Signature Peru: The Inca heartland and Amazon Rainforest

Day 1

Arrive in Cusco and drive to the Sacred Valley.

You will be met at Cusco airport and transferred by road to the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once the bread-basket of the Inca empire, it was heavily populated in imperial times and scores of archaeological sites remain, where well-preserved ruins bear witness to the highly developed society that the Incas created. Overnight in the heart of the valley for two nights, beneath the dome of a vast, clear Andean sky.

Stay at - Las Casitas del Arco Iris

Day 2

Visit Pisaq ruins, market and Ollantaytambo Inca ruins.

Embark on a journey through the enchanting Sacred Valley, where you’ll visit several villages and temple fortresses. Your adventure begins in Pisaq, exploring both the charming village and the ancient terraces and fortifications perched high above. The engineering and preservation here are truly unrivaled.

As you travel from the flat valley floor, the sculpted hillsides rise like a green staircase to the heavens. Continue through this picturesque, patchwork valley to the fortress and temple of Ollantaytambo. Here, the snow-capped Andean cordillera provides a stunning backdrop.

The fortress boasts intact colonial grid plans and original Inca foundations, offering breathtaking views over the sloping hillsides and into the fertile valley below.

Stay at - Las Casitas del Arco Iris

Day 3

By train to Machu Picchu, guided tour of the site.

Traveling just 1.5 hours by train from Ollantaytambo, you reach the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu. As the Urubamba River winds its way through a narrow gorge between densely forested granite hills, the single-track railway clings to the right bank, passing through tiny hamlets that are little more than clusters of shacks by the tracks. Near the base of the mountain, on a saddle where the citadel stands, lies the bustling town of Machu Picchu (also known as Aguas Calientes), which caters to visitors with its artisan markets, bars, and restaurants.

The majestic, ruined city, reclaimed from the tropical cloud forest, can be accessed by bus along a winding road or on foot via a near-vertical rocky path. Discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, the city was completely buried beneath jungle vegetation at the time. Perched on a ridge spur amid forested peaks and above a roaring river canyon, Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable experience. During your visit, you’ll embark on a guided tour of the ruins, delving into the fascinating history of this mountaintop masterpiece, before heading back down to spend the night in the nearby town.

Stay at - Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu

Day 4

Return to Cusco by rail and road.

This morning you can take the opportunity to return to the magnificent site of Machu Picchu (optional and at additional cost). Rising early and catching the first buses up to the site is well worth it, as the area can be much quieter in the early morning. You’ll be greeted by swirling mists around the surrounding mountain tops, creating a mystical atmosphere.

You have the option to climb the steep and challenging Huayna Picchu mountain if you would like to see the ruins from a different perspective (advance booking required), or you can enjoy the thermal baths or take a walk in the village below. Afterward, return to Cusco by rail and road.

Stay at - Los Portales Hotel Cusco

Day 5

Guided tour of the city.

The name Cusco derives from the Quechua word for “navel,” signifying its central location within the Inca Empire. Today, Cusco’s impressive original Inca walls showcase extraordinary craftsmanship, while its bustling squares are adorned with ornate baroque colonial churches. It’s a lively city where shoeshine boys and postcard sellers vie for your attention along cobbled streets lined with handicraft shops and cafés. As evening falls, the town center comes alive with people flocking to the numerous restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Today, embark on a guided tour of the city. You’ll explore Q’oricancha, once the principal Inca Sun Temple, known for its intricate stonework. Next, visit a traditional textiles museum before heading to San Pedro market, where you’ll discover a vast array of meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Stay at - Los Portales Hotel Cusco

Day 6

Day at leisure.

Cusco is a compact city, easy to explore on foot independently. You are at leisure to discover the colourful markets, the many churches and museums, and to wander the attractive narrow streets.

There are optional excursions in the surrounding region, including a trip to Maras and Moray, about an hour’s drive from Cusco. Moray is a system of ancient agricultural irrigation paths which now form circular depressions in the earth, with wonderful views into the Sacred Valley and in the shadow of the snowy peak of Mount Veronica. From here it is a short drive to the salt pans at Maras, circular pans of glistening white carved into the mountainside. Feeling you’d like to be active? White-water rafting, cycling and e-biking are just some of your other options. 

Stay at - Los Portales Hotel Cusco

Day 7

Transfer to the airport and fly to Puerto Maldonado

Transfer to the airport, where you will board a flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your guide and embark on bus ride to the Tambopata River. Continue by boat and navigate along the winding waters, immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the jungle.

Arriving at your comfortable Amazon lodge, you’ll settle in and prepare for a few days of exciting wildlife-based excursions.

Stay at - Posada Amazonas

Days 8-9

Jungle excursions from your lodge

From guided jungle treks and canopy walks to boat trips and nocturnal wildlife spotting, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the Amazon. Choose from a variety of activities that bring you up close with the incredible flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem.

Stay at - Posada Amazonas

Day 10

Transfer to the airport

Travel back to the airport and either continue home or extend your adventure elsewhere.