Peru explorer: Amazonian wonders & Inca mysteries

Lima

Day 1: Touchdown in Lima

Welcome to the bustling Peruvian capital! Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport and transfer to your hotel, after which you'll have time to take a leisurely evening stroll through the upscale Miraflores district.

Optionally, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, for your first taste of Peruvian specialties like ceviche. Finally, return to your hotel to rest and prepare for the next day's adventures.

Lima

Day 2: Take a tour through Lima's history

Embark on a tour of Lima today, ticking off a handful of significant landmarks that showcase the city's storied past and architectural beauty.

First you'll visit the Huaca Pucllana, the administrative center that was composed of a set of pyramids, plazas, and courtyards. Then, continue to the Plaza Mayor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can pause to admire the Lima Cathedral, the Government Palace of Peru, and the Municipal Palace.

Visit the trendy neighborhood of Barranco, stopping to soak up its vibrant street art, the end the day with sunset views from the cliffs in Miraflores. Overnight stay in Lima.

Lima - Puerto Maldonado - Tambopata

Day 3: Journey into the southern Amazon

Early this morning, leave Lima behind as you board a flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to Peru's southern Amazon and Tambopata National Reserve. 

Depart for your Amazon lodge on a boat ride down the Madre de Dios River - a journey through the heart of the jungle, surrounded by flora, fauna and breathtaking scenery. Arrive at your lodge, and enjoy some free time to relax amidst its surreal setting.

In the evening, you may take a walk with your guide and group while experiencing the jungle as it is transformed from day into night. Alternatively, take a boat ride under the moon and stars, going in search of alligators and capybaras.

Tambopata

Day 4: Soak up the marvels of Tambopata

Today, relax at your lodge in Tambopata or choose from a selection of unique experiences to explore your magical surroundings.

If you'd like to spot wildlife such as parrots, parakeets, and the occasional mammal feeding at La Torre Clay Lick, you’ll have to get up very early in the morning. A little later in the day, you could otherwise hit the Tres Chimbadas Trail and walk 45 minutes to reach a lake, boarding a traditional catamaran in search of birds, reptiles, small mammals, and above all, the giant river otter.

In the afternoon, opt to visit a local indigenous community and learn about their traditions. This is an excellent opportunity to see, harvest, and try various exotic fruits, aromatic herbs, and medicinal plants widely used by the locals.

Tambopata

Day 5: Another day of Amazonian delights

Today is another day for you to choose from a wide variety of activities available at your lodge!

You could opt to explore the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, a 1,129ft system of two observation towers, eight platforms and seven hanging bridges 100ft above the ground. Designed for performing scientific research on ecosystems that inhabit the rainforest canopy, this site is great for birdwatching and other eco-friendly activities.

Alternatively, take an ethnobotanical tour, where together with an Ese Eja native guide you'll learn about the medicinal use of many plants and trees. This activity is an excellent opportunity for you to learn about local knowledge that's passed down from generation to generation.

Tambopata - Cusco - Urubamba

Day 6: Journey to the Sacred Valley

Depart Tambopata today for a flight to Cusco. Upon landing you'll transfer on to Urubamba in the Sacred Valley, stopping at various scenic viewpoints along the way. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, getting to know the town with a relaxed stroll, before an overnight stay.

Urubamba - Ollantaytambo - Urubamba

Day 7: The wonders of the Sacred Valley

Today you’ll visit some of the Sacred Valley’s most impressive sites. First, you’ll stop at Moray, a unique Inca site consisting of circular terraces built upon a natural depression. Then, continue on to Maras, an impressive salt extraction complex consisting of thousands of small terraces. Locals have been collecting and selling the salt at markets around the region since before Inca times.

Break for lunch at a local restaurant, before ending your day with a visit to the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, an impressive Inca complex that protected this area from incursions of the Amazon Basin. Finally, you'll return to your accommodation in Urubamba to spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Urubamba - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 8: The mighty Machu Picchu awaits

Grab an early train to Aguas Calientes, enjoying stunning scenery along the way - a changing landscape from green fields and eucalyptus forests to lush jungle, with the meandering Urubamba River flowing alongside the tracks. If you wish, ask your local expert to upgrade to an observatory train, which has an open-air car providing 360-degree views of the lush Sacred Valley, rushing rivers, and dramatic Andean peaks.

From Aguas Calientes, you'll then ascend to the main attraction of the day: Machu Picchu, where you'll take a guided tour to explore every corner of the ancient citadel. Marvel at the surrounding trails and take in panoramic views for as far as the eye can see.

Finally, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local café, followed by a train ride back to Cusco for an overnight stay.

Cusco

Day 9: A day of exploring in Cusco

Spend your last day at leisure in Cusco, with various optional activities to choose from.

You could visit Sacsayhuamán, an impressive Incan fortress with great city views, or take a walking tour to explore food and craft markets and famous sites such as the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), nearby Santo Domingo Church, and Main Square. Alternatively, consider a visit to the Cusco Planetarium, perfect for those interested in Andean cosmology, stargazing, or gaining a unique cultural perspective on astronomy.

If you’re feeling energetic, you could even take a day trip to hike Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. If you wish to avoid crowds, consider Palcoyo instead: while growing in popularity, it remains far less busy than Vinicunca, and has multiple rainbow-colored mountains and even a unique forest of stone formations to explore.

Cusco - Lima

Day 10: Goodbye, Peru!

Your last day in Peru has sadly arrived. Enjoy some last-minute shopping for souvenirs in Cusco, then at a suitable time, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima. There you'll connect to your international flight, concluding your Peruvian adventure. Enjoy the memories you've created and have a safe trip home!