12 Days

Southern Cross & Amazon 12 Days

Dificulty:
Moderate

Altitude:
3500 m.s.n.m

Experience the extraordinary diversity of Peru in a single journey that combines the majestic Andes with the heart of the Amazon rainforest. The Southern Cross & Amazon tour takes you across breathtaking landscapes, from the elegant colonial city of Arequipa and the dramatic Colca Canyon to the imperial city of Cusco and the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. Then, venture deep into the lush jungles of the Tambopata Reserve to explore one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.

This 12-day adventure is designed for curious travelers seeking an immersive and unforgettable experience. Discover ancient Incan wonders, vibrant indigenous traditions, and the rich wildlife of the Amazon—all while enjoying guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and seamless logistics throughout your journey.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Lima

At arrival to the Lima airport, an Edgar Adventures representative will meet you and transfer you to One of Lima´s most traditional Districts.

Explore the Lima streets by your own and observe the Pacific Ocean from the coastal areas.
accommodation and overnight in Lima.
- Included: Private transport, guide assistance at arrival, 01-night accommodation

Day 2: Arequipa city tour

After breakfast at your Lima hotel, we will transfer you to the Airport for a short flight to Arequipa city the second most important in Peru, known as the “Withe city” due to its buildings made with volcanic stones. Our guide will welcome you and take you to your hotel.
Then your guide will take you in an Arequipa city tour. You’ll visit San Ignacio Chapel, the Plaza de Armas main square, the Cathedral, and the Santa Catalina Monastery, a beautiful colonial convent that once housed 500 nuns. The tour will end at one of two famous miradores (lookout points), to appreciate views of the city dominated by nearby Misti Volcano. We recommend sampling the delicious local cuisine in some of the traditional local restaurants.
Overnight in Arequipa.
- Included: Transfers, Tourist bus transport, entrances, guide, 01-night accommodation

Day 3: Chivay & Colca

After breakfast your guide will take you in a bus ride from the Arequipa Valleys towards the endless highland plains, stop at a high lookout point to see the many volcanoes that domain the views over the Observe herds of wild Vicuñas a type of Andean camelid. At arrival to Chivay city. Transfer to your elected hotel. Lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon enjoy a deserved relaxation at the thermal waters of la Calera.
Optional: By night dinner accompanied with a folkloric show.
Overnight at Chivay Hotel.
- Included: Transfers, Tourist bus transport, entrances, guide, 01-night accommodation

Day 4: Colca canyon tour & Arequipa

Early this morning, you’ll meet your guide and will drive to the Mirador Cruz del Condor, one of the best viewpoints over the canyon and to observe the flight of the giant Andean condors.
The road traverses’ picturesque villages and pre-Inca ruins dominated by the Ampato and Hualca glaciers in the distance.
After lunch in Chivay, you will start your journey to Arequipa, between 3hour 30min. and 4 hours from Colca Canyon by car with spectacular views on the way. First your driveway up before descending to Arequipa city, named the “White city” due to its constructions made on white volcanic stone.
Arequipa city is famous for its pleasant weather so in the afternoon explore the picturesque streets and the main Plaza, around you will find great restaurant options.
Overnight in Arequipa
- Included: Tourist bus transport, entrances, guide, 01-night accommodation

Day 5: Arrival in Cusco

After breakfast at your hotel you will be transferred to the Airport to flight to Cusco

An Edgar Adventures representative will contact you at The Cusco city airport and transfer you to the selected Cusco Hotel, observe the colonial architecture mixed with the ancient Inca buildings. As this is your first day in altitude, we recommend you relax and rest for a while, and have just a soft lunch.
- Included: Transport, guide assistance at arrival, 01-night accommodation

Day 6: Cusco city tour

In the early afternoon experience the Cusco city tour that includes the visit to impressive Incan temples & ceremonial sites around Cusco city Like; Sacsayhuaman and its megalithic constructions, Qénko, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay a temple dedicated to the water.
Then Visit the Cathedral & observe some of the finest Inca stonework at the Koricancha, the holiest Incan ritual site in the area. Return to your hotel and free time at leisure to explore the ancient capital of the Incas, its picturesque streets, souvenirs shops, splendid Cusco restaurants. Don’t forget warm clothing.
Overnight at Cusco Hotel.
- Included: Transport, guide, entrances, 01-night accommodation.

Day 7: Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour + Overnight at Machupicchu

After breakfast we travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the amazing landscapes and Andean mountains views accompany us in our journey, as we see traditional villages, farming scenes & colorful clotting. Then we descend to the sacred Valley of the Incas and note that Incan people found in this as a paradise for farming and develop advanced irrigation techniques. Later in Pisac town on a side of the Urubamba River visit the Pisac traditional food market and the handy crafts market one of the best and recognized in Peru. We continue exploring the Valley, Lunch at a very nice place in Urubamba before we reach The Ollantaytambo Village an authentic Inca living town we ascend to The Ollantaytambo ruins an outstanding ritual site, formed by enormous beautifully carved stones, and wonder how come they could transport megalithic blocks at such a location. Enjoy of the same impressive views, Pachacuteq the great Inca emperor had over the valley. Later it was used as a fortress by Manco Inca Yupanqui in the final inca’s rebellion against the Spanish invasion. Breathe the Incan history and unique architecture.
At 15:45pm approximately we finish the Tour in Ollantaytambo. Have a small walk at the Village before to catch a 1h.30min. train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the bottom of the Machupicchu Mountain. At Arrival get contacted at the train station and conducted to the Elected Hotel at Aguas Calientes.
Overnight at Aguas Calientes Hotel.
- Included: Transport, guide, entrances, 01 buffet Lunch, 01-night accommodation

Day 8: Machupicchu Full day Tour and return to Cusco

Early after breakfasting Your guide will lead, you to take a 20-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu. There you have a guided walking tour through this true marvel of the ancient world. Visit its many ritual areas and observe the exquisite Incan architecture amongst a surreal environment formed by the surrounding mountains. After the tour feel free to explore the site or climb to the Huayna Picchu peak (recommended only for fit travelers - And needs to be reserved due to a limit number of hikers, it is a great experience). Before head into town for a late lunch. Then we take the train back to Poroy or Ollantaytambo train station from there we transfer you to your elected hotel in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
- Included: Bus up-down to Machupicchu, entrance fee, guide, return train , transport to Cusco, 01-night accommodation.

Day 9: Arrival in Puerto Maldonado & transport to the lodge

Early transfer to the airport for a flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, the gate way city to the Amazon rainforest.
Upon arrival our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the port for a transfer by boat to your jungle lodge, it might take 45minutes to 3 hours depending on which lodge you have elected. Soon the relaxing rainforest sounds will surround you. Extra walks some time is necessary.
Upon arrival at the lodge, your naturalists’ guides will brief you about the variety of included activities for an unforgettable & enjoyable stay. Many of the lodges are located at the boarder of the national park, within the territory of the Ese’eja native community and are built with the same materials and architectural techniques as those used by native communities throughout the Amazon.
Enjoy dinner and have the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Overnight at the Lodge
- Included: Transport, guide assistance, entrances to the national park, 01 Night accommodation with full board & Lodge program and activities.

Day 10: Amazon excursion & Activities

Be ready at dawn for your first Amazon adventure. With the first day light you may be able to spot turtles, hoatzins, toucans, caimans, many types of monkeys and if you’re lucky the endangered giant river otters. Return to the lodge for lunch, after a short rest your expert naturalist guide will take you into the forest to observe the flora and numerous indigenous plants.
After a delicious dinner. Be ready as Jungle comes to life again. you’ll head out into the jungle for a night walk. And try to spot the nocturnal creatures that come out. Experiencing the jungle on a dark trail with only a flashlight, is an incredible experience.
Alternatively, you can simply relax to the sounds of the jungle in your cabana hammock.
Note: The rainforest experiment’s different seasons that might affect the order of activities. Then Your Amazon naturalist guides will inform of the activities that you will enjoy each day.
- Included: Jungle activities, expert naturalist guides, 01 Night accommodation will full board.

Day 11: Amazon excursion & Activities

After breakfast, enjoy of a jungle hike to learn about the local native communities that inhabit the rainforest and how they live in harmony with their environment. As well spot some of the rare amazon birds, you may see toucans as well as numerous other different species of monkeys and if we are lucky some sloths.
Return to the lodge for lunch based on the local jungle products and will have time to rest and relax before setting out for another tour. To learn about the fruits and vegetables that local communities grow.
Return before dark to the jungle lodge to have lunch with the amusing melodies of the rainforest, that will surely remain as a lifetime memory in the Peruvian rainforest.
- Included: Jungle activities, expert naturalist guides, 01 Night accommodation will full board.

Day 12: Departure

After breakfasting our guide will take you to the airport in Puerto Maldonado city: Leaving the lodge is an experience for you to fly to Lima city.
- Included: Transport, guide assistance.
- Not included: International & Domestic flights: Lima – Cusco – Lima, Meals not mentioned

Included

11 nights of accommodation in selected hotels and jungle lodges
All private and group ground transfers
Domestic transfers to/from airports (Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado)
Professional English-speaking guides throughout the tour
Guided city tours in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, and Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley Tour with buffet lunch
Colca Canyon and Cruz del Cóndor Tour
Round-trip train to Aguas Calientes and bus to Machu Picchu
Entrance fees to all included sites
Full Amazon lodge program with full board and guided jungle activities
3 meals per day in the Amazon lodge
All entrance tickets to parks, archaeological sites, and reserves

Not Included

International and domestic flights (e.g., Lima–Arequipa, Arequipa–Cusco, Cusco–Puerto Maldonado, Puerto Maldonado–Lima)
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance (optional, must be booked in advance)
Travel insurance
Personal expenses, tips, and beverages