Trip name: Amazon Basin & The Andes
Trip Length: 15 Days
Type service: Group Tour
Type itinerary: Fixed
Destinations: Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Amazon, Lake Titicaca
Activities: Trekking and Walking / Culture and History / Multi-Activity
Difficulty / Physical Activity: **** Challenging – 5-7 hours of challenging physical activity daily
Comfort: ** Moderate to superior-class accommodations, combined with basic accommodations or camping

Highlights: Machu Picchu, Enjoy the famous Inca Trail, Andes Mountains, Wayna Picchu Mountain, Cusco, Pisaq ruins and market, Ollantaytambo Fortress, Lima City

Hiking through the sacred land of the Incas to Machu Picchu

Explore Cusco’s historic centre, Speak Quechua with Sacred Valley locals, Trek the trail that once linked the Inca Empire, Experience awe at a Machu Picchu sunrise, Peru’s colonial and Inca architecture.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – International Arrival in Lima

Our representative will meet with you at International Lima Airport and escort you to your hotel.

There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and rest up. Overnight at Lima Hotel

Meals Included: None

Note: Arrive in Lima at any time but we highly recommend you arriving to Lima between 3 to 10pm

Day 2 – Lima Sightseeing Tour

Breakfast at the Hotel; morning free to relax; we recommend you to take a long rest and be prepared to begin with this unforgettable journey through our wonderful country.

At 2:30pm start your guided sightseeing tour to the most attractive and important sites in Lima, the “City of Kings”. This excursion offers the best combination of the different attractions in Lima and its three historical periods: pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary. In Lima, there were several different pre-Columbian cultures which are dated thousands of years back. Lima was part of the Inca Empire until was founded by the Spaniard Francisco Pizarro on the 18th of January, 1535; back to Hotel – Overnight at Lima Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Optional Tour to Fountains of Lima; be surprised by the largest compound of electronic fountains in the world.

Guided excursion to the Magical Water Circuit the largest water fountain compound in the world, certified by Guinness World Records. Here you will enjoy a wonderful display of water, light, music and images presented at Reserve Park – (Start at: 6:30pm – Duration: 2

½ hours – Open from Wednesday to Sunday)

Day 3 – Flight to Puno (Juliaca) – Visit Sillustani

Breakfast at the hotel; pick up from Lima hotel and transfer to Lima airport for departure flight to Juliaca (Puno) upon arrival reception and transfer to Puno. On the way to Puno city, visit the famous Chullpas of Sillustani, 12 m/40ft high stone cylinder burial chambers, used by the Aymaras to bury their important leaders. Lake Umayo, located in front of the Chullpas, adds further beauty to the place. Here you also have the opportunity to observe wild guinea pigs, birds and other local wildlife the transfer to the Hotel – Overnight at Puno Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 – Lake Titicaca – Floating Islands of Uros and Taquile

Breakfast at the hotel; pick up from the Hotel at 7:30am we take a two-hour motor boat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca to the unique Floating “Islands” of the Uros. These ancient inhabitants of the lake, known as the Water Tribe, have built their own “islands” by periodically adding new layers of a type of reed unique to the area called “Totora”. Their

homes and boats are also made from this material. We continue our motorboat trip to Taquile Island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives who have developed efficient and unique social systems, as well as fine hand weaving techniques, down through the generations. Upon arrival at the Town of Taquile we will have a lunch. Then we will walk through the various hills and archaeological sites of this 6km long island.

In the afternoon, return to Puno – Overnight at Puno Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Bus to Cusco

Breakfast at the hotel; pick up from the hotel at 07:00am and transfer to the Bus Station to head off to Cusco. Beautiful scenery all along the way, visit of the Raqchi and archeological sites as well as Andahuaylillas village and its famous “Sixteen Chapel” that was built in the middle of the 17th century. Lunch in Sicuani; upon arrival; reception and transfer to Cusco Hotel – Overnight at Cusco Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 – Sacred Valley of the  Incas

Breakfast at the hotel; pick up from the hotel at 8:30am for your full day tour to the impressive Sacred Valley of the Incas, explore the beautiful Peruvian countryside with a full-day tour of the magical Sacred Valley. First place, you will visit the town of Pisaq, famous for its bustling market. This native town was once where “exchange transactions” took place. In this type of transaction, customers would exchange one good for another instead of using currency. Visit the market of Pisaq where you can purchase beautifully crafted products hand-made by the locals.

On Sunday, the main attraction is a mass celebrated in Quechua and conducted in Spanish. It is attended by the mayors and their attendants who play traditional musical instruments called “pututos.”

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a typical Peruvian lunch (included in price) before visiting the fortress of Ollantaytambo.

Next, you will visit the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo fortress. These magnificent ancient ruins serve as great vantage points to look out over the valley. Originally the royal estate of Emperor Pachakuteq during the Inca Empire, this site later served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui in the Inca´s final rebellion against the Spanish. In the afternoon back to Cusco – Overnight at Cusco Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 – Transportation to Km 82 – Wayllabamba

Breakfast at the hotel; pick up from the Hotel at 6:00am and drive to Km 82 the head of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in

Miskay (2800m/9184 ft) to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692 ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba, our first camping.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 12 km (7, 47 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3000m (9840 ft)

Day 8 – Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo

Breakfast; we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km along this climb. The first pass Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s 4200m/13776 ft) we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. Walking down and cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear. We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. We descend into the Pacaymayo (3600m/11808 ft), where we camp.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 11 km (6, 84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4200m (13776 ft)

Day 9 – Pacaymayo – Wiñay Wayna

Breakfast; we ascend again past the Inca site of Runkuracay (3970m/13022 ft). As we reach the second pass, the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snow peaks of the Pumasillo range. Then we descend towards Yanacocha and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca. This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb to the third pass Phuyupatamarca, continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñay wayna (2650m/8692 ft) where we spend our last camping.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 16 km (9, 94 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3900m (12792 ft)

Day 10 – Wiñay wayna – Visit Machu Picchu – Back to Cusco

Breakfast; we wake up at 4:00am an hour later and climb to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) from this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m/7872 ft). From here we descend into Machu Picchu, 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the “House of the Guardians”. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks.

Upon arrival, you will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial (the most important preserved Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, houses, warehouses, a large central square; and all connected by narrow roads and steps that are surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side. After the tour you’ll have time to stroll around the Archaeological Site at your leisure.

Then, you will have time to perform some of the following activity by yourself (not included in the price):

1. Climb Wayna Picchu; for the most adventurous people, we suggest to go up the Wayna Picchu from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being high and distant.

Buffet Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant in Machu Picchu

Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon train departure to Cusco; upon arrival to Cusco reception and transfer to the Hotel – Overnight at Cusco Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Total distance: 4 km (2, 49 miles)
Estimated walking time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2700m (8829 ft)

Day 11 – Free day in Cusco by yourself

Breakfast at the Hotel; free time in Cusco by yourself

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 – Flight to Puerto Maldonado – Tambopata Lodge

Breakfast at the hotel; transfer to Cusco airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado; upon arrival from Cusco, reception by an English speaking guide, while enjoying your first taste of the forest in our gardens we will ask you to pack only the necessary gear for your next few days, and leave the rest at our safe deposit. Drive 20km (12, 42 miles) to the Tambopata River Port, entering the Native Community of Infierno. The 2 ½ hours boat ride from the Tambopata Port to Posada Amazonas will take us past the Community of Infierno and the Tambopata National Reserve´s checkpoint and into the buffer zone of this 1.3 million hectare conservation unit.

Upon arrival, the lodge manager will welcome you and brief you with important navigation and security tips.

Canopy Tower; a twenty minute walk from Posada Amazonas leads to the 30 meter scaffolding canopy tower. A bannistered staircase running through the middle provides safe access to the platforms above. From atop you obtain spectacular views of the vast expanses of standing forest cut by the Tambopata River winding through the middle. Now and then toucans, parrots or macaws are seen flying against the horizon, or mixed species canopy flocks land in the treetop next to you.

Ecotourism Lecture; a daily presentation on the Infierno ecotourism project is available every night from a staff member – Overnight at Posada Amazonas Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 – Tres Chimbadas Oxbow Lake – Ethnobotanical Tour

Breakfast at Lodge; visit Tres Chimbadas Oxbow Lake; Tres Chimbadas is thirty minutes by boat and forty five minutes hiking from Posada Amazonas. Once there you will paddle around the lake in a catamaran, searching for the resident family of nine giant river otters (seen by 60% of our lake visitors) and other lakeside wildlife such as caiman, hoatzin and horned screamers. Otters are most active from dawn to eight or nine AM.

Ethnobotanical Tour; a twenty minute boat drive downriver leads you to a trail designed by the staff of the Centro Ñape. The Centro Ñape is a communal organization that produces medicines out of forest plants and administers them to patients who choose their little clinic. They have produced a trail which explains the different medicinal (and other) uses of selected plants.

Night walk; you will have the option of hiking out at night, when most of the mammals are active but rarely seen. Much easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories.

Overnight at Posada Amazonas Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 – Parrot clay lick – Ceiba Trail Hike – Farm visit

Parrot Clay Lick; this clay lick is only a twenty minute walk from Posada Amazonas. From a blind located about twenty meters away you will see dozens of parrots and parakeets descend on most clear mornings to ingest the clay on a river bank. Species such as Mealy and Yellow- headed Amazon, Blue-headed Parrot and Dusky headed Parakeet descend at this clay lick. The clay lick is active at dawn, during the late mornings and mid-afternoons.

Ceiba Trail Hike; we leave from the lobby at Posada Amazonas and embark on a two hour hike crowned by the largest tree in the vicinity: a giant ceiba tree. During the hike we will focus on the natural history of the rain forest and its principal taxonomic groups.

Farm Visit; a thirty minute boat drive downriver takes us to the most complete farm in the community of Infierno. The owner grows a diverse variety of popular and unknown Amazon crops. In his garden, just about every plant and tree serves a purpose – Overnight at Posada Amazonas Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 – Departure from Lodge – Flight to Lima – Connect at International Flight

Breakfast; transfer Boat – Posada Amazonas to Tambopata River Port then to Puerto Maldonado, we retrace our river and road journey back to Puerto Maldonado, our office and the airport. Depending on airline schedules, this may require dawn departures; flight to Lima where you can connect at the same airport for International flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Services Included

All mentioned land transport (bus, etc.), Hotel accommodation with breakfast, entrance to parks and cultural sights, guided visits and mentioned excursions, English/Spanish speaking guide to accompany visits and excursions, all transfers, meals as indicated in the itinerary, Train tickets Expedition Class, Amazon Tour

Services not included

International airfares, domestic flights

Airport departure (US$ 30 per person for international flights and US$ 6.5 for national flights) taxes or visa fees, excess baggage charges, additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations, alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls, radio calls or messages, reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature, personal equipment, obligatory personal insurance and meals which are not mentioned, Entrance fee to Wayna Picchu Mountain.

Flights

Domestic flights are not included in the price; you’ll need to book the following

 Day 3 – Flight to Puno (Juliaca) – Visit Sillustani

Lima to Juliaca in the morning; you can buy with Star Peru –www.starperu.com

Day 12 – Flight to Puerto Maldonado – Tambopata Lodge

Cusco to Puerto Maldonado in the morning; you can buy with Star Peru – www.starperu.com

Day 15 – Departure from Lodge – Flight to Lima – Connect at International Flight

Puerto Maldonado to Lima in the morning; you can buy with Star Peru –www.starperu.com

Other companies that you can buy domestic flight tickets will be StarPeru www.starperu.com OR LAN www.lan.com OR AVIANCA www.avianca.com.pe