Cuzco and the Amazon

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday June 21: Lima

Depart from the USA. Arrive in the capital of Peru and check into your hotel.

Day 2, Tuesday June 22: Lima

Today is a full day of guided sightseeing. Your local expert will introduce you to Plaza de Armas, at the heart of the old town and the former center of Spain's new world empire, and the (relatively) more modern Plaza San Martín with its early 20th century beaux-arts architecture. Then visit both the San Francisco church and Santo Domingo convent, exploring their catacombs, tombs and colonial architecture. This afternoon, take an excursion to the Pachacamac ruins, a site of religious and historical significance. The ruins include a number of impressive pyramids, several temples and an array of ancient abodes. (B,D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 23: Cuzco

Depart for an early morning flight to Cuzco. After settling in at your hotel, enjoy an afternoon visit to Qorikancha, the ruins of an Inca temple that now form the foundation of a church and convent. Then tour the ancient fortress of Sacsayhuamán and the Inca bath of Tambo Machay. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 24: Cuzco

Travel through the Urubamba Valley on board the scenic train to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas hidden deep in the Andes Mountains. Your guided tour will introduce you to the mystery and legends that shroud this sacred and mysterious mountainside city built by the Incas in the 15th century and discovered in 1911. Return to Cuzco in time for dinner and a night's rest. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 25: Cuzco

Journey into the Sacred Valley to the town of Pisac this morning and browse its famed market, a boisterous and dazzlingly colorful open-air bazaar that showcases hand-crafted Peruvian goods. After lunch, continue to the small town of Ollantaytambo, home of the centuries-old ruins of an ancient Inca hillside fortress and village. Return to Cuzco for the night. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 26: Tambopata Amazon Lodge

Depart early in the morning on a flight to Puerto Maldonado, a bustling tropical town in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Travel by motorized canoe to your jungle lodge in Tambopata Nature Reserve. This afternoon, your guide briefs you on the various eco-projects the community is committed to and leads you on an introductory jungle hike. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 27: Tambopata Amazon Lodge

Wake up at dawn for an early start to your day of Amazon Rainforest exploration. As you're guided through the lush vegetation, keep an eye out for unique native fauna including birds, insects, caimans or maybe even monkeys. You'll return to your lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon enjoy free time to further discover your jungle surroundings. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Monday June 28: Overnight Flight

Depart on your flight back to Lima this morning. This afternoon you will visit the National Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology, which houses the largest collection of artifacts from the pre-Hispanic cultures of Peru. After dinner, depart for the USA. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 29: United States

Arrive in the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the history and culture of Peru with an extra night in Lima, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager.