Inca Explorer | National Geographic Journeys
15 Days | Peru's Cultural & Historical Wonders
From $6039 per person (share twin)
Embark on a 15-day journey through Peru's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Starting and ending in Lima, this tour takes you to the country's most renowned archaeological sites and hidden gems.
Tour Highlights
Lake Titicaca | Experience timeless local traditions.
Arequipa | Wander the halls of a colonial-era convent.
Sacred Valley | Enjoy breathtaking views from the train to Machu Picchu.
Coastal Desert | Traverse the unique landscapes of Peru's coastal desert.
Cusco | Soak up the vibrant charms of this former Inca Empire capital.
Is this tour right for you?
Travel Style National Geographic Journeys. Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Service Level Upgraded. Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Physical Rating Average. Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type Small Group. Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 10.
Age requirement 12+ all travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Itinerary
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Upon arrival in Lima, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
Your adventure starts this evening. Feel free to explore before the welcome meeting but ensure you're back in time to meet the group. Check the welcome note at the hotel for the meeting time.
After introductions, your tour leader will review the details of the journey. Please note that normal check-in times apply at the start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
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Travel south to the sun-soaked coastal town of Paracas, which serves as the gateway to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve.
After checking into your hotel, spend the evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying fresh seafood and a pisco sour—Peru’s national drink.
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Begin the day with a boat tour of the impressive Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, marine otters, penguins, and hundreds of species of seabirds.
Next, visit the Tacama Winery, one of South America’s oldest wineries, for a lesson on the history of wine production in Peru and a tasting of pisco.
After lunch, drive towards Nazca, stopping at the oasis town of Huacachina to see its soaring sand dunes.
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Explore the Nasca province, named for the ancient Nasca civilization that flourished between 200 BC and 600 AD.
Visit a Nasca cemetery in the desert to see ancient mummies, cloth fragments, and pottery, followed by a demonstration of traditional pottery making techniques at a nearby studio.
For dinner, enjoy dishes cooked in the style of a pachamanca, an ancient technique involving an earthen oven.
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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.
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Discover Arequipa, nicknamed the “white city” for its buildings made of white sillar—a type of volcanic rock. On a guided walking tour, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre, including the 16th-century Santa Catalina Monastery.
Later, dive into Arequipa’s renowned cuisine with a cooking class at a traditional lunchtime restaurant, trying local favourites such as guinea pig, stuffed spicy peppers, and chicha—a local beer made from fermented maize.
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Fly to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and a designated World Heritage site.
Settle into your hotel and explore the charming city at your own pace. Consider visiting Plaza de Armas, the 15th-century Sacsayhuaman fortress, or the Inca Museum.
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Drive to the scenic Sacred Valley for a full day of exploration with a local guide. Tour the Parque de la Papa (Potato Park), a community working to preserve hundreds of native potato varieties.
Walk through the park to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the significance of these practices to Andean culture.
Visit the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac and enjoy a meal at the Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.
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Travel by train through the lush Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes, nestled beneath Machu Picchu.
The afternoon is free for optional excursions, such as soaking in the local hot springs, visiting a botanical garden, or exploring handicraft stalls in town.
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This morning, embark on a guided tour of Machu Picchu—the 15th-century Inca citadel famously introduced to the world by archaeologist Hiram Bingham.
After exploring the temples and terraces of this UNESCO World Heritage site, return to Cusco by train.
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Enjoy a free day to discover Cusco’s cultural treasures on your own, or opt for activities such as white-water rafting, horseback riding, or mountain biking.
Alternatively, participate in a hands-on cooking class, selecting fresh ingredients at the market and learning to prepare Peruvian specialties.
In the evening, visit the Cusco Planetarium for a presentation on Southern Hemisphere skies and the role of astronomy in Inca culture.
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Head south on a scenic drive to Puno, located on the western shore of Lake Titicaca. The journey will take you through the Altiplano, a vast landscape of plateaus and plains.
Arrive in Puno and settle into your hotel.
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Explore Lake Titicaca on a guided boat tour, visiting the floating Uros Islands and stepping ashore Taquile Island, known for its indigenous textile industry.
For lunch, enjoy a traditional meal with a local family in Luquina Chico, overlooking the lake.
Optionally, tour the pre-Inca burial site of Sillustani.
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Transfer to the Juliaca airport for a flight back to Lima.
Spend your last evening in Peru at leisure, perhaps exploring Lima’s historic centre and enjoying Peruvian tapas.
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Depart at any time.
Itinerary Inclusions
14 nights’ hotel accommodation
Meals 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner (allow USD455-595 for meals not included).
Your Journeys Highlight Moments | Arequipa Cooking Class, Arequipa | Traditional Andean Experience, Urubamba | Cusco Planetarium, Cusco | Lake Titicaca Community Home Lunch, Lake Titicaca
Your G for Good Moments | Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay | Parque de la Papa (Potato Park), Pisac
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
Arrival transfer | Internal flights | All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Pricing Per Person
Departures on selected Sundays
Take advantage of special pricing during the low season. The rates below reflect the standard pricing, but you might find even better deals depending on your travel dates. Contact us to check the latest offers and secure the best price for your preferred dates.
29 Jun | 13 & 27 Jul | 10 & 24 Aug 2025 | Twin - $6,039
06 & 20 Apr | 11, 18 & 25 May | 07 & 28 Sep | 05 & 19 Oct 2025 | Twin - $6,379
Important Notes
If you are a solo traveller the price remains the same as above, this will require you to team up with another solo traveller. If you’d like your own room, there is a surcharge available to do so. All departures are subject to availability.
Interested in this experience? Mention this Deal Code: 1039 when speaking with your travel agent. Don't have an agent? Click here to connect with one of our experts.