Experience the extraordinary diversity of Peru on our 14-day expedition that takes you from ancient Incan ruins high in the Andes to the lush biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest. Connect with local communities, explore archaeological wonders, and discover pristine natural environments.
Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, you'll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the Miraflores district. Evening welcome dinner at a renowned restaurant showcasing Peru's innovative cuisine and pisco sour welcome drink.
Morning visit to the historic center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including Plaza Mayor, Cathedral of Lima, and San Francisco Monastery. Afternoon visit to Larco Museum with its outstanding pre-Columbian art collection. Evening cooking class learning to prepare classic Peruvian dishes including ceviche.
Morning flight to Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (lower elevation for acclimatization). Visit the colorful Pisac Market and impressive Pisac archaeological site. Afternoon visit to a local community for a traditional pachamanca feast (earth oven cooking) and weaving demonstration. Overnight in Sacred Valley.
Full day exploring the Sacred Valley. Visit the massive agricultural terraces of Moray, ancient salt mines of Maras, and the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo. Lunch at an organic farm with farm-to-table experience. Evening free to relax at our comfortable lodge.
Early morning scenic train journey through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. Bus to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu for a guided tour of this remarkable Incan site. Afternoon free to explore further or hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Optional second visit to Machu Picchu for sunrise (additional fee) or free time in Aguas Calientes. Afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to our lodge. Evening traditional music performance and stargazing with Andean cosmology discussion.
Morning transfer to Cusco with stops at scenic viewpoints. Afternoon walking tour of Cusco including Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the Cathedral, and the San Pedro Market. Evening free to explore this charming colonial city at your leisure.
Morning visit to impressive Incan sites surrounding Cusco: the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the water temple of Tambomachay, and the red fortress of Puca Pucara. Afternoon free for shopping or museum visits. Optional visit to the San Blas artisan neighborhood.
Choose between a challenging full-day hike to the spectacular Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) or a free day in Cusco to explore museums, shops, or simply relax and acclimatize further. Evening traditional Andean dinner with folklore show.
Morning flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. Meet your jungle guide and transfer by boat along the Tambopata River to our eco-lodge deep in the rainforest. Afternoon guided walk in the surrounding forest to learn about rainforest ecology. Evening nocturnal wildlife spotting walk.
Early morning birdwatching excursion. Visit to Oxbow Lake to search for giant river otters, hoatzin birds, and other wildlife by catamaran. Afternoon visit to a canopy tower for spectacular views over the rainforest and potential sightings of toucans and monkeys.
Morning ethnobotanical walk to learn about medicinal plants with a local shaman. Afternoon visit to a native community to learn about their way of life, sustainable harvesting practices, and traditional crafts. Evening boat excursion in search of caimans and other nocturnal animals.
Early morning final jungle activity and breakfast. Return by boat to Puerto Maldonado and flight to Lima. Afternoon free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation. Farewell dinner at a top Lima restaurant with ocean views.
Transfer to Lima International Airport for your departure flight. Optional extension to Nazca Lines, Lake Titicaca, or Northern Peru available.
13 nights accommodation including boutique hotels in cities, Sacred Valley lodge, and Amazon eco-lodge with private facilities throughout
13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners including welcome and farewell meals, cooking class, and pachamanca feast
Internal flights (Lima-Cusco, Cusco-Puerto Maldonado, Puerto Maldonado-Lima), all airport transfers, train to Machu Picchu, and private transportation
English-speaking guides throughout including specialized archaeological guide in Machu Picchu and naturalist guide in Amazon
All entrance fees to archaeological sites, museums, and national parks mentioned in the itinerary
Weaving demonstration, cooking class, community visits, and cultural performances as mentioned in the itinerary
Maximum of 12 travelers to ensure personalized attention and authentic experiences with local communities
Moderate - This tour involves walking at high altitudes (up to 3,400m/11,150ft at Cusco), uneven terrain at archaeological sites, and hiking in the Amazon. The optional Rainbow Mountain hike is strenuous, reaching 5,200m (17,060ft). A reasonable level of fitness is required, but alternatives are available for most activities.
This itinerary is designed to minimize altitude sickness by starting in the lower Sacred Valley before ascending to Cusco. Our guides are trained in handling altitude issues, and oxygen is available at hotels. We recommend arriving a day early if you're concerned about altitude adjustment.
This expedition operates during Peru's dry season (May-October) when weather conditions are most favorable for both Andean and Amazon regions. The shoulder months (May and September) offer fewer crowds at major sites. The Amazon is slightly warmer and more humid year-round compared to the Andes.
We've selected comfortable accommodations that reflect the character of each region:
• Lima: 4-star boutique hotel in Miraflores district
• Sacred Valley: Mountain lodge with garden views
• Aguas Calientes: Comfortable hotel near hot springs
• Cusco: Restored colonial building in historic center
• Amazon: Eco-lodge with private bungalows and en-suite facilities (electricity limited to certain hours)
This expedition supports environmental conservation and indigenous communities through:
• Partnership with Tambopata Reserve conservation initiatives
• Support for indigenous-owned businesses and cooperatives
• Carbon offsetting for all internal flights
• Plastic-free initiatives throughout the journey
• Cultural preservation through responsible tourism practices
This expedition exceeded our expectations in every way. The contrast between the Andes and Amazon was striking, and the guides did an exceptional job connecting the historical and natural elements. Our Machu Picchu guide, Eduardo, was incredibly knowledgeable and helped us avoid the crowds for some spectacular photos. The Amazon portion was a highlight - we saw monkeys, macaws, and even a jaguar briefly! The lodge was much more comfortable than we expected with excellent food. The sequence of the itinerary perfectly allowed for altitude acclimatization. Highly recommended!
What an incredible journey through Peru! The archaeological sites were awe-inspiring, especially with the historical context our guide provided. The community visits felt genuine rather than tourist shows, and the weaving demonstration was fascinating. I opted for the Rainbow Mountain hike, which was challenging but absolutely worth it for the incredible views. The Amazon portion was the perfect complement to the Andes - seeing so much wildlife including a family of giant otters was magical. The guides were experts at spotting animals we would have missed. Perfect balance of adventure and comfort.
We enjoyed this comprehensive tour of Peru, especially the combination of cultural sites and natural environments. The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu were spectacular, and the pacing allowed us to truly absorb each place. Our only issue was with some transportation delays and one accommodation in Aguas Calientes that wasn't quite up to the standard of the others. The Amazon portion was well organized with excellent wildlife viewing, though it was quite hot and humid (which is to be expected). Food throughout was exceptional - the cooking class in Lima was a highlight and we still make the recipes at home!
$4,299
$2,599
$3,499