Peru Amazon to Machu Picchu: Rainforest & Andes Expedition

We will transfer you to the Lima airport, where you will take a flight to Puerto Maldonado, which lies deep in the Peruvian Amazon jungle. Upon arrival, we will travel by motorized canoe up the Madre de Dios River to an eco-friendly jungle lodge. During the journey, you may see bird species typical of the river and forest edges, such as black skimmers, pied lapwings, capped herons, roadside hawks, kingfishers, swallows and tyrant flycatchers.

The lodge combines native architecture and materials with low-impact technology to preserve the local environment. The lodge's rooms are simple yet comfortable and have mosquito nets over each bed, flush toilets, and showers (though there is no hot water). Kerosene lamps provide lighting (there is no electricity). The lodge's multilingual naturalist guides are mostly local community members.

You will go on guided hikes through the jungle with a local guide. You will discover the bizarre wildlife and native residents of the Amazon, as well as the medicinal and useful properties of domestic jungle plants. The Amazon covers about half of Peru and is located in the Amazon Basin. Thanks to its isolation, it remains hidden from casual travelers. Puerto Maldonado, the region's main city, is mostly accessed by air from Lima and Cusco. The city lies at the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata rivers. This busy, booming tropical frontier city's main activities are gold mining, cashew nut collecting, timber exploitation, agriculture and ecotourism.

Tambopata, on the other hand, is famous for its great variety of plants and animals. These include more than 1,300 species of birds (32 of which are parrot species, accounting for 10% of the world's parrot population), 200 species of mammals (including four species of primates), 90 species of frogs, 1,200 species of butterflies, and 10,000 species of higher plants. All of these species are protected by law. The harpy eagle, the prehistoric-looking hoatzin, the tapir, the peccary, the jaguar, the ocelot, and the playful river otter are just a few of the rare species inhabiting the Oxbow Lake!

On the third and final day of this Amazonian trip, we will transfer you back to the Puerto Maldonado airport for your flight to Cusco, which is located high in the Andes. There, you will be welcomed by our representative and taken to your hotel. You have the rest of the day to acclimate to the high altitude, relax, and explore this fascinating city.

Today, you will visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley was the Inca Empire's main food supplier, and today, you can see various Inca ruins. Formed by the Urubamba River (also known as the Vilcanota River), the valley flows through Pisac and Ollantaytambo to the ancient natural sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This lush agricultural region continues to supply much of Cusco City's production.

You will be taken to the impressive Inca site of Pisac, an archaeological complex situated on a hillside high above the town with amazing views of snow-capped mountains. The site features fascinating agricultural terraces carved into the mountainside. Uphill are well-preserved temples, including a solar clock, orintiwatana, with magnificent designs.

We will continue our tour of Pisac by visiting its traditional market, an excellent place to buy souvenirs! There, we will have enough free time to browse the crafts and sample classic Andean foods. Then, we will stop in Urubamba, the "capital of the valley", for a buffet lunch featuring Andean cuisine. Next, we will continue to Ollantaytambo, a small town with a strong indigenous presence that has been occupied since Inca times. We will stop at the main temple, which was used as an Incan fortress during the Incan resistance. There, you can enjoy beautiful views and take amazing photos.

Next, we will continue the Sacred Valley tour and return to Cusco, stopping for a guided tour in Chinchero along the way. You will arrive at your hotel in Cusco in the evening. Spend the night there, and remember to pack a small backpack for Machu Picchu the next day. It is important not to take all your clothes, only the essentials for two days. You can leave your other belongings in the hotel's storage room.

Day 01: Cusco - Aguas Calientes

We leave Cusco in the morning and travel to Ollantaytambo, a village in the Sacred Valley, where we board the train to Aguas Calientes. The train trip is an adventure in itself, with exquisite landscapes throughout the journey. Following the path of the river as it descends through the Sacred Valley, you will arrive in Aguas Calientes by lunchtime. There, our representative will accompany you to check in to your hotel. You have the afternoon free afterwards. We recommend visiting the Machu Picchu Museum and Orchid Exhibition, which is a 35 minute walk outside the village. Alternatively, you can relax in the hot springs that the village is named after.

Day 02: Machu Picchu!

We wake up early and take the bus up to Machu Picchu to enter when the site opens. We take a two-hour guided tour of the designated circuit, usually Circuit 2, which is the most complete as it covers most of the Inca citadel. During the tour, you will learn about the Incas and see all the most significant areas of the citadel.

Keep in mind that to visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must book Circuit 3 (Route 3A: Huayna Picchu) or Circuit 1 (Route 1A: Machu Picchu Mountain). Therefore, if you want to tour the Machu Picchu citadel and climb one of these mountains, you will need to purchase two tickets.

After the guided tour ends, you cannot return to the starting point or explore other areas of the Inca citadel unless you have an additional entrance ticket. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, our driver will transfer you back to Cusco.

Rainbow Mountain, also known as "Vinicunca", is a majestic place and a gift from nature. Located near Ausangate Mountain in the Cusco region of Peru, it is a place that most tourists have not yet discovered. It is a place that most tourists have yet to discover. Rainbow Mountain is one of the most spectacular locations in the Cordillera Vilcanota because its natural colors are preserved by eroding sedimentary rocks. The colorful rocks are impressive since they are made up of seven colors. Therefore, the mountain is also known as the Seven Color Mountain.

The full-day hike to Vinicunca takes you to an altitude of more than 4,400 meters (14,400 feet) above sea level. The route follows a dirt road between looming green peaks and red rock formations. The gorgeous route passes through local stone villages and shimmering mountain streams.

According to National Geographic, Peru's Rainbow Mountain has been ranked among the 100 places you must visit in your lifetime because of its beautiful colors. Keep in mind that darker colors are seen on cloudy days, while lighter colors are seen on sunny days.

Today is a free day to explore Cusco, the fascinating capital of the Incan Empire.

Cusco is the continent's earliest continuously inhabited city and the center of South America's travel network. Visitors come to experience the city's unique location and ancient culture, which is very different from their modern way of life. It's easy to spend a week here and in the surrounding areas. Many of the streets are bordered by Inca stone walls, and important Inca ruins are close by. The city is immersed in history, culture, and fables.

Every year, Cusco attracts thousands of visitors who come to explore its imperial yet heartbreaking past. It is an excellent home base for exploring the surrounding area.

You can explore some of the many excellent museums, such as the Inca Museum, the Qoricancha Museum, the Archaeological Museum (which houses a small art exhibition), the Regional Historical Museum and the Religious Art Museum.

Cusco also has numerous colonial churches. The most important is the cathedral in the main square. Construction of the cathedral began in 1559, and it took 100 years to complete! The cathedral boasts the largest collection of colonial art in the city. Just past the entrance is a vault containing the remains of the famous Incan historian Garcilaso de la Vega. Other notable churches are La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco.

The city is also a perfect base for the more adventurous, offering a range of outdoor activities, such as whitewater rafting on the Urubamba River, horseback riding around nearby archaeological sites (Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambo Machay and Puca Pucara), and mountain biking down to Maras, Moray, and Salineras, with the option of visiting Incan sites along the way.

The city is also home to fine dining restaurants, charming cafés, and an entertaining nightlife.

Take a flight back to Lima from Cusco.
Service ends here!

Please note that the return flight from Cusco to Lima can be changed upon request. If you would like to extend your trip, please let us know in advance, and we will be happy to assist you! 

• Welcome by our representative upon arrival.
• Domestic flights: Lima – Puerto Maldonado – Cusco
• All airport transfers upon arrival and departure
• Accommodation: Three-star hotels (seven nights) and jungle lodges (two nights);
• All entrance fees according to the itinerary;
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
• Professional, bilingual tour guides as per the itinerary;
• Meals: - 8 breakfasts - 2 lunches - 1 buffet lunch - 2 dinners
• Motorboat transportation during the Amazon Adventure Tour
• Transport by private van during tours and local transfers
• Round-trip tourist train to Machu Picchu
• Round-trip shuttle bus to Machu Picchu

• Pre- and post-tour accommodations
• International flights or airport departure taxes
• Domestic flight from Cusco to Lima
• Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket
• Meals not mentioned
• Travel insurance
• Tips and baggage portage (Please note: It is customary to give tips in Peru, but it is not obligatory.)
• Other extras not mentioned

All Tierras Vivas tours include a guide or representative from Tierras Vivas. Our guides are here to make your trip stress-free and ensure you have the best experience possible. They provide valuable information about the places you visit, suggest activities and sights, and recommend excellent places to eat. Each guide has in-depth knowledge of the destination's history, culture, religion, and social customs. We also work with local guides when their expertise can enhance your experience in certain locations.

In addition, a Tierras Vivas representative will be available via WhatsApp throughout your trip. They will ensure that your Amazon to Machu Picchu adventure runs smoothly. If any problems or emergencies arise, your representative will contact you directly. They will also stay in constant communication with our local operators to ensure that all the services in your itinerary are delivered without any setbacks.

WhatsApp will be our main communication channel during your trip, so it is important that you download the app before traveling. This will enable our representative to stay in touch with you throughout your Amazon-to-Machu Picchu experience. In the event of schedule changes or emergencies, they will respond promptly and ensure that everything is handled efficiently.

Our guides and representatives pay close attention to every detail, ensuring that your trip is stress-free, enjoyable, and memorable.

Accommodation during the tour to Amazon & Machu Picchu

These following hotels are used to accommodate you during your tour:

Accommodation in Lima:

Hotel Ferrer Miraflores (3*)

Address: Calle Diego Ferre 235, Miraflores. At the height of the block 12 of Av. Larco.

Tel: (+51) 1 4473456 / 1 4467276

Accommodation in Cusco:

Hotel Illa Cusco

Address: Carmen Alto 166, Cusco

Tel: (+51) 920 005 100

Accommodation in Aguas Calientes:

Hatun Inti Classic Hotel

Address: Av. Pachacutec 606, Aguas Calientes

Tel: (+51) 960 130 323

During the tour, we request that our hotels prepare your rooms in time for your arrival, especially if you arrive before the standard check-in time. However, this is not always possible. If this is the case, you can store your luggage in the hotel storage room and explore your new destination in the meantime.

Please note! If you have purchased pre or post trip accommodation, you might be asked to change your room during your trip.

Tierras Vivas works with LATAM and Sky Airline, both of which offer daily flights from Lima to Puerto Maldonado and Cusco.

The Amazon to Machu Picchu tour includes two domestic airline tickets:

Lima to Puerto Maldonado (Peruvian Amazon) 

There are usually two scheduled departures from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, one in the morning and one around noon. Each ticket includes 12 kilograms of checked baggage and one small handbag.

Puerto Maldonado to Cusco 

There is one scheduled flight per day from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco. The ticket includes 12 kg of checked baggage and one carry-on bag.

The type of luggage you need depends on the type of tour you plan to take, the part of the country you want to visit, the season, and the length of your trip. In general, you should pack as lightly as possible because you will be carrying your own luggage for most of our tours. However, the walking distances are not long—up to 30 minutes. We recommend keeping the weight of your luggage under 10 kg (22 lb).

Most travelers use suitcases. However, a large backpack would be more suitable. In any case, please bring a small backpack for daily travel to carry your bottled water, camera, snacks, etc. Wheeled luggage is not ideal; luggage with shoulder straps is better.

What Kind of Clothing Should You Pack for Peru?

The clothing you should bring depends on the season and part of the country you plan to visit in Peru.

If you're visiting the coast of northern Peru or the surroundings of Lima, you'll need to pack light clothes (such as shorts, skirts, dresses, and T-shirts), flip-flops or sandals, a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun, sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, and a swimsuit.

If you plan to visit the Peruvian mountains, such as the Andes or the Altiplano, we recommend bringing hiking pants, shorts, T-shirts, and trekking shoes for the days, as well as sweaters, fleece jackets, hats, scarves, and warm jackets for the nights. You should also take sunscreen, sunglasses, and, depending on the route chosen, mosquito repellent. It is convenient to keep light rain gear in your daypack, such as a waterproof poncho, jacket, and/or waterproof pants, as the weather can change quickly and it can rain suddenly. For more details, please refer to the "What to Bring on the Inca Trail Expedition Tour" link below.

If you want to see the Amazon rainforest (Manu, Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos, etc.), the most important thing to pack is mosquito repellent with at least 20% DEET! You should also bring light clothing with long sleeves and long pants to wear with your shoes for protection against insects. Don't forget waterproof clothing, especially if you plan to visit during the rainy season, as well as comfortable closed-toe shoes, long socks, and a hat.

• Passport Original and copies
• Travel insurance(+ copies for a case of lost),
• Flight tickets,
• Cash in USD or credit cards,
• Our service voucher (sent by us to you),
• Entry visa and a proof of vaccination (if applicable),
• Day pack (to carry your personal items during daily travels),
• Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers or a rain poncho - this can be purchased in Cusco),
• Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended,
• Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite),
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping),
• Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold),
• Sun cream or sun block,
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body,
• Insect repellent– recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria has been reported during this trip!),
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions),
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries,
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper,
• Small towel and toiletries,
• Sufficient reserve of underwear,
• Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes),
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.) Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu.
• Bottled water.
  
  

If you would like to hike the Inca Trail or an alternative route to Machu Picchu, choose one of these two options.

Inca Trail Expedition

Amazon and Inca Trail Tours

• Day 01: Lima
• Day 02-03: Peruvian Amazon
• Day 04: Cusco City
• Day 05: Tour Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Day 06-09: Inca Trail
• Day 10: Walk around the Cusco City
• Day 11: Departure

Amazon and Alternative treks

• Day 01: Lima
• Day 02-03: Peruvian Amazon
• Day 04: Cusco City
• Day 05: Tour Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Day 06-08: Lares Valley
• Day 09: Hiking to Machu Picchu
• Day 10: Walk around the Cusco City
• Day 11: Departure