Discover Machu Picchu and Explore the Amazon River 11 Days / 10 Nights

Day 2 Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley

After a fulfilling breakfast, fly from Lima to Cusco, the ancient heart of the Inca Empire. During your flight, enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Andes mountains, and vast desert landscapes. Upon arrival in Cusco, our host will guide you to the Sacred Valley, located 600 meters below Cusco to help you acclimate to the altitude.

Your first stop is Awanacancha, a unique Andean camelid zoo where you can see llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas up close. Learn about the importance of these animals in local culture and how their wool is traditionally woven into beautiful textiles. From there, continue to the Pisac archaeological site, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the valley. Explore the terraces, temples, and Inca cemetery before descending into the town to visit the vibrant local market.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a scenic restaurant in the Sacred Valley, then check in to your hotel for a restful evening.

Overnight in Sacred Valley. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 3 Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley still has plenty of wonders to discover. After breakfast, head to Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca fortress where you’ll explore narrow alleyways, temples, and well-carved stone structures. Learn about the fascinating history behind this site, including the story of the Inca general and the beautiful princess.

Next, visit the Maras salt mines, where thousands of small salt pools shimmer under the Andean sun. This centuries-old salt production process is still used by locals today. Then, proceed to the Moray terraces, a series of concentric circular platforms that were once used by the Incas to experiment with different crop varieties.

Afterward, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner.

Overnight in Sacred Valley. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 4 Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The day to visit Machu Picchu has finally arrived! After breakfast, you’ll take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the base town for Machu Picchu. From there, board a bus to the entrance of the citadel and embark on a guided tour of this iconic Inca site. Explore the temples, squares, and hidden corners of Machu Picchu, and hear the stories behind its construction and significance.

After your guided tour, return to Aguas Calientes for a delightful lunch before catching the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival, our staff will transfer you to your hotel, where you can enjoy a relaxing dinner and prepare for the next phase of your journey.

Optional: If you wish to extend your time at Machu Picchu, we offer the option to add a night in Aguas Calientes for a second visit or hike Huayna Picchu for spectacular views.

Overnight in Cusco. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 5 Cusco

Explore the beautiful, ancient capital of the Inca Empire, known as the “Rome of America.” After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, your guide will transport you back in time as you explore some of Cusco’s most famous landmarks. Start with a visit to the Sacsayhuaman fortress, a monumental structure made from giant stones perfectly fitted together. You’ll learn about the importance of this site in Inca history and its role in military defense.

Next, head to Qenqo, an Inca ceremonial center where you’ll find ancient sacrifice vestiges, followed by Puca Pucara, a military barracks that offers spectacular views of the city. Continue your journey to Tambomachay, a site with beautiful water fountains where Inca royalty once spent their leisure time hunting and relaxing.

Afterward, return to Cusco’s main square and wander the charming alleys, where you can appreciate the renaissance architecture of the Cathedral of Cusco. Inside, you’ll find paintings from the “Escuela Cusqueña,” a unique art style originating in Cusco. Visit the Qorikancha temple, a fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish architecture, with some of the original Inca structures still preserved inside.

After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to relax or explore at your own pace. You can enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner in one of the many local restaurants, or your guide can assist you in arranging a special meal based on your preferences.

Overnight in Cusco. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 6 Cusco – Lima

Today, you’ll have a relaxed morning to explore Cusco at your own pace. Take time to wander through the city’s traditional markets, explore its cozy neighborhoods, or visit any of the charming local shops. Cusco is a city full of history, so every corner offers something fascinating to discover.

In the afternoon, after a delicious breakfast at your hotel, your local guide will escort you to the Cusco airport for your flight to Lima. This short, 90-minute flight will take you back to the capital, where you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a restful evening.

Overnight in Lima. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 7 Lima – Iquitos

Your Amazon adventure begins today! After a hearty breakfast in Lima, you’ll be transported to the airport for your flight to Iquitos, the gateway to the Amazon. The flight will take around 90 minutes, and along the way, you’ll witness dramatic landscapes, from the Pacific Ocean to the lush jungles of the Amazon basin.

Once in Iquitos, you will be greeted by your guide, who will take you on a short city tour of this fascinating town. Iquitos is the largest city in the world that cannot be reached by road, making it an extraordinary place to visit. After the tour, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before departing for the small town of Nauta, located 90 minutes away by road.

Upon reaching Nauta, you’ll board the Aqua Cruise, your home for the next few days. Once onboard, you’ll receive a safety briefing, followed by an informative talk about the Amazon. Settle into your luxurious 5-star cabin, which offers exceptional views of the surrounding river and jungle. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by renowned Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, specializing in innovative Amazonian cuisine.

Overnight on Iquitos Cruise. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 8 Iquitos

Our first full day in the Amazon will be filled with sounds and colors. Early in the morning, we’ll explore the most active areas of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, home to a variety of wildlife like exotic birds, including parrots, and even friendly river otters. We’ll take a short stop to hike to Belluda Caño, a paradise on earth, where we’ll be able to explore both the Flooded Forest and the Dry Land Forest, depending on the season. Here, you may encounter hummingbirds, woodpeckers, pygmy marmosets, blackbirds, and even macaws. Our hike will lead us to a beautiful lagoon where you can take a canoe ride on its calm waters.

If you visit during the rainy season (November – March), the Belluda Caño stream will offer you a unique opportunity to spot monkeys, parrots, and even the “laughing falcon,” known for its loud call. In the afternoon, we’ll navigate the Rio Dorado to fish for piranhas, a classic Amazon experience. Along the way, there’s a good chance to spot pink dolphins swimming alongside the boat. If we’re lucky, we may even get the chance to swim with them—these playful dolphins live in the freshwater rivers of the Amazon, and it’s truly a magical moment. Don’t forget to bring swimwear, a waterproof camera, and snorkels for this experience.

As the sun sets, we will embark on a night safari along the riverbank in search of nocturnal creatures such as giant reptiles, alligators, and mysterious birds. The jungle comes alive after dark, and this will be an unforgettable adventure.

After the day’s activities, we’ll return to the cruise for a relaxing dinner, followed by a peaceful night of rest in the heart of the Amazon.

Overnight on Iquitos Cruise. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 9 Iquitos

Today’s adventure is not only about observing nature but also about experiencing some physical adventure. We will kayak along the calm waters of the Zapote River, paddling parallel to the banks as we observe giant iguanas basking in the sun on logs near the water’s edge. You’ll also have the opportunity to see squirrel monkeys hanging from tree branches, usually in groups, making a lot of noise.

At noon, we’ll enjoy a picturesque picnic lunch in the shade of towering Amazon trees, surrounded by the peacefulness of nature. In the afternoon, we’ll head out on foot to explore the local flora and fauna, learning about medicinal plants and the diverse insects that inhabit the region. Afterward, we’ll return to the cruise and enjoy a magical Amazonian sunset. As we reach the Pacaya River, part of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, we’ll witness one of the largest protected wetlands in the world. You’ll have the opportunity to swim in the serene waters of one of its peaceful lagoons, providing a refreshing and tranquil experience.

Overnight on Iquitos Cruise. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 10 Iquitos

On our last day in the jungle, we’ll begin with a delicious breakfast on board, featuring fresh fruits and local ingredients. Then, we’ll head to Lake Clavero, where you can try sailing in small aluminum boats or swimming in the calm, clear waters, enjoying the exotic wildlife around you. The nearby community will even join us in this magical experience, providing handcrafted rafts for a unique perspective of the lake.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey to the Yarapa River, where you can engage in kayaking and explore more of the jungle. Keep an eye out for the endemic animals of the region that will surely leave you in awe. Later, we’ll visit a nearby community at Puerto Miguel, where you’ll have the chance to learn about their customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. You’ll also discover how the locals use medicinal plants and live in perfect harmony with nature.

In the evening, we’ll return to the cruise for a farewell dinner under the starry skies of the Amazon. The entire crew will introduce themselves, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the heart of the jungle.

Overnight on Iquitos Cruise. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 11 Iquitos – Lima

It’s time to say goodbye to the Amazon. After a final breakfast on board, your guide will take you to Iquitos International Airport, where you’ll catch your flight back to Lima. From there, you can board your international flight back home, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of your journey through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes.

Overnight in Lima. Meals: Breakfast.