Amazon to Machu Picchu Tour in 10 days from Lima is the best Peru tour for 2025. This unforgettable trip takes you through the stunning Peruvian Amazon, where you'll discover rich biodiversity, unique wildlife, and vibrant jungle flora from your lodge. The journey concludes with a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The Amazon to Machu Picchu tour begins in Peru's capital, Lima. From there, you'll fly to Puerto Maldonado the next day to explore the incredible diversity of the Peruvian Amazon. Visit the Collpa de Loros (parrot clay lick) and monkey habitats, and at night take a jungle walk in search of nocturnal animals. Experience the raw beauty of the Amazon while staying in a jungle lodge surrounded by wildlife.
Next, take a flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco. Spend some time walking on your own through the historic center of Cusco, visiting preserved Inca and colonial streets. Explore landmarks such as the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), the Cathedral, and other attractions recommended by your guide.
Enjoy the archaeological highlights and cultural richness of the Sacred Valley. Visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Finally, the adventure culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu, the legendary lost citadel of the Incas.
The highlight of this Amazon to Machu Picchu tour is undoubtedly the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the Peruvian rainforest.
Sustainable Tourism: Inca Trail Machu is very keen and happy to promote and practice sustainable tourism by being eco-friendly and supporting local communities
Physical Activity: 2-Moderate - Some points are high.
Service Level: Friendly travel group all Inclusive.
Age Requirement: 4+. Please note: all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Staff: A Inca Trail Machu Representatives in Lima, Puerto Maldonado and Cusco and a professional bilingual Tour Guide.
Accommodation: 3* hotels (7 nights), jungle lodges (2 nights).
Meals: 08x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner.
Transportation: 2x domestic flight, van, motorboat, train.
Day 01: Lima
Day 02-03: Amazon Rainforest
Day 04: Flight from Amazon to Cusco City
Day 05: Cusco
Day 06: Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
Day 07: Machu Picchu
Day 08: Rainbow Mountain
Day 09: Cusco
Day 10: Departure Day
The Amazon to Machu Picchu trip begins with your arrival in Lima.
Your first day is an arrival day and no activities are scheduled so you can arrive at your convenience. Upon your arrival at Lima airport, our representative will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it and will escort you to your hotel.
Our driver will take you to your hotel located in Miraflores, the most popular tourist area in Lima. This area offers a variety of attractions and numerous local restaurants where you can enjoy Peruvian cuisine.
Lima, the capital of Peru, is also known as the "City of Kings", a name given by Francisco Pizarro when he founded the city on January 6th, 1535 - the day of the Three Kings (Epiphany). The Plaza de Armas (Main Square) is the historic heart of the city, where you'll find landmarks such as the Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the Archbishop's Palace.
Lima is home to world-class museums featuring pre-Inca, Inca and colonial artifacts that are well worth exploring during your stay.
After breakfast, you'll be transferred from your hotel to the Lima airport to catch your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival, our local representative will be waiting for you at the airport holding a sign with your name on it. Please pay close attention and look for your name on the sign to ensure a smooth meeting.
From the airport we will proceed to the river port where your Amazon adventure begins. You will board a motorized canoe and travel down the Madre de Dios River, deep into the Peruvian Amazon. As we make our way to the jungle lodge, you'll have the opportunity to observe several species of birds commonly found along the riverbanks and forest edges.
Once at the lodge, your guide will give you a welcome orientation, including safety recommendations and an introduction to the Peruvian rainforest. You'll then embark on a guided hike to explore the surrounding jungle in search of wildlife - a truly immersive experience in one of the most biodiverse areas of the world. The Peruvian Amazon is a vital part of the greater Amazon Basin and offers an unforgettable window into the richness of tropical nature.
The next day, continue your exploration of the Amazon by motorboat. Visit the Colpa de Huacamayos (clay lick for parrots and macaws) and Monkey Island, where you'll have a chance to observe vibrant bird life and playful primates before returning to the lodge.
Your jungle lodge combines native architectural styles and locally sourced materials with low environmental impact to help preserve the surrounding ecosystem. Accommodations are simple but comfortable, with mosquito nets, flush toilets, cold water showers, and kerosene lamps for lighting-note that there is no electricity. The lodge is staffed primarily by members of the local community, including multilingual naturalist guides who are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the rainforest.
This is your last morning in the Peruvian Amazon. After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport. During the boat and road journey you will take in the last of the scenery and take some last pictures of the Amazon.
You'll fly from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, a city nestled high in the Andes.
Upon arrival in Cusco, an Inca Trail Machu representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign bearing your name. After meeting your guide, you'll be transferred to your hotel, conveniently located near the historic center of Cusco.
The rest of the day is free to relax and get used to the altitude. We recommend that you stay in your room to relax and allow your body to adjust. In the evening, if you feel comfortable, take a short walk around the city to explore the charming streets of Cusco and take some memorable photos.
Today is a free day to rest and continue your acclimatization. You can also take the opportunity to explore Cusco on your own.
Cusco is considered the cultural capital of Peru and the gateway to the Andes. This beautiful colonial city features cobblestone streets, vibrant local markets, historic churches, and nearby Inca ruins, all surrounded by a lively atmosphere.
The city has several excellent museums, including the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), the Archaeology Museum, the Regional History Museum, and the Museum of Religious Art.
For the more adventurous, there are optional activities such as white water rafting on the Urubamba River, horseback riding around archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara, or mountain biking through the Sacred Valley, including stops in Moray and Maras, with the chance to visit more Inca ruins along the way.
There are many things to do in and around Cusco. If you're interested in optional tours or activities, we'll be happy to help you plan and arrange them.
After breakfast, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and we will begin the Sacred Valley day tour. We will travel through the lush Sacred Valley, an invaluable source of food for the Incas. This rich agricultural area continues to provide much of Cusco's produce, especially corn. You'll discover the ancient Inca way of life, browse local artesanía (handicrafts), and even learn a few words of Quechua. Observe the corn and grain vegetation that grows along the river and on the terraces that climb high up the valley walls. Located 600 meters lower than Cusco, the Sacred Valley enjoys a milder climate, with average temperatures about 5°C higher.
Our tour takes us to the most important archaeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. In Pisaq, you and your guide will explore remarkable ruins and see impressive Andean terraces, Inca cemeteries, and other important attractions. We then descend by bus to visit the vibrant local market in the town of Pisac, which is open every morning. Here you'll experience a colorful atmosphere full of culture and commerce, and have the opportunity to purchase authentic pre-Columbian crafts and hand-woven fabrics.
Continuing our Sacred Valley tour, we will travel from Pisaq to Urubamba. Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of farmland, the Urubamba River, and picturesque villages such as Calca and Lamay, all part of the Sacred Valley. We'll stop in Urubamba, considered the capital of the valley, where you'll enjoy a buffet lunch of delicious Andean cuisine (included in the tour).
After lunch we continue to Ollantaytambo, a charming and historically important town located 60 kilometers from Cusco. Here the Inca Pachacutec built a majestic fortress. The hills surrounding the city hide some of the most dramatic ruins in the valley, including the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Hall, the Inca Huatana, and the Baños de la Princesa (Princess Baths). Ollantaytambo is also one of the few places where the Spaniards used to live.
After lunch we will continue to Ollantaytambo, a charming and historically important city located 60 kilometers from Cusco. Here the Inca Pachacutec built a majestic fortress. The hills surrounding the city hide some of the most dramatic ruins in the valley, including the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Hall, the Inca Huatana, and the Baños de la Princesa (Princess Baths). Ollantaytambo is also one of the few places where the Spanish lost a battle to the Incas.
Finally, we will walk to the train station and board the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and spend the night preparing for your visit to Machu Picchu.
Today is a special day on the Amazon to Machu Picchu tour! After breakfast we will walk to the bus station and take a shuttle bus to Machu Picchu. During the 30 minute ride you will appreciate the lush green flora of the subtropical zone.
Upon arrival at the Inca citadel, it is important to show your identification along with your ticket. If you have booked in advance, it is likely that you will have Circuit 2 Machu Picchu. According to the new Machu Picchu regulations, the entrance to Machu Picchu is divided into three circuits, with Circuit 2 being the most popular. This circuit allows visitors to see most of Machu Picchu, including panoramic views from the Guardian's House, the Temple of the Sun, the Three Windows, the Main Gate, the Main Plaza, the Sacred Rock, the Llaqta (urban area), the Temple of the Condor, and the Andean Terraces. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
If you purchased a last minute ticket, you may be assigned Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. These circuits cover a smaller part of the citadel: Circuit 1 offers a panoramic route, while Circuit 3 includes only the lower part of Machu Picchu.
After the guided tour, visitors have the opportunity to enhance their experience by climbing either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These hikes offer breathtaking panoramic views and a unique perspective of the archaeological site. It's important to note, however, that access to these mountains requires a separate ticket, which must be reserved in advance due to limited availability and high demand.
After exploring the Inca citadel, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes. There you will have time to explore the city and its attractions. In the afternoon you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
Today is a free day to explore the fascinating capital of the Inca Empire.
Cusco is the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city and the center of the South American travel network. The city attracts visitors who come to experience a unique location and ancient culture that is very different from their modern way of life. A week could easily be spent here and in the surrounding areas. Inca stone walls border many of the streets and important Inca ruins are close by. This city is steeped in history, culture and myth.
Each year Cusco attracts thousands of visitors who come to explore its imperial but heartbreaking past. It is an excellent base for optional trips around the region.
Cusco also has numerous colonial churches. The most important is the Cathedral on the main square. Its construction began in 1559 and took 100 years to complete! The Cathedral can boast the largest depository of colonial art in the city! A vault with the remains of the famous Inca historian - Garcilaso de la Vega is just behind the entrance. Other churches worth visiting are La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco.
The city is also a perfect base for the more adventurous as it offers a range of optional outdoor activities such as white water rafting on the Urubamba River, horseback riding around nearby archaeological sites (Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambo Machay and Puca Pucara) or Maras Moray Salineras day tour and perhaps visiting some Inca sites along the way.
It is also home to fine restaurants, charismatic cafes and a fun nightlife.
The Rainbow Mountain tour starts early in the morning at 4:30 a.m. This is the perfect time to travel to the mountain as it allows for a more peaceful experience. The drive takes about two hours south to the district of Cusipata in the province of Quispicanchi, where we will have breakfast.
After breakfast and a short photo break, we continue driving for about 10 minutes to the first checkpoint in the rural community of Tintinco and Paucarpata. From there we will drive another 25 minutes to the second checkpoint in the rural community of Chillihuani. Here we will begin our hike - approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes - to Mount Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in the Cusco region.
From the top of Rainbow Mountain you'll enjoy an incredible view - a range of vibrant colors from green to red, giving the mountain its nickname "The Seven Color Mountain". It's a breathtaking experience to witness the colors of the landscape and the surrounding Andes. The mountain is located at an elevation of 5,389 meters above sea level.
After taking your best pictures of Rainbow Mountain, we will return to the restaurant for lunch. After lunch we will start the drive back to Cusco.
Our tour ends around 4:00 p.m.
Transfer to the airport or bus station in Cusco. This is also a great time to extend your stay in Peru. If you want to continue your trip, let us know - we'll be happy to help! You can explore other tours on our website, including trips to Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon, or La Paz, Bolivia.
End of the Amazon to Machu Picchu tour.
Note: The return flight to Lima is not included.
A return flight to Lima can be arranged upon request.
Meals budget:Please allow USD 100-150 for meals not included.
Solo traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo traveler" option for this tour, you receive your own single room for all overnights, Amazonian jungle included.
Local flights: Two local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless noted otherwise! It is very important that we have got your passport details at the time of booking in order to process all air tickets! Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to each flight departure!
+51 84 217 551
+51 997 434 941
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru
info@incatrailmachu.com
www.incatrailmachu.com
