Machu Picchu
Some of the most impressive sights in Peru come together for this adventure through the world of the ancient Inca people and into the lowland jungles. From the Sacred Valley-the heart of the Incan empire-to the majestic mountain-top citadel of Machu Picchu, you'll get an amazing experience of Incan culture of long ago as well as contemporary Andean people. Then, it's on to the lowlands in search of the exotic flora and fauna of the Peruvian Amazon jungle.

Day 1 – Lima
Upon arrival in Lima, we meet you at the airport and take you to the Costa del Sol Ramada for an overnight stay.

Day 2 – Lima to Cusco to Sacred Valley of the Incas
We return to the airport in the early morning for the one-hour flight to Cusco where we are met and driven to the Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred Valley to the Incas. An important agricultural zone, this area was once the heart of the Inca Empire, revered for its fertile soil and rich corn fields. We will have the rest of the day at leisure to relax in the beautiful surroundings of your hotel, The Pakaritampu, and acclimatize to the altitude. B

Day 3 – Sacred Valley of the Incas
A morning visit to the colorful market in Pisac, famous for it multi-colored beads. You will have plenty of time to browse the displays of jewelry, sweaters, and other local crafts.

After lunch at a restaurant in the valley, visit the ruins at Ollantaytambo. This sprawling Incan temple complex towers over the small town from the surrounding mountains. You'll explore the ruins and get spectacular views across the town and the valley beyond. We'll return to the comfort of our hotel, The Pakaritampu, in the valley for the night. B, L

Day 4 – Machu Picchu
In the morning, catch the train from Ollantaytambo to the mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu. Spend the morning exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu with a guided tour group. If you like, you can hike up to the top of Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu's close neighbor, for an exhilarating view of the ruins complex below. In the late afternoon return to the town of Aguas Calientes, in the valley below Machu Picchu on the Urubamba River, to spend the night. You will stay in the Hatuchay Towers. B, L

Day 5 – Machu Picchu to Cusco
You'll have a second opportunity to explore the wonders of Machu Picchu and to better understand the harmonious mixture of architecture and topography so typical of Incan city planning. Early risers who catch the first bus to the mountaintop will be rewarded with an ancient city almost free of other visitors. In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Cusco and stay in Casa Andiana Private Collection. B

Day 6 – Cusco
In the morning, explore Cusco and the Inca sites close to Cusco on a guided group tour. The central plaza's site has not changed since the city was the capital of the Inca empire. You can visit fine examples of both Incan and Spanish colonial architecture at Koricancha, the Incan Temple of the Sun, and at the main Cathedral in the central plaza.

Then, visit Inca sites on the outskirts of Cusco, such as the Sacsayhuaman fortress, whose giant boulders are placed to resemble a jaguar with an open mouth, the temple and amphitheater of Qenko with its underground stone alter, and the water shrine of Tambo Machay.

The afternoon is at your leisure, so whether your interest is exploring more Inca ruins, visiting colonial churches, bargain hunting in Indian markets or just relaxing over a cappuccino in the main square, Cusco has it all! You will stay again at the Casa Andiana Private Collection. B

Day 7 – Cusco to Puerto Maldonado to Sandoval Lake Lodge
A short flight over the Andes brings us to Puerto Maldonado in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Here we travel by boat, on foot and by canoe to reach our jungle lodge on the shore of Lake Sandoval, nestled deep in the Tambopata National Reserve. After lunch and a quick siesta we set out to explore the lake with our expert naturalist guides, exploring the lakes edge by canoe in search of monkeys, birds and the rare Giant Otter. B, L, D

Day 8 – Sandoval Lake Lodge
Up at dawn, we continue our exploration of the lake, and then by foot into the pristine rainforest. Here our resident naturalist guides bring the forest to life as they point out plants with medicinal uses, interesting insects and colorful birds and butterflies. An after lunch siesta and an opportunity for further exploration of the lake awaits you this afternoon. For those still with enough energy there is an after-dinner lake excursion to look for the rare Black Caiman. B, L, D

Day 9 – Sandoval Lake Lodge to Lima
Return to Puerto Maldonado and our flight to Lima. On arrival you will be taken to the Casa Andina Centro. In the afternoon, take a private tour of the city that was once the capital of the Spanish empire in South America. You'll get to know this bustling, metropolitan city, its rugged, Pacific coastline, and see key sites and beautiful colonial architecture of Lima. In the evening you will be transferred to the Lima airport for your international flight.B



For more information and current prices please send an email to travel@tropicalnaturetravel.com.

Staying on in Peru? Whether your interest is archaeology, wildlife or culture, in a short extension tour you can experience more of the rich living heritage of this vibrant country. Day trips and adventure trips are also a great way to see Cusco and Lima and their nearby sights. We can even arrange hotels and transportation.