Central and South America

Ultimate Peru: The Amazon and Machu Picchu

Activity Level:
MODERATE
Duration:
13 Days
Price:
From $4,775
Interests:
Natural History
Organize This Trip Print Itinerary
Brown capuchin
Amazon River
Hoatzin
Canoes on the river
Cusco
Machu Picchu
Sacsayhuaman
Weaver in Chincheros
Alpaca
Organize This Trip
Organize This Trip

About this trip

Achieve two travel milestones on a single adventure that includes Peru’s Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu, the most famous Incan archaeological site. You’ll experience the vast biodiversity sheltered among the Amazon’s tributaries, lagoons, and forests. Then, discover the “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu, set in the Andean highlands atop a cluster of humped emerald peaks. Along the way you’ll meet the inheritors of Peru’s natural and cultural legacy: the native Amazonian and Quechua people who welcome you into their homes. From colorful rubber baron mansions to the mysterious Sacred Valley to the canopy of the world’s largest rainforest, this is the total Peru experience.

Highlights

  • Experience two of South America’s most iconic destinations: the Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu.
  • Discover colonial Cusco and Lima, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 
  • Examine the biodiversity inhabiting a variety of Amazonian ecosystems.
  • Visit the Inca stone fortress at Sacsayhuaman, an engineering marvel.
  • Learn about the many facets of native Peruvian life as you explore an Amazonian village and the Quechua towns of the Sacred Valley, meeting schoolchildren, farmers, and craftsmen where they live and work.
11 Travelers

$4,775

Land Cost

Group size

Book 10 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What makes us different

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Sustainable travel

We believe travel should have a positive impact on the world. We are committed to maintaining responsible travel practices and partner with ClimateSafe to provide carbon offsetting.

Custom-tailored trips

We can customize your itinerary so that it’s the ideal match for your interests, travel dates, and budget

Support local communities

We work with local guides and organizations so your trip includes authentic cultural experiences while supporting the economy of the region

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with arranging the flights for your group if desired

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Lima
Day 1
Arrive in Lima and proceed through immigrations, baggage claim, and customs before exiting the secured area of the airport. A representative with a Holbrook sign will greet you outside the exit. Transfer to the hotel and check in. Please note that this is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled. Hotel check-in usually begins at 3pm.
Casa Andina Select
Lima
Day 1

Arrivals in Lima. Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim and Customs before exiting the secured area of the airport. The Holbrook representative will be waiting outside the exit door with a Holbrook sign. Transfer to the hotel and check in. Please note that this is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day. Hotel check in usually begins at 3 p.m.

Casa Andina Select
Lima
Day 2
After breakfast, attend a presentation on biodiversity in Peru by a local expert at the hotel. Afterwards visit the Larco Museum, a privately owned museum of pre-Columbian art. It showcases chronological galleries that provide a thorough overview of 5,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Lunch will be at a local restaurant, where you will be given a short presentation on Peruvian cuisine. In the afternoon, embark on a walking city tour of colonial Lima, visiting the main square and Santo Domingo Convent.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Casa Andina Select
Amazon
Day 3
After breakfast, transfer to the local airport for a flight to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival transfer to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion hotel which is about 45 minutes away and located between the Tambopata National Reserve and the shores of the Madre de Dios River. Simultaneously remote and accessible, this pristine haven is situated at the heart of a 439 acre ecological reserve. This afternoon take a walk through the property's nature trails, learning about the primary and secondary rainforest. This evening navigate along the Madre de Dios River for a twilight river excursion to learn about the nocturnal animals in the area.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hacienda Concepcion
Amazon
Day 4
After breakfast, walk into the Tambopata National Reserve through terra firma forest, towards Lake Sandoval. Then navigate by dugout canoe around this beautiful oxbow lake. Learn about the reserves conservation efforts, the lake formation, the water palms and the animals that inhabit this lake such as the endangered giant river otters, blue and yellow macaws, red howler monkeys, black caimans, and one of the world's biggest fresh water scaled fish, paiches. Return to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion in time for lunch. In the afternoon, take a 20 minute boat ride across the Madre de Dios River to climb the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway and navigate the Anaconda Walk. The Inkaterra Canopy Walkway is a sophisticated and safe 1,135 foot network of seven ecologically constructed hanging suspension bridges, strung between eight treetop observation platforms above the forest floor. Originally constructed for the non profit organization, Inkaterra Asociación, to carry out conservation projects, this is an unforgettable opportunity to observe the rainforest from the rooftop and gain a sense of its colossal size. Ascend the first vertiginous tower 124 feet above ground, keeping an eye out for white throated toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, squirrel monkeys and the three toed sloth. Back at the base, follow the Anaconda Walk, strolling the seasonally flooded aguajales wetlands on an elevated wooden boardwalk. Come nightfall, under the cover of darkness explore the rainforest on foot as your senses heighten to movements in the undergrowth and the raucous sounds of the rainforest.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hacienda Concepcion
Amazon
Day 5
This morning enjoy some time to explore the property. Take a walk through Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción's nature trails. Learn about primary and secondary rainforest, its components, uses and transformations by humans, and its relevance for the world. See the cacao plantation, breadfruit trees, rubber trees, and more. After lunch, a short boat ride takes you to a local farm, where its inhabitants use ancient methods to grow their crops. Learn about local techniques of cultivation and taste some of the local products.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hacienda Concepcion
Sacred Valley
Day 6
After some morning activity, check out and transfer to the local airport in Puerto Maldonado for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, meet with your local guide and transfer to the Sacred Valley. En route, visit Awanakancha Alpaca Center. The Awankancha Alpaca Center is a living museum where visitors can see llamas, alpacas and vicuna. A demonstration will show how the wool from these South American animals is used to make woven textiles. We will then continue to Sonesta Posadas Del Inaca, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, and check in. The hotel is a remodeled 18th-century monastery located in the beautiful small town of Yucay. This town enjoyed great importance during the Inca period, where it was chosen as the area of residence of the Inca Huayna Cápac as well as the Inca Sayri Túpac in the 16th century.
Breakfast-Dinner included
Sonesta Posada del Inca
Sacred Valley
Day 7
This morning, visit the local Urubamba Market and participate in an onsite discussion on the importance of the Sacred Valley as the "farmer's market" for the Inca Empire. Identify and learn about the fruits and vegetables that are unique to this region. Afterwards visit Maras Salt Mines and then continue to Chinchero to visit a local weaving community where we will learn which ancient traditions are still practiced by modern day descendants of the Inca. Enjoy a traditional lunch with community members. We will end our day with an ancient Pachamama ceremony led by a shaman.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sonesta Posada del Inca
Sacred Valley
Day 8
In the early morning, transfer to enjoy a rafting expedition (best April Oct). A rafting guide will welcome your group when you arrive. Here, receive rafting equipment and a safety briefing (toilet facilities and changing rooms available). After a brief practice on the flat parts of the river, start your journey on easy waters while admiring the spectacular views of the mountains and archaeological remains. Continue on to a strong class 3 rapid that includes waves and small whirlpools. Then reach the river take out located in the community of Cachiccata (Toilets and changing rooms available). After rafting, enjoy lunch in the Ollantaytambo area and visit the archeological site, learning about the engineering genius of the Inca. In the afternoon return to your hotel and relax for the rest of the afternoon.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sonesta Posada del Inca
Aguas Calientes
Day 9
After breakfast, take the train (Peru Rail Expedition) to Machu Picchu following the Urubamba River with spectacular views of the Andes. Upon arrival continue with a bus transfer to the Machu Picchu Ruins, where you'll have lunch at a local restaurant close by. Enjoy a two-to three-hour guided field trip in and around Machu Picchu Ruins, including a site lecture.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Inkaterra Machu Picchu
Cusco
Day 10
After breakfast explore the property. Have lunch at the hotel before taking the early afternoon train to Ollanta. Transfer to Cusco for dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Ramada Costa del Sol
Cusco
Day 11
After breakfast, visit the impressive Sacsayhuaman ruins. The stone fortress at Sacsayhuaman forms the head of the Puma design of old Cusco. It is a mystery how it was constructed since the stones are not found in the region and most of the blocks weigh more than a ton. The largest rock weighs more than 300 tons. Sacsayhuaman is constructed of huge polygonal blocks which interlock with one another so precisely a knife blade cannot be inserted between them. Next, visit Kenko, an Incan archaeological site located a few miles from Cusco. Due to the lack of written records from the time period, the purpose of many Incan ruins is a mystery. Though, archaeological evidence shows that the Inca built the site as a "huaca" or holy site and researchers speculate that death rituals, mummification and human sacrifice were practiced here. Researchers believe that priests used the channels carved into the site to determine whether a person lived a good life by observing the route that liquid poured into the channels chicha (fermented corn), holy water, or blood flowed. The last stop of the day is Tambomachay. This Inca site was used as a spa for Inca political elite; aqueducts and canals channel water from a nearby thermal spring into waterfalls that cascade into a small pool. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring typical Cusqueño fare before regrouping at the hotel for a presentation by a local expert on the history of Incan and Andean musical instruments. In the evening, join your group for a farewell dinner with folklore at a local restaurant.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Ramada Costa del Sol
Depart
Day 12
Today, explore colonial Cusco including a visit to the Koricancha Temple and the Cathedral Complex. Lunch will be at a local café in the main plaza where you can enjoy the colonial architecture of the city. There will be some free time in the afternoon, before you transfer to Cusco airport for your late afternoon flight back to Lima. Upon arrival to Lima, check in for your international flight. There is no hotel night included on this day.
Breakfast-Lunch- included
Arrive U.S.
Day 13
Arrive United States.
11 Travelers

$4,775

Land Cost

Group size

Book 10 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What's Included
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Full time guide for the duration of your program
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Bottled water or water refill station during transfers
  • Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Rates are based on double occupancy for participants.

Prices are valid for travel from Jul 1, 2025 - Dec 31, 2027. Holiday surcharges may apply.

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Activity Level 3: Moderate

This trip showcases two iconic Peruvian landscapes, focusing on nature, archaeology, and culture. In the Amazon, every day includes exploration onboard small, solid skiffs that launch from the deck of your riverboat, and can easily navigate the river. You may sometimes depart early in the morning to see wildlife during their most active period, enjoying breakfast in the skiff. There are also walks in traditional villages. In the Andes, daily walks or hikes of one to two miles are conducted at an easy pace, but in high altitudes between 5,080 and 12,375 feet. To help you acclimate, vehicles and hotels have oxygen tanks. During high season (May–October) there may be long lines at Machu Picchu, where your visit lasts 2–3 hours and includes a walk from the upper citadel to the lower sections, with uneven terrain and many steps. A more relaxed circuit of the lower sections is also available. Depending on the season, mainland temperatures in and around Cusco range from 55–79 °F, with cooler evenings. There can be high humidity, with intermittent fog and rain, any time of the year. In the Amazon, expect hot, humid weather with year-round temperatures in the upper 80s. There are two internal flights and two scenic train transfers.

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Peru. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure. Tourists must provide evidence of return or onwards travel.

For visits fewer than 90 days, you will be issued a tourist card, called the Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM), upon arrival in Peru. It is important not to lose this document, as it can be time consuming and inconvenient to replace.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Embassy of Peru for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Peru.

The CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Peru.

Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Peru, primarily east of the Andes at elevations below 7,500 feet. The CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine if you are traveling to these areas.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that malaria is a risk in certain parts of Peru, primarily east of the Andes at elevations below 6,500 feet. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. There is no vaccine to protect against malaria. If you are visiting areas where malaria is present and choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your doctor for a prescription. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin.

DENGUE FEVER AND OTHER MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES

Dengue is common in Peru in the tropical and sub-tropical areas during the rainy season, especially in urban and suburban areas. Mosquitos that spread dengue do not usually live at elevations above 6,500 feet, so the risk of dengue in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu is low. Additionally, locally transmitted cases of chikungunya and Zika virus have previously been reported in Peru. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Upon arrival at locations of high elevation, shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into altitude sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjust to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can help. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help prevent or alleviate symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Resources

Print Resources

Suggested Packing List

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services (at additional cost). If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. For higher elevations, consider packing a warm underlayer, as well as a warm, protective outer layer. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts (lightweight for sun and mosquito protection; heavier weight for higher elevations)
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection
  • Medium to heavy weight cotton pants for the highlands
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s)
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Many—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

MISCELLANEOUS

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Walking stick with rubber tip (folding or collapsible, for walking on rough and uneven terrain)
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
  • Money belt
  • Converter and adapter for electronics
  • Chargers for electronics
PLEASE NOTE:  There is a weight limit of 11 pounds for luggage on the train transfer to Machu Picchu. Please be prepared to pack an overnight bag for the night spent in the Machu Picchu area. Your bag must weigh no more than 11 pounds and measure no more than 62 linear inches / 157 cm (length + height + width). You can safely store excess luggage at the prior night’s hotel, or at one of our field offices.
All aspects were rewarding. The tour guide and support staff were outstandingly good.
- Lester Barber
Peru , 2016
Want to subscribe to the Holbrook Explorer?
Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest updates on upcoming trips, deals, and more.
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
You might also like one of these trips...
View All Trips to Join
View All Trips to Organize