Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon

G Adventures · 10 days
Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
10 Days
From AUD $3749 Was AUD $4999
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Demanding

Rating


(2 reviews)

Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon

Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon

G Adventures · 10 days
Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

In Peru, adventure awaits at every turn, from the verdant valleys and jagged peaks of the Andes to the narrow cobblestone streets of Cusco.

Highlights

  • Spot wildlife at the exclusive G Lodge Amazon
  • Explore the Incan city of Cusco
  • Conquer the Inca Trail or enjoy the scenic train to Machu Picchu
  • Meet local people at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant
  • Explore the Cusco Planetarium

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private van, plane, train, boat, canoe.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Lima, Peru

Finishes

Cusco, Peru

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

National Geographic Journey

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Lima

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
2

Day 2: Lima/Tambopata

Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized canoe to our comfortable lodge, situated near the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon rainforest. Spot local bird species along the lush shores of the Tambopata River en route to the lodge, and set off on an evening walk with a naturalist guide before dinner, keeping an eye out for some of the rainforest's nocturnal creatures.
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, spot bird species typical of the local river and 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 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.

Enjoy a welcome drink and orientation. Before dinner, head out for a night walk around the lodge grounds.
3

Day 3: Tambopata

Spend the day exploring the thriving ecosystems of the rainforest with our lodge's naturalist guides. Scan the treetops for toucans, howler monkeys, and sloths, and glide along oxbow lakes on canoes for a chance to glimpse river otters, turtles, and, if we're lucky, anacondas. After dinner, embark on a river tour by motorized canoe on the lookout for caimans, the smaller cousins of alligators, which are often found hiding near the muddy banks.
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 birds, interesting plants, and other animals about.
4

Day 4: Tambopata/Cusco

Travel out of the jungle by boat and catch a flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, soaring above the Andes into Peru's Inca heartland. This evening, visit the Cusco Planetarium for a presentation on the skies of the Southern Hemisphere, and learn about the vital role that astronomy played in the lives of the ancient Inca. Weather permitting, peer through the planetarium's telescopes for a dazzling look at the stars.
Afternoon arrival into the Inca capital. Time for strolling around the plazas and markets. Admire the cobblestones streets, and visit some museums and Cathedral.
5

Day 5: Cusco/Urubamba

Drive to the scenic Sacred Valley for a full day of exploration with a local guide. Tour the G Adventures–supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you'll walk through the park to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We'll also visit the fascinating Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, and enjoy a meal at the G Adventures–supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.


6

Day 6: Lares Trek

Depart Urubamba by van for Lares town, where the lesser frequented trail begins. Spend the night at a G Adventures–sponsored campsite in Cuncani, nestled in the scenic Lares Valley at 3,872 meters (12,703 feet). Earnings from the campsite provide educational, medical, and infrastructural support to the local Cuncani community.
The Lares Trek is a scenic, less touristic route to hike through the Andes. It is one day shorter than the Inca Trail but higher in elevation. Enjoy G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products for use on the Lares Trek.
7

Day 7: Lares Trek

Get an early start on our hike, climbing from the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain to the trail's highest point, at 4,800 meters (15,748 feet). Celebrate your ascent by making a ritual offering of coca leaves to the Andean gods, and enjoy stunning views of turquoise-hued lagoons and the snowcapped Chicon Mountain. Continue hiking downhill to our second campsite, situated near a stream at 4,114 meters (13,497 feet).
8

Day 8: Lares Trek/Aguas Calientes

Enjoy our final hours of hiking in the picturesque landscapes of Lares Valley before travelling by van to Ollantaytambo. From here, we'll board a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Spend some time relaxing in town, or visit the nearby hot springs.
9

Day 9: Machu Picchu/Cusco

Rise early to catch daybreak over Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Inca citadel rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from National Geographic. Set out on a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, travel back to Cusco by train.
Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit to the ruins.

When ready, 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.
10

Day 10: Cusco

Depart at any time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $4999

AUD $3,749
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share
25% Off

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

In Peru, adventure awaits at every turn, from the verdant valleys and jagged peaks of the Andes to the narrow cobblestone streets of Cusco.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Sep 2025

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Vincent Murray
Traveled, September 2023

10/13/2023

Pretour Comms were great: fast and clear. Tour logistics were good enough and daily communication clear. Few minor aspects unexpected eg additional meal costs, rental of equipment (sleeping bags, mattress). Local guides, porters were great ( as expected). At times the encouragement to tip all service providers felt excessive. Overall a good tour, given the small group and pricing.

5.0
Andrea A
Traveled, September 2021

09/30/2021

National Geographic was not associated with our tour, but G adventures did an excellent job. Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly and incredibly helpful on every part of the tour. They all went far above and beyond the minimum, from helping us get laundry done to caring for members of our group who became ill. Every detail was planned for and the tour ran smoothly from start to finish. I will gladly book with G adventures again the future.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990