Peru luxury tour, Amazon to the Andes

Planet

Why Peru is a responsible choice

Peru rewards those who go further. This journey moves beyond the well-trodden path, pairing icons like Machu Picchu with lesser-visited regions such as the Amazon basin and the landscapes of Paracas. By spreading travel across diverse regions, it reduces pressure on overcrowded locations while directing income into communities that see far fewer visitors.

CLIMATE & CARBON
Renewable energy and hotel emissions

Several accommodations reduce their footprint through low-impact design and integration with the natural environment. The Amazon lodge, in particular, operates with a light footprint, using elevated structures and natural ventilation to minimise energy demand.


Human-powered transport

Human-powered exploration is central to the itinerary, with at least six to seven days involving walking, hiking, cycling, or paddling. This includes:

Jungle walks, canoeing, and kayaking in the Amazon
Cycling through the Sacred Valley
Hiking between Inca sites such as Pumamarca and Ollantaytambo
Extensive walking tours in Cusco and Machu Picchu
Exploration in Paracas National Reserve


Advice on reducing carbon impact

Travellers are advised to minimise emissions by selecting efficient flight routes, travelling light, and being mindful of energy and water use throughout the journey.


Vegetarian and vegan food

Vegetarian options are widely available throughout Peru, particularly in urban centres such as Lima and Cusco. Vegan options can also be accommodated with advance notice. Many traditional dishes incorporate potatoes, grains, vegetables, and legumes, making plant-based dining accessible across the itinerary.

Local and seasonal food sourcing

Food throughout the journey is largely locally sourced and seasonal, from Amazonian specialities to Andean grains, and corn and potatoes grown in the Sacred Valley. Experiences such as the Pachamanca meal highlight traditional cooking methods.


ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE
Accommodation environmental policies

Properties are selected for their sensitivity to environment and setting. The Amazon lodge, in particular, is designed to operate within the rainforest canopy, reducing impact and preserving surrounding ecosystems. Across the itinerary, preference is given to accommodations that integrate with rather than dominate their natural surroundings.

Nature restoration and biodiversity

The Amazon portion of the trip takes place in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, where tourism supports the ongoing protection of rainforest ecosystems. In Paracas is a less-known destination, where income from tourism helps the conservation efforts.

Parks and protected areas

The itinerary includes entry to several protected sites (including Machu Picchu itself), with fees (included in the cost of the holiday) contributing to conservation and management.

Use of local guides helps protect fragile environments. In the Amazon, guided excursions follow strict protocols to minimise disturbance to wildlife. In Paracas and the Ballestas Islands, regulated tourism using respected local companies helps control visitor impact.

Visitor guidance on protecting nature

Travellers are briefed on responsible behaviour, including:

Maintaining distance from the fauna of the Amazon and Ballestas Islands
Avoiding single-use plastics
Staying on designated trails in forests, cultural sites and desert ecosystems
Respecting marine environments during boat excursions


The Amazon excursions are led by expert local guides, often from nearby communities, with deep knowledge of flora, fauna, and river systems. Additional specialist guides operate in Paracas and the Andes, ensuring safe and responsible interaction with sensitive environments.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
Locally owned accommodation

A significant proportion of accommodation throughout this itinerary is locally owned or locally operated.
The hotel Quinta San Blas in Cusco has restored a C19 Republican residence into a 20-room boutique hotel - maintaining and preserving the charm of this neighbourhood.
The hotel in Paracas is the recipient of a 'Green Choice - Sustainable Travel Standard' Certificate.

Supporting local communities and lesser-visited regions

This journey is intentionally designed to spread economic benefit geographically. Time spent in the Amazon, Sacred Valley villages, and Paracas ensures that tourism supports a wide range of communities beyond Lima and Machu Picchu.

Experiences that directly support local economies include:

Visits to Amazonian river communities
Traditional weaving villages in Chinchero
Artisan workshops in Cusco’s San Blas neighbourhood
A female-led coffee co-operative
Local market visits
Coastal communities in Paracas
Local food and agricultural systems

Dining throughout the trip supports small artisans, vendors and producers, from Andean farms to Amazon communities. Experiences such as Pachamanca meal reinforce traditional food systems and culinary heritage.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
Local employment

The vast majority of staff involved in delivering this trip are Peruvian nationals, including guides, drivers and artisans. Many are drawn directly from the regions visited, ensuring tourism income remains within local communities.

Supporting Indigenous and rural communities

This itinerary creates meaningful opportunities for Indigenous and rural communities, particularly in the Amazon and Andes. Guides, artisans, and producers benefit directly from tourism, while cultural experiences help preserve traditional knowledge and practices.