Best of Peru – Heart of the Inca + Amazon Safari Tour: June 12-23, 2027
This travel adventure was created as a side trip to the Galapagos trip. But, you don't have to go to the Galapagos to join this trip, you can simply meet us in Lima, for the start of this travel adventure.
It's all about Peru and a combo adventure of two distinct tours, that embody Peru's natural wonders - come and join us.
Galapagos is June 5-12, 2027 - we finish and would normally fly back to Quito, but our flight plan will take us to Lima, where we start our tour the following day. This is also where we can leave our dive gear, since we will return on our way back home on June 23.
Machu Picchu Classic Tour (Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu)
Itinerary (June 12-18):
DAY 1 - Arrival in Lima & Transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival at Lima Airport, you’ll be greeted by our representative and transferred privately to your confirmed hotel. There, you’ll receive a detailed trip briefing and all the information you’ll need for your upcoming journey.
Use your first day to unwind and recover from your travels. Take time to relax in your room or simply rest and prepare for the adventures ahead.
If you arrive early, consider heading to the bohemian district of Barranco, where colorful streets, ocean views, and art-filled corners capture the spirit of Lima. You can also treat yourself to dinner at one of the city’s renowned gourmet restaurants, many of which are just a short walk from your hotel.
DAY 2 - Private Lima City Tour & Larco Museum, Overnight in Lima
Meet your guide and begin with a half-day private tour through Lima’s modern districts, including Miraflores and San Isidro. Next, continue to the UNESCO-recognized Historic Center, stopping at Plaza San Martín with its old mansions and balconies and then at the Plaza de Armas to see the Presidential Palace and the Lima Cathedral. Conclude with the San Francisco Church and its fascinating catacombs.
Your journey will also include a visit to the renowned Larco Museum, home to an exceptional collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts that illuminate Peru’s ancient history.
End your tour with drop-off at your hotel or Larcomar Shopping Center in Miraflores. Overnight in Lima.
DAY 3 - Fly to Cusco, Private Pisac Tour, Sacred Valley Overnight
Private transfer from your hotel to the airport for your 1-hour and 15-minute flight to Cusco.
Upon arrival, begin a private tour of Pisac, one of the Sacred Valley’s most culturally significant towns. Pisac is best known for its remarkable Inca archaeological site, perched high on a hillside with sweeping views of the valley. These ruins showcase the Incas’ engineering mastery, with beautifully preserved agricultural terraces, ceremonial baths, and clusters of religious and residential structures that reveal the sophistication of this ancient civilization.
After exploring the ruins, continue to the town of Pisac, famous for its lively artisan market. Here, you’ll find vibrant textiles, handcrafted pottery, jewelry, and other traditional Andean artwork—an ideal place to experience local culture and craftsmanship.
A visit to Pisac offers a compelling blend of history, scenery, and living tradition, providing a deeper understanding of the Sacred Valley’s enduring heritage.
DAY 4 - Private Maras, Moray & Oilantayambo Tour & Train to Machu Picchu, Overnight in Agua Caliente
Meet your private driver and guide at your hotel lobby and begin your journey through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. (regular start time 8-9am). Tour is 6-7 hours.
Maras are a mesmerizing network of salt evaporation ponds that have been in use since the times of the Incas. These terraced pools, filled with mineral-rich water from a nearby subterranean stream, create a dazzling mosaic of white and pink hues as the water evaporates and leaves behind crystalline salt.
Moray is an archaeological site near Maras famous for its impressive circular terraces. The Incas used these concentric terraces as an agricultural laboratory, experimenting with different crops and microclimates. The site offers insight into Incan agricultural ingenuity.
Ollantaytambo Known for its well-preserved Inca ruins, including a massive fortress and temple complex, it offers a glimpse into the ancient civilization's engineering prowess. The town itself is a living museum, with original Inca streets and buildings still in use.
At the end of the tour, catch the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu (5-6pm). On arrival, check in to your hotel and get some rest before the next day’s adventure.
DAY 5 - Private Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco, Overnight in Cusco
Hidden for over four centuries atop the misty peaks of the Andes, the “Lost City of the Incas” remained a mystery until it was brought to the world’s attention by National Geographic in 1911. Today, Machu Picchu stands as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, captivating travelers with its breathtaking views and remarkable history.
Begin your day with a short shuttle ride up the winding mountain roads to the entrance of this legendary citadel. Accompanied by your expert local guide, you’ll explore the sacred temples, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial plazas, uncovering the fascinating stories behind their construction and the spiritual significance they held for the Inca civilization. As you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the Urubamba River far below, your guide will bring the site to life with insights that connect the past to the present.
After your guided tour, return by shuttle to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have some free time to enjoy lunch or shop for local crafts before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo (approximately 2.5 hours). From there, a private driverwill meet you for your 1.5-hour transfer to Cusco.
Optional Extension:
- Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for bird’s-eye views of the ruins or add an extra day in Machu Picchu.(additional charge)
DAY 6 - Private Cusco City Tour, Overnight in Cusco
Your tour today will introduce you to the remarkable history of Cusco as visible in its monumental architecture, richly ornamented churches, and present-day Andean cultural practices.
Then, you’ll go on a walking tour through the top sites in Cusco. You’ll visit the Cusco Cathedral and the most important temple of the Inca Empire: Coricancha.
Your journey continues high above Cusco, where the Inca ruins of Q’enqo and Sacasyhuamán watch over the city. Explore these enigmatic sites with your private guide, who will point out important details and little-known facts about these fascinating sites.
After your tour, you’ll be dropped off at your Cusco hotel for a free evening to relax and rest.
Regular schedules: 9am and 2pm.
Tour length: 4 hours
Private tours are flexible.
DAY 7 - Departure from Cusco
Our representative will meet you at the scheduled time for your transfer to the airport, marking the beginning of your journey home. This itinerary can also be customized should you wish to continue exploring Peru’s remarkable destinations.
Fly from Cusco to Lima (approximately 1.5 hours).
Most international flights from Lima to the U.S. depart in the evening, so the typical schedule is to take an afternoon flight from Cusco, departing around 5:00 p.m. Upon arrival in Lima, connect to your international flight home. The recommended buffer time between a domestic and international flight is 4 hours.
YOUR COMFORTABLE TRANSPORTATION
OLLANTAYTAMBO TO MACHU PICCHU
Board your Vistadome train and travel from Ollantaytambo to the Aguas Calientes train station.
BUS ROUND TRIP
You will transfer via shuttle bus to your next destination.
MACHU PICCHU TO OLLANTAYTAMBO
Board your Expedition train and travel from Aguas Calientes to the Ollantaytambo train Station.
Rainforest Expeditions - Peruvian Amazon Tours
- Tambopata National Reserve (Puerto Maldonado): Widely considered the best location in Peru for spotting wild jaguars, often seen along the Tambopata River.
- Tambopata Research Center & Posada Amazonas: These lodges specialize in wildlife photography tours that venture deep into the reserve for better chances of catching a glimpse of the big cat.
- Manu National Park: Specialized, long-duration, 6-day wildlife photography tours in Manu are advertised to have a high probability (up to 60-70% in some zones) of spotting jaguars.
- Best Time to Visit: July to September, as the lower water levels force prey onto the riverbanks, attracting jaguars.
- Choose Specialized Tours: Opt for dedicated "wildlife photography" or "jaguar" tours rather than general eco-tours.
- Stay Deep in the Reserve: The further from Puerto Maldonado, the higher the chances.
- Be Patient: Sightings are rare, making a multi-day, dedicated search necessary.
TAMBOPATA RESEARCH CENTER - Wildlife Photography Tour (June 18-23):
This is a suggested itinerary. You have the flexibility to choose from the available activities each day upon arrival at the lodge, allowing you to create a perfect Amazon experience
Day 1: Welcome to the Amazon!
Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, the capital of Madre de Dios, and begin your journey with a 1-hour bus ride followed by a 2.5-hour boat journey to the lodge. Enjoy your first taste of Amazonian cuisine on the river as you leave the city behind and immerse yourself in the breathtaking rainforest landscapes.
As you cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, you’ll leave the final traces of human habitation behind and enter the 700,000-hectare uninhabited core of the Tambopata National Reserve. Sightings of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws, and other large species become increasingly frequent along the way.
Arrive at Tambopata Research Center, a boutique eco-lodge nestled in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve. With a bar, massage center, and buffet service, the lodge offers a comfortable retreat surrounded by different projects belonging to the Wired Amazon Program. Here you will find: the Tambopata Macaw Project, 8 Primates Project, and Discovering New Species, making it a true paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Accommodation ranges from rooms of 21 square meters to spacious suites of up to 83 square meters, all featuring private bathrooms and open windows facing the forest. Your stay includes three daily meals, tea, coffee, guided excursions and activities, refreshments upon arrival, and transfers to and from the airport. Guides are provided in small private groups with a 6:1 ratio to ensure personalized experiences.
Before dinner, attend a night lecture with scientists who will provide an in-depth exploration of the ongoing projects belonging to the Wired Amazon program and the conservation challenges they face. These lectures are available every night.
Night walk creatures that you might find on a night walk
After dinner, opt for a night hike to explore the jungle after dark. While most mammals are active but challenging to spot, the diverse shapes and sounds of frogs are easier to find and equally fascinating.
Day 2: Macaw Clay Lick and Canopy Tower
Begin your morning with a visit to the Macaw Clay Lick, a vibrant spectacle where dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots gather along the riverbank. Watch discreetly from a viewing spot 50 meters from the cliff as Green-winged, Scarlet, and Blue-and-gold Macaws, along with smaller parrots, descend to ingest clay—a behavior that inspired a National Geographic cover story.
Canopy tower at Tambopata Research Center
In the afternoon, experience the Canopy Tower at Tambopata Research Center. Ascend the 30-meter-high tower to gain a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest. As you climb above the treetops, you’ll be rewarded with endless vistas of the canopy and the opportunity to spot treetop wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, macaws, and a variety of other bird species.
Day 3: 8 Primate Project and Aguaje Palm Swamps
Begin your day with a chance to visit another clay lick, where you can observe a different array of parrots and enjoy the vibrant morning activity.
Later, explore the Aguaje Palm Swamps, one of the most vital food sources in the rainforest for both arboreal and terrestrial mammals. These swamps grow on the remains of an oxbow lake and offer fruits year-round. Learn about the ecological significance of these swamps and the threats they face due to palm fruit demand and rice planting.
8 Primates project - a citizen science activity at TRC
In the afternoon, participate in the 8 Primate Project by hiking a five-kilometer trail through a typical rainforest with immense trees, creeks, and ponds. This trail provides excellent opportunities to spot various primate species, such as Squirrel Monkeys, Brown Capuchin Monkeys, and Spider Monkeys, as well as peccaries. The Tambopata Research Center is ideally located within this rich habitat.
End the day with a Sunset Cruise, floating down the Tambopata River as the sun sets, painting the sky with countless hues of orange and pink, reflecting off the water in beautiful patterns.
Day 4: Creek Trail and Discovering New Species
Spend the morning exploring the Creek Trail, a different type of terra firme forest crossed by several creeks that eventually flow into the Tambopata River. This half-day activity focuses on the unique forest ecology of the area. Note best season of the year for the creek trail is from November through March when is the rainy season, when the creek is full of water.
Creek trail in the Tambopata Research Center
In the afternoon, explore the Overlook Trail, a three to five-kilometer hike will lead us to overlooks commanding magnificent views of the Tambopata winding its way into the lowlands. The forest on this trail, regenerating the old bamboo forest, is good for Howler Monkey and Dusky Titi Monkey.
After dinner, engage in the Discovering New Species activity. Join researchers at a night light trap to explore the forest and potentially discover new species. This citizen science experience allows you to contribute to ongoing biodiversity research and gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of the rainforest ecosystem.
Day 5: Rainforest Master Hike and Relaxation
Embark on the Rainforest Master Hike, a longer trek designed to deepen your understanding of the forest’s incredible biodiversity. Led by experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the area, this hike will reveal elusive wildlife, including hidden canopy birds, various monkeys, and remarkable plant life.
Lights inside the forest - Tambopata
In the afternoon, unwind in the lodge’s hammocks or participate in gentler activities such as exploring the secrets of the surroundings or learning about the world of butterflies.
Remember to attend the nightly lecture at the open lab, where researchers will share additional insights into the ongoing conservation efforts and discoveries.
Day 6: Departure
Your Amazon expedition concludes as it’s time to bid farewell. Your visit has directly supported the Wired Amazon program and the conservation initiatives in the Tambopata National Reserve.
Return to Puerto Maldonado via boat and bus for your flight, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your journey through the heart of the Amazon.
Wired Amazon is our flagship conservation and science program, allowing guests to work alongside researchers, use real monitoring technology, and create a meaningful, purpose-driven connection with the Amazon.
Amazon Safari Package Includes:
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Accommodations (comfort rooms-Posada, standard rooms-Tambopata Research Center)
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Airport pickup and shared in/out transfers
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Private guiding service
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Park fee
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All meals (first meal box lunch / last meal breakfast)
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Excursions and activities
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Private boat transfer between Posada Amazonas and TRC
Not Included in Tour Package:
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel rooms and meals not specified
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Visas (you can check VisaHQ to see if you will need a visa)
Amazon Safari Package Pricing (1 night Posada Amazonas, 4 nights Tambopata Research Center) - Starting at $2997*, per person, double occupancy. Single occupancy rate is $4760.
Total Combo Price - Machu Picchu Classic Tour + Wildlife Photography Tour - $5094
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
- Deposit: $1000 to reserve your space (deposit is non-refundable)
- Final Payment: Balance is due on April 15, 2027
Passport requirement – must have 6 months remaining until expiration date upon return to USA.
For all dive trips, consider purchasing travel insurance, and dive accident insurance. Both are highly recommended, and are made available to purchase!
To purchase DAN dive accident insurance, please scroll to the bottom of this page, and click on the DAN banner link, Join DAN Today!, then follow the prompts on DAN’s website.
To purchase travel insurance, please scroll to the bottom of this page, and click on the DAN banner link, Purchase Travel Insurance?, then follow the prompts on DAN’s website.
REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN
Some sunscreen ingredients are not safe for corals; these include oxybenzone. Research indicates that these chemicals can cause DNA damage to corals, promote viruses in corals, and contribute to the bleaching of corals. So that we can help protect our reefs, we encourage our guests to choose and use a sunscreen that is “coral safe”.
To purchase eco-friendly sunscreen products, please scroll to the bottom of this page, and click on the Stream2Sea banner link, use code, “cleanreef” for a 10% discount.
** AIRFARE SOLD SEPARATELY **
Price is per person and based on double occupancy and items specified. Space is subject to availability, price subject to change without notice and not guaranteed until deposit is received. Cost for airfare cannot be guaranteed until paid and ticketed. Some restrictions may apply.
* Credit card or any payments made through the PayPal invoice will be charged an additional 3.5% (5% international payers). This fee covers the cost of the PayPal fee. Venmo, Zelle, Send Money to Friends and Family, and checks are always welcome.
If interested, please contact Andy Skuntz, at Colorado Dive + Travel Adventures, email to askuntz@yahoo.com, or call at 719-322-6941. This exciting trip will fill up fast.
Trip flyer, terms and conditions, and a trip application will be provided. Once the application is complete, please return to Andy via fax or email, then an invoice for the designated deposit will be provided.
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