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Andes & Amazon
offered by supplier M16923 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 10
day(s)
Group Size: 5
- 30
people
Destination(s):
Peru
Specialty Categories:
Hiking & Trekking
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 1350 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1600 US Dollar (USD)
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This tour includes all activities and transportation as mentioned in the itinerary. Please note that whilst on the Inca Trail, all accommodation is tented. All meals are provided and cooked by our support crew whilst on the trek. Porters will carry all that is needed on the trek, leaving you to carry your own personal belongings. Extra porters can be hired locally for a cost of US$ 15 - 20. All meals are provided whilst in the jungle lodge. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us via the "contact us" button above.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Between 7:00 and 7:30 am, we pick you up at your hotel in our own private bus. We then drive to Piskacuchu (2700 masl), a community located at the 82km point of the Cusco –Machu Picchu railroad. Starting at this point, we cross the bridge and walk along the left shore of the Urubamba River as it flows north-west along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800 masl), to then ascend to the view of the Inca city of Patallacta (2750 masl). We continue trekking along the valley gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach our first campsite in the Wayllabamba village (3000 masl). All along the way we will see spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where we see the impressive Veronica peak 5832 meters above sea level.
Day 2: We wake up at around 6:00 am, and after breakfast we leave Wayllabamba behind to 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 landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass), we see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We also 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, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600 m), where we camp after approximately 6 hours of hiking.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna, This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites that we visit and learn about from our guide. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3970 masl). Half way up, we visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud-forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m). 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, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700m). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography.
We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Phuyupatamarca means ¨town of the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and the long descending stone steps along which we will continue on to Wiñaywayna (2700 m). At this campsite we find a lodge with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers. The campsite has the same name as the complex located only five minutes away from the lodge. Wiñaywayna is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector.
Day 4: On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machu Picchu, and 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. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon and the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, return by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in the thermal baths. From here we take the train to the city of Cusco, where we will arrive after nightfall. Transfer to hotel.
Day 5: Free day in Cusco / Overnight in Cusco.
Day 6: Cusco - Puerto Maldonado – Ecoamazonia Lodge. Transfer to Cusco Airpot, flight to Pto. Maldonado airport, brief city tour in 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”, 5 minutes from lodge. Observe several kinds of monkeys like: the “black spider monkey”, “capuchin monkey”, “tamarind”, “squirrel monkey” and many others. Return to the lodge and enjoy sunset and dinner. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Ecoamazonia Lodge. After breakfast and guided walk through trails until you reach the “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 “sachavacas”, birds, jaguars and fish. Afterwards we visit the Amazon Watch Tower for a panoramic view of the rain forest,from the top of an immense tree (the Shihuahuaco). We take a canoe ride around the lake and return to lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, we take another canoe trip down the river to visit a local family. Return to lodge, dinner and overnight. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: Ecoamazonia Lodge. We’ll wake up to the delightful song of birds in the surrounding canopy. After breakfast, we’ll start our excursion with a walk deep into the jungle, making our way along specially-prepared paths and canyon bridges. During our walk, we’ll see a Caimans’ Cave, and as we continue along, we’ll arrive at majestic Lake Apu Victor with its crystal clear waters, surrounding jungle marshes and giant tree species.
Further along we’ll ascend to an observation point that opens up a spectacular panorama over the lake. We’ll observe parrots, guacamayos (aras), tucans, camungo, shanshos, herons and other animals. If we’re lucky, we may even glimpse the giant otter, the jungle’s most impressive animal. After several hours, we’ll return to the lodge to enjoy lunch and afternoon free time and dinner. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: Ecoamazonia Lodge. After 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/ Briolo, 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. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 10: Breakfast and end of services.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Depends on availability.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Hiking & Trekking
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, ext: 16923
