Note: Price based on double occupancy in a 3-star hotel (accommodation can be upgraded at an additional cost, if desired) and an unescorted tour.
Inkas and Amazon Wildlife
12D/11N
- Departure
Cusco
- when
From April to November
- Difficulty
Moderate
- type
Private
overview
This tour combines a visit to the world-famous Machu Picchu with a relaxed itinerary that includes six days in the Manu Reserve Zone. The tour service begins upon your arrival in Lima and continues until your return to Lima, including a trip to Cusco for a city sightseeing tour. You will then enjoy a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, passing through picturesque mountains and valleys, with stunning views of the Inca Sacred Valley. The journey continues into the Amazon rainforest, where you will experience various ecological zones, including the magical Cloud Forest. Wildlife activities are a key focus during this exploration of the Amazon lowlands, featuring visits to the Tapir Clay Lick and Macaw Clay Lick, as well as excursions to the oxbow lakes of Cocha Salvador and Cocha Otorongo. The tour also includes opportunities for birdwatching from specially designed towers, forest exploration walks, and night hikes, all crafted to enhance your unique experience. A summary of these diverse activities ensures an unforgettable adventure in this biodiverse region.
daily summary
Day 1
Lima City
Lima – We pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is by yourself.
Day 2
Lima – Flight to Cusco – City Tour
Lima – Cusco, You will take a flight to Cusco, which is situated at an altitude of 3,440 meters (11,290 feet) above sea level. The flight duration is approximately one hour. Upon arrival, we will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You will have a free morning to rest or acclimatize to the altitude.In the afternoon, you have the option to join a guided city tour of Cusco or explore the city on your own. Cusco is a significantly safe city, providing a comfortable environment for visitors.
Day 3
Cusco – Aguas Calientes
The journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes takes approximately four hours by train, traveling along one of the most impressive railways in the world. This route passes through intermontane valleys and the tropical Cloud Forest, leading you to Aguas Calientes, a town located near the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. The Vilcanota River, which flows nearby, is known for its strong currents. Upon arrival, we will stay overnight in a comfortable hotel. The following morning, we will take a bus to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Day 4
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu: Finally, the dream comes true. Machu Picchu, located at 2,430 meters above sea level, is situated in the tropical cloud forest region, where you can expect to see clouds, fog, or mist enveloping the Inca site. There may be times when we must wait for the weather to clear, photogenic llamas grazing nearby enhance this wonderful experience.
Later, we will carefully explore the Machupicchu Sanctuary. You will enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately two hours, and if you feel physically energized, you can climb the sacred Huayna Picchu mountain. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to the city of Cusco.
Day 5
Cusco – Rainforest Lodge
Cusco – Manu Biosphere Reserved Zone (6 days, 5 nights).Early in the morning, we will pick you up for a private bus ride that will take us from the high elevations, passing through colonial towns and into the Cloud Forest. Eventually, we will arrive at the habitat of the exotic Peruvian national bird, the Andean Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana). Here, we will explore various Amazonian birds and other wildlife, including the Golden-Headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps) and various species of hummingbirds. In the evening, we will stay at the Rainforest Lodge.
Day 6
Rainforest Lodge – Bonanza Ecological Reserve
Today, we’ll continue our adventure with a two-hour bus ride to Atalaya Port. There, we’ll board our motorized boat for a four-hour journey down the Madre de Dios River, arriving at Bonanza Lodge.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a walk to our Tapir Clay Lick, where large animals like tapirs, deer, porcupines, pacas, and more often appear at night. After dark, we’ll embark on a night walk—this is the best time to see various primates, tarantulas, snakes, and other nocturnal creatures.
Day 7
Bonanza Ecological Reserve – jaguar ecolodge (Reserve zone)
Early in the morning, we will leave Bonanza Lodge and continue downstream by boat to the Limonal Checkpoint. After registration, we will proceed by boat on the Manu River, where we may encounter various wildlife, including red howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and different bird species near the river. After lunch, we will arrive at Jaguar Ecolodge, managed by Amazon Wildlife Peru. In the afternoon, we will depart from our lodge to visit Cocha Otorongo, where a 20-meter observation tower reaches the rainforest canopy, offering views of the lake and opportunities to observe wildlife, such as the giant river otter and various bird species. You will also gain insights into the layered structures of the forest and learn about the interactions among them.
Day 8
jaguar ecolode – Cocha Salvador – Cocha Otorongo
After breakfast we’ll spend the morning at the lake of Cocha Salvador. Some of the time will be spent canoeing the lake on a floating platform observing ox-bow lake animal life from the water. We may encounter an Agami Heron or a Sungrebe and Brown Cappuchin Monkeys are usually feeding on fruits nearby and families of Giant Otters that live here. We may cross paths with a group of Peccaries – a species of wild boar found here. A late afternoon enjoy the sun sets. Night at Jaguar Ecolodge.
Day 9
jaguar ecolodge – Bonanza Ecological Reserve
On this day, we will embark on a four-hour trip down the river to Boca Manu. The river journey may present surprises, and we will remain vigilant for any wildlife along the beaches. From Limonal Check Point, we will travel upstream on the Madre de Dios River for three hours to the comfortable Bonanza Lodge. The afternoon will be reserved for relaxation or, if you prefer, for exploring a trail through forest to a lookout point on a cliff overlooking the evergreen forest. Here, you can observe the roosting flights of parrots and macaws as the sun sets. Overnight accommodation will be at Bonanza Lodge.
Day 10
Bonanza Ecological Reserve - Cusco
We will depart from Bonanza Lodge by boat early in the morning, heading to Port Atalaya. From there, we will take a van to Cusco, passing through the Cloud Forest and the Andes Mountains, and arriving in Cusco in the early evening.
Day 11
Free day in Cusco
Cusco – Free Day in Cusco
You can explore the city of Cusco, visiting its museums, cathedrals, and Inca sites. Alternatively, consider the Sacred Valley Tour, which includes Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray, and Salineras, or choose any other destination of your preference. Enjoy the local cuisine, shop, or simply relax. You can also walk through the Main Square and visit local markets.
Day 12
Cusco – Flight to Lima
Cusco – Lima
A flight from Cusco to Lima takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes. Depending on your schedule, you can connect to your international flight or continue with another planned trip.
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Cusco, is recognized as the Historic Capital of Peru.
2. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
3. The Amazon Rainforest is considered a natural wonder, often referred to as the “World’s Lungs.” The jungle in Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, and visiting it offers an unforgettable experience.
Tour Includes:
- All hostal accommodation (lodges in the jungle trip)
- Pick-ups from airports/bus stations to hotels and vice versa
- Breakfast is included in all accommodation (lunch and dinner are included only where stated)
- 2 flights: Lima – Cusco, Cusco – Lima
- City Tour and Tourist Ticket in Cusco
- Machupicchu Trip. Includes entrance fee to Machupicchu, return train journey, hostal (one night in Aguas Calientes) breakfast and tour Guide.
- Manu Jungle Trip to Manu. Transport, food, accommodation in lodges and Guide, entrance fees to the Manu NP.
What you need to take:
- Warm and waterproof jackets, gloves and hats.
- Torch for the Jungle Trip
- Insect repellent 40% deet etc.
- Binoculars
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)