On this 12-day Jungle trip you will get to know the region around Cusco and Machu Picchu and discover the jungle of Iquitos with its fascinating nature on a cruise. This program is for people who are adventurous and want to get to know the flora and fauna of the jungle. Also for all history and culture enthusiasts who would like to learn more about Peru and its Inca culture.
📍 This tour includes sensitive destinations, therefore we request you to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
🍏 All food on this tour is prepared mostly with local ingredients.
🍃 Hotels with this mark are sustainable. We hope you will take them into account when making your reservation.
TRIP SUMMARY
Day 1: Lima
Day 2: Lima – Cusco
Day 3: Cusco: City Tour & San Pedro Market
Day 4: Sacred Valley (Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo)
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Day 6: Cooking Class
Day 7: Cusco – Lima – Iquitos
Day 8-11: La Perla Cruise – Iquitos – Lima
Day 12: Lima
The following 12-day Peru Jungle tour itinerary is completely customizable. Please contact us, and we will gladly assist you in planning your dream tour.
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through Peru Jungle, where you'll visit the breathtaking regions of Cusco and Machu Picchu, as well as the vibrant jungle of Iquitos, on an enchanting cruise. A detailed day-by-day itinerary is provided below, outlining all of the exciting experiences you can look forward to on this unforgettable jungle trip.
Day 1: Lima
Upon your arrival to the Lima Airport, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives, who will provide a brief introduction to the city and our services while driving you to your hotel in Miraflores. You will have the remainder of the day free to relax and get acquainted with the city at your own pace. Depending on your arrival time, we have plenty of suggestions for you so you can make the most of your first day in Lima.
Meals: None provided
Accommodations: (S) Tambo Hotel 🍃, (C) Dazzler 🍃 , (P) Hilton Miraflores 🍃
Day 2: Lima – Cusco
Today you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport. You will fly to Cusco where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Today you can rest a little and get used to the altitude.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (S) Yawar Inka; (C) Antigua Casona 🍃; (P) Palacio del Inka 🍃
Day 3: Cusco: City Tour & San Pedro Market
Today we will explore the amazing city of Cusco, which was the Capital of the Inca empire and one of the most historical cities in the Americas.
In the morning, you will begin your tour visiting the Fortress of Sacsayhuamán, one the most important military and ceremonial centers in Incan times. We will continue our tour strolling through the main square, where you will be able to explore the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries. Just a few blocks away, you will explore one of Cusco’s most impressive buildings, Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. As you return to the lower part of the city, you will stop off at the San Pedro Market, where you will be mesmerized by the variety of unique and traditional produce and discover new aromas and tastes of the region.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (S) Yawar Inka; (C) Antigua Casona 🍃; (P) Palacio del Inka 🍃
Day 4: Sacred Valley (Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo)
Today you will experience a guided excursion throughout the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
First, you will visit the ruins of the Andean village of Chinchero, located high-up on the windswept plains of Anta (12,342.52 feet). You will find yourself surrounded by gorgeous views overlooking the Sacred Valley and the snow-capped peak of Salkantay dominating the western horizon. This excursion combines Incan ruins with a typical Andean village, a colonial church, some wonderful mountain views, and a colorful traditional market.
En route, you will visit Salineras, the ancient salt mines, nearby the town of Marasand you will witness one of the best sites in the valley: the huge circular agricultural terraces at Moray, built by the Incas in natural sinkholes. They sit on a limestone plateau overlooking the Urubamba Valley.
In the afternoon, you will continue on to visit Ollantaytambo, an old Inca fortified village where we may observe some of the best examples of Inca architecture in the region. Surviving structures here include multiple walls and towers that were used to protect the citadel from possible invasions.
After the tour we will drop you at your hotel in the Sacred Valley where you can spend a tranquil evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (S) Sol Natura; (C) Casa Andina Premium 🍃; (P) Tambo del Inka
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco
In the morning you will take the train to Aguas Calientes. You will be picked up at the train station and taken to the bus station. From there, you will take a bus to the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” and declared a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.
You will explore the mysterious sanctuary with your guide, who will lead you through the ruins and provide archaeological and historical information at key points along the way. After about 2 hours of guided tour, you will still have time to explore the site on your own.
At the end, you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have some free time to have lunch (not included) and stroll around. In the afternoon you will board the train that will take you back to Ollantaytambo. There we will be waiting for you and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (S) Yawar Inka; (C) Antigua Casona 🍃; (P) Palacio del Inka 🍃
Day 6: Cooking Class
Today, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a gastronomical journey that takes you throughout the Peruvian coast, highlands and jungle. The different and unequivocal flavors that you will try throughout our cooking class will spoil your palate as you participate in the best culinary experience found in the city of Cusco.
Marcelo Batata Culinary Experiences will immerse you into the world of Peruvian gastronomy and is a personalized and participatory class developed in a fun and dynamic environment so that everyone can join in no matter the amount of kitchen knowledge or previous experience had.
The Steps: In just 04 hours you will engage in our six step course including topics such as the history of Peruvian gastronomy, concepts of the kitchen, tropical fruit and Andean super food tasting, Pisco tasting, Pisco Sour and Chilcano de Pisco preparation and finally the preparing and cooking of two of Peru’s most emblematic dishes: Ceviche and Lomo Saltado with Alpaca.
In addition, the chefs from the restaurants will spoil you with a variety of criolle and Novo-Andina small bite appetizers.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (S) Yawar Inka; (C) Antigua Casona 🍃; (P) Palacio del Inka 🍃
Day 7: Cusco – Iquitos
In the morning you will be picked up and brought to the Cusco airport. From there you fly first to Lima and then on to Iquitos. The evening is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodations: (S) Victoria Regia; (C) Double Tree by Hilton; (P) Double Tree by Hilton
Day 8: La Perla – Iquitos > Nauta > Marañon River >Nauta Caño
Starting at your hotel we will take a city tour of Iquitos, a colorful, dynamic city with a captivating past. In this tour you will be able to appreciate the most emblematic attractions of the city. Then, we will transfer by private vehicle to the city of Nauta, the historic river port where we will embark.
Upon arrival in Nauta (about two hours from Iquitos), we will board La Perla and our staff will accompany you to your cabin. After a short presentation, you can enjoy a welcome lunch, your first experience with the delights of regional cuisine.
Before dinner, we will start a night boat excursion to the Nauta Caño area, in search of animals that can only be seen when the sun goes down: alligators, bats, frogs, tarantulas and other species that inhabit the Amazon basin. After this first immersion in the jungle world, we will return to the ship and enjoy dinner and then you can rest and recover energies for the next day.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Accomodations: La Perla
Day 9: La Perla – Pacaya Samiria National Reserve > Yanayacu de Pucate > San Regis > Amazonic Natural Park
In the morning, we will organize a fun picnic breakfast on the Yanayacu River in Pucate, one of the best protected and preserved areas of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This area is often visited by pink dolphins.
After, we will take a ride in local canoes and live the experience of paddling in one of the most beautiful aquatic ecosystems in the world.
After lunch, we will meet the shaman of the San Regis community, a wise woman from the native community who will share with us her knowledge about the rituals of his ancestors, medicinal plants, and the Amazon worldview.
After this authentic experience of reflection and spiritual exploration, we will continue with the ceremony of planting a tree, as a contribution to caring for the environment. Back on the boat, you can relax with live music while we wait for dinner. After eating, the guides will indicate the activities of the following day.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Accomodations: La Perla
Day 10: La Perla – Pacaya Samiria National Reserve > Amazonic Natural Park > Shiriyacu
Early dawn in the Amazon has a special charm, it is the perfect moment to sight many animal and insect species. For this reason, on this morning, you also have a boat excursion scheduled before breakfast. This time the destination is Iquitos Brook, a privileged area for sighting numerous endemic species.
After breakfast, we will start a walk through the jungle until we reach the area of the hanging bridges, a set of structures stretched out on top of the trees that will allow you to experience a canopy walk and admire the richness of the jungle from higher grounds.
Before noon, we will return to the ship for lunch on board and then we will have time to rest before the next departure. Later, get ready for the boat expedition to the Shiriyacu stream.
Our guides will find the perfect location for piranha fishing, using local equipment and techniques. This area is very popular for spotting pink dolphins. Upon returning to the ship, we can relax even more with live music and comfort ourselves with the delicious dinner on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Accomodations: La Perla
Day 11: La Perla – Nauta > Amazon River > Yacapana Gorge – Iquitos – Lima
Early in the morning, we will leave by boat towards Gasparito Brook, a very popular area for bird and primate watching.
After breakfast, we will disembark to head to Iquitos. On your way to the airport, we will visit Amazon Forever Bio Park, also known as Manatees Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for manatees, an endangered species. Learn how manatees are treated and prepared for their return to their natural habitat.
Then you will be transferred to the airport and fly to Lima. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodations: (S) Tambo Hotel 🍃, (C) Dazzler 🍃 , (P) Hilton Miraflores 🍃
Day 12: Lima
Today your journey through Peru ends.
At given time, we will take you to the airport from where you will take your flight back home with countless photos, unique impressions and many beautiful memories you have made along your trip!
INCLUSIONS AND NO INCLUSIONS
Included
- National flights Lima – Cusco – Lima – Iquitos – Lima
- Hotel accommodations for 11 nights with breakfast, as described in the itinerary.
- Private transportations hotel / airport in every destination.
- Private guided excursions as described in the itinerary.
- 04 Days Cruise with Excursions in Group.
- All admission fees.
- 3 Lunches included.
- 3 Dinners included.
- Train tickets to & from Machu Picchu.
- Bus tickets to & from Machu Picchu.
Not Included
- International & domestic airfares, unless specifically mentioned.
- Travel insurance.
- Fees for Bank Transfer.
- Items of personal nature such as gratuities, internet charges, excess baggage charges, laundry, beverages and meals not described in the itinerary.
PRICE PER PERSON
- Standar: $ 3510
- Comfort: $ 4050
- Premium: $ 4680
*Estimated price based on a double room.
Discounts:
Student Discount:
All travelers under the age of 17 will have a discount. If you are 25 or younger, you can get a special discount with your student card. Please advise by email to give you a code for the discount.
Personalized tours:
- Itinerary and price can be customized to your individual requirements and requests for changes. Our goal is to provide you with a customized experience based on your interests. For more information, contact us.
What To Pack?
- Travel Documents: Passport, travel insurance, flight tickets, and any necessary visas.
- Tickets: Ensure you have your train and entrance tickets printed or downloaded to your mobile device.
- Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing for jungle excursions, Jacket or sweater for cooler evenings in Cusco and Lima, Rain jacket or poncho for potential rain in the jungle.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for tours and trails, Sandals for casual strolls and boat trips
- Sun protection: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays at high altitudes.
- Personal Items: Prescription medications and a basic first aid kit, Biodegradable soap and shampoo for use in eco-friendly hotels, Insect repellent, Toiletries (eco-friendly options if possible)
- Electronics: Camera or smartphone for capturing memories, Power bank for recharging devices, Travel adapter for electrical outlets in Peru.
- Water bottle: It’s essential to stay hydrated at high altitudes. Bring a refillable water bottle.
- Cash: Bring cash in local currency in case you need to buy anything or tip your guides.
- Other Essentials: Snacks for the journey (considering local and sustainable options), Spanish phrasebook or language translation app, Guidebook or maps for each destination, Travel pillow for comfort during long journeys.
- Optional Items: Binoculars for wildlife watching in the jungle, Portable umbrella for sun or rain protection, Quick-dry towel for the cruise or jungle activities.
We understand that you may have questions about your upcoming 12-day adventure in Peru Jungle. In this FAQ section, we've compiled important information to help you plan your trip with confidence. We've got you covered with everything from itinerary and accommodation details to packing tips and travel essentials.
How physically demanding is the trip?
The trip involves walking tours, hikes, and jungle excursions. While activities are generally moderate, good mobility is recommended, especially for Machu Picchu and jungle adventures.
What should I pack for the jungle cruise in Iquitos?
Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, insect repellent, and a swimsuit. Don't forget a rain jacket and binoculars for wildlife watching.
Should I be concerned about altitude sickness in Cusco?
Cusco is at a high altitude. It's advisable to acclimate gradually, stay hydrated, and consider consulting with a healthcare professional before the trip.
How can I contribute to sustainable tourism during the trip?
Use reusable items, minimize plastic waste, support local businesses, and choose accommodations with sustainability certifications.
Is the Machu Picchu excursion challenging?
The Machu Picchu tour involves some walking and climbing stairs. It's moderately challenging, and comfortable footwear is recommended.
Can I participate in wildlife activities during the jungle cruise in Iquitos?
Yes, the cruise offers wildlife watching excursions. Pack binoculars and a camera to capture the diverse flora and fauna.