Lima to La Paz: Sandboarding & Sunsets - 21 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female70%
- Male30%
Average age
Start / End
- Lima
- La Paz
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 18Meals included
24Highlights
- Go sandboarding in the oasis of Huacachina
- Conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Spot condors at Colca Canyon
- Meet the locals at a Lake Titicaca homestay
- Sample the delicious Peruvian cuisine.
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Summary
Take the party to new heights in the crisp mountain air of the Andes. With other young travellers not afraid to try new things, you'll journey from the enigmatic Nazca Lines to the lost city of Machu Picchu and onward to incredible La Paz. You'll commune with the condors in Colca Canyon and feel like a local while crashing at a small village homestay at Lake Titicaca. Think of this as three weeks of climbing higher, going further, and pushing boundaries on the roof of South America.
Itinerary
Day 1
Lima
Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city.
Day 2
Lima/Huacachina
Travel along Peru's breathtaking coast to the oasis of Huacachina where you can sandboard on the desert dunes while watching the sun go down.
Day 3
Huacachina/Nazca
Wake up and make the most of your time in Huacachina before your adventure continues on to Nazca. There is time in the morning for an optional excursion to the Ballestas Islands, home to a lively colony of sea lions, pelicans, and other varieties of birds. Later, catch a bus to Nazca. Stop along the way at a Pisco winery and try the country's national drink!
Day 4
Nazca/Arequipa
Choose to soar over the iconic Nazca Lines today with a pre-bookable flight, or take a tour of the Nazca Desert Cemetery and Pottery Studio. For lunch today experience pachamanca, a traditional way to prepare Andean foods by slow cooking them in an underground oven. Tonight, catch some z's on an overnight bus to Arequipa.
Day 5
Arequipa
Welcome to Arequipa! Take the day to explore what is known as the 'white city.' If you're into history and architecture, visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, where you'll get a unique glimpse into a bygone way of life. For spicy food lovers, visiting one of the 'picanterías' is a must. Satisfy your craving with a variety of local regional foods: alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces.
Day 6
Arequipa/Colca Canyon
Enjoy a full-day tour of the spectacular Colca Valley and venture to the impressive Colca Canyon — one of the deepest canyons in the world — on an overnight excursion. With a little luck, you'll spot some unusual Andean animals such as vicuñas, and alpacas. Give your body some much needed relaxation by taking an optional dip in the the hot springs.
Day 7
Colca Canyon/Arequipa
Get an early start to be on the look out for condors. Travel from Chivay town to a condor viewpoint to get a glimpse of these magnificent birds in the air. On the way back, stop in local villages, and see old terraces. Later, head out for a drink in the Calle Zela area – restaurant, bar, or club, there's something for everyone!
Day 8
Arequipa/Cusco
Explore Arequipa – take a city tour if you want or check out a monastery or museum. Later, sit back and relax on an overnight bus to Cusco.
Day 9
Cusco
Explore the city on your own today or choose from a variety of activities that will help you discover the magic of Cusco. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and plazas or choose to take a half-day tour of the city. Or, pre-book the Cusco cooking class if you want to learn to prepare delicious local specialties!
Day 10
Cusco
To arrange the hike to 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.
Day 11
Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Head into the Sacred Valley today to visit the G-Adventures supported women's weaving co-op in the Ccaccaccollo community. Learn about weaving, and meet the adorable resident llamas. If you see a knitted item you like, buy it — a perfect keepsake from your journey. Stop and sample some craft beer at a brewery on your way to Ollantaytambo.
Day 12
Inca Trail
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where your trek begins. Hike through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons. You'll see several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Day 13
Inca Trail
Get an early start today to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, 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 some much needed R&R.
Day 14
Inca Trail
Cross two more passes and ruins along the way. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through cloud forest on the 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).
Day 15
Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Wake up around 03:30 and walk to the checkpoint. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site. Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon. Tonight, dance the night away at a popular night club.
Day 16
Cusco
Today is another free day to get the most out of Cusco and to do anything you may not have done yet. Continue to explore and be active or relax and watch the world go by from one of they many bars and restaurants on the main plaza.
Day 17
Cusco/Puno
Sit back, relax, and soak in the impressive views as you travel by bus through the Altiplano on your way to Puno on Lake Titicaca.
Day 18
Puno/Lake Titicaca
This morning, you will board a boat on Lake Titicaca and head to Taquile Island. Opt to have lunch in a local restaurant and shop in the afternoon at the local weaving cooperatives. Later, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay to live like a local on the shores of the lake. Learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and create unforgettable memories with the family and fellow travellers.
Day 19
Lake Titicaca/Puno
Say goodbye to your homestay family and stop at the Uros Islands on your way back to Puno. If you want, you can check out the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site. Or kayak on Lake Titicaca.
Day 20
Puno/La Paz
Today, enjoy a full-day drive around the picturesque lake and through the Altiplano to La Paz. Cross over into Bolivia and catch your breath before a night out in the highest city of the trip. Check out the area of Sopocachi for cool bohemian vibes.
Day 21
La Paz
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Simple hotels (10 nts), hostel (4 nts, multi-share), overnight buses (2 nts), camping (3 nts), homestay (1 nt).
Meals
Breakfasts: 15, Lunches: 5, Dinners: 4
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
from £1,690Sep 25
from £2,155Oct 25
from £1,724Nov 25
from £1,669Dec 25
from £1,724Jan 26
from £2,086Feb 26
from £2,086Mar 26
from £2,233Apr 26
from £2,233May 26
from £2,302Jun 26
from £2,302Jul 26
from £2,302Aug 26
from £2,302Sep 26
from £2,233Oct 26
from £2,233Nov 26
from £2,086Dec 26
from £2,086
- Save 22%Sun 2 Nov 2025 > Sat 22 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 18 left£2,129Best offer£1,669Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 22%Fri 7 Nov 2025 > Thu 27 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 18 left£2,129Best offer£1,669Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 22%Sun 9 Nov 2025 > Sat 29 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 18 left£2,129Best offer£1,669Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 22%Sun 16 Nov 2025 > Sat 6 Dec 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 18 left£2,129Best offer£1,669Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
I loved G Adventures! I?ve previously travelled solo before and found it a lot harder to meet people. The small group of people the same age as you means there?s always somebody to talk to and we had so much fun. I?m sad I didn?t stay on longer. I was a solo traveller and this style is perfect. I got on really well with the other people because of the 18-30 something specification. I felt very safe and had a lot of chances to socialise with other people.
Hannah Oct, 2024 VerifiedIt was a great tour to explore Peru - it's culture, food, animals and landscapes! Thank you so much! It's the best way to see a country in just a small period of time. Everything is very well organised!
Kim Oct, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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