Machu Picchu | Peru | South America
FROM: R50,885 pp
Machu Picchu by Train 2025 - 9 days map

Discover the incredible highlights of Peru, from the buzzing culinary capital of Lima to the dense bio diverse Amazon Rainforest, on this exciting 9 day tour. Visit sacred sites, colourful markets and travel by scenic train through the Andean Mountains. Explore some of Peru’s most enchanting destinations as you visit the mysterious Inca ruins at Machu Picchu as well as the terraced ruins of Ollantaytambo. Spend two nights in the Amazon Jungle learning about some of the numerous species of birds and animal that live here.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels

Trip Highlights

The Amazon – Spend two nights at a lodge in the world's largest rainforest, see wonderful wildlife, enjoy nature walks, boat trips, canopy towers and more
Sacred Valley of the Incas – Roam around the Pisac ruins, the temple of Ollantaytambo and local markets
Lima - Explore the capital of Peru with its vibrant Plazas & Spanish colonial architecture
Cusco – Take in the highlights of the captivating capital of the Inca Empire on a guided tour and explore the Sacsayhuaman Fortress
Machu Picchu – Enjoy a scenic train ride to explore the spectacular Inca citadel, which is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World

Included

8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
2 economy flights: Lima - Puerto Maldonado - Cusco
Guided tour of Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and bus to Machu Picchu
Escorted by English-speaking local tour leader (for groups of 4 or more), excluding in the Amazon
Entrance fees and Cusco Tourist Ticket
5 nights 4 star hotels, 1 night 3 star hotel in the Sacred Valley and 2 nights Amazon lodge
Airport transfers on day 1 and day 9
3 day/2 night Amazon programme with guided sightseeing and rainforest activities, including Lake Sandoval
Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
Services of expert local guides for included sightseeing and a naturalist guide in the Amazon

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tipping – an entirely personal gesture

Itinerary

Day 1

Lima

Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival at the Lima airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel in the popular Miraflores district of the city. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city before our welcome meeting at 6pm this evening where you will meet your tour leader.
Overnight: Lima

Day 2

Lima

Today we explore the beautiful city of Lima , also known as the 'city of kings', we'll visit the well preserved historical centre. Making our way through Plaza San Martin, we'll also take in Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the City Hall. Our tour of the city continues with a visit to the San Francisco Monastery and it's 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 we'll 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 we'll stop at El Olivar park, a peaceful space where we'll find olive trees that were brought to Peru in the 15th century from Spain. Our 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. Book before you travel.
Overnight: Lima  |  Breakfast

Day 3

Into the Amazon Jungle

Lima - Puerto Maldonado. Transfer to Lima airport this morning and fly to Puerto Maldonado for our two night Amazon adventure! From Puerto Maldonado we take a scenic 40 minute boat ride along the meandering Madre de Dios River to our lodge, nestled in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. As we glide down the river look out for capybaras and other wildlife along the riverbank.

Arriving at the lodge, there's a short briefing by our jungle guide before we settle into our accommodation. After lunch and some time to relax we set out on our first Amazon excursion Taking a trek through the jungle our guide will point out tropical trees, medicinal plants and wildlife in the Brazil net concession. We 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 breathtaking sunset. Before dinner we take a boat trip to observe caiman and other nocturnal creatures as they appear before experiencing our 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

Day 4

Amazon & Lake Sandoval

We 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. We 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 us 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 we board small rowboats and paddle serenely around the lake, in search for giant river otters and other wildlife. When our guide finds an opportune spot where we stop to enjoy breakfast in the wild.

Returning to the lodge for lunch, there's free time to relax before we head up a lookout tower with our 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! We 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

Day 5

Amazon & Cusco

Puerto Maldonado - Cusco. We wake up early to visit a nearby clay lick, where we 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. We head back to the lodge for breakfast and there's some time to relax before we take the boat back to Puerto Maldonado. We visit a local market to see various local products before being transferred to the airport for our flight to Cusco.

After hotel check-in the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure adjusting to the altitude in Cysco. This beautiful city full of history and intrigue, is located 3,399m above sea level.
Overnight: Cusco  |  Breakfast

Day 6

Cusco

Today we enjoy a tour of Cusco and its nearby ruins taking in some of the city's most important landmarks. We'll start 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. We'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 for you to independently explore this charming city.
Overnight: Cusco  |  Breakfast

Day 7

Sacred Valley

Cusco - The Sacred Valley. Today we enjoy a full day tour of the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is the popular Pisac Market, where artisans from the region get together and exchange or buy and sell their products. 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. There's plenty of time to explore the market, see the variety of colourful handicrafts and textiles on offer, and barter for souvenirs.

This afternoon we visit Ollantaytambo's fortress with its enormous Inca terraces constructed on the side of a steep mountain. 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. After a tour through the area we check into our hotel for the night.
Overnight: Sacred Valley  |  Breakfast

Day 8

Machu Picchu

Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu - Cusco. Today is the day you’ve been waiting for as you finally get a chance to witness first hand one of the most fascinating ancient sites in the world. In the morning we take a scenic train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and then board the bus to Machu Picchu – remember to look out the windows as the scenery along the way is utterly breathtaking.

Situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River and surrounded by tropical forest, the Inca city enjoys a truly spectacular setting. When we get there, a guided tour will take us through the citadel. 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. The ruins are divided into the Urban and Agricultural Sectors with features ranging from terraced fields and water fountains to storage buildings, guardhouses and religious temples as well as bridges on the trails leading out of the citadel. After a guided tour of this incredible site we 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

Day 9

Cusco

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. A transfer will take you to Cusco airport for your onward travel.

If you're not departing Cusco until this evening, or you've booked post tour accommodation, you may wish to join one of the optional excursions on offer today - please book in advance. You can 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.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. '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.

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Guaranteed Departure

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room

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

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

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

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Mid Range Lodge

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

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

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

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Mid-range Boutique Hotel

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.

At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Lima
Ends
Cusco
Departs
Saturdays - year round
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 16
Hotel Rating
3 - 4 star
Tour Guide
Tour leader and local guides
Meals
Breakfast: 8, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 2
Countries
Minimum Age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adult
Arr. Transfer
Yes
Dep. Transfer
Yes
View across the Plaza Mayor in Lima with mountains in the background
Macaw birds at a lick in the Peruvian Amazon
Macaw birds at a lick in the Peruvian Amazon
Looking out across the rooftops around the Plaza de Armas in Cuzco with the Andean mountains in the
Looking out across the rooftops around the Plaza de Armas in Cuzco with the Andean mountains in the
The impressive mountain views of the Sacred Valley in Peru
Looking out across the lost Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
Looking out across the rooftops around the Plaza de Armas in Cuzco with the Andean mountains in the

Tour Add-ons

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