Peru · Archaeology

9-Day Peru Tour to Machu Picchu and the Amazon Rainforest

9 Days Round trip from Lima Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Discover Lima's colonial neighborhoods and culinary delights
  • 02 Explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley's Inca treasures
  • 03 Experience the magic of Machu Picchu with expert guidance
  • 04 Immerse yourself in the Amazon rainforest, spotting exotic wildlife

Embark on an unforgettable 9-day journey through Peru's greatest highlights, from Lima's colonial charm and the imperial city of Cusco to the Sacred Valley and the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu. Continue into the Amazon rainforest for immersive wildlife encounters, jungle walks, river excursions, and canopy adventures in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. With handpicked accommodations, guided visits, and a seamless blend of culture, archaeology, landscapes, and nature, this tour showcases Peru at its finest.

Paddle across a mirror-like oxbow lake teeming with wildlife - watch for giant otters, colorful macaws, and perhaps an anaconda sunning itself.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Cusco, Lima, Machu Picchu, Písac, Ollantaytambo
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Lima and Welcome to Peru

  • Touch down in Peru's vibrant capital, where colonial grandeur meets coastal charm.
  • After a seamless airport transfer, settle into your comfortable accommodations.
  • The evening is yours to explore at leisure - perhaps stroll along the Pacific cliffs of Miraflores as the sun sets, or sample your first taste of Peru's world-renowned cuisine.
  • The adventure begins tomorrow as you journey to the heart of the ancient Inca Empire.

Meals: -/-/-

2
Day 02

Fly to Cusco and Explore the Imperial City

  • Soar over the Andes to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca civilization.
  • Acclimatize with traditional coca tea before exploring this UNESCO-listed city.
  • Marvel at the blend of Inca and Spanish architecture as you visit the magnificent cathedral and the golden Temple of the Sun.
  • The massive stone walls of Sacsayhuamán fortress reveal the incredible engineering prowess of the Incas.
  • Wander through charming plazas and narrow streets steeped in centuries of history.

Meals: Breakfast

3
Day 03

Sacred Valley Markets and Ollantaytambo Fortress

  • Descend into the lush Sacred Valley, stopping first at the colorful Pisac market, where local artisans display their vibrant textiles and handicrafts.
  • Continue to the agricultural heartland of the Incas, enjoying a delicious lunch with valley views.
  • In the afternoon, visit the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo, where massive stone terraces climb the mountainside.
  • This living Inca town maintains its original layout, offering a rare glimpse into ancient urban planning.

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

4
Day 04

Machu Picchu, Jewel of the Inca Empire

  • Board an early train through dramatic canyon landscapes to Aguas Calientes.
  • Ascend to Machu Picchu, where your expert guide reveals the mysteries of this awe-inspiring citadel.
  • Explore the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the agricultural terraces while learning about the site's spiritual significance.
  • After ample time to absorb the magic, return by train through the breathtaking scenery of the Urubamba Valley.

Meals: Breakfast

5
Day 05

Journey into the Amazon Rainforest

  • Fly over the Andes to the jungle gateway city, then embark on a scenic river journey to your eco-lodge nestled in pristine rainforest.
  • After settling in, take your first guided walk along lush trails, learning about the region's incredible biodiversity.
  • As dusk falls, cruise the river to spot caimans and nocturnal wildlife emerging along the banks, with the jungle's symphony as your soundtrack.

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

6
Day 06

Amazon Lake Exploration and Canopy Adventure

  • Paddle across a mirror-like oxbow lake teeming with wildlife - watch for giant otters, colorful macaws, and perhaps an anaconda sunning itself.
  • After lunch, challenge yourself on an exhilarating canopy walkway high above the forest floor, with panoramic views of the endless green expanse.
  • As night falls, venture out to discover the rainforest's nocturnal creatures on a guided night walk.

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

7
Day 07

Medicinal Plants and River Life in the Rainforest

  • Learn how indigenous communities use the forest's natural pharmacy during a visit to a botanical garden.
  • Try your hand at traditional fishing techniques in a jungle lagoon, keeping an eye out for playful monkeys in the canopy.
  • The afternoon offers free time to relax in your rainforest haven or join optional activities before a farewell dinner under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

8
Day 08

Return to Lima from the Amazon

  • Bid farewell to the Amazon as you cruise back downriver, watching for final wildlife sightings.
  • Fly back to Lima, where you'll enjoy one last evening in Peru's culinary capital.
  • Perhaps visit the bohemian Barranco district for art galleries and ocean views, or indulge in a memorable farewell dinner of fresh ceviche and pisco sours.

Meals: Breakfast

9
Day 09

Departure from Lima

  • Your unforgettable Peruvian journey concludes with a transfer to the airport.
  • Carry home memories of misty mountain ruins, colorful markets, and wild rainforest adventures - along with the warmth of Peru's people and culture.
  • Until next time, as they say here, 'Hasta pronto, Perú!'

Meals: Breakfast

Machu Picchu terraces, Sacsayhuamán stone walls, The Sacred Valley of the Incas, Amazon rainforest canopy

Where this trip takes you

Machu Picchu terraces, Sacsayhuamán stone walls, The Sacred Valley of the Incas, Amazon rainforest canopy

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Lima 5 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Standard category hotels (2.5-3 stars)
  • All guided tours with an English-speaking guide
  • Meals according to the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
  • Private transportation (Airport - Hotel - Airport)
  • Peru Rail train ticket in Expeditions class: Ollanta / Aguas Calientes / Poroy
  • Group tour activities with shared transportation

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Domestic flights: Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, and Puerto Maldonado to Lima
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the program
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • International airport fees, if applicable

What to bring

  • Light layers (temperatures vary)
  • Warm jacket (cold nights in Cusco)
  • Quick-dry clothes (Amazon)
  • Waterproof jacket/poncho
  • Sturdy hiking shoes + sandals
  • Daypack (20-30L)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Headlamp (for night walks)
  • Dry bag (Amazon boat trips)
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+) & hat
  • Insect repellent (DEET 30-50%)
  • Binoculars (wildlife spotting)
  • Altitude sickness pills (consult doctor)
  • Basic first-aid kit
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Cash (small Peruvian soles bills)
  • Power bank + adapter
  • Camera/phone with waterproof case

Know before you go

  • Cusco sits at 3,400 m (11,150 ft) - acclimatize slowly.
  • Coca tea helps; ask your doctor about altitude medication (Diamox).
  • Rainy season (Nov-Mar) - pack a rain poncho.
  • Amazon: hot (30°C/86°F), humid, and wet year-round.
  • Vaccines: Yellow fever (recommended for the Amazon), Hepatitis A, and Typhoid.
  • Currency: Peruvian soles (PEN). Carry small bills for tips and markets.
  • ATMs: available in cities, but not in Amazon lodges.
  • Wi-Fi: spotty in remote areas such as the Amazon and Sacred Valley.
  • Machu Picchu rules: no single-use plastics, large bags, or tripods.
  • Amazon lodges provide rubber boots - confirm sizes in advance.
  • Sacred sites: respect the ruins - don't touch or take stones.
  • Passport: must be valid for 6+ months.
  • Machu Picchu ticket: a printed copy and passport are required.
  • Travel insurance should cover altitude-related and medical emergencies.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), Avenida Elmer Faucett, Callao, Peru
Tour start
Lima, Peru
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Lima.

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Starting from

USD 2,180 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,180.00 — $2,930.00
Double Sharing $2,180.00

When

Travellers

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