The Amazon & the Andes

Overview

Journey into the Peruvian Amazon and explore the marvels of the rainforest on guided hiking and wildlife spotting excursions from your luxury eco-lodge. From the lush ecosystem of the Amazon, travel a world away to Cusco, set in the stark beauty of the Andes. Discover the history of the Inca in the Scared Valley, tour the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, and experience the local traditions of Arequipa and Colca Canyon on this remarkable adventure.

Days: 13
Best time to visit: April-October
Ideal for: Active Couples and Families

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Lima

Fly into Lima and settle into a comfortable airport hotel, an overnight stop so you can catch an early morning flight to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the Amazon.

 

Day 2 – Into the Amazon

Fly to Puerto Maldonado in the southeastern part of the Peruvian Amazon, and settle into your eco-luxury lodge on the Madre de Dios River—elegant wooden cabins provide the perfect base to explore this incredible ecosystem. Enjoy a relaxing day walking along a network of trails through the rainforest, take a canopy tour on a high ropes course, and then take a guided night walk as this vast wilderness truly comes alive.

 

Day 3 – Tambopata National Reserve

Explore the Amazon on a motorized canoe excursion to Tambopata National Reserve, and then paddle on the placid waters of Lake Sandoval. Or head downstream for 2 hours to reach the quiet oxbow of Lake Valencia for wildlife spotting or fishing—more than 500 bird species have been documented here, as well as exotic mammals like the giant anteater and the dusky titi monkey.

 

Day 4 – Travel to Cusco & the Sacred Valley

Fly to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, and begin your journey through the living history of the Andes. Leave the city behind and travel out into the Sacred Valley, where colonial and Inca heritage blend in the architecture and culture of the valley. Spend the next two days based in the Sacred Valley—visiting the Inca ruins and artisan markets of Pisac on the way to your hotel.

 

Day 5 – Explore the Sacred Valley

Enjoy an Andean weaving demonstration in the village of Chincheros, the hometown of Nilda Callañaupa, a pioneering artist and activist who founded The Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco to promote women’s rights and protect Andean heritage. Visit the terraced pools of the Maras Salt Mines before traveling to Ollantaytambo town and touring its ancient Inca fortress.

 

Day 6 – Explore Machu Picchu

Take the train to Aguas Calientes from Ollantaytambo, and spend the afternoon getting an introduction to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Well-preserved because of its isolation in the mountains, this historic citadel complex is one of the wonders of the modern world.

 

Day 7 – Machu Picchu & Huaynu Picchu, Train to Cusco

Take advantage of a second day to explore Machu Picchu, arriving in the early morning as the mist swirls and the sun rises. Climb up to the ruins of Huayna Picchu for amazing views over the valley and the citadel below. End your day with a relaxing train ride back to Cusco.

 

Day 8 – Cusco Highlights Tour

Begin your city tour of Cusco from its most dynamic vantage atop Cerro Pukamoqo, a natural promontory where a massive statue of Christ presides. Then visit the nearby fortress of Sacsayhuamán, whose massive, dry-fitted stone walls stand as a testament to the greatness of the Inca. Explore the local markets and then visit the remains of Korikancha, or the Golden Temple, one of the most sacred places of the Inca.

 

Day 9 – Fly to Arequipa

Fly to Arequipa, known as the White City, and begin a journey through a landscape dominated by snow-capped volcanoes, rugged pampas, and the immense canyon of the Colca Valley. Visit the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to herds of native Guanaco, Alpaca, and Vicuña. Pause at the Mirador de los Andes, 16,000 feet above sea level, for incredible views of the region’s towering volcanoes before traveling on to the town of Chivay.

 

Day 10 – Colca Canyon

Early in the morning, travel to the Condor Cross Lookout, one of the best places to see the massive Andean Condor in flight. As you look out across the world’s second deepest canyon, nearly twice the depth of the US’ Grand Canyon, keep your eyes peeled for the wings of this rare and majestic bird. Go for a hike along the rim in the afternoon, or simply relax in the fresh, high-mountain air on the rim of the canyon.

 

Day 11 – Explore Arequipa & Fly to Lima

Travel back to Arequipa in the morning, stopping at several traditional villages and scenic lookouts along the way. Back in La Ciudad Blanca, explore the white-stone architecture of one of Peru’s most elegant colonial cities. Tour historic churches and stroll the wide boulevards of the Yanahuara neighborhood, with its ashlar-style stone mansions and gardens, before catching your afternoon flight to Lima.

 

Day 12 – Lima City Tour & the Larco Museum

Dive into history with a tour of colonial Lima. Stop off at the Plaza de Armas, which is the historic center, and learn about the opulent Spanish architecture of the government buildings and the Cathedral of Lima. Tour the underground cemetery of the San Francisco Convent and the colonial mansion La Casa Aliaga before ending the day with a tour through the private Barbosa-Stern Collection of Spanish colonial art.

 

Day 13 – Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.

What’s next?

Whether this itinerary is exactly what you are looking for or isn’t even close…

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With your seal of approval, we’ll book your Remarkable Journey. From there, you can sit back and relax while we arrange all of the services, prepare the final documents and present you your trip before you go.

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