Inca Trail & the Amazon Rainforest

Peru has been home to many civilisations, most notably the Incas, whose ancient cities and fortresses are still being discovered across this fascinating region. This three-part itinerary includes the Inca Trail (or alternative Moonstone Trek), which takes in beautiful mountains and cloud forest as it follows a historic route to Machu Picchu, the best-preserved and most dramatic Inca ruin. It also explores the harsh landscapes of the high altiplano and the islands of Lake Titicaca and, in complete contrast, the dense jungles of the Amazon Rainforest.

On this trip, we stay in three-star hotels, a rainforest lodge and local homestay. Additionally, while on the Inca Trail (or Moonstone Trek), we enjoy full-service camping, meaning our camp staff put up and take down the tents, cook, and do the camp chores. You need only carry your backpack for the day and enjoy your time on the trek. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are some of the notable places we stay.



Amazon: Cayman Lodge Amazonia (nights 2-4)







Cayman Lodge Amazonia, near the Tambopata National Reserve, offers simple all-inclusive comfort in an Amazon jungle setting. The wooden lodges are built with the type of thatched roofs typically seen in the surrounding jungle communities. The rooms are simple, and all have private bathrooms with running water at room temperature. Electricity is available in the main lodge during mealtimes, while in the bedrooms, lighting is provided by lanterns or candles. There is also a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine, a bar for refreshing drinks, and guided excursions to explore the rich biodiversity of the surrounding rainforest.



Inca Trail/Moonstone Trek: Full-service camping (nights 7-9)







For three nights, we sleep among Andean peaks and wake to mountain views. It’ll be the adventure of a lifetime for some, but not one without comforts. We sleep and dine in good-quality four-season tents. We also have a toilet tent set up both in camp and during lunch stops. Boiled and filtered drinking water is provided in the mornings, at lunch and dinner so we can refill our water bottles. Additionally, a bowl of warm water is provided each morning and evening for washing. On the Inca Trail, we stay in official campsites where additional bathroom facilities are available. On the Moonstone Trek, we use wild campsites.



Amantani island: Homestay (night 13)







Our trip includes an unforgettable homestay with a local family on Amantani island. This wonderful community project has guests staying with multiple families; the hosts share in the proceeds, which benefits both the Amantani community and the visitors who enjoy and learn from this unique cultural experience. The simple rooms are clean and the beds have sheets with plenty of blankets to keep you warm. Toilets and washbasins are outside.



Worth knowing



Single accommodation (including tents) can be booked for single supplement, subject to availability at the time of booking. This supplement covers single rooms throughout the trip, except for the overnight homestay on Amantani island where accommodations are shared.