Sun - Day 1 - depart to Peru - arrive Lima
Depart from the home city to Lima where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel located in Lima. Overnight at the Hotel.
Mon - Day 2 - Lima - Cuzco - Cuzco - Arch & Colonial City Tour & Sacsayhauman Park - Cuzco
You will be met and transferred to the Lima airport & the local airline flight departing to Cuzco. On your arrival our staff will meet and transfer you to the Hotel where you can use the remainder of the morning to acclimate to the 11,300 ft. altitude in the Inca capital of Cuzco. In the afternoon (1:45 p.m.), our staff will meet and transfer you by bus for a City tour of Cuzco to the Colonial and Inca sites of La Cathedral and Santo Domingo Convent, or Q’oricancha, Tambo Machay, Kenko, Pucapucara, and Sacsayhauman. Early evening return to Cuzco and the Hotel. ( 5:45 -6:15 p.m. ) Afterwards ( 7:30 p.m. ) you will meet with your guide for the orientation for Choqueqirao. Over night at the Hotel. ( BB )
Tue - Day 3 - Cuzco - Rafting - Cuzco
Our staff will meet and transfer you in the morning (9:00 -9:30 a.m.) by bus and guide to the Sacred Valley of the Inca. Here you will be instructed by a qualified and experienced guide for the half day of rafting in class II - III rapids in the Sacred Valley. Afterwards picnic style lunch on the rivers beach. Return in the mid afternoon ( 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. ) to Cuzco and the hotel OR remain in the Sacred Valley. (3:45 p.m) Overnight at the Hotel. ( BB/L )
Wed - Day 4 - Cuzco - Waqcha Pampas
Morning you will depart by private car and guide from Cuzco on the Abancay road to the Town of Cachora. On the way you will pass the towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo. Afterwards continue over the Kunyac Bridge and proceed to where you will visit the ruins of Tarawas & Sawite. After clearing the Cachora Pass continue to San Pedro de Cachora where camp will be set in Waqcha Pampas. ( BB/L/D )
Thur - Day 5 - Waqcha Pampas - Rosalina beach
After a healthy breakfast you will proceed to La Colmena with pack mules to the Pucaira pampas, down to the Apurimac river canyon. Here you will view the Chanchaillu which has a complex of water fountains. Here you will ascend to Wayna Qalli, where the first views of the archaeological site of Chokequirao and impressive Vilcabamba range can be appreciated. Here you will proceed to descend toward Cuca Masana and the beginning of the Amazon basin where a variety of fauna / flora abundantly emerges. After the extended hike the camp will be set near the Rosalina beach.
Camp at Rosalina beach. ( B/L/D )
Fri - Day 6 - Rosalina beach - Raqaypata
After our breakfast we will set out to be what is the most difficult day of the trek.Starting from our camp we will proceed toward the mountains on the Cusqueno side, toward Maranpata where many varieties of colorful orchids, species of birds and other creatures are known to exist on the basin of the fertile Amazon. As we make our way to the "newly located" site of the Choquekirau ruins, the surroundings become more apparent that we are near our final post for the day above the Apurimac river or as known as the Gold Cradle. Proceed to Raqaypata where you will camp on the banks of the Chunchullmayu river ( B/L/D )
Sat - Day 7 - Raqaypata - Choqueqirao - Rosalina beach
After a early sun rise and hearty breakfast the trek takes you approx 1 hour hike to the archaeological compound of Choqueqirao. Here you will be able to walk into the acropolis of eight sectors including the altar of the sun, Andean terraces, barns, Qolqas and plazas. After some time is spent to appreciate this latest Inca wonder you will have additional free time and later proceed for the trek back down to Rosalina beach were the camp again will be spent. ( B/L/D )
Sun - Day 8 - Rosalina beach - Cachora - Ollantaytambo
After breakfast the gear will be packed and the we will depart the area hiking back to Cachora. Along the way a excellent view of the Apurimac river as well as the site of Wayna Qalli is a viewable appreciation toward the canyon. Here the private bus will be waiting here for the transfer into the Urubamba Valley then to Ollantaytambo the oldest continuously habituated town of the Inca. Here there are several structures of importance to the Inca. At the top of the sixteen massive terraces are the ever impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo Fortress where it is known the Inca fought some of their fiercest & strongest battles. The huge precisely carved stones were transported somehow by hundreds of men down one mountain range to the Ollantaytambo location and fitted perfectly to support a strategic fortress that has bared the test of time. Also found here are "silos" or grain mills that are directly adjacent to the fortress and were to have maintained thousands of pounds of grain for the Inca and its people. Some of which was most likely produced by the surrounding agricultural terracing where a variety of crops were grown. Return to Cuzco or transfer to the Sacred Valley. ( B/L )
Mon - Day 9 - Ollantaytambo - Inca Trail
A mid morning departure by private bus to the starting point at k. 82. in Chilca. After a short hike you will enter into the National Park at Llactapata where you will be registered and the porters will be adjusted for the proper weights of all the equipment. At one time this was used as utilitarian center of large settlement of farming terraces which probably supplied the other Inca trail sites.( All the camping gear is carried by our staff giving you the time to enjoy the beautiful scenic views. Today you will get your first taste of the environment with all the diversity of plants as you hike along the Cusichaca river then on to Huayllabamba which leads into the Amazon basin. All the camping gear is carried by our staff giving you the time to enjoy the beautiful scenic views like the snow capped peak of Mt Veronica that tops out at 19,200 ft. As you make your way through the most intricate pre-Columbian highway system of the Americas (some say the world) you will continue to the village of Huayllabamba, as a steeper climb takes you through part of a mountain forest & up to the point of Llulluchapampa at ( 12,500 ft.) Here you will get your first glimpse of the Vilcabamba range as you settle in for the day and the camp site will be set by the porters at Llulluchapampa. ( Camp ) ( B/L/D ) ( actual campsite locations may vary from day to day due to INC regulations )
Tues - Day 10 - Inca Trail
After a early breakfast the most difficult part climb of this Inca Trail is the (13,776 ft. ) Warmihuanunca Pass, this point is the highest part of the trip and from here the rest of the trip will be a down hill hike. After a brief moment to catch your breath and take some fabulous photos with your heads in the clouds you will descend into a area known as the orchid zone and continue towards the Inca outpost of Pacasmayo. After time is spent for a healthy lunch you will continue climbing a series of Inca steps and proceed towards the and the ruins of Runcuracay. ( 12,172 ft. ) Today’s camp will be set adjacent to a plateau and a small lake where clouds slumber by and time stands still.( Camp) (B/L/D)
Wed - Day 11 - Inca Trail
The day starts by climbing of the Inca steps to and passing the ruins of Runcuracay and the 12,172 ft. pass. As we descend into the rainforest you will notice a change in the vegetation. Here a variety of colorful plant life is abundant as well as temperatures are several degrees warmer from the higher pass. Our hike then leads us to the archaeological site of Sayajmarca and through an Inca tunnel opening at Phuyupatamarca ruins, ( 12,000 ft. ) where our camp will be set. (Camp) ( B/L/D )
Thur - Day 12 - Inca Trail - Machu Picchu
After a crisp fresh awakening to the breeze flowing through the mountains we enjoy the prepared breakfast and give respect to the mother earth for the gifts she bares. A rapid descent takes you through the cloud forest where a variety of flowers and tropical vegetation, mosses & tree ferns escort you to the magical ruins of Winay Wayna. Here there are several baths and newly uncovered terraces. In the anticipation of continuing on the trail your hearts may begin to pound from the excitement that awaits your every step and breath as you approach the fabled citadel. Just as you are to make your final turn and approach the trails entry a sigh of relief to know the reward is only a few steps further as you enter into Inti Punku Pass or "The Gate of The Sun." Here you will get your first magnificent view of the forgotten city of Machu Picchu. As you proceed downward into Machu Picchu large rock structures or temples are along the path to which the guide will point out as you make your way into "coliseum" like site. As you arrive your guide will explain the history and the myths that surround this archaeological wonder. Several ideas or possibilities have been noted of this massive archaeological complex of acropolis proportion. Weather this site was a pre Incan, a previous leaders sanctuary for his retirement, maybe a location for the virgins to be separated from the kingdom and used as wives for the Inca rulers or even sacrificial for the gods. It seems that the world will never know. After your tour transfer to the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel or continue by bus to the base of Machu Picchu and the town of Aguas Calientes where a local Hotel will be the accomodations for the night.( 1:30 - 2:00 p.m.) Remainder of the day on your own. Overnight at the Hotel. ( B ) ( based on hotel you stay at some incl. lunch and dinner )
Fri - Day 13 - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Full day on your own in Aguas Calientes where you can take a short hike to visit a local butterfly farm, the orchid trail or bird watch for the many variety of semi tropical birds that are habitants of this area. You may as well choose to re-enter Machu Picchu where you can watch the sunrise, hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, visit the Inti Punku Pass (Gate of the Sun ) or explore and take more photographs of the area. In the late afternoon you will bid farewell to the lost city of Machu Picchu and proceed to the Aguas Calientes train station where you will board the ( 3:00 p.m. ) auto wagon train for your return to Cuzco. After your arrival into the Cuzco train station ( 6:45 -7:00 p.m.) our staff will meet and transfer you to the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. ( BB) ( 2nd day Machu Picchu entry fees $25.00 or bus transfers in / out of Machu Picchu $15.00 not incl.)
Sat - Day 14 - Cuzco - Puno
Early morning you will be met & transferred by tour bus from Cuzco to Puno. ( 8 hrs.) with stops and guided tours of Pikillaqta, Andahuaylillas, Rachi & Sicuani. Later continue on to Puno with a late a afternoon arrival where you will be met & transferred to the Posada del Inca Hotel. The remainder of the evening on your own. Overnight at the Posada del Inca. ( BB )
Sun - Day 15 - Puno - Uros - Amantani ( homestay )
Early morning departure to Lake Titicaca where you will go by boat to the floating Uros Islands. Here time will be allowed for mingling, shopping or even to barter for a large selection of local hand made items with the descendants of Uros Indians. After a short time here you will proceed again by boat to the Island of Amantani where many archaeological sites will be visited with your guide. There are several temples and a Royal throne "Inkatiana" carved of stone on the shore of the lake. You as well will visit the impressive points of either Pacha Tata or Pacha Mama for a magnificent view of Lake Titicaca from the highest point of the island. Later a cultural excursion to visit up to six different villages that exist on the largest island. Here these humble and simple Amara Indians descendants have lived on this some what secluded island from the mainland unchanged in their traditions for hundreds of years. Afterwards you will proceed to a local family home that is your accommodations for the night. Overnight at a local Indian family home. ( CB/D )
Mon - Day 16 - Amantani - Taquile - Puno
Morning after breakfast and a last visit in the area proceed to the Island of Taquile where you can view pre Inca & Inca archaeological ruins & terracing. Mid day depart by boat from Taquille with a late afternoon arrival into Puno. Here you will be met and transferred to the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. CB )
Tues - Day 17 - Puno - Chullpas of Sillustani - Juliaca - Lima
After breakfast you will be met and depart for the Chullpas of Sillustani or pre Inca funerary towers. Here you can view the structures that once housed the remains of these ancient ancestors of the Highland region of Lake Titicaca. All that remains are that of the stonework, all else has been lost and looted by grave robbers years ago. Afterwards continue to the Juliaca airport for the departing flight to Lima. Here you can transfer to the international flight home.
( option to stay in Lima )
Wed - Day 18 - depart for home or extend to ...
arrive into your home city
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Trip can start on Friday, Sunday or Tuesday. |
|
Class |
Rating |
Hotels |
sng |
dbl. |
tpl |
|
Tourist |
3 star |
LM - Colon, CZ - Los Andes, SV - Pakaritampu, MP - Hatuchay, LT - Eco |
0000 |
0000 |
0000 |
|
First |
4 star |
LM - Colon, CZ - Novotel (CR), SV - Pakaritampu, MP - Hatuchay, LT - Posada |
0000 |
0000 |
0000 |
|
First |
5 star |
LM - Swissotel, CZ - Libertador, SV - Pakaritampu, MP - Pueblo, LT - Libertador |
0000 |
0000 |
0000 |
|
First |
5 star |
LM - Swissotel, CZ - Monasterio,SV - Pakaritampu, MP - Sanctuary, LT - Libertador |
0000 |
0000 |
0000 |
|
LM = Lima, CZ = Cuzco, SV = Sacred Valley, MP = Machu Picchu, LT = Lake Titicaca. Hotels noted are based on the America star system. ( CR = Colonial rooms in Cuzco ) |
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Trip can also be adjusted to suit your needs. |
INCLUDES:
E-Mail Us for customized packages to Peru.