height.

Lake Titicaca Kayaking
Take to the waters of the highest navigable body of water in the world, Lake Titicaca, and paddle out to Laquina Island. Get a glimpse into local island life before heading back across the lake to Puno.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Uros Floating Islands Visit
Lake Titicaca Guided Boat Tour Day 2

30. Tag: Puno - Cusco

Hop on the bus for a full day's drive to Cusco. The bus trip from Puno to Cusco takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery en route as you travel through the high Altiplano region. Check out a bit of Cusco, find a spot for dinner, or get prepared to head into the Sacred Valley.

31. Tag: Cusco

Enjoy a free day to explore the city's museums and local markets. Choose to pre-book the optional Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour to see some of the ruins as well. While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. It forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. There are several good museums in Cusco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum, and the Religious Art Museum.

Opt to visit and hike the famed Rainbow Mountain, pre-book on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Please note: if you pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class you will be picked up from your hotel at approx 12:30 and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. Return back to your hotel around 16:00.

Optional Activities:
Whitewater Rafting Urubamba
165PEN per person. Rise for an early morning pick up and drive to Chuquicahuana for a safety briefing. Enjoy a full day of rafting on the Upper Vilcanota River (about 2.5 hrs on the water). Be thrilled by fast rapids that are a constant Class III and IV for around 11km (9 mi), and don’t forget to take in the gorgeous scenery. Rehash all the excitement afterward over a riverside picnic lunch.

Cusco Tourist Ticket
130PEN per person. 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.

Cusco City Tour
45PEN per person. 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.

Inka Museum
10PEN per person. Get ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.

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 to the starting point of this challenging, yet rewarding full-day hike. Reaching 5,029m (16,500 ft) this is no walk in the park, but these unique mountains do not disappoint.

Cusco Cooking Class
Channel your inner chef with a Peruvian cooking class. Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out the freshest ingredients. Head back to the kitchen for a hands-on lesson and learn to prepare local Peruvian specialties.

32. Tag: Cusco - Ollantaytambo

Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).

Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.

In the rural village of Cuyo Chico in the Sacred Valley, a group of families joined together to create a small business based on their traditional adobe ceramic crafts. Using clay from their surroundings, they mold bowls, plates, and all manner of decorations. Learn about the ceramics process as well as the traditional adobe brick-making that forms the basis of houses throughout the valley, all while taking in a spectacular view of the Pisac Ruins. After the demonstration, peruse the items for sale directly from the artisans in their shop.

Have lunch at the supported Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.

Optional Activities:
Ollantaytambo Storehouse Ruins and Hike
Get your blood flowing on a steep hike up to the Pinkuylluna Incan storehouses. Perched on the hill, these ruins provide excellent views of the Sacred Valley and the Ollantaytambo ruins below.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Cuyo Chico Pottery Making Demonstration

33. Tag: 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. Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.

A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you’ll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.

Get your blood pumping on this first day of hiking the Inca trail. The trekking is fairly easy and serves as good training for the next few days. Pass rambling rivers and a small village, and enjoy scenic mountain views; it’s just a taste of what’s to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Inca Trail Hike

34. Tag: 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.

Trek over progressively spectacular and steeper terrain on your way to Warmiwañusca (aka Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769ft). Be prepared to face strong Andean weather (blazing sun or cold winds) around the pass. Take the hike slow, and drink lots of water along the way – amazing views are waiting as a reward. Enjoy some ample time to rest and relax after reaching the camp; most campers arrive around early afternoon.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Inca Trail Hike

35. Tag: Inca Trail

Cross two more passes and ruins on today's 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).

Cross two passes and more ruins along the Inca Trail on the last full day of hiking. Traverse Runquraway at 3,950m (13,113 ft), and then reach the second pass at 3,700m (12,136 ft). Spot the gorgeous Cordillera Vilcabamba and the Urubamba Valley in the distance on a clear day. Camp at either the Phuyupatamarca ruins or the Wiñay Wayna ruins.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Inca Trail Hike

36. Tag: 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 down for a guided tour of the site and enjoy free time to explore until noon as permitted by the tourist ticket. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows. Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon.

Wake around 03:30 to reach the Sun Gate as early as possible. Head to the checkpoint and join the lineup to wait for the gate to open. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu (fingers crossed for a clear day). Hike down to Machu Picchu (about 45 mins) for a 1.5 hr guided tour of the site, and free time to explore. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge (a 15-min walk one way) for no additional charge, if time allows. Catch the bus outside the Machu Picchu gate after your visit for a 25-min downhill ride to Aguas Calientes. Eat and relax before the train ride back to Cusco this evening.

Rise and shine – the best time to see the Lost City of the Incas is in the early morning light. Follow the local guide to Machu Picchu to learn about its history at a leisurely pace. Gain local insight into the Inti Mach’ay cave, Inti Watana, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Water, the Temple of the Condor, and the Room of the Three Windows. Take time to sit and 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).

Optional Activities:
Inca Bridge Visit
Free. Use any leftover energy from your Machu Picchu hike to visit the Inca Bridge site nearby (thought by some to be a secret back entrance to Machu Picchu). Trek up to the bridge that's cleaving to a 579m (1,900 ft) cliff, and soak in amazing views of cloud forest along the way.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Inca Trail Hike
Machu Picchu Guided Tour

37. Tag: Cusco

Enjoy a free day to explore Cusco or relax. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Optional Activities:
Whitewater Rafting Urubamba
165PEN per person. Rise for an early morning pick up and drive to Chuquicahuana for a safety briefing. Enjoy a full day of rafting on the Upper Vilcanota River (about 2.5 hrs on the water). Be thrilled by fast rapids that are a constant Class III and IV for around 11km (9 mi), and don’t forget to take in the gorgeous scenery. Rehash all the excitement afterward over a riverside picnic lunch.

Inka Museum
10PEN per person. Get ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.

Cusco Tourist Ticket
130PEN per person. 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.

Cusco City Tour
45PEN per person. 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.

38. Tag: Cusco - Lima

Fly to Lima. Opt for a city tour or wander the neighbourhood of Miraflores. Take a short flight to the coast and the capital city of Lima. This vibrant city has a fantastic main square, tons of shopping, and incredible eating. Opt to join the group for one final evening out.

Optional Activities:
Lima City Tour
65-85USD per person. Discover Lima’s highlights on this half-day guided tour. Visit the San Francisco Church and its impressive catacombs, walk around Plaza de Armas, and get to know some of Lima's lovely neighbourhoods. For more information contact Ruben (Best Bite Peru) at +51972584092.

Magic Circuit of Water and Dinner Show
68USD per person. Experience nightlife in downtown Lima with the spectacular "Magic Water Circuit" (Circuito Mágico del Agua) show complete with lights, music and dozens of fountains. After the show, go for dinner to see Peruvian dances and folklore while enjoying a Pisco sour and local food. The perfect night out! This activity is supported by the G Values Fund – a funding initiative that provides low-interest loans to CEOs who wish to start businesses that enhance the experience of our travellers. Best Bite Peru is run by former CEO Ruben Diaz. Contact Ruben (Best Bite Peru) at +51972584092 for further information.

39. Tag: Lima

Depart at any time.

Optional Activities:
Magic Circuit of Water and Tapas Night
68USD per person. Experience nightlife in downtown Lima with the spectacular "Magic Water Circuit" (Circuito Mágico del Agua) show complete with lights, music and dozens of fountains. Enjoy some tapas and take in the sights with a pisco sour in hand. The perfect night out!

Pachacamac and Paso Horse Show
98USD per person. Dive into Peruvian history and explore a famous temple built in honor of Pachacamac or the "Earth Maker", a powerful figure considered amongst gods and worshiped during the Pre Incan era. After you've got your history fix, head out to enjoy a local lunch and Peruvian dancing. After lunch continue on to see the Peruvian Paso Horse and learn more about this majestic beauty.