The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins

G Adventures · 11 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
11 Days
From AUD $2039 Was AUD $2399
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(20 reviews)

The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins

The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins

G Adventures · 11 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

Includes

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

Accommodation

  • Hostels (8 nts), Hotel (2 nts)
  • 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches

Transport

  • Public bus, train, private van, plane.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Highlights

  • 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
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

Public bus, train, private van, plane.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Lima, Peru

Finishes

Cusco, Peru

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 35 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Lima

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Accommodation - Hostelworld Viajero Barranco
2

Day 2: Lima/Huacachina

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!

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Viajero Huacachina
3

Day 3: Huacachina

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Accommodation - Viajero Huacachina
4

Day 4: Huacachina/Lima

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?

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Hostelworld Viajero Barranco
5

Day 5: Lima/Cusco

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Accommodation - Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
6

Day 6: Cusco

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Accommodation - Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
7

Day 7: Cusco/Ollantaytambo

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Las Orquideas Ollantaytambo
8

Day 8: Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes

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!

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Machu Picchu Inn
9

Day 9: Aguas Calientes/Cusco

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - 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.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
10

Day 10: Cusco

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Accommodation - Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
11

Day 11: Cusco

Depart at any time, or maybe extend your stay in the hostel for a few more days to keep the good times rolling.

Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $2399

AUD $2,039
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Twin
15% Off

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 Apr 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Xiu Y.
Traveled, July 2024

07/14/2024

Overall, my experience was good and fun, and I enjoyed the activities. However, the issues with my accommodation, the unexpected separation during the Machu Picchu tour, and the delayed and unsafe transportation back to Cusco significantly marred what co...

5.0
Laura H.
Traveled, July 2024

07/07/2024

Had the best time, amazing country and amazing guide.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990