We Went to Machu Picchu — and It Wasn't Even the Best Part of the Tour

When people book a trip to Peru, they usually have one thing in mind: Machu Picchu.

The Lost City of the Incas is one of the world's great travel experiences. Perched high in the Andes Mountains, surrounded by mist-covered peaks, it is every bit as impressive as the photographs suggest. For many travelers, visiting Machu Picchu is a lifelong dream.

So it always surprises us when travelers return home from our Peru, Machu Picchu, and Amazon Jungle tour and say something unexpected:

"Machu Picchu was amazing, but the Amazon was my favorite part of the trip."

We hear it again and again.

Why Our Peru Tour Is Different

Many Peru tours focus on checking boxes as quickly as possible. Travelers rush from Cusco to Machu Picchu and then head home.

Our philosophy is different.

We believe that if you are making the journey to Peru, you should experience the country's highlights in comfort and without feeling rushed. That's why we've designed a small-group tour that combines Peru's most famous destination with one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth.

The result is a trip that consistently exceeds expectations.

We Stay at Some of the Finest Hotels in Peru

One of the first things travelers notice about our Peru tour is the quality of the accommodations.

Throughout the journey, we stay in carefully selected hotels and lodges known for their comfort, service, and exceptional locations. Whether you're exploring Cusco, staying near Machu Picchu, or venturing deep into the Amazon, you'll enjoy accommodations that enhance the overall experience.

Many travelers tell us that the hotels alone are far superior to what they expected from a Peru tour.

Two Nights at Machu Picchu

One of the biggest differences between our itinerary and many lower-cost Peru tours is the amount of time we spend at Machu Picchu.

Many tours provide only a quick visit before rushing travelers back to Cusco. The result is often a long day of trains, buses, crowds, and little time to simply appreciate the experience.

We stay two nights in Machu Picchu Pueblo, allowing travelers to slow down and enjoy one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites.

Instead of feeling hurried, you'll have time to absorb the atmosphere, take photographs, and appreciate why Machu Picchu is considered one of the greatest destinations on the planet.

Then Comes the Amazon

And that's where everything changes.

Travelers arrive expecting Machu Picchu to be the highlight.

Then they step into the Amazon rainforest.

Suddenly they find themselves in an entirely different world.

The sounds of tropical birds replace city noise. Monkeys swing through the trees. Giant river otters appear unexpectedly along the waterways. Sloths hang lazily from branches overhead. Every excursion becomes a wildlife safari.

For many travelers, the Amazon becomes the part of the trip they simply cannot stop talking about. And staying at the fames Machu Picchu Inkaterra Lodge makes all the difference. 

Wildlife Everywhere

The Peruvian Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, and our guests are often amazed at how much wildlife they encounter.

Depending on the season and conditions, travelers frequently see:

• River otters

• Several species of monkeys

• Sloths

• Macaws and parrots

• Caimans

• Toucans and other tropical birds

• Colorful butterflies and insects

Even travelers who don't consider themselves wildlife enthusiasts often become completely captivated by the rainforest.

Comfortable Lodges and Great Food

Many first-time visitors imagine that staying in the Amazon means sacrificing comfort.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

One of the most common comments we hear after the trip is how impressed travelers were with the accommodations and food.

Guests enjoy comfortable lodging, excellent service, and delicious meals while surrounded by one of the world's most extraordinary natural environments.

The combination of comfort and adventure is what makes the Amazon such a memorable experience.

Small Group Travel Makes Peru Better

Traveling in a small group allows you to experience Peru in a way that larger tours simply cannot match.

You'll spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the destination. You'll have easier access to guides, more opportunities to ask questions, and a more personal travel experience throughout the journey.

For many travelers, this is exactly how Peru should be explored.

The Surprise of Peru

Machu Picchu deserves every bit of its reputation. It is one of the great wonders of the world and a destination every traveler should see at least once.

But Peru has another side.

A side filled with winding rivers, tropical forests, extraordinary wildlife, and unforgettable experiences.

That's why so many of our travelers return home saying the same thing:

"We went to Peru for Machu Picchu. We came home talking about the Amazon."

And once you've experienced both, you'll understand exactly why.