Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu
From the depths of the Amazon rainforest to the heights of the Andes, this journey pairs immersive nature with Peru’s most iconic archaeological sites.
We decided on a trip to Peru with some friends for my 40th birthday... The trip was completely seamless.
— Brittany Lombardo, Peru
10 Days
Lima / Lima
Custom
Moderate
April - October
Overview
This journey combines two of Peru’s most unforgettable regions: the Amazon rainforest and the historic heart of the Andes. Start with several days immersed in the jungle — choosing between two distinct Amazon styles — then continue to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Cusco.
The rhythm is intentionally thoughtful, balancing guided exploration with time to relax and take it all in. As always, we tailor the details around your interests, comfort preferences, and travel rhythm.
Trip Highlights
What This Journey Typically Costs
Because every Amazon and Machu Picchu journey we design is fully custom, pricing varies based on travel dates, accommodations, internal flights, and length of stay.
As a general guideline
Travelers combining Peru’s Andes with the Amazon rainforest can expect a wide range depending on comfort level, duration, and how the Amazon portion is designed. Amazon programs are operated either as lodge-based stays or as river cruises, each with multiple options that significantly influence pricing. All itineraries are custom-quoted once we understand traveler priorities.
Quotes typically include internal flights, guided experiences, ground and river transportation, and carefully selected accommodations. International airfare is generally quoted separately.
We’ll walk travelers through the options transparently and recommend what makes the most sense for their trip.
Daily Itinerary
Arrival in Lima
Arrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel. Most international flights arrive late, so the evening is intentionally kept free to rest and settle in.
Highlights
- Airport transfer
- Evening at leisure
Fly to the Amazon & Begin Your Rainforest Experience
Fly to the Peruvian Amazon and begin your rainforest journey. Depending on your chosen style, you’ll either transfer into the jungle to a lodge in Tambopata or, in the north, board a small, premium river vessel designed for comfort, expert guiding, and immersive exploration. In both cases, accommodations, meals, and guided excursions are included once you arrive.
Highlights
- Flight to the Amazon
- Transfer to lodge or vessel
- First guided rainforest excursion
Exploring the Amazon Rainforest
Spend the day exploring the rainforest with guided excursions focused on wildlife and ecosystems. Activities vary by region and style — from river-based exploration to forest walks and canopy-level viewpoints.
Highlights
- Guided excursions
- Wildlife viewing
- Time to relax between outings
Deeper Into the Rainforest
Continue your Amazon experience with morning and afternoon outings, balanced with downtime to enjoy your surroundings. Each day is designed to feel immersive without feeling rushed.
Highlights
- Nature walks or skiff excursions
- Cultural or wildlife encounters
- Unhurried daily rhythm
Fly to Cusco & Sacred Valley
Depart the Amazon and fly to Cusco (routing varies by region), then continue into the Sacred Valley. This lower-elevation setting offers a comfortable transition into the Andes.
Highlights
- Scenic flights
- Transfer to Sacred Valley
- Time to acclimate
Sacred Valley Exploration
Explore Peru’s Sacred Valley, a region rich in Incan history and dramatic Andean scenery. Visit the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, walk among the thousands of still-working salt pools at Maras, and explore Ollantaytambo, a historic Inca town and fortress showcasing remarkable stone engineering set against mountain backdrops.
Highlights
- Moray terraces
- Maras salt mines
- Ollantaytambo
Train to Machu Picchu & Private Tour
Travel by scenic train through the Sacred Valley and cloud forest toward Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in South America. Explore the ancient citadel on a private tour with an expert guide, learning about Inca history, architecture, and the cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
- Scenic train journey
- Private Machu Picchu tour
Machu Picchu Revisit & Return to Cusco
Return to Machu Picchu for a second visit, allowing time to explore different viewpoints or join an optional hike such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, subject to availability. In the afternoon, travel back to Cusco by train through the Andean landscapes.
Highlights
- Second Machu Picchu visit
- Optional hike
- Return to Cusco
City Tour of Cusco
Discover Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Cusco Cathedral, explore Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), and walk among the massive stone walls of Sacsayhuamán, overlooking the city from the surrounding hills.
Highlights
- Cusco Cathedral
- Korikancha
- Sacsayhuamán
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your international departure, concluding your journey through Peru’s cultural landmarks, ancient civilizations, and Andean landscapes.
Highlights
- Airport transfer
- International departure
What’s Included
Optional Extensions & Variations
Because every journey we design is fully custom, we can adjust timing and add extensions based on what you’re most excited about. Common options include:
Choose Your Amazon Experience
Northern Amazon – Premium River Cruise (Iquitos)
Board a small, premium river vessel where accommodations, meals, and daily guided excursions are seamlessly integrated. This expedition-style experience is designed for travelers who value comfort, expert guiding, and a refined approach to exploring remote waterways.
- All excursions and meals included
- Limited guest capacity
- River-based exploration with naturalist guides
Southern Amazon – Tambopata Lodge
Stay at a rainforest lodge in the Tambopata region, known for exceptional biodiversity and immersive on-the-ground exploration. Lodges vary in comfort level and distance from Puerto Maldonado — from easier-access stays to deeper, more remote options — and we’ll match you to the right fit.
- All excursions and meals included
- More time on foot in the rainforest
- Often pairs efficiently with Cusco via a short, direct flight (routing dependent)
Inca Trail Trek
Swap the train for a trek on the legendary Inca Trail. Arrive at Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate.
Lake Titicaca Extension
Explore the highest navigable lake in the world and its unique floating islands and cultures.
More Time in the Amazon
Extend your Amazon stay to 5–7 nights for deeper exploration and wildlife viewing.
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Discover Machu Picchu
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Discover Machu Picchu
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Traveler Stories
"This is our second time trusting Max at Mindful Travel to plan our adventures. Some include The Amazon, Machu Piccu , Torres del Paine Patagonia, Iguazu Falls , Santiago, Buenos Aires ."
— Melissa Goebel · Verified Review
"We had a memorable experience in the Amazon, Galapagos and Machupicchu during Feb 2025. Thanks to Max for his meticulous planning, all went like clockwork."
— Greg Epstein · Verified Review
"Max planned our personalized trip to S America for our group of 6. He listened to our needs and catered the trip to us."
— Kristy Horn · Verified Review
Frequently Asked Questions
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