Peru Highlights Tour: Inca Trail & Amazon Expedition (11 Days)

On day two of your Amazon to Inca Trail tour, you will be transferred from your hotel to Lima Airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado, which is located deep in the Peruvian Amazon. Upon arrival, you will head to the Tambopata River Port, where you will begin a one-hour motorised boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to your jungle lodge, which is nestled in the heart of the rainforest.

You will be welcomed with a refreshing local fruit juice, after which you can check in and settle into your room.

After lunch, you will visit Monkey Island, which is located just across the river from the lodge. This small island is home to several species of monkey, including capuchin and squirrel monkeys. After observing these playful creatures in their natural habitat, we will return to the lodge.

In the evening, we'll go on a night excursion in search of white caimans, which are common along the riverbanks. With the help of our torches, we may also spot capybaras, the world's largest rodents, which can weigh up to 60 kilograms. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

After a hearty breakfast, we will embark on a two-mile hike through the lush rainforest of the Tambopata National Reserve, heading for the tranquil oxbow lake of Lake Sandoval. This lake is renowned for its biodiversity and is home to piranhas. Here, we will take a paddle boat and observe a variety of wildlife, including exotic birds such as hoatzins (shanshos), cormorants, jacanas, egrets and vultures, as well as monkeys such as capuchins, pichicos and sloths.

If we are lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the endangered giant river otter, which can grow to almost two metres in length, or the large black caiman, which can grow to over four metres. We then return to the lodge for a traditional lunch.

In the afternoon, we will explore the Canopy Walkway, which is suspended 30 metres above the ground and offers panoramic views of the Amazon and the Madre de Dios River. From this height, we will see vibrant birds such as toucans, macaws, tanagers, and orioles. It's an unforgettable view of the rainforest from above.

After dinner, we go on a guided night walk to discover a different side to the Amazon, observing nocturnal animals such as insects, amphibians, reptiles and other fascinating creatures.

Our day begins with an early visit to the Parrot Clay Lick, a natural wall of mineral-rich clay along the riverbank where several species of parrots gather to feed, which is an essential part of their diet. It's a colourful and energetic display of Amazonian wildlife!

After breakfast, we will take you back to Puerto Maldonado by boat, where you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco, the navel of the world! Upon arrival in Cusco, we will welcome you to the great imperial city again and then transfer you to the hotel. You have the rest of the day free to acclimatise to the high altitude and explore the city at your leisure.

Cusco was the capital and heart of the Incan Empire (Tawantinsuyo, meaning 'the Country of the Four Cardinal Points'), serving as a centre for the Inca's expansion into new territories. It is also one of the most important archaeological sites in the Americas. It is the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. The enigmatic city of Cusco is infused with a sense of mystery and history. You can still see Spanish influences in the city today, with its charming pink tiled roofs, arched squares, and steep, winding alleyways. The city stands on huge Inca foundation stones and, as you walk around, you can't fail to notice the connection to the Inca Empire, from the stone walls that line the streets to the museums filled with antiques and relics of long-gone communities.

What can I do on this day?

• It is recommended that you take a half-day city tour of Cusco.

Today, you will visit the Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley. The valley was the Inca Empire's main food supplier, and today you can see various Inca remains. Formed by the Urubamba River, also known as the Vilcanota River, the valley runs through Pisac and Ollantaytambo to the ancient natural sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The Sacred Valley is a lush agricultural region that continues to supply Cusco City with much of its produce. We 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 mountainside here is adorned with fascinating agricultural terraces. Further uphill are well-kept temples, including the magnificent Intiwatana solar clock.

Next, we will visit Pisac's traditional market. It's an excellent place to buy some souvenirs! There is enough free time to browse the crafts and sample some classic Andean foods. Then we will stop in Urubamba, the self-styled capital of the valley, for a buffet lunch featuring Andean cuisine. Afterwards, we will continue to Ollantaytambo, a small town with a strong indigenous atmosphere that has been occupied since Inca times. We will stop at the main temple, which was used as an Inca fortress during the resistance. Here, you can enjoy beautiful views and take some amazing photos.

We will then be taken to our hotel, where we can relax for the rest of the day before hiking to Machu Picchu the following morning. We will spend the night in Ollantaytambo.

This is a special day on the Amazon to Inca Trail tour, as today we will begin the four-day challenge of hiking the Inca Trail. It is physically demanding, but well worth it!

The Inca Trail was once part of an extensive network of roads connecting Cusco to its colonies and other regions. This incredible route takes you from high mountain passes to lush cloud forests and through various ecological zones that are rich in flora and wildlife, as well as impressive archaeological sites — many of which can only be accessed via this trail.

Our cook and porters will accompany us, carrying most of the equipment, so you'll only need a small backpack. The trek is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

The 44-kilometre (27-mile) trail includes two high passes. Night-time temperatures can drop below zero, so it's important to be prepared. Rainfall is also possible, even during the dry season.

Inca trail day per day:

• Day 6: From the trailhead at km 82, the route follows the left bank of the Urubamba River. We will visit the Inca archaeological sites of Willca Raccay and the ruins of Llacatapata, before continuing up the Cusichaca River Canyon, which offers magnificent views of the Oriental mountain range, including the beautiful Veronica Mountain (5,850 m). After lunch in Chamana, we continue alongside the Cusichaca River until we reach the village of Huayllabamba. From there, we ascend through tree- and bush-covered high Andean land to a large treeless area of flat land named Llulluchapampa, where we will set up our first campsite.
• Day 7: Today, we will cross Warmiwañusca Pass (also known as Dead Woman's Pass), which is the highest point of the trek at 4,050 m (13,280 ft). Afterwards, we will descend to Pacamayo, where we will stop for lunch. After that, we will continue downhill along a paved Inca road to the ruins of Runkuracay and Sayacmarca. After that, we will cross the second pass, Abra Runkuracay, before walking down the 'Royal Inca Highway' to Sayacmarca and finally reaching our campsite at Chaquicocha.
• Day 8: Today, we enter the cloud forest and descend to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca via a stone stairway. This is one of the most well-preserved sites. Situated on top of a hill, its Quechua name means 'Town above the clouds'. After a guided tour, we will have lunch there. From there, we will descend along dizzying Inca stone steps for about three hours to reach the charming Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, positioned in the forest. After a guided tour, we will set up camp at Wiñay Wayna after dinner.
• Day 9: We will hike the ancient steps to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), which is a further two hours from where we catch our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Our guide will accompany us as we visit the temples, houses, agricultural terraces and palaces, after which we will have some time to explore independently. Afterwards, you will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you can eat and relax before taking your evening train back to Cusco.

Today, you have time to explore at your leisure. You could visit some of the sites on foot or by bus. Archaeology fans will enjoy the Inca sites of Q'enqo.  If you're feeling more adventurous, you can try optional activities such as white water rafting on the grade 2–3 Urubamba River, or mountain biking into the Urubamba Sacred Valley of the Incas, Maras, Moray and Salineras, where you can visit some Incan sites along the way. No experience is necessary for these activities; instructions will be provided, and all necessary safety equipment will be supplied.

You can also visit the four surrounding Inca ruins: Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, and the dramatic fortress of Sacsayhuaman. This fortress was constructed strategically on a hill overlooking Cusco and is distinguished by its huge carved stones, which are joined with amazing precision to form the outer walls. Some of these walls are over 9 metres (30 feet) tall and weigh over 350 tons. You can also go horse riding at these sites.

See you soon! Thank you for choosing Tierras Vivas as your tour operator. After a delicious breakfast, we will transfer you to Cusco airport. This marks the end of our tour service, or alternatively, it is a good time to extend your trip!

Please note that a return flight to Lima can be arranged upon request.

• Welcome by our representative upon arrival;
• Domestic flights: Lima – Puerto Maldonado – Cusco;
• All airport arrival and departure transfers (except the last one in Lima);
• Accommodation: 3-star hotels (5 nights), a jungle lodge (2 nights), camping (3 nights);
• All entrance fees according to the itinerary, including the Inca Trail permit;
• Machu Picchu ticket;
• Tour guides during all tours;
• A professional trekking cook;
• Super porters to carry food, camping and cooking equipment, and up to 7 kg of each passenger's belongings during the hike;
• Meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, and 3 afternoon hot beverages during the Inca Trail:
  (If you are vegetarian, please inform us in advance. Vegetarian meals are provided at no extra cost.);
• Inca Trail camping equipment: personal double tents;
• Inflatable mattress (Therm-a-Rest) and cover;
• A pillow and cover;
• Sleeping bag (Up to -5°C) and sleeping bag liner;
• Duffel bag and plastic cover to protect your clothing during the wet season;
• A pair of hiking poles;
• Rain poncho;
• Tables and chairs, cooking tent with equipment and dining;
• Tourist land transportation according to the itinerary;
• Shuttle bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes;
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo;
• Motorboat transportation in the Amazon Jungle;
• Machu Picchu T-shirt;
• First aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle for the Inca Trail.

Portable Two-Way Radio Communication

Our guide and trekking chef will use two pairs of radios to communicate with each other throughout the trek. These radios are connected to the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP. If you would like to find out more about the importance of radio communication, please visit our 'Radio Communication vs. Satellite Phone' page.

Sustainable Travel

When you book an Inca Trail tour with Tierras Vivas, you can be sure that we are committed to supporting various social projects for porter families and reforestation efforts in Andean communities. Visit us, Responsible People!

During the Inca Trail Tours, our staff will provided the following:

• Our staff will provide biodegradable soap.
• Every morning, our trekking chef will provide hot water for personal cleaning.
• During the four-day trek, we recommend that you bring your own water bottle for the first four hours.
• You will also be provided with small towels to clean your hands.
• Our trekking chef will provide hot water bottles each night to put inside your sleeping bag in case you get cold.

The best experience during your trip awaits!

• Pre & post tour accommodation,
• Last flight Cusco - Lima,
• International flights and airport departure taxes,
• Meals not mentioned,
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($80);
• Travel insurance,
• Tips and baggage portage to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory),
• Other extras not specified.

Meal budget: Please allow USD 100–150 for meals that are not included.

Solo traveller: If you have booked the 'Solo Traveller' option for this tour, please note that you will receive your own single room for all nights and a single tent for the Inca Trail.

Local flights: Two local flights are included in the cost of your tour. It is very important that we have your passport details at the time of booking in order to process all air tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to each flight departure.

All Tierras Vivas travel groups are accompanied by a Tierras Vivas tour guide, representative or member of staff. The aim of our tour guides is to make traditional trips hassle-free and ensure that you have the best possible trip experience. They provide information on places visited, offer suggestions of what to see and do, recommend good places to eat, and introduce you to their colleagues. They have a broad knowledge of the countries visited, including their history, culture, religion and society. We also work with local tour guides on tours where we feel more specific knowledge would enhance enjoyment of the places visited.

The follow hote used during the Inca Trail Expedition

Lima

Accommodation in Lima:

• Ferrer Hotel - Miraflores Lima
  
• Address: Atahualpa Street 152, Miraflores Lima 18 - Peru
• Tel: (+51) 1-989-064-351 

Cusco

Accommodation in Cusco:

• Illa San Blas
• Address: Calle Matara N 394, Cusco
• Tel: (+51)  84 224466

Ollantaytambo

Accommodation in Ollantaytambo:

• Posada Julieta Ollantaytambo
• Address: Ferrocarril Avenue, Ollantaytambo, Peru
• Tel: (+51) 84 204032

During the tour, we ask our hotels to 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, simply store your luggage in the hotel storage room and explore your new destination in the meantime.

Inca Trail: 3 Camping Nights

During the Inca Trail, we will camp for three nights. This means that our camp staff will pitch and dismantle our tents for us. Rest assured that our camping staff will take care of all camp chores, so you only need to carry your day pack. Dining facilities will be provided, and bowls of warm water will be available for washing in the mornings and evenings.

Domestic flights to the Amazon for the Inca Trail Tour

Tierras Vivas works with LATAM and Sky Airline, both of which operate flights to Cusco and the Amazon. According to domestic flight regulations, restrictions apply to carry-on baggage. If you wish to bring additional baggage, extra charges may apply.

For Amazon to Inca Trail tours, one checked bag (up to 23 kg) and one carry-on bag are included.

The flights used for this itinerary are as follows:

From Lima to the Amazon

There are only two flights a day from Lima to the Amazon. Our sales team will usually book your flight for the morning or early afternoon, depending on availability.

From the Amazon to Cusco

There are direct flights from the Amazon to Cusco every day, but only two flights depart each day. If you book your tour at short notice, our sales team may need to book you on a flight with a stopover in Lima before continuing on to Cusco.

If you would like to take the Amazon and Inca Trail Tour, please check availability on this website first: Inca Trail Tours – Availability. Select the year and month in which you would like to take the tour. Please note that the Inca Trail starts on the sixth day of the Inca Trail Expedition Tour. For example, if you would like to start the tour on 6 August, you will need to check the availability for 11 August.

If there is availability on your requested date at the time of booking, your Inca Trail Expedition Tour booking will be confirmed by our Reservation Department via email. You will then be required to provide your full personal details as well as a deposit in order to purchase your Inca Trail permit. Please note that an Inca Trail booking is only valid for one hour! If it is not paid within this time, it expires!)

Inca Trail Closure:

• The Inca Trail is closed each February to allow for conservation work and to give the vegetation a chance to recover. February is a suitable month for this, as it is also the wettest month of the year. However, Machu Picchu itself remains open, so you can still visit, perhaps taking one of the alternative treks, such as the imposing Salkantay Mountain Trek. For adventurers, the best option is the Inca Jungle Trail in Peru. 

The type of luggage you need depends on the type of tour you are planning to undertake. But this is not the only thing to take into account; you should also consider which part of the country you would like to visit, the season, and how long you wish to stay. In general, it is advisable to pack as lightly as possible, because you will be carrying your own luggage for most of the tour. We recommend keeping the weight of your luggage under 10 kg (22 lb).

Most travellers use a suitcase. However, a large backpack would be more suitable. In any case, please do not forget a small rucksack for daily travel, to carry your bottled water, camera, snacks, etc. Wheeled luggage is best avoided in favour of luggage with shoulder straps.

What Kind of Clothing to Pack to Peru

The clothing you need to take with you depends on the season in which you are travelling to Peru and which part of the country you plan to visit. If you are planning to visit the northern Peruvian coast and the surroundings of Lima, you should pack light clothes (such as shorts, skirts, dresses and T-shirts), flip-flops and sandals, a hat or cap to protect you from the sun, sun protection cream, sunglasses, mosquito repellent and a swimsuit.

However, if you plan to visit the Peruvian mountains (the Andes), we recommend taking trousers suitable for hiking, shorts and T-shirts for the daytime, and sweaters, fleeces, hats, scarves and warm jackets for the evenings. You should also take sun protection cream and sunglasses, and mosquito repellent depending on the route chosen. It is also advisable to carry light rain gear in your daypack, such as a waterproof poncho or jacket and/or waterproof trousers, as the weather can change quickly and it can rain suddenly. 

If you want to visit the Amazon rainforest (Manu, Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos, etc.), the most important thing to pack is mosquito repellent containing at least 20% DEET! You should also take some light clothing with long sleeves and long trousers that can be worn with your shoes to protect against insects. You should also take waterproof clothing (especially if you are visiting the rainforest during the rainy season), comfortable closed-toe footwear, long socks and a hat.

What to Bring on the Inca Trail Expedition Tour

• 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 for the first morning and a water bottle.
  Important: plastic bottles are not allowed on the Classic Inca Trail! Please bring a metallic (alternatively Nalgene) bottles!
• Optional: walking sticks (please note: rubber covers are required for the Inca Trail!!); you can also rent it from us,
• Please note: we provide with filtered boiled water during entire Inca Trail, but if you like to use water from streams along the trail, you need to take some water-purifying tablets with you.

Need more information? Here some interesting pages for you!!

• Its time to visit Peru!!
• Amazon and Inca Trail FAQs
• Tierras Vivas Booking terms & Conditions
• How to book and pay with us?
• Before to book. Read the Inca Trail Regulations
• Why Tierras Vivas tour operator   
• Responsible Travel with Tierras Vivas tour operator.

Destinations:

Lima | Peruvian Amazon | Cusco | Sacred Valley | Ollantaytambo | Machu Picchu