Why You’ll Love This Tour
Crowds Can’t Catch You
Early starts & smart itineraries for peaceful exploring.
Wildlife Meets Culture
Rainforest wildlife, river communities & ancient Inca ruins.
Luxury, Made Easy
River cruise, expert guides & seamless planning for stress-free travel.
Overview
Experience the perfect harmony of ancient history and untamed nature with our signature Machu Picchu and Amazon tour. This 12-day Peru itinerary is meticulously designed for travelers who want to combine the cultural majesty of Cusco and Machu Picchu with the refined elegance of an Amazon river cruise Machu Picchu. Built on our motto of “German precision, Peruvian passion,” we provide flawless logistical reliability paired with deep local heart. Backed by over 1,500+ 5-star reviews, this journey offers authentic experiences that bridge the gap between the peaks of the Andes and the waters of the Amazon.
Setting Sail: The Luxury Amazon River Cruise Experience
Your journey into the wild begins in Iquitos, the gateway to the northern Peruvian jungle. A cruise to Peru Machu Picchu is not complete without exploring the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve from the comfort of a high-end vessel. We apply “German precision” to every aspect of your Amazon cruise and Machu Picchu logistics, ensuring safe, punctual transfers and world-class service on board. While you glide past pink dolphins and exotic birdlife, our guides share their “Peruvian passion” for the biodiversity of the rainforest, offering a perspective of the Amazon that few travelers ever get to see. This is what makes this one of our most exclusive Machu Picchu tours.
The Sacred Valley: Avoiding the Crowds in the Andes
After your jungle exploration, you will ascend to the historic city of Cusco. To ensure your comfort, we head straight to the lower altitudes of the Sacred Valley to facilitate proper acclimatization. Our strategy to avoid the crowds allows you to visit the Maras salt mines and the Moray terraces at the most serene times of day. Because our journeys are 100% customizable tours, we can adjust the pace of your Machu Picchu and Amazon tours to include private weaving demonstrations or quiet walks through colonial villages, ensuring your time in the highlands is both intimate and authentic.
Machu Picchu: The Grand Finale of Your 12-Day Journey
The undisputed highlight of any Peru tour Machu Picchu Amazon is the visit to the “Lost City of the Incas.” We manage the complex train and entry logistics with total precision, leaving you free to immerse yourself in the spiritual energy of the citadel. Our expert guides provide a deep dive into Incan architecture and engineering, ensuring your visit is a profound cultural connection. Whether you arrive via the scenic train or a private transfer, we ensure your Amazon cruise Machu Picchu transition is seamless when you explore the Peruvian Amazon, providing the ultimate conclusion to your exploration of Peru’s iconic landmarks.
Adventure and Refinement: Planning Your Amazon and Incan Escape
When considering 12 days enough to see Machu Picchu and Amazon, the answer is a resounding yes when using optimized itineraries. This 12-day peru itinerary is designed to provide a comprehensive and well-paced immersion into the country’s two most distinct ecosystems. From the lush canopy of the rainforest to the stone fortresses of the Andes, every detail reflects our commitment to excellence. For all our Peru tours for two weeks, trust in our proven track record to deliver a journey that is as reliable as it is deeply moving, providing a personalized window into the soul of the country.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1 : Arrival in Lima test
- Day 2 : Lima City Tour
- Day 3 : Barranco Culinary Tour
- Day 4 : Flight to Iquitos & Amazon River Cruise
- Day 5 : Amazon River Cruise Day 2
- Day 6 : Amazon River Cruise Day 3
- Day 7 : Flight to Lima
- Day 8 : Flight to Cusco + City Tour
- Day 9 : Sacred Valley
- Day 10 : Machu Picchu
- Day 11 : Rainbow Mountain
- Day 12 : Outbound
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Lima test
Today’s Highlight: Begin your journey with a warm welcome and feel Lima’s vibrant pulse come alive.
When arriving to Lima, you’ll be picked up from the airport by our local staff that takes you straight to your hotel. Once there, you’ll have the chance to relax and explore the nearby places on your own.
Overnight in Lima
Day 2 : Lima City Tour
Today’s Highlight: Discover Lima’s history and charm, where colonial beauty meets coastal energy.
Explore the vibrant city of Lima on a tour of its most iconic landmarks and historical sites. Visit the stunning Presidential Palace, the impressive Cathedral of Lima and the colorful markets. Discover the city’s rich cultural heritage and take a stroll through the beautiful parks of Parque del Amor and Kennedy Park.
Overnight in Lima
Day 3 : Barranco Culinary Tour
Today’s Highlight: Taste Lima’s bohemian soul through local flavors from ceviche to picarones.
Stroll through the picturesque streets of Barranco and discover the city’s culinary heritage with stops at local markets and traditional Peruvian restaurants. Sample a variety of typical dishes such as Ceviche, Lomo Saltado and Picarones. Learn about the unique ingredients and techniques used in Peruvian cuisine and discover the cultural influences that have shaped it. Visit some of Barranco’s famous restaurants and bars, trying some of the best Pisco Sour cocktails in Lima.
Food tour included
Overnight in Lima
Day 4 : Flight to Iquitos & Amazon River Cruise
Today’s Highlight: Sail into the heart of the Amazon and awaken your inner explorer.
After your flight to Iquitos, you’ll set sail on one of Delfin’s exclusive riverboats, and experience the beauty and biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon in comfort and style.
You’ll get to know the spacious cruise and take in the stunning views of the lush landscape, always keeping an eye out for the diverse wildlife that call the Amazon home. Take a skiff ride through the narrow tributaries to discover hidden lagoons and spot exotic birds and monkeys.
Lunch and dinner included.
Overnight in Iquitos
Day 5 : Amazon River Cruise Day 2
Today’s Highlight: Explore the rainforest’s wild rhythm through hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
In the first part of the day, you’ll hike through the rainforest, gaining insights into indigenous medicinal plants and seeking vibrant butterflies and frogs.
In the afternoon, prepare yourself for piranha fishing at sunset and kayaking in the calm creeks. Enjoy the delights of the Amazonian cuisine and the comfort of the boat after each day of adventure.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight in Iquitos
Day 6 : Amazon River Cruise Day 3
Today’s Highlight: Connect with the Amazon’s people and witness two rivers meet in harmony.
Spend another exciting day exploring the rich biodiversity of the Amazon during a jungle walk. Today, you’ll visit a local community and have the chance to interact with native people, learning more about their culture and customs.
Later that day, witness a unique phenomenon where dark waters of one river meet the sandy-colored waters of another one, creating a striking contrast.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight in Iquitos
Day 7 : Flight to Lima
Today’s Highlight: Bid farewell to the rainforest and cherish peaceful river memories.
After a final breakfast on board, you’ll visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals before returning to the port and saying goodbye to the Amazon rainforest. It’s time to return to Peru’s capital for a night, before catching a morning flight to Peru’s Andes exploring the imperial city of Cusco.
Breakfast included.
Overnight in Lima
Day 8 :Flight to Cusco + City Tour
Today’s Highlight: Feel Cusco’s spirit unfold through Inca roots, colonial charm, and vibrant markets.
Upon arrival in Cusco, our staff will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon, grab your camera to get a few good shots of the local landmarks, such as Qoricancha (a former Inca temple turned Spanish church), the lively San Pedro Market or the cozy uphill neighborhood of San Blas.
Lunch or dinner included.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 9 :Sacred Valley
Today’s Highlight: Journey through the Sacred Valley’s salt mines, terraces, and timeless villages.
Visit the Salt Mines of Maras, the agricultural labs or Moray and the fortress of Ollantaytambo. Relish a delightful lunch enveloped by the Andean landscape, visit a vibrant local textile center and try of a sip of Chicha (Inca beer made of corn).
After the tour, either continue to Aguas Calientes or return to Cusco, preparing for your upcoming Machu Picchu tour the following day.
Lunch included
Overnight in Cusco or Aguas Calientes
Day 10 :Machu Picchu
Today’s Highlight: Stand before Machu Picchu, where stone and sky meet in quiet wonder.
Embark on a 2-hour guided journey led by our knowledgeable guide, exploring the pivotal landmarks within the Machu Picchu ruins. Uncover the captivating history and cultural legacy of the Incas as you delve into the remarkable structures of this ancient wonder, gaining a profound understanding of its significance.
After the tour, you’ll be seamlessly transferred back to Cusco.
Lunch included
Overnight in Cusco
Day 11 :Rainbow Mountain
Today’s Highlight: Hike above the clouds and marvel at the vibrant colors of Vinicunca.
Embark on an early adventure and relish the serenity atop the Andes! Behold the vibrant marvels of Vinicunca rainbow mountain, where striking red terrains meet encounters with llamas and alpacas. With our small group and private tours, you’ll be part of the first to conquer the summit, evading the masses for an exceptional and exclusive experience.
Breakfast and lunch included
Overnight in Cusco
Day 12 :Outbound
Today’s Highlight: Take one last breath of the Andes and carry Peru’s spirit home.
After breakfast, you’ll have some more time to immerse yourself in the city. When you’re ready, our local staff will take you to the airport before you fly back to Lima.
Breakfast included
- Included
- Airport transfers with our staff accompanying you
- All tours stated in the itinerary with fluent English speaking licensed local guides
- All entrance tickets
- Private Machu Picchu tour with entrance tickets, train tickets and shuttle bus
- Hotels if selected
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary above (vegan and vegetarian options available). We eat in some of the best restaurants in the area.
- Trekking pole, first aid kit and oxygen for the hikes
- Welcome kit and virtual support during your trip
- Not Included
- Domestic and international flights (will be added in the quote if desired)
Prices
Based on double/triple occupancy and the hotels mentioned below or similar ones in the same category.
- Service
- Comfortable 3-start hotels
- Standard train to Machu Picchu
- Shared/private transfers
- Daily breakfast
- Service
- Upgraded 4-start hotels
- Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
- More comfortable transport
- Restaurant upgrades
- Service
- Luxury 5-start hotels Ico
- Hiram Bingham train (optional)
- VIP private transfers
- Exclusive experiences
Hotels
JW Marriott
- 250 m from the oceanfront
JW Marriott Miraflores offers ocean-view rooms, excellent dining, and a well-equipped gym, in a prime waterfront location beside Larcomar for an upscale stay.
Souma Miraflores
- 650 m from Parque Kennedy
Souma Miraflores offers modern comfort near Parque Kennedy and Larcomar, with air-conditioned rooms, outdoor pool, fitness center, rooftop terrace, restaurant, and convenient access to Lima’s highlights.
Lima 18 Boutique Hotel
- Steps from Huaca Pucllana
Lima 18 Boutique offers charming, intimate accommodation in the heart of Miraflores, with just 11 air-conditioned rooms featuring curated artwork and modern touches, a serene garden terrace, complimentary à la carte breakfast, and attentive personalized service — all within walking distance of Parque Kennedy, Huaca Pucllana, and Larcomar.
Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection
- 500 m from Plaza de Armas (main square)
Palacio del Inka, beside the Koricancha Temple, is a luxury hotel built on original Inca foundations, featuring stunning colonial architecture and guided historical tours.
Inkaterra La Casona
- 450 m from Plaza de Armas
La Casona is a boutique luxury hotel in a restored 16th-century Cusco mansion, offering 11 elegant suites, historic charm, a secluded courtyard, and an intimate, refined stay.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
- Located in Urubamba
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is a contemporary hacienda in the Sacred Valley, with luxury rooms and casitas, expansive countryside views, and a tranquil, refined atmosphere.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
- 250 m from the oceanfront
Inkaterra El Pueblo sits at the foot of Machu Picchu near the train station, offering upscale comfort, lush nature, and an immersive stay for your visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 12 days enough to see Machu Picchu and the Amazon?
Absolutely. With optimized itineraries and internal flights, 12 days is the ideal timeframe to enjoy both a luxury Amazon cruise and Machu Picchu without feeling rushed. We balance travel days with deep immersion at each site.
Where do Amazon cruises start in Peru?
Most luxury Amazon cruises start in Iquitos, located in northern Peru. From there, you sail into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. We handle all flight connections from Lima or Cusco to ensure a smooth transition.
Is an Amazon cruise better than a jungle lodge?
A cruise offers a more mobile and often more luxurious experience, allowing you to go deeper into the reserve. For a Peru tour Machu Picchu Amazon combination, a cruise provides a high level of comfort and changing scenery that a static lodge cannot match.
What is the best time for a Machu Picchu and Amazon cruise trip?
While not always mandatory for the cruise itself, it is highly recommended for any travel into the Amazon rainforest. Always consult with a travel clinic at least 10 days before your 12-day Peru itinerary begins.
Do I need a yellow fever shot for a luxury Amazon cruise?
While not always mandatory for the cruise itself, it is highly recommended for any travel into the Amazon rainforest. Always consult with a travel clinic at least 10 days before your 12-day Peru itinerary begins.
