Upgraded - Discover Peru + the Amazon

18 days
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Small Group Tour
Peru is famous as the heartland of the ancient Incas, and you'll discover it all on this journey from coastal Lima to the Amazon, through the stunningly expansive Lake Titicaca and the mountains of the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu is a spectacular climax, but along the way you'll find a treasure trove of ornate Spanish architecture, an exciting foodie scene, a...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Immerse yourself in Peru's dramatic mountain scenery with our hand-picked selection of Premium hotels
    • Journey on the Titicaca Train to Cusco, with panoramic views, live music and a three-course lunch on board
    • Explore the Amazon on foot by day and by night, learning about the survival mechanisms of the rainforest

What's this trip about?

    Peru is famous as the heartland of the ancient Incas, and you'll discover it all on this journey from coastal Lima to the Amazon, through the stunningly expansive Lake Titicaca and the mountains of the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu is a spectacular climax, but along the way you'll find a treasure trove of ornate Spanish architecture, an exciting foodie scene, and the lush greens of the Amazon rainforest. Titicaca Train - Take the scenic route from Lake Titicaca to Cusco, with panoramic views, live music and a three-course lunch on board Machu Picchu - Travel on the upgraded 360 train and visit the iconic site with an expert local guide Amazon Lodge - Explore on foot by day and by night, learning about the survival mechanisms of the rainforest Upgraded Range - Immerse yourself in Peru's dramatic mountain scenery with our hand-picked selection of Premium hotels

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityLima
End CityPuerto Maldonado Airport

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Aguas Calientes
  • Arequipa
  • Bar
  • Cusco
  • Fes
  • Grand Canyon
  • Inca Trail
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Ollantaytambo
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Puerto Maldonado
  • Puno
  • Sacred Valley
  • San Cristobal
  • Sapa
  • Urubamba

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Trains & Rail

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Lima

Our trip starts today in Lima, Peru's capital, which was founded in 1535 AD by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The modern cosmopolitan city is littered with reminders of its colonial and pre-Hispanic past, particularly in the historical centre. Located on ...

Day 2 Learn the art of ceviche making, discover street art and Peruvian coffee in Barranco

We'll dive straight into Peru's award-winning culinary scene today, starting with an explosion of sights, smells and tastes at the Surquillo Market. This wonderland of foodstuffs is where your everyday Limeno does their weekly shopping; from tropical fruits such as ch...

Day 3 Fly to Arequipa; lunch at a traditional 'picanteria'; visit to Santa Catalina Convent

Leaving the big city this morning, we fly to beautiful Arequipa, at 2,380 metres / 7,808 feet above sea level. After checking into the hotel, we'll take an afternoon walking tour. Surrounded by volcanoes and mountains, the 'White City' is famed for its grand colonial ...

Day 4 Free day to explore Arequipa

Today we're at our leisure to discover more of Arequipa. The city is a charming place to explore on foot, with tree-lined plazas and ornate churches dotted throughout. You may like to take time to visit the Santuarios Andinos Museum, where the mummified body of the In...

Day 5 Drive to Chivay via the Andean altiplano

We'll take a four-hour drive north today, entering the world of the Altiplano, passing behind the volcanoes that ring Arequipa and on to Chivay. There are herds of llamas and alpacas en route, and if we're lucky we might spot the elusive vicuna. Today, we'll briefly r...

Day 6 Visit the Colca Canyon, continue to Puno

We'll have an early start this morning as we head to the Colca Canyon. A spectacular river gorge, the Colca Canyon measures twice the depth of the more famous Grand Canyon and at one time it was believed to be the deepest gorge on earth (until it was eclipsed by the d...

Day 7 Boat trip to Uros and Taquile Islands

We'll spend a full day exploring Lake Titicaca by boat today. Our first stop is the unique floating reed islands known as 'Uros', their name taken from the Uros people who have made this place their home for centuries. Their islands are made from totora, a reedlike pa...

Day 8 Journey on the Titicaca Train to Cusco

Travelling aboard the first-class Titicaca Train, we'll have an unforgettable journey today from Puno through to Cusco. The open observation car at the back provides panoramic views of the Andean scenery, where flocks of llamas or alpaca graze on the altiplano in scen...

Day 9 Visit Sacsayhuaman Fortress; walking tour in Cusco; free afternoon

This morning, we'll take an immersive walking tour through the captivating city of Cusco, kicking things off in the colossal archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, a stone fortress that's still at the core of Cusco's traditions. Winding our way along an old Incan trail,...

Day 10 Drive to the Sacred Valley; visit an experimental potato 'engineer'; discover Maras and Moray

Potatoes are on the menu today. With over 4,000 different varieties, Peru really is the home of the potato - in fact, we didn't have them in Europe until the 16th century, when the Spanish conquistadores brought them back. We'll see these indigenous vegetables brought...

Day 11 Free time in the Sacred Valley; evening visit to the community of Misminay

Today is a free day in the beautiful Sacred Valley with a wide choice of things to do. For water lovers there is the opportunity to go kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding on the Piuray Lagoon in the heart of the area's spectacular scenery. No previous experience is n...

Day 12 360 train to Aguas Calientes; visit Machu Picchu

We board the 360 train towards the mountain town of Aguas Calientes this morning. With a panoramic viewing car, we'll have spectacular views of the Rio Urubamba, flanked by high cliffs and peaks. Once a tiny village of no more than a few houses, Aguas Calientes is now...

Day 13 More time to discover Machu Picchu (optional); return to Cusco

This morning is free for you to either relax in Aguas Calientes, or to explore Machu Picchu more. There are several optional ways that you might like to choose from - each one requires an additional permit that should be pre-paid at the time of booking. The first o...

Day 14 Free day in Cusco

Today is left free to further explore the winding streets and alleyways of Cusco. There are plenty of museums, lively plazas and bustling markets to explore, and it's a relaxing place to spend a day people-watching while enjoying a coffee - or a pisco sour! For those ...

Day 15 Fly to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the Amazon Lodge by boat

We'll say goodbye to the rest of our group this morning, while those of us continuing to the Amazon will make our way to the airport for a flight to Puerto Maldonado, located in the Southern Amazon area of Peru. From the port in Puerto Maldonado, we'll travel alon...

Day 16 In the Amazon Jungle

A visit to Lake Sandoval is one of the options this morning, where you'll board a dug-out wooden cano to quietly paddle through a stream before gliding onto the lake itself. The lake is home to many species of birds, red howler monkeys, macaws and caiman among others....

Day 17 In the Amazon Jungle

One of the trips available at the Reserva Amazonica is a boat trip to Gamitana Farm and Creek, where you'll get to see how a variety of Amazonian produce is grown by local farmers, and sample some seasonal forest fruits. Walking through a dense jungle trail to the cre...

Day 18 Early morning boat to Puerto Maldonado and end trip at airport

Our Amazon adventure comes to an end today after breakfast and we'll travel back to Puerto Maldonado by motorised canoe before transferring to the airport. If you're booking your own flights, you should ensure that they depart from Puerto Maldonado no earlier than 11am.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 1 Join trip in Lima

Our trip starts today in Lima, Peru's capital, which was founded in 1535 AD by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The modern cosmopolitan city is littered with reminders of its colonial and pre-Hispanic past, particularly in the historical centre. Located on ...

Day 2 Learn the art of ceviche making, discover street art and Peruvian coffee in Barranco

We'll dive straight into Peru's award-winning culinary scene today, starting with an explosion of sights, smells and tastes at the Surquillo Market. This wonderland of foodstuffs is where your everyday Limeno does their weekly shopping; from tropical fruits such as ch...

Day 3 Fly to Arequipa; lunch at a traditional 'picanteria'; visit to Santa Catalina Convent

Leaving the big city this morning, we fly to beautiful Arequipa, at 2,380 metres / 7,808 feet above sea level. After checking into the hotel, we'll take an afternoon walking tour. Surrounded by volcanoes and mountains, the 'White City' is famed for its grand colonial ...

Day 4 Free day to explore Arequipa

Today we're at our leisure to discover more of Arequipa. The city is a charming place to explore on foot, with tree-lined plazas and ornate churches dotted throughout. You may like to take time to visit the Santuarios Andinos Museum, where the mummified body of the In...

Day 5 Drive to Chivay via the Andean altiplano

We'll take a four-hour drive north today, entering the world of the Altiplano, passing behind the volcanoes that ring Arequipa and on to Chivay. There are herds of llamas and alpacas en route, and if we're lucky we might spot the elusive vicuna. Today, we'll briefly r...

Day 6 Visit the Colca Canyon, continue to Puno

We'll have an early start this morning as we head to the Colca Canyon. A spectacular river gorge, the Colca Canyon measures twice the depth of the more famous Grand Canyon and at one time it was believed to be the deepest gorge on earth (until it was eclipsed by the d...

Day 7 Boat trip to Uros and Taquile Islands

We'll spend a full day exploring Lake Titicaca by boat today. Our first stop is the unique floating reed islands known as 'Uros', their name taken from the Uros people who have made this place their home for centuries. Their islands are made from totora, a reedlike pa...

Day 8 Travel to Cusco by bus via the Inca site Raqchi

Today we'll follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler - Manco Capac - on his way towards Cusco. During our bus journey, we'll drive up to the northern limit of the Altiplano, crossing La Raya pass (4,335 metres/14,222 feet) and descending via the Inca t...

Day 9 Visit Sacsayhuaman Fortress; walking tour in Cusco; free afternoon

This morning, we'll take an immersive walking tour through the captivating city of Cusco, kicking things off in the colossal archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, a stone fortress that's still at the core of Cusco's traditions. Winding our way along an old Incan trail,...

Day 10 Drive to the Sacred Valley; visit an experimental potato 'engineer'; discover Maras and Moray

Potatoes are on the menu today. With over 4,000 different varieties, Peru really is the home of the potato - in fact, we didn't have them in Europe until the 16th century, when the Spanish conquistadores brought them back. We'll see these indigenous vegetables brought...

Day 11 Free time in the Sacred Valley; evening visit to the community of Misminay

Today is a free day in the beautiful Sacred Valley with a wide choice of things to do. For water lovers there is the opportunity to go kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding on the Piuray Lagoon in the heart of the area's spectacular scenery. No previous experience is n...

Day 12 360 train to Aguas Calientes; visit Machu Picchu

We board the 360 train towards the mountain town of Aguas Calientes this morning. With a panoramic viewing car, we'll have spectacular views of the Rio Urubamba, flanked by high cliffs and peaks. Once a tiny village of no more than a few houses, Aguas Calientes is now...

Day 13 More time to discover Machu Picchu (optional); return to Cusco

This morning is free for you to either relax in Aguas Calientes, or to explore Machu Picchu more. There are several optional ways that you might like to choose from - each one requires an additional permit that should be pre-paid at the time of booking. The first o...

Day 14 Witness the Inti Raymi Festival celebrations

Today we visit the Inti Raymi festivities in Cusco. During the Inca Empire, this festival was the most important of four ceremonies celebrated in Cusco. This old Inca festival is held only once a year, during the Southern hemisphere winter solstice. Since 1944, a hist...

Day 15 Fly to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the Amazon Lodge by boat

We'll say goodbye to the rest of our group this morning, while those of us continuing to the Amazon will make our way to the airport for a flight to Puerto Maldonado, located in the Southern Amazon area of Peru. From the port in Puerto Maldonado, we'll travel alon...

Day 16 In the Amazon Jungle

A visit to Lake Sandoval is one of the options this morning, where you'll board a dug-out wooden cano to quietly paddle through a stream before gliding onto the lake itself. The lake is home to many species of birds, red howler monkeys, macaws and caiman among others....

Day 17 In Amazon Jungle

One of the trips available at the Reserva Amazonica is a boat trip to Gamitana Farm and Creek, where you'll get to see how a variety of Amazonian produce is grown by local farmers, and sample some seasonal forest fruits. Walking through a dense jungle trail to the cre...

Day 18 Early morning boat to Puerto Maldonado and end trip at airport

Our Amazon adventure comes to an end today after breakfast and we'll travel back to Puerto Maldonado by motorised canoe before transferring to the airport. If you're booking your own flights, you should ensure that they depart from Puerto Maldonado no earlier than 11am.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,960
Price per day$331
Last Updated: 3/12/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
19 Apr 2025
06 May 2025
$5,960
$1,240
17 May 2025
03 Jun 2025
$6,700
$1,210
11 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
$6,160
$1,240
02 Aug 2025
19 Aug 2025
$6,230
$1,210
13 Sep 2025
30 Sep 2025
$6,430
$1,210
04 Oct 2025
21 Oct 2025
$6,360
$1,210
18 Oct 2025
04 Nov 2025
$6,230
$1,210
08 Nov 2025
25 Nov 2025
$6,230
$1,210
18 Apr 2026
05 May 2026
$6,230
$1,210
16 May 2026
02 Jun 2026
$6,230
$1,210

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Boat, Minibus, Train,

Transportation & flights

Boat, Minibus, Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Peru: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
    • Breakfast : 17
    • Dinner : 4
    • Lunch : 5
  • Breakfast : 17
  • Dinner : 4
  • Lunch : 5
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
explore-DPRA

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