13 Day Peru & The Amazon Jungle
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour features a combination of escorted and independent travel. Part of your journey will be enjoyed as a group experience, led by expert tour leaders or local guides. The remainder is self-guided—whether by rail, cruise, or overland—allowing you the freedom to travel between destinations independently and explore at your own pace.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Small, intimate group experience
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ Arrival and departure airport transfers with guide assistance
✓ All internal flights, coach, rail and boat transportation
✓ 10 nights at quality 4-star accommodation
✓ 3 nights in a stunning lodge in the thrilling Peruvian Amazon jungle
✓ Daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
✓ Guided excursions with professional, English-speaking expert guides
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including the Incan treasure Machu Picchu and the Peruvian Amazon jungle
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Lima, City of Kings. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Your local guide will meet you for a welcome briefing and offer some tips for this leg of your adventure.
While Peru’s capital officially began life in 1535, Lima was in its prime during the Spanish colonial days and much of the city’s attraction now lies in its well-preserved historical centre. You’ll also find excellent museums – a given considering the history and culture of its surrounds – and interesting colonial architecture. One such museum, the Museo de la Nación, is the largest museum in Lima and an ideal place to begin exploring Peru’s ancient history.
At night, the Magic Water Circuit show in the Parque de la Reserva is a tourist drawcard. Every one of the 13 fountains at the park is illuminated with different colours and synchronised to music.
Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Get ready to discover Lima today!
On the way to the historic centre, we’ll see the outside of the pre-Columbian site Huaca Pucllana, a magnificent ceremonial and archaeological centre built in the fourth century – considered a sacred village by the Incas.
We’ll continue on to the colonial side of the city where we’ll pass by the Cathedral, the Viceroyalty of Peru, the Government Palace, City Hall, and other important monuments. We’ll visit the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the historical centre of Lima. Although most of the buildings of the original city were lost in the earthquake of 1746, the bronze fountain in the centre of the square dates back to 1651.
Later, we’ll visit the Bodega Y Quadra Museum, in a well-preserved house of the Peruvian Republican period. Then we’ll see the 16th-century Santo Domingo Convent, one of Peru’s oldest churches. There may be a chance to climb the bell tower for stunning views of Lima.
Finally, we’ll see the changing of the guards at Government Palace (subject to the Palace’s program) before returning to the hotel.
You’ll have the afternoon free to explore on your own. Feel free to head to the modern section of this great metropolis and visit the district of Miraflores with its shopping mall Larco Mar, built on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the traditional ‘Parque del amor’ (Love Park). Miraflores is home to the pyramid-shaped temple of Huaca Pucllana. If you have time, a leisurely stroll down the Miraflores Boardwalk will showcase the coastline views.
With its vibrant, varied flavours, Peruvian food will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip and Lima is the country’s gastronomic capital. Ceviche is Peru’s most popular dish, and with the Pacific Ocean just west of the city, you’ll find it everywhere – from cevicherias to street stalls to fine dining restaurants. You might like to end the day with the ubiquitous pisco sour, a popular cocktail made with the nation’s favourite brandy.
At the appropriate time, you’ll be taken to the airport to board your flight for the Peruvian jungle town of Puerto Maldonado – gateway to the Peruvian Amazon.
On arrival, your local guide will welcome you. We’ll navigate by motorised canoe along the Madre de Dios River to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción; it takes approximately 25 minutes. You’ll enjoy lunch on arrival, with organic ingredients and native flavours.
This area is the least populated territory in Peru, with its lush tropical rainforest. Of course, it’s more than a rainforest – it’s a complex ecosystem, with a dazzling array of flora and fauna. You’ll observe life in the jungle, its thrilling landscapes and the fascinating wildlife that call it home.
After lunch, take a walk through the property’s nature trails. Discover and learn about primary and secondary rainforest – its components, uses, impacts and transformations made by humans, and its importance to the world.
At dusk, enjoy a twilight river excursion by outboard motorised canoe. As you sail along the Madre de Dios River, you’ll learn about its ecosystem, Amazonian creeks, nocturnal animals’ behaviour and the magical southern constellations.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner in the Casa Grande’s dining room.
A day of adventure awaits! After a buffet breakfast, get ready for a long trek through terra firma into the Tambopata National Reserve towards Lake Sandoval. The Tambopata National Reserve is one of the largest areas of untouched rainforest in the world, a vast expanse home to fascinating landscapes and wildlife.
Here you’ll understand why the jungle department of Madre de Dios is known as the biodiversity capital of Peru, as you learn about the Reserve’s conservation efforts and the lake’s formation. Virgin forest covers 98% of the territory and this flourishing ecosystem is fed by the Madre de Dios River and its streams. Navigate by dugout canoe across this mirror-like oxbow lake with a front-row seat to see the exceptional wildlife of the region – like the endangered giant river otter, Venezuelan red howler monkey, black caiman, and one of the world’s biggest freshwater scaled fish, the paiche. Of course, keep an eye out for the famous blue and yellow macaws. Head back to the lodge for lunch.
After lunch, you’ll join the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway & Anaconda Walk. It’s about a 20-minute ride by motorised canoe to the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway Interpretation Centre to learn about its construction and the conservation projects of ITA Inkaterra Asociación. The walkway is a network of seven hanging bridges, eight treetop observation platforms and two tall towers.
Ascend one of the two 30-metre-high towers and cross the hanging bridges that connect the treetops. As you take in the breathtaking vistas, you’ll have the chance to watch white-throated toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, squirrel monkeys and the three-toed sloth. As you descend, you’ll take the 200-metre wooden bridge over the swamps in this incredible primary rainforest. You’ll keep learning about the flora and fauna of this flooded ecosystem.
At night, an excursion into the Amazon rainforest promises real adventure. You’ll explore this thrilling jungle, home to nocturnal animals with intriguing behaviour patterns. Experience this hidden world in the dark.
You’ll end the day with a pleasant dinner.
After an early breakfast, you’ll head out on our native farm excursion to learn about the local cultivation techniques and, of course, taste some of the local produce.
We’ll then head to the botanical garden and discover the immense variety of medicinal plants and traditional remedies considered part of the ‘natural pharmacy’ used by inhabitants of this region.
You’ll head back to the lodge for lunch and have a chance to rest before your cocha water excursion. You’ll take a dugout canoe ride on the lodge’s cocha (natural pond). You’ll try native fishing with ‘catch and release’ techniques, as you take in the scenery with hoatzins (Opisthocomus hoazin), a diversity of fly catchers, and gray-necked wood rails (Aramides cajaneus). We’ll disembark at the remains of the Fitzcarrald steamboat and learn about its history and how it inspired Werner Herzog to film the award-winning 1982 film Fitzcarraldo.
You’ll be able to participate in the inland collpa, or clay lick, during the evening, where a dazzling array of birds will flock to feast on the nutrient-rich clay. You’ll see different species of tropical birds, like macaws and parrots, and their night routines by observing through our ‘blinds’.
The day ends with dinner.
Enjoy one last breakfast buffet this morning before taking a ride back to Puerto Maldonado by motorised canoe. You’ll visit the butterfly house and learn about the fascinating transformation of these colourful insects.
Between 1-2pm, you’ll be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.
Cusco is a favorite destination of many visitors to Peru. As you wander the streets and side alleys of the city you will witness the perfect tapering Inca stonework that provided the foundations for many of Cusco’s colonial and modern buildings. The city itself is the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Inca Empire for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Take the time to acclimatise to the city's 3450-metre high altitude and explore the many Baroque churches and ancient temples that dot the city.
In the morning we’ll head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The Sacred Valley was once the epicentre of the Inca Empire, running from the ancient capital of the empire, Cusco, to the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu. This lush green valley’s agreeable climate and fertile plains provided an unusual abundance for the high Andes. Here the Incas sculpted the mountain flanks with vast contour terracing and irrigation channels.
We’ll visit the ancient ruins of Pisac, where you’ll see and learn about different aspects of Inca culture. You’ll see the impressive rows of agricultural terraces, cut into the mountainside and held in place by stone walls. This stunning setting boasts some of the finest stonework in Peru. Among the expansive ruins are a citadel, temples and a stone structure thought to have been a sundial. Lunch is in a local restaurant overlooking the valley.
In the afternoon, we’ll drive along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo. Once there, we’ll visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo, with its wonderful stonework. These large stone terraces are extremely well preserved and a must-see. This is an extraordinary Inca setting, where besides the ruins you may also see an amazing rock formation said to be representing the Inca god Wiracocha.
You’ll then be taken to your hotel in Ollantaytambo to spend the night.
Make your way this morning to the train station, just a few steps away from your hotel, to board the fabled tourist train towards Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes). It’s a modern little town close to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The train ride to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful journeys you can experience in Peru. It’s an almost two-hour journey that passes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then descends gradually along the edge of the Urubamba River, before finally reaching the cloud forest. The train reaches its last stop in Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), on the foothills of Machu Picchu. From here it’s a short bus ride – about 30 minutes – up the steep, zigzagging road to the famed ancient site.
Upon arrival, we’ll enter the archaeological zone of Machu Picchu and the tour guide will show you the most important sectors of this great Inca City, such as the great Intiwatana (solar clock) and the Sun Temple, among others. Machu Picchu is divided into two sectors, the urban sector in the northern part and the agricultural sector on the south-east side.
Now the most recognisable icon of the Inca civilisation, Machu Picchu was long thought to be legendary. Then, in 1911, explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon its remains. At 2430 metres above sea level, Machu Picchu is in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing creation of the Inca Empire at the height of their reign. The stonework has to be seen up close to truly comprehend its intricate beauty. Giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments.
After the tour, we’ll return to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes) by bus before taking the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo town, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
You’ll have a free morning to relax in Cusco. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco has a long and interesting history, from the first Inca ruler through to the Spanish conquest – and now a major tourist destination. It’s the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas.
In the afternoon, you’ll discover the sights of Cusco, vivid examples of the mixture of Inca and Spanish cultures. We’ll start with the most sacred Inca building, the Temple of Qorikancha – the Inca temple of the sun.
We’ll then visit the heart of the city, the busy main square Plaza de Armas – a great place to people watch. We’ll visit the Cusco Cathedral, a fine example of colonial baroque art.
We’ll continue to the outskirts of the city and visit the Inca Ceremonial Centre of Sacsayhuaman, an enormous structure that overlooks the city of Cusco. It’s said that it took over 10,000 workers to build it over 50 years. You’ll then see another important Inca site known as Qenqo. With subterranean passages and carved stone channels in a zigzag pattern, in its inner part there is a carved stone table where it’s said the Incas mummified their dead.
After a short visit to the archaeological Inca sites of Tambomachay – a temple dedicated to the god of water – and Puca Pucará, we’ll return to the hotel.
You’ll have a free day to see Cusco at your own pace today. You’ll have the ‘Boleto Turstico’ ticket that allows entrance to different places in Cusco, so you can see the museums, churches and sites you haven’t already seen, or head back to intriguing places you’d like to see more of.
On the back of the ticket, you’ll find information about opening and closing times and some helpful telephone numbers. There’s also a map of the central parts of Cusco.
Perhaps a visit to the traditional, picturesque neighbourhood of San Blas is in order – you can reach it by taking a short but steep walk from the Plaza de Armas. Here you’ll find art studios, artisan workshops and many of the best bars and restaurants. It’s a great place to wander and soak in the atmosphere.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your South American adventure comes to an end. Later you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.
Cross the international date-line.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only Discount
A $1,200 per person reduction from the twin share price applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares.
Should you wish to purchase land only, please select this option in the booking process, under 'Departure City'.
The Land Only price does still include arrival and departure airport transfers as well as all internal flights within South America.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability. Alternatively, you may purchase 1 pre or post-night with transfers at time of booking.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
No strenuous or fast-paced walks are required to complete this itinerary. However, you must be able to walk for approximately 2 to 3 kilometres in (at times) hot and humid conditions, or muddy and slippery paths. You also need to be able to get on and off small boats in the Amazon Jungle – though assistance is always provided.
Travelling at altitude
Cusco sits at 3,399 metres above sea level where it’s common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to altitude – regardless of age, gender and fitness. It's important that you discuss this itinerary and your travel plans with your doctor beforehand. Prescription medication to prevent altitude sickness is available. If left untreated, altitude sickness can lead to serious health complications or even be fatal. While on tour, safety is paramount and it’s important that you discuss any altitude sickness symptoms with your local guide, so that appropriate medical attention can be provided. Follow this link for more helpful information on altitude sickness.
Yellow fever
According to the World Health Organisation, yellow fever is present in some destinations on this itinerary. The best prevention of mosquito bites is to simply wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved, breathable garments and to use mosquito repellent.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry and is a welcome way to show your appreciation. If you feel that your guide/s and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
The suggested tipping amounts are: USD 2-3 per person per day for local guides; USD 1-2 per person day for your driver and USD 2-4 per person per day for your tour leader. In restaurants and cafes, 10% of the bill is normally expected. Please note that this information is to be used as a guideline only and it’s based on the recommendation from our ground teams and past travellers. Tipping in local currency is the norm.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,360 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Available. If you wish to purchase triple-share please phone 1300 886 688. The third person will also be charged the twin-share price.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the intended date of return.
Australian passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Peru for the duration of this tour.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2 to 20 people
Trip Style - Partially Escorted Tour
A section of this trip runs as a group tour, where you will be joined by up to 20 guests and escorted by an expert tour leader. On other sections, a local guide will meet and greet you, coordinate your activities in town and be reachable to assist you as needed – but not with you at all times.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
There's something magical about that first glimpse of the Andes—jagged peaks piercing through clouds that seem close enough to touch. That's the allure of Peru. This South American gem has quietly climbed the ranks to become one of the continent's most compelling destinations. If you're planning your first trip to Pe...
This winter solstice festival is a cultural highlight in Peru The history of Inti Raymi An important part of Peru’s cultural heritage, Inti Raymi is celebrated throughout the former Incan Empire on 24 June. Originally a nine-day tribute to Inti, the Incan sun god, and Pachamama, the mother earth goddess, it dates bac...
From kitschy alpaca pens to hand-woven hats, souvenirs are serious business in Peru As the former capital of the Inca empire and a stronghold of Andean tradition, Peru is widely considered one of the world’s most culturally-rich nations. Visit the Sacred Valley to watch locals weave with technicolour thread or shop f...
New Zealand
United States
Canada
India
