Private tour: Explore the Amazon, Inca ruins, Lake Titicaca and more on this 13 day tour of Peru, starting and ending in Lima. In the cultural capital of Lima, visit plazas, monasteries and underground crypts. Delve into the flora and fauna of the Amazon Jungle during a two night stay at a charming lodge before exploring captivating Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Marvel at magnificent Machu Picchu and take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca, to see the remarkable floating islands of Uros.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Explore Lima
Today explore the beautiful city of Lima, also known as the 'city of kings', you'll visit the well preserved historical centre. Making your way through Plaza San Martin, take in Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the City Hall. The tour of the city continues with a visit to the San Francisco Monastery and its famous underground crypts which are home to an estimated 70,000 remains. This bright yellow architectural wonder is also home to an incredible library, holding thousands of antique texts, some of which pre-date the conquest in the 16th century. Later head through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, passing by Huaca Pucllana, a clay pyramid that was the ceremonial and administrative centre of the Lima culture and later considered a sacred town by the Inca's. Next up stop at El Olivar park, a peaceful space where you'll find olive trees that were brought to Peru in the 15th century. The final stop on today's tour of Lima is El Parque del Amor, this romantic spot is situated on the cliffs of Miraflores overlooking the Pacific ocean.
Lima is fast becoming one of the gastronomic capitals of the world and later this afternoon there is the opportunity to join an exciting optional Lima Gourmet Food Tour, combining gastronomic delights with walks around the capital, experiencing the local culture. Please book before you travel.
Overnight: Lima | Breakfast
Into the Amazon Jungle
Lima - Puerto Maldonado. Transfer to Lima airport this morning and fly to Puerto Maldonado for your two night Amazon adventure! From Puerto Maldonado take a scenic 40 minute boat ride along the meandering Madre de Dios River to your lodge, nestled in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. As you glide down the river look out for capybaras and other wildlife along the riverbank.
Arriving at the lodge, there's a short briefing by your jungle guide before settling into the accommodation. After lunch and some time to relax set out on the first Amazon excursion. Taking a trek through the jungle your guide will point out tropical trees, medicinal plants and wildlife in the Brazil net concession. Also visit a shiringuero encampment to see the process of collecting rubber, and how it is used for many products.
Heading back to the lodge there's time to relax by the pool or in the hammocks on the terrace of your bungalow, savour an exotic cocktail at the bar or go down to the riverside to enjoy the breath-taking sunset. Before dinner take a boat trip to observe caiman and other nocturnal creatures as they appear before experiencing your first night in the jungle!
Please note: Jungle activities and excursions may vary or be modified by your guide.
Overnight: The Amazon | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Amazon & Lake Sandoval
Rise early this morning to visit Lake Sandoval, a glassy, ox-bow lake, located inside the protected Tambopata National Reserve. A packed breakfast is provided for the excursion. Set off on a 20-minute boat ride on the Madre de Dios River to the Lake Sandoval landing stage. A 3km walk through the sun-dappled rainforest leads into the Tambopata National Reserve, which is home to many species of birds, the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles, black caimans and more! At Lake Sandoval board small rowboats and paddle serenely around the lake, in search for giant river otters and other wildlife. When your guide finds an opportune spot, stop to enjoy breakfast in the wild.
Returning to the lodge for lunch, there's free time to relax before heading up one of the lodge's lookout towers with your guide, for incredible panoramic views of the Amazon from its rooftop and a beautiful sunset. The canopy towers are ideal for birdwatching and spotting animals living at this altitude in the canopy. Keep an eye out for bright toucans, macaws and monkeys! Also a visit to a Brazil nut harvesting camp, a vital economic activity in the region. Back at the lodge you can enjoy a refreshing swim before dinner.
Overnight: Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Amazon & Cusco
Puerto Maldonado - Cusco. Wake up early to visit a nearby clay lick, where you can observe up to five species of parrots feeding on a unique type of clay essential for their metabolism, creating a colourful and lively spectacle. Heading back to the lodge for breakfast, there's some time to relax before taking the boat back to Puerto Maldonado. Here, stop to visit a local market and see various local products, before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco.
After hotel check-in the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure adjusting to the altitude in Cusco. This beautiful city full of history and intrigue, is located 3,399m above sea level.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast
Cusco
Today enjoy a tour of Cusco and its nearby ruins taking in some of the city's most important landmarks. Starting at the Plaza de Armas, built on the remains of one of the most important Incan gathering spots, it's one of the most beautiful squares in the country. You'll also visit the Cathedral, the Kenko Amphitheatre and the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Built between 1438 and 1474, Sacsayhuaman Fortress took over 20,000 labourers to build and some of the magnificent stone work measures over 4 metres in height and over 100 tons in weight. The rest of the day is free to independently explore this charming city.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast x 1
Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo
Cusco - The Sacred Valley. Bidding farewell to Cusco you travel on to the Sacred Valley today. The first stop is the popular Pisac markets where you will have the chance to see the variety of colourful handicrafts on offer. Originally only held on Sundays, Pisac Market was a place for artisans from across the region to trade in their products. Today the market is a daily occurrence where locals and visitors alike can find some of the finest textiles, jewellery and clothing typical of this area of Peru. Then travel on to the remarkable Ollantaytambo fortress which was constructed to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it from possible invasions of tribes from the jungle lowlands. One of the best examples of Incan architecture, many of the inhabitants of Ollantaytambo still live according to the customs and traditions they have inherited from generations of ancestors, leading to it being known as a living Inca town.
Overnight: Sacred Valley | Breakfast
Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco. Today starts with a short drive to the Ollantaytambo train station where you'll board the train for a scenic journey to Aguas Calientes. Remember to look out of the windows as the scenery along the way is utterly breath-taking. In Aguas Calientes board a bus which takes you along a winding path up the slopes of the great Machu Picchu mountain to the famous Inca citadel.
The incredible lost city of the Incas is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, surrounded by tropical forest. Completed in the latter half of 15th Century, archaeologists believe Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Pachacuti, an Incan leader who reigned from 1438 to 1471. Built in the classical Inca style with polished dry-stone walls and terraces that seem to have been crafted naturally from the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu is a spectacular testament to the greatness of the Inca civilisation. Only a century after its completion however, the citadel was abandoned during the Spanish conquest and only thrust into the spotlight in 1911 when it was discovered by the American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham, who brought it to the world's attention.
Explore Machu Picchu on a guided tour and then return to the spa town of Aguas Calientes where there's time to stroll around before travelling by train back to Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast
Free time in Cusco
Enjoy a free day in Cusco to explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively you may wish to join one of the optional excursions on offer. Visit the local Andean market town of Chinchero on a half day tour. Chinchero has one of the most traditional markets in South America, and here you will find locals in colourful traditional dress, buying and selling their produce.
Alternatively, for the fit and active, there's an optional full day excursion to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain (offered from March to November), with lunch included. After a scenic 2.5 hr drive through rugged mountain scenery, trek with a guide to the summit of Rainbow Mountain, with its striking bright stripes of mineral deposits.
Note: Optional excursions should be booked prior to departure.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast
Lake Titicaca
Cusco - Puno. After an early breakfast, travel by bus to Puno (approx. 10 hr journey), passing by the lovely Wacarpay Lake, with spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters. Along the way you’ll make a couple of stops, the first one being in Andahuaylillas to see the Church of San Pedro, which has been given the nickname the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Moving along, pass through herds of llamas and spectacular landscapes until you get to Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile centre. Here, lay eyes on the Temple of Kalasaya, remnants of a Pucara structure. After a stop for lunch at a countryside restaurant, continue on to Puno, your base for the next two nights.
The following day take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to see the remarkable floating islands of Uros. These unique islands are made of a certain type of reed called totora, which enables it to float, despite the weight of a civilisation upon it. You’ll then move on to Taquile Island, where you can mingle with the Quechua-speaking locals and learn about their efficient and unique social system as well as their fine hand weaving techniques, passed down from generation to generation. Next experience life in a local home, with a traditional homecooked meal provided for lunch. After lunch discover more of this remarkable island including some of the islands archaeological sites. Later this afternoon return to Puno.
Overnight: Puno | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2
Return to Lima
Puno - Lima. Today head to Juliaca Airport for your flight back to Lima, upon arrival in Lima you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the beautiful Peruvian capital of Lima. Why not visit one of the many fantastic museums around the city, showcasing everything from pre-Colombian art to archaeological gems.
Overnight: Lima | Breakfast
Lima
Today your amazing tour through Peru comes to an end with a transfer to Lima airport.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Read MoreExtra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores, Lima
The modern Hilton Garden Inn is located in the vibrant heart of Lima’s upscale Miraflores district, only a 5-minute stroll from Miraflores Central Park and Kennedy Park. The hotel features spacious rooms with contemporary amenities, including free Wi-Fi, HD TV and a mini-refrigerator. You can enjoy a relaxing swim in the rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city, work up a sweat at the fitness centre or savour Peruvian cuisine at the on-site restaurant. From the hotel’s prime location you can also take a scenic stroll along Malecón de Miraflores, a popular coastal path which stretches for 6-miles, and visit the popular The Larcomar shopping centre.
Corto Maltes Amazonica, Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon
Corto Maltes Amazonica offers an authentic and immersive experience in the heart of Peru's Amazon Rainforest. Nestled along the banks of the Madre de Dios River in Puerto Maldonado, the lodge provides a perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Accommodation is in rustic, well-appointed wooden bungalows that harmonize with the lush surroundings, featuring en suite bathrooms with 24-hour hot water, mosquito nets to avoid unwanted insects, and private terraces complete with hammocks, to relax and enjoy the stunning jungle views. Generators are used for electricity at set-times throughout the day: from 7 am to 2 pm, and from 5 pm to 10:30 pm. There are battery LED lights on the bedside table and in the bathroom for the hours when there is no electricity. The lodge kitchen offers continental breakfasts, lunches and dinners, with a daily set-menu. The menu is a fusion of international cuisine and tasty local cuisine. This charming lodge is an ideal base for exploring the rainforest, with guided excursions that include visits to clay licks, canopy towers, river cruises and wildlife spotting. After a day of adventure you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool, surrounded by native trees and tropical flowers, and enjoy drinks at the terrace bar, listening to the tranquil sounds of the jungle.
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco, Cusco
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco, located in the historic city of Cusco, offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and cultural charm. Perched on a hillside with stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains, this contemporary hotel provides well-appointed guest rooms featuring plush bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs, ensuring a restful stay. The on-site restaurant serves tasty local and international cuisine, there's a cosy bar to enjoy a relaxing drink after a busy day of sightseeing and courtyard yoga sessions, should you wish to partake. The hotel's prime location provides easy access to Cusco's renowned attractions, including the Plaza de Armas and the ancient ruins of Sacsayhuaman.
La Casona de Yucay, Sacred Valley
La Casona de Yucay is a charming boutique hotel nestled in the serene Sacred Valley of the Incas. Housed in a historic 1810 colonial mansion, the hotel combines timeless elegance with modern comforts, offering an authentic Andean experience. The beautifully appointed rooms feature traditional decor and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and gardens. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious farm-to-table Peruvian cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the bar serves snacks and of course, the traditional Peruvian Pisco Sour. After a day exploring ancient Inca sites, the courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy a drink, appreciate the view and the tranquil setting.
Hotel Jose Antonio, Puno
Set on the banks of Lake Titicaca you cannot go wrong with the view from this hotel in Puno. This modern property boasts spacious and comfortable guest rooms outfitted with air-conditioning, safety deposit boxes, TVs and a fully stocked mini bar. The hotel restaurant Sillustani enjoys fantastic has floor to ceiling windows serves up a delectable menu. When you return from a day of sightseeing why not grab a drink from the bar and admire the vista from the lounge. While Hotel Jose Antonio might be located a taxi ride from Puno, but its well worth it for the view.