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The Land of the Incas

19 December, 2020

The Land of the Incas

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$3,499

See Machu Picchu from all angles on a high flying Peruvian adventure

The wonders of Peru and Bolivia await as you walk beneath the Amazon Jungle’s lush canopy, trek the llama-filled plains of the Sacred Valley and stroll the cobblestone streets of Cusco on this 15-day journey from Lima to La Paz. Search for monkeys and medicinal plants in the Amazon, tackle the ancient road to Machu Picchu, experience a homestay in a traditional community on the shore of serene Lake Titicaca and finish in La Paz, where indigenous communities continue to form much of the city’s cultural fabric. With the option to see Machu Picchu by trek or by train, plus the expert knowledge of local leaders at all stages of your adventure, the Sacred Land of the Incas will no doubt leave you breathless – in more ways than one.

Start: Lima, Peru
Finish: La Paz, Bolivia
Destination: Amazons, Sacred Valley, Puno
Theme: Trekking/Explorer

Physical Rating: 4/5
Ages: Min 15
Group size: Min 1, Max 16

Why You'll Love This Adventure?

  • Choose you own adventure on your way to the mother of all Inca cities – magical Machu Picchu. Test yourself on the challenging Classic Inca or Inca Quarry trails, or take the train for a more leisurely experience.
  • Marvel at the evergreen splendour of the untouched Amazon. Explore rainforest trails with a local guide, looking out for wildlife and medicinal plants, and stay in a tranquil jungle lodge overnight.
  • Sleep in a mud-brick hut on the shore of vast, ancient Lake Titicaca during a homestay in a traditional Andean community, and visit the floating reed islands of Uros with your small group.

Is this experience right for you?

  • If you tackle the Inca Trail the hiking can be strenuous, and this trip is therefore recommended for those with a moderate level of fitness. However, you have the option of staying in Cusco for a few days and meeting trekkers at Machu Picchu if you do not wish to hike the Inca Trail. Please note that even aside from the trek to Machu Picchu, this tour is fairly active.
  • Those who walk the Inca Trail will be camping with basic facilities. It’s not exactly luxury, but the rewards of the trek make it worth it!
  • The Amazon Jungle can be very hot and humid, so it’s important to drink plenty of water and wear light cotton clothing. Be sure to bring tropical-strength insect repellent.
  • Please note that this trip can be partnered with other adventures into a ‘combo’, which means that some of your fellow travellers may have begun their journey before today, and some may carry on to further destinations at the end of this tour. If you’d like to spend more time in South America, have a look at the combos within the region to see how we can design your bucket list expedition.

Itinerary

Day 1: Lima
Bienvenidos! Your journey into the Sacred Land of the Inca begins today. With indigenous cultures dating back millennia, Peru is a fascinating land of Amazonian rainforests, diverse wildlife and soaring mountains. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm at your hotel in Lima, where you’ll meet your tour leader and travel group. Afterwards, jump on public transport and head downtown for a guided walking tour of the city’s historical centre to take in the colonial mansions, palaces and churches that line the streets. Following this, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon and evening to do as you please. You might want to visit the Museum of the Inquisition to learn about the Spanish colonialism in Peru. Otherwise, perhaps wander around the city immersing yourself into the culture around you.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lima – Leader Led Walking Tour
Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let us know.

Day 2: Amazon Jungle
Rise and shine for your journey into the wilds of the Peruvian Amazon. Take an early morning transfer to Lima airport, then board a 3-hour flight to the Puerto Maldonado. On arrival, lodge staff will get you to pack a small duffle bag with clothing and other items needed for two days in the jungle, then you’ll stow the rest of your luggage and then travel by private vehicle to the water. Here, board a motorised canoe and cruise deep into the jungle. The journey to your eco-lodge in the Madre de Dios region will take around 3 hours, and you’ll be given a packed lunch on the way. Arrive and settle in to your thatched-roof lodge before a short orientation walk of the immediate area and a briefing. Spend the evening getting acquainted with the sights and smells of the jungle, relaxing to the peaceful sounds of nature.
Accommodation
  • Jungle Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Amazon Jungle – Jungle Activities

We use two different lodges in the same area. The activities may vary slightly according to which lodge you are at. Depending on which lodge you are staying at, the included night excursion may be on the tonight or tomorrow. As both lodges are in the same area of the jungle, you will see the same wildlife and your overall jungle experience will be the same in either lodge.

Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 3: Amazon Jungle
Get ready for an unforgettable day exploring the depths of the jungle! Set out on a half-day trek guided by local experts on the area’s flora and fauna. Learn from your guides about the medicinal and practical uses for some of the plants that grow here, which indigenous people have been studying and using for thousands of years. On your walk, keep an eye out for rainbow coloured macaws and butterflies, and listen for the barking call of the peccaries and chattering of monkeys that call the jungle home. This part of the Amazon is also known to house capybaras, giant otters and jabirus, so keep your eyes peeled for these exotic creatures. Return to the lodge for lunch and some free time to relax. Once the sun goes down, venture out on a night walk in search of some of the jungle’s nocturnal inhabitants.
Accommodation
  • Jungle Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities

Today there is an 11-km jungle walk. At times the paths can get quite muddy and some people can find the trek a little exhausting, but the adventure is well worth it! Along the way there will be regular stops and you’ll encounter magnificent fauna and flora in their natural habitat.

Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 4: Cusco
Leave behind the natural wonders of the Amazon for the man-made wonders of Cusco today. Return to Puerto Maldonado to collect your luggage, then take a short 35-minute flight to the lofty city. If Lima is Peru’s head, then Cusco is definitely the country’s heart. Once you’ve spent some time acclimatising to the altitude of 3450 metres, head out on an orientation walk with your leader. See wonders of the ancient, colonial and contemporary variety on this stroll, including the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the San Pedro Market, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. This tour will also include the most significant temple in the ancient Inca empire – Qoricancha. Despite being covered with a Baroque facade in the 17th century by the Spanish, the original Inca masonry has been uncovered in some areas. Wrap up your tour at the ChocoMuseo where you can sample hot chocolate made from local beans. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers – your leader can recommend some good places to grab a meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try one of the many establishments serving up cuy, which you might know by the English name of guinea pig. Or perhaps head to Manos Unidas Cafe -a central pizzeria which also provides vocational training for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cusco – Leader led orientation walk
  • Cusco – Chocolate Museum Visit & Hot Chocolate
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Day 5: Sacred Valley / Ollantaytambo
Hop on a private bus in the morning and travel through the lush terraces of the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo – one of the few places where the Inca defeated the Spanish. On the way, stop at a village and enjoy lunch and conversation in a community that still practices many Inca traditions. If you’d like, you can head to the archaeological park that lies to the left side of the main square. Otherwise, if you’re feeling energetic, climb to the top of the squared terraces and gaze down over the valley. Keep in mind that if you have chosen to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu you will begin your trek tomorrow, so don’t push yourself. Tonight, perhaps enjoy a quinoa and alpaca stew at one of the many local restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sacred Valley – Community visit & lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Day 6: Inca Trail

If you’re hiking the Inca Trail, the evening before you leave Cusco you’ll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in during the trek (5 kg maximum).

Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you won’t have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you’ll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and only travel with the necessary items during the excursion by train.

Classic Inca Trail:

Today travel by minivan to the 82 kilometre marker and meet your crew of local porters, cook and guide. The first day includes uphill trekking to the campsite, which is at 3100 metres above sea level. On the way you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal.

Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information

The Classic Inca Trail is within the abilities of most fit people, but be prepared – it’s 45 km long and often steep. Each day generally consists of seven hours of walking (uphill and downhill), with snacks and lunch stops. Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 5 pm. Accommodation on the trek is camping (three nights). Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats are provided. Porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.

Day 7: Inca Trail

Classic Inca Trail:

This is the most challenging day of the trek as you ascend a long steep path (approximately five hours) to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’, Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4200 metres above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3650 metres.

Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 8: Inca Trail

Classic Inca Trail:

Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay pass (3980 metres). Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around two to three hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3850 metres), also known as ‘Town Above the Clouds’. Start the two-hour descent down the Inca steps to the final night’s campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site.

Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 9: Inca Trail

Inca Trail:
This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. The day starts before dawn with breakfast at 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and then begin hiking by 4.30 am. Once the final checkpoint opens at 5 am, begin the final leg of the trek. The walk to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) takes around two-and-a-half hours. Weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Inca’ as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sungate.

 

For all trails:
After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it’s time to return to Cusco via a train from Aquas Calientes for a well-deserved shower and a Pisco sour. Your evening is then free for the last night of your adventure.

Included Activities
  • Machu Picchu – Entrance and guided tour
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information

According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences exiting, re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site. Personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.

Day 10: Cusco

Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cusco’s sights. Perhaps rest your weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head to the San Pedro Market where you can find vegetables, meats, local cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and many local handicrafts. It’s a great place to purchase some souvenirs or pick up ingredients for a picnic lunch. The market is also a place where many locals (and daring travellers) go to eat ‘mystery soups’. Some may be just chicken; however, the most popular among the locals usually contain frog or offal. For those who can’t get enough active adventure, why not try mountain biking in the hills that surround Cusco? If you’ve fallen in love with the Peru’s national beverage – the Pisco sour – consider joining an Urban Adventure where you will learn to craft your own, a souvenir you can impress people with for years to come. Find out more at urbanadventures.com/destination/cusco-tours or ask your leader for details.

Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information

Today you may like to visit the renowned Rainbow Mountain, or Vincunca in the local language. This activity involves climbing up to more than 5000 meters above sea level in one day, which can lead to life threatening altitude sickness. So, our tour leaders are only able to assist you booking this activity at the end of your stay in Cusco (when you will be better acclimatised) and on Intrepid operated departures where there’s full control over all safety aspects, such as transport, oxygen, emergency horses, adequate first aid kits and experienced guides. The price is indicative only and the final price will depend on the total number of travellers participating. Ultimately, costs can range from as little as USD 56 with 16 travellers to USD 216 for 2 travellers. A minimum of 2 travellers is required to operate this activity. Your tour leader can assist with booking this on the ground.

Day 11: Puno
Bid farewell to Cusco and travel by public transport through the dramatic scenery of the high altiplano to Puno. Located on the shores of vast and serene Lake Titicaca. At an altitude of 3800 metres, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake. Along the way there will be stops to drop off and pick up passengers, which may affect travel times slightly, but the journey should take around 6 hours. The long drive is worth it for the first glimpse of immense Lake Titicaca, whose seemingly endless waters stretch into the horizon. Puno is a melting pot of indigenous Aymara and Quechuan culture and traditional Andean customs, and it wears its traditions on its sleeve. If you’re lucky, your trip will coincide with one of the many cultural festivals here. Perhaps ask your leader where you can get the best grilled trout tonight – a true local specialty.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Day 12: Lake Titicaca Homestay
Embark on a tour of the lake by slow motor boat, stopping at the floating Uros Islands. Built by the Uros people to protect themselves from encroaching Inca forces hundreds of years ago, the islands are constructed from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. Feel the bizarre sponginess of the island underfoot and learn a little about the history of the communities that called them home. Then, get a closer look at contemporary life on the shores of the lake with a homestay in a local community. Help your host family with their daily activities, try out a few words in Quechua (most importantly ‘solpayki’ or thank you!) and perhaps join a local soccer game and make some friends on the makeshift pitch.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lake Titicaca – Boat tour & Homestay
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information

Your homestay tonight is a mud brick house. Rooms have beds and many blankets, and there are shared drop toilets but no showers.

Day 13: Puno
This morning after breakfast you’ll board the motor boat again and cruise to Taquile Island (approximately 1 hour), which is known for the intricate, hand-knitted textiles the locals produce. Here, knitting is strictly a male domain, and women do the spinning. It’s a great place to pick up some high quality, locally knitted goods. An approximately one-hour uphill trek brings you to the main area of the island, where you can shop for handicrafts and observe the symbolic clothing items worn by the local folk. After the visit, descend about 500 steps to the boat. Return to Puno, a journey that will take around 3 hours. Once back in Puno, perhaps gather a crew and find a local watering hole to enjoy a drink or two. By now you’ve probably had your fair share of Pisco sours, so maybe try a chilcano. While it also features a Pisco base, the cocktail is completed with ginger beer instead of egg whites.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Day 14: La Paz
This morning, trade the still waters and quiet villages of Lake Titicaca for the bustling highland city of La Paz. Travel by comfortable local bus to Desaguadero and cross the border into Bolivia. At the border you will say goodbye to your Peruvian leader and a Bolivian leader will take over for the last portion of your tour. After border formalities at the Peruvian migration office, cross the bridge to Bolivia, submit your passport at the Bolivian migration office, then board the bus again. Continue to La Paz, stopping en route for another document check. The journey to La Paz takes about 5 hours, and you’ll cross into a different time zone. Discover the colonial architecture and browse the markets on a walking tour, taking in the vibrant expressions of indigenous culture. According to a 2012 census, just over 40 percent of Bolivia’s adult population are of indigenous origin, but discrimination stymied overt expressions of indigenous heritage until very recently. Aymara women wearing the traditional, distinctive bowler hat and long, layered skirts, for example, were banned from many public buildings until 2006. Over the last decade, grassroots activism and a shifting political landscape has created space for various indigenous cultures to live openly. After the walking tour, why not head to the Witches’ Market in search of folkloric remedies, potions and totems – it’s a great place to pick up a last-minute souvenir.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Day 15: La Paz
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave after breakfast, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check out times. As there isn’t a huge amount of time included in Bolivia on this itinerary, you may like to extend your stay by a few days. It you would like to spend more time in La Paz, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information

If you do choose to keep traveling, consider visiting the Salt Flats in Uyuni – a true natural spectacle.

Inclusions

Meals

14 Breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

Boat, Bus, Canoe, Plane, Private minibus, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (8 nights), Jungle Lodge (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Included activities

    • Lima – Leader-led walking tour
    • Amazon Jungle – Jungle activities
    • Cusco – Leader-led orientation walk
    • Cusco – Chocolate Museum Visit & Hot Chocolate
    • Sacred Valley – Community visit & lunch
    • Cusco – 3 Night/4 Day Inca Trail (or 2 Night/3 Day Inca Quarry Trail)
    • Machu Picchu – Entrance and guided tour
    • Lake Titicaca – Boat tour & Homestay
Matthew,

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