Inca Trail and Amazon Adventure

Duration 14 days
Price guide
From
  PP
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Mountain pass Machu Picchu Peru
Amazon rainforest in Peru
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Created with the more adventurous traveller in mind, this trip is about experiencing the great outdoors and adventure activities of Peru from seeking out the tropical wildlife of the Amazon Rainforest to rafting in the Sacred Valley and trekking up through the cloud forests of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Trip highlights

  • Discover the Pisac Market on a culinary tour of Lima
  • Learn about the amazing wildlife of the Amazon with your naturalist guide
  • Go rafting along the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley
  • Follow in the footsteps of the Incas on your trek to Machu Picchu
  • See beautiful churches, Inca walls, grand central plazas and fabulous markets in Cusco
  • Enjoy a hands-on cooking class and Pisco tasting

Bespoke trips with Jacada

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Privately guided tours
  • Private transfers
  • Meticulously selected experiences
  • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
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  • Days 1–2 Lima
  • Days 2–5 Southern Peruvian Amazon
  • Days 5–8 The Sacred Valley
  • Days 8–11 The Inca Trail
  • Days 11–12 Machu Picchu
  • Days 12–14 Cusco
Inca Trail and Amazon Adventure
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1–2 Lima
  • Days 2–5 Southern Peruvian Amazon
  • Days 5–8 The Sacred Valley
  • Days 8–11 The Inca Trail
  • Days 11–12 Machu Picchu
  • Days 12–14 Cusco

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–2

Overnight in Lima

Enjoy the Capital of Peru, known for its excellent cuisine and good museums, as well as the historic down-town areas. Your Travel Designer can arrange a tour for you should you wish and you’ll have all of our recommendations at hand for the best things to see and do in the city to make the very most of your stay.

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Days 2–5

Into the Amazon

The last great natural wilderness, the Amazon is a truly awesome location that needs to be experienced to be fully understood. Peru‘s Amazon region, called Madre de Dios, is located in the southeastern part of the country just north of Lake Titicaca and is home to the pristine Tambopata National Reserve.

Make it mine

Jungle lake

On water and land

Lake Valencia tour at Reserva Amazonica

Take a two-hour boat ride downriver to the scintillating Valencia oxbow lake. Fishing in the lake is perfectly complemented by sightings of varied wildlife and birds, including ospreys, herons, huge flocks of flying macaws, and the king vulture. For lunch savour the fish you caught in the lake, served alongside other local food. Walk one hour in the primary forest and Brazilian nut fields on your way around the rainforest.

Explore the forests and waterways

Depending on which lodge you choose, there will be a wide variety of activities to fill your days with. Head out to explore the flooded forests, waterways, rivers and nature trails through the national reserve encountering all the abundant wildlife and birdlife in between.

Days 5–8

Scenic Sacred Valley

Spend your days relaxing and exploring the incredible scenery of the Sacred Valley. North west of Cusco, it is one of the most beautiful and historically important parts of Peru. The Valley was one of the bases of Inca civilization and several of their finest works were built in this region making it a fantastic place to take in the ancient culture of Peru. The valley is also home to many indigenous people living the same way they have been for centuries and it’s possible to visit local markets and communities.

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Make it mine

Salt terraces

Soaring views

River adventure

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Maras and Moray excursion

One of the highlights of your stay in this area is bound to be an excursion to the Maras salt terraces and the Moray Inca terraces for some soft hiking in these spectacular landscapes.

Via Ferrata climbing and zip lining in the Sacred Valley

Head to a 300-metre rock face in Pachar, and with safety equipment and instructors you’ll begin the climb that will give you fantastic views over the valley and spectacular mountain scenery. Once at the top, you’ll rappel back down and enjoy a picnic lunch with fantastic panoramas in front of you.

Rafting on the Urubamba River

A great expedition for those looking to combine the wild beauty of the Sacred Valley with a bit of adventure and thrill. After a safety talk and a brief period of practising on the flatter parts of the Urubamba river, your rafting experience, led by trained professionals, will begin.

Days 8–11

Follow the Inca Trail

You’ll spend the next four days trekking over Peru’s unforgettable Andean landscapes to one of the greatest mysteries of the Inca Empire, the Sacred City of Machu Picchu. Not only will the scenery move you but your personal guides will fill you in on the incredible history, legends and beliefs of the Incas perpetuated still today by the local Quechuan communities which you will also happen upon. The route will involve visits to archeological sites, dramatic mountain vistas and dense cloud forests rich in Andean flora and fauna. You will reach Machu Picchu at sunrise on the fourth day.

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Along the trail

Get started

Challenging ascent

Final stretch

Piskacuchu to Wayllabamba

On your first day, you’ll be taken to Piskacuchu, the starting point of the Inca Trail. Crossing the Urubamba River, you’ll hike along its shore to the Sacred Valley and then on a flat trail to Miskay. After ascending to a viewpoint over the Inca city of Llactapata, the trek continues up the Kusichaca River valley for about five hours to reach Wayllabamba, where you’ll camp for the night. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Vilcanota ridge and Veronica peak.

Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo

Set off after breakfast on the most challenging part of the trek which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for about 9 km, and along this climb you will see the landscape change from sierra to puna. This will take you to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca where you’ll see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu. Finally descend into the Pacaymayo valley where camp will be set up for the evening.

Pacaymayo to Machu Picchu

The final two days of the trek are the most impressive and rewarding. Climb from Pacaymayo to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay, stopping to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. Go over the pass to descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca. The climb to the third pass, Abra de Phuyupatamarca, is easier. Then trek down the long descending stone steps that lead to Wiñaywayna where you’ll camp. An early start on the final day sees you departing at 4am to reach Machu Picchu’s Intipunku or Sun Gate in time for sunrise.

Days 11–12

Explore Machu Picchu

Discover the Machu Picchu citadel by climbing up either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Both scenic sites offer incredible, sweeping views, but vary in route. Huanya Picchu is a steeper route for the confident hiker as you pass sheer drops and takes around two hours. Machu Picchu Mountain is a rewarding three-hour ascending hike taking you away from the larger crowds to enjoy the vistas.

A llama walks around the ruins of Machu Picchu

Vistadome Train from Machu Picchu to Ollanta station

Catch the afternoon Vistadome train from Machu Picchu town to Ollanta station, in a comfortable journey that takes about one hour and thirty minutes.

Days 12–14

Beautiful Cusco

Enjoy this beautiful city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Cusco, the former Inca capital, is a fascinating mix of ancient Andean culture and Spanish colonialism. In the city you’ll see beautiful churches built on top of giant Inca walls, grand central plazas, fabulous markets and cobbled streets lined with colourful textiles. Outside the city you’ll find lots historical Inca ruins to explore.

The terracotta roofs of the Cusco skyline, Peru

Make it mine

To market

Get cooking

San Pedro market tour

Begin your day with a visit to Cusco’s central market, a wonderful way to discover the Andean culture and daily life. This vibrant spot, with its dazzling displays of fresh produce and fascinating local products, could keep you entertained for hours.

Marcelo Batata hands-on cooking class

Become an honorary Peruvian chef! You’ll make two appetisers, a main course, enjoy a Pisco tasting and learn how to make a Pisco sour. You’ll also enjoy delectable bite-sized appetisers throughout the class prepared by Marcelo Batata’s restaurants.

“Jacada helped us to plan ideal gateway…‌”

Jacada helped us to plan ideal gateway to Peru and Bolivia and it was amazing. The planning was done on very professional level, with some small personal touches what made this trip memorable! Thank you Delfina, Melanie and the team!

Published 20th October 2024 on Trustpilot
Darja Smelova

Why book with Jacada

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Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

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Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

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Positive impact

We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

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