Amazons to Machu Picchu
THE EXTREMES OF PERU
Canoe rides through the Amazon Jungle. Trek at 15,000 ft in the middle of the Andes. Get a taste of Machu Picchu. Everything that Peru has to offer . . . or maybe not everything, you may have to move there for that.
- Start: Lima, Peru
- Finish: Cusco, Peru
- Destination: Peru
- Style: Original
- Theme: Trekking, Explore
- Physical Rating: 4/5
- Ages: Min 15
- Group size: Min 1, Max 12
IS THIS EXPERIENCE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- This trek does consist of consistent periods of time at high altitude. Make sure that you are physically prepared for this adventure before arriving to Peru.
GALLERY
ITINERARY
Welcome to Lima, the “City of Kings”. Upon arrival to the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Your local guide will meet you for a welcome briefing & some tips during your stay in Lima. While Peru’s capital officially began life in 1535, when Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the city on the Day of the Three Kings, settlements had been scattered through the valley since before the Incas. The city was built on top of an existing palace and temples that belonged to the local chief who had little choice but to move on. Lima was in its prime during the Spanish colonial days and much of the city’s attraction now lies in its well-preserved historical center.
ACCOMMODATION
• Hotel (1 night)
MEALS INCLUDED
• There are no meals included on this day.
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
• Arrival airport transfer in Lima, in private service with local guide
In the morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport to take the flight towards Puerto Maldonado.
Upon your arrival at around midday, the lodge staff will take you to their office in town. Upon arrival at the Jungle lodge office you will be provided with a small duffle bag to pack your personal items required for the duration of your jungle stay. The remainder of your items will be stored securely in the office. From the office, you’ll travel by private vehicle to the port; this drive is approximately 45 minutes. You’ll then take a motorized canoe upriver to your jungle lodge in the Madre de Dios area (approximately 2 – 2.5 hours). Lunch today is a packed lunch that you will be given during the boat ride. Once you arrive there is time to unpack and unwind before a short orientation and briefing.
The next two days are packed with activities. Your full day in the jungle includes a trek which lasts approximately half a day. At times the paths can get quite muddy and some people can find the trek a little exhausting. Along the way there will be regular stops, and you’ll encounter magnificent fauna and flora in their natural habitat. You might spot everything from macaws and monkeys to peccaries, jabirus, otters and thousands of butterflies. The guides can also teach you about the medicinal properties and practical uses of the plants. For lunch you will return to the lodge. For your night-time excursion, venture out on a night jungle walk!
ACCOMMODATION
• Explorer Lodge
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
• Departure airport transfer in Lima, in private service with local guide
• Arrival airport transfer in Puerto Maldonado, in shared service with bilingual local guide
• Half day excursion in the Amazon, in shared service with bilingual local guide
MEALS INCLUDED
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
We start our activities at 5:00am – 5:30am for breakfast. Heading to Lake Cocococha on the way you may see various forest types (Bamboo, floodplain forest, upland forest to the lake. On the way you will be able to see birds like tanagers, turkeys, nun birds, some woodpeckers, monkeys and larger mammals. We will wait for the giant otter either on a blind spot or paddling around the lake, after a while you can also paddle on a catamaran in the allowed area for tourist-use. Return to the lodge – short break. By the afternoon, you will visit the 42 meters high tower, where we will have a wonderful view of the forest. Explanation of the vertical layers of the forest (in the tower) – you will have a specular view of the jungle and see the sunset. In the night you will take a walk to search the many creatures such as insects and hopefully bigger animals.
ACCOMMODATION
• Explorer Lodge
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
• Full day excursion in the Amazon, in shared service with bilingual local guide
MEALS INCLUDED
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Today, we will wake up at 5:20am to visit the “clay lick” Parrot that is 10 minutes by boat from the Lodge. In this place, you can observe different species of parrots and parakeets eating clay. Later on, you will return to the lodge to enjoy of the breakfast. Then, we will visit a local farm to learn about how locals run a crop plantation. By the afternoon, we will take a walk to Laguna Chica for bird watching and contemplation of nature. In the night you will take a walk to search the many creatures such as insects and hopefully bigger animals.
ACCOMMODATION
• Explorer Lodge
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
• Full day excursion in the Amazon, in shared service with bilingual local guide
MEALS INCLUDED
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Today is your last day in the Amazon. On the way back to the airport don’t miss the unforgettable views of the sunrise over the river. You will also be able to observe the morning flora and fauna which are particularly active at this time of the day and hear the frequent cries of the howler monkeys.
Your guide will take you to the airport and be available for you until your departure flight to Cusco or Lima.
Your new guide will be awaiting at the airport. They’ll travel with you to your hotel, to assist with check in and provide basic orientation. After time to settle in you will visit Qorichancha, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral and San Pedro Market.
Depending on when you arrive to Cusco you will either be doing this in the afternoon or the next day.
ACCOMMODATION
• Hotel
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
• Departure airport transfer in Puerto Maldonado and in Cusco or Lima, in shared service with bilingual local guide
MEALS INCLUDED
• Breakfast
Rest day in Cusco, do your own thing for the day.
ACCOMMODATION
• Hotel
Today you will continue to stay in the general Cusco region and visit a traditional local community with a guide. You will hike amongst the region and do various activities in your guides.
The last two days you have stayed in the Cusco region because you have to become acclimatized to the region. Cusco is at 11,152 ft and the Rainbow Mts / Ausangate Trek takes you up to 17,000 ft.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
ACCOMMODATION
• Hotel
We will meet you at your Cusco hotel early in the morning for travel to Tinqi, the departure point for our Ausangate Circuit trek. In Tinqi we will meet our muleeters and purchase any last minute snacks or supplies before beginning the hike. The walk to our first campsite, Upis, will be approximately three hours of moderate incline. We pass potato fields, small farms, and groups of grazing alpacas and llamas before arriving at Upis. The air becomes cooler as we approach Ausangate and its breathtaking glaciers. We arrive in Upis in the late afternoon, and youll have the option to enjoy hotsprings before dinner. Upis is located at 4350 msnm, so be prepared for your first cold night!
Duration: 3 hours
ACCOMMODATION
• Camping
MEALS INCLUDED
• Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, we will continue our hike with a climb to Arapa Pass, at 4750 msnm. The ascent will take approximately two hours, and cross through a sparsely vegetated and scenic valley. As we climb the valley we will enjoy panoramic views of majestic Ausangate mountain and its surroundings. From the pass we descend along a cliff dividing the mountian, with views of different colored lakes, including Yanacocha (black lake). Will will break for lunch at Yanacocha, then continue on to our campsite at Ausangatecocha at 4600 msnm.
Duration: 8 hours
ACCOMMODATION
• Camping
MEALS INCLUDED
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we set out toward the Rainbow Mountian, crossing broad valleys and colorful hills. Arrive at the jaw dropping Rainbow Mountain midday, where we’ll have lunch, enjoy the spectacular scenery and relax a bit. The final leg of the hike is to Illacocha, where well set up camp for the night.
Duration: 8 hours
ACCOMMODATION
• Camping
MEALS INCLUDED
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From the lake we ascend to the Palomani pass (5,200 m/ 17 056 ft); the highest point of the trek. From the pass we follow the trail into the valley where we’ll rest and have lunch. During the afternoon we can enjoy views of the snowcapped Tres Picos and Puca Punta. We will continue through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Jampa valley. Overnight camp near Jampa.
Duration: 5hrs
ACCOMMODATION
• Camping
MEALS INCLUDED
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After passing through the small community of Jampa we head to the last pass of this hike, the Q’ampa pass. Along the way we enjoy views of different colored lakes and lunch beside on of the most beautiful. From there, hike approximately two hours to the village of Pacchanta. We can soak in the thermal springs for a couple of hours, and even have a well-deserved beer! We set up camp near Pacchanta, with the afternoon free to explore the Andean village.
Duration: 6hrs
ACCOMMODATION
• Camping
MEALS INCLUDED
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, well hike an easy 1-2 hours to the village of Tinqi. Our van and driver will be waiting for the trip back to Cusco. Late afternoon dropoff at your Cusco hotel.
Duration: 2hrs
ACCOMMODATION
• Hotel
MEALS INCLUDED
• Breakfast, Lunch,
Today you will begin your hike on the famous Inca Trail! Meet your guide in hotel reception for a short train ride to kilometer 104, your entry point for the Inca Trail. During the hike you will pass through incredible scenery and visit the Inca ruins of Wiñaywayna (considered the most beautiful on the Inca Trail). Your hike culminates with arrival at the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku. From here, enjoy breathtaking views of Machu Picchu before continuing
to your hotel for the evening.
Distance: 10km/6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch
ACCOMMODATION
• Hotel
We awake this morning for an early return to Machu Picchu. With your guide, catch the bus to the gates of this Wonder of the World. You will ascend stone steps, through heavy tree cover to finally emerge at the top of the world – Machu Picchu! The incredible Inca stone construction will be spread below, alternately hidden and revealed by clouds.
You`ll have a 2 to 2.5 hour private tour with your guide, followed by time to explore on your own. In the afternoon, descend to Aguas Calientes for time to enjoy lunch (not included), followed by your return train ride. From there, transfer directly to your Cusco hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION
• Hotel
Transfer to Cusco airport. Head back home.
Meals: Breakfast
INCLUSIONS
MEALS
Details will be provided when full itinerary is customized and developed to your needs
TRANSPORT
Private vehicle, Boat,
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel
Amazon Lodge
Camping
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Amazon Tours
Trekking guides
