Machu Picchu and Amazon
Cuzco - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Tambopata (7 days / 6 nts)
From $1360
Combine the natural wonders of Tambopata with the cultural, scenic and archaeological marvels of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. This tour includes a 2 day overnight trip to Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Lima - Cuzco
Upon arrival in Cusco we will assist you at the bus station and transfer you to the hotel.
City tour of Cusco, including the Santo Domingo convent monastery. This former Colonial monastery was previously the Korikancha temple, one of the most important temples devoted to the worship of the sun. According to the chronicles, it was covered in gold Leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Visit also the Cathedral, the most important temple of the city which houses the headquarters of the Diocese.
After touring the most interesting sites of the city, you will be driven to the countryside outside Cusco to visit some of the remarkable Inca ruins in the area. Included are the cult centre of Sacsayhuaman, the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko, and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara. At the end of the tour, transfer to the hotel.
(Included meals : N / A)
Day 2: Cuzco - Sacred Valley of the Incas
Take a trip to Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You will begin your tour visiting Awanakancha, where South American camelidae are bred. Learn about the llamas, alpacas and vicuñas superb fibres, as well as the ancient weaving techniques which are still in use. Proceed to Pisac where you will have the opportunity to bargain with vendors at its local handicrafts market. Enjoy lunch at a pleasant hostelry in the countryside and continue to the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. The site was built just as the Spaniards arrived and evidence of how it was is still visible.
(Included meals : Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 3: Sacred Valley of the Incas - Machu Picchu
Transfer to Ollanta station to board the train to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes you will take a 25-minute motorcoach ride to The Lost City of the Incas, which was discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Located on the left bank of the Vilcanota river lies the wonderful old city of Machu Picchu, which in quechua means Old Mountain.
According to research, Machu Picchu would have been one of the vacation residences of Pachacutec, the first Inca emperor between 1438 and 1470. However, some of its finest buildings and the evident ceremonial purpose of the main access road to the village, prove that it was used as a religious shrine. Machu Picchu is considered both a masterp iece of architecture and engineering because of its unique architectural and landscaping features.
Prominent constructions among its buildings are the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial and the Burial Grounds, among others of singular architecture and importance.Your guide will narrate and explain all about this splendid citadel, which is a truly amazing experience. After the guided tour you will have free time to stroll around the archaeological site. Lunch at café Inkaterra. Overnight in Aguas Calientes
(Included meals : Breakfast, Lunch).
Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cuzco
We strongly recommend that you wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu (no guide included this day). This is a once-in-a-lifetime sight. Optional: For hiking enthusiasts, we suggest a walk up to the peak of Huayna Picchu. In the afternoon return by train to Ollantaytambo train station, and then by van or car transfer to the Hotel in Cusco.
(Included meals : Breakfast)
Day 5: Cuzco - Puerto Maldonado - Tambopata
Transfer to Cusco airport, assistance on departure flight. Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, transfer to the pier, enjoy a twenty-five minute motor-canoe ride down the Madre de Dios River to the starting point of a half hour trek. After arriving at a small channel, board a dugout canoe for a short trip to Lake Sandoval. Continue the journey on a catamaran to reach Sandoval Lake Lodge.
After lunch, board the catamaran again to visit the west side of the Lake. Early in the evening, observe the macaws arriving to the place to spend the night. After dinner, canoe expedition in search of the impressive black caiman.
We will transfer you from your hotel to the airport, and provide you assistance on your departure flight. Upon arrival in Tambopata our guests will have the option of staying at Concepcion Hacienda or Reserva Amzonica lodges.
3Day / 2 night at Hacienda Concepcion
(Category : Standard, Superior, Superior 1)
3Day / 2 night Extension to Reserva Amazonica
(Category : Deluxe)
(Included meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Tambopata
Wake up at dawn to be at the lake at sunrise for a hopeful encounter with the family of giant otters, frequently visiting the Lake. A good chance to see and photograph the very rare prehistoric-looking hoatzin bird.
After breakfast, walk through the upperá jungle near the lake to see towering wild brazil nut trees, where you can see the natives techniques to collect, open, pack and commercialize this product. This is a very important economic activity in the area. After lunch, visit to the east area of the lake to appreciate some of the five species of monkeys inhabiting the place, especially the most remarkable brown capuchin. Mid-day is best for resting, due to the heat.
After dinner, evening exploration: this is the time when the rain forest comes alive with about 90 species of bats, 40 species of frogs, 70 species of large katydids (rain forest grasshoppers), and cat species, the jaguar, the puma, the ocelot, and the margay. You will have the opportunity to explore along different trails through the primary forest and to hear the night sounds of the jungle.
(Included meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Tambopata - Puerto Maldonado - Fly out from Lima
After a breakfast at about dawn, take a final shorter paddle around the western end of the lake to try to glimpse the giant otters and to take some final pictures of lake birds before entering the canal again, walking back to the river, boarding a motorized canoe from Tambopata to the pier in Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the airport.
(Included meals : Breakfast)
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