Itinerary
- Day 1
Lima
You'll start your Peru adventure in Lima, beginning with the city's Spanish colonial architecture and its lavishly decorated churches. Head underground to see the catacombs, which contain remains of thousands from centuries past. Later, make your way to Barranco, the bohemian district where you can cross the Bridge of Sighs and walk around the coastal neighborhood. Find a good spot for lunch and try authentic ceviche, then settle in by evening to watch the sunset over the Pacific. Grab a pisco sour while you're at it to cap off the day.
Optional Activities
- Visit decorated churches
- Explore underground tunnel cemetery (catacombs)
- Stroll through Barranco district
- Cross the Bridge of Sighs
- Try ceviche at a local restaurant
- Watch sunset over the Pacific
Landmarks/POIs Barranco District Bridge of Sighs Lima Catacombs - Day 2
Amazon Jungle
Fly south to Puerto Maldonado and spend the morning walking through colorful fruit stalls and open air markets to get a feel for the city. You'll then head upstream by traditional Peruvian boat, traveling deeper into the Amazon until you reach your rainforest lodge. Climb the 100ft canopy tower for a bird's-eye view of the forest and spot wildlife from above. After dinner, go night spotting along the shores with flashlights to look for caiman in the water.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on the river during boat travel upstream), Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight to Puerto Maldonado
- Lunch on the river during boat travel
- Tour of Puerto Maldonado city
- Travel upstream by traditional Peruvian boat to rainforest lodge
- Canopy tower hike (100ft climb)
- Night caiman spotting excursion
Landmarks/POIs Amazon Rainforest Puerto Maldonado - Day 3
Amazon Jungle
Spend the full day at the jungle lodge and get out to explore. Keep your eyes open for giant otters, monkeys swinging through the canopy, and tropical birds with bright feathers. You'll also see bromeliads and other jungle plants as guides take you through different parts of the rainforest. It's a day to slow down and really take in the sights and sounds around you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Wildlife spotting in the Amazon jungle
Landmarks/POIs Amazon Rainforest - Day 4
Amazon Jungle to Cusco
Travel from the jungle to Cusco, and once you arrive, start getting to know the city. Wander through the main plaza and check out the Tread Right support weaving centre to see local artisans at work. If you have time, stop by the chocolate museum to learn about Peru's chocolate heritage and try some samples.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Exploration of Cusco main plaza
Optional Activities
- Visit Tread Right support weaving centre
- Visit chocolate museum
Landmarks/POIs Cusco Main Plaza Cusco - Day 5
Cusco to Sacred Valley
A private coach picks you up early and heads toward the Sacred Valley. Along the way, you'll stop to watch local artisans show traditional Incan weaving techniques and learn how the Incas built farming terraces into the mountainsides. Try your hand at Sapo, a traditional game locals still play. Take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins from the 1400s, then move on to Ollantaytambo ruins. Grab lunch and try homemade Chicha de Jora brew, then wander through artisan shops and cafes in Ollantaytambo town overlooking the Urubamba river.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Private coach transfer from Cusco to Sacred Valley
- Demonstration of ancient Incan weaving techniques
- Guided tour of Pisac ruins
- Guided tour of Ollantaytambo ruins
- Tasting of homemade Chicha de Jora brew
- Play traditional game of Sapo
Optional Activities
- Shop at artisan stores in Ollantaytambo
- Explore cafes in Ollantaytambo
Landmarks/POIs Pisac Ruins Ollantaytambo Ruins Ollantaytambo Town Sacred Valley - Day 6
Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes
If you're hiking the Inca Trail, grab a packed lunch and catch the train to KM104, then trek about 13 kilometres (roughly 3.5 hours) to reach Machu Picchu's entrance. After arrival, head to Aguas Calientes to rest. Non-hikers spend the morning in Aguas Calientes exploring the lush mountains, then board the afternoon train from the Sacred Valley. Everyone meets up in the evening to prepare for tomorrow's main event.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Packed lunch for those hiking the Inca Trail), Dinner
Included Activities
- Train journey to Aguas Calientes
Optional Activities
- One-day Inca Trail hike from KM104 (13km, approximately 3.5 hours on foot, approximately 6-7 hours total)
Landmarks/POIs Huayna Picchu Aguas Calientes Urubamba River - Day 7
Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to Cusco
Today you visit Machu Picchu, built around 1450 during the height of the Incan Empire. A guide takes you through the site, showing the Temple of the Three Windows and Wayana Picchu peak before giving you time to explore on your own. Later, board the train back to Cusco and spend the evening walking through market stalls and cobbled streets. Try cuy (guinea pig) at dinner for an authentic local meal.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Visit Temple of the Three Windows
- Visit Wayana Picchu peak
- Personal exploration time at Machu Picchu
- Train journey back to Cusco
Optional Activities
- Explore Cusco market stalls
- Wander cobbled streets of Cusco
- Try cuy (guinea pig) at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Machu Picchu Temple of the Three Windows Wayana Picchu Cusco - Day 8
Cusco
You'll have breakfast and then say goodbye to your travel group as your tour ends. If you're interested in extending your trip, Contiki offers options like the Bolivian Magic tour or an optional Rainbow Mountain Hike and Massage to keep the adventure going.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Rainbow Mountain Hike (subject to availability)
- Massage - 45 minute body massage (US$ 40.00)
Landmarks/POIs Cusco
