PERU, MACHU PICCHU AND THE AMAZON

Introduction

Peru, Machu Picchu and the Amazon

About Our Small Group Tours

Peru—home to mystical Machu Picchu and the vast Amazon Rainforest—offers one of the world’s truly unforgettable adventures. And there’s only one way to experience it: the right way. That means exceptional accommodations, knowledgeable expert guides, and a thoughtfully designed itinerary from start to finish.

Discover Peru, explore the wonders of Machu Picchu, and journey deep into the Amazon on an extraordinary experience with The Traveling Professor. This fully guided small-group tour—limited to just 8–16 travelers—ensures a more personal, immersive experience every step of the way. You’ll enjoy the rare advantage of spending two full days at Machu Picchu, giving you time to truly take in its beauty, history, and atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Along the way, indulge in exceptional cuisine that showcases Peru’s world-renowned flavors. In the Amazon, embrace the thrill of the jungle, where you may encounter monkeys, sloths, river otters, colorful butterflies, and vibrant plant life up close. Designed for comfort, cultural depth, and unforgettable moments, every detail of this journey is carefully crafted to deliver the vacation of a lifetime in South America.

Journey Highlights

Cusco, Machu Picchu, Amazon Jungle

At a glance

About Our Small Group Tours

Map

Day 1 - Arrival in Cusco and Acclimatization

Arrive in Cusco, Acclimate and Explore

Arrival in Cusco

Arrive in vibrant Cusco, Peru from your home city. Our private vehicle service provides pickup at the airport, regardless of arrival time, for transfer to the hotel.

Aranwa Boutique Hotel

The 5-star Aranwa Boutique Hotel is equipped with an intelligent oxygen system to mitigate the effects of the 11,200-foot altitude.

Walking Tour of Cusco and Local Market

Take it easy today, acclimate to the altitude and do a brief walking tour of the city and a local market like never seen before.

Dinner - Peruvian Cuisine

That evening, enjoy world-renowned Peruvian cuisine.

Breakfast

Breakfast included.

Day 2 - Private VIP Tour of Cusco and Surroundings

Explore Cusco, Sacsayhuaman, and Inca Ruins

Professionally Guided Private VIP Tour of Cusco

A full day, professionally guided, private VIP tour of Cusco and the surrounding area. See the Main Square, Cathedral, and Qoricancha (Sun Temple). The tour drives along the outskirts of the city up to the famous fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay ruins.

Breakfast

Breakfast included.

Day 3 - Sacred Valley Train, Machu Picchu & Aguas Calientes

Journey by Train to Machu Picchu and Guided Tour

Private Van Transfer: Cusco to Ollantaytambo

DepartureCusco

DestinationOllantaytambo

Travel in a private van from our hotel in Cusco to Ollantaytambo.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Lodging is at the luxurious Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.

Train Journey: Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

DepartureOllantaytambo

DestinationAguas Calientes

Board the train for a 2-hour adventure to the outpost town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

An in-depth professionally guided tour of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is on the day’s itinerary.

Breakfast and Dinner Included

Day 4 - Inca Trail Hike to Sun Gate and Machu Picchu Sunrise

Sunrise Hike to Sun Gate and Explore Machu Picchu

Guided Hike to Sun Gate

Arise early for a guided hike along the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate for an awe-inspiring sunrise at Machu Picchu led by your tour leader. Overlooking the mystical citadel from the Sun Gate is perhaps the most scenic vista in the world. It is an experience to talk about and show photos to everyone you know for years to come.

Nature Trails and Wildlife Exploration

In the afternoon, relax or explore the flowers, fauna, butterflies, birds and other wildlife on private nature trails.

Two Nights at Aguas Calientes

We are one of the few tours that spend 2 nights at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).

Breakfast and Dinner Included

Day 5 - Sacred Valley Tour and Return to Cusco

Tour Sacred Valley, Ruins, and Return to Cusco

Train to Ollantaytambo

DepartureAguas Calientes

DestinationOllantaytambo

It’s back on the train to Ollantaytambo for a tour of the Sacred Valley.

Tour of the Sacred Valley and Ancient Ruins

We’ll visit unbelievable ancient ruins and visit sites in the Sacred Valley on our way back to Cusco to spend the night.

Buffet Lunch at Spa on the Urubamba River

Have a memorable lunch at a spa on the Urubamba River.

Return to Cusco

DepartureSacred Valley

DestinationCusco

Visit sites in the Sacred Valley on our way back to Cusco to spend the night.

Breakfast

Breakfast included.

Day 6-8 - Amazon Jungle and Rain Forest Adventure

Amazon Jungle Adventure and Inkaterra Lodge

Flight to Puerto Maldonado

DepartureCusco

DestinationPuerto Maldonado

We depart for our Amazon Jungle/Rain Forest adventure in the morning and fly to Puerto Maldonado.

Inkaterra Amazonica Lodge

Our 4-day, 3-night itinerary includes guided tours with a certified naturalist at the renowned Inkaterra Amazonica Lodge.

Inkaterra Website

Guided Tours with Certified Naturalist

Guided tours with a certified naturalist at the Inkaterra Amazonica Lodge. For a complete list of activities, most of which are included in the cost of the tour, see the Inkaterra website.

Inkaterra Website

All Meals at Inkaterra Lodge

All meals at the Inkaterra Lodge are included.

Day 9 - Morning at Lodge and Return to Puerto Maldonado

Morning at Lodge and Return Journey

Morning at the Lodge

After a morning at the lodge, travel along the river back to Puerto Maldonado to catch flights home. Additional nights at the Inkaterra Lodge may be available upon request.

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Map

1. Cusco

Cusco, Peru

2. Aranwa Boutique Hotel

San Juan de Dios 255, Cusco 08002, Peru

3. Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman, Cusco 08002, Peru

4. Qoricancha (Sun Temple)

Avenida El Sol, Cusco 08002, Peru

5. Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo, Peru

6. Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

Aguas Calientes, 08681, Peru

7. Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, 08680, Peru

8. Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

Inti Punku, Machu Picchu, Peru

9. Urubamba River (Sacred Valley)

Urubamba, Peru

10. Puerto Maldonado

Puerto Maldonado, Peru

11. Inkaterra Amazonica Lodge

Reserva Amazonica, Puerto Maldonado, Peru

12. Restaurante Tunupa

Carretera a Maras, Urubamba 08660, Peru

13. Chicha por Gaston Acurio

Plaza Regocijo 261, Cusco 05184, Peru

14. Mercado Central de San Pedro

Thupaq Amaru 477, Cusco 08002, Peru