A brightly-colored Amazonian butterfly
A brightly-colored Amazonian butterfly

Peruvian Amazon Nature Tour, The Amazon

Overview

The southern Peruvian Amazon region is a veritable wonderland of natural attractions. The best way to experience as many of them as possible is on a series of short, guided adventure treks. The home base for this tour is a jungle lodge near the border with Bolivia, and the first mini-trek is to Tres Chimbadas, a lake located 30 minutes by boat from the lodge. Time here will be spent on the lookout for exotic local residents, such as giant river otters, caiman, hoatzin, and colorful tropical birds. This tour is best done in the early morning, as otters are most active from dawn to about 9 AM. 

After a return to the lodge, it's just a 20-minute walk to the Parrot Clay Lick, a spot on the tall clay banks of a small river where colorful macaws congregate. There are many nearby vantage points to watch hundreds of vibrant parrots and parakeets descend onto the river bank and enjoy the mineral-rich clay (in the late morning is an ideal time to spot them). After a break for lunch, it's a quick 20-minute canoe trip downriver for an ethnobotany tour. Designed by the staff of Centro Ñape, a communal organization which derives natural medicines from plants found in the rainforest, this educational hike is led by a local guide who explains the various uses of Amazonian plants. After dinner, there's an option to go on a night hike to view nocturnal small animals, like tree frogs and spiders.

Itineraries with Peruvian Amazon Nature Tour

Machu Picchu & the Amazon Jungle - 7 Days

From the remote Machu Picchu ruins to the lush Amazon rainforest, this seven-day itinerary brings you to Peru's iconic landscapes. Fly to metropolitan Lima, then connect with the Inca capital of Cusco. Explore colorful textile markets, small towns, and Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley before traveling east to Puerto Maldonado, your launch point to the lush Amazon. Spend three days viewing wildlife, like the giant river otter, river cayman, and vibrant parrot species, while enjoying a comfortable stay at an eco-lodge.

Machu Picchu & Amazon Exploration - 6 Days

From Incan ruins to the wildlife-rich rainforest, the 6-day version of this itinerary is quick but multi-faceted. Experience metropolitan Lima, the Incan capital of Cusco, and the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu. Then make your way to Puerto Maldonado, where you'll spend your days viewing wildlife on jungle excursions, and your nights in the comfort of an eco-lodge.

Machu Picchu & Amazon Jungle - 8 Days

Go from Machu Picchu to the Amazon on this 8-day itinerary. Explore the colorful textile markets, small towns, and Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley before traveling east to Puerto Maldonado, your launch point to the rainforest. Spend three days viewing wildlife, like the giant river otter, river cayman, and vibrant parrot species, while enjoying a comfortable stay at an eco-lodge.

Lima, Machu Picchu & Amazon Jungle - 10 Days

Go from the Sacred Valley to the Amazon with this 10-day itinerary. Explore the markets, small towns, and Inca ruins around Cusco before walking a section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Then, travel east to Puerto Maldonado, your launch point to the rainforest. Spend multiple days viewing wildlife like the giant river otter and tropical parrots, and spend your nights in the comfort of an eco-lodge.

Peru Highlights & Jungle Adventure - 10 Days

From Cusco to the Amazon rainforest, this grand Peru tour is ideal for adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and history buffs. The highlights are many: explore Indigenous/colonial Cusco, visit the Uros floating islands, and witness the majesty of Machu Picchu. Then travel south to Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon, where you'll stay in a rainforest lodge and embark on nature tours to spot exotic wildlife.

Culture & Nature in Peru: Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca - 14 Days

Start your two-week trip at the impressive Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. From there, visit the floating islands of Lake Titicaca and the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. Explore the markets and towns of the Sacred Valley, complete a short Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, and end your trip in Puerto Maldonado among Amazonian wildlife including macaws, cayman, giant river otters, and tapirs.

Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure - 9 Days

This 9-day itinerary brings you to Peru's most stunning landscapes. Head to the Inca capital of Cusco to explore the colorful textile markets and small towns of the Sacred Valley and take the short Inca Trail to the famous Machu Picchu ruins. Next, travel east to Puerto Maldonado, your launch point to the lush Amazon. Spend three days viewing wildlife, like the giant river otter, river cayman, and vibrant parrot species, while enjoying a comfortable stay at an eco-lodge.

Peruvian History & Wildlife - 10 Days

From Machu Picchu to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands, the 10-day version of this itinerary brings you to a variety of Peru's landscapes. Experience metropolitan Lima, the Inca capital of Cusco, and Puerto Maldonado—your launch point to the Amazon. Spend three days viewing wildlife on jungle excursions while enjoying a comfortable stay at an eco-lodge.

Salkantay Trek & Jungle Exploration - 11 Days

This 11-day exploration of Peru is perfect for adventurous travelers. Start in metropolitan Lima, then continue to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. Head into the mountains to challenge yourself on the 4-day Salkantay Trek—a spectacular hike with remote camping and glacial views. End in Aguas Calientes for a relaxing night, then visit the famed Machu Picchu citadel—a marvel of ancient engineering. Finally, head to the Amazon jungle to spot wildlife like macaws, cayman, giant river otters, and tapirs.