This 12-day adventure takes you from the historic heart of Cusco, through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, deep into the Amazon rainforest of Manu Biosphere Reserve. Combining culture, history, and nature, the trip includes guided explorations, yoga sessions, wildlife encounters, and immersive experiences in Peru’s most iconic landscapes.
Your adventure begins in Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most fascinating cities in South America. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
The afternoon is free for you to acclimate to the altitude and explore the historic center, wandering through its plazas, cobblestone streets, and ancient temples. You may wish to visit:
Today we’ll explore the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, a region rich in history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
After breakfast, we’ll head to the train station for a scenic ride through the Urubamba Valley, following the sacred river of the Incas all the way to Aguas Calientes.
This lively little town serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu and offers a vibrant atmosphere with many options to relax and explore.
Optional: Enjoy the natural hot springs of Aguas Calientes—a perfect way to revitalize your body before tomorrow’s great adventure.
Today we’ll experience one of the most anticipated moments of the journey: Machu Picchu, the sacred city of the Incas.
At sunrise, we’ll take the bus that brings us to the entrance of the citadel. Accompanied by an expert guide, we’ll explore this mystical site, unveiling its secrets, advanced engineering, and its profound connection to the Andean worldview.
We’ll wander through its temples, plazas, and terraces, marveling at the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Optional: Hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance reservation required; limited spaces available).
In the afternoon, we’ll begin our return journey by train and head to Pisac, concluding the first stage of our journey with the unmatched energy of this ancient wonder.
Our day begins early as we depart from the hotel in Pisac toward the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Along the way, we’ll follow a mountain road that takes us to our first stop: the Chullpas of Ninamarca—ancient pre-Inca funerary towers that connect us with the ancestral history of this land.
We’ll then continue to the town of Paucartambo, known for its vibrant traditional festivals. There, we’ll explore the local market and museum to learn more about the region’s cultural heritage. We’ll enjoy lunch in this charming village before continuing our journey.
The road will lead us to Acjanaco, located at 3,500 meters above sea level—the entrance to the Manu Reserve. From here, we’ll take in the spectacular view of the eastern slopes of the Andes. If the weather allows, we may witness the magical sight of clouds wrapping the landscape in mist.
As we cross Acjanaco, we’ll begin our descent into the Cloud Forest. The landscape gradually shifts from high-altitude páramo to lush elfin forest. Along the way, we’ll stop at key points to observe local wildlife, including the possibility of spotting the magnificent Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru’s national bird.
By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at San Pedro Lodge. After settling in, we’ll enjoy a gentle yoga session to reconnect with body and breath, followed by a quiet dinner surrounded by nature.
At sunrise, we’ll begin the day with a yoga session in San Pedro, welcoming the morning light accompanied by the sounds of the jungle.
After breakfast, we’ll travel by vehicle on a 40-minute drive to the Chontachaka Ecological Reserve, where we’ll spend the next two nights. To access the lodge, we’ll cross the Qosñipata River using a traditional oroya (cable cart). Once settled into our rooms, we’ll have a short rest before learning about the Amazon forest restoration project taking place across 190 hectares of protected land.
As part of our active contribution, we’ll plant a native tree in a section of the forest that was once used for agriculture and is now undergoing ecological recovery.
Following this meaningful act, we’ll take our first walk through the forest. After a 30-minute trail, we’ll reach a beautiful waterfall, where we can enjoy a refreshing bath in the heart of nature. Upon returning to the lodge, we’ll engage in a second yoga session—deepening our connection with the natural surroundings before lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll hike for about 40 minutes along the Gallito Trail, arriving at a strategic observation point where we’ll witness the stunning Cock-of-the-Rock in its natural habitat. This immersive walk allows us to fully experience the forest’s richness—its vibrant sounds, diverse flora, and wildlife.
We’ll end the day with free time to rest or continue exploring the area around the lodge.
Dinner and overnight stay at Chontachaka Lodge.
We’ll begin the day with a sunrise yoga session, followed by a peaceful breakfast.
After breakfast, we’ll set out on guided walks along two internal trails: the Monkey Trail and the Big Trees Trail. As we move through the reserve, we’ll explore different forest types and observe the micro-ecosystems that coexist within this rich environment—home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.
On our way back, we’ll stop at the waterfall once again to enjoy a refreshing bath in its pure, natural waters. We’ll then return to the lodge for lunch and a well-deserved rest.
In the afternoon, we’ll come together for a second yoga practice, allowing the body and mind to integrate the experiences of the day and reconnect with presence and breath.
For those who wish to continue exploring, we’ll offer an optional second hike to the Cock-of-the-Rock viewpoint—another opportunity to witness their behavior and perhaps discover new species along the way.
We’ll end the day with a calm, nourishing dinner, wrapped in the silence and stillness of the forest.
We’ll begin the day with a sunrise yoga session, followed by a nourishing breakfast.
Then we’ll set off toward Atalaya, making meaningful stops to visit local conservation projects. Our first visit will be to the Hummingbird Garden, where we’ll have the chance to observe these magical birds up close. We’ll also visit an Amazon Wildlife Rescue Center, dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of endangered species.
Lunch will be shared at a local space that supports these environmental initiatives.
In the afternoon, we’ll arrive and settle in Atalaya, taking time to reflect and integrate the experiences of the day.
We’ll close with a peaceful dinner, surrounded by the serenity of the natural surroundings.
Before dawn, we’ll set sail from the port of Atalaya and begin our journey downstream along the Madre de Dios River. Along the way, we’ll stop at a parrot clay lick, where these vibrant birds gather in the early morning light. Later, we’ll explore Lake Machuwasi, a thriving ecosystem that offers intimate encounters with local wildlife.
After our river journey, we’ll return to Chontachaka to settle in and rest.
As night falls, we’ll close the day with a gentle yoga practice and a deeply restorative guided meditation—inviting stillness, reflection, and deep rest before sleep.
We’ll begin the day with a sunrise yoga session, connecting with the energy of the new day. After breakfast, we’ll head to the waterfalls to enjoy a revitalizing bath in their fresh, crystalline waters.
After lunch, we’ll begin our return journey to San Pedro. Once settled in, we’ll close the day with a yoga practice before dinner—an opportunity to integrate the experiences and reflections gathered along the way.
We’ll begin the day with our final yoga session, welcoming the sunrise with a practice designed to close the journey in calm and presence.
After breakfast, we’ll start our return journey toward Acjanaco, the gateway in and out of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. On the way, we’ll make a special stop at Victor’s Forest, an area known for its abundant birdlife. There, we’ll visit the Hummingbird Garden and observe other colorful species that inhabit the forest canopy. With a bit of luck, we may also spot a wild mammal in its natural habitat.
We’ll continue on to the charming Andean town of Paucartambo, where we’ll pause for lunch and enjoy the traditional atmosphere of this historic village. After lunch, we’ll resume the route back to Cusco, bringing this unforgettable Amazonian experience to a close.
On our final day, participants will have free time to explore Cusco at their own pace before their flight. Whether you choose to revisit your favorite spots, shop for handmade crafts, or simply wander through the historic streets one last time, this day is yours to enjoy the city in your own rhythm.
Private transportation to the airport will be provided, ensuring a smooth and relaxed departure.
To help you fully enjoy this experience in harmony with nature, we’ve prepared a list of essential items to accompany you every step of the way.
Please remember to prioritize biodegradable and sustainable materials to help protect the natural environment that welcomes us.
A warm layer (fleece or windbreaker): keep in mind that the route crosses high-altitude areas such as the Sacred Valley and Acjanaco Pass, where temperatures can be chilly in the morning and evening.
12 days / 11 nights in the Sacred Valley and the Manu Biosphere Reserve
Total Price: €1,780