Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast - Inca Trail

Arrive at any time. Get to know your group tonight as you head out to one of the many bars and restaurants in the bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco. Enjoy a local craft beer with your fellow travellers as you get excited for the adventure to come. Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city.

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.

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!

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.

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 'picanterias' is a must. Satisfy your craving with a variety of local regional foods: alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces.

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 vicunas, and alpacas. Give your body some much needed relaxation by taking an optional dip in the the hot springs.

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!

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.

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!

Today is another free day to explore all that Cusco has to offer. Feeling active? Take on the Rainbow Mountain trek or go mountain biking. Prefer to stay local? Take it easy with a visit to the Inka Museum and hit up some of the many great cafes, restaurants and bars. 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.

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.

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.

Get an early start today to climb the long steep path to Warmiwanusca, 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.

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 Winay Wayna ruins (""forever young"") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).