Peru

Exploring the Amazon & Machu Picchu in Peru

Peru is a land of adventure, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. This TRVLD trip was an unforgettable journey that combined an Amazon River expedition, a visit to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, and an incredible horseback ride up Rainbow Mountain. The total trip, including flights from Los Angeles, cost approximately $3,600 per person, making it an incredible value for such a bucket-list adventure. The best time to visit is the dry season which runs from May to October. For our group of 25 people we went towards the end of May.

Part 1: The Amazon River Adventure 🌿🚤

The adventure kicked off with a flight from LAX to Iquitos, the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest, on May 24th for about $680 one way. Upon landing, we were greeted by Voyagers Travel, our riverboat operator, who picked us up early the next morning at 6 AM to begin our 4-day, 3-night river cruise aboard the Amatista, which cost $1,554 per person.

📍 Tour Operator: Voyagers Travel - Amatista Cruise
📱 WhatsApp Contact: +593 97 914 0540

Amazon Itinerary Highlights

🛶 Day 1 - Iquitos & Nauta Caño Night Safari

• City tour of Iquitos, a colorful, historic city.
• Board the Amatista in Nauta and cruise along the Marañón River.
• Night boat excursion to spot Amazon wildlife like alligators, tarantulas, and bats.

🐬 Day 2 - Pink River Dolphins & Jungle Immersion

• Early morning canoe ride in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
• Swim with pink river dolphins and enjoy a picnic breakfast.
• Visit a local community for a traditional blessing ceremony with a shaman and plant a tree for conservation.

🌳 Day 3 - Canopy Walk & Piranha Fishing

• Explore the rainforest from above on a hanging canopy walkway.
• Visit Shiriyacu Stream for piranha fishing using local techniques.
• Another chance to see pink dolphins before dinner and live music onboard.

🐾 Day 4 - Manatee Rescue & Amazon Farewell

• Visit the Amazon Forever Bio Park and Manatee Rescue Center, where conservationists rehabilitate injured manatees and reintroduce them into the wild.
• Return to Iquitos Airport to catch a flight to Cusco.

👉 Pro Tip: If you mention TRVLD or Connor Cornelius, the tour operator will offer a special discount!

Part 2: Machu Picchu - The Lost City of the Incas 🏔️🏛️

After an incredible Amazon adventure, we flew to Cusco on May 28th for just $80 one way. Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is the perfect base to explore Machu Picchu and other breathtaking landscapes.

📍 Tour Operator: Machu Picchu Inka Trek
📱 WhatsApp Contact: Rony +51 962 222 815
💰 Cost: $350 per person

Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour

🚆 Day 1 - Train to Aguas Calientes

• We took a panoramic train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
• The train ride offered breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley, rushing rivers, and lush mountains.
• Spent the evening exploring the town, soaking in hot springs, and resting up for the next day’s adventure.

🌄 Day 2 - Sunrise at Machu Picchu

• Woke up early for the short hike to Machu Picchu, arriving just in time for sunrise.
• Spent several hours exploring the ruins, learning about the history of the Incas, and taking in the incredible mountain views.
• After our guided tour, we took the train back to Cusco, arriving by 7 PM.

Part 3: Horseback Ride to Rainbow Mountain 🐎🏔️

📍 Tour Operator: We used Rony, the same operator has the Machu Picchu tour.
💰 Cost: $108 per person

To end the trip, we took an adventurous trek to Rainbow Mountain, one of Peru’s most famous natural wonders.

• Took a bus to the trailhead, then rode horseback up the mountain, making the journey easier at high altitudes.
• The vibrant colors of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) were unlike anything we’d seen before!
• After enjoying the views, we returned to Cusco for one last night of exploring before heading home.

Trip Costs & Final Breakdown 💰

✈️ Flight from LAX to Iquitos – $680
🚢 Amazon River Cruise (Amatista - 4D/3N) – $1,554
✈️ Flight from Iquitos to Cusco – $80
⛰️ Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour – $350
🐎 Rainbow Mountain Horseback Trek – $108
🏨 Hotels in Cusco – $10–$50 per night (very affordable)
✈️ Flight home from Cusco to LAX – $700

💰 Total Cost (including flights from LAX): $3,600 per person