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