Peru: Machu Picchu to the Amazon
14-day Luxury Tour Peru
The Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cuzco, the Amazon & Lima
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 - 3 | Sacred Valley | Hacienda Urubamba (2 nights)
Day 3 - 5 | Machu Picchu | Inkaterra Hotel (2 nights)
Day 5 - 8 | Cusco | Belmond Hotel Monasterio (3 nights)
Day 8 - 12 | Amazon | Posada Amazonas (4 nights)
Day 12 - 14 | Lima | Hotel Atemporal (2 nights)
Day 14 | Departure
Day 1 | Sacred Valley
Flight to Cusco
The next day, board your early morning flight to Cusco.
Transfer to the Sacred Valley
Arrive at Cusco Airport. You will then proceed to the arrivals hall to meet your guide. From there, you will be transferred to the Sacred Valley, located at a lower altitude and helps you acclimate to the Andes. Welcome to the heart of the Inca civilization. Several sites tucked in the Sacred Valley await to be explored, from farmlands thriving with multi-colored potatoes and corn to the mystic villages of the highlands.
Pisac & Hacienda Huayoccari
For your introduction to the Sacred Valley, visit the old ruins of Pisac with their magnificent terraces and views of the mountains. Enjoy a delicious Peruvian lunch at this traditional hacienda. Ancient farmers and later the Inca state channeled the Vilcanota River and created artificial lakes to make this region ideal for agriculture. White corn —tender and rich in carbohydrates and easy to store and transport— was the specialty of the region and central to the development of the Inca Empire. The Lámbarri Orihuela family, which has owned the hacienda for more than a century, carries on this farming tradition.
Horseback Riding
Explore the depths of the Sacred Valley on horseback on Peruvian Paso horses led by an expert guide.
Check-in to your hotel in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.
Hacienda Urubamba | 1 Superior Deluxe Room (B, L)
Day 2 | Sacred Valley
Hike to Moray Ruins
From Urubamba town, embark on an exciting hike down to the terraced ruins of Moray. You'll then stop at a secluded spot facing the impressive Andes for a picnic lunch before you reach the ruins of Moray. Once there, enjoy a tour with your expert guide.
Maras Salt Terraces
Visit Maras, a pre-Incan site that has continuously produced salt for centuries. The terraces are divided into over 3,000 salt pools still harvested to this day by local families.
Private Picnic
Set in the Sacred Valley, enjoy a surprise picnic lunch with views of the Andes.
You will return to your hotel today at around 3:30pm for the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel | 1 Superior Room (B, L)
Day 3 | Machu Picchu
Private Transfer & Train
Your day begins with a private transfer through the Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board the Vistadome Train. The 1.5-hour ride offers panoramic views of the lush valley, winding rivers, and towering Andean peaks.
KM 104 Hike to Machu Picchu (5–6 hrs)
Disembark at KM 104, the gateway to a shorter but spectacular section of the Inca Trail. Your hike begins with a visit to Chachabamba, an ancient Incan ceremonial site thought to have been a religious and agricultural hub. As you ascend through cloud forests and stone pathways, you’ll reach Wiñay Wayna, a breathtaking archaeological complex of cascading terraces and temples, often compared to a miniature Machu Picchu.
Continuing along the trail, you'll walk in the footsteps of the Incas, crossing stone stairways and ridge-top paths until you arrive at Inti Punku (the Gate of the Sun). From this vantage point, you’ll witness your first awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu—a sight reserved for those who arrive by foot, just as the Incas once did.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes & Evening at Leisure
After soaking in the views, take a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll check into Inkaterra Machu Picchu. Enjoy a well-deserved evening at leisure, perhaps unwinding at the hotel’s spa or strolling through the charming town. A delightful dinner is included, offering the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day's adventure.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel | 1 Superior Room (B, L)
Day 4 | Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Hike
Catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu, arriving in the early morning mist for a magical start to your day. Begin your hike up Machu Picchu Mountain (or Huayna Picchu if selected), a challenging ascent that rewards you with sweeping panoramic views of the citadel and the surrounding Andean peaks. This climb, once used for sacred rituals, offers a unique perspective on the Incan world.
Machu Picchu Citadel
After descending, embark on a guided visit to the Machu Picchu Citadel, uncovering its mysteries and engineering marvels. Wander through the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the Royal Tomb, as your guide reveals the site's historical and spiritual significance.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel | 1 Superior Room (B, L)
Day 5 | Cusco
Return to Cusco via Train & Transfer
Take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board the Vistadome Train to Ollantaytambo. Enjoy the scenic ride through the Sacred Valley, then transfer by private vehicle to Cusco.
Check-in at Hotel Monasterio
Settle into the Belmond Hotel Monasterio, a beautifully restored 16th-century monastery in the heart of Cusco. The evening is yours to unwind, perhaps enjoying a quiet dinner or a stroll through the historic Plaza de Armas.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio | 1 Superior Deluxe Room (B)
Day 6 | Cusco
Leisure & Relaxation
Enjoy a slow morning at Hotel Monasterio, perhaps indulging in a leisurely breakfast in the hotel’s stunning courtyard or visiting the on-site chapel. You may also choose to explore Cusco at your own pace, browsing artisan markets or sipping coca tea at a charming café.
Walking Tour of Cusco’s Highlights
Meet your guide for an immersive walking tour through the historic heart of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Wander through the Plaza de Armas, home to the grand Cusco Cathedral, adorned with intricate colonial art and hidden indigenous influences.
Continue to Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the most sacred site of the Inca civilization, where gold-plated walls once dazzled under the sun. Then, stroll through the San Blas neighborhood, known for its whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets, and artisan workshops.
Dinner at Leisure
As the tour winds down, soak in the city's vibrant energy before an evening at leisure to dine at one of Cusco’s exceptional restaurants.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio | 1 Superior Deluxe Room (B)
Day 7 | Cusco
Optional Full-Day Excursion: Rainbow Mountain (Not Included – Extra Cost: USD $800)
For those seeking adventure, an early morning departure (around 4:00 AM) takes you on a full-day journey to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
After a scenic 3-hour drive through remote Andean landscapes, begin your moderate to challenging hike (3–4 hrs roundtrip) at an altitude of over 4,300m (14,100 ft). The trail winds through stunning valleys, past herds of alpacas, with snow-capped peaks in the distance. At the summit (5,200m / 17,060 ft), witness the mesmerizing striped hues of the mountain—deep reds, golds, and purples formed by natural mineral deposits.
Following time to take in the views, descend and enjoy a hearty local lunch before returning to Cusco by late afternoon.
The evening is at leisure to rest and recover.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio | 1 Superior Deluxe Room (B, L)
Day 8 - 11 | Peruvian Amazon
Transfer to Cusco Airport & Flight to Puerto Maldonado
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to Cusco Airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. As you descend, watch the landscape shift from the rugged Andes to the lush rainforest.
Journey into the Amazon & Arrival at Posada Amazonas
Upon arrival, meet your lodge representatives and take a scenic boat ride (approx. 2 hrs) along the Tambopata River, gliding past dense jungle and spotting wildlife along the banks. Arrive at Posada Amazonas, your eco-lodge deep in the rainforest, where you'll settle into your Suite and be welcomed with a refreshing drink.
Introduction to the Amazon & Optional Night Walk
After a short orientation, enjoy your first taste of Amazonian cuisine with a delicious dinner. In the evening, you can opt for a guided night walk, where you'll discover the rainforest’s nocturnal creatures—glowing insects, frogs, and maybe even a caiman along the riverbanks.
About your 4-Night Stay
Your four-night stay includes shared activities, offering immersive experiences to explore the rich biodiversity of the jungle. These include hikes through the jungle, birdwatching, and canoe trips to explore wildlife. Popular activities include the Canopy Tower for a treetop view, visiting clay licks to see macaws, and learning about local flora at the Ethnobotanical Center. The lodge also offers specialized activities like the Giant River Otter Search, a Monkey Search, and a Crested Eagle Nest observation, perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking an in-depth Amazon experience.
Posada Amazonas | 1 Suite (B, L, D)
Day 12 | Lima
Transfer & Flight to Lima
After breakfast, transfer to Puerto Maldonado Airport for your flight to the vibrant city of Lima, known for its rich history and modern flair.
Arrival & Transfer to Atemporal
Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to Atemporal, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Lima’s Barranco district. The hotel is renowned for its intimate atmosphere, modern design, and blend of contemporary style with Peruvian heritage. Your Grand Room offers spacious, refined comfort and luxurious amenities.
Explore or Unwind
In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the artistic streets of Barranco, filled with galleries, cafes, and vibrant murals, or enjoy the tranquility of the hotel’s refined ambiance.
Hotel Atemporal | 1 Grand Room (B)
Day 13 | Lima
Historical Lima Tour
Meet with an expert guide who will take you on an in-depth, insider tour of Lima’s historical center. Plaza de Armas is the birthplace of the colonial city centre and where Jose de San Martin declared Peru’s independence from Spanish rule. It serves as the epicenter of the old town, surrounded by the Cathedral of Lima (St. John the Apostle and Evangelist) the Municipal Palace and Archbishop’s Palace, The Magistrate House (Casa del Oidor) and the Government Palace. Next head to the San Francisco Catacombs before seeing Casa de Aliaga, a 500-year-old colonial mansion that has been in the Aliaga family for 17 generations. Continue on to the leafy neighborhood of San Isidro and end once again in the beautiful oceanfront of Miraflores.
Leisure
Enjoy the rest of your time in Lima at leisure. We will provide you with recommendations for museums, restaurants and other locations of interest.
Hotel Atemporal | 1 Grand Room (B)
Day 14 | Departure
Private Transfer to Lima Airport
Private transfer from your hotel to the airport, in time for your flight departure.
Pricing & Inclusions
See our Booking Terms & Conditions here.
Starting at $9,000 per person
Price per person based on 2 people in double occupancy.
Accommodation: All accommodations and hotels, as described in the itinerary.
Transport: All transfers in private, as described in the itinerary.
Flights: All domestic flights in economy, as described in the itinerary.
Trains: Train tickets to and from Machu Picchu on the Vistadome Train, as described in the itinerary.
Touring & Activities: All experiences, activities, tours with English speaking guides, all required entrances fees and passes, as described in the itinerary.
Meals: All meals as listed in the itinerary (“B”, “L” or “D”). Half board in Machu Picchu. Full board in the Amazon.
Other: City taxes associated with your accommodations. Restaurant reservations and coordination. All insider tips and recommendations for your trip.
Exclusions
International flights
Travel insurance
Meals and activities not listed in the itinerary
Tips