10 Days • 9 Nights
Peru & the Amazon: Machu Picchu & the Rainforest
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
- The ancient Inca capital of Cusco
- The wildlife-rich Peruvian Amazon
- Jungle river cruises and canopy towers
- A macaw clay lick
- Monkeys, caimans, giant otters and birds
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Lima, with a welcome dinner showcasing Peru's cuisine.
You fly to Cusco and transfer to the lower Sacred Valley to aid acclimatisation, exploring the market of Pisac and the Andean scenery.
A day exploring the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray, amid stunning mountain scenery.
A scenic train ride and guided tour of Machu Picchu, the breathtaking lost city of the Incas. Overnight in Cusco.
A guided tour of Cusco, Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman and the cathedral, with time to enjoy the city.
You fly down from the Andes to the Amazon (Puerto Maldonado) and travel by boat to a jungle lodge in the wildlife-rich Tambopata reserve, with a first river excursion.
A full day exploring the Amazon, cruising rivers and an oxbow lake in search of giant otters and caimans, walking rainforest trails and climbing a canopy tower for the birds and monkeys.
A dawn visit to a macaw and parrot clay lick, a spectacle of colour, and more river and jungle exploration, spotting monkeys, caimans and countless birds.
A final morning in the jungle before travelling by boat and flying via Cusco to Lima for your final night, with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, having journeyed from the Andes to the Amazon.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 9 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, a Sacred Valley lunch and full board at the Amazon lodge
- Airport and internal transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert English-speaking guides
- Domestic flights and the Machu Picchu train as specified
- National park, archaeological site and Machu Picchu entry fees as per itinerary
- a Cusco tour, a Sacred Valley excursion, a Machu Picchu train and visit, an Amazon jungle programme and domestic flights
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 or 183 days on arrival; a passport valid for at least six months is required. We confirm details for your nationality
- Currency: The currency is the Peruvian Sol; cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels, but carry cash for markets, small vendors and rural areas. US Dollars in good condition are also accepted in many tourist places
- Altitude: Cusco (around 3,400 metres), Lake Titicaca and the Colca Canyon are high, so we build in acclimatisation, often starting in the lower Sacred Valley; ascend gradually, rest, stay hydrated, eat lightly and avoid alcohol at first
- Machu Picchu & permits: Entry to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail is by timed ticket and, for the trail, a permit that sells out months ahead; we book these for you well in advance, so early booking is recommended
- Best time to visit: The Andean dry season (May to September) is the most popular and reliable, with sunny days and cold nights, ideal for Machu Picchu and trekking; the wetter months are greener and quieter, though the Inca Trail closes each February
- Getting around: Peru is large and varied, so itineraries use domestic flights between Lima, Cusco, the Amazon and the south, plus the scenic train to Machu Picchu; these are arranged and included where specified
- Health: A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for the Amazon; bring sun protection for the intense high-altitude sun, warm layers for cold Andean nights, and drink bottled or purified water. We advise on current requirements
- Culture & power: Peru has a rich living Andean and Amazonian culture; please ask before photographing people and respect local customs. Tipping around ten percent is customary. Power is 220V with type A and C plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?
A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for the Peruvian Amazon. We advise you to check current requirements well before travel, and to bring insect repellent and appropriate clothing for the jungle.
Which Amazon region is best?
Tambopata (from Puerto Maldonado) is the most accessible and wildlife-rich, with excellent lodges and easy flights from Cusco, ideal for combining with Machu Picchu. Manu is wilder and remoter for dedicated wildlife enthusiasts. We tailor the choice to your interests.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner, a Sacred Valley lunch or full board at the Amazon lodge. Peru is a world-class culinary destination, so most other meals are left free with our recommendations.
Are the flights and Machu Picchu train included?
Yes — the domestic flights and the scenic train to Machu Picchu specified in your itinerary are arranged and included, along with all airport and hotel transfers and Machu Picchu entry, so your journey is seamless.
Do I need a visa for Peru?
Most nationalities do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 or 183 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
How do I manage the altitude?
Cusco and the highlands are high, so we build in acclimatisation, often starting in the lower Sacred Valley, and you should rest, hydrate, eat lightly and take it easy on arrival. Coca tea helps; we advise fully, and those with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor.
When is the best time to visit Peru?
The Andean dry season (May to September) is the most popular and reliable for Machu Picchu and trekking, with sunny days and cold nights. The wetter months are greener and quieter, though the Inca Trail closes each February for maintenance. We advise on timing.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon and the south, add the Inca Trail or Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, change the pace and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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