Absolute Peru: Amazon Jungle & Machu Picchu by Train

This G Adventures small-group tour starts in Lima, with time to settle in before heading to the southern city of Arequipa and the steep-walled Colca Canyon, famous for condors in flight. The itinerary takes you to Lake Titicaca, where a homestay on one of its floating Uros islands brings close contact with local traditions. The Sacred Valley offers markets, salt pans, terraces and weaving co-ops, all punctuated by mustard-coloured fields and distant mountain silhouettes.

The final highlight is the overnight train journey to Machu Picchu, where a local guide escorts you through the carefully regulated ancient site along one of several designated circuits. To contrast the highlands, the tour includes three days deep in the Amazon rainforest at the exclusive G Lodge, with naturalist-led excursions and rubber boots on hand for muddy trails. The trip moves at a steady pace but allows time to feel the difference in each place, from dusty desert towns to misty jungle paths.

Accommodation includes Amazonian lodges, guesthouses, hotels and a night on a bus for longer transfers. The group size is typically around a dozen, led throughout by a Chief Experience Officer and local guides where specialist knowledge enhances the experience. This is a thoughtful tour for those who prefer active engagement with Peru well beyond the usual postcard images.