This tour really packs a punch – three must-see destinations in one. And so many contrasts! One moment you are enjoying a pisco sour in Cusco’s Colonial central square, the next you are hiking over Andean passes and through cloud forest to Machu Picchu on one of the world’s classic treks; the Inca Trail. Then, you are in the steamy atmosphere of the Amazon jungle enjoying the richest biodiversity on the planet. Almost too much for the senses to take in!
Day 1: Cusco: City TourThis morning, we pick you up from the airport (or your hotel) and transfer you to your accommodation. During the afternoon we have a guided bus tour of the city, in order to appreciate fully the magnificent blend of Colonial and Inca influence on the city. We visit the Cathedral, the Rock of the 12 Angles, and Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo and Koricancha.
The evening is free to sample some of Cusco’s famous nightlife first hand! Our guide will have plenty of advice as where to go!
Day 2: Cusco: Sacred Valley Tour: BreakfastToday, we explore the "Sacred Valley of the Incas". This fertile river valley was home to many important sites for the Incas, both strategic and religious.
Our first stop is the village of Pisac, with its famous market, where you can pick up a bargain! You have free time to wander the market stalls before we visit the ruins above the town, which were an important Inca religious centre.
After Pisac we continue our journey along the river to Urubamba, to the giant Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo which was the scene of one of the most famous battles between the Incas and the invading Spanish conquistadors, with the Incas being victorious.
After the day’s activities we recommend having an early night and preparing for the challenge of the Inca Trail!!
Day 3: Inca Trail: Cusco - Km 82 – Huayllabamba: All mealsEarly this morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you by bus to Km 82 where you will arrive mid-morning and meet the team that will join you during the trek - porters, camp assistants and cooks.
The first day’s walk is quite easy and during the first part you will have a beautiful view of the snow peaked Veronica Mountain above you and the Vilcanota River below you. Lunch will be waiting for you when you arrive at the Archaeological Complex of Patallacta.
After re-energising, we begin the steady climb to Huayllabamba, where the first camp is set up.
Meals Included: Snack, Lunch, Afternoon Snack and Dinner
Day 4: Inca Trail: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayu: All mealsAfter breakfast, the hardest part of the trail begins, with a steep, three-hour ascent to the highest point of the trek, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), at some 4200m (13,800ft) above sea level. Here you will not only enjoy incredible, panoramic views, but you will have a great sense of achievement at reaching this milestone.
After lunch in Vizcachayoc, we will descend towards Pacaymayu (3500m/11,480ft) for dinner and camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Afternoon Snack and Dinner.
Day 5: Inca Trail: Pacaymayu – Wiñayhuayna: All mealsAfter breakfast, the ascent will begin to the second highest pass on the Trail, at more than 3900m (12,800ft) above sea level. On the way up, you can enjoy a guided visit to the Archaeological Complex of Runkurukay and, on the way down, the Inca Citadel of Sayacmarca (3,600m/11,800ft).
Lunch will be ready for you in Chaqquicocha. Then, you continue walking towards Phuya Patamarka (Town in Clouds), another important archaeological monument.
After a brief rest, you will continue walking to the spectacularly-located Archaeological Complex of Wiñay Huayna (Always Young). You have a guided visit of the complex before having dinner and overnighting in the nearby campsite.
N.B. The above are our regular camp sites; however, these can be changed by the Machu Picchu Management Unit without previous warning. It will not affect the itinerary.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Afternoon Snack and Dinner.
Day 6: Inca Trail: Wiñay Huayna - Machu Picchu – Cusco: BreakfastAfter an early breakfast, you will make the one-hour hike through high rainforest to Inti Punku (Gateway of the Sun), the well-known entrance to Machu Picchu, with its unparalleled panoramic view of the Inca Citadel.
Upon arrival in Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of the ruins and monuments, such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemeteries. This is followed by free time to stroll around the Citadel, before meeting the rest of the group to be transferred by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
In the afternoon, you take the train back to Cusco, where you will be transferred to the hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Snack.
Day 7: Cusco - Puerto Maldonado – Ecoamazonia Lodge: Breakfast/Lunch/ DinnerThis morning we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado.
Upon arrival at Puerto Maldonado airport, we take you on a brief city tour in an ecological bus, transfer to river port on the Madre de Dios River. Boat journey down river to Ecoamazonia Lodge. Brief orientation and lunch.
In the afternoon, we take a guided visit to Monkey Island to observe several kinds of monkeys including the black spider monkey, capuchin monkey, tamarind and squirrel monkey.
We then return to the lodge and enjoy the sunset and dinner.
Day 8: EcoAmazonia Lodge: Cocha Perdida Breakfast/Lunch/ DinnerAfter breakfast, we take a guided walk along the trails until we reach Cocha Perdida (Lost Lake), a virgin rainforest with swamps and marshes, which protects a great diversity of animals such as giant otters, caimans, turtles, Brazilian tapirs, birds and jaguars.
Afterwards we visit the Amazon Watch Tower for a panoramic view of the rainforest, from the top of an immense tree (the Shihuahuaco). We take a canoe ride around the lake and return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, we take another canoe trip down the river to visit a local family.
We return to lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: EcoAmazonia Lodge: Gamitana River: Breakfast/Lunch/ DinnerAfter breakfast, we’ll start another excursion through the magical jungle, navigating along the Madre de Dios River, then begin our walk towards the Gamitana River (also known as the Briolo River), which springs from the heart of the virgin jungle. Its impressive curves form long channels that we’ll navigate by canoe while observing turtles, caimans, birds and a wide variety of insects. We’ll also be able to fish and take a quick dip in the river.
We’ll return to the lodge and end the day with a pleasant dinner.
Day 10: Amazon – Cusco/LimaThis morning we transfer you to Puerto Maldonado airport for your flight to Cusco or Lima.
Single Supplement US$450
NOT INCLUDED:
- BTG Entrance ticket
- Extras and tips
- Sleeping bags for Inca Trail
- Local (US$ 6) and International (US$ 30) airport taxes
