Itinerary
- Day 1
Lima
You'll arrive in Lima and start getting a feel for this vibrant coastal city right away. After checking into your hotel, head out to see the Spanish colonial churches and the underground catacomb cemetery, which gives you a real sense of the city's history. Later, make your way to Barranco, the bohemian district where you can wander through galleries and shops, cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, and grab dinner. This evening you'll try fresh ceviche and watch the sun drop over the Pacific while sipping a pisco sour, the perfect introduction to Peru.
Optional Activities
- Visit decorated churches
- Explore catacomb cemetery
- Stroll through Barranco district
- Cross Bridge of Sighs
- Try ceviche at local restaurants
- Watch sunset over the Pacific
Landmarks/POIs Bridge of Sighs Barranco District - Day 2
Lima to Puerto Maldonado
You'll fly to Puerto Maldonado early and then board a traditional Peruvian boat for the upstream journey into the jungle. During the boat ride, keep your eyes open for toucans, macaws, and other wildlife along the river. Once you arrive, you'll spend some time checking out the colorful city markets before heading to your jungle lodge, which is built from wood and clay. After dinner, climb the 100-foot canopy tower to get a bird's-eye perspective of the rainforest, and later that evening join a nighttime caiman spotting adventure on the water.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on the river), Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight to Puerto Maldonado
- Lunch on the river
- Traditional Peruvian boat journey upstream
- Tour of Puerto Maldonado city and fruit stalls
- Canopy tower climb with rainforest views
- Nighttime caiman spotting with flashlights
Landmarks/POIs Amazon Rainforest Puerto Maldonado - Day 3
Puerto Maldonado
This full day is dedicated to exploring the jungle from your lodge base. You'll be on the lookout for giant otters, monkeys, tropical birds, bromeliads, and countless other species as you walk through different trails. The rainforest offers constant surprises, so bring your camera and patience. Whether you're spotting wildlife on guided walks or watching from observation areas, you'll get a real sense of just how alive the jungle is.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Jungle wildlife observation
Landmarks/POIs Amazon Rainforest - Day 4
Puerto Maldonado to Cusco
You'll fly to Cusco today, leaving the jungle behind. Once you land, you have options for how to spend your time in this historic city. Head to the main plaza and see the architecture, visit the Tread Right support weaving centre to learn directly from local artisans about traditional techniques, or if you're in the mood for something sweet, stop by the chocolate museum. You can mix and match these based on your energy level and interests.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight to Cusco
Optional Activities
- Wander main plaza
- Visit Tread Right support weaving centre
- Visit chocolate museum
Landmarks/POIs Cusco Main Plaza - Day 5
Cusco to Sacred Valley
A private coach takes you to the Sacred Valley, where your exploration of Incan ruins really begins. You'll stop to watch local artisans demonstrate ancient weaving techniques, then try your hand at the traditional game of Sapo. From there, you'll take a guided tour of Pisac ruins, which sit on circular terraced formations built in the 1400s. Later you'll head to Ollantaytambo base camp, sample homemade Chicha de Jora brew, wander through artisan shops and cafes, and pick up any supplies you need if you're hiking the Inca Trail the next day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Private coach transfer to Sacred Valley
- Watch Incan weaving demonstration by local artisans
- Play traditional game of 'Sapo'
- Guided tour of Pisac ruins
- Guided tour of Ollantaytambo ruins
- Sample homemade Chicha de Jora brew
Optional Activities
- Purchase mementos at artisan shops
- Stock up on hiking essentials (socks, etc.)
- Explore local cafes
Landmarks/POIs Pisac Ruins Ollantaytambo Ruins Sacred Valley - Day 6
Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes
If you're hiking the Inca Trail, grab your packed lunch and catch the train to KM104 to start your trek. You'll walk 13 kilometers over 3.5 hours, taking in Huayna Picchu peak and examining ancient Incan handiwork along the way. By evening you'll be back in Aguas Calientes at your hotel. For non-hikers, spend the morning exploring the lush mountains around Aguas Calientes, then hop on the afternoon train to town. You'll meet up with the hiking group in the evening and start building excitement for tomorrow's Machu Picchu visit.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Packed lunch (for hikers)), Dinner
Included Activities
- Train journey to KM104 (for hikers)
- One-day Inca Trail hike - 13km trek
- Visit Huayna Picchu peak
- Train journey to Aguas Calientes
Optional Activities
- Explore lush mountains surrounding Aguas Calientes (non-hikers)
Landmarks/POIs Huayna Picchu Aguas Calientes KM104 - Day 7
Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes to Cusco
This is the day you've been waiting for. You'll visit Machu Picchu, the UNESCO World Heritage Site built around 1450 at the peak of the Incan Empire. Your guide will show you the Temple of the Three Windows and take you up Wayna Picchu peak, then you'll have time to explore on your own. Later you'll board the train back to Cusco and spend the evening checking out local markets and walking the cobbled streets. If you're feeling adventurous, try cuy (guinea pig), which is an authentic local dish.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Visit Temple of the Three Windows
- Visit Wayna Picchu peak
- Free exploration time at Machu Picchu
- Train journey back to Cusco
Optional Activities
- Explore Cusco market stalls
- Try cuy (guinea pig) at local restaurants
- Wander Cusco cobbled streets
Landmarks/POIs Machu Picchu Temple of the Three Windows Wayna Picchu - Day 8
Cusco
Your trip ends after breakfast. You'll say goodbye to your travel group and depart for home. If you're thinking about extending your adventure, the Bolivian Magic trip is available as an option to continue exploring the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hike Rainbow Mountain
- Go White Water Rafting on the Urubamba River
- Get a massage
