PERU, MACHU PICCHU AND THE AMAZON

Presented by Small Group Tours by the Traveling Professor
PERU, MACHU PICCHU AND THE AMAZON image

Peru, Machu Picchu & the Amazon

general icon

PERU, MACHU PICCHU AND THE AMAZON

Since 2013, The Traveling Professor has been leading thoughtfully designed small-group journeys to Peru, earning a reputation for delivering exceptional educational travel experiences that combine expert guidance, authentic cultural encounters, and personalized service. Our carefully crafted Peru: Machu Picchu, Cusco & the Sacred Valley tour offers the perfect balance of discovery, comfort, and meaningful connection to one of the world's most fascinating civilizations.

Travel through the heart of the ancient Inca Empire as you explore the historic city of Cusco, where impressive Inca stonework and elegant colonial architecture stand side by side. Journey into the breathtaking Sacred Valley to visit traditional Andean villages, vibrant artisan markets, and remarkable archaeological sites that reveal the ingenuity and enduring legacy of the Incas.

The centerpiece of your adventure is an unforgettable visit to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. Arriving aboard a spectacular train through the Andes, you'll experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site with knowledgeable local guides who bring its history, engineering, and enduring mysteries vividly to life. Along the way, you'll savor authentic Peruvian cuisine, meet local artisans, and gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions that continue to shape Andean culture today.

Unlike larger, fast-paced tours, our small-group approach allows for a more relaxed itinerary, greater interaction with your guides, and a richer, more personal travel experience. Every detail has been carefully planned—from comfortable accommodations and seamless logistics to immersive sightseeing—so you can focus on the incredible landscapes, remarkable history, and unforgettable moments that make Peru one of South America's most captivating destinations.

With more than a decade of experience introducing travelers to Peru, The Traveling Professor invites you to experience Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley the way they were meant to be explored: with curiosity, expertise, and the camaraderie that only a small group can provide.

Journey Highlights

Journey Highlights image

At a glance

Day 1 - Arrival in Cusco and Acclimatization

Day 1 - Arrival in Cusco and Acclimatization image

Arrive in Cusco, Acclimate and Explore

general icon

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. The 5-star Aranwa Boutique Hotel is equipped with an intelligent oxygen system to mitigate the effects of the 11,200-foot altitude. 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. That evening, enjoy world-renowned Peruvian cuisine. Breakfast included.
accommodation icon

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.
meal icon

Peruvian Cuisine Dinner

That evening, enjoy world-renowned Peruvian cuisine. Breakfast included.
activity icon

Brief 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.

Day 2 - Guided Tour of Cusco and Surroundings

Day 2 - Guided Tour of Cusco and Surroundings image

Explore Cusco, Sacsayhuaman, and Inca Ruins

activity icon

Full Day 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 included.

Day 3 - Sacred Valley Train and Machu Picchu

Day 3 - Sacred Valley Train and Machu Picchu image

Journey by Train to Machu Picchu Wonders

transport icon

Private Van Transfer: Cusco to Ollantaytambo

DepartureCusco
DestinationOllantaytambo
Travel in a private van from our hotel in Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
accommodation icon

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Lodging is at the luxurious Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.
transport icon

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.
activity icon

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.
meal icon

Breakfast

Breakfast included.
meal icon

Dinner

Dinner included.

Day 4 - Sunrise at Machu Picchu and Nature Trails

Day 4 - Sunrise at Machu Picchu and Nature Trails image

Sunrise Hike to Sun Gate and Nature Walks

activity icon

Guided Hike to Sun Gate at Machu Picchu

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.
activity icon

Nature Trails and Wildlife Exploration

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

Breakfast

Breakfast included.
meal icon

Dinner

Dinner included.

Day 5 - Sacred Valley Tour and Return to Cusco

Day 5 - Sacred Valley Tour and Return to Cusco image

Tour Ancient Ruins and Sacred Valley Sites

transport icon

Train Journey: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo

DepartureAguas Calientes
DestinationOllantaytambo
It’s back on the train to Ollantaytambo for a tour of the Sacred Valley.
activity icon

Sacred Valley Ruins Tour

We’ll visit unbelievable ancient ruins, have a memorable lunch at a spa on the Urubamba River and visits sites in the Sacred Valley on our way back to Cusco to spend the night.
meal icon

Breakfast

Breakfast included.
meal icon

Buffet Lunch

A buffet lunch included.

Day 6-8 - Amazon Jungle and Rainforest Adventure

Day 6-8 - Amazon Jungle and Rainforest Adventure image

Explore the Amazon with Guided Excursions

transport icon

Flight to Puerto Maldonado

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

Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica Lodge

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

Canopy Walkway & Anaconda Walk

Walk suspension bridges through the rainforest canopy, then explore wetlands for frogs, birds, insects, and other wildlife.
activity icon

Lake Sandoval Excursion

Boat ride and canoe exploration of an oxbow lake with opportunities to spot giant river otters, monkeys, caimans, hoatzins, and other wildlife. Entrance fees are included.
activity icon

Rainforest Garden Walk

Guided walk through native orchids, medicinal plants, and rainforest trees with explanations of traditional uses.
activity icon

Twilight River Excursion

Late-afternoon boat excursion to observe the transition from daytime to nocturnal wildlife.
activity icon

Trail System Walk

Walk the lodge's forest trails to learn about animal tracks, insects, medicinal plants, and rainforest ecology.
activity icon

Butterfly House Visit

Learn about Amazon butterfly species and metamorphosis. Often combined with other activities.
activity icon

Native Experience

Cultural experience highlighting local traditions and uses of rainforest resources.
activity icon

Hacienda Concepción Excursion

Visit the nearby Inkaterra property with medicinal plant gardens and additional rainforest interpretation.
megaphone icon
At Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, most guided excursions are included in your stay at no additional charge. The lodge operates on an à la carte system, where you choose from a menu of excursions with your guide based on your interests, weather, and length of stay.
megaphone icon
Excursions that do have an extra charge: Lake Valencia (full-day fishing and wildlife excursion; seasonal), Ornithology (specialized full-day birdwatching), Canopy at Night (nighttime canopy walkway experience), Private guide or private excursion upgrades, Overnight stay in the Canopy Tree House.

Day 9 - Departure from Amazon Lodge and Return to Puerto Maldonado

Day 9 - Departure from Amazon Lodge and Return to Puerto Maldonado image

Depart Amazon Lodge and Return to Puerto Maldonado

general icon

Departure from Amazon 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.
Loading Map…

Map

1. Cusco

Cusco, Peru

2. Aranwa Boutique Hotel

San Juan de Dios 255, Cusco 08002, Peru

3. Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman, Cusco 08002, Peru

4. Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Peru

5. Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Peru

6. Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, Peru

7. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Pueblo de Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Peru

8. Puerto Maldonado

Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, Peru

9. Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica Lodge

Reserva Nacional Tambopata, Puerto Maldonado, Peru