Machu Picchu & Manu Rainforest Tour – 9 Days / 8 Nights

Tour Details

• Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
• Starting and ending point: Cusco, Peru
• Tour style: Culture, nature, wildlife and adventure
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Languages: English and Spanish
• Accommodation: 3-star category hotels and Amazon jungle lodges
• Transportation: Tourist vehicle, scenic train and motorized boat
• Price: From US$1,160 per person

Why Choose the Machu Picchu & Manu Rainforest Tour?

Two Extraordinary Worlds in One Journey

This 9-day Peru tour is designed for travelers who want to experience more than the traditional Machu Picchu visit. It combines the most important cultural attractions of the Cusco region with an immersive journey into the Peruvian Amazon.

Discover the Inca Heritage: Explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley and the remarkable archaeological sanctuary of Machu Picchu with professional local guides.

Experience the Andes-to-Amazon Transition: Travel through the mountains of Paucartambo and the beautiful cloud forest as the landscape changes toward the tropical lowlands.

Explore the Manu Rainforest: Enjoy river transportation, guided nature walks and opportunities to observe the incredible wildlife of the Amazon region.

Discover Tropical Wildlife: Look for colorful parrots, macaws, monkeys, caimans, butterflies and many other species in their natural habitats.

Travel With Local Knowledge: Enjoy assistance from a Cusco-based team familiar with the region and the logistics of your journey.

Comfortable Accommodation: Stay in selected hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, followed by comfortable jungle lodge accommodation during the rainforest experience.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the historic city of Cusco and its impressive Inca heritage.
• Discover the archaeological sites and traditional landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
• Enjoy a scenic train journey through the Urubamba Valley.
• Visit Machu Picchu with a professional guide.
• Explore Ninamarca and the traditional town of Paucartambo.
• Travel through the spectacular Andean cloud forest.
• Navigate the Alto Madre de Dios River by motorized boat.
• Explore Machuwasi Lagoon and rainforest trails, subject to local conditions.
• Experience a parrot clay lick and look for tropical wildlife.
• Enjoy three nights of accommodation in Amazon jungle lodges.

Short Tour Itinerary 

• Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – Hotel transfer and acclimatization.

• Day 2: Sacred Valley – Train to Aguas Calientes.

• Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco.

• Day 4: Free Day in Cusco – Optional excursions.

• Day 5: Cusco – Ninamarca – Paucartambo – Bamboo Lodge.

• Day 6: Atalaya – Alto Madre de Dios River – Pantiacolla Lodge.

• Day 7: Manu Cultural Zone – Parrot Clay Lick and Wildlife Observation.

• Day 8: Amazon Rainforest – Return to Cusco.

• Day 9: Departure from Cusco.

9-Day Machu Picchu & Manu Rainforest Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – Welcome to the Andes

Your journey begins in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire and the gateway to the Andes.

Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and acclimatization to the altitude.

If you feel comfortable, explore the historic center at your own pace. Discover its traditional streets, impressive Inca stone walls and beautiful colonial architecture.

Day highlights:

• Airport pickup and private hotel transfer.
• Free time to explore Cusco.
• Opportunity to acclimatize.
• Travel briefing and preparation for the following days.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Not included.

Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas – Train to Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, travel through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, a region known for its impressive archaeological sites, traditional villages and spectacular Andean scenery.

Depending on the confirmed itinerary, your visit may include Awanacancha, the archaeological complex of Pisac, its traditional market, the town of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.

Discover the fascinating history of the Incas, their agricultural terraces and their remarkable stone architecture.

Later, continue to the train station and board your scenic train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Enjoy the changing scenery as the train follows the Urubamba River through the mountains toward the cloud forest.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and prepare for the following day’s visit.

Day highlights:

• Explore the Sacred Valley.
• Visit Pisac and its traditional market, according to the confirmed route.
• Discover Ollantaytambo, subject to the final itinerary.
• Enjoy the scenic train journey.
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 3: Machu Picchu – Guided Visit and Return to Cusco

Today is one of the highlights of your Peru adventure: the unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu.

After breakfast, take the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes up to the archaeological sanctuary.

Accompanied by your professional guide, explore the designated visitor route associated with your entrance ticket. Discover the remarkable Inca architecture, agricultural terraces, ceremonial spaces and temples while learning about the history and significance of this extraordinary archaeological site.

Machu Picchu offers a fascinating insight into the engineering, organization and cultural achievements of the Inca civilization.

After your guided visit, return to Aguas Calientes and board your scheduled train toward the Sacred Valley or Cusco, according to the confirmed transportation arrangements.

Day highlights:

• Shuttle bus to Machu Picchu.
• Guided visit of the Inca citadel.
• Discover ancient temples and agricultural terraces.
• Enjoy panoramic mountain scenery.
• Scenic train journey back.
• Transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 4: Free Day in Cusco – Explore at Your Own Pace

Enjoy a relaxing day in Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu.

This free day allows you to explore the city according to your interests. Walk through the historic center, visit the traditional San Pedro Market, discover the artistic neighborhood of San Blas or enjoy the local restaurants and cafés.

You may also choose an optional excursion, such as Rainbow Mountain, depending on availability and suitability.

This flexible day provides time to relax before continuing your journey toward the cloud forest and Amazon rainforest.

Day highlights:

• Free time in Cusco.
• Explore the historic center.
• Visit local markets and artisan shops.
• Optional excursions available upon request.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5: Cusco – Paucartambo – Ninamarca – Cloud Forest

Today, your journey continues from the Andes toward the Amazon.

After breakfast, leave Cusco and travel through beautiful mountain landscapes toward Paucartambo, a traditional Andean town known for its cultural heritage.

Along the route, visit Ninamarca, an archaeological site recognized for its pre-Inca funerary structures, before continuing through Paucartambo.

As the road descends, the environment gradually changes. High-altitude mountains give way to humid vegetation, mist-covered slopes and the extraordinary biodiversity of the cloud forest.

Keep your eyes open for colorful birds, butterflies, orchids and other wildlife. With luck, you may also observe the Andean cock-of-the-rock.

Day highlights:

• Scenic journey from Cusco.
• Visit the Ninamarca archaeological site.
• Explore Paucartambo.
• Travel through the Andean cloud forest.
• Opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation.

Accommodation: Bamboo Lodge or confirmed equivalent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 6: Atalaya – Alto Madre de Dios River – Amazon Jungle Lodge

After breakfast, continue toward Atalaya, where the journey changes from road transportation to river travel.

Board a motorized boat and navigate along the Alto Madre de Dios River, enjoying the surrounding rainforest scenery.

Depending on the confirmed itinerary and local conditions, visit Machuwasi Lagoon and explore nearby rainforest trails.

Accompanied by your guide, observe the vegetation and wildlife while learning about the rainforest ecosystem, native plants and the relationship between the river and the surrounding forest.

This is an excellent opportunity to appreciate the natural environment of the Peruvian Amazon.

Day highlights:

• Travel to Atalaya.
• Motorized boat journey along the Alto Madre de Dios River.
• Explore Machuwasi Lagoon, subject to the confirmed itinerary.
• Guided rainforest walks.
• Opportunities for wildlife observation.

Accommodation: Pantiacolla Lodge or confirmed equivalent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 7: Manu Rainforest – Wildlife Observation and Parrot Clay Lick

Enjoy another day exploring the Amazon rainforest.

One of the highlights is a visit to a parrot clay lick, where parrots may gather to consume mineral-rich clay. This natural behavior offers an interesting opportunity to observe tropical birds in their natural environment.

Continue exploring the rainforest trails with your naturalist guide. Look for macaws, parrots, monkeys, caimans, butterflies and other wildlife.

Depending on the lodge, weather and local conditions, additional activities may include night walks, caiman observation, fishing or other nature experiences.

Every rainforest excursion offers a different opportunity to learn about the extraordinary biodiversity of the region.

Day highlights:

• Visit a parrot clay lick.
• Guided rainforest walks.
• Tropical birdwatching.
• Opportunities to observe monkeys and other wildlife.
• Discover the Amazon ecosystem.

Accommodation: Pantiacolla Lodge or confirmed equivalent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed because animals live freely in their natural habitats.

Day 8: Amazon Rainforest – Cloud Forest – Return to Cusco

After breakfast, begin your return journey toward Cusco.

Travel by motorized boat toward Atalaya before continuing by road through the cloud forest and Andean highlands.

Enjoy the changing scenery as the tropical vegetation gradually gives way to mountain landscapes.

Along the way, appreciate the extraordinary transition between the Amazon and the Andes, reflecting on the cultural and natural experiences of the previous days.

Upon arrival in Cusco, transfer to your hotel.

Day highlights:

• Return boat journey.
• Scenic drive through the cloud forest.
• Andean mountain landscapes.
• Return to Cusco.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 9: Departure from Cusco

After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Cusco before your scheduled transfer to the airport.

Your 9-day journey through Peru comes to an end, bringing together the extraordinary history of the Inca civilization and the natural diversity of the Amazon rainforest.

Thank you for traveling with us. We hope to welcome you again on another Peruvian adventure.

Meals: Breakfast.
Airport transfer: Included according to the confirmed booking.

What Is Included in the Machu Picchu & Manu Rainforest Tour?

Transportation and Transfers

• Airport transfers in Cusco, according to the confirmed itinerary.
• Tourist transportation throughout the scheduled journey.
• Transportation for the Sacred Valley excursion.
• Scenic train tickets to and from Machu Picchu.
• Shuttle bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
• Road transportation between Cusco and the Manu region.
• Motorized boat transportation during the Amazon portion.

Machu Picchu Experience

• Official Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
• Professional guided visit.
• Transportation services specified in the itinerary.

Manu Rainforest Experience

• Applicable entrance and permit fees included in the confirmed itinerary.
• Naturalist and local guide services.
• Scheduled rainforest excursions.
• River transportation.
• Guided rainforest walks and wildlife observation activities.

Accommodation

• 4 nights in a 3-star category hotel in Cusco.
• 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• 3 nights in Amazon jungle lodges.

Meals

Meals are provided according to the confirmed itinerary, including breakfasts, selected lunches and dinners during the rainforest portion.

Professional Guides

• English-speaking guide services.
• Spanish-speaking guide services.
• Naturalist guide during the Amazon portion.

What Is Not Included?

The following services are not included unless specifically stated in your booking confirmation:

• International flights to and from Peru.
• Domestic flights between Lima and Cusco.
• Travel insurance.
• Meals not mentioned in the confirmed itinerary.
• Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks.
• Tips for guides, drivers and lodge staff.
• Personal expenses and souvenirs.
• Optional excursions.
• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance permits.
• Additional hotel nights.
• Personal equipment and other services not specified in the package.

Machu Picchu Train Options and Prices

Choose the train category that best matches your travel preferences and budget. All train services follow the scenic route through the Sacred Valley toward Aguas Calientes.

Prices are per person and based on double or triple room occupancy.

Expedition Train – Excellent Value

A comfortable and practical option for travelers who want to enjoy the scenic journey to Machu Picchu with large windows and comfortable seating.

Vistadome Train – Enhanced Scenic Experience

Enjoy panoramic windows that provide excellent views of the surrounding Andean landscapes during the journey.

Vistadome Observatory Train – Premium Experience

An enhanced rail experience featuring panoramic windows and an observation carriage, with onboard entertainment and services according to the operating service.

What to Pack for the Machu Picchu & Manu Tour

This itinerary crosses several climatic zones, so packing appropriate clothing is important.

Documents

• Original passport.
• Travel insurance information.
• Copies of important travel documents.

For Cusco and the Andes

• Warm jacket and fleece.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Long pants and layered clothing.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
• Lightweight rain jacket.

For the Amazon Rainforest

• Lightweight long-sleeved shirts.
• Lightweight long pants.
• Insect repellent.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Waterproof protection for electronic devices.
• Small daypack.

Additional essentials

• Camera and binoculars.
• Flashlight or headlamp.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Personal medication and toiletries.

Important Travel Information

Altitude in Cusco: Cusco is located approximately 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) above sea level. Take your first day slowly to allow time for acclimatization.

Weather: The journey combines cool Andean conditions with warm and humid rainforest weather. Rain can occur, particularly in the Amazon.

Wildlife: Manu is renowned for its biodiversity, but animal sightings depend on natural conditions, weather and wildlife behavior.

Machu Picchu tickets: Entrance tickets are subject to official availability. The circuit and route will depend on the ticket confirmed for your travel date.

Physical requirements: This is primarily a cultural and nature tour, not a dedicated trekking expedition. Travelers should be comfortable with road journeys, boat transportation and walking on uneven rainforest trails.

Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Booking conditions: Payment, cancellation and modification policies will be provided with your quotation and booking confirmation.