Amazon Rainforest + Machu Picchu — Daily Departures, All Year Long
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If you can only take ten days, this is the Peru itinerary that shows you the most contrast: the Amazon rainforest and the Inca Andes. After a city tour of Lima, fly to Puerto Maldonado for three days at a jungle lodge in the Tambopata National Reserve — canoeing on Lake Sandoval in search of giant otters, visiting Monkey Island and watching macaws at dawn. Then fly straight to Cusco, explore the Sacred Valley and ride the panoramic train to Machu Picchu. Flights between the Amazon and the Andes make it possible in ten days without long bus rides.
Your 10 days at a glance: Lima, the Tambopata rainforest, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Tap any day to see the details.
Every day of your trip, with where you'll spend the night.
Day 1
A driver meets you in the arrivals hall of Jorge Chávez International Airport and takes you to your hotel in Miraflores, the seaside district perched on cliffs above the Pacific. Rest after your flight, then take an easy walk along the malecón gardens to Larcomar and enjoy your first Peruvian dinner — ceviche, lomo saltado and a pisco sour.
Day 2
Discover the City of Kings with a guide: the Plaza Mayor with its Cathedral and Government Palace, the colonial balconies of the old town and the San Francisco Monastery, whose catacombs hold the bones of thousands of Lima’s early residents. In the afternoon, explore Miraflores and Barranco at your own pace or book a table at one of the restaurants that made Lima the gastronomic capital of South America.
Day 3
Fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the southern Peruvian Amazon. Your naturalist guide meets you at the airport for a boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to your jungle lodge. After lunch, visit Monkey Island, home to several species of rescued monkeys, and after dark head out by boat to look for caimans along the riverbanks.
Day 4
The highlight of your Amazon stay. Walk through the rainforest to Lake Sandoval, inside the Tambopata National Reserve, and glide across its still waters by canoe, surrounded by aguaje palms. Watch for giant river otters, hoatzins, herons, turtles and red howler monkeys. In the afternoon, climb a canopy lookout or take an optional night walk to discover frogs, insects and tarantulas.
Day 5
Rise before sunrise for bird watching, when parrots and macaws are most active around the lodge. After breakfast, return by boat to Puerto Maldonado and fly to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire (approx. 3,400 m). Your driver takes you to your hotel; rest for the remainder of the day.
Day 6
A free day to acclimatize and enjoy Cusco at your own pace. Sit on the balconies around the Plaza Mayor, visit the Cathedral or the Koricancha, browse the artisan workshops of San Blas, or try an alpaca steak and a cup of coca tea. If you prefer company, we can arrange an optional guided city tour or a cooking class.
Day 7
Drive down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the terraces and colorful market of Pisac and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, with its great temple fortress. In the afternoon, board the panoramic train in Ollantaytambo and follow the Urubamba River into the cloud forest to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Day 8
Take one of the first buses up the zigzag road to Machu Picchu. Your guide reveals the secrets of the Inca citadel: the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the royal quarters and the agricultural terraces, all set between green peaks above the Urubamba canyon. In the afternoon, take the train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
Day 9
Enjoy a last morning in Cusco for some souvenir shopping or a visit to the San Pedro market. In the afternoon, fly back to Lima and spend the evening in Barranco, the bohemian district of murals, art galleries and the Bridge of Sighs.
Day 10
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final walk along the Miraflores malecón or a visit to the Larco Museum. At the agreed time, transfer to the airport for your international flight home. End of services.
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Yes. This itinerary combines both by flying between them: Lima to Puerto Maldonado for the Tambopata rainforest, Puerto Maldonado directly to Cusco, and Cusco back to Lima. You spend three days in the Amazon and five in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, with no long overland journeys.
Tambopata, near Puerto Maldonado, is the most accessible part of the Peruvian Amazon from Cusco — the flight takes under an hour. The Tambopata National Reserve is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, with giant otters on Lake Sandoval, macaws, monkeys and caimans.
Boat transfers on the Madre de Dios River, two nights at the lodge with all meals, a naturalist guide, the canoe trip on Lake Sandoval, Monkey Island, caiman spotting at night and the reserve entrance fee.
Commonly seen species include macaws and parrots, several types of monkeys, caimans, hoatzins, turtles and, with luck, giant river otters on Lake Sandoval. Sightings depend on the season and on nature, but your guide knows where to look.
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for the Peruvian Amazon. Bring insect repellent, long sleeves and light trousers. Please check the latest recommendations with your doctor or a travel clinic before you go.
The rainforest is at sea level, so you arrive in Cusco (approx. 3,400 m) rested, and the next day is kept free to acclimatize. The Sacred Valley (approx. 2,900 m) and Machu Picchu (approx. 2,430 m) are lower than Cusco. Drink plenty of water and check with your doctor if you have a medical condition.
Yes. Departures are daily, all year, and every day of this 10-day itinerary can be adapted: add nights, upgrade hotels, switch to a luxury train to Machu Picchu or add Huayna Picchu. Just tell us in the request form.
The price depends on the hotel category you choose (Essential 2★, Comfort 3★, Superior 4★ or Deluxe 5★) and on the number of travelers. Open the Rates tab for the current price per person, based on double or twin accommodation. Domestic flights are quoted separately so you can choose airline and schedule.