Peru Unveiled: Birds, Culture & Timeless Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Your Peruvian adventure begins with your arrival in Lima, where you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your comfortable hotel in the charming district of Miraflores. After time to unwind, we'll gather for a welcome dinner and orientation. This is a chance to meet your fellow travelers, enjoy some delicious Peruvian cuisine, and ease into the spirit of discovery that will carry us through the days ahead.

Day 2: Into the Amazon

Today we journey into the heart of the Amazon Basin. A short flight takes us to Puerto Maldonado, where we board a riverboat for a scenic ride to our jungle lodge, surrounded by pristine rainforest. After settling in and enjoying lunch, we’ll set out on a late afternoon birdwatching walk—keep an eye out for toucans, trogons, and tanagers. As dusk settles, we’ll explore the jungle on a night walk to discover its nocturnal life and listen for the haunting calls of owls and nightjars.

Day 3: Amazon Exploration and Indigenous Culture

We rise early to catch the sunrise over the forest and begin our day with a canoe ride on a nearby oxbow lake—prime territory for spotting hoatzins, kingfishers, and caimans. After breakfast, we’ll visit a local indigenous community to learn about traditional medicinal plants, hunting tools, and cultural customs. The afternoon offers time to relax or take a guided hike, and in the evening, we’ll gather to hear stories of life in the rainforest shared by a local elder or guide.

Day 4: Macaws and Jungle Trails

This morning we travel by boat to a macaw clay lick, where the spectacle of hundreds of brightly colored parrots and macaws descending to feed is one of the most thrilling birding moments in the Amazon. After returning to the lodge for breakfast, we’ll enjoy a forest walk focusing on Amazonian flora and the smaller, often-overlooked wonders of the jungle. Later, we’ll participate in a hands-on cultural activity such as cooking with local ingredients or crafting with natural materials.

Day 5: From Jungle to Highlands

We say farewell to the Amazon and board a flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, we descend into the Sacred Valley to adjust comfortably to the altitude. Along the way, we stop at Awanakancha to learn about native camelids and weaving traditions. We’ll explore the colorful Pisac market before settling in for the night in the quiet town of Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, surrounded by dramatic Andean peaks.

Day 6: Sacred Valley Culture and Birds

Today’s explorations begin at the remarkable circular terraces of Moray, followed by the striking salt flats of Maras, still harvested in the traditional way. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a home-cooked lunch and cultural exchange with a Quechua family, learning about daily life, agriculture, and Andean traditions. There will also be opportunities for casual birding, where we may spot hummingbirds, Andean tinamous, or even torrent ducks along the riverbanks.

Day 7: The Wonder of Machu Picchu

An early train ride brings us to the foot of Machu Picchu, where a short bus ride delivers us to the mountaintop sanctuary. A guided tour reveals the genius of Incan engineering and spirituality amid panoramic views and cloud forest birdsong. You’ll have time to explore the site at your own pace or take an optional short hike. In the late afternoon, we return to the Sacred Valley or stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, soaking in the magic of this unforgettable day.

Day 8: Return to Cusco and Farewell

After a leisurely morning, we journey back to Cusco by train and vehicle. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have time for a final cultural stop, a bit of last-minute shopping, or a quiet stroll through the historic heart of Cusco. We’ll then transfer you to the airport for your onward travels, carrying home not just memories and photos, but meaningful connections with Peru’s birds, people, and landscapes.

Dates: Year-round. Custom dates available.

Cost: Starting at $3,599

*Inquire for small group pricing

 INCLUDED WITH YOUR TOUR: 

• Round trip flights from Lima to Cusco

• Private services with local English speaking guide.

• Seven nights in luxury hotel accommodations

• Meals as indicated in the itinerary

• All entrance fees to the sites in the itinerary

• Round trip train and bus tickets to Machu Picchu 

• All entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and/or Huayna Picchu  

• Continuous assistance during the trip

​

NOT INCLUDED WITH YOUR TRIP:

• International airfares 

• Meals not described in the itinerary

• Personal expenses

• Drinks during meals, hotel extras and personal spending

• Tips to guides and hotel staff

• Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended USI Travel Insurance Services)

https://www.mariahtravel.com/travel-insurance

Please Note: Arriving in Cusco can be an exciting experience, but the altitude can catch some travelers off guard since it's located at about 11,150 feet (3,400 meters). Here are some tips to help you adjust to the altitude and enjoy your visit:

Take It Slow on Arrival

• First Day: When you arrive in Cusco, take it easy for the first 24 hours. Rest and allow your body to adjust to the high altitude before starting any strenuous activities.

• Hydrate: Dehydration can make altitude sickness worse. Drink plenty of water throughout your stay.

Eat Light and Avoid Alcohol

• Meals: Stick to light, easily digestible foods during your first day. Heavy meals can be hard to digest at high altitudes.

• Alcohol: Alcohol can exacerbate altitude sickness and dehydration, so it's best to avoid drinking until your body is more accustomed to the altitude.

Coca Tea

• Many visitors find coca tea (made from the leaves of the coca plant) helpful in preventing altitude sickness. It's commonly served in Cusco, and many people swear by it to help with symptoms like headaches or nausea.

Altitude Sickness Medication

• If you're concerned about altitude sickness, consider bringing altitude sickness medication like Diamox (acetazolamide). You can also get it from a pharmacy in Cusco, but it’s best to consult a doctor before your trip.

Signs of Altitude Sickness

• Be aware of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and nausea. If you experience severe symptoms, it's important to descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention.

Adjust Your Itinerary

• Gradual Acclimatization: If you're traveling from sea level or a much lower altitude, consider spending a day or two in a slightly lower altitude town like Sacred Valley (about 9,400 feet/2,900 meters) before heading to Cusco to give your body time to adjust.

Wear Sunscreen

• At high altitudes, the sun’s UV rays are stronger, so make sure to apply sunscreen regularly, even on cloudy days.

By easing into your time in Cusco and taking these precautions, you'll be better prepared to enjoy the stunning beauty and culture of the region without letting the altitude slow you down. Carpe diem...