Andes to the Amazon

6 day/5 night

A splendid combination of history and nature. Learn about the ancient legacy of the Incas and its constructions made with overwhelming precision even in inaccessible locations while visiting the city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Afterwards, have an encounter with the hidden mysteries of the Amazonia in Tambopata.

Overwiew

  • DAY 1 Arrival in Cusco. Tour of the city and nearby archaeological sites
  • DAY 2 Excursion to the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero
  • DAY 3 Machu Picchu. Visit the World Heritage Site
  • DAY 4 Depart to Puerto Maldonado and continue to Tambopata with activities in the rainforest
  • DAY 5 Activities in the rainforest
  • DAY 6 Return to Puerto Maldonado. Departure

Included

  • Round trip arrival and departure transfers
  • Accommodation in Cusco and Tambopata
  • Buffet breakfast in Cusco
  • Full board in Tambopata
  • Cusco city and archaeological tour
  • Sacred Valley excursion with lunch
  • Machu Picchu excursion with transfers, train and bus tickets
  • Entrances and one-day pass to Machu Picchu
  • Jungle excursions
  • Professional guides
  • Professional guides

Not included

  • Personal expenses such as telephone calls, bar, laundry, medical expenses, etc.
  • Air tickets

Day 1 Cusco

Upon arrival in Cusco, transfer to your hotel.

The afternoon tour will lead you to discover the captivating city and the impressive nearby archaeological sites. Start visiting the Koricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun and the Cathedral, a colonial masterpiece with beautiful wood carvings and places of worship. Head uphill to Sacsayhuaman, a vast fortress built with huge stones showcasing the exceptional work performed by the Incas, and continue on to the archaeological complex of Kenko with its zigzagging structures. Following this ancient route of the empire, get to the “Red Fortress” of Puka Pukara, presumed to be a military post, and the Inca Baths of Tambomachay with its sophisticated canal system.

Day 2 Sacred Valley

Full day overland excursion to the gorgeous Sacred Valley of The Incas. Visit the colorful market at Pisac, where you can interact with the artisans and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. Buffet lunch in a countryside restaurant and continue on to Ollantaytambo, an Inca town with narrow cobbled stone streets and place of a great complex of buildings at its upper part, with an impressive ceremonial center used for water worship. Ollantaytambo, an example of Inca urban planning that is still live today, is undoubtedly one of the master works of the Incas. On the way back to Cusco, make a stop at the picturesque village of Chinchero, famous for its weaving and its colonial church.

Day 3 Machu Picchu

An unforgettable experience. Transfer to the station and depart on a scenic train ride to the breathtaking Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Upon arrival to Machu Picchu town (former Aguas Calientes), you will be driven to the citadel nestled in a location that can only be described as magnificent. Overseeing a deep canyon of the Urubamba River, fine stone carved stairways will take you to ceremonial shrines, the Sun Dial, agricultural terraces, squares and the urban areas. With a history dating back to the 15th century, this enigmatic site where the energy can be felt all around has not revealed yet the mysteries behind its construction. After the guided tour, free time to explore this wonder. Afternoon return to Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

Optional: you may extend your trip and include an overnight.

Day 4 Cusco – Puerto Maldonado – Lodge in Tambopata

Transfer to the airport to board your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival, proceed to the river port and depart by motor boat to the lodge. During the journey, enjoy the beautiful low jungle of the Amazon. Introduction to one of the most spectacular areas of virgin forests in the world. Learn about the biodiversity of the area by walking in open trails, appreciate the flora and fauna with different types of vegetation, insects, birds and other animals. Depending on the selected lodge, visit a scaffolding canopy tower to obtain spectacular views of the vast forest: toucans, parrots or macaws can be seen; or visit lookout towers designed for birdwatching and viewing other animals living at this altitude. After the sunset, when animals and birds are replaced by nocturnal species, an ecotourism presentation is shown by a staff member.

Day 5 Lodge in Tambopata

Admire the Amazonian biodiversity of this Ecological Reserve, home to more than a thousand species of birds, more than 20,000 species of plants, 90 species of mammals, over a thousand of butterflies; amphibians, reptiles and giant trees of a self-sustaining eco-system . Spend the day walking through open trails in primary forest, take a boat ride by the river, visit a lake to discover hidden animals like giant otters, visit a macaw clay lick at dawn wondering with an amazing spectacle of color and climb to an observation place to admire a spectacular sunset. The day’s activities will depend on the selected lodge.

Day 6 Tambopata – Puerto Maldonado – Lima

Return to Puerto Maldonado sailing by the river, and transfer to the headquarters to pick up the large luggage not taken to the lodge before proceeding to the airport to board your flight. This may require a dawn departure depending on your flight schedule