What 10 Days of Exploring the Amazon and Machu Picchu Looks Like

May 03, 2024 | by: Kuoda Authors

Imagine the ultimate Peru travel adventure – trekking to Machu Picchu to reveal the most impressive e left by the ancient Inca civilization, or exploring the Amazon on an otherworldly jungle excursion. Venturing through man made wonders one day, and natural wonders the next, a trip to Peru is one that promises unforgettable experiences. With so many glorious sights to see, you’ll need more than just one weekend to appreciate it all. So how about a ten-day adventure to the Amazon and Machu Picchu, uncovering the most bucketlist worthy treasures this diverse destination has to offer?

From modern cityscapes to an ancient metropolis, from the lush Amazonian foliage to breathtaking Andean mountains, this itinerary is filled with noteworthy experiences most travelers dream of for a lifetime. You’ll wake up each day with an abundance of exciting activities on the horizon. From mountain treks to jungle exploration, there will be many moments of thrills and awe-inspiring experiences during your trip. But there will also be days meant to take it slower, learning about some of the local culture or wandering the charming streets of Cusco. For ten days, you will enjoy pure magic every moment. This South American destination is one of the most incredible travel gems in the world, and you’ll get to experience the best it has to offer.

Send us a message today to get started planning your trip, and continue reading to learn more about this sample itinerary.

Your Peru Adventure Begins With An Evening In Lima

When you land in Lima, the energetic capital city, you’ll have a day to yourself to settle in and get ready for the next ten days. While some travelers may just want to lounge at their hotel and wind down early, others may want to enjoy a taste of Lima. If you’re craving a fun spot to celebrate your arrival, grab a drink at one of The World’s 50 Best bars, Carnaval. From chef and bartender Aaron Diaz, the mixology craft here is taken to another level, with an innovative cocktail menu that will impress and delight guests. And for dinner, there are some impressive luxury dining experiences in Lima travelers who want a night out should consider before they depart in the morning.

Embark On An Amazonian Excursion

After a short flight to Puerto Maldonado, one of your travel guides will escort you from plane to boat so you can head to your jungle hotel. Peru’s Amazon has some impressive luxury accommodations to choose from, including the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica ecolodge which is great for anyone wanting to be completely immersed in the jungle. The luxury wooden cabanas offer guests their own private oasis, with design features that provide you direct access to the enchanting jungle just outside. Upon arrival, you’ll be treated to freshly pressed juice made with locally sourced ingredients to refresh your energy before the Amazon adventure begins.

Over the next four days, you’ll experience truly remarkable sights and sounds as you explore the Amazon Jungle. From guided walking tours through the lush flora, to sunset river cruises where you can witness how this ecosystem comes to life after the sun goes down. Peru’s Amazon is home to some of the most unique wildlife on Earth, so these days will be filled with awesome sightings. Howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, sick-neck turtles, rare pink river dolphins, sloths, jaguars, and more all call this unique landscape their home, so while your visiting make sure to keep an eye open on every excursion for a chance to see these beautiful creatures. There will be no shortage of thrills as the Amazon jungle reveals itself to you during your stay. It’s the perfect way to connect with Peru’s astonishing natural world before you discover some of the impressive man made landmarks.

Explore Cusco And The Sacred Valley: Peru’s Cultural Capital

Now that you’ve been living off the grid for a few days, it’s time to dive into the next chapter of your journey in Cusco. Known as Peru’s cultural capital, the city of Cusco was once the beating heart of the Incan Empire. Today, it is a charming modern city that buzzes with historic significance and holds onto some important traditions, giving it a unique energy that welcomes the modern world while honoring the ancient one.

After landing in Cusco, you’ll get to experience first hand how locals embrace their heritage with a trip to the Sacred Valley. Here, communities still practice traditional weaving methods and sustainable farming practices. There will be time to learn from the locals in addition to a trip to the Awana Kancha Living Museum for an interactive education about the history of Peru’s Andean communities. Back in Cusco, make sure you try one of the excellent gastronomy destinations like LIMO, a restaurant showcasing the Nikkei culinary experience. Combining Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, the menu is full of delicious seafood prepared with unique Andean ingredients for a one of a kind fusion food journey.

Prepare for your first encounter with truly remarkable Incan landmarks because in the morning, a local guide will take you back into the Sacred Valley for a day exploring the Ollantaytambo archeological site and the Pisac market. Both are rich in history, and each offers travelers unique insight into how the Incan empire was able to innovate their daily routines to develop one of the most impressive societies in human history.

Discover Macchu Picchu: The Lost City Of The Incas

Finally, on your seventh day in Peru, the world wonder of Macchu Picchu will be revealed. Today will be one you’ll cherish forever, so make sure you get plenty of rest the night before, and don’t forget your camera!

In the morning, you will be escorted from your hotel to Ollantaytambo, where a train awaits to transport you to the infamous ancient city. Riding by train allows you to enjoy a luxurious and serene journey on what would otherwise be a multi-day trek through the Andean mountains, which is difficult to fit into a ten-day vacation. This way, you can see as much of Peru as possible while still crossing Macchu Picchu off your bucket list! The train ride to Macchu Picchu is spectacular, with breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and Peru’s unique cloud forest that surround you before you reach Aguas Calientes. After a bit of lunch here, you’ll drive up to the gates of the ancient citadel.

When you enter the main gates of Macchu Picchu, the views will strike you immediately. A sight that even photos cannot fully capture will reveal itself, as you stand in awe of the city at the top of the world, where Incas once roamed centuries ago. Enjoy a private, guided tour of the city and learn all about why exactly Macchu Picchu was built in the first place.

On day two in Macchu Picchu, you’ll get to explore even further. There are two different hiking trails to choose from, Machu Picchu Mountain and the sister trail, Huayna Picchu. The latter is a more adventurous, challenging hike, so it’s perfect for adventure lovers who want a bit of an exhilarating outdoor experience that offers unparalleled views of Machu Picchu’s archeological structures.

Spend Your Last Few Days Luxuriating In Cusco

As your ten-day Peru travel adventure comes to a close, you will get the opportunity to wander and revel in the magical city of Cusco. A private city tour is available for travelers who want to dive deeper into the history of this UNESCO Heritage destination. But, if you prefer to spend the final part of your journey relaxing, then there are plenty of beautiful, cobblestone streets to roam at your leisure while stopping for a drink or a coffee at one of the many delicious local restaurants available here.

Saying goodbye is never easy, but you will surely fly home from this trip with memories to last a lifetime. Peru is a destination filled with endless wonders, so it’s impossible to see everything in just ten days. However, this itinerary takes you through some of the most important historic landmarks, and also introduces you to the hidden wonders of the natural world. It’s a perfectly balanced experience for travelers looking to uncover all the different opportunities Peru has to offer. And, as you plan your excursion with a Kuoda travel expert, be sure to let us know what type of experiences you’re looking for! We’ll help customize the itinerary to fit your exact needs, ensuring the trip meets all of your travel dreams.