MACHU PICCHU & AMAZON ADVENTURE

DAY 1 - October 24, 2019

Depart the Burlington, Vermont airport

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DAY 2 - October 25, 2019

Arrive in Lima tonight and private transfer to your hotel. You’ll be close to the airport for a bit more sleep before your next day’s flight to Cusco.

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DAY 3 - October 26, 2019

A short morning flight brings us to the famous Inca city of Cusco where our adventure begins. First we will make our way above the city to the imposing fortress of Sacsaywaman where we can marvel at the incredible stonework and architecture of the Inca civilization. In route to the Sacred Valley, fifteen hundred feet lower than Cusco we will visit a Llama, Alpaca and Vicuna farm where we will have the chance to see weaving and textile techniques used by local people for centuries.

 

The warm and fertile Sacred Valley was of immense strategic and agricultural importance to the Incas. Lunch today will be in the beautiful country town of Pisac just below one of the most important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. For those who would like to visit Pisac ruins you can accompany our guides to the site while others may explore this small town. Later on we head to the hotel around 30 minutes down the road through the Sacred Valley.

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DAY 4 - October 27, 2019

This morning we’re off to another two important sites in the Sacred Valley, and then on to Machu Picchu on the afternoon train. First we will visit Maras Moray then visit Ollantaytambo. After a short scenic drive we arrive at the circular Inca ruins of Moray where. Time is permitted to fully explore these fascinating ruins. Moray is believed to be an Incan agricultural centre used to improve high altitude crops – an essential commodity for the huge Inca armies and road building teams essential to support the empire. We then drop down back down into the Sacred Valley. En-route are some of the most astounding Salt-pans covering the whole of the hill-side.

 

These salt-pans were mentioned in conquering Spain’s chronicles. We will stop for lunch along the way to Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is the only Inca village still inhabited in the present day. Peer through ancient, trapezoidal doorways into courtyards where life has changed little in 500 years, then explore the huge ruins which loom above the town. A beautiful late afternoon train down the Urubamba Valley to majestic Machu Picchu where you’ll spend the night. You may visit the medicinal sulfur hot springs tonight if you wish. Machu Picchu tour tomorrow!

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DAY 5 - October 28, 2019

Sunrise at majestic Machu Picchu! Known as one of the greatest architectural achievements in the world, this historic sanctuary is considered one of the seven manmade wonders of the world. During peak visiting hours (10-2), we can try a hike on one of the surrounding Inca trails on Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Return by train and car to Cusco in the evening.

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DAY 6 - October 29, 2019

Today you will have an option to go on a Cusco city tour, explore on your own or add an extra aventure activity such as rafting, zip lining , hiking or mountain biking. On the city tour we will head to the picturesque Plaza de Armas to the cathedral to see the colonial influence in the city, and we can admire the stunning architecture of the church and also the native influences subtly woven in into the artwork.

 

Onwards to Coricancha Inca museum where the colonial and Incan architectures are on display side-by-side directly contrasted with each other. Then you’ll get a taste of Cusco by visiting the San Pedro central market. Overnight in Cusco.

DAY 7 & 8 - October 30 – November 1, 2019

This morning we’re off to the Amazon rainforest for a Amazon jungle tour! Travel by air to the city of Puerto Maldonado and then transfer to a motorized dugout canoe for the trip upriver to our jungle lodge. Our cabins at the lodge have modern bathrooms and comfortable beds with mosquito nets, and the food here is great.

 

Take an afternoon walk through the rainforest with an experienced naturalist guide, come back for dinner, then set off again for a nocturnal jungle canoe ride to spot caiman! The next day’s activities will include a visit to an oxbow lake to look for giant river otters, monkeys, macaws and other wildlife as well as jungle walks led by an experienced, English speaking guide. You’ll witness an array of medicinal and otherwise interesting flora and fauna, as well as gain some insight into native Amazonian peoples and traditions. For several nights and mornings you will fall asleep and wake to the sounds of the rainforest!

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DAY 9 - November 2, 2019

Early morning activities at the jungle lodge and then transfer by boat back to Puerto Maldonado. After a late morning or afternoon flight to Lima, you’ll have the rest of the day free to enjoy the capital city’s many museums, restaurants, cafes and other sights. The hotel is located in the neighborhood of Miraflores, with good artisan markets and restaurants, and you’ll have a late afternoon city tour. We will visit the Parque de Amor to take in some beautiful views of the Pacific coast. Later, we will visit the Larco Museum & Huaca Pucllana. The Larco Museum is housed in an 18th century viceroyalty-era mansion. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the Larco Museum is a stimulating and inspiring space in which visitors can enjoy and learn more about the fascinating history of ancient Peru. The cultures gallery provides a clear and captivating narrative account of more than 5000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history.

 

Visiting the Larco Museum with their more than 45,000 meticulously catalogued archaeological objects, is a unique experience. The Archaeological Complex “Huaca Pucllana” was an Administrative and Ceremonial Center of the Lima Culture, a society that developed at the Peruvian Central Coast between 200 AD and 700 AD. Located in today’s district of Miraflores the “Huaca Pucllana” was built around 500 AD. “Pucllana” is one of the most important ancient monuments in Lima. Based on the “Huaca Pucllanas” architecture and found objects, it is believed that the complex was the heart of development of the “Lima Culture” and served as a ceremonial and administrative center. This site is one of the only archaeological sites lit up at night and it looks amazing under the colored lights! Dinner at the famous Huaca Pucllana restaurant tonight.

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DAY 10 - November 3, 2019

Departure day. A private transfer to the airport is included anytime today.