Duration: 12 days Start/Finish City: Lima to Lima

*Soak in the views and culture of the Sacred Valley

*Devour seafood in Lima

*Climb the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

*Spot wildlife from the lodge

*Service Level: Standard Comfortable tourist-class accommodations

*Physical Grading: Demanding. Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.

*Travel Style: All of the highlights, culture.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Lima   Transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Lima/Cusco   Hop on an included flight to Cusco. Enjoy a free day of shopping and exploring the city.(B)

Day 3: Cusco/Ollantaytambo   Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. After lunch, head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).(B,L)

Day 4: Inca Trail    Depart Ollantaytambo by van to where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.(B,L,D)

Day 5: Inca Trail    Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Inca Trail    Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft). (B,L,D)

Day 7: Machu Picchu/Cusco   The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the ruins, before your train back towards Cusco. (B)

Day 8: Cusco    Continue to explore Cusco on a free day in the city.(B)

Day 9: Cusco/Amazon Jungle    Fly to Puerto Maldonado (included) and continue by motorized boat to the lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Amazon Jungle      Enjoy guided excursions led by expert naturalists to spot wildlife at nearby oxbow lakes and along jungle trails. Spend some time relaxing in a hammock, enjoying the local swimming hole, or visiting a nearby plantation. Go on a caiman-spotting cruise after dinner.(B,L,D)

Day 11: Amazon Jungle/Lima     Fly back to Lima for farewell dinner and night out.(B)

Day 12: Lima   Transfer to the airport.(B)

Want more time to explore Lima? Take the pre-extension to Lima. Extension includes 2 nights at the fabulous 5* JW Marriott Hotel Lima. Dine amid the historic ruins and sacred sites of Huaca Pucllana, a 1,500-year-old archeological complex in the heart of Lima. Pleasure your palate with innovative Peruvian cuisine from a choice of six menus, including a vegetarian selection, and enjoy a pisco sour cocktail on arrival. From your table, admire views of the illuminated pre-Inca pyramid and take advantage of the in-house guide service to tour the complex. Extension includes 1 dinner and 2 breakfasts.

2 Day Tour from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina. See the best of southern Peru. Highlights include sand boarding in the desert oasis of Huacachina, a scenic flight over the Nazca lines and a cruise of the Ballestas islands, known as the Galapagos of Peru. Plus, exploring with a guide allows you to overcome the language barrier. See the best of southern Peru during a 2-day tour from Lima.

Tour includes:

2 nights accommodation

Breakfast daily and 1 dinner

Air-conditioned vehicle with restroom on board

2-hour boat tour to the Ballestas Island

2-hour Sandboarding and dune buggy tour  with Bilingual Guide

The Unconquered: In Search of the Amazon’s Last Uncontacted Tribes by Scott Wallace

Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham III

Walking the Amazon: 860 Days. One Step at a Time by Ed Stafford

The Lost Amazon: The Pioneering Expeditions of Richard Evans Schultes