Amazon Riverboat Adventure & Machu Picchu Explorer aboard the Amatista

Amazon Riverboat Adventure & Machu Picchu Explorer aboard the Amatista

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Amazon Riverboat Adventure & Machu Picchu Explorer aboard the Amatista

16 Days Starting and ending in Lima

Visiting: Lima, Río Marañon, Río Ucayali, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Iquitos, Urubamba, Aguas Calientes, Cusco

Tour operator:

G Adventures

Tour code:

22938

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 28

Physical rating:

3 - Average

Age range:

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:
English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of land and river, this adventure is for you. Once you’re on board our comfortable Amazon riverboat, you’ll experience a unique once-in-a-lifetime cruise – including exotic wildlife, local culture and more! But it doesn’t stop there – after the jungle, Machu Picchu awaits. The “lost city of the Incas” will provide majestic ruins and striking views of the Peruvian mountain. Choose to take part in an optional 1-day hike up the Inca Trail, or if you prefer something a little more relaxing, there’s always the chance to enjoy the train.

Highlights

  • Lamay Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Wellness Moment: Local Shaman Visit

  • Ccaccaccollo Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley

  • Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Your Discover Moment: Lima Your Discover Moment: Cusco. Arrival transfer. 6 nts aboard the Amatista Amazon riverboat. Canopy walkway excursion in Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Sacred Valley tour (2-day). Visit to a G Adventures-supported women's weaving project and lunch at the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco

  • visit local villages and the G Adventures-supported Women's Weaving Co-op

  • take in mountain views on the scenic train to Machu Picchu

  • spot pink dolphins on the Amazon River

  • Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Your Hands-On Moment: Piranha Fishing

  • Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Your Local Living Moment: Local Indigenous Family Visit

  • Explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve – the largest national park in Peru

  • explore ancient ruins off the beaten path in the Sacred Valley

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Lima

Location: Lima

Arrive at any time (arrival transfer included).

Overnight in Lima, the nation's capital and largest city.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON 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.

Day 2: Lima/Río Marañon

Location: Lima

Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Fly to Iquitos. Take a city orientation tour and visit a manatee rescue centre. Transfer to the boat and cast off onto the Amazon River.

The day begins very early to catch our flight to Iquitos and transfer to the Amazon Riverboat, our privately chartered home for the next seven days.

Once on board the ship, relax and soak in the natural beauty of the wild rainforest. Step out on deck to watch the riverbanks go by, and keep eyes peeled for wildlife such as gray and pink dolphins.

The ship casts off and wends its way to the confluence of the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers. It is generally (but not universally!) considered that the Amazon River begins here, at least in name.

Over the next five days, explore the wonders of the Amazon Rainforest. Expert guides will lead jungle walks, give lectures, and point out unique species of bird and marine life as you explore the smaller tributaries of the river.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: MORNING Get acquainted with Iquitos on an orientation tour. Explore its unique architecture, which is a 19th-century vestige of the era when European commercial barons held sway over life and culture here. Discover quiet places and shaded retreats amid the hustle and bustle of daily life in this jungle port city.

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Learn about the efforts of the Amazonian Manatee Rescue Centre, an organization focused on rescuing orphaned manatees that were the victims of poaching. The centre helps to rehabilitate and reintroduce these very rare and endangered mammals back into the Amazon Basin. Take this opportunity to observe these amazing and lovable animals – be sure to bring your camera!

TRANSPORT: Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.

Day 3: Río Marañon/Río Ucayali

Location: Río Marañon

Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Begin to explore with a boat excursion on the Amazon River and some of its tributaries to see the wonders of the rainforest. After lunch, enjoy a presentation on the Amazon River then walk along the shores of the Ucayali River.

Over the course of the next few days, the skiff and land excursions will be in the morning and late afternoon, when wildlife is at its liveliest. During the hotter hours of midday, expedition staff will present enthralling lectures on everything from the history and culture of the region to the Amazon’s prolific flora and fauna. There will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the comfort of Amatista's observation deck.

ACTIVITY: MORNING Take an excursion by motorized skiff down the Amazon and some of its tributaries to see the wonders of the rainforest. Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and a variety of birds while exploring.

FREE TIME: Take some time to relax on the deck and enjoy the river.

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Walk along the banks of the Ucayali River to explore the Yucuruchi region of the Amazon, and to have the opportunity to see the Victoria Regia water lily — a gigantic aquatic plant with leaves that measure up to 3m (10 ft) in diameter. Keep a watch out for the Amazon River dolphin, giant otter, and the Amazonian manatee, which all make their home in Ucayali’s waters.

TRANSPORT: Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.

Day 4: Río Ucayali/Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve

Location: Río Ucayali

Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Take a morning skiff excursion into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve for more wildlife viewing. In the afternoon, visit a village to meet a local shaman and discover the mystical world of spiritual healing.

Rise early to visit the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Once back on board, gather for breakfast followed by a presentation on the life, history, and culture of the Amazon's main tribes.

After lunch, listen to an introductory discussion about shamanism to help understand the traditions of the people living in the rainforest. Touch upon the spirit realm, paying a visit to a local shaman.

Shamanism is practiced around the globe, and is universally distinguished by a trance state called shamanic ecstasy. In these "out of body" travels, the shaman enlists denizens of the spirit world to help him with a variety of duties, from healing the sick to assisting a deceased person's soul into the afterworld — all the while, the shaman remains conscious. Gain rare insight into the complexities of this phenomenon when you meet an actual practicing shaman in a river village. He'll introduce the group to his spiritual healing craft and talk about rainforest plants that indigenous peoples have, for untold centuries, held to possess curative properties.

ACTIVITY: Rise early to visit the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, Peru's largest national park and home to more than 200 bird species and 10 primate species. Have the chance to view cocoi and striated herons, macaws, squirrel and woolly monkeys, caimans, and sloths. Follow a route that crosses the tributary waters of the Marañon. Along the way, the guides will point out the interesting wildlife species that inhabit the riverbanks, and unusual fish and vegetation that can be found in the river.

FREE TIME: Take some time to rest after the morning excursion, but don't miss this afternoon's lecture on Shamanism.

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Gain rare, firsthand insight into Shamanism in meeting a practicing shaman in a river village. Be introduced to his spiritual healing craft and learn about rainforest plants that indigenous peoples have, for untold centuries, held to possess curative properties.

TRANSPORT: Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.

Day 5: Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve

Location: Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve

Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Today get off the boat and meet a local family, enjoy a home cooked meal and experience the Indigenous culture. At night take a boat to go search for wildlife that comes active after dark.

Continue to explore the Amazon. Be sure to relax this afternoon, and rest up for a late-night excursion to discover the wildlife that comes out at night in the jungle.

ACTIVITY: Go on an early morning excursion to watch the rainforest world wake up. Spot iguanas, river turtles, cormorants, or wattled jacana, and gain insight into another side of the jungle.

ACTIVITY: MORNING Be welcomed into the home of a local Indigenous family. Share conversation over a midday meal, and be introduced to their culture and way of life. Participate in an unforgettable opportunity to gain insight into a new and different world.

FREE TIME: Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

ACTIVITY: EVENING Take advantage of this nighttime boat ride in the wild, and watch the Amazon become a different domain. Be on the lookout for bats, capybaras, black caimans, poison frogs, and a vast number of other species. See if our flashlights will reflect the ‘red eye shine’ of the black caiman or show the glowing yellow eyes of a jaguar!

TRANSPORT: Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.

Day 6: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Location: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Take a trip to explore Choroyacu, go piranha fishing, and explore the mangroves in a dugout canoe. Opt to go swimming in the Amazon. In the evening, go on another night wildlife excursion.

After the excursion, return to the riverboat to relax and opt to enjoy a video about the flooded forest.

Take another chance to witness the nocturnal life of the rainforest after dinner this evening, and venture out in small boats onto the Marañon River.

ACTIVITY: Rise early and set out to explore the impressive biodiversity of the area's unusual ecosystem. Look for a quiet spot to enjoy a picnic breakfast, followed by a trip to explore Choroyacu. Ride up the Nahuapa River for piranha fishing. Visit Choroyacu Creek to have the opportunity to climb in a dugout canoe and explore this scenic area with the locals.

ACTIVITY: MORNING Head out on a fishing trip like no other! Cast your line to see if you can catch "the most ferocious fish in the world” (to quote Teddy Roosevelt) – the piranha. (Piranhas aren't terribly selective about what they eat, making piranha fishing fairly easy.) They are a dietary staple for many of the Amazon rainforest’s indigenous people, and, while fearsome, piranhas also esteemed as some of the best eating fish in South America.

ACTIVITY: MORNING Take a plunge into the river for a swim, perhaps sharing the water with some pink or grey river dolphins – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed.

FREE TIME: Enjoy some time this afternoon to rest. Sit on deck and watch the jungle as you float by.

ACTIVITY: EVENING Take advantage of this nighttime boat ride in the wild, and watch the Amazon become a different domain. Be on the lookout for bats, capybaras, black caimans, poison frogs, and a vast number of other species. See if our flashlights will reflect the ‘red eye shine’ of the black caiman or show the glowing yellow eyes of a jaguar!

TRANSPORT: Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.

Day 7: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve/Iquitos

Location: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Return to Iquitos with en-route stops at the Sapisapi River and the port town of Nauta.

During the day, the ship returns to its home port of Iquitos. Before docking, there are a few more unique experiences to look forward to.

In the morning, call on the town of Nauta, where the Ucayali and the Marañon — the major headstreams of the Amazon — join together.

During the evening, celebrate with a farewell dinner and party, complete with live music, aboard the ship.

ACTIVITY: MORNING Pay a visit to the jungle town of Nauta. Ride the local motorcars and browse the local market during this included tour. Try your hand at bargaining and pick up some souvenirs!

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Visit the Sapi Sapi lake, a small lake where you can spot turtles and the giant arapaima fish.

TRANSPORT: Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.

Day 8: Iquitos/Lima

Location: Iquitos

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Disembark at Iquitos. Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Lima. Free afternoon to explore the capital of Peru.

Once arriving in Lima, you will be met by a G Adventures representative and transfer to the hotel.

Spend a final night in the City of Kings and enjoy a Pisco Sour or try some Peruvian ceviche!

TRANSPORT: MORNING Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy your last night in Peru with some free time to explore or to hit one of the trendy fusion restaurants.

Day 9: Lima

Location: Lima

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Enjoy a free day in the Peruvian capital also known as the 'City of Kings'. Take an optional city tour, visit one of the many museums, or enjoy the fresh seafood in one of the cities many restaurants.

Additional Information: Please note that if you booked the Peru Culinary Bundle, the Lima activity will be included today. You will be picked up from your hotel at approx 10:00am and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. You will return back to your hotel around 13:00.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day exploring the Peruvian capital.

Day 10: Lima/Urubamba

Location: Lima

Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH

Board an early flight to Cusco then on to the Sacred Valley to visit the Ccaccaccollo community and Planeterra-sponsored Women's Weaving Co-op, explore the Pisac ruins and visit the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Ccaccaccollo community centre which G Adventures travellers' donations helped create in 2005, thereby enabling local women to sell traditional textiles to travellers. See local weaving and dyeing techniques used to create garments and souvenirs, and learn how the Planeterra weaving co-operative has impacted the community and those who visit it. This includes the purchase of alpacas to provide a steady supply of wool, looms, and sewing machines as well as several training courses on production, sales and small business management.

ACTIVITY: Tour the fascinating hilltop citadel of Pisac, an Incan ruin with plunging gorges, a ceremonial centre, and winding agriculture terracing that's still in use today. Be captivated by this truly amazing site sitting amid sweeping green valleys and mountain peaks. Explore the back of the site to see a pocketed cliff across Kitamayo Gorge, which once contained hundreds of Inca tombs.

ACTIVITY: Contribute to sustainable tourism in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village of 65 families in the Sacred Valley, by eating at the Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn how the resident-run restaurant was kickstarted by G Adventures and the Multilateral Investment Fund, to become a successful farm-to-table program that boosts the local economy and several spin-off microenterprises.

Day 11: Urubamba

Location: Urubamba

Meals Included: BREAKFAST, DINNER

Visit the pre-Incan salt pans of Las Salineras and tour the Ollantaytambo and Moray ruins. Enjoy a traditional Pachamanca-style meal of local specialities.

ACTIVITY: Explore the ancient site of Moray, which archeologists believe was used to conduct agricultural experiments. Walk down through the great circular terraces and notice how the temperature shifts with the depth – sometimes as much as 15°C (27°F)!

ACTIVITY: Visit the pre-Incan salt pans of Las Salineras – still in use today. Marvel at the terraced pools set amongst the beauty of the Sacred Valley.

ACTIVITY: Tour the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo with a local guide. Take a step back in time at this Inca archaeological site; it still shows signs of its former glory, including agricultural terraces, a Temple Hill, and storehouses. Learn how the area, overlooking the Urubamba River Valley, was an important stronghold during warfare between the Spanish and Incas.

ACTIVITY: The thousand year-old tradition of pachamanca involves baking an assortment of meat and vegetables in an oven of hot stones, earth, and grass. Meat is usually seasoned with local spices and wrapped in a banana leaf before it’s placed on the hot stones and can include lamb, pork, chicken or guinea pig. Savour this traditional meal prepared by an experienced chef.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Day 12: Urubamba/Aguas Calientes

Location: Urubamba

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Catch an early transfer to Ollantaytambo station and board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes with option to visit the market.

For serious archaeology buffs, there is time for an optional independent visit to Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following morning.

Additional Information: Please bear in mind that the town has several amenities, but is also geographically remote meaning services are sometimes more basic than one would assume. As the only option for travellers visiting Machu Picchu, the development of infrastructure has happened quite quickly, much without proper planning, and the focus on providing quality service may not be up to the standards experienced in other parts of the country.

Those who have chosen the option in advance to hike the "1-day Inca Trail" will disembark the train at km 104 to begin the trek. The trail rises steeply up into the mountains and will take hikers past the archaeological sites of Wiñay Wayna and Inti Pata, where the local guide will provide insights into the fascinating culture of the Incas en route to the trek's culmination at the Sun Gate. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way and reach the Sun Gate in the late afternoon with a chance for a preliminary exploration of Machu Picchu before the guided tour on Day 5. Transfer by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to rejoin the group and spend the night in a hotel. If time permits, take an optional visit to the nearby hot springs to soak your sore muscles.
1-day Inca Trail option:
Approximate Distance: 7km
Estimated hiking Time: 5-6 hours

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Day 13: Aguas Calientes/Cusco

Location: Aguas Calientes

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu ruins. Free time to explore on your own or take an optional visit to the Inca Bridge before returning to Cusco by train.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab 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, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

TRANSPORT: EVENING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Day 14: Cusco

Location: Cusco

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Explore Cusco's historic streets, museums and local markets. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking.

Additional Information: Please note that if you booked the Peru Culinary Bundle, on day 6 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. You will return back to your hotel around 16:00.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Take in the sights on horseback or rent a motorbike for a more thrilling ride. Looking to learn more about Cusco? Head to one of the many museums in the city.

Day 15: Cusco/Lima

Location: Cusco

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Fly back to Lima and spend an afternoon in Peru's bustling capital.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Day 16: Lima

Location: Lima

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Depart at any time.

Additional Information: Your CEO can help arrange an optional transfer to the airport.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

What's Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay

  • Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo

  • Your Local Living Moment: Local Indigenous Family Visit, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group

  • Your Wellness Moment: Local Shaman Visit, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

  • Your Discover Moment: Lima

  • Your Discover Moment: Cusco. Arrival transfer. 6 nts aboard the Amatista Amazon riverboat. Canopy walkway excursion in Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Sacred Valley tour (2-day). Visit to a G Adventures-supported women's weaving project and lunch at the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco, an indigenous village. Scenic train and guided tour of Machu Picchu. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

  • Your Hands-On Moment: Piranha Fishing, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

  • Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Wellness Moment: Local Shaman Visit, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Your Local Living Moment: Local Indigenous Family Visit, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Your Hands-On Moment: Piranha Fishing, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Your Discover Moment: Lima Your Discover Moment: Cusco

  • Arrival transfer

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Accommodation

Aboard the Amatista Amazon riverboat (6 nts), comfort hotels (9 nts).

Transport

Amazon riverboat, bus, train, plane, walking.

Group Size

Max 28 on riverboat, max 15 on land portion

Meals Included

15 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Meals

Meals and unlimited bottled water are included on board the Amazon Riverboat, drinks extra. Continental Breakfast included throughout.

Check out our Q&As

  • Transport

    Amazon riverboat, bus, train, plane, walking.

  • A Couple of Rules

    Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

  • My Own Room

    Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

  • Group Size Notes

    Max 28 on riverboat, max 15 on land portion

  • Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures

    Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally. G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation. Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment. Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

  • Solo Travellers

    We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

  • Important Notes

    1. LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS Last minute bookings of this trip when choosing the 1-day Inca Trail option will be on an "on request" basis only. To make a booking request of a tour which includes the Inca Trail G Adventures requires your full name, date of birth, nationality and passport number. 2. COMBO TRIP Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. 3. EXTRAS Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, Extras are optional add-ons to your G adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and ask you sales GCO. 4. All travellers are required to pay the tax on domestic flights in Peru. Foreign travellers are exempt form this, and proving you are indeed a foreign traveller can be done by providing us with your international ticket number (ITN). Travellers who do not submit international ticket numbers at least 30 days prior to Day 1 of their tour will be required to pay the domestic tax on all included flights.

  • Optional Activities

    Lima - Lima City Tour (65-85USD per person) Aguas Calientes - Hot Springs Visit (3USD per person) - Butterfly House Visit - Mandor Gardens Visit Machu Picchu - Machu Picchu Visit (75-120USD per person) - Inca Bridge Visit (Free) Cusco - Cusco City Tour (45PEN per person) - Horseback Riding (150PEN per person) - Paragliding - Quad Biking

  • Dossier Disclaimer

    The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

  • What to Take

    Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

  • Tipping

    It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. We recommend tipping $15 per day or $90 in total for time spent on the boat. There will be two envelopes left by the staff one, for guides and one for crew. The recommended breakdown is 50% for the naturalist staff and 50% for the crew. This is only a suggestion as we understand that tipping is a personal choice. For the land portion of your trip we recommend tipping drivers and local guides from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

  • Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

    The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures’ itineraries globally. G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. Dollar-a-Day Program G Adventures’ Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.

  • What's Included

    Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Wellness Moment: Local Shaman Visit, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Your Local Living Moment: Local Indigenous Family Visit, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Your Hands-On Moment: Piranha Fishing, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Your Discover Moment: Lima Your Discover Moment: Cusco. Arrival transfer. 6 nts aboard the Amatista Amazon riverboat. Canopy walkway excursion in Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Sacred Valley tour (2-day). Visit to a G Adventures-supported women's weaving project and lunch at the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco, an indigenous village. Scenic train and guided tour of Machu Picchu. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

  • Accommodation

    Aboard the Amatista Amazon riverboat (6 nts), comfort hotels (9 nts).

  • Joining Hotel

    For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

  • Spending Money

    Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

  • Emergency Contact

    Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. AIRPORT TRANSFER  If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that: Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.  EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures Office Lima, Peru. During office hours (Weekdays, 9-6pm Local Time): +51 1 241 1650 or 01 241 1650 (from mobile within Peru) or 241 1650 (from payphone within Peru) After hours Emergency number: +51 99 758 2712, If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

  • Trip Specific Safety

    Care should be taken when wandering around on your own in central Lima, as some areas can be dangerous and pickpockets are daring.

  • Safety and Security

    Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions. Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately. Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s). Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit: www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/

  • Meals

    Meals and unlimited bottled water are included on board the Amazon Riverboat, drinks extra. Continental Breakfast included throughout.

  • Group Leader Description

    All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

  • Newsletter

    Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/ Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

  • Arrival Complications

    We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

  • Highlights

    Explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve – the largest national park in Peru, spot pink dolphins on the Amazon River, explore ancient ruins off the beaten path in the Sacred Valley, visit local villages and the G Adventures-supported Women's Weaving Co-op, take in mountain views on the scenic train to Machu Picchu

  • Minimum Age

    You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

  • Packing List

    Health & Safety: • Face masks (required) • Hand sanitizer (required) • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.) • Rubber gloves

  • Max Pax

    28 on Amazon Riverboat, 16 on land portion

  • Health

    Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician.

  • Meals Included

    15 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

  • International Flights

    Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

  • Feedback

    After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

  • Itinerary Disclaimer

    While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. PLEASE NOTE: The activities on the Amazon Riverboat portion of this trip may run in a different order, or this trip may run in reverse depending on the time of year. The itinerary will still cover all of the same destinations and activities but they may be in a different order.

  • Group Leader

    Certified Amazon Reserve naturalist guide and support staff on board the Amazon riverboat. Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout. Local guides.

  • About Accommodation

    Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.

  • Local Flights

    All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

  • Money Exchange

    The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country. CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent). As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

  • Visas and Entry Requirements

    All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

  • Emergency Fund

    Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

  • Laundry

    Aboard the Amazon Riverboat laundry facilities are provided free of charge for each passenger daily except for the last day. Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

  • Joining Instructions

    An arrival transfer is included with all Comfort-level tours when you arrive on Day 1, or when you arrive up to three days prior to the tour, provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous. Jorge Chavez International Airport in Callao Lima, is approximately a 45-minute drive from the Miraflores district, where our joining hotel is located. The easiest way to get there is via taxi. Immediately after the customs and immigration area, as you head to the exits, you will find an official taxi stand. You can pay for the car at set (approximately $27 USD) rates and won’t need to worry about sorting out a ride outside the airport facilities, where the situation tends to get more chaotic, with many drivers vying for few clients. There are exchange facilities in the Arrivals area open 24 hours. An arrival transfer is included in this tour, someone will be at the airport to meet you. Upon leaving the baggage claim area you will see a large open area with sign boards all around. Look for a G Adventures sign board with your name. As there are many people and signs in this area it may be difficult for you to spot the sign immediately. Please take your time in doing so and if at that stage you do not see a G Adventures sign board with your name go to the customer service area to wait. In the event that your driver does not arrive within 20 minutes please ask the information desk to arrange an official taxi for you which should cost approximately $27 USD and this money will be reimbursed by your CEO or G Adventures representative. FINDING YOUR TRANSFER - As you walk out of the airport there will be many drivers holding signs with agency or passenger names as well as taxi drivers asking you if you require their services. These are NOT our drivers and you should not accept their services. Please wait for our designated transfer person with a G Adventures sign board.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    G Adventures was established in 1990

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/

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Lynsey M, UK  

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This tour was very good. I would reccomend it. It is great to see the difference in the three countries, Iguassu Falls definitely a highlight on my whole South America trip.

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This was our first trip with G Adventures. We took the 8 day trip around Galapagos on their ship Yolita II. The guide, Adrienne, was knowledgeable and very pleasant. Each day had a variety of activities to choose from so you could fill your day or pick and choose what you wanted to do. The guide knew where to look for various animals so we saw an abundance of wildlife - lots of different sea birds, sea lions, a few kinds of iguanas, and many kinds of fishes. The only negative, and it's not G Adventures fault, is that the little ship rocks and rolls and night which can make sleeping challenging.

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Tina. G, Canada  

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08-Nov-2021

The tour was great! Our guide Peter was very knowledgeable and gave us just the right amount of information about the sights and animals we were seeing. He was also very personable and had a great sense of humour. Our cook was great as well! They were both flexible and accomodated our requests to spend longer looking at some animals, to visit craft markets, etc. The lodge accommodations both inside and outside Kruger National Park were fantastic.

Sandra Salter  

I have taken four trips with G…

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I have taken four trips with G Adventures. The Guides have been so knowledgeable and friendly. Each trip has been thoroughly planned. The trips have been once in a lifetime experiences.

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Jil S, Canada  

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The tour was excellent! I think there was something for everyone on this tour... lots of hiking and nature walks for nature lovers, a plethora of optional activities for the adventurous and lots of downtime for the ones who just want to relax. I loved it!

Fergus Lawrence Park   Uk

Sailing Thailand - Phuket to Phuket

18-Dec-2023

Fantastic trip overall with very efficient staff on board. Fantastic food throughout. Deluxe cabin was disappointing and not as advertised and many problems with the air conditioning in our cabin meant we had 2 sleepless nights.

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Sailing Thailand - Phuket to Phuket

18-Dec-2023

Fantastic trip overall with very efficient staff on board. Fantastic food throughout. Deluxe cabin was disappointing and not as advertised and many problems with the air conditioning in our cabin meant we had 2 sleepless nights.

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Travel With Confidence Policy

    Our Travel with Confidence policy was created to highlight the measures G Adventures has taken in
    response to the increased focus on health and safety, mask-wearing, hygiene and physical distancing
    coming out of the pandemic. This policy complements our Book with Confidence policy - which
    provides additional flexibility and freedom for your travellers during the booking phase - and will, we
    believe, provide additional reassurance to those considering travel to travel with us. The safety of
    your travellers has always been our top priority, which is why new physical distancing and cleaning
    measures have been put in place on all of our tours. Our Travel with Confidence policy features
    health and safety procedures from the moment your travellers arrive on tour to the moment they
    leave, without taking away from having the time of their lives. While on tour, it is a requirement that
    your travellers follow the directions of their CEO at all times to help keep their fellow group-mates
    safe, as well as local residents. The policy will evolve as time goes on and as we continue to monitor
    local public health recommendations, but what won’t change is our commitment to keeping your
    travellers safe as they explore our big, beautiful world.

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