13-Day Peru Adventure: Machu Picchu, Amazon & Cusco
Explore Peru in 13 days! Discover Machu Picchu, trek the Andes, explore the Amazon & experience Local culture. Plan your adventure now!
ADVENTURESOUTH AMERICAEXPENSIVE
About
This 12-day journey explores the best of Peru, combining the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest in Puerto Maldonado with the rich cultural heritage of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Starting in the depths of the Tambopata Reserve, you will immerse yourself in the wildlife and natural beauty of the Amazon for several days before heading to Cusco to explore Inca culture and the magnificent Machu Picchu. This adventure is perfect for those seeking a mix of nature, adventure, and authentic cultural experiences.
Trip Summary
PICKY
DAY 1 - Flight & Arrival
Expore the historic center and sample Peruvian cuisine
DAY 2 - Puerto Maldonado & Tambopata
Fly to Puerto Maldonado, transfer to a jungle lodge, and start exploring the Amazon rainforest
DAY 3 - Amazon Exploration
Spend the day exploring the Tambopata Reserve, observing wildlife and taking boat trips
DAY 4 - Deeper into the Amazon
Further exploration of the rainforest, including canopy walks and bird watching
DAY 5 - Amazon Adventure
Enjoy another full day in the jungle, with guided hikes and local village visits
DAY 6 - Journey to Cusco
Fly to Cusco, acclimatize, and explore the city's historic sites
DAY 7 - Sacred Valley exploration
Visit the sacred valley, including the Pisac market, Ollantaytambo ruins, and the local villages
DAY 8 - Machu Picchu Experience
Take the train to Machu Picchu, explore the citadel, and return to Cusco in the evening
DAY 9 - Cusco's cultural gems
Discover the local culture with visits to Sacsayhuaman, the San Blas district, and vibrant markets
DAY 10 - Andean Nature & Villages
Day trip to the Andean Highlands, exploring lesser-known valleys and traditional Andean villages
DAY 11 - Cusco free day
Free day in Cusco for shopping, relaxation, or optional adventure activities
DAY 12 - Departure
Fly back to Lima for your return flight home
DAY 13 - Flight
Enjoy (...) your flight back home
$850
$1530
More Fancy
Budget Buddies
Price Summary
Per person, based on a 2 persons' trip - flights excluded
Accomodation
Around $20-40 per night
Food
Depending on your stomach
Transfers
Flights, car rental, taxi..
Experiences
Entry fee and guides
$250-500
$180-300
$240-480
$180-250
How are prices calculated?
Gallery
When To Go
May to September
This is the best time to visit Peru, particularly for trekking and exploring the Amazon. The Andes experience clear skies, making it perfect for activities like hiking the Inca Trail or exploring the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Daytime temperatures in the highlands range between 15°C and 25°C, but nights can get chilly, sometimes dropping to 0°C or below, especially in Cusco and higher altitudes.
In the Amazon rainforest, temperatures are consistently warm, around 27°C, with fewer mosquitoes due to the lack of rain. The reduced water levels in rivers also reveal more of the forest floor, making wildlife viewing easier. Additionally, Lake Titicaca offers stunning views under bright skies, with mild days and cooler evenings. Expect popular tourist spots to be busier during this period, especially in July and August.
October to April
This season transforms Peru's landscapes into lush, green paradises, particularly in the Andes. The Amazon is at its most vibrant, with rivers swelling and creating opportunities for canoeing through flooded forests. Daytime temperatures in the Andes hover between 18°C and 22°C, while the Amazon remains warm and humid, with highs around 28°C to 32°C.
January and February see the heaviest rains, often leading to disruptions, including the closure of the Inca Trail for maintenance. Landslides can affect transport in mountainous areas, so flexibility in planning is essential. Despite the rain, fewer tourists visit during this time, offering a more tranquil experience at Machu Picchu and other iconic sites.
The rainforest is alive with activity during this period, as the high water levels make it easier to explore hidden parts of the jungle by boat, but mosquitoes and humidity are more pronounced. In coastal areas like Lima, the rainy season coincides with summer, offering sunny days and warmer temperatures perfect for beach activities.
Summary Recommendations
For optimal weather and experiences, May to June is ideal, combining dry conditions, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds before peak season begins.
Our Proposal
DAY 1
Arrive in Lima and transfer to your accommodation in Miraflores. Spend the afternoon walking along the Malecón or visiting Huaca Pucllana, an ancient archaeological site in the heart of the city. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, trying Peru’s famous ceviche or causa limeña.
FLIGHT & ARRIVAL
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options in Miraflores, one of the best places in Lima
DAY 2
Fly to Puerto Maldonado in the morning and transfer by boat to your jungle lodge in the Tambopata Reserve. After a brief introduction, embark on a first excursion through the jungle to spot wildlife like monkeys, capybaras, and caimans. Enjoy an authentic Amazonian dinner at the lodge and an optional night walk to see nocturnal creatures.
PUERTO MALDONADO & TAMBOPATA
Check out some flights
Select FROM "Jorge Chàvez Int. Airport (LIM)" TO "Padre Aldamiz Int. Airport (PEM)
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options in Chonta, in general this is not a highly touristic area
DAY 3
Start your day early with a boat ride on the Tambopata River to observe birds and reptiles. Continue with a guided jungle trek to explore the vibrant ecosystem of the Amazon, learning about medicinal plants, insects, and the unique flora. In the afternoon, visit a local indigenous community to learn about their way of life and traditions.
AMAZON EXPLORATION
DAY 4
Take a morning canopy walk for breathtaking views of the rainforest. Spot colorful macaws and toucans, and discover how the forest operates from the treetops. After lunch, enjoy a boat trip to a nearby oxbow lake, famous for its wildlife, including giant river otters and caimans.
DEEPER INTO THE AMAZON
DAY 5
Today is dedicated to exploring more remote areas of the forest. Take a full-day excursion with your guide, who will lead you to areas rich in biodiversity, including birdwatching at dawn. In the afternoon, visit a sandbar to learn about local fishing practices. Enjoy another night in the lodge under the jungle’s starry sky.
AMAZON ADVENTURE
DAY 6
Fly from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day exploring Cusco’s colonial streets and historic landmarks, such as the Plaza de Armas and the San Pedro Market. Sip on a hot cup of coca tea to help you adjust to the altitude.
JOURNEY TO CUSCO
Check out some flights
Select FROM "Padre Aldamiz Int. Airport (PEM) TO "Alejandro Velasco Int. Airport (CUZ)"
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options in Cusco city centre, close to local markets
DAY 7
Take a day trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the bustling Pisac Market and its ancient ruins, where you can learn about traditional Inca agriculture and shop for local handicrafts. In Ollantaytambo, explore the impressive Inca fortress and its terraces overlooking the valley. In the evening, head back to Cusco.
SACRED VALLEY EXPLORATION
DAY 8
Start your day early with a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. After reaching the citadel, take a guided tour of the site and learn about its history and the Inca civilization. Afterward, enjoy the views, and take time to explore on your own. In the evening, return to Cusco by train.
MACHU PICCHU EXPERIENCE
DAY 9
Dedicate the day to exploring more of Cusco’s cultural offerings. Visit Sacsayhuamán, a massive Inca complex with impressive stone walls. Wander through the San Blas district, known for its narrow cobblestone streets and artisan workshops. Spend the afternoon at the Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun, to marvel at Inca craftsmanship.
CUSCO'S CULTURAL GEMS
DAY 10
Embark on a day trip to explore the lesser-known Andean valleys. Visit traditional Andean villages like Chinchero, where locals still practice ancient weaving techniques. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Moray terraces, which were used for agricultural experimentation. The day will end with a return to Cusco.
ANDEAN NATURE & VILLAGES
DAY 11
Spend the day at your leisure in Cusco. You can shop for souvenirs in the San Pedro Market, visit the Qorikancha Museum, or take part in an optional adventure activity, such as a horseback riding tour or mountain biking excursion in the surrounding valleys.
CUSCO FREE DAY
DAY 12
Fly back to Lima for your departure. If time permits, enjoy a final meal at a restaurant with panoramic views of the city, or relax at Barranco before heading to the airport.
TO LIMA
Check out some flights
Select FROM "Padre Aldamiz Int. Airport (PEM) TO "Alejandro Velasco Int. Airport (CUZ)"
DAY 13
Based on your schedule, enjoy (...) your flight back