This 8-day adventure takes you from the wild heart of the Amazon to the soaring peaks of the Andes. In the Tambopata National Reserve, you’ll witness brilliant macaws at the world’s most active clay lick, search for monkeys, sloths, and capybaras along jungle trails, and glide past caimans on a sunset river cruise.

From there, the journey continues into the Sacred Valley, where you’ll marvel at the Maras Salt Mines, Moray’s ancient terraces, and savor a traditional Pachamanca feast. The highlight awaits at Machu Picchu, the mystical citadel of the Incas, before concluding in Cusco with its vibrant art, colonial history, and rich culture. This is a journey that blends rare wildlife encounters with some of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures.

Bilingual guides will escort the group throughout their journey. The boutique hotels selected for this expedition are the most renowned of the region – all boasting beautiful grounds & facilities, high service standards and stunning scenery. The combination of impeccable service, breathtaking views and immersion into Andean culture makes for a true journey of a lifetime!

For this trip we have partnered with Peru Eco Expeditions to curate a custom and special trip. We are so excited to finally offer this Peru adventure after a long time in the works! 

Note: This trip is a great alternative to our more hiking-intensive trip being offered Aug 21-29. If you are wanting to experience Machu Picchu and the Amazon without all of the difficult high-elevation hiking, this is the adventure to choose!

• Walking & Hiking: 1–3 miles at a time on rainforest trails, archaeological sites, and cobblestone streets.

• Wildlife Viewing: Gentle hikes and boat rides with frequent stops for observation.

• Altitude: Up to 11,000 ft. in Cusco and the Sacred Valley; activities paced to allow acclimatization.

• Overall Pace: Active but balanced with time for rest, cultural experiences, and exploration at leisure.

August is a fantastic month to visit Machu Picchu. The weather at Machu Picchu in August is characterized by mild temperatures, with average highs of 19°C (66°F) to lows of 7°C (44°F). Next to that, you'll enjoy many sun hours and clear skies during the day. However, the nights can get somewhat chilly.

All the excursions listed in the itinerary are included. Bring cash/credit cards for purchasing souvenirs, additional snacks/meals, alcoholic drinks, extra activities, and other items. You can either order Peruvian Sols from your bank at home or use an ATM on arrival in Cusco, Peru to get some cash. Exchanging USD to Sols at the airport or at a bank in Cusco is not always easy and doesn't give the best exchange rates.

All gratuities are included with the exception of those for your Chicas Abroad tour leader. Tipping the Chicas Abroad tour leader is optional and not included in the price of your adventure.

Chicas Abroad Tour Leader Tips

● The Chicas Abroad Tour Leader(s) works hard to ensure a seamless adventure for you and tips are optional, but customary. 

● If you have more than one tour leader on your adventure, gratuities may be given to one tour leader and the team will divide the tips. 

● Typical tips $30-40/day

A custom packing list will be emailed out a few months prior to departure.

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Puerto Maldonado and travel deep into the rainforest by road, riverboat, and trail. The journey itself is an adventure, leading you to one of the most remote lodges in South America — the Tambopata Research Center. After settling into your eco-lodge, you’ll step into the jungle on a guided night walk, searching for frogs, insects, and other nocturnal creatures that bring the forest to life after dark.

Activities: Arrival transfer, boat journey, guided night walk
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Research Center eco-lodge

Note: You will be advised the exact time to plan to arrive in Puerto Maldonado after booking.

Rise early for one of nature’s most spectacular shows: the macaw clay lick. Watch in awe as hundreds of brilliantly colored macaws and parrots gather along the riverbank. Keep an eye out for capybaras and tapirs along the way. Back at the lodge, enjoy a hearty lunch before setting off on the lodge’s private trail system to spot monkeys, sloths, and other jungle wildlife. In the evening, sit back and enjoy a fascinating lecture from a resident biologist, learning about the research and conservation efforts taking place here.

Activities: Macaw clay lick visit, Amazon trail hike, evening lecture
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Research Center eco-lodge

Today is all about immersing yourself in the wonders of the jungle. Begin with a guided hike on rainforest trails, where seven species of monkeys and countless other animals call the forest home. After lunch, cross the river to a nearby island where baby caimans lurk in small lagoons. As the day winds down, take to the water for a tranquil sunset cruise, watching the jungle glow in golden light while keeping an eye out for wildlife along the riverbanks.

Activities: Guided jungle hike, island exploration, sunset river cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Research Center eco-lodge

Day 4: Into the Andes – Arrival in Cusco

After a farewell breakfast in the Amazon, journey back to Puerto Maldonado by boat and road before flying into the Andes. Arriving in Cusco, the energy shifts as you trade rainforest trails for cobblestone streets. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring this historic city or simply relaxing at your boutique hotel. In the evening, gather for a delicious dinner and soak in the charm of Cusco’s colonial architecture and lively plazas.

Activities: Transfer to Cusco, guided arrival orientation, leisure time in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Boutique Hotel in Cusco

Set out on a full day of exploration in the Sacred Valley, beginning with the dazzling white terraces of the Maras Salt Mines and the striking circular terraces of Moray. At midday, experience a traditional Pachamanca lunch, an Incan feast cooked beneath the earth on hot stones. In the afternoon, board the Vistadome Observatory Train for a scenic ride through the Andes, arriving in Machu Picchu Pueblo. The evening is yours to explore this vibrant little town before dinner at the hotel.

Activities: Maras Salt Mines, Moray Archaeological Site, Pachamanca lunch experience, scenic train ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Boutique Hotel near Machu Picchu

Today you’ll finally experience the wonder of Machu Picchu. With expert guides leading the way, wander through the citadel’s terraces, temples, and stone pathways, uncovering the mysteries of this legendary Incan site. Afterward, enjoy a gourmet lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo before boarding the train and private transfer back to Cusco. The evening is at leisure to rest or wander the charming streets of the San Blas neighborhood.

Activities: Guided tour of Machu Picchu, bus transfers, scenic train ride back to Cusco
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Boutique Hotel in Cusco

Delve into Cusco’s eclectic art scene on a guided walking tour through artisan workshops, galleries, and the Archbishop’s Palace. Along the way, learn about the city’s creative history and meet local artists keeping traditions alive. Pause to enjoy a wine tasting paired with Peruvian appetizers, then reconnect with yourself during a sound healing ceremony designed to restore balance and release energy. In the evening, celebrate your journey with a festive farewell dinner at Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse.

Activities: Guided art & wine tour, artisan visits, sound healing ceremony, farewell dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Wine with Appetizers, Dinner
Accommodations: Boutique Hotel in Cusco

Spend your final morning in Cusco at your own pace — shop for souvenirs, sip a coffee in the plaza, or simply enjoy the mountain views. A private transfer will escort you to the airport for your flight home, carrying memories of the Amazon’s wildlife, the Andes’ culture, and the magic of Machu Picchu.

Activities: Leisure time, airport transfer
Meals: Breakfast