Southern Amazon Rainforest Tours

About This Trip

Most Peru trips end at Machu Picchu. This 10-day private trip adds the Amazon: you see Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and the Inca citadel, then fly to Puerto Maldonado and take a boat to a lodge in the rainforest of the Tambopata region.

You will walk Cusco's Inca walls, take the train to Machu Picchu and spend two days in the jungle, paddling an oxbow lake, climbing a canopy tower and watching for macaws at a clay lick. It is a tailor-made trip with a private guide and driver, and suits travelers who want one country's two biggest contrasts, highlands and rainforest, without a long itinerary.

Summary

DAY

PLACE

HIGHLIGHTS

1 - 2

Lima

Arrival, historic center, Miraflores

3

Cusco

Flight, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman, Cusco cathedral

4

Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

Pisac market, Ollantaytambo, train

5

Machu Picchu and Cusco

Guided citadel visit, return train

6 - 8

Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata

Boat to lodge, oxbow lake, canopy tower, clay lick, Brazil nut forest

9

Puerto Maldonado to Lima

Flight, free afternoon

10

Lima

Departure

Itinerary

Arrive in Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru, where your private guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in Miraflores. Take time to relax after your flight or wander through Lima’s colorful streets.

For culinary enthusiasts, enhance your first day with a Lima Culinary Tour, sampling iconic Peruvian dishes such as ceviche, anticuchos, and pisco cocktails. Explore the Barranco district, Lima’s bohemian neighborhood filled with street art, cafes, and artisan shops. This day sets the tone for an immersive Peru adventure combining history, culture, and gastronomy.

Highlights: Arrival, Miraflores, Barranco district, Lima culinary experience

  • Lima

Today, enjoy a full guided tour of Lima’s historical and modern highlights. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Historic Center, including Plaza Mayor, the Presidential Palace, and the Basilica & Convent of San Francisco with its famed catacombs. Explore Huaca Huallamarca, an ancient adobe pyramid that showcases Peru’s pre-Hispanic culture, and finish at Miraflores’ scenic coastline, including the Park of Love and Larcomar shopping area overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking to combine culture, history, and modern urban vibes in one seamless experience. Learn about Lima’s rich heritage from pre-Hispanic times to the colonial era and modern developments, making it a perfect introduction to your Peru adventure.

Highlights: Plaza Mayor, Basilica of San Francisco, Huaca Huallamarca, Miraflores, Park of Love

  • B
  • Lima

Fly to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. After hotel check-in and altitude acclimatization, your expert guide will lead you through the city’s historical gems. Visit Qoricancha (Golden Temple), once the richest Inca temple, now a Dominican monastery that blends Inca and colonial architecture. Explore the Cusco Cathedral, home to the Cusquena School of Art, and the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman, renowned for its massive stone walls and Incan engineering marvels.

This afternoon, stroll through Cusco’s vibrant streets, discovering local markets, artisan workshops, and cultural landmarks. This day gives travelers a deep understanding of the Inca civilization, perfectly complementing the upcoming Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu adventures.

Highlights: Qoricancha, Cusco Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Inca history

  • B 
  • Cusco

Drive down into the Sacred Valley, which is lower and easier on the body. Visit the Pisac market and the Inca fortress town of Ollantaytambo, then take the train to Aguas Calientes for the night.

Highlights: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, scenic train

  • B , L
  • Aguas Calientes

Rise early to visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Board the shuttle from Aguas Calientes to the citadel, where your guided tour includes the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana Stone, and agricultural terraces. Capture stunning panoramic views while learning the history, culture, and spiritual significance of the Inca civilization.

After the guided tour, enjoy free time to explore independently, take photographs, or hike to the Sun Gate. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the train back to Poroy Station in Cusco. This day offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and nature, making it a highlight of your Southern Amazon rainforest tour.

Highlights: Machu Picchu guided tour, Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana Stone, Inca terraces

  • B
  • Cusco

Fly to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Southern Amazon rainforest. Visit the Butterfly House to observe tropical species before a 45-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to your jungle lodge. After lunch, embark on your first Amazon rainforest excursion, guided by experts who will introduce you to the region’s flora, fauna, and unique ecosystems.

This day marks the beginning of an immersive jungle adventure, where travelers witness exotic wildlife and explore the wonders of the Southern Amazon rainforest.

Highlights: Puerto Maldonado, Butterfly House, Madre de Dios River, first Amazon rainforest excursion

  • B , L , D
  • Puerto Maldonado

Paddle an oxbow lake in the morning, where giant river otters, caimans and birds are possible. Climb the canopy tower to look over the treetops, and learn from your guide how local communities use medicinal plants.

Highlights: Oxbow lake, canopy tower, plant walk

  • B , L , D
  • Puerto Maldonado

Rise before dawn for the clay lick, where parrots and macaws gather to eat the mineral-rich clay. Sightings depend on weather, and rain can keep the birds away. Spend the afternoon in a Brazil nut forest to learn how the harvest works.

Highlights: Parrot Clay Lick, Brazil Nut Forest, Mammal Clay Lick, jungle wildlife, nocturnal rainforest walk

  • B , L , D
  • Puerto Maldonado

Fly back to Lima and transfer to your hotel in Miraflores. Enjoy a free day to explore local attractions, indulge in gourmet Peruvian cuisine, or shop for souvenirs. This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your Southern Amazon rainforest tours while enjoying Lima’s vibrant urban culture.

Highlights: Leisure day in Lima, Miraflores exploration, gourmet Peruvian cuisine

  • B 
  • Lima

Your private driver will transfer you to Lima airport for your departure flight. Conclude your unforgettable 10-day Southern Amazon rainforest tour filled with Inca history, cultural immersion, and Amazon rainforest adventure.

Highlights: Departure, end of Southern Amazon rainforest tour

  • B
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