Immersive Rainforest and Inca Trail Peru Tour

Tucked on the western coast of South America, Peru provides an exotic world through which visitors can explore the country's culture and natural beauty. From the lofty heights of the Andes and the depths of the Sacred Valley to the steaming jungle of the Amazon, Peru will present you with unparalleled ecological diversity. Upon your arrival to the country's capital city, a transfer will meet and drive you to your nearby hotel in the heart of Lima.

As the main gateway into the country, Lima and its surroundings present an excellent opportunity to begin your immersion into the Peruvian landscape and culture. After you enjoy breakfast at your hotel, you will make your way by domestic flight into the heart of the Amazonian wilderness. Your final destination will be the scenic and colorful Tambopata Natural Reserve. After a comfortable drive and boat ride, you will celebrate your arrival at the scenic research center with a guided night walk to witness the area's abundant biodiversity.

Perhaps, it will be the distinctive call of the blue-throated piping-guan or the smell of freshly brewed coffee from the staff that welcomes you to the Amazon. Your first morning in the Amazon will be a blend of the thrilling isolation of your accommodation and the modern comforts you are able to enjoy. The Tambopata Research Center will present you with a menu of activities and access points that will allow you to bask in the ambiance of this jungle paradise. Whether you take to the trails in search of scenic overlooks or participate in a bird-watching excursion, there will be much to see and do.

The flora and fauna of the Amazon will welcome you when you wake. Surrounded by the lush vegetation and the green canopy overhead, you will get in touch with your inner Hiram Bingham by enjoying a bird-watching excursion at dawn or by hitting the snooze button until your delicious breakfast. Options for you include a trip to a nearby waterfowl-viewing platform, a rainforest hike, and a night walk to witness the Amazon's nocturnal animals in their element.

Today, you will turn your back on the Amazonian paradise you have been enjoying and cross into a whole new environment. After breakfast, you will make your way back to Puerto Maldonado by boat, which will be followed by a comfortable drive. From there, a short flight will fly you to your gateway to the Andes mountains and the civilization that once flourished at these high elevations. Upon your arrival to your accommodation, you will be met by your guide for a thorough introduction to the city.

In 1983, Cusco was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it will take you little time to see why when you begin your exploration of the region's many architectural and historical treasures. After breakfast, you will depart the city and make your way to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman to enjoy fabulous views before venturing to the village of Pisac and the textile center at Ahuanacancha. During this journey, you will be accompanied by a local guide, who will be knowledgable in the history and significance of each monument you visit.

Peru's inhabitants have been taking advantage of its environmental diversity for centuries. Today, you will enjoy a front-row seat to this heritage when visiting a functioning series of Andean salt flats that date back to the time of the Inca. After departing your hotel, you will visit the mysterious ruins at Moray with its terraced hillside and sweeping views before making your way to the spring-fed salt flats that have been providing locals with this precious commodity for generations. You can then enjoy an optional mountain-biking excursion as well.

Comfortable walking shoes will be the vehicle of choice when you embark on a journey that will have you walking in the footsteps of the Inca on the trail they once used, which connects the hilltop town of Machu Picchu to the Sacred Valley. With steep drop-offs, this thrilling trekking journey will lead you past Winay Wayna, the Sun Gate, and other famous Inca sites before descending to the famous ruins. It will all be downhill from there. After you are introduced to Machu Picchu, you will continue your descent to the intact village of Aguas Calientes and your hotel.

Your final full day on this Peruvian tour will on a guided tour of the ruins of Machu Picchu to hear the tale of its early inhabitants, civilizational development, and eventual encounter with Europeans. The same slopes you descended yesterday will be climbed, but this time, a bus will be doing the climbing for you. Upon your arrival, fresh legs will carry you along the terraced hillsides, crumbling stone halls, and to Huayna Picchu for the best views of the site. In the afternoon, you will board the train back to Cusco.

At 11,000 feet, there is little atmosphere to interrupt the vibrant morning light that will flitter across the city of Cusco. After enjoying a leisurely morning, you will have a little time to explore the Spanish and Inca influences of this town before making your way to the airport for your connecting flight to Lima.