Inca Empire

This two-week escorted tour from G Adventures journeys through Peru and Bolivia, balancing cultural insight with physical challenge. Starting in La Paz, the itinerary offers a look at bustling markets before moving south to Lake Titicaca where homestays offer a glimpse into local life. The Sacred Valley and Cusco follow, marked by visits to weaving cooperatives and community restaurants that showcase Andean traditions.

The highlight is the four-day Inca Trail hike, a tough trek whose rewards include arriving at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate at dawn. The group moves on to enjoy guided tours around Cusco and pre-Incan ruins at Tiahuanaco, with transport mainly by plane, train and on foot. Care is taken to treat porters fairly, with luggage limits and local support ensuring a considered approach to trekking.

G Adventures leads the group with a CEO and local guides who provide a mix of practical help and historical context. While the route demands effort and early starts, it also offers moments to meet locals and experience the foothills of the Andes beyond the well-worn tourist paths.