13 Day Travel Package in Peru
Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
From Colca Canyon, Titicaca Lake, Machu Picchu to the Amazon Rainforest
Experience the ultimate Peruvian odyssey. Witness the flight of the condors in Colca Canyon, navigate the sapphire waters of Lake Titicaca, and journey across the Altiplano on the scenic "Route of the Sun" bus to Cusco. After uncovering the mysteries of Machu Picchu on a 2-day immersive tour, leave civilization behind for a 6-day expedition into the Manu Reserved Zone the heart of the Amazon and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Tour Overview
Duration: Approximately 13 days
Destinations: Arequipa (Colca), Puno, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Manu National Park.
At a Glance: What’s Included
- Colca Canyon: Condor sightings and Andean village tours.
- Lake Titicaca: Boat excursions to Uros and Taquile Islands.
- Route of the Sun: Guided bus transfer with stops at Raqchi and Andahuaylillas.
- Machu Picchu: 2-day trip including train, overnight in Aguas Calientes, and guided tour.
- Manu Reserved Zone: 6-day expedition with specialized naturalist guides, boat transport, and all meals in the jungle.
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a comprehensive Peru experience.
What’s included
Colca Canyon
Bus transportation
Tourist transportation
Guide
Tour guide in English and Spanish
Accommodation
Accomodation in a local Lodge
Meals
2 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Bus to Puno
Overnight Bus tour to Puno
Titicaca Lake
Tour Guide
Tour guide in english and Spanish during the tour
Meals
2 Breakfast, 2 lunch, 1 dinner
Boat Ride
Boat Ride along the Titicaca lake
Hotel
Hotel in Puno
Super Vally and Machu Picchu
Briefing
Pre-departure briefing
Bus transportation
Touristic bus for the tour the Sacred Valley in Group Service
Tour Guide
Bilingual guide for Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in Group Service
Meals
Lunch in Sacred Valley
Train Tickets
Round trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (can be upgraded to Vistadome train)
Hotel
1 night in Hostel in Aguas Calientes, 2-3 Star Hotel
Meals
1 breakfast
Machu Picchu Bus
Round way Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket
Entrance to Machu Picchu (we normally include the circuit 2 but if isnt available by the time you book your tour you might need to book an additional circuit in order to maximize your experience, the additional ticket is not included.)
Colca Canyon
Tour Bus
Touristic bus for the tour
Tour Guide
Bilingual Tour Guide
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Aid kit
First Aid kit and Oxygen bottle
Entrance Ticket
Entrance ticket to the Rainbow Mountain
Manu Reserved Zone
Tour guide
English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 10 people)
Transportation
Transportation (bus and boat)
Chef
Chef and cooking equipment
Meals
Meals (05B, 06L, 05D + daily morning snack. Vegetarian/vegan are available at no extra cost
Accommodations
All Nights in Lodge, a night in a blind might be included in the tour
Mineral Water
only during the jungle tour
Rain Poncho
for Jungle tour only
Rubber Boots
Rubber boots starting from second day
Entrance Fee
Entrance fee to Manu National Park
First-aid kit
First-aid kit
What’s not included
Breakfast
1st Breakfast on the Sacred Valley Tour and Manu Park
Lunch
in Machu Picchu
Dinner
In Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and last day Dinner in Manu Park
Mineral Water
Not included in the Colca Canyon, Titicaca Lake, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu. Also not included on the 1st day Manu Park Tour
Entrance Ticket
Sacred Valley entrance ticket
Hotels
Hotels in Arequipa and Cusco are not included (we can add hotels with an addional fee of $150 per night)
Hot Springs
Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/15.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
Huaynapicchu entrance fee
if you would like to climb this mountain a new entrance fee applies (US$ 80)
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance that covers tour cancellation, lost, damage, health.
$2,500
Itinerary
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Destination: Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Manu National Park (Reserved Zone and Cultural Zone)
Start/Finish: Arequipa / Cusco
Activity Level: Moderate (Hiking in the andes, Jungle hiking, boat travel)
Best For: Wildlife photographers, nature lovers, birdwatchers.
Day 1: Arequipa - Chivay
07:30 a.m. This tour begins with the pickup of our passengers from their hotels to embark on an excursion to the Great Colca Canyon. We take the road through Yura, passing behind the snow-capped Chachani, where you can admire the figure of the Misti volcano. We will stop at Pampa Cañahuas, a plain located near the Aguada Blanca reserve. Here you can see different species of South American camelids (vicuñas, llamas, alpacas). (Wildlife Keyword)
Later, we will visit Pata Pampa, the highest point of the route at 4,800 m.a.s.l. Here is the Mirador de los Andes (Andes Viewpoint)where you can appreciate the majestic Volcanoes of Hualca Hualca, Sabancaya, Ampato. Once our view is satisfied, we will continue our journey to Chivay. (Viewpoint Keyword, Volcano Keyword) Reception and accommodation at the hotel of your choice with private bathroom and hot water. Lunch, in the afternoon visit to the Thermal Baths of La Calera, dinner and folkloric night. (Accommodation Keyword, Thermal Baths Keyword)
Overnight stay.
Day 2: Chivay - Colca Canyon - Arequipa - Puno
Continental breakfast at the hotel, 06:00 am departure to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor (Condor Cross Viewpoint), from where you can observe the depth and beauty of the Colca Canyon and enjoy the flight of the Condors, who are the masters of this great Canyon. (Condor Watching Keyword, Canyon Views Keyword)
On the return, we will visit different towns of the region such as Yanque, Achoma, Maca. (Cultural Tour Keyword, Local Towns Keyword) Lunch in Chivay, and in the afternoon we will return by the same route to the city of Arequipa, arriving approximately at 4:30 pm. We will take an overnight bus ride to Puno
Day 3: Puno - Uros Floating Islands & homestay on Amantani Island
- 8:00 am. You will be picked up from your hotel and then transferred to the pier and take the motor boat towards the Uros Floating Islands. Arriving we walk on the reed islands and interact with the natives.
- Later, there is a chance to ride a reed boat (extra charge).
- Continue our journey towards “Amantani Island”, where we will spend the rest of the day and the night.
- Upon arrival, a group of native families will meet us at the pier, and take us to their homes for lodging.
- In the afternoon we will walk up to the highest point of the Islands to explore ancient ruins called by locals Pachatata. There are stunning views of the Lake from this lookout point and an amazing sunset.
- Soon after nightfall, we descend to the main plaza and meet our local family, and we go back to home for dinner. (Mind the head when entering, their doorways),
- By night visitors are invited to a particular local party. The party takes place at the main folklore saloon and it is accompanied by one of the local orchestras, (overnight at family house).
Day 4: Taquile Island and return to Puno in the afternoon
- 07:00hrs. after breakfast, we walk down to the harbor to take the boat towards “Taquile Island” (1 hour trip aprox.),
- Taquile is a traditional Quechua speaking community, and full of ancient agricultural terraces. The weaving tradition is part of the culture and goes back to early civilizations; all weaving is done by hand.
- Arriving to the island, we have to walk up along a narrow path, enjoying on the way impressive views of the Lake titicaca.
- At the village, there is free time to explore around on your own, and optionally you have a chance for lunch at one local restaurant (extra charge).
- Later we walk down to the pier to take our motor boat back to Puno.
- We will arrive to Puno at 3:20pm. aprox. and you will be transferred back to your hotel in Puno.
Day 5: Puno - Cusco by Tour bus
6:40am: Departure from Puno: Departure from Puno bus terminal.
08:50am: Pucará Museum: Pucará was the first regional population nucleus in the Titicaca basin north of the lake during the Late Formative Period (500 BC-200 AD), which provides valuable information about the origins of the Andean civilization in the highlands. During its heyday, it covered more than a square kilometer and housed thousands of bureaucrats, priests, artisans, farmers, shepherds, and possibly warriors.
The Pucará style is identified by impressive monolithic sculptures with a variety of geometric, zoomorphic, and more intricate anthropomorphic images, and multi-colored ceramics in a variety of ritual and domestic forms.
11:00am: La Raya: We stop at Abra La Raya (La Raya), the watershed which splits the regions of Puno and Cusco, right at the border of both. We’ll enjoy an amazing view of of regions and the Andes mountains that surround us.
11:35am: Marangani Buffet Lunch
Sicuani is a relatively large city of the highlands. The city is an important intersection, with the road to Puno / Arequipa passing through here. This city is surrounded by beautiful snowy hills. Afterward, you have a buffet lunch in our exclusive restaurant with a family atmosphere.
1:00pm: Raqchi - “Temple of Wiracocha”: We arrive in Raqchi, an archaeological site with a myriad of Inca ruins and ranked as one of the “Best Tourism Villages”.
Here we’ll visit the Inca Temple of Wiracocha, the most important structure in the Raqchi complex and one of the biggest surviving Incan constructions. According to ancient writings, the temple was built by an Inca emperor in honor of the invisible Superior God of the Andean people.
The impressive 15 meter high walls combined with the remaining ruins and deep history/culture make for a unique visit.
3:30pm: Andahuaylillas “Sistine Chapel of America”: Our first visit – the beautiful Church of Saint Peter the Apostle in Andahuaylillas, also known as the “Sistine Chapel of America”. Built by the Jesuits in the 16th century, and like many other Spanish and religious constructions of the time, it was built atop a sacred Inca site.
A unique and small church, made of adobe and brick which looks simple on the outside but with a jaw-dropping interior full of gold, paintings, and more astonishing decorations.
5:30pm: Arrive in Cusco: Arrive in bus terminal Cusco
Day 6: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu: The Super Sacred Valley (The "VIP" Route)
Pick-up: Approx. 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM
This is a fast-paced but rewarding day covering the most iconic landscapes and ruins in the valley.
- Chinchero: Known as the "Birthplace of the Rainbow." You’ll visit the colonial church built over Incan foundations and witness a traditional Andean textile demonstration where locals use natural plants and minerals to dye alpaca wool.
- Moray: Explore the mysterious circular agricultural terraces. These deep, amphitheater-like pits were used by the Incas as an experimental laboratory to grow crops at different microclimates.
- Maras Salt Mines: Marvel at over 3,000 ancient salt evaporation ponds carved into the mountainside. These are still hand-harvested by local families today.
- Urubamba (Lunch): A stop for a buffet lunch (usually included in most tours) featuring fresh Andean trout, quinoa, and local fruits.
- Ollantaytambo: Explore the "Living Inca Town." You’ll climb the massive fortress terraces where the Incas fought one of their last battles against the Spanish.
- Train to Aguas Calientes: In the late afternoon or evening, you will board the train from Ollantaytambo. The 1.5-hour journey follows the Urubamba River into the lush high jungle.
- Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).
Day 7: Machu Picchu. - Cusco: The Lost City of the Incas (Machu Picchu)
Start: Early morning (usually between 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM)
- The Ascent: Take the 25-minute shuttle bus from town up the winding road to the Machu Picchu entrance.
- Guided Tour: A 2.5-hour professional guided tour of the citadel. You’ll visit the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, the Intihuatana (sun dial), and the Sacred Rock while learning about the engineering genius of the Incas.
- Free Exploration: Depending on your ticket circuit, you may have time for photos at the famous "Guard House" viewpoint.
- Return to Cusco: You’ll take the bus back down to town, have lunch, and then board the return train to Ollantaytambo. A private van or bus will meet you at the station to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco (arriving around 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM).
Day 8: Cusco - Pona Lodge ( 6 day Manu Reserved Zone tour)
Your incredible Cusco to Manu tour begins as we depart from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, climbing over the spectacular Andes mountain range. As we descend into the eastern slopes, the scenery transforms dramatically, giving way to the lush, vibrant ecosystems of the Cloud Forest. Here, the air becomes rich with moisture, and the trees are draped in orchids, bromeliads, and mosses, creating an ethereal landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for our first incredible wildlife encounters: the vibrant Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Peru's national bird) performing its elaborate mating dance, playful Woolly Monkeys, and a myriad of colorful bird species. We'll make strategic stops at scenic viewpoints, including the charming town of Paucartambo, before reaching our comfortable lodge nestled deep within this biodiverse paradise. Enjoy a delicious dinner amidst the sounds of the jungle, preparing for the wonders ahead on your jungle trip in Peru. (L+D).
Highlights of the Day:
- Walk along the Cloud Forest of Manu Park
- Visit the Peruvian National Bird LEK (Andean Cock-of-the-Rock)
- Bird Watching along the Cloud Forest, where you'll see several species of colorful Amazon birds including Tanagers, toucans, barbets, hummingbirds, two species of quetzals, trogons, motmots, woodpeckers, and hawks.
- Tanager garden optional visit, an excellent spot to photograph colorful birds of Peru (not included in the standard Cusco to Manu tour package).
Day 9: Pona Lodge - Yanayacu Lodge
This morning, as part of your comprehensive jungle tours in Peru, we will reach the clear waters of the Alto Madre de Dios River. After leaving our lodge at 6:30 am, we'll head towards the Port of Atalaya. Before reaching Atalaya Port, we will visit a Hummingbird Gardenwhere we will see several species of hummingbirds, including tanagers, barbets, king vultures, titi monkeys, and more. From Atalaya, we will continue our journey by boat towards a Hot Spring, spending about an hour relaxing before continuing to our next lodge. (B+L+D).
Highlights of the Day:
- Hummingbird Garden Visit: A highlight of many jungle trips in Peru, where several species of hummingbird, tanagers, barbets, monkeys, and the majestic king vulture are observed.
- Visit a Hot Spring: Around noon, we will stop at a natural hot spring for about an hour of relaxing bathing on your Manu adventure.
Day 10: yanayacu Lodge - Reserved Zone of Manu Park - Casa Matsiguenka Lodge
Kick off your Manu Park tour at a spectacular Parrot Clay Lick, witnessing a dazzling array of macaws and parrots. Our journey continues into the Reserved Zone via the Manu River, offering chances to see diverse birdlife, caimans, and even jaguars on its sun-drenched beaches. Post-lunch, settle into our Lodge near Cocha Salvador. Spend your afternoon exploring lush rainforest trails, observing wildlife from a 20-meter canopy tower, and seeking out Giant Otters. As night falls, an optional guided walk reveals the jungle's nocturnal inhabitants, including the unforgettable sounds of the rainforest, before a comfortable stay at Casa Matsiguenka lodge. (B+L+D).
Highlights of the Day:
- Sail along Manu River: A prime opportunity during your Cusco to Manu tour to see several species of animals including black caimans, white caimans, turtles, monkeys, capybaras, and deer.
- Jaguar Searching: At Manu River, we will have our best chances to see Jaguars in Peru on the way up as well as on the way down.
- Cocha Otorongo Visit: This oxbow lake offers your first chance to see giant otters and large black caimans, a true highlight of jungle tours in Peru.
Day 11: Casa Matsiguenka Lodge
We will start our activity very early in the morning in the Salvador oxbow lake, utilizing a floating platform called a catamaran. This morning, on your Cusco to Manu tour, we will be able to see an infinity of species of birds and mammals: herons, cormorants, eagles, hawks, squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, giant otters, and giant river otters. The Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) can reach up to 6 feet or 1.82 cm in length and weigh up to 70 pounds or 31 kilograms. They consume between 9 to 11 lbs (4-5 kilos) of fish per day. This is one of the rare animals on earth which are common in Manu. We will also look for some of the 15 species of monkeys which inhabit this place, making this a truly remarkable jungle trip in Peru. After visiting Salvador Oxbow lake, we will head back to Casa Matsiguenka Lodge and from there we will walk to the Macaw Clay Lick. Scarlet macaws as well as red and green macaws are seen at this clay lick. Activity at the clay lick begins around 5:30 am as medium-sized parrots arrive with the sunrise, pair by pair, noisy, and land in the treetops above the clay lick. Several screechbirds climb the branches preparing for their descent to the riverbank. Finally, cascades of green, blue, and red parrots circle down to the clay wall. Around 7:00 or 7:30 in the morning, large macaws begin to arrive. Around 10:00 a.m., the macaws begin to descend. This colorful and noisy scene continues for 20 to 40 minutes while the birds eat their ration of clay or until danger arrives in the form of a hawk, eagle, or ocelot. This is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world, a must-see on any jungle tour in Peru. After lunch at our lodge, we will explore one of the trails through the jungle and look at the complex ecosystem that surrounds us. Our ecologist guide will explain how plants and insects interact with the forest. We will be on the lookout for some of the smaller inhabitants of the jungle, such as the emperor pichico or the spotted-backed tamarin. On the way, it is also possible to come across a group of peccaries, a species of wild boar found here. Overnight at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge (B+L+D).
Highlights of the Day:
- Cocha Salvador Visit: Cocha Salvador is the largest Oxbow lake in Manu National Park. At this oxbow lake, part of your exclusive Cusco to Manu tour, we have a chance to see giant otters, Black Caimans, and several species of birds and monkeys.
- Macaw Clay Lick Visit: Near our lodge, we have a small macaw clay lick where two species of large macaws are observed, including scarlet as well as red and green macaws, a vibrant part of your jungle trip in Peru.
- Night Walk: During our night walks, we can see several species of nocturnal creatures including insects, amphibians, reptiles, night monkeys, and owls.
Day 12: Casa Matsiguenka Lodge - Yanayacu Lodge - Tapir Clay Lick
This day, another exciting chapter of your jungle tours in Peru, we will visit an oxbow lake which we will reach by walking through the forest. Cocha Otorongo - "Jaguar Lake" – where we will have the opportunity to see more of the wildlife of Manu. We may encounter groups of monkeys, especially groups of common woolly monkeys. We will pay special attention to the plant life of the place, which will give us signals, noises of falling fruits and leaves which will indicate the presence of an animal or bird. After a relaxing lunch, we will navigate Manu River downstream and then upstream Alto Madre de Dios until we reach the Tapir Clay Lick area. From the river, we will head towards a blind in the middle of the jungle where we will spend the night. The reason for going to this blind is for the unique chance to see tapirs at night, a rare experience on any Cusco to Manu tour. (B+L+D).
Highlights of the Day:
- Sail Along Manu River: On the way, we will have our second chance to search for caimans, monkeys, turtles, capybaras, deer, and green anacondas, enhancing your jungle trip in Peru.
- Jaguar Search: This morning, we will search for jaguars along the Manu River; the best chance to seejaguar sightings is between July to October.
- Tapir Clay Lick: In the evening, we will visit a mammal clay lick where tapirs are often seen.
- Spend a Night in the middle of the Jungle: To see the tapirs, we will spend a night in a camouflage house, an immersive part of your jungle tour in Peru.
Day 13: Tapir Clay Lick - Cusco
This day, we will travel back to the city of Cusco, arriving around 3:00 in the afternoon, concluding your memorable Cusco to Manu tour. END OF OUR SERVICES (B+L).
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Trips to Machu Picchu
Trips to Machu Picchu by Manu Explorers Peru specializes in authentic tours to one of the world’s wonders. Our offerings include the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao treks, alongside the high-adventure Inca Jungle Trek and scenic train tours to Machu Picchu. Looking for more adventure? We also provide expert-guided jungle expeditions to the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
