17-day Machu Picchu & Manu jungle experience

Lima

Day 1: Hello, Lima!

Welcome to Lima, Peru's bright and historic capital. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver for a transfer and check-in to your comfortable hotel. You will be briefed and given a chance to review the exciting program in store for you over the coming days! Then, spend the rest of the day resting at your own pace after your travels.

Lima

Day 2: The historic sites of Lima

You'll begin the morning by being picked up to visit Lima’s historic downtown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

First you'll visit the Convent of Santo Domingo, one of the oldest and most glorious convents in the Americas. There, you'll climb the tower to see Lima from its extraordinary viewpoint! Afterward, walk to the Osambela House, an architectural jewel and one of the biggest houses built in Lima during the colonial Viceroyalty of Peru period. The house had three levels, very rare for its time, from where the owner used to watch the incoming ships of Callao's harbor.

Two blocks away you'll find the Casa de Aliaga, a beautiful mansion which has belonged to the same family from the Viceroyalty period until today. Finally, around 12pm, watch the changing of the guard at the Government Palace. Return to your hotel, or join an optional and fun Palomino Island experience with sea lions.

Lima - Cusco

Day 3: Explore the ancient marvels of Cusco

In the morning, you'll head to the airport to catch your flight to Cusco, located 3,400m above sea level. Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative who will transfer you to your hotel for some rest time. Later, you'll have a free afternoon to explore Cusco at your own pace! Enjoy light meals and drink plenty of water, coca or muña tea, to adjust to the altitude. 

Did you know that the ancient Inca capital "Qosqo" was a sacred city of stone palaces and temples? The design of its streets and roads reflects the technology and organization centered around the Inca Cosmovision. It is a unique place to learn about not just Inca culture, but also a rich colonial heritage.

Cusco

Day 4: Discover Cusco's historic surroundings

After breakfast at your hotel, leave the city and head to Sacsayhuaman, an imposing Inca building that dominates Cusco from the northern heights of the city.

You'll visit archaeological complexes such as Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and Q'enco. These sites will help you understand the local history and beliefs around Inca Cosmovision - astronomical observations which were critical to the development of the agricultural economy in the Andes.

On your way back to Cusco, you'll visit two of the city's most important sites: the cathedral and Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), the real sacred center of the ancient Inca capital.

Pisaq - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Day 5: Explore the Sacred Valley!

Your day starts early with a trip to the Sacred Valley. This valley was formed by the Vilcanota or Urubamba River on their way to the jungle, and was a strategic area in ancient pre-Hispanic times, as many agricultural products were distributed and exchanged throughout the empire.

The mountains surrounding the river form a landscape of rugged beauty. At their heights and in the distance, you might spot small groups of houses and farmland belonging to indigenous peasant communities.

Today's excursion includes tours of significant Inca sites such as Pisaq, a sophisticated system of terraces that demonstrates the importance of agriculture in the Andes, and the technology used in the time of the Inca Empire. Also on the list is the Ollantaytambo fortress and citadel, which guards the entrance to the valley, before it's time to head on to your base for the night - Aguas Calientes.

Machupicchu - Cusco

Day 6: Magnificent Machu Picchu

Early in the morning, take a bus from Aguas Calientes to the citadel of Machu Picchu, ascending 400m via a zigzagging road for about 30 minutes. You will then arrive at the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where at 7.45am you will begin a guided two-hour tour.

Visit the Main Square, Circular Tower, Sacred Sundial, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows, and cemeteries. You will still have time after to explore the archaeological site at your leisure. You could even walk the last part of the Inca Trail to Intipunku.

At a particular time, return to Aguas Calientes and board the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival into the city, transfer to your accommodation to relax for the night.

Cusco

Day 7: A free day in Cusco

After breakfast, spend a free day wandering around the vibrant and spectacular city of Cusco, maybe enjoying some souvenir shopping. In the afternoon, you will meet a local representative to coordinate the following day's departure into the beautiful Manu National Park, where your jungle adventure will begin! Afterwards, be sure to make the most of your evening in the city, seeking out all the sights you most wish to see by night.

Manu National Park

Day 8: Into the ravishing cloud forest

Today, leave Cusco early and travel for eight hours by bus across the Andes, with a coffee stop in the beautiful colonial town of Paucartambo en-route. You will eventually reach the high point of the Manu Biosphere, 4,000m above sea level, and descend into the cloud forest.

Be sure to have suitable footwear on you, as surrounded by beautiful nature, you will take a hiking excursion to a spot where you can witness the 'performance' of male Andean cocks-of-the-rock - the vibrant orange national bird of Peru.

Afterwards, journey on to your lodge-style accommodation, to spend your first night in the jungle.

Manu National Park

Day 9: Immersive experiences in nature

At daybreak, you will start your journey by bus to the tropical lowland rainforest. You will get to Atalaya, a small town where you will change to a motorized canoe.

The canoe will navigate you down the turbulent Alto Madre de Dios river, complete with amazing views of the Andes. Its clear waters will allow you to see the waterfowl and fish that call the river home. You will then proceed further down the river to your lodge accommodation at the foot of the Pantiacolla mountain range, where you'll be spending the next two nights.

Manu National Park

Day 10: Walk down breathtaking trails

Spend the day by taking a leisurely walk through lowland trails, appreciating the landscapes where the Andes mountains and the Amazon Rainforest meet. There are also lots of animal and plant species to spot and marvel at along the way, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

After nightfall, you will set out to explore the forest by torchlight, looking out for insects, frogs, lizards and the curious night monkey, also known as the douroucouli. Nature's nocturnal wildlife is fascinating and filled with mysteries!

Manu National Park

Day 11: A clay lick visit & the Shintuya Hot Springs

After breakfast, start your day with a boat trip to a clay lick, to marvel at the parrots and rare blue-headed macaw as they come together to lick the clay deposits as part of their daily diets. These birds are a spectacular sight to behold and listen to. Afterwards, you will be led down another part of the extensive trail system, to enjoy an immersive walk in nature.

At midday, take a boat ride to the Shintuya Hot Springs, where you might choose to relax in the natural thermal waters amidst the lush jungle setting. Your late afternoon and evening will be spent enjoying another night walk, this time in pursuit of the colorful amphibians of Ranacocha (Frog Lake).

Manu National Park

Day 12: Relax on Lake Salvador

Early in the morning, take a boat down to the Alto Madre de Dios river, in time for an eight-hour journey into the heart of Manu's Reserved Zone. From this vantage point, you will enjoy great views of riverside birds, sunbathing caimans, and the enormous aquatic guinea pig - the capybara.

In the afternoon, you will reach your camping-style accommodation, located deep inside Manu. This will be your base for the next two nights, so take a moment to settle in and find your bearings.

Manu National Park

Day 13: Hike through the virgin forest

Today will be spent hiking through the virgin forest and exploring one of the most beautiful lakes of the Amazon Basin, Lake Salvador, by catamaran. Seize this chance to spot a huge variety of colorful birds, numerous species of monkey, and with luck, a family of giant otters.

As part of today's activities, you'll also have the opportunity to visit a somewhat smaller lake, Cocha Otorongo, whose 20m-high observation platform offers wonderful views.

Later on at night, you'll be free to explore the forest by torchlight or go moonlight caiman-spotting on the lake. A world of natural discoveries is right on your doorstep!

Manu National Park

Day 14: The creatures of Blanquillo

After breakfast this morning, leave your accommodation behind and make your return journey down the river. You'll have a good chance of spotting one or more of Manu's rarer mammals - maybe a tapir or an anteater, or perhaps even one of the region's big cats, crossing the river or resting on its shores.

Upon joining the Madre de Dios river, you will arrive at Blanquillo, reaching another clay lick to see the macaws at work again. You'll be spending the night in the area, bedding down in a cozy jungle lodge.

Manu National Park

Day 15: Magnificent jungle vistas

At first light, you could head back to the clay lick to watch the dazzling spectacle of hundreds of parakeets, parrots and big macaws at work. Then, in the afternoon, you'll visit a 42m-high canopy tower. From up above, witness the breathtaking views of the jungle, sprawled below you for as far as the eye can see.

Manu National Park - Cusco

Day 16: Soak up Ausangate views en-route to Cusco

In the morning, hop back into your boat and head downstream to the small mining villages of Boca Colorado and Mazuko. At each, you'll get to observe the negative effects of human gold mining activities on the rainforest's ecological balance - a truly eye-opening experience.

Later on, your bus will be waiting to take you through the beautiful cloud and elfin forest. On your way back to Cusco, you'll have stunning views to soak up of the Ausangate mountain, before you reach the city to spend another night soaking up its lively atmosphere.

Cusco

Day 17: It’s a wrap!

This phenomenal 17-day adventure is sadly coming to an end. At a suitable time, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Have a safe trip!