Peru & the Amazon: Cusco to Lima
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru, from the historic streets of Cusco to the vibrant city of Lima, with an exhilarating exploration of the Amazon Jungle in between. This small group adventure offers a flexible itinerary, allowing you to tailor your experience with activities like hiking ancient ruins or indulging in a culinary tour in Cusco. In the Amazon, a naturalist guide will lead you on wildlife excursions by boat and on foot, offering a chance to spot exotic creatures and learn about the rich biodiversity. Conclude your trip with a memorable Peruvian meal beside an ancient adobe pyramid in Lima. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, including hotels and a jungle lodge, and seamless transport by motorized canoe, plane, and private vehicle. This tour promises a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco: Capital Of The Incas
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Novotel Cusco Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Cusco Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Feel the energy of Cusco as you wander the cobblestone streets past the mix of Spanish colonial-style architecture and Inca stonework. We welcome you to Peru, a diverse land of natural beauty and traditional cultures and we invite you to open yourself to curiosity and wonder as you embark on this adventure to the Amazon and beyond. ...more ...less
Arrive to Cusco at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.
TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
ACTIVITY: EVENING Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Cusco: Your Omg Day
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Novotel Cusco Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Cusco Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The options of what to do in Cusco are seemingly endless, and today you'll get the choice to approach the day on your terms. Take to the trails on a hike outside of the city past ancient ruins with sweeping views of the city or stay local to dig deeper into the history and the delicious local cuisine as well as learn how to prepare some dishes at a cooking class.
Choice of activity in the morning, both options including lunch. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening to choose from one of the many great restaurants, or join the CEO at their local favourite.
ACTIVITY: Option 1: Begin the day with a hike to Templo de la Luna and Inkilltambo Ruins with a picnic lunch. The hike is around 14km (9 miles) and typically takes 3.5 hours to complete. There will be around 632m of elevation gain on this hike. This Inca site with a quechua name has tombs, irrigation channels, ceremonial places, and Andean terraces used for both ceremonies and architecture.
Option 2: Visit Koricancha in the heart of Cusco and learn about it's importance to the Inca Empire. From this landmark you will visit the San Pedro market to select ingredients for the cooking class which will take place before an included lunch of your creations.
FREE TIME: Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in Cusco. Spend time exploring before getting dinner on your own at one of the many great restaurants in the city.
Day 3: Amazon Jungle: Rainforest Wilderness
Location: Cusco, Puerto Maldonado
Accommodation: Refugio Amazonas Lodge
Accommodation Name: Refugio Amazonas Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Amazon has sparked the imagination for as long as curious travellers have known about it, conjuring up images of lush green vegetation and exotic wildlife. The biodiversity of plant and animal life is staggeringly varied, and the cultural traditions of those who live here have thrived along the rivers and from living off of the land.
Fly from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado and continue by boat upriver to the jungle lodge, your base of exploration by boat and on foot for the next couple of days. Local community members make up the majority of lodge staff, including multilingual naturalist guides. Take the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich flora and fauna and locals' extensive use of medicinal plants and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
TRANSPORT: Climb in and move swiftly through the water to the next stop.
FREE TIME: Take advantage of free time this afternoon to relax and settle in to your lodge in the Amazon. Dinner will be served this evening in the cozy eating area.
Day 4: Amazon Jungle: In Search Of Wildlife
Location: Puerto Maldonado
Accommodation: Refugio Amazonas Lodge
Accommodation Name: Refugio Amazonas Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Awake to the sounds of the forest, hearing tropical birds and animals moving through the canopy above you, and maybe the eerie call of a howler monkey in the distance. You never know what you might see on any given occasion which is part of the adventure, and the anticipation adds to the excitement as new and incredible animals, birds and plants could be spotted around every corner or bend in the river.
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 about.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy visits to oxbow lakes to learn about the jungle and its inhabitants. Be introduced to the area’s rich flora and fauna by expert naturalist guides, who can teach extensive uses for medicinal and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques. Be prepared to go early morning or evening to avoid the heat of midday. Enjoy a leisurely pace – the trip requires some walking, but nothing too strenuous.
ACTIVITY: Head out after dark by motorized canoe to search for caimans on the river banks. Enjoy a lesson on caimans from the expert guide. Take advantage of the keen eyes of the expert naturalist guides – they are truly spectacular at spotting these elusive smaller cousins of alligators hiding on the muddy banks.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend time around the lodge or go further afield. Free time can be used to explore any way you want.
Day 5: Lima: Back To The Coast
Location: Puerto Maldonado, Lima
Accommodation: Innside by Melia Hotel Miraflores
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Deluxe Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
By now you willl have realized just how incredibly diverse Peru is, both culturally and geographically, from the mountains to the jungle and to the desert coastline. Equally as diverse and delicious is the regional food, highlighted and concentrated in Peru's capital city of Lima, which has become a hotspot on the global food map and with good reason. Celebrate the old and new over a final dinner with your travel companions next to an ancient adobe pyramid in the heart of the city.
Return to Puerto Maldonado for the flight to Lima. Stop to Visit the bohemian neighbourhood of Monumental Callao on the way to Miraflores from the airport and enjoy a farewell dinner next to the ruins of Huaca Pucllana.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a delicious Peruvian meal next to an ancient adobe pyramid in the heart of Miraflores.
TRANSPORT: Climb in and move swiftly through the water to the next stop.
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Day 6: Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in Peru will live on.
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (3nts), Amazon Jungle Lodge (2 nts). -
Meals
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners -
Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group upon arrival.
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OMG Day
Hike to Templo de la Luna or take a Historical & Culinary Tour of Cusco.
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Foodie Moment
Enjoy dinner at Huaca Pucllana in Lima.
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Arrival Transfer
Complimentary transfer upon arrival.
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Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a welcome dinner with your group.
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Amazon Jungle Excursions
Two days of excursions to spot wildlife in the Amazon jungle by boat and on foot with a naturalist guide.
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Rubber Boot Use
Rubber boots provided for jungle excursions.
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Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a farewell dinner with your group.
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Internal Flights
All internal flights included.
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Tips Included
All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage.
What's Not Included
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Domestic Flight Tax
All travellers are required to pay the tax on domestic flights in Peru unless exempt as a foreign traveller.
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Yellow Fever Certificate
A Yellow Fever certificate may be required upon entering the country.
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Wet Season Adjustments
Itinerary changes may occur during the wet season (Jan - April) due to severe rain.
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COVID-19 Protocols
Proof of double vaccination for COVID-19 may be required for domestic flights, trains, and entry into restaurants, museums, and attractions.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at hotels for 3 nights and immerse yourself in nature at an Amazon Jungle Lodge for 2 nights, providing a blend of urban and wilderness experiences.
Transport
Motorized Canoe, Plane, Private Vehicle, Walking.
Meals Included
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. This will typically include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.
Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
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Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel through Peru using a variety of transport modes including motorized canoes, planes, private vehicles, and walking, ensuring a seamless and adventurous journey.
Important Notes
1. TRAVELLERS
Please Note: that there are no minimums on this tour. The nature of this tour is such that it is possible for certain components to have low numbers of passengers (for example, in the jungle). You will be accompanied by Local Guides at all times.
2. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
3. All travellers are required to pay the tax on domestic flights in Peru. Foreign travellers are exempt form this, and proving you are indeed a foreign traveller can be done by providing us with your international ticket number (ITN). Travellers who do not submit international ticket numbers at least 30 days prior to Day 1 of their tour will be required to pay the domestic tax on all included flights.
4. YELLOW FEVER
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country visited. Please check in with your local health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.
5. WET SEASON
Please be advised during the wet season (Jan - April) if there are periods of severe rain some of the campsites on the Inca Trail may become unusable. In the interest of your safety, there may be changes made locally to the trekking itinerary if the conditions of the campsites are assessed to be unsafe.
6. GROUP DYNAMICS
Please note, in most cases, the entire group will not be hiking the Inca Trail together. Members of the group may choose to hike the Lares Trek or spend additional time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley instead of hiking. If you have chosen the Lares Trek or Cusco Stay you may be paired with members of other G Adventures groups for the trek, transportation, and activities included.
7. Please note that protocols in Peru may require that proof of double vaccination for COVID-19 be shown along with passport ID in order to board domestic flights, trains and also to gain entry into restaurants, museums and attractions. We recommend keeping this info handy as these requirements can change change without notice.
8. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
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Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
What to Take
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
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Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect during the Amazon Jungle portion of the tour?
During the Amazon Jungle portion of the tour, you will explore the jungle by boat and on foot with a naturalist guide. You will have the opportunity to learn about the area's rich flora and fauna, and the locals' extensive use of medicinal plants and other forest resources. Activities include walking through the forest to search for wildlife, canoeing on an oxbow lake to look for anaconda, giant river otters, and black caimans, and a night excursion by motorized canoe to search for caimans on the river banks. ...more ...less
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What are the accommodation arrangements during the tour?
The tour includes stays at hotels for three nights and an Amazon Jungle Lodge for two nights. In Cusco, you will stay at the Novotel Cusco Hotel, and in the Amazon, you will stay at the Refugio Amazonas Lodge. In Lima, the accommodation is at the Jose Antonio Deluxe Hotel.
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners. Meals are provided at various points throughout the tour, including a welcome dinner, a farewell dinner, and meals at the Amazon Jungle Lodge.
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What transportation methods are used during the tour?
The tour utilizes a variety of transportation methods including motorized canoes, planes, private vehicles, and walking. These modes of transport are used to travel between destinations and to/from included activities.
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Is there a guide accompanying the tour?
Yes, the tour is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and local guides. The CEO will provide information, offer suggestions, and help with travel arrangements, while local guides will offer specific knowledge about the places visited.
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What should I bring for the tour?
It is recommended to bring a backpack or medium-sized suitcase, as well as a daypack for carrying everyday items. Due to the higher altitude in the Andes, it can feel quite cold, especially at night, so pack accordingly. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Peru & the Amazon: Cusco to Lima
6 Days Starting in Cusco, Peru and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, Lima
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25961
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours