I did the G-Adventures Multisport Peru tour in 2022 and this is my honest review of it.
There are so many kinds of tours in Peru. Single-day tours, location hotspots, educational walkthroughs. Then there are the ultimate tours like this one. A 15-day, multisport, action-packed Peruvian adventure.
Let’s get to this part first – would I recommend this Peru tour? Short answer: Yes
Why the Multisport Peru Tour
If you’re seeking a tour that pushes your limits, immerses you in the rich culture of Peru, and connects you with like-minded, adventurous travelers, the Peru Multisport tour is a standout choice!
I wholeheartedly recommend this tour for active individuals who love a mix of thrilling activities and fascinating insights. The Peru Multisport tour hits all the right notes: multiple days of intense hiking, exhilarating island-to-island kayaking, and open valley mountain biking. Plus, you’ll dive into the region’s captivating history along the way.
This tour isn’t just about the physical challenges; it’s about fully experiencing the vibrant landscapes and stories of Peru. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, then pack your bags—this one’s for you!
I really enjoyed my time on this trip, and it’s one that will be in my books for a long time simply because every minute of it was action-packed.
Note: If you are looking for a relaxing tour, this may not be the one for you
What’s Included in The G-Adventures Peru Tour
When planning a trip with G-Adventures, it’s essential to understand what’s included in your tour package and what expenses you’ll need to cover on your own. G-Adventures is known for its transparency, so let’s break down the details.
Night Accommodations During the Tour
One of the main perks of booking with G-Adventures is that your accommodations are taken care of throughout the tour. Whether you’re staying in cozy hotels, charming hostels, or even camping under the stars, you’ll have a place to rest after each day of adventure.
Meals
Each day, certain meals are included, giving you a taste of local cuisine without the hassle of planning every bite. While not all meals are covered, the ones that are will be well thought out to keep you fueled for your journey.
Transportation
Forget the stress of figuring out how to get from point A to point B. G-Adventures covers transportation between tour locations, ensuring you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
Activity Permits and Equipment
If you’re heading to iconic spots like the Inca Trail, the cost of your activity permits is included. For adventure enthusiasts, equipment for activities like kayaking and biking is also provided, so you can dive right into the action without extra hassle.
With G-Adventures, the essentials are covered, leaving you free to soak in the experiences and create unforgettable memories.
What Isn’t Included in the G-Adventures Peru Tour
Flight to Peru
One of the major costs you’ll need to handle separately is your flight to and from Peru. G-Adventures doesn’t bundle airfare into their tour prices, giving you the flexibility to shop around for the best deals. You can book flights through various services, but I personally like using Booking.com. They offer competitive prices and the convenience of bundling flights with hotels if you plan to stay extra days.
Additional Nights in Peru
If you decide to extend your adventure with extra days in Peru before or after the tour, those costs are also on you. Booking.com comes in handy here too, offering a range of accommodation options to suit any budget or preference.
Optional Excursions
During your tour, you’ll have rest days when you can explore at your own pace or opt for additional excursions. These activities aren’t included in the tour price and come with extra costs. Prices and transportation details can vary depending on the activity, so it’s a good idea to plan for these if you want to make the most of your free days.
Tour Itinerary – My Experience
If you are looking for a little more detail about the trip, say less. I have included my full experience of each location and activity below, along with why I loved them so much.
Please note: If you are just looking for the day-to-day activities of the tour, please reference the itinerary laid out on the GAdventures page: Peru Multisport
Lima – Day 1
We started off the trip meeting in Lima. I always start my multi-day tours with a few extra days to myself, so I went 2 days early to explore the city.
Lima is beautiful and worth the sight, but personally, I thought 2 days was more than enough time to wander. I’m not so much a city person so I may be biased in this. Do take time to see the markets, enjoy a few drinks at the bars, and walk on the beaches!
Cusco – Day 2 & 3
Oh man, did I love Cusco. It’s a culture-rich foodie heaven! All of the buildings are a mix, and even a combination of native and Spanish architecture, providing a unique layout to the city.
Cusco stands at an elevation of 3,399 m, so climatization is important here. When we first arrived, numerous people had headaches and nosebleeds, it’s also very common to quickly get out of breath doing simple activities – like climbing 3 stairs or even picking up your backpack!
Don’t let this scare you though, your body does adjust. They even have natural teas and candies that help with elevation sickness so it isn’t such a strain.
Once in Cusco, we had free time to explore the city, get some food, and talk to the locals. There was even a dance festival taking place when I was there, so groups were practicing in the main square with music and beautiful costumes!
Ollantaytambo – Day 4 & 5
We stayed in Ollantaytambo for a few days, but most of this time was spent mountain biking in the Sacred Valleys!
Did you know
The Mayans used terrace farming to grow a multitude of crops in one area. The temperature and humidity changes between the terrace levels allowed for crops from multiple climates to grow in different seasons.
Cycling Peru’s Sacred Valleys
These bike rides were filled with amazing views. We got to look over mountains, rivers, layered fields of crops, and even natural salt pool mines!
I do need to warn you that the elevation gain makes these rides extremely difficult at times, and the terrain isn’t always easy. There are times you are biking on a small rocky path close to a cliff, but I am not an experienced mountain biker so take that as you will. Of course, there is always the option to opt out of the bike rides at specific times, so no need to stress about it at all if biking is not your vibe.
The Town of Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is an ancient town built in the valley in between two other ancient ruins that overlook it. At any point throughout the day, you can hike to, and walk through the old ruins. So of course, I did!
The ruins were amazing! They are fully open for you to explore at your own leisure, and look over the new town below that is Ollantaytambo.
The Inca Trail – Days 6 – 10
As a seasoned hiker, the Inca trail hike was my absolute favorite part of this trip. Being able to walk this ancient trail, leading to one of the most beautiful mountaintop city ruins, was just a dream.
The trails lead you through multiple microclimates, going from a hot desert to a tropical jungle, to a cloud forest, and to another freezing desert. (Don’t worry, the guides make sure you’re all set up with proper equipment and clothing before the hike)
I would recommend this hike to go on everyone’s bucket list, even if you aren’t a hiker. Yes, it is very challenging, but it’s also so rewarding! The feeling you get at the end of each day – just climbing ancient steps carved into stone, seeing hundreds of animals, and ending it off in a beautiful site between the mountains? I could have lived there forever happily.
Machu Picchu
After 4 amazingly exhausting days, you end the trail with an amazing view of the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Walking through the Sun Gate just past sunrise, you are almost alone with the views of the city surrounded by the mountains.
Back to Cusco – Day 11 & 12
Alas, after the final early morning hike, seeing the ancient city of Machu Picchu during the sunrise, we got to relax. We had a full tour of the ruins, exploring each room as we walked through the old city and its purpose in the sky. We then took the train down to the new city for a nap and drinks before making the ride back to Cusco.
The free day in Cusco upon our return presented us with an option: take a day to rest and relax before another travel day and multi-day kayak trip OR hike up to Rainbow Mountain.
Guess what I did
I actually found the hike up Rainbow Mountain tougher than some days on the Inca Trail. With an altitude of 5,200 m and located in an open desert, the hike looks like a 40-minute walk but it actually took me close to 2 hours to get to the top. I’d still very much recommend this hike though – it definitely takes your breath away in more ways than one. (That’s a pun. Please tell me you laughed at it)
Puno – Day 13
Puno was the last major city on this tour. Claiming a portion of Lake Titicaca shores, you are in a prime location to see across the way into the Bolivian mountain range.
To be fully transparent, and drive home my known indifference toward cities, Puno wasn’t my favorite part of the trip. It has interesting nightlife and beautiful stone streets – so I’m definitely happy I saw the city, but it did not strike me with awe the way the rest of the trip locations did.
Lake Titicaca – Day 13 & 14
What a time! Lake Titicaca provided me with the most humbling and wholesome experiences.
First off, kayaking in open water is a terrifying and super cool experience. We were balancing the border of Bolivia and Peru as we made our way to our homestay on the Amantani island.
The Amantani Island
When we arrived at Amantani Island, a sweet couple made the most amazing rainbow trout lunch for all 15 of us! On every other day of the year, I’m not a fan of seafood, so admitting to liking this meal says a lot about how good it was in my opinion.
They shared some history of the island and their love story, along with some island traditions and how they came to light. Not only was it delicious and informative, but they made our group feel so welcome and happy to be a part of their day.
My Homestay Family
Later, we were split into small groups and sent off with our family hosts for the night. The family I stayed with was such a treat! They greeted us with homemade hats and toured us around the town before they showed us where we were staying.
They showed us their farms and the chores they do regularly. We even helped with some before preparing for dinner. This family was so happy to share their home and their food with us that it honestly overwhelmed me with such love.
They really did show me what it means to welcome someone into a community. To this day I try to incorporate some of the excitement to share my things with friends every day.
Later, we played soccer with the group of local kids (and won!) and they welcomed us to the only bar in town with some of the best hot chocolate and baileys I have ever had.
The joy and pure welcoming of the people on this island were so quick to remind me why I love to travel. This was an experience that showed me the pure bliss of simplicity and community.
The Reed Islands
Multiple islands, floating through the lake, made of dried reeds. Sounds wild but it’s true!
After the amazing kayak adventures, we were brought to the floating islands of the Uros people for some history and ways of life. This was the wildest story I never expected to hear. Everything around these sweet people is made entirely by hand using reeds that grow just off the shores of Titicaca!
The island, the houses, the benches etc. (Not the food, they do trade for that). They allowed us to go through their small homes, walk around their islands, and tour the crafts they make. They even offered to take us on a boat ride in a traditional reed boat (different from the island make).
The Uros people
I would not have learned of the Uro people without the knowledge shared on this trip. The Uros are a group of people that live entirely on floating islands made of reeds. Their homes drift along the Puno shore through Lake Titicaca, each consisting of only a few small houses made from the same reeds as the island.
The Uros People
The Uros people are descendants of the earliest Peruvian inhabitants, pre-dating the Inca and Spanish.
Tours End
After arriving back in Puno, we made our way to the airport and back to Lima. And that was it! The whole tour wrapped in a small post.
I tried not to go too in-depth with all my days, considering I could probably talk for hours about any and all the activities and stories I learned while doing this tour in Peru.
I found this tour to be a good mix of well-traveled tourist hot spots, and off-the-grid opportunities only offered when on a tour. If that’s something you are looking for, I recommend this tour tenfold.
The Peru Tour Accommodations
This is not a tour for those looking for luxury. We stayed in homestays, hostels, and small hotels. Some places you stay are quite remote and cannot offer the same facilities we are used to.
For the Machu Picchu hike, the facilities are tents and shared outhouses. They are also shared when in the homestays. When biking and kayaking there are no facilities. So that is one thing to be mindful of when looking into this trip.
Why Take a Peru Tour? Benefits, etc.
I find tours to be an easy way to travel. No need to plan, no need to worry. Everything you want to see and do is planned out for you and already paid for. I believe tours are a perfect way to break up travel.
The Benefits
The Peru Multisport tour plans out your route, your activities, the places you stay, the gear you rent, and all transportation. Additionally, we got to go to some sustainability project sites and see some parts of the Peruvian culture I never would have known existed if I hadn’t gone on this tour.
I hope you find this review helpful. If you have any questions or more details on any part of the trip please message me. And best of luck!
Best Sites to See in Peru
Machu Picchu
Rainbow Mountain
Cusco City
Related Posts
- What to Expect when Hiking the Inca Trail
- What to Pack When Hiking the Inca Trail
- My 2024 Travel Bucket list
About the Author
Hi, I’m Shannon. A small travel lover with a big vision.
I’m an avid plane rider and backpacker, currently traveling between lots of working days. This year I am making travel my #1 priority, and I play to document as much as I can!
