The Peruvian Amazon, a region less travelled
The Amazon rainforest, a magical, truly unforgettable adventure, a perfect extension to your Peruvian holiday. The Amazon covers over half of Peru, but only 5% of the population live there, a true wilderness. Choose to stay in a jungle eco-lodge, or even see the spectacle of the rainforest from the water on a luxury cruise ship.
- Once in a lifetime experience
- Wildlife Spotting
- Indigenous Cultures
Begin your adventure holiday to the Peruvian Amazon.
What We Did...
We flew to the remote Amazonian town of Puerto Maldonado, gateway to Rio Madre de Dios and The Tambopata National Reserve. A driver picked us up and drove us to the local pier, where we boarded a boat to the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica eco-lodge. This lodge is situated on the banks of the river is a fantastic place to stay and explore the pristine lakes and forest.
The traditional wooden jungle cabanas have thatched roofs- you are well protected, but their design lets you feel connected to your surroundings. Wake up hearing birds in the neighboring trees and capuchins scurrying around below, a delightful sunrise call. Walk up in the trees on the jungle canopy walkway then enjoy out of this world food and cocktails in the restaurant.
Daily Excursions
As part of your stay you can take part in daily excursions. These include a night time boat trip, witness the glowing eyes of the caimans amongst the reeds, with shooting stars lighting the dark sky above. Wander the nature trails around the lodge, do a nocturnal walk for the thrill of being shown tarantulas. In a wooden canoe, paddle Lake Sandoval in search of the endangered giant river otters; you might even see toucans in the surrounding forest.
Walk with your guide through the rainforest, being shown all sorts of fascinating wildlife and plants along the way. Hear a tremendous noise coming towards you? They're howler monkeys swinging in through the canopy. Some of the guides come from indigenous cultures deep in the jungle; learn about their culture and others living along the river.
Head to the Northern Peruvian Amazon
Only accessible by air or river, the jungle town of Iquitos, which had a thriving rubber industry, is another fascinating place to start your Peruvian Amazon tour. Spend a day exploring the famed Belen jungle market and Belen Village. In this ‘Venice of the Amazon’ all the wooden houses rise with the river, and float during the wet season. The nearby Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve is the closest to Iquitos, with several jungle lodges to choose from. This area is home to over 500 different species of birds, so make sure you bring your binoculars. New plants and animals are constantly being discovered in this biodiverse region.
Or spend a bit longer on the river and travel to Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, home to 94 indigenous communities, who survive by fishing, gathering and hunting.
Fancy something different to a jungle lodge, how about a luxury cruise? Enjoy the comfort of a cabin with stunning views, taking excursions to different areas of the jungle.
Start your Peru holiday today!
Tailor-made Independent Tour
A perfect blend of Peru! Experience Inca wonders and the wildlife rich Amazon on a 4 day river cruise adventure!
What’s Included?
- 10 nights’ accommodation
- 18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Half day city tours of Lima and Cusco
- Full day tour of the Sacred Valley
- Return journey to Machu Picchu on the Vistadome train
- Two visits to Machu Picchu, one with a guide, another at your own leisure.
- 4-day river cruise onboard a luxurious ship.
- Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary
- International Flights are additional (we can add these to your holiday)
GUIDELINE PRICE £3199pp
Itinerary
Days 1-2: Lima: City tour included. Explore the historic city centre and visit the Larco Museum which showcases a fine collection of pre-Hispanic gold & textiles. Catch an evening flight to Cusco, from where you will transfer to the Sacred Valley.
Day 3: Sacred Valley
A full day exploring this Inca heartland from rural communities to Inca and pre-Inca wonders!
Day 4: Machu Picchu
Board the Vistadome train, which winds its way through the stunning Andean mountains to Agua Calientes. Spend the rest of the day exploring iconic Machu Picchu with a guide. This impressive Inca wonder will take your breath away!
Day 5: Cusco
Head back to Machu Picchu for another morning without a guide. There’s so much to see and you can do some short hikes from the citadel. Spend the night in the beautiful Andean town of Cusco.
Day 6: Cusco-Lima
A morning guided tour through the cobbled streets of Cusco. Head to Sacsayhuaman, an incredible fortress overlooking the city.
Fly to Lima and spend the night at a hotel near the airport ready for your journey to the jungle!
Day 7: Iquitos
The beginning of your Amazon cruise adventure. Fly to the remote northern town of Iquitos, which can only be reached by air or river! Meet your expert guides and fellow river ship companions. Board the vessel at the town of Nauta and cruise down the Marañon river to where the Amazon River begins. (full board on river cruise ship)
Day 8-9: Amazon River Cruise
Awake to the sounds of water dwelling river birds and sail to the Yanayaco de Yacapana reserve. Here you will witness parrots and macaws in the canopy, living alongside monkeys swinging between the trees! You may even spot a sloth wrapped around a tree branch or a pink dolphin following the ship. Later, join a walking excursion through the tropical jungle with a night-time nocturnal animals tour.
The following day cruise along the Black Yarapa River where experts will help you see woolly monkeys and rainforest birds. Learn about medicinal plants and go on a jungle walk, searching for tarantulas, frogs and insects!
Day 10: Head back to Lima
Day 11: Transfer to Lima airport for your flight back to the UK.
Weather
You can visit at anytime of the year.
However,
June to October is low water season. Perfect if you would like more trail walks.
November to May is high water season. Perfect is you want to get into smaller tributaries & explore!
Top Tips
1. Pack plenty of suncream & insect repellent.
2. Wear long-sleeved cotton shirts & long hiking trousers.
3. Take a rain coat, small hiking backpack & a travel water bottle.
4. Bring a battery pack-electricity isn't available all day in the lodges.
Flight Time
16 hours from the UK
TRAVEL TO THE PERUVIAN AMAZON