Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon

10 Days
From CAD 3,554 Was CAD 3,949
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Demanding

Rating


(2 reviews)

Experience Overview

In Peru, adventure awaits at every turn, from the verdant valleys and jagged peaks of the Andes to the narrow cobblestone streets of Cusco. Experience the country’s most iconic sights on this action-packed journey. Immerse yourself in the Amazon during a stay at a jungle lodge, and venture to the Sacred Valley to discover enchanting Inca ruins and timeless indigenous traditions. Embark on one of the world’s most memorable hikes—the Inca Trail—or experience the spectacular train ride to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu.

Highlights

  • Spot wildlife at the exclusive G Lodge Amazon
  • Explore the Incan city of Cusco
  • Conquer the Inca Trail or enjoy the scenic train to Machu Picchu
  • Meet local people at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant
  • Explore the Cusco Planetarium

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 2922

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: Private van, plane, train, boat, canoe.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: National Geographic Journey, Extreme Adventures

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: SPSNG.B

StartStarts: Lima, Peru

FinishFinishes: Cusco, Peru

DurationDuration: 10 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Demanding

Includes

Activities

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Cusco Planetarium, Cusco Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Andean Experience, Urubamba Your G for Good Moment: Parque de la Papa (Potato Park), Pisac Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products Your G for Good Moment: Cuncani Community Campsite, Cuncani
  • Arrival transfer
  • Three-day (2 nts) excursion to the G Adventures exclusive rainforest lodge
  • Sacred Valley tour
  • Choice of four-day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook, and porters or Cusco stay with scenic train
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Hotels (5 nts), G Lodge Amazon (2 nts), Lares Trek camping or Cusco-stay hotel (2 nts).
  • 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

  • Private van, plane, train, boat, canoe.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, specialist Inca Trail CEO on hike, local guides.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3554 (CAD 355 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Lima

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

2

Day 2: Lima/Tambopata

Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized canoe to our comfortable lodge, situated near the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon rainforest. Spot local bird species along the lush shores of the Tambopata River en route to the lodge, and set off on an evening walk with a naturalist guide before dinner, keeping an eye out for some of the rainforest's nocturnal creatures.
After a brief stop in town to store large luggage, drive to the pier and travel by covered motorized boat to the jungle lodge.

En route, spot bird species typical of the local river and forest edge. The Tambopata Rainforest area holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area.

Local community members make up the majority of lodge staff, including multilingual naturalist guides. Take the opportunity to learn about the area's rich flora and fauna and locals' extensive use of medicinal plants and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting.

Enjoy a welcome drink and orientation. Before dinner, head out for a night walk around the lodge grounds.

3

Day 3: Tambopata

Spend the day exploring the thriving ecosystems of the rainforest with our lodge's naturalist guides. Scan the treetops for toucans, howler monkeys, and sloths, and glide along oxbow lakes on canoes for a chance to glimpse river otters, turtles, and, if we're lucky, anacondas. After dinner, embark on a river tour by motorized canoe on the lookout for caimans, the smaller cousins of alligators, which are often found hiding near the muddy banks.
Head out early to catch the jungle at its wildest (and coolest). Walk slowly through the forest searching for wildlife before heading out on an oxbow lake by canoe.

Search for anaconda, the elusive giant river otter, or black caiman. Even if you don't spot these shy creatures, there are plenty of birds, interesting plants, and other animals about.

4

Day 4: Tambopata/Cusco

Travel out of the jungle by boat and catch a flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, soaring above the Andes into Peru's Inca heartland. This evening, visit the Cusco Planetarium for a presentation on the skies of the Southern Hemisphere, and learn about the vital role that astronomy played in the lives of the ancient Inca. Weather permitting, peer through the planetarium's telescopes for a dazzling look at the stars.
Afternoon arrival into the Inca capital. Time for strolling around the plazas and markets. Admire the cobblestones streets, and visit some museums and Cathedral.

5

Day 5: Cusco/Urubamba

Drive to the scenic Sacred Valley for a full day of exploration with a local guide. Tour the G Adventures–supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you'll walk through the park to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We'll also visit the fascinating Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, and enjoy a meal at the G Adventures–supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.


6

Day 6: Lares Trek

Depart Urubamba by van for Lares town, where the lesser frequented trail begins. Spend the night at a G Adventures–sponsored campsite in Cuncani, nestled in the scenic Lares Valley at 3,872 meters (12,703 feet). Earnings from the campsite provide educational, medical, and infrastructural support to the local Cuncani community.
The Lares Trek is a scenic, less touristic route to hike through the Andes. It is one day shorter than the Inca Trail but higher in elevation. Enjoy G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products for use on the Lares Trek.

7

Day 7: Lares Trek

Get an early start on our hike, climbing from the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain to the trail's highest point, at 4,800 meters (15,748 feet). Celebrate your ascent by making a ritual offering of coca leaves to the Andean gods, and enjoy stunning views of turquoise-hued lagoons and the snowcapped Chicon Mountain. Continue hiking downhill to our second campsite, situated near a stream at 4,114 meters (13,497 feet).

8

Day 8: Lares Trek/Aguas Calientes

Enjoy our final hours of hiking in the picturesque landscapes of Lares Valley before travelling by van to Ollantaytambo. From here, we'll board a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Spend some time relaxing in town, or visit the nearby hot springs.

9

Day 9: Machu Picchu/Cusco

Rise early to catch daybreak over Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Inca citadel rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from National Geographic. Set out on a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, travel back to Cusco by train.
Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit to the ruins.

When ready, head back down by bus to Aguas Calientes to meet up with the rest of the group. Take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo to meet the van for the ride back to Cusco.

10

Day 10: Cusco

Depart at any time.

Similar Experiences

Machu Picchu by Train Short Break

3 Days from CAD 1,005

Journeys: Explore Machu Picchu

8 Days from CAD 1,749

Peru Family Journey: Machu Picchu to the Amazon

10 Days from CAD 3,199

Premium Peru, Chile & Argentina

18 Days from CAD 10,053

Premium Peru with Ica Valley

12 Days from CAD 5,814

Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.

In Business Since 1990

Reviews

 

Vincent Murray   -  Traveled, September 2023

Pretour Comms were great: fast and clear. Tour logistics were good enough and daily communication clear. Few minor aspects unexpected eg additional meal costs, rental of equipment (sleeping bags, mattress). Local guides, porters were great ( as expected). At times the encouragement to tip all service providers felt excessive. Overall a good tour, given the small group and pricing.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/13/2023

 

Andrea A  -  Traveled, September 2021

National Geographic was not associated with our tour, but G adventures did an excellent job. Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly and incredibly helpful on every part of the tour. They all went far above and beyond the minimum, from helping us get laundry done to caring for members of our group who became ill. Every detail was planned for and the tour ran smoothly from start to finish. I will gladly book with G adventures again the future.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/30/2021

Share a personalized trip brochure!

Why book with us?

Rating

Best Rate Guarantee

Mytours.Travel makes sure you always have the best available rate

Selection

Best Selection

The best operators from around the world

Trusted

Trusted Payments

Secure payments with Stripe

Advice

Expert Advice

Our expert agents will assist you in booking the perfect experience