Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Amazon Jungle

Day 1

After your arrival at Lima airport we will transfer you to your chosen hotel in the Miraflores area of the city. For some you will be staying at the Casa Andina Classic or similar. For luxury travellers it could be the 5* Miraflores Park Hotel or the superb Casa Andina Private Collection (subject to space of course). Enjoy the rest of the day as free time to wander the parks and browse the shops, and enjoy the world renowned Peruvian food.

Day 2

Today you will be collected from your hotel for full day tour of colonial and modern Lima, visiting the Lima cathedral and the church and convent of San Francisco amongst other places of interest. After lunch, which we can arrange for you if you wish, you could visit a museum of your choice, such as the Gold Museum or the National Museum. The evening could continue with a visit to the spectacular fountain park in the center of Lima. It´s a full day of sightseeing in this crazy but historic metropolis. After you will be worn out and we recommend recovering at a dinner / show at one of our favorite restaurants where you will hear traditional music and see dances from all over Peru.  

Days 3 and 4

In the morning we will transfer you to Lima airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado, a flight of around 2 hours which includes a quick set down in Cusco where you dont get off. Puerto Maldonado city gateway to the Amazon Jungle.  You will then travel via bus and boat up one of the Amazon tributaries to your Jungle Lodge for the start of your 3 day 2 night Amazon Jungle adventure.

Depending on your budget we will advise you which Amazon Jungle Lodge is best for you. Our favorites are Posadas Amazonas and the more exclusive Inkaterra.

Day 5

After leaving the lodge in the early morning we will transport you back down the river to Puerto Maldonado airport for your half hour flight to Cuzco.

Upon arrival in Cusco we will meet you and transfer you to you chosen hotel.  For some travellers this could be the boutique hotel Casa San Blas or similar and for luxury travellers the fabulous Monasterio Hotel, subject to space of course.

In the afternoon you will enjoy a Cusco city tour visiting the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the Cuzco Cathedral and the most important temple of the Inca Empire, the Coricancha - Inca Temple of the Sun.

Day 6

After collection from your hotel for a full day tour of the Sacred Valley, we will be visiting the Inca ruins of Pisac (if on a private tour) and Ollayantambo also the Market at Pisac, a great place to buy souvenirs. You will have an English speaking guide all day and a great buffet lunch in Yucay included in the sunny valley. You will then spend the night down in the valley to take advantage of a change of scene, more oxygen (as you are 800 meters lower), and a shorter journey tomorrow on the train to Machu Picchu.

We recommend these 2 hotels but there are many more that we use in all price ranges. Casa Andina PC Valley and Sol y Luna are our favorites.

Day 7

Today you will have an early start to catch your chosen train to Machu Picchu which will be either the standard service (called thje "Backpacker", but that is a misleading name we feel), the Vistadome or the luxury Hiram Bingham service. The advantage you have is that you have stayed in the valley overnight and therefore don´t have to get up as early as you would in Cusco to catch the train. A taxi will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the station or if you are staying in one of the hotels really close to the station you can walk there.

Comparison of the Trains to Machu Picchu

After arriving in Aguas Calientes and your bus transfer to the Machu Picchu site you will enjoy a private tour with a certified English-speaking guide. Take the rest of the day as free time to enjoy this incredible site.  In the late afternoon you will return to your chosen hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town that nestles in the valley below Machu Picchu. 

For some travellers we recommend the Inti Inn, Machu Picchu Inn, or similar.  For luxury travellers we recommend the Pueblo Hotel or the Sumaq Hotel, both excellent high end hotels down in the village. If you prefer to stay right at the gate of Machu Picchu you could choose the Sanctuary Lodge as its location cannot be beaten.

Day 8

A day to revisit Machu Picchu and enjoy this fabulous site at leisure.  You may choose to be oe of the 400 people to climb Huayna Picchu every day, the peak that overlooks Machu Picchu and affords fantastic views and photo opportunities.  In the late afternoon you will board the train for your trip back to Cusco.  You will leave the train at Poroy, the last station before Cusco, for a faster and more convenient transfer by road back to your hotel.

Day 9

Today we will take you to Cusco airport the for your short flight back to Lima. When you arrive in Lima, if you are going home that day, we can arrrange for you to have a reservation in the VIP lounge to kill some time. If you are staying over then speak to us about arranging this and anything else you might need in and around Lima.

We can add on days anywhere if you wish. You could visit the Ballestas Islands and the Nazca Lines, or indeed anywhere, to add to your vacation in Peru.

To see our entire range of Peru tours please CLICK HERE.