CLASSIC CUSCO + THE AMAZON

Experience the best of Peru in 10 days! Discover the magic of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Then fly to Puerto Maldonado to explore the heart of the Amazon Rainforest with expert guides. A journey that blends ancient Inca culture with breathtaking natural biodiversity perfect for curious and adventurous travelers.

Day 1: Pick up at Cusco Airport – City Tour 

  • At the airport our tour guide will be waiting for you to take you to your accommodation, where you will have time to rest and get ready for the City Tour in the afternoon.
  • At the airport our tour guide will be waiting for you to take you to your accommodation, where you will have time to rest and get ready for the City Tour in the afternoon.
  • Cathedral of Cusco or Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption: This is the main catholic temple of the capital; whose space was initially an important Inca temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha. This place has been declared Cultural Heritage of Peru due to the diversity of sculptures, paintings, archeology, artistic and architectural works.
  • Temple of Qoricancha: Also called Templo del Sol or Recinto Dorado, although the latter name was due to the gold coating that was looted in the Colony, this was the most important religious precinct for the Incas; however, by imposition, it was left under the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent.
  • Sacsayhuamán: Known for being an important Inca ceremonial fortress, built with huge rocks that exceed 100 tons. The Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun is celebrated in this place.
  • Qenqo or Labyrinth: It is a place that mythologically unites life and death and consists of a series of tunnels intertwined in a monolith, which also contains channels carved in a zigzag pattern.
  • Puca Pucara: It is an old military zone formed by reddish stones that gave it the name of Red Fortress, structured by walls, platforms, terraces and others, which among its natural scenery offer a beautiful view.
  • Tambomachay or Resting Place: The archaeological zone includes a structure of canals and rocky aqueducts that still function and in ancient times worshiped water.
  • Main Square: The end of this day is with this Historical Monument of Peru, declared by UNESCO as Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
  • After an afternoon full of discovery and connection with history, rest at the lodge and get ready for another day of excitement.

Day 2: Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Cusco 

  • Our Guru Explorers guide will pick you up around 7:30 – 8:00, after breakfast. The first stop on the route will be the Mirador de Taray, where you have the best panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, its villages, archaeological ruins and snow-capped mountains.
  • Then you will discover the marvel of the Intihuatana Archaeological Park or Pisac Ruins, a fortified citadel with cultivation terraces, military zone and the Intihuatana ceremonial center where we will also visit the Temple of the Sun. Then we will visit the town of Pisac, where you can buy handicrafts or products of great handicraft value in the local market.
  • We continue the route to Urubamba, to enjoy a delicious lunch (vegan and vegetarian food available). After the break, we will take the road to Ollantaytambo where we will start knowing the archaeological site and then connect with the magic and colorful Inca Living City, which preserves the ancestral way of life.
  • We end our tour with a visit to Chinchero, where you will visit a textile center and learn more about the textile techniques used by the Incas and the artisanal processing of wool.

Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco 

  • The day starts early when we pick you up at your accommodation in Cusco and take you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. Outside the station you will find local stalls where you can buy everything from food (breakfast) to souvenirs. The train to Aguas Calientes takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Once there, our representative and guide will be waiting for you outside the train station.
  • The tour in the Inca Citadel takes you to discover the almost 200 iconic tourist attractions of the Sacred City, distributed in temples, squares, water fountains, monuments and residences; not to mention its natural spaces full of grandeur and spirituality.
  • Being a private tour to the citadel of Machu Picchu, the times will be managed at your pace, where apart from taking the best pictures of the place, you can appreciate and enjoy the majesty of the Inca empire.
  • Back in Aguas Calientes, you can enjoy lunch if you wish, go to the hot springs or visit this picturesque place that can only be reached on foot or by train.
  • Finally, we will return by train to Ollantaytambo and then take a private transport to Cusco around 20:00.

Day 4: Free Day in Cusco – Rest, Shopping & Local Exploration

  • Take a well-deserved break to relax, go shopping, explore Cusco’s local markets, or simply enjoy the colonial charm of the city. Our team will offer personalized suggestions for places to visit.

Day 5: Rainbow Mountain Hike & Flight to Puerto Maldonado

  • Start early with a guided full-day trek to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, known for its vibrant natural colors and breathtaking Andean views.
  • In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado, where you’ll spend the night. Enjoy a free evening to explore the city on your own and prepare for your jungle adventure.

Day 6: Jungle Tour Begins – Arrival at Eco Lodge

  • Start your Amazon experience with a boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to reach your jungle eco-lodge.
  • In the afternoon, take a guided walk through the rainforest and enjoy the biodiversity of the area. At night, experience a night wildlife walk to observe nocturnal animals and insects.

Day 7: Sandoval Lake & Wildlife Exploration

  • After breakfast, visit Lake Sandoval inside the Tambopata National Reserve. Canoe along the lake and observe monkeys, birds, caimans, and if you’re lucky, the giant river otter. Return to the lodge for lunch and rest, then enjoy a canopy walk or night boat ride depending on the program.

Day 8: Visit to a Native Community or Jungle Adventure Activities

  • Choose between visiting a local Indigenous community, learning about traditions and daily life, or doing adventure activities like zip-lining or kayaking. Return to the lodge and relax surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

Day 9: Farewell to the Jungle – Return to Puerto Maldonado

  • After breakfast, take the boat back to Puerto Maldonado. Depending on your flight time, you may have free time to shop or explore. Overnight stay in the city or continue your journey.

Day 10: Flight to Lima – End of the Andes & Amazon Experience

  • At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, marking the end of this unforgettable 10-day adventure through the Andes and the Amazon.
  • Waka Explorers thanks you for trusting us to be part of your journey. ¡Hasta pronto!

RECOMMENDATION

  • It is recommended to bring: comfortable, moisture-resistant shoes, light, quick-drying and breathable clothing (long sleeves and earth-colored pants are recommended), bathing suits, raincoats, sweater, hat, large visor cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, Insect repellent.
  • Personal hygiene: toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet towels, water, personal medication.
  • Passport or DNI (Required).
  • Travel insurance.
  • Audiovisual recording camera (and preferably waterproof).
  • Flashlights or small headlights.
  • Binoculars.
  • Personal Medication or First Aid Kit.
  • Cash (local currency).
  • Portable converter, adapter for your charger.
  • Tour in Cusco:
  • All entrance fees to tourist attractions: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley (tourist ticket), City Tour.
  • Private guided tour in Machu Picchu.
  • Private transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco (Machu Picchu Tour).
  • Shared tour: City Tour, Sacred Valley.
  • Airport transfers. (Arrival & Departure).
  • Tour in Puerto Maldonado:
  • Entrance tickets to the Tambopata National Reserve.
  • Bilingual guide.
  • Fluvial and terrestrial transportation.
  • Accommodation.
  • Meals.
  • Hotel: can be included in the purchase process (based on double, matrimonial or triple rooms).
  • Travel insurance.
  • Airline tickets.
  • Tips for the guide.
  • Tips to airport porters and/or staff.
  • Beverages (alcoholic beverages) Food not specified in the itinerary.
  • Transfers other than those established in the tour.
  • Handicrafts, posters and postcards.
  • Personal expenses, expenses at the Manu Learning Centre store.
$980
/per person
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Activity level

Easy

Duration

10

Departure City

Cusco

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