Day 2 – Cusco: Where The Past Still Breathes

The morning sun spills over Lima as you sip your coffee, the scent of fresh bread lingering in the air. Soon, a smooth transfer takes you to the airport, where a short yet breathtaking flight whisks you into the heart of the Andes. From your window seat, jagged peaks and deep valleys unfold beneath you—landscapes that once cradled the mighty Inca Empire.

Stepping off the plane in Cusco (11,152 ft/3,399 m) is like stepping through a portal. The air is thinner, crisper, and carries the whispers of centuries-old stories. The rest of the day is yours. Adjust to the altitude with a slow stroll through the Plaza de Armas, where colonial cathedrals sit atop Inca foundations. Sip a mate de coca at a sun-drenched café, or explore San Pedro Market, a chaotic maze of exotic fruits, fresh-baked empanadas, and old Quechua women selling mysterious herbal remedies.

🔹 What’s included today? Private airport transfers in Lima and Cusco. No scheduled activities—just you, Cusco, and whatever adventure you’re ready to chase.

Day 3 – Sacred Valley: Chinchero, Maras & Ollantaytambo

Your Sacred Valley adventure begins at 8:00 AM with a private pick-up from Cusco. First, explore Chinchero, where Inca walls, a colonial church, and master weavers bring history to life.

Next, marvel at the Maras Salt Mines, a stunning network of thousands of ancient salt pools still harvested today. Then, uncover the secrets of Moray, where the Incas experimented with circular agricultural terraces to master crop production.

After a gourmet box lunch amid breathtaking scenery, visit Ollantaytambo, an Inca stronghold with towering terraces and charming cobblestone streets. By late afternoon, unwind at your Sacred Valley accommodation, soaking in the valley’s tranquility.

🔹 Includes: Private transport, guided tours, entrance fees, gourmet lunch.

Day 4 – Unveiling Machu Picchu: The Incan Enigma

The day begins before the sun fully rises. At 6:00 AM, your private transfer arrives, ready to take you through the quiet morning streets of Cusco toward Ollantaytambo train station. As you board the 7:20 AM train, the journey becomes part of the experience—lush valleys, ancient terraces, and the winding Urubamba River guide your way to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll arrive by 9:00 AM.

From here, the excitement builds. With your expert guide leading the way, you board the shuttle to Machu Picchu, where the gates to the legendary Inca citadel open at 10:00 AM. For two immersive hours, you’ll walk in the footsteps of ancient builders, standing before the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the terraces that seem to defy gravity. The air here is thinner, charged with history and mystery—a moment in time you’ll never forget.

By midday, it’s time to descend back to Aguas Calientes, where you can grab a quick Andean lunch or explore the town’s vibrant markets. At 2:30 PM, the return train departs, retracing your journey through the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, a private transfer awaits to take you back to Cusco, where the echoes of the day linger long after the adventure ends.

🔹 What’s included today? Private transfers, train tickets voyager inca rail, shuttle bus to Machu Picchu, entrance fee, Private guided tour.

Day 5 – Cusco: A Day to Wander, Savor, and Get Lost

Today is yours. No schedules, no rush—just Cusco, a city that rewards those who take their time. Wander through cobblestone streets where Spanish colonial facades sit atop ancient Inca foundations, a reminder that history here isn’t just preserved—it’s lived.

Start your morning with a slow cup of Peruvian coffee at a café tucked in the San Blas neighborhood, where local artists display their craft in tiny, bohemian workshops. Dive into Cusco’s museums, where pre-Columbian gold and Andean textiles tell stories of civilizations past. Feel the pulse of the city in San Pedro Market, a chaotic symphony of colors, flavors, and voices, where you can snack on fresh chirimoya or sip a glass of just-squeezed maracuyá juice.

If you crave something more immersive, lose yourself in the Qorikancha Temple, where Inca stonework meets colonial grandeur, or simply sit in the Plaza de Armas, watching the world go by as musicians, vendors, and locals bring the city to life. Cusco doesn’t demand to be explored—it invites you in.

🔹 What’s included today? Free day to explore at your own pace. No scheduled activities—just you, Cusco, and whatever adventure you choose.

Day 6 – Chasing the Extraordinary: Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake

Today, you call the shots. Will you conquer the otherworldly hues of Rainbow Mountain, where mineral-rich slopes paint the Andean landscape in surreal shades? Or will you venture to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, a glacier-fed gem cradled by towering snow-capped peaks?

Whichever you choose, the day begins early—4:00 AM, before the world fully wakes up. A scenic 7 to 8-hour journey through remote Andean landscapes brings you to your trailhead. Then, the adventure truly begins.

🏔 Rainbow Mountain: A 4-hour trek through high-altitude wilderness, where herds of alpacas roam, and the sky stretches endlessly above the rugged terrain. At 5,200 meters (17,060 ft), the view from the summit is nothing short of breathtaking—literally.

🌊 Humantay Lake: A 5-hour ascent through lush valleys and rugged trails, leading to one of Peru’s most stunning glacial lakes. The contrast of deep turquoise water against the snow-dusted peaks makes the climb worth every step.

By 6:00 PM, you’ll return to Cusco, exhausted but exhilarated, with memories of landscapes so wild and untamed they barely seem real. So, which adventure will you choose?

🔹 What’s included today? Group transportation, breakfast & lunch, professional guide, entrance fees.

Day 7 – Into the Wild: An Immersive Amazon Rainforest Expedition

The journey begins at sunrise, as you leave behind the streets of Puerto Maldonado and trade civilization for something far more primal. A one-hour bus ride takes you deep into the jungle’s embrace, where the road surrenders to the river. Here, you board a motorized canoe, slicing through the murky waters of the Tambopata River, the rainforest humming around you. Macaws streak across the sky, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and life itself.

Your destination? Refugio Amazonas, an eco-lodge tucked deep in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve. It’s remote, yet welcoming—a place where modern comfort meets untamed wilderness. Here, you’ll find cozy bungalows, a bar for swapping adventure stories, and even a massage center to unwind after the day’s explorations.

For a true perspective shift, climb the 34-meter canopy tower, where the jungle stretches endlessly below you. Toucans, macaws, and maybe even a harpy eagle cut through the sky, their calls echoing through the trees. As night falls, the rainforest transforms. Moths, drawn to artificial light, create a spectacle—and if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a species yet to be named, etching your mark on science through Wired Amazon’s citizen research project.

This isn’t just a visit to the Amazon—it’s a full immersion into a world untouched, alive, and waiting to be explored.

🔹 What’s included today? Bus and boat transfers, accommodation at Refugio Amazonas, guided activities, and meals.

Day 8 – Deep in the Jungle: Wildlife, Ancient Trees & Conservation

Wake up to the sounds of the Amazon coming to life—howler monkeys roaring in the distance, the flutter of unseen wings, the hum of a world untouched. Today is about immersion, about stepping deeper into the rhythm of the rainforest.

The day begins with a boat ride along the Tambopata River, its still waters reflecting the dense emerald canopy above. Your destination: a secluded jungle bluff, home to one of nature’s most mesmerizing rituals—the Parakeet Clay Lick. Here, dozens, sometimes hundreds, of vibrant green parakeets gather, fluttering in a chaotic yet mesmerizing display as they feed on the mineral-rich soil. It’s loud, wild, and utterly unforgettable.

Back at the lodge, a short trek leads you into an ancient Brazil Nut forest, where towering trees have stood for centuries. This is no ordinary walk; it’s a glimpse into the delicate balance between nature and sustainability. Watch as locals demonstrate the centuries-old tradition of Brazil Nut harvesting, a practice that has supported Amazonian communities for generations while keeping the forest intact.

As the sun sets and the jungle hums with nocturnal life, gather for an engaging talk by Wired Amazon researchers. From jaguar tracking to undiscovered species, their conservation work sheds light on the mysteries of the Tambopata National Reserve—and the efforts to protect it.

🔹 What’s included today? Accommodation, Guided boat and trekking excursions, entrance to the Parakeet Clay Lick, Brazil Nut forest experience, evening conservation lecture.

Day 9- Jungle Experience in Refugio Amazonas-Lima

Now, it’s time to journey back to the city, leaving the rainforest behind. Your path leads to the airport, where you’ll catch your national flight to your next destination, carrying with you the memories and knowledge of this remarkable jungle experience.

FAQs: 9-Day Machu Picchu  Trip from Lima and Amazon

1. What does the 9-day tour include?

This comprehensive tour includes domestic flights, accommodations in 3- or 4-star hotels, guided tours at key destinations, entry tickets to Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites, activities in the Amazon rainforest at Refugio Amazonas, most meals, and private transportation.

2. Which destinations are covered in the itinerary?

The tour includes Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and a 3-day Amazon rainforest experience at Refugio Amazonas near Puerto Maldonado.

3. What is the experience like at Refugio Amazonas?

The Refugio Amazonas offers a unique jungle experience, featuring guided activities such as wildlife spotting, canopy walks, river excursions, and visits to clay licks where macaws and parrots gather. The eco-lodge provides comfortable accommodations in harmony with the surrounding rainforest.

4. What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Amazon?

At Refugio Amazonas, you may encounter a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, macaws, toucans, caimans, and possibly giant river otters. The guided excursions are designed to maximize your chances of wildlife sightings.

5. What level of physical activity is required?

The tour involves moderate physical activity. This includes walking at archaeological sites, optional hikes (like Waynapicchu), and guided rainforest treks. Basic fitness is recommended, but the pace can be adjusted.

6. What should I pack for the Amazon portion of the tour?

For the Amazon, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, a hat, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and binoculars. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket and quick-dry clothing for possible rain.

7. Are international flights included?

International flights are not included. The tour starts with your arrival in Lima and includes all domestic flights within Peru.

8. Can I customize the itinerary?

Yes! Customizations are available, such as extending your stay in the Amazon, upgrading accommodations, or adding additional activities. Contact us for personalized options.

9. What kind of meals are included?

The tour includes daily breakfast, some lunches and dinners, and full board (meals) during your stay at Refugio Amazonas. Meals are often prepared with local, fresh ingredients.

10. Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, this tour is family-friendly. Both the Machu Picchu and Amazon segments offer engaging experiences for children, though younger travelers should be prepared for the jungle environment and some walking.

11. How do I book this tour?

Booking is simple! Visit the 9-Day Machu Picchu and Amazon Trip from Lima page, select your preferred start date, and complete the booking process. Our team is here to help with any questions or special requests.