These ten days are a brief but full introduction to the very best natural wonders and local culture Peru has to offer. Immerse yourself in the Amazon during an unforgettable stay at a jungle lodge, and venture to the Sacred Valley to discover enchanting Inca ruins and timeless indigenous traditions. Get in touch with the Andean past in the former Inca capital of Cusco. Embark on one of the world’s most memorable hikes—the Inca Trail—or experience the spectacular train ride to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu.
What's Included?
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Arrival transfer
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3-day/2-night excursion to an exclusive Amazon rainforest lodge
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Visit to the Cusco Planetarium
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Sacred Valley Tour
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Traditional Andean experience in Urubamba
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Lunch at Parwa Community Restaurant in Sacred Valley
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Choice of four-day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook and porters OR Cusco Stay with Scenic train
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Guided tour of Machu Picchu
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Internal flights
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All transportation between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transportation by private van, plane, train, boat and canoe
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9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners (budget USD260-340 for additional meals)
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Host, Group Leader and Local Guides for all included activities
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Arrive at any time. Your private arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel is included. There are no planned activities until our evening welcome meeting, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city.
Day 2: Lima / Tambopata
Fly to Puerto Maltonado and continue by motorized canoe to our comfortable lodge, situated near the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon Rainforest. The Tambopata Rainforest area holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area. Enjoy a welcome drink and orientation. Before dinner, head out for a night walk around the lodge grounds.
Day 3: Tambopata
Spend the day exploring the thriving ecosystems of the rainforest with our lodge’s naturalist guides. Scan the treetops for toucans, howler monkeys, and sloths, and glide along oxbow lakes on canoes for a chance to glimpse river otters, turtles, and, if we’re lucky, anacondas. After dinner, embark on a river tour by motorized canoe on the lookout for caimans, the smaller cousins of alligators, which are often found hiding near the muddy banks
Day 4: Tambopata / Cusco
Travel out of the jungle by boat and catch a flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, soaring above the Andes into Peru’s Inca heartland. This evening, visit the Cusco Planetarium for a presentation on the skies of the Southern Hemisphere, and learn about the vital role that astronomy played in the lives of the ancient Inca. Weather permitting, peer through the planetarium's telescopes for a dazzling look at the stars.
Day 5: Cusco/Urubamba
Drive to the scenic Sacred Valley for a full day of exploration with a local guide. Tour the Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you'll walk through the park to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We’ll also visit the fascinating Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, and enjoy a meal at the Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.
Day 6: Inca Trail / Lares Trek / Cusco Stay
Depending on your choice of itinerary, today you'll either begin the Inca Trail, Lares Trek, or Cusco Stay.
If you chose the Inca Trail, you'll depart by van to the starting point for the trek. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Andean countryside, hiking along meandering streams and crossing remote mountain villages and ancient ruins as you get warmed up for the more challenging days ahead. A crew of local porters, cooks and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you'll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.
If you chose the Lares Trek, you'll start early and drive to Lares town where the hike will start at a leisurely pace through the valley of Cuncani. The Lares Trek is a scenic, less touristic route to hike through the Andes. It is one day shorter than the Inca Trail but higher in elevation. Continue along rocky mountain paths to the isolated village of Cuncani, where you'll camp for the night.
If you chose the Cusco Stay, you'll continue exploring the Sacred Valley. Visit the salt pans of Maras and tour the Inca site of Morey, then set off on a scenic drive through the lush Andean countryside dotted with peaceful villages. Stop for a picnic lunch at the mountain-ringed Piuray Lagoon, where you can opt to go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Return to Cusco for the evening.
Day 7: Inca Trail / Lares Trek / Cusco
If you chose the Inca Trail, you'll ascend the long steep path to the highest point on the trail. Enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley as you make your way up the rugged terrain and reach your camp by early afternoon.
If you chose the Lares Trek, you'll get an early start on the hike and climb to the highest point on the trail. Celebrate your ascent by making a ritual offering of coca leaves to the Andean gods and enjoy stunning views of the snowcapped Chicon mountains before hiking down to your second campsite near a stream.
If you chose the Cusco Stay, you'll have a free day to explore charming Cusco. Opt to visit the historic main square, the 15th century Sacsayhuaman Fortress, or some of the city's ornate churches. You may also visit the Inca Museum.
Day 8: Inca Trail / Lares Trek / Cusco / Aguas Calientes
If you chose the Inca Trail, you'll cross two stunning mountain passes and more ruins as you continue through the cloud forest to your final campsite.
If you chose the Lares Trek, you'll enjoy your final hours of hiking in the Lares Valley before traveling by van to Ollantaytambo, then boarding the train to Aguas Calientes where you can relax or explore the hot springs.
If you chose the Cusco Stay, you'll travel by van to Ollantaytambo and hop on a train for a journey following the Urubamba River Valley to Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled beneath Machu Picchu and have a free afternoon for optional excursions including a visit to the nearby hot springs.
Day 9: Machu Picchu / Cusco
This morning, embark on a guided tour of Machu Picchu—the 15th-century Inca citadel famously introduced to the world by archaeologist Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine. After being taken through the temples and terraces of this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site, return to Cusco by train.
Day 10: Cusco
Depart at any time. Your return flight to Lima can be arranged if requested.
Want more time to explore? We can arrange post-trip accommodation at the time of booking.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Do I have to hike, or can I take the train to Machu Picchu?
A: It’s your choice! Whether you choose to hike the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek, or take the scenic train to Machu Picchu, you’ll be accommodated and you’ll have a guide with you the entire time.
Q: How far in advance do I need to register?
A: If you want to hike the Inca Trail, reserve your spot as early as possible (we recommend at least 9 months in advance), since permits need to be secured.
Q: Will I be sharing a room, or can I have my own room on this trip?
A: The advertised price is based on double occupancy. A limited number of single occupancy spaces can be purchased for $349.00 each (aka “My Own Room) If you book the “My Own Room” option for this tour, you will receive your own single accommodations for all night stops with the exception of nights 2-3 in the Amazon Rainforest and nights 6-8 on the Inca Trail.
Q: Are there any age restrictions for this tour?
A: To travel independently, you must be at least 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit. This adventure is open to families with children aged 12 years or older when accompanied by a parent (max. two children per adult)
Q: How much is the deposit, and when does the final balance need to be paid?
A: A $350 deposit reserves your spot on this trip. The balance is due by July 5, 2022.
Q: What information do I need to provide in order to register?
A: Your full name exactly as it appears on your passport, gender, date of birth, passport number, passport expiration date, and nationality. In order for us to request Inca Trail permits we must have the passport information of the passport the traveler will be using for their trip and the passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond their intended stay.
Q: What is the Cancellation Policy?
A: Cancellation 60 days or more prior to departure = loss of deposit. Cancellation 30-59 date prior to departure = 50% loss of trip price. Cancellation within 30 days of departure = 100% loss.
Q: Is travel insurance mandatory?
A: It is mandatory for all travelers to have Emergency Medical Insurance that covers for both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000USD. We strongly recommend purchasing an all-inclusive plan that covers cancellation/interruption insurance as well. Travel insurance quotes will be provided upon booking.
Q: What if I want to arrive early or stay later?
A: Pre-trip accommodations can be secured in Lima for $110/night (single occupancy) or $115/night (double occupancy). Post-trip accommodations in Cusco can be secured for $78/night (single or double occupancy).