12-Nights Andes & Amazon: Jungle Lodge & Machu Picchu from $4,660

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Welcome to Peru

Transfer: Jorge Chavez Lima International Airportto Lima - Miraflores

Hotel: Pullman Lima Miraflores (5 Star Rating)

Pullman Lima Miraflores is a hotel that offers lifestyle and design, for business and leisure. Rooms with an ocean view and balcony included from the Hotel Pullman Lima Miraflores, just 5 minutes from one of the most visited beaches in the Pacific located in Lima. The rooms also have modern furniture, smart TVs, kettles. The hotel also offer WIFI, rooms with or without breakfast, 24-hour restaurant and bar, party room and the best rooftop in the city. Come enjoy your stay at the best hotel in Miraflores!

Day 2: Modern Lima, Pachacamac & the Larco Museum

Pachacamac was the main sanctuary on the central coast of Peru in pre-Hispanic times. It was occupied by various civilizations and cultures for almost 1,000 years and today it is a living example of the country's rich cultural past. Before arriving at Pachacamac, you will tour part of modern Lima alongisde your private guide, passing through the districts of Miraflores, Barranco and Chorrillos, the latter known for its close relationship with the sea. You will make a stop at the famous Santo del Fraile, a rock formation that offers a spectacular view of the Lima coast. Arriving at Pachacamac is like returning to the past among its adobe walls, temples, and plazas. In ancient times, Pachacamac was considered an accurate oracle capable of predicting the future and unleashing the fury of the earth (remember that Lima is a city prone to strong earthquakes), which is why it received hundreds of pilgrims who came from all over in search of answers to their troubles and to pay their respects. You will visit both the archaeological site and its modern museum, where you will appreciate the chronology of the occupation of Pachacamac, as well as archaeological pieces found during the excavations such as idols, ceramic offerings, and Inca quipus. After touring Pachacamac, you will be returned to your hotel in Lima.This afternoon you will visit the Larco Herrera Museum, an 18th century colonial-style museum housing the largest and most impressive ceramic collection in the world, with about 55,000 pre-Colombian clay pots on display. The collection concentrates on the refined ceramics of the Moche Dynasty, the people who lived along the northern coast of Peru between 200 and 700 AD. The Moche culture is recognized as accomplishing one of the greatest imaginative languages of ancient Peru through the use of creative pottery, providing clues to all aspects of their civilization without the use of the written word. One can learn about their religion, agriculture, transport, dance and music through these ceramic designs and shapes. The Moche are also renowned for their fascinating erotic pottery and the famous collection is on display in the separate "Erotic Hall", depicting sexual practices of several Peruvian cultures in a lifelike, explicit and often humorous way. After touring the museum, you'll enjoy dinner at the museums excellent on-site restaurant alongside your guide. Following dinner, which includes a Pisco Sour, an entree, main and a dessert, you will be returned to your hotel.

Day 3: Into the Amazon: From Lima to Refugio Amazonas

Upon arrival to Puerto Maldonado, you'll be met at the airport by local representatives from Refugio Amazonas, then begin the one-hour transfer to the pier alongside fellow guests where you'll board a motorboat to begin your one-hour river journey to the lodge. Your first tasting of our Amazonian cuisine will be during the boat trip, while you leave the city behind and enjoy the incredible landscapes during the tour. What should you expect when you arrive? A charming refuge in the middle of a chestnut forest, replete with a bar, massage room, and dining room service and the Tambopata National Reserve serving as a backdrop. After settling into your room, a half-hour walk brings you to the 115-foot (35-meter) canopy tower where a staircase with railings will provide you with safe access to the top. Atop, the astounding splendor of Tambopata National Reserve can be appreciated. From this privileged perch, and with luck, it is also possible to see different species of birds such as toucans, macaws, and raptors among other species.

Meal(s): Dinner, Lunch

Hotel: Refugio Amazonas (3 Star Rating)

The Refugio Amazonas Lodge is a simple yet comfortable lodge located on a tributary of the Amazon River, two and a half hours away from Puerto Maldonado.The 200 hectare private reserve bordering the Tambopata National Reserve is ideal for soft adventurers and families. The 32 rooms are equipped with private bathroom and common areas for eating and socializing. The bungalows and rooms at Refugio Amazonas are built using logs and palm leaves, staying true to the local architecture.

Transfer: Lima - Miraflores to Jorge Chavez Lima International Airport

Day 4: Macaw Clay Licks, Lake Condenado & Night Walk

On most clear mornings of the year, dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregate on a large riverbank nearby in a raucous and colorful spectacle that inspired a National Geographic cover story: the Macaw Clay Licks. Discretely located fifty meters from the cliff, you and fellow guests will observe Green-winged, Scarlet, and Blue-and-gold Macaws and several species of smaller parrots as they arrive to enjoy their all-natural daily serving of clay. Outings are at dawn when the lick is most active, so expect to wake early for this unforgettable experience. Afterward, navigate around Lake Condenado looking for wildlife such as the hoatzin or Shansho, which is said to be a pre-historic bird. Alligators, Martin fishermen and many other species are commonly spotted, and if you are lucky, you will be able to observe the family of otters that live here (however, they are very shy and notoriously difficult to see). As the day shifts to dawn, you will be invited to set out on a night walk through the jungle when many mammals, amphibians, reptiles and arachnids are active but difficult to see; at least without the help of an expert guide.

Hotel: Refugio Amazonas (3 Star Rating)

The Refugio Amazonas Lodge is a simple yet comfortable lodge located on a tributary of the Amazon River, two and a half hours away from Puerto Maldonado.The 200 hectare private reserve bordering the Tambopata National Reserve is ideal for soft adventurers and families. The 32 rooms are equipped with private bathroom and common areas for eating and socializing. The bungalows and rooms at Refugio Amazonas are built using logs and palm leaves, staying true to the local architecture.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 5: Brazilian Nuts & Medicinal Plants of the Amazon

Brazil nuts are large and selenium-dense, and native to the Amazon rainforest. Curiously, although called a nut, they aren't. Instead, what you'll find are technically seeds inside of a large, coconut-like fruit. Today you will learn much more as you visit a Brazil Nut camp very close to the property. Here you'll find immense chestnut trees and meet the local people who harvest them once a year during the rainy season. The chestnut is one of the main sources of income for the local population of Puerto Maldonado, and it serves as one of the most sustainable economic activities in the region. And while Brazil nuts are exotic and interesting to learn, nature abounds with incredible plants that have impressive medicinal properties. With that in mind, later today you'll set out on a medicinal plants trail to discover the great variety of plants and trees that the local population has used for years to heal their body and soul. Perhaps you have heard of some of them such as Sacha-Ajos, Una De Gato, Sacha, Charcot, Para-Para, and Ayahuasca, to name just a few. In the evening, researchers from the Wired Amazon Project will present a fascinating Night Lecture about the opportunities and challenges of this project in the Tambopata National Reserve.

Hotel: Refugio Amazonas (3 Star Rating)

The Refugio Amazonas Lodge is a simple yet comfortable lodge located on a tributary of the Amazon River, two and a half hours away from Puerto Maldonado.The 200 hectare private reserve bordering the Tambopata National Reserve is ideal for soft adventurers and families. The 32 rooms are equipped with private bathroom and common areas for eating and socializing. The bungalows and rooms at Refugio Amazonas are built using logs and palm leaves, staying true to the local architecture.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 6: From the Amazon to the Andes: Acclimatizing to the Altitude

This morning, consider rising early to once again capture an impressive sunrise over the Amazon in the heart of Tambopata. Your expedition will soon come to an end, and so, after breakfast, it will be time to pack your bags and say goodbye. The return transfer to the airport for your domestic flight begins with a motorboat ride back to your inlet pier, followed by a vehicle transfer back to Puerto Maldonado Airport, taking approximately two hours in total.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Upon arrival to Cusco Airport, please collect your baggage and head to the arrivals area. Here you will be greeted by a local assistant holding a sign with your name on it. Your journey toward the Sacred Valley soon begins, passing through the charming Imperial City of Cusco. Along the way, stop for special visit to the Sulca Museum, where Peru's textile history is showcased through unique pieces recreated by the talented Sulca family, inspired by Pre-Columbian, Inca, Colonial, and Contemporary cultures, and crafted using ancestral techniques. It is the perfect place to acquire your first authentic souvenir from the Andes. You will then continue toward your hotel in the Sacred Valley, crossing majestic mountains and fertile fields, and typically arriving in the early afternoon.The Boleto Tourism Card (BTC) allows you to access archeological and cultural sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The BTC is a mandatory requirement for travellers visiting the area, and is included in your itinerary.Sitting somewhat lower than Cusco, the Sacred Valley offers a gentler introduction to Andean altitude; still, a relaxed afternoon remains the wisest start to your adventure. Ranging from roughly 6,750 to 9,800 feet (2,050 to 3,000 meters) above sea level, let the extraordinary landscape welcome you to the region. Sweeping valley views, terraced hillsides, and comfortable accommodations are more than enough to fill a few hours as your body adjusts to the mountain elevation. Drink plenty of water, take things slowly, and eat lightly at dinner to ensure you're ready for the adventures ahead.

Hotel: Hotel La Casona de Yucay (4 Star Rating)

Surrounded by imposing mountains and snow-capped peaks, the hotel will amaze you with spectacular views and beautiful gardens where you can relax and experience the magic of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Located in Yucay, a picturesque town in the heart of the Sacred Valley, the land chosen by the Incas as their resting place, the hotel is the ideal location from which to visit major archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Maras, Moray, and Chinchero. This colonial mansion, built in 1810, will transport you back in time to a place where history, nature, and warm service come together to create unique experiences.

Day 7: The Salt Ponds of Maras and Enigmatic Moray

This half-day adventure will take you to see two of the most iconic places in the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Maras and Moray. The impressive archaeological complex of Moray, which resembles a natural amphitheater, will amaze with its enormous, concentric platforms. Here you will enjoy a guided tour to learn about the history of these fascinating ruins that are an excellent example of brilliant Inca engineering. After touring Moray, you will visit the famous ancestral salt mines of Maras, a place where - to this day - the finest salt in the world is harvested. With stunning panoramic views of the mosaic of terraces and ponds, Maras offers the perfect setting for photography enthusiasts. After touring Maras and Moray, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 8: Flavors and Traditions of the Sacred Valley

Immerse yourself in the ancient traditions and bold flavors of the Sacred Valley on this curated and private-guided culinary experience. Begin with an exploration of the region's exceptional coffee, following the journey from raw bean to roasted perfection while discovering the unique aromas and profiles that make Andean coffee so distinctive. Next, step into an artisanal distillery to craft your very own Andean spirit, a personalized blend of sugarcane aguardiente, fresh garden herbs, and traditional aromatic ingredients, sealed in a keepsake bottle that will continue developing for months ahead. The experience culminates with a Pachamanca feast, one of the Andes' most celebrated culinary traditions; chicken, pork, lamb, Andean potatoes, and organic vegetables slow cooked in an earthen stone oven, enjoyed surrounded by mountains and ancient archaeological remains. After a delicious day of discovery and connection, you'll be returned to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 9: From the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes with Ollantaytambo & Machu Picchu

Your adventure today brings you to one of the most important places in the Sacred Valley of the Incas: the town of Ollantaytambo. A window to the country's Incan past, it is an emblematic place where Manco Inca defeated the Spanish in the year 1537. Begin by walking through its characteristic cobblestone streets, surrounded by adobe houses, before heading towards the fascinating archaeological complex, which was a military, religious and agricultural center. There, you will climb the steep stone steps to admire the monoliths that make up the Temple of the Sun, learning a little about Inca astronomy and the impressive architecture seen throughout the archaeological site. Ollantaytambo, its platforms and its fortress are a perfect testimony of the extraordinary skill of the Incas in construction and planning. Please note, the fortress of Ollantaytambo can be considered moderately challenging to explore and requires decent mobility and fitness levels. At the end of your tour, you will be delivered to Ollantaytambo train station or returned to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, pending on your onward travel plans.As there are strict luggage restrictions in place on board the train to Aguas Calientes, a luggage transfer service has been arranged to bring your additional belongings to Cusco. Once you have completed your experience in and around Machu Picchu, your baggage will be ready and waiting for you in Cusco.At the scheduled time, board the 360 Train with service to Aguas Calientes, the penultimate stop on your way to Machu Picchu. The train cars of the 360 are defined by comfortable seats, panoramic windows, ambient music and an open-air observation wagon that complements the spectacular scenery that accents the trip to Aguas Calientes; be sure to have your camera ready as there are seemingly endless opportunities for gorgeous pictures. As you travel to Aguas Calientes, you are welcome to purchase a range of food and beverages from the on-board service (additional cost), and will also be offered a complimentary snack.

Hotel: Casa del Sol Boutique Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Casa del Sol Boutique Hotel is located in the village of Aguas Calientes, very close to the imposing buildings of Machu Picchu, where the fascinating Inca citadel was erected. The hotel is just a 5 minute walk from the train station and across the street from the bus station that takes passengers to the ruins of Machu Picchu. The 30 unique guestrooms each combine materials and art crafted by artisans from different Peruvian communities.

Day 10: Self-Guided Visit to Machu Picchu & Vistadome Observatory Train to Cusco

On this circuit, you'll have the opportunity to catch classic postcard perfect photos of Machu Picchu from the viewpoint of the Guardian's House. You will also be provided access to Machu Picchu Mountain, and invited to hike up and down the trail, a journey that typically takes between one and two hours. Along the way, you will ascend some 650 meters (roughly 2,130 feet), with a particularly challenging stretch featuring large steps encountered toward the end of the route. Guests with a fear of heights, vertigo, or mobility issues may wish to forego this activity. Also worth noting is that while the trail is wide for most of the way, there are narrow, steep sections as you progress and climb higher. However, the rewards for your efforts are apparent from the moment you reach the top. The panoramic views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu (further distant) are among the most impressive possible.At the scheduled time, board the Vistadome Observatory Train with service to Cusco. The train cars of the Vistadome Observatory are defined by comfortable seats, panoramic windows, ambient music and three impressive carriages - the panoramic, observation and bar carriages - that you are welcome to explore and which perfectly complement the spectacular scenery that accents the trip to Cusco; be sure to have your camera ready as there are seemingly endless opportunities for gorgeous pictures. As you travel, you can purchase a range of food and beverages from the on-board service (additional cost), and will also be offered a complimentary snack.

Transfer: Cusco Train Station to Cusco

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Cusco (4 Star Rating)

Explore the ancient neighborhood of Santa Ana from the Hilton Garden Inn Cusco hotel. Admire the natural beauty, local architecture, and vibrant culture outside this modern hotel. Walk into the welcoming lobby with plenty of natural light, a colonial courtyard, and two fireplaces. Take in hillside views near iconic Cusco attractions - the Centro Historico de Cusco, Cusco Cathedral, and Plaza de Armas are all within two kilometers. The hotel is four kilometers from the city center and Sacsayhuaman, with Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport a 15-minute drive away. Enjoy courtyard yoga sessions and the all-day restaurant.

Day 11: Exploring the Historic City Center of Cusco

Lace up your walking shoes and set off on a fascinating half-day exploration of Cusco's most iconic landmarks, guided by an expert who seemingly brings every cobblestone and courtyard to life. The tour opens at the magnificent Main Square, where centuries of Inca and colonial history converge in one incredible space; the grand Cathedral, built atop the palace of Inca Huiracocha, dominates the plaza and houses a remarkable collection of goldsmith masterpieces and celebrated Cusco School paintings. A short walk leads to Koricancha, once the most sacred temple in the Inca Empire, where imposing stone foundations now cradle a striking baroque Spanish convent, a powerful symbol of Cusco's layered and complex identity. The route then winds uphill through narrow, atmospheric streets to the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, where local artisan workshops spill onto the lanes and the perfect handcrafted souvenir is never far away. After exploring Cusco by foot, your guide will escort you back to your accommodations.

Day 12: Culinary Cooking Class & Market Tour by Mama Seledonia

Step into the kitchen of Mama Seledonia for a cooking experience that nourishes both the palate and the soul. Founded by the passionate and talented Seledonia Montalvo, this initiative goes far beyond great food; it provides meaningful employment opportunities for single mothers from vulnerable communities, making every dish you prepare all the more enjoyable. The experience begins with a guided tour of the vibrant Cascaparo market, where Cusco and the Sacred Valley's array of unique, hearty and healthy native ingredients take center stage and the building blocks of Andean cuisine come to life. Together with your local guide, you'll handpick seasonal produce before heading to Seledonia's kitchen to roll up your sleeves and learn how to prepare a few traditional dishes. The session concludes with a shared tasting of everything you've prepared, making for a warm, purposeful, and delicious way to connect with the culture and community of Cusco.

Day 13: Depart from Peru

Transfer: Cusco to Cusco Airport