Tambopata Jungle, Short Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain and Puno

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – FLY TO PUERTO MALDONADO – TAMBOPATA RESERVE.

Upon your arrival in Puerto Maldonado, we will pick you up from the bus terminal or airport then we will go to our storage to leave some of our belongings and take what you need for the 4 day tour in Peruvian Amazon. We will take our private transport for 1 1/2 hours to the port of Tambopata, where our boat and motorist will be waiting to continue our journey on the Rio Tambopata for 50 minutes. On the journey we will observe different species such as birds, turtles, capybaras, white alligators etc. If we are lucky we may see the king of the jungle (Jaguar) who are sunbathing on the beaches, before arriving to our lodge. We will welcome you with typical refreshment, then be taken to your respective room. In the afternoon we will take a walk in the primary forest full of ancient trees that coexist with many creatures such as insects, spiders, ants, toads, butterflies, monkeys and some mammals, etc.

After dinner we will carry out a night activity with our flashlights to observe alligators, capybaras and perhaps a feline that is near the river for the night they naturally hunt at night. After this activity, return to our accommodation and rest. (Note: that plans may change slightly depending on your arrival to Puerto Maldonado)

• Accomodation: Tambopata Inn Lodge
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: Macaw Clay Lick-Tambopata National Reserve

We will wake up early and take our boat to travel up the Tambopata river for 1 hour and 20 minutes enjoying a wonderful sunrise, every day is a chance to see the sacred Anaconda on the banks of the Tambopata National Reserve. Travel up the river to the Clay Lick, a mineral wall, where you have the best possible position for to see the show that the Macaws and Parrots will put on. As the sun rises an explosion of life and color will burst before our eyes as hundreds of parrots and dozens of macaws eat clay.

In groups of two and three, Greedy Red Macaws and Scarlet Macaws come flapping their wings, landing in the main part of the trees. The macaws will eventually decide to come down and put on a colorful and noisy display on the bare shores. While they delight in the sodium sediment, we have the unique opportunity to enjoy watching the show (so just relax). Later, we will arrive at the (RESEARCH CENTER,) one of the best in the world to learn about the flora and fauna. Later return to our camp located on the border of the Tambopata National Reserve and the Bahuaja Sonene National Park; After a delicious dinner we will take a walk to see different species that come out at night to look for their food, then we will return to our Lodge to rest.

• Accomodation: Tambopata Inn Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 3 – ADVENTURE ZIPLINE – KAYAK – SANDOVAL LAKE RESERVE

Today after an early breakfast we take our return boat approximately 30 mins down the Tambopata River to the port where our transport awaits to transfer us to the city of Puerto Maldonado. We will go to our hotel and leave our luggage. Then we will go to the Monkey Island and you will be able appreciate a great diversity of flora and fauna as well as many species of animal. Afterwards, enjoy the great Canopy and ziplining in the Peruvian jungle. Later travel to Sandoval Lake reserve, after a boat ride to the lodge and in the evening we will do some caiman spotting.

• Accomodation: Amasisa Basic Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 4 – SANDOVAL LAKE – DEPART PUERTO MALDONADO – CUSCO.

After breakfast we explore the gorgeous Sandoval lake, the place we will have entirely for ourselves. Once we are done, head back to our lodge to pack. Later, there will be a short hike of 1 ½ hours through lush vegetation, before traveling by boat back to Puerto Maldonado. We will drive you to the airport for your flight out. Our next destination will be Cusco

Upon your arrival to the ancient imperial City of Cusco, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. There, you will receive a short briefing by your local guide.

• Meals included: Breakfast at the lodge
• 3* Accommodations: Maytaq  Wasin Hotel or Rumipunku
• 4* Accommodations: Costa del Sol Ramada or Casa Andina Premium or Novotel Hotels

“Note: The activities may vary due to weather conditions and other considerations. Your Amazon guide will provide details about the activities that you will enjoy each day.”

DAY 5 – ARRIVAL IN CUSCO

In the morning or afternoon, we will introduce you to the Imperial City of Cusco, a living example of the mix of Andean and Spanish culture. Continuing your journey, visit the Santo Domingo Convent built over the Koricancha, as well as the ancient Inca Palace and the main worship center of the Sun God. Our tour continues to the truly impressive archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman and its military Inca architecture, which dominates the city below. Finally, we explore the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puca Pucará and Tambomachay, located in the north east of the city. We will head back to your hotel in Cusco by early evening.

• 3* Accommodations: Maytaq  Wasin Hotel or Rumipunku
• 4* Accommodations: Costa del Sol Ramada or Casa Andina Premium or Novotel Hotels
• Meals: None

DAY 6 – CUSCO – PISAC – MORAY – MARAS – OLLANTAYTAMBO

We start this beautiful day at 7:30am, when your guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel in our private van. Our route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas leads us to Pisac. We stop first at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy an expansive view of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming villages. See how the agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed little in the past five hundred years. Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see an impressive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we can admire the carefully engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. Here, we will spend about 2 hours, exploring the Inca city. Then, we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, then drive to Urubamba for lunch.

Our next stop is the archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas” a deep basin of architectural wonder. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which was carefully engineered by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed. Archeologists believe that they were used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops and experiment in hybridization.

Continuing on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, we look down onto the pre-Inca salt “mines,” called salineras in Spanish. Thousands of salt pans have been passed down through countless generations and used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!

Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, taking the time to explore the Inca village that has remained intact since Inca times and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide. Visit the massive architecture of the Sun Temple at the top of the formidable terraces and learn about the importance of this site for the Inca during the beginning of the Spanish conquest. Here you spend the night at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready to start the Inca Trail the next day.

• 2* Accommodations:  Tunupa Lodge
• 3* Accommodation: El Alberge or Pakaritampu Hotel

DAY 7 – OLLANTAYTAMBO – Km104 – WIÑAY WAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU

We start this exciting day early; The guide will pick you up at 5:30am. When you arrive at the train station, your guide will give you a lunchbox to add to your daypack. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am and you will have just over an hour on the train to enjoy the scenery before arriving to your trek start point. The hotel can provide you a box breakfast to take or pack your own breakfast.

The guide will get off the train with you at the famous Km 104, where your hike begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level) After crossing the Urubamba river on a picturesque foot bridge, you will be required to show your passport at the checkpoint and get to visit the first Inca archeological site nearby. The first hour and a half are a gentle trek upward, with several shelters along the way to pause for awhile, to get out of the sun, or rain, depending on the season. Along the way, stop at several outlooks where you have an expansive view of the Urubamba River. Pass through several microclimates, including cloud forest, so be ready for damp or even rain at any season of the year. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper uphill trek with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end of the trail!

As you walk below the waterfall, be sure to gaze up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna as you pass! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. The guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this microclimate and answer any questions you have before the short 5 minute walk to your lunch spot.

After lunch, you will have a mostly flat hike to the Sun Gate except for a set of steep stairs just before you arrive to the Sun Gate. As you walk through the Sun Gate and turn the corner, you will experience your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu Citadel, so take some time to savor the moment and take photos. The last hour down from the Sun Gate provide many opportunities to take more photos of Machu Picchu from this unique vantage point. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, ask your guide questions about these historical places on the last part of your hike to Machu Picchu.

Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site, the “House of the Guardians”where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. Arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. Your will have a delicious dinner, then have time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.

You will leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes..

• 3* Accommodations: Ferre´ Hotel Machu Picchu
• 4* Accommodations: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Superior
• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel, picnic lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes

DAY 8 – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! The guide will give you a tour of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. See many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel.

After your tour, those who have booked in advance for an extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.

• Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel
• Difficulty: Easy
• 3* Accommodations: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Hotels
• 4* Accommodations: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel  Hotels

***IMPORTANT:

•  On the 2 day Inca Trail, we will be doing the circuit #3 or 4 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu.
• You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
• Early trains can be organized by requested and it has to be done by booking time.
• The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.

DAY 9 – CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – PUNO

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4am and begin with our amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure.  We set out on our drive for 3 hours through the South Valley; ending up at the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m / 15,216 ft).  Along the way, there are amazing views of farming Inca terraces, traditional villages, valleys and high Andean peaks.

The herds of alpacas and llamas near your breakfast spot will entertain you in the early morning. Once we reach the trailhead, we start on our hike following a lovely stream. As you start your hike, you will have views of the Ausangate Mountain and glaciers. You can interact with the local people, who are still keeping traditional Quechua culture alive. Learn about their traditional clothes and the significance of the different hats worn by the men. Ask your guide to teach you a few words of Quechua!

After a total hike of 1.5 hours, we finally reach our destination: Rainbow Mountain (5,020m /16,466ft). After admiring the unique beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just soak up the view. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. Afterwards, there is an optional hike across to the top of the Red Valley.  This walk takes about 45 minutes longer to get back to the trailhead.

At this point, we hike back down the way we came. The hike takes 1 hour, then we enjoy our lunch.

We will embark on the 2-hour drive on the way to Raqchi, lets explore this unique aamazing Inca city. Finally we drive to Puno for 3 hours, arriving to our hotel by 6pm

• Meals included: Lunch
• Difficulty: moderate to challenging
• 3* Accommodations: Casa Andina Classic Puno
• 4* Accommodations: Casa Andina Private Collection

DAY 10 – PUNO – UROS – TACQUILE – PUNO

We pick you up at your hotel in Puno at 7:30am and transfer you to the port of Puno.  This is when your adventure begins to “the Uros floating islands” an ancient ethnic group of people living on Lake Titicaca since pre-Incan times. They are still maintaining their original lifestyle fishing, hunting birds, gathering eggs and making optimum use of the reeds even as food.  At about 8:30 you will arrive at the islands and get to enjoy the opportunity to interact with the local families. You will visit their homes and have a demonstration of how they live their lives and how they construct the floating islands.  You will have the option for a boat ride on the magnificent reed boats constructed by the locals (10 soles extra).  After enjoying some time on the Uros Islands, you will be on your way to Taquile Island arriving around 11am.  There you will have the opportunity to experience some local music and dance, have a scrumptious lunch at a local restaurant and time to hike around the island and enjoy the spectacular landscape and views of Lake Titicaca.  You will arrive back to Puno at around 3:30pm and be transferred back to your hotel.

***You can add a 2 day trip on Lake Titicaca with an overnight stay with local family for $40 more.  

• Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel, lunch on the island
• Transportation:  Fast Boat Service