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Cuzco to Anchorage Overview

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‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.

Trip Validity

  • 2013-01-01 - 2013-12-31

Cross the Americas on an epic overland adventure from Cuzco, Peru, to Anchorage, Alaska

As far as ultimate American adventures go, this trip from Cuzco to Anchorage ticks all the boxes. Starting in Cuzco, Peru, the tour ventures up through Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, the USA, Canada and finally ends in Anchorage, Alaska. Loaded with culture, history, architecture and bountiful nature, this incredible American adventure will leave you breathless. This exciting itinerary may be full of trekking up volcanoes, exploring vibrant cities, kayaking down emerald rivers, snorkelling over reefs and taking part in all manor of outdoor and cultural activities, but there is also a great balance of down time too, with beaches, forests and unspoilt nature to be enjoyed and relaxed in. So if you’re after a life-affirming, awe-inspiring and never-to-be-forgotten adventure, then this epic trip is it.

  • Experience the beauty of the Ecuadorian rainforest

Trip Map


Cuzco to Anchorage Summary

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Day 1 Cuzco

Cuzco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and a city with majestic architecture, impressive ruins, a lively town centre and cultural significance around every cobblestone corner.

Days 2-5 Inca Trail/Quecha Community Trek

Winding around mountains, through valleys and up steep slopes, the iconic Inca Trail is a series of beautiful vistas and challenging hikes all the way to Machu Picchu. A relaxed and spectacular alternate to the classic Inca Trail trek, the Quecha Community Trek traverses Inca ruins, glacial lakes, lush valleys, waterfalls, soaring peaks and overnights in local villages.

Day 6 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Built sometime in the 15th century and rediscovered in 1911, the staggering ruins of Machu Picchu were thought to be an estate for the Incan emperor, Pachacuti.

Day 7 Cuzco

A World Heritage site set amongst red-green hills with ruins scattered close by, Cuzco is impressive in every way - be it history, culture, nightlife or architecture.

Day 8 Raqchi

Traditional houses, customs and handicrafts are a signature part of Raqchi, a small village just outside of Cuzco.

Days 9-10 Chivay/Colca Canyon

Known for its love of karaoke, Chivay is a small town located near the Colca Canyon with an interesting market and some relaxing hot springs close by. Over twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and with Andean Condors soaring high above, the Colca Canyon commands reverie. Chivay has a number of pubs, restaurants and hotels to relax in in-between hikes or visits to the Colca Canyon.

Days 11-12 Arequipa

The beautiful 'White City' of Arequipa is surrounded by volcanoes, is rich in Spanish colonial architecture and abounds with local culture and cuisine.

Day 13 Puerto Inca

Puerto Inca is a tiny, sandy place with an abundance of ruins and beautiful coastal scenery to enjoy.

Day 14 Nazca

Rebuilt completely after a devastating earthquake in 1996, Nazca is home to the mysterious Nazca Lines and a city of colourful houses with a pretty main square.

Day 15 Paracas National Reserve

Home to a large number of birds and wildlife species, Paracas National Reserve helps preserve Peru's marine ecosystem and the cultural heritage of the Paracas people.

Days 16-17 Ballestas Islands/Lima

With birds circling ahead, a dramatic coastline with stone arches and caves, and animals galore lazing on rocks and beaches, the Ballestas Islands are a visual feast. Lima is a large, fascinating hotchpotch of architectural styles, coastal scenes, world cuisines, impressive museums, traditional culture and modern arts and nightlife.

Days 18-19 Huanchaco

Famed for its 'surfing' fishermen, Huanchaco was once a small fishing village but is now a relaxed beach haven for travellers keen on seeing the nearby ruins.

Days 20-22 Punta Sal

Gorgeous secluded beaches, blue skies and a relaxed pace of life are on offer in Punta Sal, a lovely beachside town in the very north of Peru.

Days 23-24 Cuenca

With roots tracing back to 8000BC, Cuenca is a fascinating and beautiful city, and World Heritage-listed due to its wonderfully preserved heritage buildings.

Day 25 Riobamba

Ecuador's mountain-climbing and trekking capital, Riobamba is a lovely city at the starting point of the Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose) train ride.

Days 26-27 Chugchilan/Quilotoa Loop

Nestled in amongst the Andes, Chugchilan is a picturesque village with amazing mountain scenery, wonderful hiking trails and is a perfect base to explore the area. The Quilotoa Loop starts in Latacunga and journeys through local villages, stunning mountain vistas, cloud forests and valleys, and to the beautiful Laguna Quilotoa.

Days 28-30 Rio Verde

Rio Verde is a beautiful little town set in a valley with great hiking and close to several lovely waterfalls, including the San Miguels falls.

Day 31 Coca

Prepare for the jungle adventure ahead in Coca.

Days 32-34 Amazon Jungle

The Amazon Rainforest, over 1.7 billion acres in size and spilling over into 8 countries, is a wondrous place with a bounty of plantlife, animals and fascinating communities.

Days 35-36 Quito

Quito is a cultured city with a wonderous Old Town, a dynamic nightlife and atmospheric streets showcasing Ecuadorian life in all its splendour.

Day 37 Otavalo

Farewell Ecuador and travel across the border into Colombia. Browse through the array of bright textiles and colourful crafts available at the famous markets of Otavalo.

Day 38 Ipiales

Explore the town of Ipiales. Perhaps take time to visit the area's prime attraction, Santuario de Las Lajas - believed to be the site of many miracles and apparitions. Set dramatically amid impressive mountain scenery, Las Lajas is a hidden highlight of Colombia.

Day 39 Popayan

Discover the old town of Popayan and take a day trip to admire the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the Purace National Park.

Days 40-41 Cali

Visit Cali, a culturally diverse town, famous for its lively nightlife.

Days 42-44 Manizales

Head to Manizales for a three-night stay at a hacienda. Tour a coffee plantation and admire scenic mountain vistas on a trip to Los Nevados National Park.

Days 45-47 Guatapé

Stay by the lake at the quaint town of Guatape. Bargain at the stalls on the board walk and climb El Penon de Guatape, the famous granite monolith that give stunning views of the natural surrounds.

Days 48-49 Medellin

Travel to Medellin and explore the streets of this city, which has played a pivotal role in recent Colombian history. In free time, why not take a day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia to admire its colonial architecture.

Days 50-51 Covenas/San Bernardo Islands

Travel to Covenas on the Morrosquillo gulf and visit the ten islands of San Bernado. A myriad of wildlife species traverse the varying landscapes of stunning beaches, marshes and mangroves.

Days 52-54 Cartagena

Wander around beautiful Cartagena on a guided city tour. Discover Cartagena's old town, an exceptionally well preserved area full of cobblestone laneways, charming buildings and busy cafes. Experience the therapeutic effects of a mud bath on an optional visit to a bubbling mud volcano.

Day 55 Panama City

Explore Panama City's colourful neighbourhoods and soak up the this vibrant region's atmosphere.
View full itinerary

What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Cuzco, Peru

  • Finish:

    Anchorage, United States

  • Group size:

    Min 4 , Max 22

  • Ages:

    Min 18

  • Meals:

    All meals when camping

  • Accommodation:

    Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt), Cabin (2 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (5 nts), Camping (with facilities) (85 nts), Guesthouse (9 nts), Hogan (1 nt), Homestay (1 nt), Hostel (7 nts), Hotel (37 nts), Lodge (4 nts)

  • Transport:

    Boat, Overland vehicle, Train

  • Included activities:

    3 night/3 day Amazon Adventure, Alternative Inca Trail and Quechua Community trek, Ballestas Islands boat trip, Bonampak Ruins, Canyonlands National Park, Chan Chan Archaeological Site, Chauchilla cemetery, Chichen Itza ruins, Chichicastenango Market, City tour, Coffee Plantation Tour, Manizales, Cuerva Tequila Distillery, Cuzco Visitor Ticket, El Penon de Guatape, Guided tour around Dawson City, Guided tour of Cartagena, Guided tour of Denali National Park, Guided tour of ruins, Guided tour to San Bernardo islands, Hat Factory Tour, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, Kenai Fjords scenic cruise, 'Ksan Historical Village, Lord of Sipan Museum, Machu Picchu guided tour, Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls, Mitad del Mundo, Monte Alban Ruins, Palenque ruins, Paracas National Park, Pyramids of Sun and Moon, Raqchi Artisan Centre and ruins, Sumidero Canyon, Teotihuacan Ruins, Tikal Ruins and National Park, Tour of Misty Fjords National Park, Tour of the Sacred Valley, Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo, Trek from Quilotoa to Chugchilan, Trekking, Tulum ruins, Visit to Lake Louise, Visit to Manos Amigas, Visit to Santuario la Lajas, Visit to the Panama Canal, Yaxchilan Ruins

  • Notes:

    Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.
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About Belize , Canada , Colombia , Costa Rica , Ecuador , El Salvador , Guatemala , Honduras , Mexico , Nicaragua , Panama , Peru , United States

    • 160
    • GDBCC
    • Total price tool tip
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    •  
       
       
       
       
    • Overland
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‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.

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Check Inca Trail Permit Status

You must check that permits are available for the date you start the Inca Trail. For example, if your trip starts on July 11, and the Inca Trail starts on day 4, you will need your permit on July 14.

This information should be used as a guide only as availability may change by the time we receive your request.

  • Date

  • Availability

Inca Trail Availability

Available

Inca Trail permits are available. You can book your trip for this date.

Contact us

Inca Trail permits may still be available, please contact us so we can check the current availability and make arrangements for you.

Alternative Routes

Inca Trail permits are now sold out. However, you can opt to hike the Inca Quarry Trail - with spectacular and diverse sceneries this trek is an exceptional alternative to the very busy Inca Trail. Alternatively, travel by train through the picturesque Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. Both options include a visit to Machu Picchu! Please contact us to arrange the one that suits you best!