Peru Highlights Tour: Lima, Amazon Rainforest, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Upon your arrival at Lima airport, our Machupicchu Latin America representative will warmly greet you and transfer you to your hotel in our private transport. As you ride through the bustling streets of Lima, we’ll offer recommendations on the city’s best spots and what to expect in the coming days. After check-in, you can relax and enjoy the evening as you wish perhaps stroll around Miraflores, a district known for its stunning ocean views and vibrant nightlife.

Overnight: Lima

Day 2: Lima City Tour (B)

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, our guide will pick you up for a half-day city tour that blends modern and ancient Lima. We’ll start with Miraflores and San Isidro, Lima’s upscale suburbs, where you’ll see the Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pre-Inca temple, quietly standing amidst the growing metropolis. Legend has it that this pyramid was a ceremonial and administrative center for the Lima culture.

We’ll visit Parque del Amor, where the famous “El Beso” statue overlooks the Pacific Ocean locals say that couples who kiss here will have eternal love. Afterward, we’ll take you to the Colonial City Center, where you can admire the Plaza Mayor, the Presidential Palace, and the intricate woodwork balconies of the Cathedral. Finally, we visit the mysterious Catacombs of San Francisco Monastery, an eerie network of underground tunnels used as a burial ground centuries ago.

Overnight: Lima

Day 3: Fly to Puerto Maldonado - Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion - Concepcion Trails & Twilight River Tour (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you’ll board a flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Amazon rainforest. Upon arrival, we’ll whisk you away by motorized canoe along the Madre de Dios River to your eco-lodge at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion. After lunch, we’ll explore the Concepcion trails, where you’ll encounter exotic plants, towering trees, and vibrant wildlife keep an eye out for Amazonian legends about spirits that protect the forest.

At sunset, we’ll embark on the Twilight River tour. As night falls, the Amazon comes alive with nocturnal creatures, and you’ll sail under a sky filled with southern constellations, some of which the locals believe to guide travelers.

Overnight: Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion Lodge

Day 4: Lake Sandoval - Inkaterra Canopy Walkway & Anaconda Walk (B, L, D)

Begin your day with an excursion to Lake Sandoval, deep in the Tambopata National Reserve. As you silently paddle across the oxbow lake, you’ll encounter wildlife like the giant river otter, howler monkeys, and the elusive black caiman. Legends say that the Paiche, one of the largest freshwater fish, once helped shape the lake with its power.

In the afternoon, ascend the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, a series of hanging bridges high above the Amazon. As you cross, listen for the call of the white-throated toucan and keep an eye out for the lazy three-toed sloth dangling from the trees. The adventure continues with the Anaconda Walk, a winding pathway that crosses the flooded Aguajal swamps, home to some of the most unique flora and fauna of the rainforest.

Overnight: Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion Lodge

Day 5: Butterfly House & Fly to Cusco (B)

After breakfast, we will transfer you back to Puerto Maldonado by canoe, where you’ll visit the Butterfly House. This sanctuary is home to dozens of butterfly species, including the vibrant blue morpho ancient myths say the butterflies are messengers between the natural and spiritual worlds. Afterward, you’ll fly to Cusco. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you and brief you on your upcoming adventures in this ancient Inca city.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 6: Cusco - Sacred Valley Tour with Pisac and Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes (B)

The journey continues as we drive through Sacsayhuaman and Puca Pucara before arriving at Pisac, an important agricultural center of the Inca Empire. Here, you’ll learn about the intricate terrace farming systems and explore the Pisac market, where artisans sell colorful crafts locals believe the crafts bring good luck to those who purchase them.

After lunch, we visit Ollantaytambo, an impressive Inca site with a stone that’s said to represent the Inca god Wiracocha. Later, we take the scenic train ride along the Vilcanota River to Aguas Calientes. The evening is free to relax or explore this charming town at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Overnight: Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu pueblo)

Day 7: Machu Picchu Guided Tour - Cusco (B)

Today, we visit Machu Picchu, a mystical citadel hidden in the Andes. With your expert guide, you’ll explore the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana stone, and the terraces that showcase the Inca’s genius for farming and astronomy. Local legends say that the stones here emit a powerful energy, and many visitors report feeling a deep sense of connection to the ancient past.

After exploring, we return to Cusco by train and transfer you back to your hotel.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 8: Free Day at Leisure in Cusco (B)

Spend the day at your own pace, discovering the hidden corners of Cusco, a city that’s a treasure trove of Inca and colonial history. Optional tours are available, including a visit to Maras-Moray or a hike through the Sacsayhuaman ruins.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 9: Scenic Bus Tour from Cusco to Puno (B, L)

Enjoy a scenic bus journey to Puno, with stops at Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” and Raqchi, the temple of the god Wiracocha. We’ll stop for lunch in Sicuani before crossing the La Raya Pass, the highest point between Cusco and Puno. The journey concludes in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Overnight: Puno

Day 10: Full Day Tour of Lake Titicaca - Uros Floating Islands & Taquile (B, L)

Today, you’ll sail across the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca. Our first stop is the Uros Floating Islands, where locals live on man-made islands crafted from totora reeds. According to local beliefs, these islands were created by the Uros people to escape the Incas. We’ll continue to Taquile Island, famous for its weaving traditions, before returning to Puno in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Puno

Day 11: Departure from Puno (B)

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Juliaca Airport for your flight to Lima, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through Peru.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

• Overview: Arrive in Lima, airport transfer to hotel, and briefing on the tour.
• Why it matters: Provides time to adjust after travel and relax before starting the adventure.

Day 2: Lima City Tour (B)

• Quick itinerary:
  • Explore modern Lima: San Isidro, Miraflores, and Huaca Pucllana.
  • Visit historic downtown Lima, a UNESCO site.
  • Tour the San Francisco Monastery and its famous catacombs.
• Why it’s significant: A deep dive into Lima’s colonial and pre-Inca history.

Day 3: Fly to Puerto Maldonado - Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion - Concepcion Trails & Twilight River (B, L, D)

• Overview: Fly to Puerto Maldonado, transfer to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion, and explore the Concepcion trails.
• Why it’s important: Provides an immersive Amazon rainforest experience, highlighting the biodiversity of the region.

Day 4: Lake Sandoval & Inkaterra Canopy Walkway (B, L, D)

• Key highlights:
  • Explore Lake Sandoval in the Tambopata National Reserve.
  • Walk the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway & Anaconda trail.
• Why it’s unique: Highlights the Amazon’s unique ecosystem with canopy views and encounters with exotic wildlife.

Day 5: Fly to Cusco + Free Afternoon (B)

• Overview: Fly to Cusco, transfer to hotel, free time for acclimatization, or optional city tour.
• Why it’s important: Adjusting to Cusco’s high altitude is key for upcoming adventures.

Day 6: Sacred Valley Tour with Pisac and Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes (B)

• Quick itinerary:
  • Visit Pisac Inca site and market.
  • Explore Ollantaytambo Inca fortress.
  • Train journey to Aguas Calientes.
• Why It’s Special: Connects you with ancient Inca sites and leads to the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Day 7: Machu Picchu Guided Tour (B)

• Key experience:
  • Explore Machu Picchu with a professional guide.
  • Discover Inca mysteries and marvel at ancient engineering.
• Why it’s the highlight: A spiritual and historical journey through one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Day 8: Free Day in Cusco (B)

• Overview: Relax or take optional tours such as Maras-Moray or Sacsayhuaman.
• Why it’s valuable: Allows for exploration of Cusco’s rich history or relaxation before continuing the journey.

Day 9: Scenic Bus Tour from Cusco to Puno (B, L)

• Quick itinerary:
  • Stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and La Raya Pass.
  • Scenic views of the Andean Highlands.
• Why it’s valuable: An insightful journey linking Cusco with Puno while visiting key archaeological sites.

Day 10: Lake Titicaca Tour - Uros Floating Islands & Taquile (B, L)

• Key highlights:
  • Sail across the world’s highest navigable lake.
  • Explore the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island.
• Why it’s unforgettable: A glimpse into the unique and ancient lifestyles preserved on Lake Titicaca.

Day 11: Departure from Puno (B)

• Overview: Transfer to Juliaca airport for the flight to Lima.
• Why it’s important: Marks the end of the unforgettable journey, connecting you back to Lima.

Includes / Does not Include

Included

• Airport/Hotel pick up and drop off (door to door service).
• 8 Nights hotel with private bathrooms and breakfast included (at your selected hotel in Twin/Double - Single - Triple rooms).
• 2 Nights at the lodge with private bathrooms and breakfast included.
• 4 Lunches and 2 dinners according the itinerary description.
• Lima city guided tour.
• 3 days / 2 nights Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion program.
• Sacred valley guided tour.
• Machupicchu guided tour.
• Guided sightseeing bus tour from Cusco to Puno (Sun Route).
• Uros floating and Taquile Island tour on the Lake Titicaca.
• Roundtrip train tickets (at your selected train class) Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
• Round trip bus tickets in Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes).
• All admission including Machupicchu.
• Professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Overland transportation for all transfers during the 9-day program.
• 1 Bottle of Water.

Not Included:

• International air tickets.
• Domestic air tickets (Lima - Puerto Maldonado / Puerto Maldonado - Cusco / Juliaca - Lima).
• Waynapicchu admission ticket US$ 65, it must be requested at the time of your booking and will be provided if available.
• One-way Vistadome train upgrade US$ 55.
• Optional tours: Cusco city tour or Moray - Salt Mines half day tours.
• Admission tickets if you take the optional tour not included on the itinerary.
• Meals not mentioned in the above itinerary (Lunch, Dinner).
• Travel insurance (Highly recommended).
• Additional and personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, snacks).
• Gratuity (optional).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS