

RR47880
This tour will take you through forests, jungles, mountains and more as you make your way to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Along the way you will be able to learn all about the country’s history and culture as you start to unravel the mystery of the Incas.
Starting from | R47 880 |
Package Validity | Set departure dates between 19 AUG 2017 - 25 NOV 2017 on a SAT. |
Duration | 11 days |
Destination | South America |
Starts in | Lima |
Ends in | Cuzco (option to end in Lima) |
{tab Description}
- Internal flights Lima - Puerto Maldonado - Cuzco
- Arrival airport/hotel transfer
- 7 nights simple hotels & jungle lodge
- 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail
- 4 day Inca Trail Trek (alternatively hike the Lares Trek or travel by train to Machu Picchu)
- Breakfast daily & selected lunches & dinners
- Transfers & transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
- Guided tour of Cuzco, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
- Assistance of a tour leader & local guides
- Excursion to the Amazon Jungle
- Highlights include Amazon, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Inca Trail Trek & Lima
** A high season supplement starting from an additional R6000 per person applies for set departures between 24 JUN 2017 - 29 JUL 2017
** A high season supplemenst starting from an additional R7920 per person for set departure on 30 DEC 2017
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Lima
Welcome to the capital of Peru and the start of your adventure! Upon arrival at Lima airport you’ll be met and transferred to the hotel. The day is free for you to enjoy at leisure in Lima before our welcome meeting at 6pm this evening.
Overnight: Lima
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The Amazon Jungle
Lima - Puerto Maldonado. On the morning of day 2 we fly to Puerto Maldonado. Once there, we’ll travel by canoe along the Madre de Dios River to our jungle eco-lodge for the next two nights. Upon arrival we’ll be served a sumptuous, organic buffet lunch before heading off along the property’s various walking trails. Whilst walking we’ll be taught all about the rainforest, its role within the ecosystem and how it is transforming. As the sun sets, we’ll head back out onto the river for a Twilight Tour, allowing us to observe nocturnal animals as well as the constellations over head.
The following day, we’ll jump in a canoe and sail out on the lodge’s private cocha, where we’ll be able to try out several different native fishing techniques whilst keeping an eye out for exotic birds. The canoe ride finishes at the remains of the Fitzcarrald steam boat, where we’ll be given a brief history lesson about the origins of the perished ship. After lunch, we take to the water once again and visit the river island known as Rolin. We then get the chance to explore the island and learn about its ecosystem and vegetation. The day concludes with a visit to one of the lodge’s four clay licks. Here we will discover the difference between the clay licks and look for animal tracks in the walls before returning to the lodge for dinner.
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Cuzco
Puerto Maldonado - Cuzco. After breakfast on day 4 we take a short canoe journey back to Puerto Maldonado to catch our flight to Cuzco. Once in Cuzco, you are free to do what you like for the rest of the day – we recommend taking it easy though as you adjust to the altitude. The next morning we embark on a guided tour of the city and surrounding ruins, taking in some of its most famous landmarks. Along the way we will see the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Kenko Amphitheatre and the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, just to name a few. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Cuzco
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Sacred Valley
Cuzco - Sacred Valley. Today we set off on our scenic journey to the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is the Pisac market, a fantastic marketplace filled with local handicrafts, textiles and produce. Originally the market was only held on Sundays but its rise in popularity has led to it now being open every day. Once you’ve bartered for a few souvenirs we travel on to explore the incredible Incan fortress and citadel of Ollantaytambo with its giant Inca terraces built into a steep mountainside.
Overnight: Sacred Valley
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The Inca Trail
Sacred Valley – Km. 82 – Huayllabamba – Pacaymayo - Winaywayna. On day 7 we start the real adventure and begin our journey along the Inca Trail. The day starts with us being transferred to Km. 82 where we’ll meet our porters and be given our equipment. From there we head off along the Urubamba River, flanked by snow-capped mountains. After 11km of trekking we will arrive at our first campsite in Huayllabamba, situated at around 3000m above sea level. The next morning we set off again, walking towards the Warmihuanusca Pass, which commands excellent views of the gorge. After 7km we will set up camp in a place called Pacaymayo.
On day 9 we'll trek for 9km, starting at our campsite in Pacaymayo and winding our way through isolated plains until we reach the Runkurakay ruins. Here we can catch our breath, explore the forest and ruins and get ready to continue our journey. The next stop is the Sayacmarca ruins, from where we will carry on by crossing the ‘Lago Seco’ and ‘The Tunnel’ – a natural cavity produced by a landslide.Finally we will arrive at the Phuyupatamarca ruins and have the chance to explore before moving on to Winaywayna, the second most important archaeological site after Machu Picchu.
Note:If the Inca Trail is not available we offer the Lares Trek and if you prefer not to trek at all, you can opt to take the train to Machu Picchu on day 7 and enjoy extra time in Cuzco on days 8 - 10 with some additional included excursions. Breakfasts included only. Please refer to the Trip Notes for further information.
Overnight: Inca Trail (camping)
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Machu Picchu
Winaywayna – Machu Picchu - Cuzco. Today we spend the morning completing the final stretch of our trek, hiking past the Inti Punku (Gate of the Sun) and then all the way to the citadel of Machu Picchu. When we finally arrive on site, prepare to be blown away with the sight that lies before you. We have the entire day to explore the citadel and uncover the history of this Incan masterpiece. At the end of the day we’ll head down to the town of Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cuzco for the night.
Overnight: Cuzco
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Cuzco
Today our intrepid adventure has come to an end and it is time to go home. Our tour ends after breakfast and hotel check out. Should you wish to return to Lima consider our Cuzco to Lima flight bolt-on.
Breakfast
Upgrade your tour, opt to take the train &/or end in Lima
Signature Amazon & the Inca Trail: For a small supplement we offer upgraded Signature departures on this tour. Our Signature tours includes high quality 3-4 star accommodation, all entrance fees, a departure transfer to the airport and also porterage on the Inca Trail. Please click on the Signature Departures tab above to view the Signature tour Trip Notes and to see the departure dates.
Take the train to Machu PicchuIf you do not wish to trek you have the option to take the train to Machu Picchu on this tour, spending three nights Cuzco (in place of the Inca Trail). Whilst in Cuzco you'll enjoy a cooking class and visit to a local market, in addition to an excursion to visit Chinchero village and its fascinating market. For more information please refer to the trip notes. Please note that only breakfast is included on these days, if you choose not trek.
End your tour in Lima This tour ends in Cuzco giving you the freedom to further explore Peru independently. Alternatively, opt for our Cuzco to Lima flight bolt-on to return to Lima on day 11 of your tour. Includes: one way flight from Cuzco to Lima.
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