Peruvian Jungle Adventure with Lima
Peru boasts stunning landscapes, a rich cultural heritage and ancient history, attracting adventurers and tourists from all over the world. Furthermore, it's a custodian of a significant portion of the Amazon rainforest, a global treasure currently facing grave threats.
During your jungle adventure in Peru, you will immerse yourself in the Amazon, explore the Andes mountains, and uncover the mysteries of the ancient ‘Lost City’ of Machu Picchu. Along this journey you will actively engage in conservation initiatives and receive important lessons on rainforest preservation. Your experience will include animal tracking, wildlife monitoring and valuable time spent with scientists dedicated to preserving the Amazon. By visiting this part of the world, you’re making a crucial contribution to the ongoing conservation work.
Through your collaboration with local community projects, your trip will positively impact the region while you revel in the privilege of exploring this incredible country. There is also plenty of time for fun – whitewater rafting, trekking through the rainforest and exploring the world-renowned wonder of Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Arrival Lima - Cusco
Welcome to Peru; after arriving in Lima you will take a connecting flight to Cusco, where you will be met by your tour manager and taken to your hotel. Relax and enjoy your first Peruvian meal before an early start tomorrow.
Overnight: Cusco
Day 2: Cusco - Manu Cloud Forest
Embarking early, your journey leads you through the Andes and into the Cloud Forest – a distinctive and awe-inspiring environment. En route, you will pause at Paucartambo village and Acjanaco ranger station to enjoy the panoramic views before arriving at Manu Cloud Forest Lodge for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Manu Cloud Forest Lodge
Day 3: Manu Cloud Forest - Manu Learning Center
Starting at the port town of Atalaya, you will arrive at the Manu Learning Center by motorized canoe along the Madre de Dios River. After lunch, you can explore the rainforest trail system with the naturalist guides and spend the evening learning more about the jungle.
Overnight: Manu Learning Center Lodge
Day 4: Mangrove Volunteer
Conservation Project
Set within a 643-hectare private reserve, the Manu Learning Center is a hub for research, education, and sustainable tourism. Since 2003, this initiative has been dedicated to conserving a segment of the Amazon. Here, conservationists have demonstrated that the rainforest can recover and thrive sustainably after over 40 years of non-extraction work and more than 18 years of conservation.
Today is the first of two days dedicated to engaging in conservation and research projects within the Amazon. Collaborating closely with scientists and researchers, you will gain insights into rainforest preservation techniques.
Overnight: Manu Learning Center Lodge
Day 5: Conservation Project
Another early start at 5am for your second day of conservation work. Throughout these two days, you will acquire skills in tracking mammals, conducting surveys to monitor bird and butterfly populations, and trekking through the rainforest.
Overnight: Manu Learning Center Lodge
Day 6: Community Project
In the morning, you depart for the nearby town of Salvación to participate in community projects alongside the local people. The day consists of constructing a bio garden to provide local people with access to sustainable fresh vegetables. You will also assist in the agroforestry initiative by planting trees in the rainforest as part of the rejuvenation project.
Overnight: Manu Learning Center Lodge
Day 7: Manu Learning Centre – Ollantaytambo
Departing the Manu Learning Center Lodge, you will travel by boat back to Atalaya where you board your transportation to stay in the Sacred Valley. Upon arriving at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, you have the rest of the day to explore the surroundings. The region has a mild climate, snow-capped mountains, lush meadows, and vibrant flora and fauna. A local Incan market is nearby for those interested in shopping and picking up some souvenirs.
Overnight: Ollantaytambo
Day 8: Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley
Today, prepare for an exciting whitewater rafting expedition down the Urubamba River. After a briefing from an expert rafting guide, you will navigate one of the most enchanting landscapes in the Sacred Valley as the river winds through the picturesque surroundings.
After lunch at a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo, you can explore an ancient Inca fortress and temple that will take you back to the 15th century. Below the fort is a thriving Inca town where you will have time to wander through the charming streets of the modern-day settlement.
Overnight: Ollantaytambo
Day 9: Machu Picchu
IIt is a very special day today as you visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Machu Picchu. The day begins with a train journey to Aguas Calientes, with breathtaking views of the Urubamba River beneath the towering Andean glaciers.
Upon arrival, board a shuttle bus that will take you up the hillside to Machu Picchu, famously known as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. Spend the afternoon exploring the sacred Inca citadel, discovering its temples and hidden enclaves.
Overnight: Machu Picchu area
Day 11: Lima
This morning, you'll have the opportunity to explore colonial Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage site that beautifully preserves the city's colonial architectural opulence. Starting at the main square and moving on to the Government Palace, the cathedral and City Hall.
Next on the itinerary is a visit to the 17th-century San Francisco Convent and then on to Casa de Aliaga, a colonial mansion known as the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere.
Following the exploration of Lima's colonial heritage, we'll embark on a journey through the modern streets of Lima, passing through San Isidro, the city's financial district, and Miraflores, a scenic spot that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Larco Museum, located in the Pueblo Libre District. This 18th-century Viceregal mansion houses an impressive collection of over 3,000 years of pre-Columbian history in Peru. Concluding your amazing journey, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at Café del Museo restaurant.
At the designated time, a private transfer will be arranged to take you to Lima's airport for departure.
Day 10: Cusco
This morning, you'll start your tour by visiting the ruins in Cusco. The first stop is the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, an awe-inspiring structure constructed from massive stones meticulously carved and fitted together. Then you’ll explore Qenqo, a significant religious center, followed by a visit to Puka Pukara, known as the red fortress. Your last stop in this part of the tour will be Tambomachay, where you'll encounter impressive water fountains.
Next, your exploration continues within Cusco's Imperial City. Taking a leisurely stroll through the main square, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings.
Your journey will then lead to one of Incan Cusco's most remarkable structures: The Qoricancha, also known as the Golden Temple. This temple was dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and was reputed to have its interior walls covered in gold.
Lunch is served at Incanto restaurant before transferring to Cusco Airport for your flight to the capital, Lima.
Overnight: Lima
Total Cost: From $4590
What is included
Activities:
White water rafting
Graffiti art lesson
Accommodation and services:
A 24/7 tour manager accompanying you throughout the trip
Private transportation throughout the trip
Internal flights
Project accommodation in Manu center
Post project accommodation in 3 and 4* hotels
All meals included
Medical and luggage insurance
Medical insurance up to $50,000, and baggage Insurance
Tickets and Tours:
Visit to Paucartambo village and Acjanaco ranger station
Visit to Ollantaytambo
Visit Machu Picchu
Visit Larco Museum
Tour of Lima
Sacsayhuaman Fortress
The Qoricancha (the Golden Temple)
Projects:
Tracking mammals
Surveying bird and butterfly populations
Lessons on conservation from scientists and researchers
Constructing a bio garden
Tree planting
Not included in this Trip:
International flights not included (we can arrange these for you)
Visas, where applicable
Any vaccination required
Cancellation insurance (Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included)