Here’s something many travelers don’t realize: when planning Peru Amazon Jungle Tours, you don’t need to return to Lima to reach the Amazon rainforest. Cusco is not only the place to go when you want to visit Machu Picchu – it’s also one of the best starting points for exploring the Peru Amazon. From the high peaks of the Andes, it’s surprisingly easy to descend into the lush lowlands of one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Let us give you a brief overview of the Peru Amazonia regions accessible from Cusco in this travel guide…
Why Visit the Peruvian Amazon from Cusco
Visiting the Amazon from Cusco is one of the smartest and most rewarding choices you can make when planning your Peru trip. Many travelers don’t realize how close the rainforest is to the Andes – and that you don’t need to fly back to Lima or plan a separate leg of your journey to experience it. After exploring the city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or even trekking to Machu Picchu, it’s easy to continue your adventure directly into the Amazon.
What makes Peru truly special is the dramatic variety of its landscapes. In just a few hours, you can go from walking among snow-capped Andean peaks and exploring ancient Inca ruins to gliding along the Amazon river surrounded by towering ceiba trees and the calls of howler monkeys. Experiencing this gradual change in ecosystems is one of the most spectacular journeys Peru has to offer!
If you want to see this transformation up close, I highly recommend a Manu tour. Traveling by car toward Manu, you can watch the landscape change little by little. As you descend from the mountains, the stony highland terrain slowly gives way to greener vegetation and denser forest. It is fascinating to witness nature shift so dramatically, and I honestly loved seeing it.
Amazonian Trips from Cusco: Overview of the Regions
You’ll find several incredible options within reach of Cusco. The three main regions to consider are Tambopata and Manu – the most popular choices for tours – and the more local and lesser-known Pongo de Mainique.
The Tambopata, National Reserve, just a short flight away, is the most developed and accessible region, with excellent lodges, expert guides, and abundant wildlife.
Manu, on the other hand, is one of the most pristine and biodiverse places on the planet, where a longer journey takes you deep into untouched wilderness.
And if you’re seeking something truly unique, the dramatic Pongo de Mainique – a sacred canyon on the Urubamba River known as one of the most beautiful places in Peru’s Amazon – offers a adventure beyond the typical rainforest experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Amazon trips from Cusco – so you can easily choose the experience that’s right for you.
Tambopata – The Most Accessible Amazon Experience
Getting there is generally easy and convenient. From Cusco airport, it’s about a one-hour flight to Puerto Maldonado, followed by a scenic boat transfer to your lodge along the Madre de Dios river.
When you book a jungle tour there, professional guides typically pick you up and take you to your lodge. They arrange private transport for your group to reach the river, and from there you’ll take a motorized boat to the lodge. Usually, it is a 45-minute boat ride, though some lodges are a little closer and others a bit farther away.
Keep in mind that there aren’t direct flights every day. Usually, there are only two to three flights per week from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, and on other days you would need to connect through Lima. If you manage to take a direct flight, the journey is short and straightforward, without long travel days or complicated logistics.
This is one of the most developed regions for tourism in the Peruvian Amazon, making it perfect for those who want comfort, accessibility, and excellent wildlife encounters. The area is famous for its clay walls, where you can often spot colorful macaws feeding alongside other birds. You may also see monkeys, capybaras, caimans, and even giant river otters during your stay. Many eco-lodges offer guided jungle walks, kayaking, canopy tours at Sandoval lake, and excursions along the river, giving you plenty of ways to explore the rainforest safely and comfortably.
This region is perfect for first-time Amazon visitors, families, and anyone who wants to experience the rainforest without long or challenging travel. You’ll stay in private rooms with all the comfort and amenities you need, and can spot wildlife, birds and plants everywhere!
Personally, I’ve visited Puerto Maldonado several times, and I love it for its combination of comfort, ease of access, and fascinating flora and fauna – it’s an unforgettable journey you shouldn’t miss!
Manu National Park – Remote Wilderness
Hidden deep in the Amazon basin, Manu is one of Peru’s greatest natural treasures – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Here is your best chance of spotting a jaguar! Getting there is part of the adventure: if you depart from the Inca capital, it’s a full-day scenic drive through cloud forests and Andean foothills, followed by boat rides that take you deeper into the heart of the Amazon.
Here you’ll find pristine primary rainforest, remote lodges, and an astonishing variety of wildlife, with higher chances of spotting rare species like tapirs, giant anteaters, and harpy eagles. The deeper you go, the more days you’ll need – and the more untouched the jungle becomes.
The park is divided into three zones: the Reserved Zone, a strictly protected area rich in wildlife and pristine habitats; the Cultural Zone, home to Indigenous communities like the Matsiguenka and Amahuaca; and the Special Use Zone, where regulated tourism, research, and education take place.
Pongo de Mainique – A Sacred Gateway to the Amazon Rainforest
Pongo de Mainique is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Peru – a dramatic, narrow canyon where the Urubamba River carves its way through the final ridges of the Andes before spilling into the vast Amazon Basin. Revered as sacred by local communities, this awe-inspiring site offers a rare glimpse of the transition from mountains to rainforest. It is often described as one of the most beautiful places in the Peruvian Amazon.
Unlike other Amazonia destinations, this is a very local experience: most visitors are Peruvians, which menas that tours are generally only offered in Spanish. You’ll need at least a decent level of Spanish to fully enjoy and understand the journey. Accommodation is basic – think simple shared rooms or tented lodges – but the warm hospitality and adventurous spirit of the trip make it an unforgettable experience!
The Pongo is a paradise for those who want to explore far from the tourist trail. However, timing is key: during the rainy season, boat trips do not pass through the canyon because of dangerous river conditions.
Tambopata vs. Manu vs. Pongo de Mainique – Which One Should You Choose?
Each of these Amazon destinations offers a very different experience – from easy-to-reach wildlife hotspots to remote wilderness and sacred river canyons. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide which one is right for you:
| Feature | Tambopata | Manu National Park | Pongo de Mainique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel time from Cusco | ~1 hour flight + short boat ride | ~1 day drive + boat | Multi-day journey + river travel |
| Accessibility | Easy and straightforward | More remote | Remote and expedition-style |
| Comfort | Comfortable, well-developed lodges with a range of amenities | More rustic and remote lodges focused on immersion | Very limited infrastructure – basic lodges or tents |
| Wildlife | Excellent and diverse, easy to spot | Exceptional biodiversity, chance to see rare species | Excellent birdlife and river wildlife |
| Best for | First-timers, families, short trips | Nature lovers, photographers, off-the-beaten-path explorers | Adventurers, culture enthusiasts, experienced travelers |
| Pros | Easy access, good infrastructure, great for short stays | Wild and untouched, incredible biodiversity, authentic experience | Unique cultural and natural experience, adventurous journey |
| Cons | More visitors and less remote | Longer travel time, more basic comforts | Tours often only in Spanish, limited infrastructure, not available in rainy season |
In short: Tambopata is perfect if you want a classic Amazon experience with excellent wildlife and easy logistics. Manu is the choice for those seeking deeper immersion, pristine rainforest, and rare species in a truly wild setting. Pongo de Mainique is ideal for adventurers looking for something completely different – a remote, sacred place rich in culture and nature, but best suited to those with time, Spanish skills, and a spirit for exploration.
Combining the Andes and Amazon – The Perfect Peru Itinerary
One of the best ways to experience Peru is by combining the Andes Mountains with the Amazon rainforest. After completing the Inca Trail hike or a day trip to Machu Picchu, spending a few days in the Amazon is the ideal way to round out your trip.
Check out our suggested travel itineraries that combine the best of both worlds, or simply add an Amazon tour to your trip itinerary:
Amazon Jungle & Machu Picchu (10 days)
Rainforest Expeditions Amazon Tours
Puerto Maldonado or Tambopata Luxury Lodges
And if you’re not sure where to start, just get in touch – we’ll help you plan the perfect Peru trip tailored to your travel style.
Final Thoughts for your Peru Amazon Tour
The Amazon is much closer than most travelers realize when they’re in Cusco – and adding a little adventure to explore the depths of the Amazon jungle is easier than you might think. Whether you’re looking for comfort and accessibility or craving untamed jungle wilderness, both are absolutely possible, believe me! So yes – go to the jungle! It’s so worth it!!
There are plenty of excellent tour operators, and we’re happy to help you find one that fits your travel style. You don’t want to miss the magic of a night walk, listening to the symphony of jungle sounds, and feeling that deep connection with nature – it’s truly unforgettable. And even if a jungle stay doesn’t come with the same comforts as a cozy hotel, a little adventure is the perfect addition to your Peru trip.
If you’re curious about other jungle destinations, like Iquitos, or aren’t sure how long to stay – whether a 4-day tour or a longer adventure is best – check out our Amazonia Tours travel guide. You’ll find tips, recommendations, and info on tours near Puerto Maldonado and other regions, plus advice for getting back to Cusco after your jungle experience!
Once you’re in Cusco, be sure to check out our guides on tours around the Sacred Valley. You can also explore our recommendations for the best hotels in Cusco near the main square, or if you’re heading to citadel of the Incas Machu Picchu, find tips on things to do in Aguas Calientes and where to spend a night in Aguas Calientes.
Keep Reading:
Budget Puerto Maldonado & Tambopata Lodges
Luxury Puerto Maldonado & Tambopata Lodges
Rainforest Expeditions Amazon Tours
