Route Map

The journey begins in Lima on the coast. From there you fly to Cusco and spend time in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu area. After the Andes you take another flight to Puerto Maldonado to explore the Amazon. The route ends with a return flight to Lima. Ground transportation includes local buses, trains and river boats.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 4-8: Cusco and Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco and dedicate five days to the Andes. Explore Cusco gently while acclimatizing, then move into the Sacred Valley. Visit Inca terraces and ruins using local transport and community guides. Take the train to Machu Picchu for a low-impact visit with early morning entry.

Day 9-13: Amazon rainforest in Tambopata
Fly from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado and travel by boat to a small eco-lodge in the Tambopata reserve. Spend five days immersed in the jungle with responsible wildlife observation, canopy walks and visits to indigenous-led projects. Focus on quiet trails and minimal disturbance to animals.

Day 14: Return to Lima
Return by boat to Puerto Maldonado and take your flight back to Lima. Use the remaining time for a relaxed walk or last-minute preparations before your international departure.

Eco Tips inside the route

Stay in small family guesthouses and eco-lodges in each region rather than large hotels. Use reusable water bottles and refuse single-use plastics throughout the trip. In the Andes choose community guides and local buses. In the Amazon always follow your guide’s instructions regarding wildlife distance. Support local artisans by buying directly from them whenever possible.

Mistakes to avoid

Trying to see everything too quickly is the most common mistake on this route. It leads to fatigue and less meaningful experiences. Another error is forgetting proper acclimatization in Cusco before heading higher. Also avoid using plastic bottled water, especially in the jungle where safe refill options exist in good lodges.

Alternative options

If your time is limited you can shorten the circuit to 10 days by reducing days in the Sacred Valley or Amazon. For a tighter budget replace some eco-lodges with basic homestays and use more public transport. Those who want a stronger focus on one region can extend the Andes or Amazon part and shorten the coast section.