The Jungle Adventure – 8 Day Amazon Adventure

Your Jungle Adventure Tour kicks off with your arrival in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital. Upon landing, your dedicated guide will greet you in the airport lobby, holding a sign with your name for a smooth transfer to your hotel. Once there, your guide will provide an overview of your schedule and helpful tips for the days ahead.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a free evening to explore Lima’s culinary delights, lively streets, or simply relax and prepare for the adventures awaiting you.

Our Jungle Adventure Tour continues with a fascinating exploration of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. The Cusco City Tour takes you to the city’s most iconic landmarks, starting with Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun. Once the most important spiritual center during Incan rule, Koricancha showcases the incredible precision of Incan stonework, standing in striking contrast to the Spanish colonial church built atop its foundations.

Next, head to the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress, perched on a hill overlooking Cusco. Marvel at the massive stones used in its construction and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and the valley below—a perfect spot for capturing unforgettable photos.

The tour continues with visits to smaller yet equally intriguing sites, including Tambomachay, Qenq’o, and Puka Pukara. Each offers a unique perspective on Incan engineering, ceremonial practices, and daily life.

To conclude your tour, enjoy a stop at artisan shops outside Cusco. Browse and purchase beautifully crafted alpaca sweaters, blankets, artwork, and souvenirs, bringing home a piece of Peruvian culture to remember your journey.

Your day begins with an 8:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco as the tour takes you into the lush and fertile Sacred Valley, one of the most significant regions of the Inca Empire. Along the way, enjoy several scenic stops at lookout points, perfect for capturing photos of the valley’s breathtaking landscapes.

Pisac: Markets and Ruins

The first destination is the charming town of Pisac, known for its extensive market held where you can barter for unique souvenirs, textiles, and local goods. Nearby, explore the Inca ruins of Pisac, which feature intricate terracing and housing structures believed to have been used for agricultural experiments. This site offers an incredible glimpse into the ingenuity of Incan engineering.

Urubamba: Lunch Amid Stunning Scenery

Continue to Urubamba, where you’ll enjoy a delightful lunch surrounded by the valley’s serene beauty, offering the perfect break before heading to your next stop.

Ollantaytambo: Fortress and History

Next, visit the town of Ollantaytambo, home to a magnificent fortress that played a pivotal role in Incan history. It was here that the Incas successfully repelled Spanish attacks, and its towering stone terraces and dramatic valley views make it a must-see destination.

Train Journey to Aguas Calientes

At 7:00 PM, board the PeruRail Expedition Train at Ollantaytambo Station for a scenic journey to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).

• Note: Backpacker and Economy options include the round-trip Expedition Train, while 3, 4, and 5-star packages include the Vistadome Train for your return journey to Cusco. For a premium experience, the Hiram Bingham Train is also available upon request at an additional cost.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, spend your evening exploring this quaint town at your leisure. Meet with your guide for a quick briefing on the following day’s visit to Machu Picchu, then relax and prepare for the one of the highlights of your Jungle Adventure Tour.

Rise early this morning for one of the highlights of your Jungle Adventure Tour —a visit to the world-renowned Machu Picchu. Board one of the first buses to the ancient citadel and enjoy breathtaking morning views as the mist lifts to reveal this iconic Incan masterpiece.

Begin your exploration with a two-hour guided tour, where your expert guide will share the fascinating history and secrets of the site, from its sacred temples to its ingenious stonework. Afterward, take your journey to new heights and add an optional hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views of the citadel and surrounding valleys. Please note that these hikes come at an additional cost and are subject to availability.

Following your visit, descend back to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to relax, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a meal before catching your return train to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, a transfer will take you to your hotel for a well-deserved evening of leisure and exploration at your own pace.

Note: The following itinerary is for Backpacker, Economy, and 3-Star Hotel categories, staying at Corto Maltes Lodge. For 4 and 5-Star tours, a similar itinerary is offered at the Tambopata Research Center, contact us for this itinerary. You can also add any of our Puerto Maldonado Lodges to this itinerary, please contact us for a personalized, detailed itinerary.

Your Jungle Adventure Tour takes a thrilling turn today as you venture into the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Upon arrival at the Puerto Maldonado Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to our local office in the city center. Any luggage not required during your stay can be securely stored for your convenience, making the journey to the lodge seamless.

Board the Puerto Bolívar river vessel for a 40-minute navigation along the tranquil Madre de Dios River to reach Corto Maltes Amazonía Lodge, where you’ll be welcomed with refreshing seasonal fruit drinks. Your guide will provide an orientation for your stay and hand over your bungalow keys and security safe. After lunch, you’ll have time to relax before beginning your first jungle excursion. Guests arriving after 1 PM will receive a box lunch made from 100% recyclable materials.

Afternoon Jungle Exploration

At 3:30 PM, embark on your first guided trek through 60 hectares of lush rainforest. Discover towering tropical trees, medicinal plants, and the vibrant biodiversity of the Amazon. Visit a shiringuero encampment, a replica of a traditional rubber collector’s camp, where you’ll witness the fascinating process of harvesting latex and learn about its uses in everyday products. The trek lasts approximately 2 hours.

Evening at the Lodge

After your trek, unwind at the lodge. Relax by the pool or in a hammock on your bungalow terrace, enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the bar, or treat yourself to a massage by our qualified staff. Don’t forget to visit the riverside to watch a breathtaking Amazon sunset.

Nocturnal Adventure

At 7:00 PM, embark on a nocturnal boat trip along the river to observe caimans and, with a bit of luck, other nocturnal wildlife along the riverbanks.

End your day with a delightful dinner at 8:00 PM in the lodge’s riverside dining room, where you can savor the flavors of the Amazon in an enchanting setting.

Your Jungle Adventure Tour continues with an early start as you wake up at 5:30 AM for coffee or tea and prepare for an unforgettable excursion to Lake Sandoval. Your guide will provide a bagged breakfast and snack for the journey.

Morning: Lake Sandoval Exploration

At 6:00 AM, travel about 20 minutes on the Madre de Dios River to reach the landing stage for Lake Sandoval. From there, embark on a 3 km hike through the lush Tambopata National Reserve. Along the trail, marvel at the region’s biodiversity, including towering trees, colorful birds like the Hoatzin, and playful monkeys such as squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, and capuchin monkeys.

Once at the lake, board small rowboats to explore the calm waters and search for giant river otters in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for other wildlife, including reptiles, mammals, and vibrant bird species. Your guide will find a serene spot to pause and enjoy breakfast while you continue to soak in the beauty of the Amazon. Afterward, return to the pier for the journey back to the lodge.

Afternoon: Canopy Tower and Brazil Nut Camp

After lunch at 1:30 PM, set out at 3:30 PM for a climb to one of Corto Maltes Amazonía’s impressive lookout towers (20 or 42 meters tall). These towers offer breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy, perfect for spotting birds and other wildlife at this altitude. End the climb with a spectacular sunset view over the jungle, an unforgettable highlight of your Amazon adventure.

Next, visit a Brazil nut camp to learn about the harvest and its importance to the local economy. Discover the process behind this vital industry while gaining insight into the lives of the harvesters who stay at the camps during the season.

Evening: Relaxation and Dinner

After your excursion, unwind with some free time at the lodge. Lounge by the pool, enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the bar, or treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage. Explore the souvenir shop for handcrafted mementos before gathering for a delicious dinner at 8:00 PM.

Your Amazon Adventure continues with a day dedicated to cultural discovery and local flavors, offering a deeper connection to the traditions and daily life of the Peruvian Amazon.

Morning: Visit with the Machiguenga

After breakfast at 8:00 AM, begin your day with an immersive visit to a Machiguenga family, one of the many Indigenous groups in the Amazon. They will share the cultural heritage of their ancestors, including their language, customs, and traditional clothing. You’ll gain insight into their tools, hunting gear, and handicrafts, as well as the music they play during ayahuasca ceremonies. Learn how they sustainably use natural materials to build their homes, make clothing, and craft ornaments—integral to their daily lives.

Late Morning: Explore a Chacra Farm

At 11:00 AM, take a short 20-minute boat ride down the river to visit a traditional chacra, a family-owned farm. Here, you’ll explore the variety of native plants grown without chemicals, tasting seasonal tropical fruits and native products such as cacao, banana, yucca, breadfruit, and lime. This farm exemplifies sustainable agriculture and the rich biodiversity of the Amazon, with produce sold in local Puerto Maldonado markets.

Afternoon: Relax and Unwind

After returning to the lodge for lunch at 1:00 PM, spend the afternoon at your leisure. Whether you choose to lounge by the pool, shop for unique souvenirs at the boutique, sip on a refreshing cocktail, or indulge in a massage, the lodge provides the perfect atmosphere for relaxation after your adventures.

Evening: Dinner

Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at 8:00 PM, reflecting on the cultural and natural wonders of the Amazon.

Start your morning with a 5:30 AM wake-up for coffee or tea before embarking on a 20-minute walk to a nearby clay lick, a fascinating natural phenomenon unique to the Amazon. Here, you’ll have the chance to observe 3 to 5 species of colorful parrots as they gather to ingest clay that supports their metabolic health. This lively and vibrant event is an unforgettable spectacle of Amazonian biodiversity.

After enjoying this natural wonder, return to the lodge for breakfast at 8:00 AM and some free time to relax or prepare for your departure.

Transition to Puerto Maldonado

Following breakfast, a scenic boat ride will take you back to Puerto Maldonado, where one of our vehicles will pick you up at the port. After a brief stop at our office, visit the local market for a 20-minute tour. Here, you can explore the vibrant array of regional foods and unique products that sustain the local population, offering an authentic glimpse into daily Amazonian life.

From the market, head to the airport where you’ll board your domestic flight back to Lima. With that, your unforgettable journey through Peru comes to an end.

As your Jungle Adventure 8 Day Tour concludes, we hope your time with Karikuy Tours has been filled with awe-inspiring experiences, from the breathtaking Andes and the epic ruins of Machu Picchu to the serene beauty of the Amazon. Each destination, a chapter in a story you’ll cherish for years to come.

If you have questions, need assistance, or wish to plan another unforgettable journey, we’re always here to help. Thank you for trusting Karikuy Tours, and we look forward to welcoming you back to explore more of Peru’s wonders. Until next time, safe travels!

The itinerary allows you to arrive at any time on day 1, our guides will be ready to pick you up from the airport and take your lodging. You are free to choose what date you arrive in Peru. The most popular months to travel are from April to August.

To give you the best pricing as well as  the flexibility to schedule your tour at your convenience, group tours have you join different daily groups departing for each tour. These tours group sizes differ on location but can be anywhere from 6 people to 25 people. For the 4 and 5 star tour options you have private tours included that are just yourselves and a guide.

Peru gives most travelers temporary Visas upon arrival. These Visas are from 30 days to 6 months. If you are unsure if your country needs a Visa you can check here, countries marked NO are given Visas upon arrival, countries marked SI require a Visa to enter Peru.

Our tours do not include international or domestic airfare. We do not include international airfare to keep our prices low as you can purchase your own international airfare at better prices directly from the airline websites or Google Flights. We can assist you with domestic airfare as we get good prices, you will need to contact us and we will send you the pricing with domestic airfare included.

Our tours include transfers to and from the airport, and between your tours and hotels. So technically you do not need to hire your own transport. If you want to get transportation on a free day or evening we would recommend you have your hotel call you a taxi or UBER also works really well in Peru. Please note that all our Backpacker category tours do not include transfers.

Yes we do accept 50% deposits, make sure to choose that option at checkout, full price of a tour is due 45 days before your arrival to Peru so we can pay all the reservations in advance. We have some of the best customer service when it comes to cancellations, we work with our customers to get the best outcome even going above and beyond our own terms and conditions. 

The most popular Machu Picchu admissions are the 2A or 2B Circuits, these give you the longest circuit to see the most at Machu Picchu including the classic photo locations. We include these to our tours.

Please note however that since 2023 that these new circuits sell out quickly due to their popularity. You should try to make your reservation 3 months or more in advance to secure these admissions. Once these advanced purchase admissions sell out you can only purchase walk in admissions that will have you spend an extra day at Aguas Calientes to secure them in person. Please try to book in advance and contact us to check availability.