Day 1: International arrival to Lima
Assistance on your arrival to Lima "Jorge Chavez"
Airport and transfer to the Hotel.
Day 2: LIMA/ CUSCO - City Tour and
nearby Inca sites
Early in the morning, transfer to the Airport to take the
flight to Cusco.
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. After arrival we suggest
some rest in the hotel in order to avoid altitude sickness
and have lunch there. In the afternoon, we will have a guided
city tour of Cusco visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral
and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha Then, we drive out
of the city to visit the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay,
Puca Pucara and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically
built on a hill overlooking Cusco and famous for its enormous
carved stones, some of them standing over 9m / 30ft high and
weighing over 350 tons. Return to the hotel.
Day 3: CUSCO: Sacred Valley of the
Incas (L)
(Available
only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays)
Excursion to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", a
succession of picturesque towns, agricultural terraces and
archaeological sites. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays,
we´ll have the opportunity to bargain with vendors or
stroll at the Pisac's typical Indian market, with a catholic
mass service on Sunday (celebrated in Quechua, the native
language).
Lunch at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley.In the afternoon pass through Calca and Urubamba towns to
arrive to the Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo,
which was built to guard the entry of this part of the valley
and protect it from enemies of the lower jungles; consisting
in a series of superimposed terraces of carved stones accessed
by long staircases. We will have the opportunity to walk through
the quaint streets of the nearby town, religious and agricultural
centre during the Inca Empire, and get a clear idea of the
military strategy against possible invasions. On our way back
to Cusco we will visit the picturesque Andean village of Chinchero
where the remains of what was the royal hacienda of Tupac
Inca Yupanqui lies. Admire its well preserved Inca Wall at
the Main Square, visit the beautiful colonial temple built
on Inca foundations, with interesting frescoes on the portico.
Back to Cusco in the afternoon.
Day 4: CUSCO: Machu Picchu (L)
The day starts with an early morning rise to transfer to Cusco
train station for a 4 hour train journey to the famous Inca
Citadel of Machu Picchu, also known as "The
Lost City of the Incas". Arrive at Aguas Calientes station
followed by a 30-minute bus drive, climbing 6km of winding
road, to the incredible Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we´ll
participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the
Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal
Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and various burial
grounds. After the tour you will have time to stroll around
the archaeological site at your leisure. Lunch in a restaurant
at Aguas Calientes town.
In the afternoon, back to Cusco by train, and transfer to
the Hotel.
Day 5: Flight to Puerto Maldonado,
and journey to the lodge (L) (D)
Following your early morning flight to Puerto Maldonado from
Lima or Cusco, you will be met at the airport by your naturalist
guide and transferred
to a dugout canoe for the trip up the Tambopata River to the
lodge. On the journey the vegetation changes from colonized
deforested areas to virgin rain forest. A box-lunch is provided
on board. On arrival you'll have a welcome drink and meet
the rest of the staff. In the late afternoon you set off for
an introductory walk into the "terra firme" forest behind
the lodge (Trail 2), dominated by giant Brazil-nut and Dipteryx
trees. Frequently seen mammals on this trail are Saddle-back
Tamarinds, Brown Capuchins, Agoutis, Pacas, Blue-Morpho butterflies,
Trogons, Toucans and many other species of birds.After dinner
a night walk to find nocturnal animals or insects by the eye-shine
a specialization for increasing the light and see better,
about 50% of the animals are nocturnal in the rainforest.
Day 6: Hike to Lake Condenado (B)
(L) (D)
After an early breakfast you and your nature guide will board the motorized canoe once again for the short journey to the trail head to begin a morning's exploration by foot and paddle canoe of the lake system of Condenado, rich in bird and aquatic life. A family of Giant Otters live in the vicinity of the lake and are often observed. Birds abound especially Rufescent Tiger-herons, Great Egrets, Wattled Jacanas, Hoatzin, the noisy Donacobius and many others. Remember to bring your hat and sun cream for there is no shade out on the water. You will return to the lodge in time for lunch. The afternoon is for exploring the forest close to the lodge (with or without your guide), relaxing and bathing in the Gallucunca, a cool clear stream beside the lodge or visit our tree platforms, going up with ropes and harnesses for a bird's eye view of the forest and for close-ups of arboreal orchids and the many other species of plants and animals that are never seen near the ground (extra cost). After dark you will go searching for caiman (alligators) and other nocturnal animals by motorized canoe along the Tambopata River.
Day 7: Hike to Lake Sachavacayoc
(Tapir Lake) (B) (L) (D)
After an early breakfast you will take a short boat ride down
river to the trail
head. Here you embark on a longer trail which leads to a spectacular
hidden lake, requiring the crossing of streams and swampy
ground, past the giant Lupuna trees (kings of the jungle)
which abound in this part of the forest. On the walk you are
introduced to more aspects of the forest and its animals.
At the lake itself it is possible to spot the elusive Black
Caiman and Giant Otters. We return for lunch. The afternoon
is free for relaxation and bathing
Day 8: Puerto Maldonado / Lima (B)
A dawn start is required for the canoe trip back to Puerto
Maldonado giving memorable views of the sun rise over the
river. Lookout for the early morning wildlife which is particularly
active at this time. Howler monkeys are frequently heard,
as they stakeout their territories. Your guide will take care
of you on arrival in Puerto Maldonado and will deal with all
the necessities at the airport prior to you departure. (Departure
to Lima by plane). Ince in Lima you can wait at the Airport
for your international connection. |