Central and South America

Peru | Sacred Journey to Machu Picchu and the Heart of the Amazon

with Mindy Lighthipe
Date:
Jul 10 - Jul 19, 2026
Activity Level:
MODERATE
Duration:
10 Days
Price:
From $5,925
Interests:
Natural History
Join This Trip Print Itinerary
Paintings of Peruvian Pelican, Llama, and Hoatzin
Koricancha temple in Cusco
Mom and baby in Peru
Ollantaytambo
Paintings of Yellow-throated Euphonia and Blue-gray Tanager
Amazon River
Yellow-crowned Parrot
Lima
Machu Picchu
Join This Trip
Join This Trip

About this trip

From the enigmatic ruins of Machu Picchu to the vast biodiversity sheltered among the Amazon’s tributaries, Peru offers the perfect setting for an artistic adventure. Join professional artist Mindy Lighthipe on this 10-day journey to explore some of the country’s cultural and natural highlights. Discover the capital of Lima before continuing onto Cusco and the Sacred Valley to trace the history of the Inca Empire, learning about its influence on modern-day Peruvian culture while visiting archaeological ruins, Inca temples, local markets, and modern cities. The exploration concludes in the Amazon to seek out neotropical wildlife among the lakes, rivers, and rainforest canopy.
EARLY ENROLLMENT DISCOUNT!
Register by January 15, 2026 to receive a $250 discount. Use code: ARTPE26

Highlights

  • Learn from professional artist Mindy Lighthipe how to document accurate field sketches, color notes, and photography to complete paintings from your up-close-and-personal tour of Peru.
  • Examine the biodiversity inhabiting a variety of ecosystems across the Peruvian Pacific coast, Andes, and Amazon.
  • Explore the “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu — arguably the best-known and most spectacular archaeological site on the continent.
  • Discover Cusco’s rich history as the former epicenter of the Inca Empire and current UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Ascend 115 feet on a canopy walkway for a bird's-eye view of the surrounding rainforest and its flora and fauna.
  • Get to know members of the Indigenous Yagua community on the Amazon River and learn about their culture and traditions.

Activity Level 3: Moderate

Participants should be able to ascend or descend 60 stairs consecutively, plus walk for at least 3 hours over some steep slopes, uneven, and potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty. Physical activities typically last for 3 or more hours at a time.

Meet your leader

Mindy Lighthipe

Award-winning natural science illustrator, educator, and conservationist with over 30 years of travel and teaching experience in the tropics. Mindy has led art and photography tours in Costa Rica, Peru, and beyond, inspiring travelers to connect deeply with wildlife, culture, and the natural world. Known for her vibrant, scientifically accurate artwork and warm, encouraging style, she blends artistry, ecology, and storytelling to create transformative journeys for artists and non-artists alike.

Land Cost

$5,925

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $520

What makes us different

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Cultural Discovery

Put culture in context as you discover the history and traditions of your destination

Low stress travel planning

We take care of all the details so you know your trip will be smooth sailing

Support local communities

We work with local guides and organizations so your trip includes authentic cultural experiences while supporting the economy of the region

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Lima
Upon arrival into Lima, travel to the hotel. Check-in is available at 2 pm. Since today is a travel day, no meals are included. Flights usually arrive late in the evening. We are coordinating a late start for the next morning, but if you would like to arrive a day early and rest, please contact us to assist with booking a hotel room.
Casa Andina Select Miraflores
Lima
Start the day with breakfast then meet your guide for a welcome orientation at in the hotel conference room. Visit the Larco Museum, which holds one of the world's largest collections of Peruvian pre-Columbian artifacts and showcases pieces from the Inca Empire as well as lesser-known cultures like the Moche, Chimú, and Nazca. Have lunch at local restaurant and then visit the ChocoMuseo to learn the history of chocolate from what the Maya offered to the Gods through to the industrial revolution. Participate in a hands-on chocolate experience from cacao pod to the final product. This evening, enjoy dinner overlooking the Huaca Pucllana ruins.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Casa Andina Select Miraflores
Amazon
Today, travel to the airport for your flight to Iquitos. Receive a reception at the airport and a brief orientation to the city before going to the Explorama dock. Boxed lunch will be provided en route. Embark on a 25-mile journey down the Amazon River to Ceiba Tops, where rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms provide the comforts of home in the rainforest. Take an afternoon hike in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding the lodge, which includes many huge trees festooned with epiphytes. After dinner, venture out on a short walk with your guide to a small lake where caimans can be spotted at night and where you can find some of the insects and frogs that produce the cacophony that begins after dark. Each guest may take 33 lbs of luggage with them on the boats to the lodge. If you have excess luggage, it can be stored at the office in Iquitos. A duffel bag will be provided for you. Wifi is available in the public areas of the lodge.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Ceiba Tops
Amazon
Take a morning boat ride to look for pink and gray river dolphins, giant otters, and more. Next, visit a small community of Indigenous Yagua people and learn about their culture and how it was affected by the arrival of Europeans and the passing of time. Enjoy the opportunity to see some of the local crafts and a demonstration of the blowgun, which some of the Yagua elders still use for hunting. Return to the loedge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit with the Ahuanari Experience to learn about Peruvian butterflies and the importance of their conservation. Next visit nearby Monkey Island to learn about their conservation initiatives and see a variety of monkey species up close. La Isla de los Monos is an island sanctuary and rescue center that takes in injured monkeys or monkeys who have been victims of illegal trafficking and rehabilitates them before releasing them back into the wild. Those that cannot live in the wild on their own become residents that live cage free, and they make the visit very interactive.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Ceiba Tops
Amazon
Early this morning, depart from Ceiba Tops by boat to the narrow motorcar crossing that connects the Amazon and Napo Rivers, and then continue by boat to ExplorNapo Lodge for breakfast. Hike to the spectacular Canopy Walkway, one of the best vantage points for observing Amazon wildlife and vegetation. It spans more than one-third of a mile and is connected by tree platforms spread between some of the area's largest rainforest trees, reaching a height of over 115 feet but still accessible without any type of climbing skill or equipment. After lunch, visit the "ReNuPeRu" Ethnobotanical Garden, where more than 240 medicinal plants are cultivated by a local shaman who will explain the nature of Amazonian natural healing and the uses of some of the plants. Return to Ceiba Tops in time to enjoy the pool or hammocks or to do some personal photography before dinner. The Amazon tapir often appears late in the day. This day is very hot and difficult.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Ceiba Tops
Ollantaytambo
After breakfast and a leisurely morning, transfer by boat back to Iquitos and then the airport for your early afternoon flight to Cusco. Upon arrival you will travel to the Sacred Valley with dinner en route. Arrive at the hotel late this evening.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Pakaritampu or similar
Ollantaytambo
This morning, visit the ruins at Ollantaytambo to experience the engineering genius of the Inca. The town has original buildings of Inca construction where the Inca retreated for their last stand in the highlands against Spanish colonizers. Learn about the area's ancient heritage while walking the narrow streets; running water still flows through the aqueducts, terraces are still farmed, and the pinnacle above the town is a burial ground. In the afternoon, visit the Sulca textiles museum where you can view fabrics and pieces from ancient Peru using ancestral techniques from the different pre-Columbian Inca, Viceregal, and contemporary cultures.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Pakaritampu or similar
Cusco
Early this morning, travel to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. The scenic train ride follows the meandering Urubamba River on a journey through the Peruvian Andes. Upon arrival, the journey continues with a short bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Known as "The Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu is arguably the best known and most spectacular archaeological site on the continent. The quality of the stonework and the abundance of ornamental sites indicate that Machu Picchu was an important ceremonial center, but archaeologists are still uncovering details. Have lunch at Sanctuary Lodge at the ruins and continue exploring the ruins afterward. This afternoon, take the bus back down the mountain to Aguas Calientes and then the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there board the bus and continue to Cusco with dinner en route. Please note: there is a weight limit of 11 pounds for on the train transfer to Machu Picchu. Your bag must weigh no more than 11 pounds and measure no more than 62 linear inches / 157 cm (length + height + width). Extra luggage will be stored at the hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Ramada Cusco
Cusco
Start today with a walking tour of Cusco. The center of Cusco is a history lesson: Modern and colonial buildings are built on top of Inca foundations, and colonial churches dominate the central square. Koricancha is an important Inca temple located in downtown Cusco. Built in honor of the sun god Inti, the site was once an important religious center. The structure was built with enormous boulders and is considered one of the most outstanding examples of this type of Inca construction, but very little of the original structure remains as it was destroyed by the Spanish during their conquest of Cusco. On top of the remnants of Koricancha, colonizers built the Baroque church known as Santo Domingo to symbolize their triumph over Indigenous civilizations. Spend the afternoon exploring independently before enjoying an Andean music demonstration in the evening.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Ramada Cusco
After breakfast, have time to relax or explore Cusco on your own. After lunch, travel to the airport for your flight back to Lima and then wait to board your flight home. You will wait in the airport between the Cusco flight and international departure flight so if you would like to spend the night in Lima and fly home on July 20, please contact us to assist with booking a hotel room and airport transfer.
Breakfast-Lunch- included
Land Cost

$5,925

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $520

What's Included
  • Airport transfers
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • English-speaking guide, private transportation, and entrance fees.
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
What's Not Included
  • International flights
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
  • Carbon Offset
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 10 participants in double occupancy.

A deposit of $350 is required for participants to register and reserve space on the program. Reservations submitted beyond the final payment deadline noted below will require full payment to enroll. 120 or more days before departure: $100 cancellation fee; remaining balance is refunded. 119 - 96 days before departure: full deposit of $350 is forfeited. 95 - 0 days before departure: 100% of program price is forfeited.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $520


Final payment due date: April 06, 2026

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Peru. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure. Tourists must provide evidence of return or onwards travel.

For visits fewer than 90 days, you will be issued a tourist card, called the Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM), upon arrival in Peru. It is important not to lose this document, as it can be time consuming and inconvenient to replace.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Embassy of Peru for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Peru.

The CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Peru.

Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Peru, primarily east of the Andes at elevations below 7,500 feet. The CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine if you are traveling to these areas.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that malaria is a risk in certain parts of Peru, primarily east of the Andes at elevations below 6,500 feet. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. There is no vaccine to protect against malaria. If you are visiting areas where malaria is present and choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your doctor for a prescription. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin.

DENGUE FEVER AND OTHER MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES

Dengue is common in Peru in the tropical and sub-tropical areas during the rainy season, especially in urban and suburban areas. Mosquitos that spread dengue do not usually live at elevations above 6,500 feet, so the risk of dengue in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu is low. Additionally, locally transmitted cases of chikungunya and Zika virus have previously been reported in Peru. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Upon arrival at locations of high elevation, shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into altitude sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjust to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can help. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help prevent or alleviate symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

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Suggested Packing List

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in the New Headings Gear Store. Use code HolbrookGuest10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services (at additional cost). If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. For higher elevations, consider packing a warm underlayer, as well as a warm, protective outer layer. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts (lightweight for sun and mosquito protection; heavier weight for higher elevations)
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection
  • Medium to heavy weight cotton pants for the highlands
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s)
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Many—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

MISCELLANEOUS

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Walking stick with rubber tip (folding or collapsible, for walking on rough and uneven terrain)
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
  • Money belt
  • Converter and adapter for electronics
  • Chargers for electronics
PLEASE NOTE:  There is a weight limit of 11 pounds for luggage on the train transfer to Machu Picchu. Please be prepared to pack an overnight bag for the night spent in the Machu Picchu area. Your bag must weigh no more than 11 pounds and measure no more than 62 linear inches / 157 cm (length + height + width). You can safely store excess luggage at the prior night’s hotel, or at one of our field offices.
The knowledge of guides was extraordinary, so the trip was truly a learning opportunity.
- Pat V.
Peru ,
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