10 days in Peru: a great Inca journey

Lima

Day 1: Bienvenidos to colonial Lima

Welcome to the Peruvian capital! Upon your arrival at the airport, your driver will take you to your hotel, where you will be received by your local guide. Take it easy and get acquainted with the city's cool and historical atmosphere at your own pace.

Lima - Puerto Maldonado - Tambopata National Reserve

Day 2: Into the Amazon Jungle

This morning, you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the airport for a domestic flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado (not included). On arrival there, you'll then be taken to your lodge accommodation in a motorized canoe.

Explore the rainforest ecosystems surrounding your lodge, which is nestled in the depths of the Tambopata National Reserve where 540 bird species, 362 ant species (a world record!) and over 100 mammal species have been registered.

After nightfall, set out to cruise on the Madre de Dios river in search of the wildlife that surfaces during nighttime. Learn to identify the behaviors of various animals such as capybaras, white caimans and nightjars, as they take advantage of the dark to roam around the Amazonian riverbanks.

Tambopata National Reserve

Day 3: Jungle excitement from early till late

Begin your day by conquering the award-winning Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, a 1,129ft-long structure comprising two observation towers, eight platforms and seven hanging bridges 100ft above the ground. Designed to perform scientific research on ecosystems inhabiting the rainforest canopy, this attraction contributes to birdwatching and other eco-friendly activities.

Up next, you'll take a wander down the Carachama Trail, where after a 20-minute walk, you'll stop at a natural water pool known as Carachamayo to learn about its ecosystem as well as local fishing practices.

The adventure continues after nightfall: while walking under the tree shades that intensify the Amazonian darkness, tune up your senses to identify the lively sounds of birds, mammals, insects, and amphibians that wander around the forest during nighttime.

Tambopata National Reserve - Puerto Maldonado - Cusco

Day 4: Cusco, the ancient Inca capital

After a few exciting nature days, it's time to take things easy as you journey on by domestic flight to Cusco, where upon landing, you'll be transferred to your hotel. You'll have a free afternoon to independently explore Cusco at your own pace.

The ancient Inca capital, "Qosqo" was a sacred city of stone palaces and temples. Its street and road designs reflect an old technology and organization based around the Inca Cosmovision. As you roam past churches and plazas, you'll find this a unique place to understand not only Inca culture, but also the cultural shock, syncretism and heritage of the colonial Mestizo baroque style.

Cusco

Day 5: Dive into the history of the Incan Empire

Today you will leave the city and head to Sacsayhuaman, an imposing Inca citadel. Discover various archaeological sites that showcase both Inca history and the great legacy of the Inca Cosmovision, which was critical to the development of the agricultural economy in the Andes.

On the way back you will visit Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, the true sacred center of the ancient Inca capital. Feel history with every heartbeat!

Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Day 6: Into the scenic Sacred Valley

Another exciting day awaits as you journey into the Sacred Valley, a rugged mountain landscape cut by the Vilcanota or Urubamba River. As you reach the valley, you will find the town of Pisaq located 2,950m above sea level, with its archaeological complex offering spectacular views from its elevated location. Take a trip to the town's handicraft market before enjoying some delicious food.

Early in the afternoon, you will arrive into the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. The ruins of Ollantaytambo are beautiful, and are surrounded by mountain ranges, the vastness of the valley, the river, and a town of cobbled streets and tiled roofs. From there, the day ends with a scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes, where you will stay overnight.

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 7: Up to Machu Picchu, the high point of your journey

Ready for one of the most exciting days of your life? In a spectacular setting, Machu Picchu is the best-known archaeological site on the continent. This awe-inspiring ancient Incan city was never revealed to the conquering Spaniards and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century.

After heading up to the citadel from Aguas Calientes, begin a guided tour and visit the Main Square, Circular Tower, Sacred Sundial, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows and cemeteries. Afterwards, you will still have time to explore the archaeological site at your own leisure; you could even walk the last part of the Inca Trail to Intipunku, Machu Picchu's Sun Gate.

You'll then make a return by train to Cusco via Aguas Calientes, giving you plenty of time to relax and recap this impressive day of sightseeing.

Cusco - Puno

Day 8: Lean back and enjoy your ride through the country

The entire day will consist of a bus trip from Cusco to Puno - a route peppered with sightseeing that's sure to fill your heart with memorable landscapes and history.

Along the way, you'll stop for a guided tour of the Pukara Museum, pass through La Raya (the highest point of the journey at 4,335m above sea level), explore the archaeological complex of Raqch'i, and stop to marvel at the church in Andahuaylillas.

You will eventually arrive to the city of Puno (3,800m above sea level) and check into your hotel for some much-needed rest!

Puno

Day 9: Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the sun

Today you will visit the legendary Lake Titicaca, a gigantic portion of the sea captured at an elevation of 3,965m, making it the highest navigable lake in the world. According to Andean beliefs, Lake Titicaca was the birthplace of the sun.

Today's itinerary will see you traveling by motorboat, in order to experience the lake's vastness and sheer beauty. Your first destination will be the floating Uros Islands and their resident community, one of the oldest on the continent. Continue the journey on to Taquile Island, home to Quechuan inhabitants. There you'll take a scenic walk on the north pier, stop for lunch in a village, then head to the opposite side of the island and descend 530 steps to the dock, to board a boat back to Puno.

Puno - Lima

Day 10: Adios, Peru!

Your last day in Peru has sadly arrived! On your way to the airport, you could make an optional stop at the archaeological complex of Sillustani, one of the largest cemeteries in the world with some spectacualr Incan graves and burial techniques. The cemetery is surrounded by a landscape of stunning beauty that seems to be summed up in the serene waters of Lake Umayo.

These will be your last memories to take home, as part of a journey filled with unique impressions of this beautiful country. Have a safe flight and visit again soon!