Peru Amazon & Highland Trek: 10-Day Andes to Jungle Adventure

Today, we will take a tourist bus that will take us to each important site along the Cusco-Puno route, also known as the Sun Route.

First, we will pass through the Southern Valley, where we will stop in Pikillaqta, a pre-Incan city that was once one of the most impressive regional centers of the Wari culture.  This culture originated in Ayacucho, and its centers were occupied by the Incas for many years. Today, Pikillaqta is an important national archaeological park.  The word Pikillaqta is made up of Quechua words: "piki," meaning "flea," and "llaqta," meaning "town." Thus, the city's name means "City of the Fleas". This does not mean that fleas lived in the city or that its inhabitants were dirty. The name comes from the fact that each inhabitant lived in cramped conditions in a very small room. Pikillaqta consists of over 200 kanchas (apartments) and 504 golgas (storage spaces), among other constructions. The city accommodated a population of approximately 10,000 people! Some investigators suppose that Pikillaqta became a city of "mitimaes" during Incan times. "Mitimae" comes from the Quechua word "mitma", meaning "resettlement". Mitimaes were originally groups of families taken by the Incas from their native places to loyal or conquered towns to perform political, cultural, social and economic functions.

Next, we will continue to the village of Andahuaylillas to visit the famous San Pedro Church, also known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas", and admire its artwork! The Jesuits constructed the church at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries. Its architectural style is typical of small town churches, while its thick walls are characteristic of colonial buildings. It is made of adobe, and its façade is decorated with white paint. Two stone columns project towards the main entrance. Although the exterior is relatively modest, the interior is richly decorated with stunning wall paintings.

After viewing the stunning church, we continue to Raqchi, where we observe the Temple of Wiracocha, the Incan creator god.

Then, we head to La Raya, which marks the border between the Cusco and Puno regions. This place is well known for its viewpoint, which offers splendid views of the surrounding Andes.

Our last stop is the village of Pucara, where we visit the Lithic Museum, which exhibits artifacts of a pre-Incan culture.

Finally, we arrive in Puno, where we check into a hotel.

Today is a relaxing day with free time to explore Puno. You can visit its markets, buy souvenirs, and enjoy optional activities, such as a visit to the Chullpas de Sillustani. Tonight is your last night in the city.

Please note that the first day is an arrival day, so no activities are planned and you can arrive at any time. When you arrive at the Lima airport, our representative will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name. They will then take you to your hotel.

Lima, the capital of Peru, is also known as the "City of the Kings" because it was founded by Francisco Pizarro on the Day of the Three Kings (Epiphany) in 1535. The Plaza de Armas, or main square, is the heart of Old Lima. The Cathedral, Government Palace, and Archbishop's Palace can be found there.

We will transfer you to Lima's airport, where you will take a flight to Puerto Maldonado, located deep in the Peruvian Amazon. Then, we will travel by motorized boat over the Madre de Dios River to our lodge, which is located deep in the jungle. During the journey, you may see birds typical of the river and forest edges, such as black skimmers, pied lapwings, capped herons, roadside hawks, kingfishers, swallows and tyrant flycatchers..

The jungle lodge combines native architecture and materials with low-impact technology to preserve the local environment. The lodge's rooms are simple yet comfortable and equipped with mosquito nets over each bed, flush toilets, and showers (though without hot water). Kerosene lamps provide lighting as there is no electricity. The lodge's staff and multilingual naturalist guides are mostly members of the local community.

Every day, you will explore the Peruvian jungle with our local tour guide. The Amazon jungle 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, collecting cashews, exploiting timber, agriculture and ecotourism.

The Tambopata region ranges from the Andean highlands surrounding the headwaters of local rivers, to the last intact cloud forests, to the lowland rainforests of Peru's Amazon Basin. It is famous for its diverse plant and animal populations, including over 1,300 bird species (32 of which are parrots, accounting for 10% of the global population!), 200 mammal species (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 inhabiting its oxbow lakes are just a few of the rare species in this rainforest!

On the fourth 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 in the high Andes. You will be welcomed by our representative and taken to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to acclimate to the high altitude, relax, and explore this fascinating city.

One of the most spectacular days of the tour takes us through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which was once an important source of food for the Incan people. The lush agricultural region continues to supply the city of Cusco with much of its produce. Lying 600 meters lower than Cusco, the valley has an average temperature that is 5°C higher, making for a very pleasant climate.

The tour takes us to the major archaeological sites in Pisaq and Ollantaytambo. In Pisaq, we can opt to take a two-hour, five-kilometer trek to fully appreciate this enormous ancient Incan city nestled high in the Andes. Later, we can explore the colorful handicraft market in modern Pisaq, which is undoubtedly a unique place to find the perfect souvenir.  Then, we stop in Urubamba, considered the capital of the valley. There, we enjoy a buffet lunch featuring Andean cuisine (not included in the tour). Afterwards, we continue to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo, which boasts another large Incan site. Its main ruins are considered the finest surviving example of Incan urban planning and engineering. Ollantaytambo is more than just a site of ruins, though; it is a living, breathing Incan town.

Strategically situated, Ollantaytambo overlooks the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. We spent the night in this small town to experience its atmosphere before heading out on the hike the next morning.

Today is a relaxing day, so you can explore the fascinating Incan capital, visit its markets, buy souvenirs, and participate in optional activities. You can also prepare for your last night in the city!

There are many excellent museums to explore, such as the Inca Museum, the Qoricancha Museum, the Archaeological Museum (which also 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 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 include La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco.

The city is also a perfect base for the more adventurous, as it offers optional outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, horseback riding, bungee jumping, and biking along the Urubamba River. You can also ride horses around nearby archaeological sites, such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambo Machay and Puca Pucara, or go mountain biking down to Maras Moray, perhaps visiting some Incan sites along the way.

In the morning, we board our comfortable motorboat and set out to explore the Uros Floating Islands, as well as the islands of Amantani and Taquile, which are located on Lake Titicaca. We will stop at the islands to take in the magical scenery and meet the friendly locals.

The lake is located 3,830 meters above sea level, resulting in extreme weather conditions, with very cold nights and strong sunshine during the day. The city of Puno, situated on the shores of the lake, is well known for its wealth of traditional dances. There are up to 100 different varieties, which are usually performed in street processions that celebrate Catholic feast days. Another popular activity in Puno is visiting the spectacular Chullpas of Sillustani, tower-like tombs of the pre-Incan Colla culture.

Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in the world above 2,000 meters, as well as the highest navigable lake in the world.  Our first stop on the lake is the floating island home of the Uros people. The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago to isolate themselves from the militant Colla and Incan tribes. Unfortunately, the Uros language has become extinct, so nowadays the Uros people speak Aymara due to intermarriage with speakers of the language. About 300 families live on the islands; however, their number has been slowly declining.

The islands are made of layers upon layers of totora reeds that grew in the lake's shallows. The layers nearest the water start to rot and are replaced with fresh totora layers on top. The totora reeds are used to make everything on the islands, including real boats and small model boats that serve as souvenirs. Building a real totora boat takes up to six months.

After visiting the Uros Floating Islands, we head to Amantani Island. There, we disembark and our tour guide shows us around the island, which boasts stunning views of Lake Titicaca and friendly inhabitants with their unique folklore. To experience more of the local culture, we spend the night in family homes on the island.

The following day, after breakfast in the family homes, we continue our motorboat ride. Our next destination is Taquile Island, which is famous for its fine, handwoven textiles and clothing, considered the highest quality handicrafts in Peru. In 2005, UNESCO recognized Taquile and its textile art. 

After visiting this spectacular island and enjoying its amazing views of Lake Titicaca, we return to Puno in the afternoon. There, we will transfer you from Puno's port to your hotel.

Take a flight from Juliaca Airport (near Puno) to Lima.

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

This is the end of the service, or a suitable time to extend your trip.

• Welcome by our representative upon arrival.
• Domestic flights: Lima – Puerto Maldonado – Cusco
• Airport arrival and departure transfers
• Accommodation: Three-star hotels (nine nights), jungle lodges (two nights), campsites (two nights), and a local homestay on Amantani Island (one night);
• All entrance fees according to the itinerary;
• Bilingual local tour guides as per the itinerary;
• A cook for the Lares Valley trek;
• A muleteer for the trek;
• Mules and llamas to carry food, camping and cooking equipment, and six kilograms of each passenger's belongings during the Lares Valley trek;
• Meals: 14 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners, and 3 afternoon teas during the Lares Valley Trek
• Camping equipment for the Lares Valley Trek, including personal double tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs, a dining tent, and a toilet tent
• A cooking tent with cooking equipment for the Lares Valley Trek
• A sleeping bag (for temperatures down to -5°C) for the trek
• Transport by private van during tours and local transfers
• A round-trip ticket on the tourist train (Expedition Class) between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• A sightseeing tourist bus Cusco to Puno
• Motorboat transportation during tours of the Amazonian jungle and Lake Titicaca

• Pre- and post-tour accommodations;
• The last local flight from Juliaca to Lima;
• International flights and airport departure taxes;
• Travel insurance;
• Meals not mentioned;
• Tips and baggage portage for local staff (Please note: It is customary to give tips in Peru, but it is not obligatory.);
• Optional tours;
• Other extras not specified.
• Meal budget: Please allow USD 200–250 for meals not included.

Single Room: If you booked the "Single Room" option for this tour, please note that you will receive your own single room for all overnight stays and a single tent for the Lares Valley Trek.

Local Flights: Two local flights are included in the cost of your tour. The last flight from Juliaca to Lima is not included. It is very important that we have your passport details at the time of booking in order to process your tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to each flight's departure.

Please check our policy and booking procedures. If you would like to hike the Classic Inca Trail or visit only Machu Picchu, you can choose one of these optional trips.

Inca Trail Expedition

This tour involves 11 days tour on the Amazon and Inca Trail

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

Amazon and Machu Picchu

This tour involves 11 days in Peru Lima Amazon and Machu Picchu

• Day 01: Lima
• Day 02-03: Amazon Rainforest
• Day 04: Cusco City
• Day 05: Tour Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Day 06: Maras, Moray and Salineras
• Day 07: South Valley Cusco Tour
• Day 08: Train to Machu Picchu
• Day 09: Machu Picchu Tour
• Day 10: Walk around the Cusco City
• Day 11: Departure

How to book your Inca Trail?

If you would like to do the Inca Trail Expedition, please check availability on this website first. Inca Trail 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 tour! For example, if you want to start the tour on August 6th, you need to check the availability for August 11th!

If the Inca Trail is available on your requested date at the time of booking, your Inca Trail Expedition Tour booking will first be confirmed by our Reservation Department via email. Then, you will 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 the deposit is not paid within this time, the booking expires!)

Accommodation during the tour to Peru

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

Accommodation in Lima:

Hotel Ferré Miraflores

• Address: Calle Diego Ferré 235, Miraflores, Lima, Perú
• Phone: +51 1 446-7276

Accomodation in Puerto Maldonado:

Monte Amazónico Lodge

• Address: Av. León Velarde 119 Puerto Maldonado - Perú
• Phone: +51 982 272 488

Accommodation in Cusco:

Illa Hotel

• Dirección: Calle Carmen Alto 166, Barrio San Blas, Cusco, Perú
• Phone: +51 84 262328

Accommodation in Ollantaytambo:

Hotel Samanapaq

• Address: Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Ollantaytambo, Cusco, Perú
• Phone: +51 984 011 604

Accommodation in Puno:
Conde de Lemos Inn

• Address: Jr. Puno 681, Cercado, Puno, Perú
• Phone: +51 51 369898

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.

All of Tierras Vivas's adventure group tours are accompanied by a Tierras Vivas tour guide, representative, or expedition team. Our tour guides aim to eliminate the hassle for our customers and help them have the best trip possible. They provide information on places visited, offer suggestions on what to see and do, recommend good places to eat, and introduce customers to their colleagues. Our guides have broad general knowledge of each country visited during a tour, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local tour guides when we believe that more specific knowledge would enhance the enjoyment of the places visited.

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, fleeces, 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.

What to Bring on the Peru Amazon and Highlands Trek 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.