Across Altitude and Amazon: 15 Days Touring Peru’s Greatest Treasures
From Amazon clay licks to cloud-wreathed ruins and the heights of Titicaca — a 15-day circuit of Peru’s layered landscapes
You walk out of the mist and Machu Picchu is suddenly there — terraces stacked like a memory, terraces that have been holding soil and stories for five centuries. The morning light slices through Andean clouds, and the ruins breathe; wind runs its fingers through columns of stone as if testing their memory. That first hour frames the whole trip: a stretch of raw geography and layered human history that the next two weeks will tease apart, stitch back together, and lay across your own sense of scale.
Trail Wisdom
Acclimatize in Cusco
Spend 24–48 hours in Cusco before strenuous activities to adapt to 3,400 m elevation; hydrate and rest.
Carry Local Cash
Small markets, local craft stalls, and some rural lodges accept only soles—carry small bills for tipping and purchases.
Bug Protection for Tambopata
Bring EPA-approved insect repellent and lightweight long sleeves for dawn and dusk forest walks.
Book Machu Picchu Tickets Early
Entrance and train seats sell out—reserve tickets and trains well in advance of your travel dates.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Moray agricultural terraces in the Sacred Valley (less visited early morning)
- •Sandoval Lake in Tambopata for late-afternoon river mammal sightings
Wildlife
Scarlet macaw, Giant river otter
Conservation Note
Tambopata is a biodiversity hotspot facing pressures from illegal logging and mining; choose operators that work with local reserves and community-based lodges.
The Inca reconfigured mountain hydrology with terraces and qanats; many sites visited are part of pre-Columbian trade and ceremonial networks.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Fewer crowds in Machu Picchu, Birdwatching in Tambopata
Challenges: Intermittent rains in the Amazon, Variable mountain weather
Spring (Sept–Nov in the Southern Hemisphere’s late spring) brings fewer tourists and active wildlife but expect unpredictable showers in the lowlands.
summer
Best for: Clear Andes views, Ideal trekking conditions
Challenges: High season crowds (Jun–Aug), Colder nights at altitude
Peru’s dry season provides the best mountain visibility and steadier trails—plan and book early for peak months.
fall
Best for: Lush Amazon after rains, Quieter Sacred Valley
Challenges: Muddy lowland trails early in season, Shorter daylight hours
Fall softens the landscapes with late rains; the Amazon is alive and the Andes quieter, but expect occasional mud.
winter
Best for: Clear skies, Cooler, comfortable lowland travel
Challenges: Cold nights at high elevation, Some services on reduced schedules
Southern hemisphere winter offers crisp mountain days, chilly nights, and consistently good views for photography.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy Hiking BootsEssential
Support and traction for stepped Inca paths and slick forest trails.
Layered Insulation (Down or Synthetic)Essential
Mornings at altitude are cold; layers allow quick adjustments from Amazon heat to Andean chill.
Light Rain ShellEssential
Expect showers in the Amazon and afternoon mists near mountain sites.
Hydration System + Water Purification Tablets
Reliable hydration and treatment for refillable bottles on long drives and river trips.
Common Questions
Do I need to be vaccinated for the Amazon portion of the trip?
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to parts of the Peruvian Amazon; check current CDC guidance and consult your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before travel.
How difficult are the hikes at Machu Picchu and in the Sacred Valley?
Most walks are moderate—uneven stone and steps are common. Optional longer hikes exist; basic fitness and comfortable hiking shoes are advised.
Is altitude sickness common, and how can I prevent it?
Altitude sickness can occur above 2,500 m; prevent it by acclimatizing, hydrating, avoiding alcohol, and taking it easy the first 48 hours; consider medication after consulting a physician.
Are train tickets to Aguas Calientes included?
Train and entrance ticket logistics are handled by the tour operator, but confirm which options are included and if upgrades are available when booking.
What is the minimum group size?
The tour requires a minimum of two passengers to operate.
How should I handle cash and tipping?
Carry small amounts of Peruvian soles for market purchases and tips; most hotels accept cards but rural vendors often do not.
What to Pack
Hiking boots, layered insulation, insect repellent, water purification tablets — for grip, warmth, bug protection, and safe hydration
Did You Know
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at approximately 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Arrive a day early in Cusco to acclimatize. 2) Pack a rain shell and layers. 3) Bring cash in small denominations. 4) Reserve Machu Picchu train and entrance tickets in advance.
Local Flavor
After an Andes hike, head to Cusco’s San Pedro Market for empanadas and local cheese; try roasted trout in Puno and ceviche in Lima. For a beer, sample local craft brews in Cusco near Plaza de Armas; stop at a family-run weaving cooperative in the Sacred Valley to connect food, craft, and community.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest international gateway: Lima (Jorge Chávez International). Regional hub: Cusco (Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport). Driving: Sacred Valley is 45–90 minutes from Cusco; Puno is 6–7 hours by road or 10+ hours with scenic stops. Cell service: Good in cities; intermittent in Amazon and remote highlands. Permits: Machu Picchu entrance and train tickets required; Tambopata reserve fees may apply.
Sustainability Note
Support community lodges and certified guides, avoid single-use plastics, and follow leave-no-trace principles—especially important in fragile Amazon and highland ecosystems.