Absolute Peru: Amazon Jungle & Machu Picchu by Train - 21 Days



Who is this trip for
Age range
12 - 100Start / End
- Lima
- Lima
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 16Meals included
28Highlights
- Explore the ancient salt pans of Maras and the terraced ruins of Moray
- Experience the magic of Machu Picchu alongside a local expert
- Spot wildlife from the intimate G Lodge Amazon deep in the jungle
- Watch condors soar over the dramatic landscapes of Colca Canyon
- Immerse yourself in local traditions with a homestay on Lake Titicaca
- Marvel at the mysterious Nazca Lines from above
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Summary
With a perfect balance of guided adventures and free time, this trip lets you soak up Peru’s diversity at your own pace. Glide through the Amazon’s lush canopy from the comfort of our exclusive G Lodge, then shift gears to marvel at Peru’s dramatic landscapes and rich history. Trace the paths of the Incas with a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu, explore vibrant markets, and take an optional flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines.
Itinerary
Day 1
Lima
Arrive at any time.
Day 2
Lima/Paracas
Take the morning to explore more of Lima before journeying down the coast to Paracas. Walk the town’s lively peatonal (pedestrian avenue) and find a café to sample some Peruvian food, such as ceviche or papa a la huancaina (potatoes with a chili cheese sauce).
Try your first Pisco sour while staying in Pisco's neighbour of Paracas.
Day 3
Paracas/Nazca
There is time in the morning for an optional excursion to the popular Ballestas Islands, an excellent chance to view a lively sea lion colony, pelicans, penguins, and other varieties of birdlife. Pre-book by adding the Ballestas Islands Wildlife Tour on the checkout page or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Back on land, catch a bus south to Nazca. On the way, pass by the pleasant colonial town of Ica.
Ica enjoys a dry, sunny climate year-round and is known for its huge sand dunes. Located around the nearby oasis of Huacachina, the dunes are perfect subjects for photography and for a favourite local past time: sandboarding. Apart from the dunes, Ica is famous for its wines and there are several wineries and distilleries in the area.
Day 4
Nazca/Arequipa
Travel south to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. The lines consist of patterns and pictures etched in the ground, crisscrossing a wide area of flat desert. From the ground, we can make out very little, and the best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged.
Opt to pre-book your Flight over Nazca Lines on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Remains of the Nazca culture are still visible during our included tour of the ancient Pre-Inca desert cemetery site of Chauchilla, with 2000-year-old mummies, bones, and pottery on the desert floor. The tour also includes a visit to an artisan’s workshop, where modern masters create Nazca style pottery.
Later, board a night bus to Arequipa.
Day 5
Arequipa
Explore Arequipa, the 'white city'. Interested in history and architecture? Opt to visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a bygone way of life. Pre-book by adding the Arequipa City Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery on the checkout page or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
For those spicy food lovers, checking out one of the “Picanterías” is a must. Arequipa holds a variety of regional food— alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces waiting for you to dig in.
Day 6
Arequipa/Colca Canyon
Travel a rough, rutted road through the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Along the way there are chances to see vicunas, alpacas and llamas. Stop at Mirador de Patapampa lookout, the highest point on the tour at 4,910m with views of nearby volcanoes.
Day 7
Colca Canyon/Puno
Climb over the mountains today, descending at Puno, which is on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Titicaca is also the largest lake in the world above 2000m, and the views from its Islands are stunning.
Day 8
Puno/Lake Titicaca
Head out by boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit the community on the Taquile Islands and opt to have lunch in a local restaurant with spectacular views.
After, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake. This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and to participate in local traditions.
Day 9
Lake Titicaca/Puno
Leave the homestay families late morning and visit the Uros Islands on the way back to Puno. A popular optional activity in Puno is to visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site only a short drive away.
Opt to get out on the water today and pre-book the Lake Titicaca Kayaking on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Day 10
Puno/Cusco
The trip from Puno to Cusco takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery en route as you travel through the high Altiplano region. Check out a bit of Cusco, find a spot for dinner, or get prepared to head into the Sacred Valley.
Day 11
Cusco
Pre-book the Rainbow Mountain excursion or the Cooking Class on the checkout page to include these optional activity on your tour, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Day 12
Cusco
Fill up on breakfast at your hotel in Cusco before walking to the Cusco Cathedral where your guide will meet the group for your walking tour of Cusco's colonial side. See the colonial and Inca architecture visible throughout the city and visit the Sapantiana staircase waterfall aqueduct before having lunch near the main plaza. Afterwards, walk back to the hotel and enjoy free time for the rest of the evening.
Day 13
Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a the tour operator-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.
Have lunch at the the tour operator-supported Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn about the the tour operator for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.
Day 14
Ollantaytambo
Enjoy the Sacred Valley with your G representative today. Explore the sites of the Maras Salt Mines and the ancient Incan agricultural terraces of Moray. Continue on a scenic drive through small villages and stunning views of the Andean countryside. Then visit the Chincheros ruins. Known to the Incas as the birthplace of the rainbow, this site offers stunning views of the Andean countryside. Return to Ollantaytambo for the evening.
Day 15
Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes
After breakfast visit the Ollantaytambo ruins where you'll walk up the 200 stone steps to reach the top. Then, catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. After enjoying a quick orientation walk around the town of Aguas Calientes the group will have free time for optional activities. Opt to visit the Machu Picchu Museum, the Mandor Waterfalls, and the butterfly garden. Or consider taking a dip in some thermal baths to relax those muscles.
Day 16
Machu Picchu/Cusco
Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit to the ruins, then head back down by bus to Aguas Calientes to meet up with the rest of the group. Take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo to meet the van for the ride back to Cusco.
Day 17
Cusco
Enjoy a free day to explore Cusco or relax. Opt to go mountain biking or get a massage.
Day 18
Cusco/Tambopata
Fly to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the lowlands of the Amazon Jungle.
After a brief stop in town to store large luggage, drive to the pier and travel by covered motorized boat to the jungle lodge. En route, see birds typical of the river or forest edge. The Tambopata Rainforest Area holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area.
Local community members make up the majority of the lodge staff, including multilingual naturalist guides. Here you have the opportunity to learn from them not only about the area’s rich flora and fauna, but also about their extensive practical uses for medicinal plants and other forest plant resources, through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting.
Day 19
Tambopata
Head out early to catch the jungle at its wildest (and coolest). Walk slowly through the forest searching for wildlife before heading out on an oxbow lake by canoe. Search for anaconda, the elusive giant river otter or black caiman. Even if you don't spot these shy creatures, there are plenty of other birds, interesting plants and other animals to discover.
Day 20
Tambopata/Lima
Have a final delicious Amazonian breakfast before heading back towards the airport by motorized boat and van. Fly to Lima and opt for a final night out for dinner or Pisco Sours.
Day 21
Lima
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (16 nts), G Lodge Amazon (2 nts), overnight bus (1 nt), homestay (1 nt).
Meals
Breakfasts: 19, Lunches: 6, Dinners: 3
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
from £2,469Sep 25
from £2,876Oct 25
from £2,876Nov 25
from £2,728Dec 25
from £2,728Jan 26
from £3,184Feb 26
from £3,184Mar 26
from £3,409Apr 26
from £3,596May 26
from £3,596Jun 26
from £3,409Jul 26
from £3,409Aug 26
from £3,409Sep 26
from £3,596Oct 26
from £3,596Nov 26
from £3,409Dec 26
from £3,409
- Save 26%Sat 9 Aug 2025 > Fri 29 Aug 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 left£3,359Best offer£2,469
- Save 26%Sat 16 Aug 2025 > Fri 5 Sep 2025Guaranteed Departure4 spaces of 16 left£3,359Best offer£2,469
- Save 2%Sat 23 Aug 2025 > Fri 12 Sep 2025Guaranteed Departure£3,359£3,292
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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