Amazon Inca Trail Titicaca Arequipa

The following morning, you will be driven to Lima Airport for a flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon located on the opposite side of the country. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the river port.

A motorboat will then take you to your cozy and charming jungle lodge, which is designed to minimize its environmental impact. The lodge does not have electricity, but it offers hot water and mosquito nets over the beds for your comfort.

The next few days are dedicated to exploring the magnificent rainforest with a local bilingual guide. The Amazon is one of the best places in the world for spotting wildlife. It is home to thousands of animal species, countless insects, and millions of plant varieties. You might encounter remarkable creatures such as sloths, tapirs, monkeys, anacondas, caimans, toucans, macaws, and hummingbirds. Your guide will help you spot these well-camouflaged animals in their natural habitat.

Since this is a jungle environment, we recommend wearing long, light clothing and using insect repellent to protect yourself from bug bites and sunburn.

Highlights of your stay in the Amazon include visiting Monkey Island, going on night walks to search for nocturnal animals, and exploring deep into the jungle with a guide.

Today is your last day to explore the Peruvian Amazon. Early in the morning, we will leave the lodge and head to the Hucamayo clay lick to observe birds in their natural habitat. Then, we will return to the lodge for breakfast.

Then, we will take a motorboat back to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Cusco.

Upon arrival, our representative will be waiting at the airport to take you to your hotel, which is located near the city center. After you check in, it is important to rest for at least a few hours to avoid or minimize altitude sickness. Drinking coca tea can also help prevent symptoms. Be sure to stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals, and get plenty of rest.

If you feel well after resting, you may enjoy exploring the beautiful city a bit. However, you will have a full day later dedicated entirely to exploring Cusco.

If you are interested in additional activities, please contact our sales department. We will be happy to arrange an extra excursion for you in Cusco.

Today is a special day, as your activities in Cusco begin with a visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This area was considered sacred during Inca times.

After breakfast, a tourist bus will take us there. The drive from Cusco to Pisac, our first stop, takes about an hour and a half. Pisac is home to the impressive ruins of an ancient Inca city as well as a vibrant modern town. First, we will explore the Pisac Archaeological Site, then head down to the town, which is famous for its handicraft market—a wonderful place to buy souvenirs or simply browse the colorful stalls.

Next, we will continue to Urubamba, known as the "Capital of the Valley." There, we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring traditional Andean dishes.

In the afternoon, we will visit Ollantaytambo, where Inca architecture is still evident throughout the town. Once an important fortress, Ollantaytambo still has impressive stone terraces and towers. The town is crisscrossed with ancient water channels and offers stunning views of the Urubamba River.

Tonight, we will stay in a comfortable hotel in Ollantaytambo, which will allow you to fully experience this charming Incan and colonial town. You’ll have free time in the evening to explore its cobbled streets and unique atmosphere.

After an early breakfast, we take a short bus ride to Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. After a brief orientation, we begin our trek along this legendary trail, which was once used by the Incas themselves.

Over the next four days, we will pass several important archaeological sites, including Llactapata, Runkurakay, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna. The highest point of the trek is Dead Woman's Pass, which sits at an elevation of 4,200 meters. The trail winds through breathtaking landscapes, from high mountain terrain to lush subtropical forests, offering spectacular views of the Andes, valleys, and hidden lagoons.

On the final morning, we will wake up very early and hike for about three hours to reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), arriving in time, weather permitting, to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. From there, we will continue to the Guardian’s House, which is one of the best vantage points for panoramic photos of the Inca citadel. Then, we descend to the main control gate of Machu Picchu. There, you will have a chance to use the restroom, leave your daypack in storage, and enjoy a coffee before re-entering the site.

Entry to Machu Picchu is organized by circuits. If you reserve your spot in advance, our booking team will secure you a spot in Circuit 2, which is the most complete route and allows for a 2.5-hour guided tour of the most important sectors of the citadel. If Circuit 2 is unavailable, we recommend Circuit 3, which focuses on the lower section of the citadel and still offers excellent photo opportunities and exploration. The guided tour on this route lasts about two hours.

For an added adventure, you can climb Huayna Picchu for an additional cost. This steep but rewarding hike offers unique views of Machu Picchu from above and is a memorable way to enhance your visit.

In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Our driver will be waiting there to take you to Cusco. You will then be dropped off at your hotel to rest.

Today is a free day to relax and enjoy the city at your own pace. You can rest after the Inca Trail or explore the city's many attractions.

The Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s main square, is a picturesque spot surrounded by colonial churches. Another highlight is the Coricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. It was once the most important religious temple of the Inca Empire and was built by the ninth Inca, Pachacutec, also known as Tupac Inca Yupanqui. After the Spanish conquest, the temple was largely destroyed, and the Convent of Santo Domingo was built on its foundations. Today, visitors can admire the fusion of Inca and colonial architecture.

A short uphill walk from the Plaza de Armas will bring you to the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, where you can enjoy panoramic city views and see resident alpacas.

Outdoor enthusiasts looking for more adventure outside the city can enjoy bungee jumping, white-water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, visiting Rainbow Mountain, or horseback riding. If you prefer a slower pace, Cusco has many fascinating museums, charming streets, and cozy cafés.

After completing the Inca Trail, many travelers enjoy relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere of this beautiful city.

If you would like to book an additional activity, please contact our sales department. We will be happy to arrange an excursion for you.

After breakfast, take the bus to the station. Today, take the tourist bus from Cusco to Puno. The bus tour includes a professional tour guide who will accompany you throughout the trip and a buffet lunch at La Raya, the border between Cusco and Puno along the Sun Route.

There are several important sites along this route. The first is Pikillaqta, an ancient city and monument of the pre-Incan Wari culture, which is now a national archaeological park. Next, visit the famous San Pedro Church in Andahuaylillas, often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Built in the typical style of colonial small-town churches, it is filled with beautiful, intricate paintings. After that, we will visit the Temple of Wiracocha, which is dedicated to the Incan creator god.

Next, we stop at La Raya, the border between the Cusco and Puno regions, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes. Before reaching Puno, we stop in the village of Pucará to visit the Lithic Museum, which displays pre-Incan artifacts.

Upon arrival in Puno, a transfer will be waiting at the bus station to take you to your hotel, which is located near the city center. In the evening, you can explore the city on your own. Puno's altitude is 3,827 m (12,555 ft), and nights are cold, so we recommend bringing a warm jacket.

After breakfast, we take a short drive from our hotel in Puno to the Lake Titicaca port. There, we board a comfortable motorboat that takes us out onto the highest navigable lake in the world — a vast body of sparkling blue water. After about three hours, we reach the Uros Islands, which are built entirely from the lake’s totora reeds. The islands were originally created as a defensive tactic against rival tribes. As the layers of reeds rot, they must continually be replaced. The houses and boats are also made from these reeds. Today, around 300 families live on the islands and maintain a rich culture, although their original language has disappeared.

We then cross Lake Titicaca to Amantani Island, where local families dressed in traditional clothing welcome visitors. Our guide will introduce you to your host family, with whom you will share cultural traditions and daily life. After meeting your hosts, you will walk to their rustic home for a homestay experience. Lunch will be prepared using local ingredients, such as quinoa and potatoes.

In the afternoon, hike up to the Temple of Pachamama or Pachapapa, located at the island's highest point, to enjoy a breathtaking sunset over Lake Titicaca. Later, you will return to your homestay for dinner. In the evening, you will be invited to a lively community gathering where the locals play traditional Andean instruments and dance, sharing their music and hospitality. After the celebration, you will return to your host family’s home for the night.

The next morning, after enjoying a traditional breakfast with your host family, you will board the motorboat once again and continue to Taquile Island. This island is famous for its exquisite handwoven clothing and textiles, which are recognized by UNESCO for their cultural significance. There, we will visit the island’s market, where you can admire or purchase these unique handicrafts and enjoy a demonstration of traditional dances.

In the afternoon, we return to Puno, where you will spend the night in a hotel.

After breakfast at your Puno hotel, a representative will pick you up and take you to the bus station. There, you will board a sightseeing bus bound for the Colca Canyon.

The journey is long, but the landscapes of the Peruvian highlands make it unforgettable. Along the way, we will stop at several viewpoints where you can admire native wildlife, such as llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, in their natural habitat. You will also enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

After about four and a half hours, you will arrive at the spectacular Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. It is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States and the second deepest canyon in Peru. The canyon is renowned for its dramatic scenery, unique flora, and excellent opportunities for short hikes. It is also one of the best places to spot the majestic Andean condor, which has a wingspan of over 10 feet and a lifespan similar to that of a human.

Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel in the Colca Valley. In the afternoon, you may choose to relax at the nearby hot springs (optional).

We set out early to visit Cruz del Cóndor, a famous overlook in Colca Canyon. It's the perfect place to see Andean condors up close and enjoy stunning views of the canyon's depths. After a short hike back to the road, we took a tourist bus to Arequipa, stopping along the way to visit Aguada Blanca National Park, where we spotted a variety of native animals. When we arrive at your hotel in Arequipa, you can go out for dinner—potentially one of your last Peruvian meals!

This is the last day of the trip. You can either fly out of the airport or continue traveling through Peru by land.

If you wish to extend your journey, we recommend visiting Nazca and Paracas since they are located along the route back to Lima. Alternatively, if you would like to explore the Atacama Desert in Chile, you can continue south to Tacna, Peru, and cross the border into Chile.

We can assist with reservations and provide transportation to the airport for those arranging a flight back to Lima or abroad.

If you decide to extend your stay in Arequipa, you'll find plenty to enjoy: beautiful parks, impressive cathedrals, a golf club, and many other fascinating attractions in and around the city.

• Welcome by our representative upon arrival.
• All airport transfers (to/from).
• Domestic flights: Lima – Puerto Maldonado - Cusco.
• Accommodation: 3* hotels (9 nights), campsites (3 nights), a lodge in Amazon Jungle (2 night), a homestay on Amantani Island (1 night).
• All entrance fees as per the itinerary.
• Professional bilingual tour guides according to the itinerary.
• Meals: 13x breakfasts, 9x lunches, 5x dinners, 3x snack and 3 afternoon hot beverages during the Inca Trail ( vegetarian, vegan, or special diet is available at NO extra cost!).
• Super porters on the Inca Trail to carry food, camping and cooking equipment, and up to 7 kg of each passenger’s belongings during the Inca Trail.
• A trekking cook for the Inca Trail.
• Camping equipment for the Inca Trail: personal double tents.
• Cooking tent with full cooking equipment for the Inca Trail.
• A sleeping bag (up to -5°C) with inner sheet for the Inca Trail.
• Inflatable Therm-a-Rest mattress with cover.
• A pair of hiking poles.
• Duffel bag for personal belongings.
• Rain poncho.
• A Machu Picchu T-shirt.
• Inca Trail equipment: tables, chairs, dining tent, and toilet tent.
• 2 sightseeing tourist bus: Cusco – Puno / Puno - Colca Canyon.
• Tourist van transportation during tours and local transfers.
• Shuttle bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes.
• Tourist train from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo.
• Motorboat transportation during Amazon Jungle and Lake Titicaca tours.
• Radio communication (walkie-talkies) on the Inca Trail to stay connected with the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP.

During the Inca Trail, our staff will also provide:

• Biodegradable soap.
• Hot water for personal hygiene every morning (provided by our cook).
• Small towels for handwashing.
• Bottled water at night (to place inside your sleeping bag if it gets cold).
• Personal toilet paper.

Responsible Travel

When you book an Inca Trail tour with Machu Picchut, you support social projects for porter families and reforestation efforts in Andean communities. Learn more on our Responsible People page.

• Pre- and post-tour accommodations.
• International flights and airport departure taxes.
• Local flights from Arequipa to Lima.
• Travel insurance.
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Tips and baggage portage for local staff. Please note that tipping is customary in Peru but not obligatory.
• Other extras not specified.

Meal budget: Please allow USD 200–250 for meals not included in the itinerary.

Solo Traveler: If you booked the "Solo Traveler" option for this tour, you will have your own single room for all overnight stays and a single tent for the Inca Trail.

Local Flights: All domestic flights are included in the cost of your tour of Peru, except for the final flight. It is very important that we have your passport details at the time of booking in order to process all air tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to each flight's departure.

All Machu PicchuT adventure group tours are accompanied by a Machu PicchuT tour guide, a representative. The aim of our tour guides is to take a hassle out of our customers’ trips and to help them to have the best trip possible. The tour guides provide information on each place visited, offer suggestions of what to see and to do, and can recommend a good place to eat. The guides have a broad general knowledge of each location visited during a tour, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local tour guides where we think that more specific knowledge could add more enjoyment to visited places.

The following are the hotels that will be used during the trip to Peru:

Lima:

Hotel Ferre Miraflores

Address: Ca. Diego Ferré 235, Miraflores 15074, Peru
Phone: +51 924 594 335

Cusco:

Hotel Illa San Blas

Address: C. Carmen Alto 166, Cusco 08003, Peru
Phone: +51 920 005 100

Ollantaytambo:

Hotel Posada Julieta

Address: Av Ferrocarril , Ollantaytambo

Phone: +51 929 955 794

Puno:

Conde De Lemos Hotel

Address: C. Bolivar 201, Arequipa 04001, Peru
Phone: +51 54 231337

Colca Canyon:

Casa Andina Standard Colca

Address: Huayna Capac s/n, Chivay, Peru
Phone: +51 54 531020

Arequipa

Conde De Lemos Hotel
Address: C. Bolivar 201, Arequipa
Phone: +51 54 231337

During this trip, you will be in a variety of different climates. Lima is generally warm, but Cusco and the Inca Trail are at a much higher altitude and therefore much cooler, even getting down to freezing at night during the dry season. The rainforest is hot, humid, and buggy, Puno is one of the coldest cities in Peru. So, the goal is to be prepared for all kinds of weather and temperatures and still pack as light as possible to make it easier to carry all your luggage. Here is a suggested packing list for this trip.

• Original Passport and copies
• Travel insurance and copies
• Flight tickets
• Cash in USD or credit cards
• Our service voucher (sent by us to you)
• Entry visa and a proof of vaccination (if applicable)
• Day pack (to carry your personal items during daily travels)
• Rain gear (a raincoat and waterproof trousers or a rain poncho - these can be purchased in Cusco)
• Hiking boots – waterproof if possible
• Sandals (for greater comfort while at a campsite)
• Warm layers, such as a jacket or sweater (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights while camping)
• Hat and/or a cap, for warmth as well as protection from sun and rain
• Sunscreen
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent– recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria has been reported during this trip!)
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions)
• Solar-charging flashlight/headlamp or flashlight/headlamp with extra batteries
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper
• Small towel and toiletries,
• Underwear and warm socks
• Hiking pants, convertible if possible
• T-shirts, long pants, shorts, long-sleeved shirts
• Swimsuit
• Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle.
  Important: plastic bottles are not allowed on the Classic Inca Trail! Please bring a metallic bottle or Nalgene
• Optional: Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
  Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu.
• Optional: walking sticks (please note: rubber covers are required for the Inca Trail!!); you can also rent it from us,
• Please note: we provide with filtered boiled water during the entire Inca Trail, but if you like to use water from streams along the trail, you need to take some water-purifying tablets with you. 

Due to high popularity and recently implemented government regulations, the Inca Trail can be fully booked many months in advance. Since this trip includes the Inca Trail, it is important to book early in order to ensure a spot on the trail. Check our calendar of Inca Trail availability. During peak dry season, the Inca Trail can sell out up to 4 months in advance. If there are no spots left for when you want to do this trip, there are a variety of similar trips available without the Inca Trail, many of which still include a trip to Machu Picchu.