18-Day Private Peru Tour
Amazon, Short Inca Trail, Machu Picchu & BeyondA refined private journey through Peruās most iconic cultural and natural destinations: Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Amazon Rainforest. This 12-day luxury Peru tour is designed for travelers who want more depth than a classic itinerary, without turning the journey into a rushed checklist.
18-Day Private Peru Tour
Amazon, Short Inca Trail, Machu Picchu & BeyondA refined private journey through Peruās most iconic cultural and natural destinations: Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Amazon Rainforest. This 12-day luxury Peru tour is designed for travelers who want more depth than a classic itinerary, without turning the journey into a rushed checklist.
Who Is This 18-Day Peru Tour Best For?
This 18-day Peru itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to see beyond Machu Picchu and experience Peruās coast, Amazon rainforest, Andean heritage, lake communities and southern landscapes in one privately coordinated journey. It is particularly rewarding for travelers comfortable with some long transfer days and an active Short Inca Trail experience.
It is especially well suited for travelers who want:
If hiking is not right for your group, we can replace the Short Inca Trail with a scenic train journey and a carefully timed Machu Picchu visit.
Who Is This 8-Day Peru Tour Best For?
This 12-day luxury Peru private tour is ideal for travelers who want a richer experience than the classic route, combining Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Amazon Rainforest without feeling rushed.
It is especially well suited for travelers who want:
It is especially well suited for travelers who want:
If hiking is not right for your group, we can replace the Short Inca Trail with a scenic train journey and a carefully timed Machu Picchu visit.
Why Choose This 18-Day Private Peru Itinerary?
Many Peru itineraries include Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Amazon. What makes this journey different is the way the destinations are sequenced and paced.
This itinerary uses local knowledge to improve the travel experience:
Begin in Lima with culture, cuisine and a smooth arrival before traveling into the Andes.
Continue to the Sacred Valley after landing in Cusco, creating a gentler altitude transition.
Visit Pisac early in the morning, before the largest crowds arrive.
Add a private textile workshop with Ruth for a more personal cultural connection.
Enjoy a picnic lunch with Sacred Valley views instead of a standard tourist stop.
Explore Ollantaytambo in the morning, before most group tours arrive later in the day.
Take the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo with time to rest before the next dayās visit.
Experience Machu Picchu privately, with expert guiding and a carefully planned entry.
Add the Amazon after the Andean portion, creating a natural contrast between highland culture and rainforest immersion.
FROM
$1195
USD
PER 2 PERSON
FROM
$1195
USD
PER 2 PERSON
12-Day Peru Itinerary
Arrival in Lima
Welcome to Peru. Upon arrival at Lima International Airport, your private representative will meet you for a comfortable transfer to your selected hotel. Settle into Miraflores or another suitable neighborhood and enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace.
Depending on your arrival time, we can assist with a restaurant recommendation or gentle neighborhood orientation. The priority today is a smooth arrival after your international flight.
Historic Center of Lima + San Francisco & Catacombs
Historic Center of Lima + Larco Museum
Historic Center of Lima + Huaca Pucllana
Central Culinary Experience (Tasting Menu Of 12 Moments)
Private culinary experience or cooking class
Lima to Puerto Maldonado & Arrival at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning in Lima before your flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to Peruās southern Amazon.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred toward the Madre de Dios River for the journey to Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, your rainforest lodge surrounded by one of Peruās most biodiverse natural environments.
The transfer to the lodge takes approximately 45 minutes, by boat, as this is located within a private ecological reserve, offering a rustic-luxury setting in the middle of the rainforest.
After check-in, receive a short briefing about the lodge and the available Ć -la-carte excursions. Since you are arriving later in the afternoon, this first evening is designed to be gentle: settle into your cabaƱa, enjoy the sounds of the rainforest, and have dinner at the lodge.
If timing and conditions allow, your guide may suggest a short introductory walk or a gentle evening orientation. However, the main purpose of this day is to arrive, rest and begin connecting with the Amazon at a comfortable pace.
Lake Sandoval & Inkaterra Canopy Walkway
Wake up surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon rainforest. Today is your first full day of exploration in Tambopata.
After breakfast, visit Lake Sandoval, a glassy oxbow lake located inside the protected Tambopata National Reserve. The experience begins with a rainforest trail before boarding a wooden canoe to quietly explore the lake and its surrounding ecosystem. Lake Sandoval is one of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich experiences in this region. Depending on conditions, you may observe birds, monkeys, turtles, black caimans and, with luck, the endangered giant river otter.
Return to the lodge for lunch and some time to rest.
In the afternoon, experience the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, a network of hanging bridges and observation platforms suspended above the forest floor. This gives you a different perspective of the rainforest, allowing you to appreciate the scale of the Amazon from above the trees.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge.
Gamitana Farm & Creek, Hacienda Concepcion & Rainforest by Night
Today explores another side of the Amazon: its local agriculture, river ecosystems, medicinal plants and nocturnal rainforest life.
Begin with a visit to Gamitana Farm and Creek, reached by boat from the lodge. This experience introduces the relationship between rainforest communities, local crops and Amazonian biodiversity. At Gamitana model farm, you can learn about seasonal forest fruits and how local produce is grown in this remote environment. Afterward, continue toward Gamitana Creek, a dark-water creek surrounded by dense vegetation. This ecosystem is home to abundant flora and fauna, with opportunities to observe birds, turtles and other wildlife along the riverbanks.
Return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit Hacienda Concepcion, Inkaterraās sister lodge located upriver. This area was built on an old cocoa and rubber plantation and has a history connected to missionary and ecological research activity. The visit helps travelers understand how Amazonian plants have been used traditionally and why the rainforest is often described as a natural pharmacy.
After dinner or once darkness settles over the rainforest, join a Rainforest by Night excursion. With your guide and flashlight, explore the forest after dark, when different sounds, movements and species emerge. This is a memorable way to experience the nocturnal side of the Amazon.
Puerto Maldonado to Cusco – Continue to the Sacred Valley
After breakfast, return from the lodge to Puerto Maldonado Airport for your flight connection to Cusco. Your private guide and driver will be waiting when you arrive.
Rather than settling immediately in Cusco city, travel into the Sacred Valley, where the lower altitude of many valley hotels can make the transition into the Andes more gradual. Enjoy the scenic drive and a relaxed afternoon at your selected property.
Ruthās Textile Experience, Pisac Ruins & Market
Begin with a personal textile experience with Ruth, discovering traditional Andean weaving, natural dye techniques and the meanings behind local patterns. The activity is designed as an authentic encounter with local knowledge rather than a generic demonstration.
In the afternoon, explore the terraces and archaeological remains of Pisac with your private guide, followed by time at the local market where operating hours and vendor attendance permit. Your guide will adapt the order and pacing to site conditions.
Ollantaytambo, Moray & Maras Salt Mines
Visit Ollantaytambo in the morning to appreciate its monumental Inca stone terraces, strategic location and living town before many afternoon group visits.
In the afternoon, continue toward Moray, known for its remarkable circular agricultural terraces, and the striking salt pools of Maras. The route balances archaeology, landscape photography and the chance to explore different parts of the Sacred Valley without retracing the same sightseeing stops.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate
Begin early with a private transfer to the appropriate train station and travel toward the Short Inca Trail access point at Km 104, subject to confirmed entry permits and rail arrangements. Meet your trekking team and start a rewarding hike through the cloud-forest slopes above the Urubamba River.
The route passes notable Inca remains, including WiƱay Wayna where the permitted trail and conditions allow, before continuing toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. Your first view of Machu Picchu from this approach is one of the defining moments of the journey.
After completing the permitted trail itinerary, continue to Machu Picchu Pueblo for a well-earned overnight stay before your full guided archaeological visit the following day.
Private Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco
Today, revisit Machu Picchu with your private guide using the entrance ticket and authorized circuit selected for your travel date. Explore the site through an interpretation of Inca architecture, its relationship with the surrounding mountains, and the ingenuity of its builders.
The circuit available for today may differ from the walking access granted on the Short Inca Trail; we coordinate both visits intentionally. After the guided visit, return to Machu Picchu Pueblo, board your return train and continue by private vehicle to Cusco.
Cusco: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Qoricancha & Cathedral
Explore Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire, with a private guide. Begin with Sacsayhuaman, whose immense fitted stones reveal exceptional engineering, then visit Qenqo, a ceremonial site shaped into natural rock formations.
Continue into the historic center for Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, where Inca stonework meets the later Santo Domingo complex. Conclude at Cusco Cathedral, home to important religious art and architecture, subject to visiting hours and religious services.
A Free Day in Cusco ā Optional Rainbow Mountain
Enjoy a flexible day in Cusco to explore San Blas, visit artisan boutiques, enjoy a long lunch or spend time at your hotel. The unscheduled day adds recovery time after the Short Inca Trail and a series of cultural visits.
For energetic travelers, an optional private Rainbow Mountain experience can be arranged. This is a high-altitude outing and should be assessed carefully against acclimatization, walking ability, season and current access conditions. An alternative gentle cultural or culinary experience is also possible.
Cusco to Puno ā Route of the Sun or Titicaca Train
Travel from Cusco to Puno across the changing landscapes of the southern Andes. Choose between two distinct travel experiences as part of the final itinerary.
The Route of the Sun is a guided overland journey with selected cultural stops along the way, subject to the chosen service. Alternatively, where dates and availability permit, the PeruRail Titicaca train offers a scenic and refined daytime journey across the Altiplano.
These options are not automatically interchangeable on any date. We will agree the final mode based on the confirmed travel schedule, train operating days and the overall route.
Lake Titicaca: Uros Floating Islands & Taquile
Set out onto Lake Titicaca for a day exploring its distinctive islands and living traditions. Visit the Uros Floating Islands to learn about the communitiesā reed-based construction and the relationship between daily life and the lake.
Continue to Taquile Island, known for its textile traditions, distinctive social organization and broad views over the high-altitude waters. The visit can involve uneven paths and stairs; your guide will adapt pacing where possible.
After an enriching day, return to Puno for a comfortable evening at the hotel.
Puno to Colca Canyon ā Across the Altiplano
Leave Puno and travel privately across the Andean highlands toward Colca Canyon, crossing open plateau landscapes and stopping for scenery and rest as appropriate.
The route offer views of high-altitude wetlands, grazing camelids and distant volcanic peaks. Your guide or driver will manage the schedule and elevation exposure carefully. Arrive at your selected Colca Valley hotel to rest and enjoy the peaceful setting.
Colca Canyon Viewpoints & Journey to Arequipa
Explore Colca Canyonās dramatic landscapes with a visit to scenic viewpoints, including areas where Andean condors are observed soaring above the cliffs.
Continue through the valley and onward to Arequipa, where volcanic landscapes give way to the elegant architecture of the White City. Settle into your hotel in time for a relaxed evening.
Arequipa Historic Center, Santa Catalina & Free Afternoon
Discover Arequipa with your private guide, including its historic center and striking architecture built from pale volcanic stone. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, an atmospheric complex of cloisters, passageways and vividly colored courtyards.
The afternoon is intentionally free for independent exploration, a special meal or relaxation before your homeward journey.
Arequipa to Lima & International Departure
For an international flight departing later in the day, take a morning domestic flight from Arequipa to Lima, allowing a suitable protected connection before your international journey. Our team will coordinate airport transfers and advise on realistic transfer and check-in buffers.
If your international departure is in the morning, the more appropriate plan is to fly from Arequipa to Lima on the evening of Day 17, spend the night at a hotel near Lima Airport and depart internationally on Day 18.
Inclusions
What Is Included
Final inclusions depend on your selected hotel category and customization preferences, but this private journey can include:
Not Included
Unless specifically included in your proposal, the following are usually not included:
Why This Itinerary Works So Well
This journey feels smootth and rewarding because each destination is timed with intention, using local knowledge to improve comfort, pacing and the overall travel experience
It avoids unnecessary rushing
The itinerary includes enough structure to cover Peruās essential highlights, but it avoids turning the journey into a race from one site to another.
It uses the Sacred Valley strategically
Instead of going straight into Cusco city after the flight, the journey continues to the Sacred Valley, which is often more comfortable for the beginning of the Andean portion of the trip.
It improves the Sacred Valley experience
Pisac, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo are not simply added as a checklist. They are timed in a way that improves the experience and helps avoid the busiest visitor flows.
It includes a unique local experience
The textile workshop with Ruth gives travelers a more personal connection to Andean culture and makes the itinerary feel more authentic than a standard Peru package.
It prepares you properly for Machu Picchu
By arriving in Machu Picchu Pueblo the day before the visit, you avoid an overly long travel day and can experience Machu Picchu with more energy and focus.
It adds the Amazon without overloading the trip
The Amazon is included after the Andean portion, creating a natural contrast between cultural travel, mountain landscapes and rainforest immersion.
It gives luxury travelers better pacing
With 12 days, the journey allows more time for premium hotels, meaningful experiences, rest and personalization.
Recommended Hotels by Travel Style
This 12-day Peru private tour can be designed with different hotel styles depending on your preferences, comfort level and travel occasion. Below are sample hotel combinations for each destination. Final hotel selection depends on availability, room category, budget and the level of luxury you would like for your journey.
|
Destination / nights |
Premium private style |
Luxury upgrade example |
|---|---|---|
|
Lima / 2 nights |
Casa Andina Premium Miraflores |
Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel |
|
Amazon / 3 nights |
Selected quality Tambopata lodge |
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica (selected cabaƱa category) |
|
Sacred Valley / 3 nights |
Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley |
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba |
|
Machu Picchu Pueblo / 1 night |
El MaPi by Inkaterra |
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel |
|
Cusco / 3 nights |
Casa Andina Premium Cusco |
Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel |
|
Puno / 2 nights |
Lake-view premium hotel, subject to selection |
GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca or another vetted premium-luxury option |
|
Colca / 1 night |
Colca Valley premium lodge |
Las Casitas, A Belmond Hotel, where appropriate |
|
Arequipa / 2 nights* |
Premium boutique heritage hotel |
Cirqa or comparable high-end property |
Accommodation Considerations
For families, room configuration and genuinely connecting rooms may matter more than luxury branding. For seniors, accessibility, steps and transfer distances should be evaluated property by property. For couples, room outlook, privacy and special-dining opportunities can guide upgrades. Amazon lodge guiding may be shared by default even when the remainder of the trip is private.
When Is the Best Time for This 18-Day Peru Tour?
The trip operates in different seasons, but no single month guarantees ideal conditions everywhere. MayāSeptember generally offers drier Andean hiking conditions; April and October can provide a favorable balance for many visitors. The Amazon is humid and rainy year-round, with variations in water levels and excursions. Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon can be cold at night, particularly in the dry season. Trail operations, flight schedules and railway services should all be checked against confirmed dates.
Short Inca Trail: What to Know
This is an active hiking day that requires suitable fitness and the appropriate authorized access. The itinerary should not be marketed as effortless or universally suitable for seniors or young children. We can design a train-based alternative to reach Machu Picchu for parties who prefer to avoid the hike. Permits and circuits are subject to official rules and availability.
Cusco to Puno: Two Ways to Travel
Route of the Sun is an overland cultural journey with stops. PeruRail Titicaca is a premium scenic rail journey that departs only on selected days and may have seasonal schedule changes. The confirmed transport mode is selected jointly with the client after the travel dates are agreed. Do not promise the train for every departure.
International Departure Protection
Day 18 is normally a morning flight from Arequipa to Lima followed by an international connection later that day. If the international flight leaves early on Day 18, fly to Lima on Day 17 in the evening and spend the night near Lima Airport. Exact flight schedules and connection buffers must be finalized in the booking proposal.
Who This Tour Is Best For
This 12-day Peru private tour is especially well suited for:
Who May Prefer a Longer Itinerary?
This itinerary is excellent for the essential Peru experience, but if you prefer a longer journey.
Suggested Route Map
Lima ā Cusco ā Sacred Valley ā Machu Picchu Pueblo ā Machu Picchu ā Cusco ā Amazon ā LimaThis route is designed to support better acclimatization, smoother logistics and a more enjoyable Machu Picchu experience.
Responsible Travel
At Peru Private Tours, we believe private travel should create positive impact.
This journey supports local guides, drivers, communities and cultural experiences. Through our Book a Tour, Plant a Tree initiative, every trip also contributes to a more responsible way of traveling in Peru.
We design private journeys that connect travelers with Peru in a way that is thoughtful, respectful and deeply memorable.
FAQs About Private Peru Tours
FROM
Price per person US$ 110 / person
Estimated total US$ 110
Plan Your Grand Private Peru Journey
Eighteen days in Peru should feel like a collection of meaningful experiences, not a sequence of transfers. Tell our Cusco-based travel designers your dates, travel party, preferred comfort level and interests. We will shape the right combination of Amazon exploration, Sacred Valley culture, the Short Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and southern Peru around you.