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Amazon and Andes:
12 Days - Lima, Tambopata and Machu Picchu

Arrival in Lima

DAY 1

Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a Luxe Andes Peru representative, who will assist with VIP transfer to your luxury hotel in the exclusive Miraflores district. Once at the hotel, you’ll receive all necessary travel information and personalized assistance with the check-in process. Use this day to acclimatize and enjoy your boutique hotel’s amenities. If your arrival is early, we recommend exploring the vibrant Miraflores district, visiting the romantic Love Park with its spectacular Pacific Ocean views, or enjoying a welcome dinner at one of the city’s award-winning restaurants, where you can taste exquisite Peruvian gastronomy that has conquered international palates. The evening is perfect for rest and preparation for the adventure that awaits.

Lima City Tour

DAY 2

After a gourmet breakfast at your hotel, begin a fascinating exploration of the Peruvian capital accompanied by a specialized guide. Visit Lima’s historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll admire the majestic Main Square, the imposing Lima Cathedral, and the historic Government Palace. Continue to the traditional Barranco neighborhood, known for its republican architecture, art galleries, and bohemian atmosphere. Visit the Larco Museum, which houses the world’s finest collection of pre-Columbian art, where you’ll understand the rich cultural heritage that preceded the Incas. Culminate your day with an exclusive gastronomic experience including local market visits, premium pisco tastings, and a Peruvian cooking masterclass. The afternoon remains free to explore Miraflores boutiques or relax at your hotel spa.

Flight to Puerto Maldonado - Transfer to Selected Lodge

DAY 3

Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado, gateway to the Amazon rainforest of Tambopata. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the lodge team and begin your Amazon adventure with transfer to your exclusive lodge in the Tambopata Reserve. The transfer may include a combination of land and river transportation, depending on the selected lodge, offering your first views of the lush tropical rainforest. During the journey, your naturalist guide will begin introducing you to the region’s incredible biodiversity. Once at the lodge, receive a complete orientation about available activities and settle into your luxury eco-accommodation, designed to integrate harmoniously with the natural environment while offering all modern amenities.

Tambopata Tours (Depending on Selected Lodge)

DAY 4

Wake to the sounds of the Amazon rainforest and, after breakfast, begin your first full day of Tambopata exploration. Specific activities will depend on the selected lodge but may include walks along primary rainforest trails where you’ll observe incredible flora and fauna diversity, including monkeys, exotic birds, and multicolored butterflies. Possible activities include: canoe navigation on winding rivers, visits to macaw clay licks where hundreds of birds congregate to consume minerals, ascent to observation towers for a unique forest canopy perspective, or encounters with local communities maintaining ancestral traditions. The afternoon may include a night walk to observe wildlife emerging after sunset, such as frogs, bioluminescent insects, and nocturnal mammals.

Tambopata Tours (Depending on Selected Lodge)

DAY 5

Your second full day in the Amazon will allow you to deepen exploration of this unique ecosystem. Depending on the lodge, activities may include expeditions to oxbow lakes to observe giant otters, caimans, and an impressive diversity of aquatic birds, or visits to scientific research areas where you’ll learn about conservation efforts. Other experiences may include: jungle survival workshops, piranha fishing, butterfly farm visits, or canopy activities to observe life in the treetops. The experience culminates with a deep appreciation of Amazon conservation importance and the opportunity to indirectly contribute to protecting this vital ecosystem. The evening may include a special outdoor dinner under the stars, with jungle sounds as natural soundtrack.

Flight to Cusco - Transfer to Cusco

DAY 6

After farewell breakfast at the lodge, transfer back to Puerto Maldonado airport for your flight to Cusco, experiencing a dramatic transition from tropical rainforest to the Andes. Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you’ll be welcomed by your specialized guide who will offer comforting coca tea to facilitate altitude acclimatization. Transfer to your luxury hotel in Cusco’s historic center, where you’ll have the rest of the day free to gradually acclimatize to 3,400 meters altitude. We recommend resting, adequate hydration, and enjoying your hotel’s amenities. If you feel comfortable, take a light walk through the historic center’s cobblestone streets to begin familiarizing yourself with the colonial and Inca architecture characterizing this World Heritage city.

Sacred Valley - Pisaq Market, Pisaq Ruins and Ollantaytambo

DAY 7

Early morning, head to Sacred Valley, descending to a more comfortable altitude to continue your acclimatization. Begin visiting vibrant Pisaq market, considered one of Sacred Valley’s most authentic artisan markets, where you can admire and acquire traditional textiles, ceramics, silver jewelry, and handicrafts made by local communities. Continue to impressive Pisaq ruins, a ceremonial and military complex crowning a mountain with perfectly preserved agricultural terraces and spectacular panoramic valley views. After lunch, head to Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca town, where you’ll explore its imposing fortress and walk through its original cobblestone streets. At day’s end, transfer to your boutique hotel in Urubamba, where you’ll stay in Sacred Valley’s heart for better acclimatization.

Maras, Moray, Salt Terraces and Chincheros

DAY 8

After breakfast, begin a full day exploring Sacred Valley’s most emblematic wonders. Start visiting fascinating Maras salt terraces, where thousands of salt terraces have been exploited since Inca times, creating a surrealistic landscape of white mirrors dramatically contrasting with surrounding mountains. Continue to Moray, the enigmatic Inca agricultural laboratory with its concentric circular terraces used to experiment with different crops at various altitudes, demonstrating the Incas’ advanced agricultural knowledge. After lunch, visit picturesque Chincheros town, famous for its traditional textiles and colonial church built on Inca foundations. Here you’ll have the opportunity to interact with local communities and learn about ancestral dyeing and weaving techniques that remain alive today. Return to your hotel in Urubamba.

Train to Aguas Calientes

DAY 9

After breakfast, transfer to Ollantaytambo train station to board the luxury train to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu’s base town. During this scenic approximately 1.5-hour journey, enjoy panoramic windows offering spectacular views of the Urubamba River winding through cloud forest, with mountains covered in lush vegetation. The train will take you through different microclimates, from Sacred Valley to cloud forest, where you can observe gradual changes in vegetation and landscape architecture. Arrival in Aguas Calientes and accommodation at your boutique hotel, where you can relax in the town’s natural hot springs and prepare for the following day’s summit experience. The afternoon is free to explore the small town, visit the local market, or simply rest before the big day.

Machu Picchu - Transfer to Cusco from Ollantaytambo

DAY 10

This is your trip’s most anticipated day. Very early morning, board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu citadel to enjoy sunrise over this world wonder. Your specialized guide will lead you through available circuits, revealing the architectural, astronomical, and ceremonial secrets of this archaeological jewel. Explore the most important sectors such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Residence, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana, while learning about the fascinating history and mysteries still surrounding this sacred citadel. After a deep and contemplative experience, descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon, board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll be welcomed by your private driver for transfer to Cusco. Arrival and accommodation at your luxury hotel in Cusco’s historic center.

Palcoyo

DAY 11

After early breakfast, begin an adventure to Palcoyo, also known as the “alternative Rainbow Mountain,” a less crowded but equally spectacular option than famous Vinicunca. The journey to Palcoyo offers impressive Andean landscapes, crossing traditional communities and high mountain scenery. Palcoyo offers a more intimate and accessible experience, with a shorter but equally rewarding hike to multicolored rock formations created by mineral oxidation over millennia. From Palcoyo viewpoints, enjoy panoramic views of three different colored mountains, the stone forest, and on clear days, the imposing Ausangate, the region’s highest sacred mountain. After a picnic lunch with mountain views, return to Cusco for a farewell dinner and rest.

Transfer to Airport

DAY 12

After a final breakfast at your hotel, and depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have free time for last-minute shopping at Cusco’s artisan markets, visit the famous Hatunrumiyoc street with the twelve-angled stone, or simply relax at your hotel enjoying historic center views. Your Luxe Andes Peru representative will accompany you to Cusco airport for your return flight, ensuring your departure is as comfortable as your arrival. We bid farewell with the certainty that you carry indelible memories of a unique experience that has transitioned from the lush Amazon rainforest to Andean heights, living Peru’s extraordinary natural and cultural diversity in a transformative adventure combining the best of two worlds.

What’s Included

  • Personalized VIP airport assistance and throughout your stay with dedicated representative.
  • Accommodation in carefully selected luxury hotels: boutique hotel in Miraflores (Lima), exclusive eco-lodge in Tambopata, luxury hotel in Cusco’s historic center, boutique hotel in Urubamba (Sacred Valley), and boutique hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Premium private transportation throughout the itinerary, including all land and river transfers.
  • Domestic flights Lima-Puerto Maldonado and Puerto Maldonado-Cusco.
  • Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back.
  • Complete entrance tickets and permits: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley archaeological sites (Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Moray), Maras Salt Terraces, Chincheros, Palcoyo, and Tambopata activities.
  • Specialized bilingual private guides: cultural guide in Lima, naturalist guides in Tambopata, and archaeological guides in Cusco and Sacred Valley.
  • All Tambopata activities according to selected lodge (hikes, navigation, wildlife observation, cultural visits).
  • Complete meal plan in Tambopata (all meals during lodge stay).
  • Daily breakfasts in all destinations and lunches during excursions.
  • Exclusive gastronomic experience in Lima with tasting and cooking class.
  • 24/7 support with direct emergency line.
  • Welcome kit with detailed information, exclusive maps, and local gifts.

 

What’s Not Included

  • International flights to and from Peru.
  • Domestic flight from Cusco to Lima (quotation available upon request).
  • Travel insurance (mandatory for Amazon rainforest and altitude activities).
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (we suggest 15-20% of total cost).
  • Dinners in Lima and Cusco (except those specified in itinerary).
  • Alcoholic beverages during included meals and personal expenses.
  • Optional activities such as Huayna Picchu ascent, private spiritual ceremonies, spa treatments, or additional Tambopata activities.
  • Personal expenses including shopping, extra hotel services, phone calls, and laundry.
  • Required vaccinations for Amazon rainforest (consult your doctor).
  • Specialized equipment such as rubber boots for rainforest, repellent, or technical clothing.

 

Essential Recommendations

  1. Vaccinations and Tropical Health: Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations for Amazon rainforest (yellow fever, tetanus, hepatitis A/B) at least 4-6 weeks before the trip. Carry preventive malaria medications if recommended by your doctor.
  2. Preparation for Contrasting Ecosystems: This itinerary combines humid tropical climate (Puerto Maldonado) with Andean altitude (Cusco 3,400m). Prepare clothing for both extremes: light, breathable clothing for rainforest, and thermal clothing for the Andes.
  3. Specialized Rainforest Equipment: Include waterproof rubber boots, high-concentration insect repellent, water-resistant sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved clothing in neutral colors, and headlamp. The lodge may provide some items.
  4. Gradual Acclimatization: The transition from rainforest (183m) to Cusco (3,400m) can be challenging. Rest completely on day 6, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol and heavy meals during acclimatization.
  5. Specialized Travel Insurance: Acquire coverage including tropical rainforest activities, medical emergencies at altitude, medical evacuation from remote areas, and adventure activities like mountain trekking.
  6. Insect Protection: In Tambopata, use repellent constantly, wear long sleeves during dawn and dusk, and keep your accommodation closed. Some lodges provide mosquito nets.
  7. Physical Condition: Palcoyo requires hiking at 4,900m altitude. Maintain basic physical fitness level. Tambopata activities may include hikes on irregular terrain and navigation.
  8. Strategic Packing: Pack a small suitcase for Tambopata days (lodge has weight restrictions). Keep change of clothes and essentials in carry-on luggage.
  9. Environmental Respect: In both Tambopata and Sacred Valley, respect environmental norms. Don’t feed wild animals, maintain distance from wildlife, and follow your naturalist guides’ instructions.
  10. Weather Flexibility: Rainforest activities may be affected by intense rains, especially between December and March. In the Andes, weather can change rapidly. Maintain flexibility and trust your local guides’ experience.
  11. Documentation: Carry copies of passport, vaccination certificates, and travel insurance. Keep original documents in a safe place at the hotel.
  12. Mental Preparation: This itinerary offers extreme contrasts from Amazon biodiversity to Andean archaeological grandeur. Prepare for a transformative experience requiring adaptability and open-mindedness.