Highlights Lima, Iquitos, Amazon Jungle, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Deluxe Inca Trail, Machu Picchu
Amazon and Incan Adventure
South America > Peru | 15 days
Trip Code: SPMCD
- Service Level: Comfort

- Physical Demands Rating: 4

Inca Trail Advisory
Read our information page about the regulations and booking procedures for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, or learn about the annual Inca Trail Closure in February.
Highlights
Lima, Iquitos, Amazon Jungle, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Deluxe Inca Trail, Machu Picchu
Explore the best of Peru, from the ancient Inca ruins of Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu to the natural wonders of the Amazon Jungle. Take a boat tour of Taquile and Uros Islands and discover the fascinating culture of the people of Lake Titicaca. Visit the Planeterra women’s weaving project and admire traditional pieces of textile artwork. The prize adventure begins as you embark on a 4-day Inca Trail hike through incredible nature to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
Day 1 Lima
Today we will arrive in Lima at any time. There are no planned activities, so head out to explore the city. In the evening we will meet our Tour Guide and fellow group members to go over the details of our trip.
Day 2-3 Iquitos/Amazon Jungle lodge (2B,2L,2D)
An early transfer in the morning takes us to the airport for the flight north to the remote jungle city of Iquitos, near the mouth of the mighty Amazon River. A 45 miles journey by motorized canoe transports us to the jungle lodge is our base for the next two nights. Enjoy a variety of activities with our naturalist local guide including jungle walks, boat rides and wildlife spotting!
Day 4 Lima (B)
Taking the journey back upriver to Iquitos in the morning, we head to the airport for the flight south back to Lima. In the afternoon, we enjoy a walking orientation tour of the bustling Miraflores district of Lima, with it's great shopping, wonderful restaurants and beautiful parks along the coastline.
Day 5-6 Puno (2B,L)
We transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Juliaca. A short transfer takes us to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca - the largest lake in the world above 6,600 ft. Along the way, we stop at the fascinating site of Sillustani Ruins and funeral towers and visit a local farm. On day 6 we head out by boat across Lake Titicaca to Taquile Island where we visit the floating reed islands of the Uros people. We visit with the local people to learn about their very unique way of life, try out a ride in a reed boat and enjoy a typical lunch. Our afternoon is at leisure to further explore the town of Puno.
Day 7 Cuzco (B)
Today we take a beautiful 6-hour journey across the Altiplano from Puno to Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Empire. We enjoy an orientation walk of this beautiful historic city. We get to relax or explore the cobblestone streets during our free afternoon and evening. Cuzco is considered the mecca of Peru and rightly so. This beautiful colonial town offers much to the visitor with its nearby ruins, museums, churches and lively atmosphere. Among the more adventurous optional activities available in Cuzco are: horseback riding around archeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay and Puca Pucara, white water rafting on the Urubamba River, mountain biking down to the Sacred Valley, or a visit to an Inca ruin along the way.
Day 8 Sacred Valley (B,L,D)
An early start takes us from Cuzco with our local guide into the Sacred Valley for a full day tour. Our first stop is an interactive visit to a Planeterra Community Weaving Project, before moving on for our tour of the Pisac ruins and handicraft market, followed by a Chicha House to try the popular local beverage, fermented from corn, similar to how beer is made, and a visit to the Inca town and ruins of Ollantaytambo.
Day 9-12 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4B,3L,3D)
We embark upon a once-in-a-lifetime journey on the ancient trail of the Incas and do it in style. Our deluxe trek offers comfortable mattresses, gourmet food and upgraded camping facilities. Friendly local porters and guides ensure that our trip is worry-free. The 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is physically challenging but worthwhile and the excursion is within the ability of most reasonably fit. It is a 25-mile hike, with three high passes to be crossed, one of which reaches an elevation of 13776 ft. We depart Ollantaytambo for km 82 where we begin our walk in the footsteps of the Incas. With breathtaking views at every step, we move from high plateau areas to dense cloud forest. Depending on the season, we may see a great variety of flora, including miniature and large orchids, and fiery rhododendron bushes. We pass several smaller ruin sites, the first of which is Llactapata. On our second day, we climb the long steep path to Dead Woman’s Pass. At 13769 ft above sea level, this pass is the highest point of the trek. The second pass of the hike is at 13776 ft where on clear days, we enjoy superb views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. The trail goes through some beautiful cloud forest on the gentle climb to the third pass, where we walk through a causeway and a tunnel, both original Inca constructions. The highest point of the third pass is at 12136 ft. On clear days we are rewarded with beautiful views of the Urubamba Valley below. Soon we reach the serene ruins of Phuyupatamarca, or the 'Town above the Clouds', at about 11972 ft above sea level. We camp here or an hour and a half further along close to Wiñay Wayna ruins, a grandiose terraced hillside site, with panoramic views of the valley below and just a short hike from Machu Picchu. On the final day of the hike we climb the steps to the Sun Gate overlooking the peaks that surround Machu Picchu. When the morning is clear, there is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous site appears in front of us. Return to Cuzco by train in the afternoon of day 12.
Those choosing not to do the Inca Trail, follow the below itinerary:
Day 9-12 Cuzco, Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (4B)
For those not hiking the Inca trail, we return back to Cuzco on Day 4 where we visit a Planeterra street kids drop-in home. Before we arrive, we stop at a local market where we have the opportunity to buy gifts (food, pencils, stationery) for the project, if you choose. Our Day 5 is at leisure with numerous optional activities for us to choose from. On Day 6, we enjoy a scenic train ride through the Andes to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. We take a brief orientation tour of the town and the remainder of the day is free for optional activities; visit the hot springs, shop venture up to Machu Picchu to have more time to explore. On Day 12, we rise early to meet up with the hikers at Machu Picchu for our guided tour, then return to Cuzco later in the afternoon.
Day 13 Lima (B)
A morning flight brings us back to Lima around midday. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of the historical center of Lima, followed by a unique visit to Pueblo Libre, known especially for its historic association with Pisco production. Enjoy a typical pisco sour or some traditional food with the locals while soaking in the atmosphere.
Day 14 Lima (B)
Today we delve into Peru’s mysterious past on a guided visit of the Museo de la Nacion, the country’s premiere archeological museum. Our afternoon is at leisure for some last minute shopping or to enjoy a walk around Miraflores or the Larco Mar shopping center.
Day 15 Lima (B)
Depart at any time.
After choosing your desired tour, you will need to select a departure date that works for you. You can view all of our dates and prices on any tour page. You may also want to consider the need for a private room during the tour. Please remember to ask for an air quote. It is important however that you do not purchase tickets that carry cancellations penalties until your trip is guaranteed to run.
Availability Options
- Available – Trips marked as available means there are at least 4 spots left on your tour.
- On Request– Less than 4 spaces are left, or we need to contact a local supplier, especially in the case of independent tours.
- Waitlist – There is currently no space available, but you can ask to be contacted if anything opens up.
Guaranteed - We guarantee our tours 60 days before departure. Some popular tours are guaranteed before this date. If your tour indicates it is guaranteed, you can proceed to book your international airfare once you receive your booking confirmation.
Inca Trail Status - For Peru trips that involve hiking the Inca Trail permits often sell out many months in advance. Permits can either be available, on request or sold out. If sold out, then you can either take a different hiking route to Machu Picchu or extend your stay in Cuzco and visit Machu Picchu by train. We recommend the sooner you book your trip the better.
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Pricing
Trip Overview
- ex Lima
- Amazon Jungle excursion (2 nights) - Tour of the Sillustani ruins and a visit to a local farm - Boat tour of Taquile and Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca - Sacred Valley tour with Pisac ruins and market, Ollantaytambo ruins, a local chicha house and Planeterra sponsored women's weaving project - Traditional Pachamanca dinner - Deluxe 4-day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook and porters, sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, gourmet food and superior tents - Tour of Machu Picchu - Tour of Pueblo Libre and visit Bodega Santiago Queirolo - Visit to the Museo de la Nacion
- Discovery Adventures guide, local guides
- Max 12, Avg 8
- 14 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners
- Van, Mini-bus, Local flight, Motorized canoe, Boat, Train, Walking, Hiking.
- Comfort hotels (9 nts), Amazon Jungle lodge (2 nts), Camping (3 nts)
- Allow $165-220 USD for meals not included.
- Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops on tour.

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