Andes to Amazon | 21-Days of Peru’s Grand Circuit & Machu Picchu by Train

📍 Peru | Guided | All Essentials

From Pacific coast to high Andes to Amazon canopy, Peru’s big hitters in 21 days. Roll past Paracas and Nazca, watch condors over Colca, stay with locals on Lake Titicaca, roam Cusco and the Sacred Valley, ride the train to Machu Picchu, then wind down at a riverside Amazon lodge

Lima → Lima

Lima → Lima

Moderate | Ages 12+

Moderate | Ages 12+

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Hotels/Lodge

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200% CO₂  Offset

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Andes to Amazon | 21 Days of Peru’s Grand Circuit & Machu Picchu by Train
Tour Overview

Andes to Amazon | 21 Days of Peru’s Grand Circuit & Machu Picchu by Train

From the Pacific coast to the high Andes and deep into the Amazon, this grand circuit threads Peru’s icons with everyday moments. Roll south to Paracas and Nazca’s desert mysteries, climb into white-stone Arequipa and the condor country of Colca Canyon, cross the altiplano to a Lake Titicaca homestay, then settle into Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and a scenic train to Machu Picchu. Wrap with a riverside lodge in the Tambopata jungle—oxbow lakes at dawn, caiman-spotting after dark.

Guided highlights meet generous free time: market wanders, monastery courtyards, steaming thermal baths, salt pans at Maras and circular terraces at Moray, plus optional detours like a Nazca Lines flight. Your CEO keeps logistics seamless so you can focus on altitude-kissed views, rainforest soundtracks, and that first glimpse of the citadel in morning light.

Quick Facts

  • Duration: 21 days | Route: Lima → Lima | Trip code: SPHP

  • Style / Service: Classic small-group | Standard accommodations

  • Physical Rating: 3 – Average (city walks, canyon viewpoints, jungle walks; some high-altitude days)

  • Group: Max ~16 (avg ~12) | Age 12+

  • Meals: 19 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners (more on jungle/Titicaca days)

  • Stays: Hotels/guesthouses (16 nts), G Lodge Amazon (2 nts), Lake Titicaca homestay (1 nt), overnight bus (1 nt)

  • Transport: Public bus, private van, plane, train, boat/canoe (internal flights included)

Trip Highlights

  • Paracas coast, Ballestas Islands (optional), Huacachina dune oasis, Nazca desert cemetery (optional Lines flight)

  • Arequipa free day; Colca Canyon condor viewpoints and optional hot springs

  • Lake Titicaca floating Uros islands and a community homestay

  • Cusco walking tour; Sacred Valley day with community visit, Maras salt pans & Moray terraces

  • Ollantaytambo ruins, train to Aguas Calientes, guided morning at Machu Picchu

  • Amazon (Tambopata) lodge: guided rainforest walks, oxbow lake outing, night caiman cruise

Good to Know

  • Altitude: Highest overnights are Puno and Cusco/Sacred Valley—take it easy on arrival, hydrate, and expect cooler nights.

  • Amazon lodge: Rubber boots provided; pack light long sleeves/trousers and strong repellent.

  • Add-ons: You can pre-book the 1-day Inca Trail (permit-dependent) if you want a trekking taster before the train.

  • Flex time: Several “Discover Moments” let you choose extras (e.g., Rainbow Mountain, cooking class) or simply wander—vital on a 21-day route.

Booking Terms & Conditions

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Itinerary
Days 1–3 | Coastline Starter Pack: Lima, Paracas & Desert Oases

Day 1 | Lima Arrival, Welcome & Optional Cooking Class

Arrive any time. Evening Welcome Moment with your CEO and group; opt for a casual local dinner. (Heads up: hot-water shortages & brief power outages can happen in Peru—even in upgraded stays.)

Optional — Lima Cooking Class (4 hrs): If booked, this does not add a night in Lima—pre-trip hotel is recommended. Pickup ~10:00 (or 10:30 Aug–Dec), market visit, hands-on prep, lunch; return ~13:00. Family-friendly (no age limit).

Stay: Hotel (e.g., Hotel Santa Cruz or similar).

Included meals: None.

Day 2 | Lima → Paracas: Free Morning, Pisco Sours by the Sea

Free morning (bus pickup around midday), then coast south by local bus to Pisco (4h/250 km) and onward minibus to Paracas (30 min). Stroll the pedestrian strip, sample ceviche or papa a la huancaína, and—when in Paracas—try your first pisco sour.

Stay: Hotel (e.g., Refugio del Pirata or similar).

Included meals: Breakfast.

Day 3 | Paracas → Huacachina → Nazca: Wildlife, Winery & Dunes

Morning free or pre-booked Ballestas Islands boat (sea lions, Humboldt penguins, boobies). Drive Paracas → Ica (~1h/60 km) for a winery/pisco tasting and time at Huacachina oasis (walk the dunes; optional dune buggy & sandboard). Continue Ica → Nazca (~3h/140 km). Some CEOs stop at the roadside tower ~30 min before Nazca to view two Lines (Two Hands & Tree; S/2 to climb).

Stay: Hotel (e.g., Casa Andina Standard Nazca or similar).

Included meals: Breakfast.

Included: Huacachina winery visit; Huacachina oasis visit.

Optional: Ballestas boat, sandboarding.

Days 4–6 | White-Stone Arequipa & Condor Country

Day 4 | Nazca: Desert Lore → Overnight Bus to Arequipa

Guided visit to Chauchilla cemetery & potter’s studio (mummies, pottery; Nazca & Paracas cultures context). Optional flight over the Nazca Lines (airport tourist ticket S/47 payable on site). Evening overnight double-decker bus (9h) to Arequipa (onboard toilets).

Stay: Overnight bus.

Included meals: Breakfast.

Included: Nazca desert cemetery & potter’s studio tour.

Optional: Nazca Lines flight.

Day 5 | Arequipa: Cloisters, Courtyards & Cuisine

Free day beneath El Misti—opt for Arequipa city tour & Santa Catalina Monastery, the Juanita (Santuarios Andinos) Museum, or a picantería lunch (think alpaca, river shrimp, hearty soups, spice!).

Stay: Hotel (e.g., Hostal El Solar or similar).

Included meals: None.

Optional: City tour & Santa Catalina, Juanita Museum.

Day 6 | Arequipa → Chivay (Colca): Altiplano to Hot Springs

Private vehicle Arequipa → Chivay (4.5–5h/165 km) via Salinas y Aguada Blanca Reserve (vicuñas, alpacas, llamas). Stop at Mirador de Patapampa (4,910 m) for volcano views. Settle in and, time permitting, optional thermal baths.

Stay: Hotel (e.g., Vita Colca or similar).

Included meals: Breakfast.

Optional: Hot springs.

Days 7–9 | Condors, the Altiplano & Lake Life

Day 7 | Colca Canyon Condors → Puno (Lake Titicaca)

Early guided circuit in Colca Canyon—scan for Andean condors and three camelid cousins (alpaca, llama, vicuña). Continue by local bus (6h/250 km) across the altiplano to Puno; quick market wander if time allows.

Stay: Hotel (e.g., Puka Kantuta Hostal or similar).

Included meals: Breakfast.

Included: Colca Canyon guided tour.

Day 8 | Lake Titicaca: Taquile & Community Homestay (G for Good)

Boat to Taquile Island (optional restaurant lunch; renowned weaving co-ops where men knit), then cruise to a lakeside village for an overnight homestay—chores, dancing, traditional dress, and dinner with hosts.

Stay: Homestay (Luquina Chico or similar).

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Included: Lake Titicaca Guided Boat Tour (Day 1); G for Good: Lake Titicaca Homestay.

Day 9 | Uros Reeds → Puno Return (Kayak Optional)

Morning with host families; after lunch, visit the Uros floating islands (how totora reeds build homes/boats/islands). Return to Puno for a free afternoon. Optional kayaking to Laquina Island can be pre-booked.

Stay: Hotel (Puno; Puka Kantuta or similar).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Included: Uros visit; Lake Titicaca Boat Tour (Day 2).

Optional: Lake Titicaca kayaking.

Days 10–12 | Cusco Pulse, Colonial Walk & Sacred Valley Warm-Up

Day 10 | Puno → Cusco: Scenic Altiplano Day

Full-day local bus (7–8h) through stark highland scenery to Cusco. Easy evening—dinner, short stroll, acclimatisation.

Stay: Hotel (e.g., Cusco Plaza Saphi or similar).

Included meals: Breakfast.

Day 11 | Cusco Free Day: Your Discover Moment

Choose your path: Rainbow Mountain full-day hike (to 5,029 m; 8 km; early start), Cusco Cooking Class (12:30–16:00 incl. market), museum circuit (Inka Museum, Tourist Ticket for 16 sites including Sacsayhuamán), city tour, rafting—your CEO can line it up.

Stay: Hotel (Cusco).

Included meals: Breakfast.

Optional: Rainbow Mountain, Cooking Class, Cusco City Tour, Inka Museum, Tourist Ticket.

Day 12 | Cusco Colonial Walking Tour & Lunch

Meet at the Cusco Cathedral for a guided colonial-side walking tour (includes the Sapantiana staircase waterfall aqueduct), then a restaurant lunch near the main plaza. Free evening.

Stay: Hotel (Cusco).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Included: Cusco Colonial Side Walking Tour (+ lunch).

Days 13–15 | Sacred Valley Deep-Dive, Maras & Machu Picchu Eve

Day 13 | Sacred Valley: Weaving Co-op, Pottery & Parwa (G for Good)
Private vehicle Cusco → Ollantaytambo (1h45/94 km) with a full Sacred Valley day:

  • G for Good: Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op (dyeing, weaving; direct-from-maker textiles)
  • Cuyo Chico pottery demo (adobe ceramics & brick-making; artisan shop)
  • G for Good: Parwa Community Restaurant (Huchuy Qosqo) lunch (farm-to-table; proceeds to the village)
    Stay: Hotel (Ollantaytambo/Cusco).
    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 14 | Maras, Moray & Chinchero Views
Drive Ollantaytambo → Moray (~1h/20 km) to explore the circular agricultural terraces (3,500 m) and irrigation design, then the Maras salt mines (thousands of pans; famed pink salt). Scenic Andean drive & lunch near Maras (1–1.5h). Continue Maras → Chinchero (30 min/23 km) for the Chinchero ruins and sweeping valley views. Return Chinchero → Ollantaytambo (1–1h45).
Stay: Hotel (Ollantaytambo).
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 15 | Ollantaytambo Ruins & Train to Aguas Calientes
Morning at the Ollantaytambo ruins (learn Inca engineering; ~200 stone steps). Board the scenic train (1.5h) to Aguas Calientes; CEO/assistant orientation walk (30–45 min), then free time—hot springs, Machu Picchu Museum, Mandor waterfalls, butterfly garden.
Stay: Hotel (Aguas Calientes).
Included meals: Breakfast.

Days 16–18 | Machu Picchu Morning & Into the Amazon

Day 16 | Machu Picchu Guided Visit → Cusco

Early bus (~15 min) up for a 1.5–2h guided tour of Machu Picchu (timed entry). Bus down, train Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo (1.5–1.75h/31 km), then private vehicle → Cusco (1.5–1.75h/60 km).

Stay: Hotel (Cusco; Plaza Saphi or similar).

Included meals: Breakfast.

Included: Machu Picchu guided tour.

Day 17 | Cusco Free Day (Culinary Bundle Option)

Your call—massage, MTB, café crawl. If you pre-booked the Culinary Bundle, pickup ~12:30, market visit + hands-on class, return ~16:00.

Stay: Hotel (Cusco).

Included meals: Breakfast.

Day 18 | Cusco → Puerto Maldonado → Tambopata Lodge

Flight Cusco → Puerto Maldonado (~1h). Store big bags at the lodge office (duffels provided). Transfer ~1h to the boat landing, then motorised canoe 2–3h to the Amazon lodge. Evening wildlife night walk (snakes, tarantulas, owls, frogs—guide-led).

Lodge notes: Local community staff & multilingual naturalist guides; native architecture, low-impact tech; beds with nets, flush toilets, showers with solar-heated hot water, candles for lighting (no electricity). In peak demand, an equivalent nearby lodge may be used.

Stay: Tambopata Lodge (or similar).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Included: Night walk.

Days 19–21 | Oxbow Dawn, Caiman Nights & Capital Farewell

Day 19 | Tambopata: Oxbow Lake & Caiman Cruise

Early forest walk and oxbow lake canoe—watch for hoatzin, macaws, maybe giant river otter or black caiman. Afternoon at leisure (hammocks, swim hole, nearby plantation). After dark, motorised caiman-spotting cruise with naturalist briefing.

Stay: Tambopata Lodge (or similar).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Included: Jungle excursions, caiman cruise.

Day 20 | Lodge → Puerto Maldonado → Lima

Motorised canoe (~3h) back to town; reclaim stored luggage; transfer to the airport. Flight Puerto Maldonado → Lima (1.5–2h) (brief stop in Cusco en route). Private vehicle to hotel on arrival; optional final dinner/pisco night.

Stay: Hotel (Lima; Hotel Santa Cruz or similar).

Included meals: Breakfast.

Day 21 | Lima Departure (Optional Activities Available)

Depart any time.

Optionals: Lima Cooking Class (4 hrs); Lima City Tour (US$40); Bike Miraflores & Barranco (US$35; ~13 km); Full-Day Lima Experience (US$150; incl. Pachacamac, Barranco lunch, San Francisco Convent, Magic Water Park).

Included meals: Breakfast.

Key Tour Info

Route Map
Food & Accommodation

Where You’ll Be Staying & What You’ll Be Eating

Where You’ll Be Staying

  • Night 1 — Lima: Hotel in Miraflores/Barranco area (e.g., Santa Cruz or similar). Walkable eats, ATMs, coastal paths.
  • Night 2 — Paracas: Hotel near the bay/pedestrian strip. Sea breeze, easy boat-launch access.
  • Night 3 — Nazca: Hotel close to town and Nazca sites; early starts possible.
  • Night 4 — En route: Overnight bus Nazca → Arequipa (reclining seats, onboard WC).
  • Night 5 — Arequipa: Hotel near the Plaza/monastery quarter; cool evenings under El Misti.
  • Night 6 — Colca (Chivay): Hotel in canyon gateway town; optional thermal baths nearby.
  • Nights 7 & 9 — Puno: Hotel near lakefront/markets; altitude nights (layer up).
  • Night 8 — Lake Titicaca: Community homestay (G for Good). Simple rooms, shared facilities, big hospitality.
  • Nights 10–12, 16–17 — Cusco: Hotel in historic centre; stone streets, café corners.
  • Night 13 — Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo: Hotel/guesthouse near ruins and station.
  • Night 14 — Ollantaytambo: Hotel (Moray/Maras/Chinchero loop day).
  • Night 15 — Aguas Calientes: Hotel beneath cloud-forest peaks; early Machu Picchu access.
  • Nights 18–19 — Tambopata (Amazon): Jungle lodge (community-run staff, naturalist guides). Beds with nets; flush toilets; showers with solar-heated hot water; candle lighting (no mains electricity); duffels provided, main bags stored in Puerto Maldonado.
  • Night 20 — Lima: Hotel for the wind-down before flights.
  • Rooms & facilities: Standard service level. Expect reliable Wi-Fi in cities/towns; patchy to none in Colca, Lake villages, and jungle. Hot water/power can occasionally drop across Peru—brief outages are normal. Luggage storage available for side trips (homestay, jungle).

What You’ll Be Eating

  • Included total: 19 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners (notably: Sacred Valley lunches, homestay meals, all Amazon lodge meals).
  • Breakfasts (hotels/guesthouses): Fruit, breads, eggs (varies), coffee/tea—early starts accommodated.
  • Lake Titicaca homestay: Dinner & breakfast cooked by host families using local produce (think quinoa soups, potatoes, cheeses). Cultural mealtime—simple, hearty, authentic.
  • Sacred Valley days: Community restaurant lunch (farm-to-table) and regional staples en route.
  • Amazon lodge (Tambopata): Full board (B/L/D)—buffet-style Peruvian/Amazonian dishes; vegetarian-friendly; tea/coffee/water available; meal times aligned to excursions.
  • On-your-own meals: Lima, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes—perfect for ceviche, anticuchos, rocoto relleno, Andean soups, and café stops.
  • Dietaries: Most needs can be accommodated with advance notice (veg/vegan/gluten-light). For strict allergies, carry translation cards and bring a few favourite snacks—handy on bus days and at altitude.
  • Hydration: Safe refill points at hotels/lodge; in the jungle, lodge treats water. Carry 2 × 1 L bottles or a 2–3 L bladder, plus electrolytes for high-altitude and hot/humid days.
  • Drinks: Alcohol is own expense. Try chicha morada, mate de coca (altitude days), and—when appropriate—the national cocktail (pisco sour).
What's Included & What's Not

✅ What’s Included

Itinerary Activities

  • Welcome Moment in Lima
  • Ballestas Islands boat (if listed as included by departure) or free time alternative; Huacachina oasis stop with winery/pisco tasting
  • Nazca: Guided Chauchilla desert cemetery & potter’s studio visit (optional Nazca Lines flight available at extra cost)
  • Colca Canyon: Scenic altiplano drive via Salinas y Aguada Blanca, Patapampa (4,910 m) lookout, and condor-viewpoint circuit
  • Lake Titicaca (2 days): Taquile Island, Uros floating islands visit, and a G for Good community homestay
  • Cusco: Colonial walking tour including Sapantiana waterfall aqueduct + lunch near the main plaza
  • Sacred Valley (2 days): G for Good: Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op, Cuyo Chico pottery demo, G for Good: Parwa Community Restaurant lunch, plus Maras salt pans, Moray terraces, Chinchero ruins & viewpoints
  • Ollantaytambo ruins visit, Aguas Calientes orientation walk
  • Machu Picchu guided tour (timed entry)
  • Amazon (Tambopata): Night wildlife walk, oxbow lake outing, jungle walks, and night caiman-spotting cruise

Guides & Support

  • Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout
  • Specialist local guides/naturalists (Colca, Titicaca, Machu Picchu, Amazon)

Accommodation

  • Hotels/guesthouses throughout (Standard service level)
  • Overnight bus (Nazca → Arequipa)
  • Lake Titicaca homestay (1 night)
  • Amazon lodge (2 nights) with beds & nets, solar-heated showers, flush toilets (no mains electricity)

Meals

  • 19 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners (incl. Sacred Valley community lunches, homestay meals, all meals at Amazon lodge, and Cusco colonial tour lunch)

Transport

  • Private vehicles & local/public buses as per itinerary
  • Scenic train: Ollantaytambo ↔ Aguas Calientes
  • Machu Picchu shuttles
  • Motorized canoe transfers in the Amazon
  • Internal flights: Cusco → Puerto Maldonado and Puerto Maldonado → Lima (often via Cusco)

Fees & Access

  • Park/site entrances where listed as included in the daily program (e.g., Colca viewpoints circuit, Sacred Valley sites on guided days, Machu Picchu entry during the guided visit)
  • Luggage storage in Puerto Maldonado (main bags kept in town; duffels provided for lodge)

🚫 What’s Not Included

  • International flights to/from Lima
  • Airport transfers (arrival/departure) unless stated on your voucher
  • Travel insurance (required by many operators; strongly recommended)
  • Visas/entry fees (if applicable)
  • Optional activities not marked as included (e.g., Nazca Lines flight + airport tourist ticket S/47, Ballestas boat if not included on your departure, dune buggy/sandboarding, Rainbow Mountain, Lima city/bike tours, cooking classes, rafting/MTB, hot springs, museums)
  • Meals & drinks not specified (alcohol is own expense)
  • Personal trekking/comfort gear (e.g., daypack, electrolytes, head torch, insect repellent)
  • Laundry, phone/Wi-Fi upgrades, souvenirs, and other personal expenses
  • Tips/gratuities for CEO, drivers, local/naturalist guides, and lodge staff (at your discretion)
Weather Expectations

Seasonal Weather Expectations

Big picture
Peru packs three climates in one trip: cool coastal desert, high Andes, and hot, humid Amazon. In the Andes/Amazon the dry season is ~May–Sep; wet season ~Nov–Mar (with short, intense showers). Lima/coast flips the script: warmest Dec–Mar, cool/misty May–Oct.

Rule-of-thumb packing math: if it’s sunny in Lima, assume rain in the Andes; if the Andes are crisp and clear, assume Lima is wearing its grey garúa hoodie.

Lima, Paracas, Nazca (sea level to desert)

  • Temps: 16–28 °C (cooler in Lima May–Oct; warmest Dec–Mar).
  • Rain: Lima is mostly dry; expect mist/garúa May–Oct. Paracas/Nazca are dry & sunny year-round; wind can kick up by afternoon.
  • Feel: Strong UV even under cloud; coastal evenings can be breezy—carry a light layer.

Arequipa & Colca Canyon (2,300–4,900 m)

  • Temps: 10–23 °C in Arequipa days; 0–10 °C nights in Chivay/Colca (colder Jun–Aug).
  • Rain: Mostly dry May–Sep; showers Nov–Mar.
  • Feel: Big diurnal swing. Thermal baths feel extra-nice when evenings drop toward freezing. High pass at Patapampa (4,910 m) can be windy—hat/gloves help.

Puno & Lake Titicaca (3,800 m)

  • Temps: Days 8–18 °C; nights -2–6 °C (frost possible Jun–Aug).
  • Rain: Showers Nov–Mar; crisper May–Sep.
  • Feel: Thin air + bright UV. Mornings are chilly; layer up for boat rides.

Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo (2,800–3,400 m)

  • Temps: Days 12–22 °C; nights 2–9 °C (coldest Jun–Aug nights).
  • Rain: Peak rain Dec–Mar (short, heavy bursts); clearest May–Sep.
  • Feel: Warm in the sun, cool in shade. Showers pass fast—light shell on hand.

Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu (cloud forest ~2,040–2,430 m)

  • Temps: 14–26 °C; steamy when the sun’s out.
  • Rain: Frequent Nov–Mar; drier May–Sep but mists can roll in anytime.
  • Feel: Slick stone steps after rain—good tread matters.

Amazon (Tambopata, 200–300 m)

  • Temps: Days 26–33 °C; nights 22–25 °C.
  • Rain: Year-round showers; heavier Nov–Mar.
  • Feel: Hot, humid, buggy. Afternoon storms clear the air; trails stay damp. Lodge uses solar-heated water; power is minimal—embrace the head-torch chic.

Practical weather smarts

  • Altitude: Go slow day 1–2 in Cusco/Puno/Colca. Hydrate, skip big workouts, sunblock always.
  • Layers: T-shirt + light fleece + packable rain shell = happy in all three zones.
  • Footing: Expect dust/sand (Nazca), loose gravel (Colca viewpoints), slick stone (Machu Picchu), mud (Amazon).
  • Daylight: ~11.5–12.5 hrs year-round; early starts = calmer sites, cooler hikes.
  • Laundry timing: Do it Cusco or Arequipa; Amazon air = “dry eventually.”
  • Wind: Paracas is breezy—secure hats on Ballestas boats.
⭐ Reviews
What To Pack

What to Pack

Bags

  • Main soft bag (60–70L): wheels OK but a duffel/backpack handles cobbles better.
  • Daypack (20–30L): daily touring + Machu Picchu day (rail lines prefer small, soft bags; aim ≤5 kg).
  • Jungle kit: Lodge gives duffels; you’ll store your big bag in Puerto Maldonado.
  • Dry bags/zip sacks: 3–10L for clothes/electronics (Amazon rain, boat spray).

Documents & money

  • Passport (+ copies), travel insurance, tickets/permits/vouchers.
  • Cash (PEN) small notes + card; ATM access is good in cities.
  • Emergency contacts/med list printed.

Footwear

  • Hiking shoes/boots with tread, broken-in (Machu Picchu steps, Colca viewpoints).
  • Comfy city shoes (sneakers).
  • Flip-flops/sandals (showers, hot springs, lodge).
  • Socks: 5–6 pairs quick-dry + 1 warm pair (Titicaca nights).

Clothing (quick-dry, layerable)

  • Tops: 3–4 tees + 1–2 long-sleeve sun layers.
  • Bottoms: 1–2 hiking pants (convertibles handy) + 1 casual pant + 1–2 shorts.
  • Warmth: light fleece or puffy for highland evenings; beanie & light gloves (Puno/Colca).
  • Rain gear: packable hooded shell; light rain pants useful for Amazon/Valley.
  • Sleepwear: warm set for Titicaca, light set for Amazon.
  • Swimwear: hot springs, lodge.
  • Buff/neck gaiter + brimmed sun hat.

Amazon specifics

  • Long, light trousers & sleeves (bug + sun).
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin; after-bite.
  • Head torch (+ spare batteries).
  • Quick-dry towel (microfibre).
  • Electrolytes (1–2 sachets per hot/humid day).

Altitude & health

  • Personal meds (pack extra), basic first-aid (plasters, blister care, antiseptic, pain relief).
  • Rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoeals, motion-sickness tabs (bus/boat).
  • Sunscreen SPF 30+ + SPF lip balm (UV is fierce at altitude).
  • Hand sanitiser, wipes, small TP roll in a zip bag.
  • (Talk to a clinician about altitude meds if you’ve had issues before.)

Toiletries

  • Basics in travel sizes (biodegradable where possible).
  • Small laundry soap; clothesline & pegs (things dry slowly in the Amazon).

Tech & power

  • Universal adapter (Peru uses A/B/C plugs, 220V/60Hz).
  • Power bank (10–20k mAh); cables for all devices.
  • Phone in waterproof pouch; optional compact camera/binoculars.

Nice-to-haves

  • Trekking poles (collapsible) for steep/slick steps.
  • Seat-headrest pillow, earplugs & eye mask (overnight bus, jungle).
  • Reusable water bottles (2 × 1L or 1 × 2–3L bladder).
  • Reusable mug/spork; small notebook/pen.
  • Small host gift for the Titicaca homestay (tea, sweets, kids’ stickers—nothing bulky or perishable).

Packing notes

  • Think layers: coastal mornings cool, Andean sun warm, Amazon humid.
  • Do laundry in Arequipa or Cusco (best turnaround).
  • Keep the daypack lean for Machu Picchu and trains; big bags stay at hotels when needed.
  • Expect the occasional cool shower or brief power blip—roll with it; you’re travelling like a pro.
Local Insights

Local Insights

  • Altitude is a character, not a cameo.
    Cusco, Puno, and Patapampa (4,910 m) can humble marathoners. Ease in for 24–48 hrs, hydrate, go light on alcohol, and favour gentle walks over hero hikes. Mate de coca helps; so do sunscreen + hat (UV bites harder at altitude).
  • Coast weather is upside-down.
    Lima’s cool, grey garúa mist often lingers May–Oct while the Andes are crisp and sunny. Pack a light layer for the coast even if the forecast looks cheerful.
  • Nazca flight = tiny plane + big views.
    Amazing, yes—and banked turns are part of the show. Eat light, bring motion tabs if you’re prone. Don’t want to fly? The roadside Lines tower is a cheap, quick peek.
  • Ballestas = wildlife + wind.
    Morning seas are calmer; take a windbreaker and a dry bag for your phone. Hats need a chin strap—pelicans don’t return souvenirs.
  • Arequipa eats.
    Hit a picantería for local classics (rocoto relleno, chupe de camarones). “Mild” can still mean “hello, volcano”—ask “¿Picante, sí o no?” before you commit.
  • Colca condors clock in early.
    Best gliding is typically morning when thermals form. Bring binoculars and a warm layer—canyon dawns are nippy even in dry season.
  • Lake Titicaca homestay etiquette.
    Dress modestly, help with simple chores, and ask before photos. A small, shareable host gift (tea, sweets, school supplies) is appreciated; avoid cash or bulky items.
  • Sacred Valley shopping—with purpose.
    At the weaving co-op and Cuyo Chico ceramics, you’re buying direct from makers—fair prices, real impact. Card acceptance improves yearly; small PEN notes are still king.
  • Machu Picchu mechanics.
    Tickets are timed and circuits one-way. Tripods/drones are prohibited; bags >20–25 L may be refused. Stone steps get slick—grippy shoes matter more than fashion.
  • Train + luggage sanity.
    Rail lines prefer small, soft bags (think daypack). Leave big suitcases at the hotel in the Sacred Valley/Cusco—your CEO will choreograph the stash.
  • Amazon lodge reality.
    It’s candlelit, not cordless-tool-charging central. Bring a head torch, spare battery, long sleeves (bugs), and expect solar-heated showers. Wildlife is best at dawn/dusk—embrace early starts.
  • Water & street food.
    Tap water: no. Use filtered/refill stations; say “sin hielo” if you’re cautious with ice. Pick busy food stalls, watch it cooked hot, and lean into fresh fruit juices.
  • Money & safety.
    ATMs are easy in cities; scarcer in Colca/Lake villages/jungle. Keep a small day wallet, zip your bag, rideshare or radio taxi at night, and avoid flashing phones in crowded plazas.
  • Pisco sour protocol.
    Delicious, deceptively strong. Treat it as an evening drink, not altitude fuel. Daytime? Try chicha morada (purple corn) or maracuyá juice.
  • Useful Spanish sprinkles.
    Buenos días, por favor, gracias, disculpe, ¿Cuánto cuesta?, sin hielo, ¿Dónde está el baño? You’ll get warmer smiles and better stories.
  • Respect the places you came to see.
    Stay on paths, don’t touch stonework, carry out trash (especially in the Amazon), and keep voices low at sacred sites—Machu Picchu is a sanctuary, not a stadium.
  • Rainbow Mountain reality check.
    It’s high (5,029 m). If you felt rough in Puno, choose a lower-effort Cusco day instead—or leave it for next time. Peru will happily give you a sequel.
CO₂ Footprint Report
Your Tour Offsets drive far more than Tree Planting — We Go Climate Positive By Design | Click Here to View the Method

CO₂ Footprint

Results Summary (Topline)

  • Per guest (21-day Peru, Lima↔Lima): ~3.9 tCO₂e
  • Per tour (assumed 16 guests): ~63 tCO₂e
  • Counter-impact target: 200%, i.e., counter ~7.8 tCO₂e per guest

Purpose

Give a clear, conservative estimate so travellers understand the impact of this itinerary and the scope of our 200% counter-impact commitment.

Tour Header

  • Listing: Andes to Amazon | 21 Days of Peru’s Grand Circuit & Machu Picchu by Train
  • Style: Small-group Classic | Standard service level | Age 12+
  • Route: Lima → Paracas → Nazca → Arequipa/Colca → Puno/Lake Titicaca → Cusco/Sacred Valley → Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu → Cusco → Tambopata (Amazon) → Lima

Scope & Boundaries (counted)

  • Feeder hub flights (see below), all internal flights, road/rail/boat segments, accommodation, and meals for the trip duration.
  • Included activities have a small operational allowance (e.g., boats in the Amazon).
  • Excluded: Long-haul beyond the chosen hub; personal shopping; extraordinary add-ons not typical for this route.

Feeder Hub — Single Origin City

  • Miami (MIA) used as the default hub for Latin America programs (consistent with other LATAM listings).

Emission Factors & Method

  • Aviation (economy, short/medium-haul): 0.158 kgCO₂e/pax-km, Radiative Forcing (RF) = 1.9 applied, Well-to-Tank (WTT) included.
  • Road/rail/boat (mixed): ~0.09 kgCO₂e/pax-km (WTT included).
  • Accommodation: ~12 kgCO₂e/night (HCMI-style proxy for standard hotels; jungle lodge conservatively treated the same).
  • Meals: ~2.5 kgCO₂e/meal (production + prep).
  • Uncertainty uplift: +10% to totals.
  • Method: Zero Trace Standard v1.9 (DEFRA-aligned; includes WTT; RF applied to aviation).

Activity Data (applied)

Aviation (guest):

  • MIA → LIM → MIA: ~8,520 km round-trip
  • Internal flights: Cusco → Puerto Maldonado (~330 km); Puerto Maldonado → Lima (~900 km, via Cusco stop)
  • Total aviation distance: ~9,750 km

Surface/rail/boat (guest):

  • Road (coast/desert/highlands): ~1,950–2,050 km combined (Lima→Paracas→Nazca→Arequipa; Arequipa→Chivay; Colca→Puno; Puno→Cusco; Sacred Valley circuits; Ollantaytambo→Cusco, etc.)
  • Rail: Ollantaytambo ↔ Aguas Calientes ~62 km total
  • Amazon boats: motorised canoe transfers (2–3 h each way) — accounted via small fuel allowance folded into surface figure

Nights & Meals (guest):

  • Nights: 20 (excludes the overnight bus)
  • Meals: 63 (21 days × 3/day; includes included + at-own-expense for conservative capture)

Results — Per Guest (rounded)

  • Aviation (9,750 km; RF + WTT): ~2.93 tCO₂e
  • Surface/rail/boats (~2,000 km): ~0.20 tCO₂e
  • Accommodation (20 nts): ~0.24 tCO₂e
  • Meals (63): ~0.16 tCO₂e
  • Amazon ops allowance: ~0.04 tCO₂e
  • Subtotal: ~3.57 tCO₂e
  • +10% uncertainty: ~3.93 tCO₂e≈ 3.9 tCO₂e per guest

Results — Per Tour (assumed 16 guests)

  • ~62.9 tCO₂e≈ 63 tCO₂e

Assumptions (key)

  • Single-hub model fixed to MIA for consistent reporting; other hubs vary (e.g., LAX would be higher, ~4.6–4.9 tCO₂e/guest total; NYC sits between MIA and LAX).
  • Road factor is conservative to reflect smaller vehicles, gradients, idling, and variable loads.
  • Accommodation proxy intentionally does not discount the jungle lodge nights (keeps totals conservative).
  • Meals counted in full (not just inclusions) to avoid underestimation on a 21-day route.
  • Amazon boats bundled into surface with an extra ops allowance line so we don’t undercount lodge logistics.

Versioning

  • Prepared: 3 Oct 2025
  • By: Zero Trace (marketplace methodology; not the tour operator)
  • Method: DEFRA-aligned; WTT included; RF 1.9 on aviation; +10% uncertainty applied.
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Tour FAQ's
How fit do I need to be?

Moderate (3/5). Mostly city/ruins walks, canyon viewpoints, stairs at sites, and humid jungle trails. No multi-day trekking. If you can comfortably walk 8–12 km in a day with stairs, you’re set.

What about altitude—will I feel it?

Likely a little. Highest points: Patapampa 4,910 m (viewpoint); overnights in Puno ~3,800 m and Cusco/Sacred Valley 2,800–3,400 m. Take it easy for the first 24–48 hrs, hydrate, go light on alcohol, and use sun protection. If you’ve had issues before, chat to a clinician about prophylaxis.

What’s the accommodation like—including the Amazon and homestay?

Standard hotels/guesthouses most nights; community homestay (1 night) on Lake Titicaca (simple rooms, shared facilities); and a jungle lodge (2 nights) in Tambopata with beds + nets, flush toilets, solar-heated showers, and candle lighting (no mains electricity). Across Peru, brief hot-water/power outages can happen—normal and short-lived.

Are internal flights included?

Yes—Cusco → Puerto Maldonado and Puerto Maldonado → Lima (often via Cusco). All other legs are by private vehicle, public bus, train, or boat as per the itinerary.

More FAQ's

How does Machu Picchu work on this trip?

We ride the train (no multi-day trek) to Aguas Calientes, bus up for a timed, guided visit (1.5–2 hrs), then return by train/vehicle to Cusco. Circuit routes are mostly one-way and strictly managed. Drones/tripods prohibited. Daypacks >20–25 L may be refused—keep it small and soft.

Is the Nazca Lines flight included?

No—it’s optional and weather-dependent. If you fly, there’s an additional airport tourist ticket (≈ S/47) payable locally. The small planes bank/turn; motion-sickness tablets help. A cheap roadside tower view is sometimes offered en route.

What’s actually included vs optional?

Included highlights: Nazca cemetery & potter’s studio, Colca condor circuit, Lake Titicaca two-day boat tour with G for Good homestay, Cusco colonial walking tour + lunch, Sacred Valley day(s) (weaving co-op, pottery demo, Parwa community lunch, Maras, Moray, Chinchero), Ollantaytambo ruins, Machu Picchu guided tour, Amazon night walk/oxbow lake/caiman cruise.

Optional examples: Ballestas Islands boat, dune buggy & sandboarding, Nazca flight, Rainbow Mountain, Lima city/bike tours, cooking classes, hot springs, museums.

Group size and who leads it?

Small group—typically 10–16 travellers. A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) leads throughout; specialist local/naturalist guides join for specific sites and the Amazon.

What’s the luggage setup for trains and the Amazon?

For the train to Aguas Calientes, bring a small daypack and leave big bags with the hotel/vehicle. For the Amazon, the lodge stores your main bag in Puerto Maldonado and provides duffels for what you need; boat transfers have limited space.

Can you handle dietary needs?

Generally yes (veg/vegan/gluten-light) with advance notice—including at the homestay and Amazon lodge. Very strict allergies: bring snack back-ups and a translated card.

What should I pack that people often forget?

Head torch (Amazon), DEET/picaridin repellent, electrolytes, warm layer + beanie/gloves (Puno/Colca nights), grippy shoes (wet stone at Machu Picchu), and dry bags for the boat/jungle. See the full What to Pack section for the complete list.

Is swimming or kayaking available?

Yes—time and weather permitting: hot springs near Chivay; optional kayaking on Lake Titicaca; river swimming holes by the Amazon lodge (local guidance applies).

How “rustic” is the Amazon lodge experience?

It’s comfortable but off-grid: candlelit rooms, no outlets in rooms, limited charging in common areas (if available). Early mornings and dusk are wildlife primetime—embrace the schedule.

Money & ATMs?

ATMs and cards work well in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Puno; scarce in Colca, lake villages, and the Amazon. Carry small PEN notes for markets/tips. Keep a day wallet and use registered taxis/rideshares at night.

Is the Lake Titicaca homestay kid-friendly and how should we behave?

Yes—family-friendly and cultural. Dress modestly, ask before photos, pitch in with simple chores, and consider a small shared gift (tea, school supplies). Avoid giving cash directly.

Safety & water—what’s the deal?

Stick to busy areas, zip your bag, heed CEO advice. Tap water isn’t potable; use filtered/refill stations (hotels/lodge). Say “sin hielo” if you’re avoiding ice.

Tipping guidance?

Discretionary but appreciated: CEO, drivers, site guides, lodge staff. We can share local benchmarks per traveller/day to help you plan.

Age limit / who can join?

Trips are 12+ (under-18s with adult). The Lima cooking class is family-friendly (no age restriction).

When’s the best time to go?

May–Sep is the Andean/Amazon dry season (cooler nights, clearer views). Nov–Mar sees more rain in the Andes/Amazon and warmer Lima/coast. The trip runs year-round; pack layers and a light rain shell regardless.

Anything else I should know about day-to-day logistics?

Early starts are common (condors, Machu Picchu, Amazon). Expect a mix of transport (buses, vans, train, boats). Peru sometimes throws a brief power/hot-water wobble—it’s part of the charm. Your CEO smooths the edges so you can focus on the good stuff.

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Here’s how it works—clean, simple, no surprises:

A) "Book with Deposit"

  1. Place a deposit. You’ll pay the deposit at checkout.
  2. Tell us the details. You’ll receive an email asking for your tour name/date, passenger details, and any special requests (room type, extras, dietaries, etc.).
  3. We secure your spots. If everything’s clear, we confirm your booking by email so you can lock flights and plan the rest.
  4. If we need anything (e.g., room configuration, add-on activities), we’ll ask—then issue confirmation once sorted.
  5. Final balance invoice. After confirmation, you’ll be invoiced the remainder in line with the trips booking terms & conditions (each trip/partner has its own timeline but full payment is generally required at least 30 days prior to departure).
  6. If we are unable to confirm your spot: you’ll receive a full refund of your deposit. Zero stress.

B) Instant confirmation route (selected trips)

  • Some departures use live operator booking calendars. These can deliver instant confirmation inside the operator’s system.
  • If you book this way, the operator’s terms & conditions apply immediately (including payment schedules and change/cancellation rules).

Good to know

  • Each trip may have slightly different deadlines and deposit rules—You can find the terms and conditions for your chosen booking on the listing page.
  • You can still flag special requests after deposit—earlier is better for availability.
What’s your cancellation & refund policy?

Before your booking is confirmed

  • If we can’t confirm your spots after you’ve paid a deposit, we’ll issue a full refund of that deposit.

After your booking is confirmed

  • Cancellations follow the operator’s cancellation schedule (varies by trip and how close you are to departure).
  • Expect possible fees or non-refundable items (e.g., internal flights, permits, certain accommodations).
  • If a refund or credit is due, we’ll process it once the operator releases the funds and pass it back to your original payment method.

Instant-confirmation bookings (live operator calendars)

  • The operator’s T&Cs apply immediately on these. Some departures are non-refundable or have stricter windows.

How to cancel

  • Email us your booking reference, names on the booking, and a one-line request (“Please cancel”).
  • We’ll reply with the exact penalties/refund or credit per your operator before proceeding.

If the operator cancels or significantly changes your trip

  • You’ll be offered an alternative date, a travel credit, or a refund according to that operator’s policy. We’ll advocate for the best outcome for you.

Good to know

  • Refunds are returned to the original payment method; bank/FX fees aren’t usually recoverable.
  • Travel insurance is your friend for recovering non-refundable costs.
  • The earlier you contact us, the better your options typically are.
Can I change dates or transfer my booking?

Short answer: Usually yes, but it depends on the operator’s rules and how close you are to departure.

Date changes

  • We’ll check new-date availability with the operator.
  • If a change is possible, you’ll pay any applicable operator change fee plus any price difference for the new date.
  • The closer to departure, the tighter (and costlier) changes become; some trips treat late changes as a cancel + rebook under the operator’s policy.

Transfer to another person (name change)

  • Many operators allow a name change/transfer up to a certain cut-off.
  • Fees and deadlines vary by operator and services booked (e.g., flights may be non-transferable).

Instant-confirmation bookings

  • If you booked via a live operator calendar, the operator’s T&Cs apply immediately. Some departures are non-changeable or have stricter windows.

How to request a change

  • Email us with your booking reference, preferred new date/person’s details, and any flexibility.
  • We’ll confirm options, fees, and any price differences before making changes.

Pro tips

  • Ask early—more seats = more options, lower fees.
  • Consider travel insurance that covers change/cancellation costs.
  • Always check booking terms and conditions, links displayed on each tour page under the overview.
Are you accredited / is my money protected?

Yes. Your money is protected by our own accreditation and safeguards, plus the protections of our tour partners and the payment methods we use.

Our business safeguards

  • Legally registered business with documented booking & refund policies.
  • Commercial insurance appropriate to our operations.
  • VTIC Quality Tourism Accreditation (Quality Tourism Accredited Business) confirming we meet industry standards for customer service, safety, and risk management.

Operator-level protection

  • We partner only with established operators who maintain their own financial protections and clear refund/credit policies.
  • When you book via a live operator calendar, payment is processed directly by the operator and their protections/terms apply immediately.

How your payment is handled

  • All card payments run through a secure, PCI-compliant gateway; we don’t store your full card details.
  • If you book through a live operator calendar, payment is processed directly into the operator’s system, and their terms & protections apply immediately.

Your legal rights

  • Your purchase is also covered by consumer laws in your country/state (fair trading/refund rights). We reference the applicable jurisdiction on your paperwork.

Extra peace of mind

  • Paying by credit card may add chargeback protection from your card issuer.
  • We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover situations outside operator/consumer protections (your own cancellation, medical, delays).
Do you offer price matching?

Absolutely. Our prices update live from the operator, but if you spot the same tour on the same dates with the same inclusions and terms advertised for less — even in a public sale or promo — we’ll match it.

Already booked? We’ll refund the difference to your original payment method (eligibility applies, based on the final checkout price including taxes/fees from an authorised seller). And yes, the matched price still includes our 200% carbon offset — no dilution of benefits.

Do I need travel insurance?

Not for every trip—but for most travellers, we strongly recommend it

Some itineraries and partner operators do require insurance (especially remote treks, glacier walks, or bookings made via live operator calendars with mandatory cover).

When it’s required

  • Certain partners/departures make insurance compulsory and may ask for proof before departure. If you book one of these, their T&Cs apply immediately.

What good cover includes

  • Medical treatment & emergency evacuation/repatriation (high limits).
  • Trip cancellation/interruption (protects your deposit and balance if plans change).
  • Baggage & travel delay, and supplier default where available.
  • Coverage for all activities on your itinerary (e.g., trekking, glacier hikes, kayaking) and any relevant altitudes/conditions.
  • 24/7 assistance hotline and a clear claims process.

When to buy

  • At booking. That way, cancellation benefits start immediately and you’re covered if something crops up before you travel.

How to share proof

  • Email us your policy certificate (names, policy number, assistance phone).
  • If you booked via an instant-confirmation operator calendar, follow their proof instructions and deadlines exactly.

Are departures guaranteed?

Most departures run as planned, but guarantees depend on the operator and minimum numbers. If there’s a wobble, we’ll tell you fast and give you options.

How it works

  • Minimum group size: Most partners need a minimum number of travellers to confirm a trip.
  • When we confirm: Each operator has a confirmation window (often 30–60 days before departure). We monitor load and update you as status changes.
  • Any listing from "G-Adventures" will be guaranteed to run with a booking

If a trip is under-subscribed

  • We’ll contact you with clear options:

Move to another date (same tour)

Switch to a comparable trip

Full refund of monies paid (per the operator’s terms)

  • Any price differences for new dates/trips will be discussed before you decide.

If a trip is suspended (weather, park closures, strikes, force majeure)

  • First, we’ll look to re-route or adjust (e.g., alternative park, similar activities).
  • If that’s not viable, you can move dates, choose a different trip, or receive a refund/credit according to the operator’s policy.

Our promise

  • Proactive comms: We’ll keep you posted as soon as we know more—no last-minute surprises if we can help it.
  • No pressure choices: You pick the outcome; we handle the admin.
  • Flight advice: Until your tour is confirmed, book flexible/refundable flights or add insurance that covers schedule changes.

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