Cusco & Amazon
12 Days / 11 Nights

Itinerary

1. DAY 1. Welcome to Cusco!

   Welcome to the Imperial City of Cusco! Our transfer will be waiting for you at the airport in Cusco ready to take you to your hotel.

   The rest of the day will be free to be spent at your own leisure. We recommend taking a stroll through the city´s charming cobblestone streets and visiting the local market of San Pedro. Use this day to acclimate to the higher altitude without overexerting yourself!

   Your briefing session for the Inca Trail hike will take place at 18:30 hrs at the Alpaca Expeditions headquarters. You will meet your guide and fellow hike members during your briefing session. We will use this time to check in as well.

   Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
   Meals: Not included
   Entrance Tickets: None required

2. DAY 2. Sacred Valley of the Incas

   Your guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby in Cusco, at 8 a.m. You will be taken on a road that winds around the mountains north of Cusco. On the way, we will stop at a famous point known as El Mirador (Lookout Point). From there, we will be able to see the Sacred Valley and gain some insight into Inca history. The Sacred Valley was one of the main areas the Incas settled. There is an unusual abundance of fertile plains in this high area of the Andes. You will also witness vast contour terracing and irrigation channels left behind by the Incas.

   Later on, we will drive towards the ruins of Pisac. Here, you will witness and learn about Inca culture. You will see amazing works of stone art and impressive agricultural terraces. After exploring, we will drive back to the lower town of Pisac to stop at a bustling handicraft market. After you spend some time walking around the market bargain hunting, we will meet for lunch at a local Andean restaurant. This meal is not included in the tour, so if you prefer a different restaurant, just let your tour guide know.

   After lunch, will drive along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo. Once we reach Ollantaytambo, we will visit the ruins, an important area of Incan construction, built during the Inca’s heydays. This is an extraordinary Inca site because you can find rock formations representing the Inca god, Wiracocha.

   We will spend the night at Ollantaytambo to start our Inca Trail early the next day.

   Accommodation: Pakaritampu Hotel or similar
   Meals: Breakfast at hotel
   Entrance Tickets: All Included

3. DAY 3. Cusco - Piscacucho KM 82 - Llactapata - Ayapata

   Alpaca Expeditions will pick you up from wherever you are staying in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. Pick-up from Cusco will be from 4 to 4:30 AM, from Urubamba from 5:30 to 6 AM, and if you stay in Ollantaytambo, you get to sleep in a bit with your pick-up from 6:30 to 7 AM. These times will be confirmed at your briefing, as they might fluctuate based on where you are staying. We will take you to the Porter House which is located in Ollantaytambo after a delicious breakfast prepared by your cook, your guide will introduce you to your team of porters.

   We will then drive to Km 82, we’ll go through the first Inca Trail checkpoint to begin our trek. Please make sure you have your original passport with you to enter the Inca Trail. The first 2 hours of the trek are relatively easy as we make our way to our first Inca site. Patallacta is an ancient Inca checkpoint for the approach to Machu Picchu.

   From Patallacta it’s another 2-hour hike to our lunch stop. After lunch, we will hike for another 2½ hours until we reach the first night’s campsite at Ayapata (3300 meters). On this last stretch, we pass through 2 small communities. If you want to buy any energy drink, snacks, or essential items you may have forgotten such as batteries you can do so here. We’ll arrive at our campsite by 5:00 PM. After settling in for a bit, you can relax and have a hot drink and snack with your team of porters, chefs, and guides. By 7:30 PM, your dinner will be ready, and after you can get some well-deserved rest.

   Walking distance: 8.7 miles/14 km (6-7 hours)
   Campsite altitude: 3300 meters (high) above sea level
   Considered: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail)
   Weather: Warm and windy
   Accommodation: TENTS
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
   Entrance Tickets: All Included

4. DAY 4. Dead Woman's Pass - Runcuraccay Pass - Chaquiccocha

   Your porters will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea to get you ready for the day. We will have an early start since it will be our longest day. We’ll hike for roughly 4 hours to the highest pass of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass (4215 meters/13829 feet). On reaching the pass, we’ll stop for a short break to enjoy the views before setting off again to descend to the next valley (Pacaymayu Valley – Hidden River). It’s another hour and a half down the side of the valley to our lunch spot, where you will have a chance to refill your water bottles. After lunch, we begin ascending again to the second pass of the trek. It’s 2 hours over the pass where we will stop at a small Inca site (Runcu Raccay) and see two huge waterfalls cascading down the opposite side of the valley. After the second pass, it’s another hour downhill hike to reach the magnificent Inca site, Sayacmarca (an otherwise inaccessible village).

   We’ll stop here to rest and have a quick tour. Afterward, we will be able to watch the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. It’s then just another 20 minutes until we stop for the night at our second campsite Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3600 meters). After dinner, if you’re not too exhausted, we can do some star gazing, and we’ll point out the fascinating Inca constellations. In the magnificent Southern Hemisphere sky, away from all the artificial lighting, this sky is something to behold!

   Walking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
   Campsite altitude: 3600 meters (high) above sea level (chilly weather)
   Considered: Top day (you will have survived the two highest passes)
   Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
   Weather: Cold and rainy

5. DAY 5. Chaquiccocha - Wiñaywayna

   Completing Day 2 and beginning Day 3 certainly deserves a pat on the back! We will start early again, waking up at 6:30 am to begin what is commonly felt to be the most beautiful day of the whole Inca Trail. We hike for 2 hours along what we like to call “Inca flat” (gradual inclines) and begin to enter the jungle, known as the Cloud Forest. As we walk, we will have the opportunity to see Salkantay, the second highest snow-capped mountain in the Sacred Valley, and a fantastic panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Towards the end of the Inca flats, we begin to make our way up to the last peak at Phuyupatamarka (3600 meters) from where we’ll have great views overlooking the Urubamba River. Down the valley, we get our first view of Machu Picchu Mountain, but the site itself is still hidden. From Phuyupatamarka it´s a 3-hour walk down a flight of steps to our last campsite, close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Wiñay Wayna is the most spectacular Inca site on the trail after Machu Picchu and the most popular campsite because of its proximity to Machu Picchu. During the descent, we visit 2 Inca ruins, Phuyupatamarka (Town in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). We arrive at our campsite around 1:00 PM to have lunch.

   Then we will relax so that you are ready for your final day at Machu Picchu. At around 4:30 PM your guide will give you a short orientation, and you will visit the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna for an hour and a half there. Your guide will explain the significance of the site and combine all the information given during the trek. This way you will be fully prepared for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day. We like to spoil our guests as we enjoy our last feast with the porters and chefs. It’s an Inca Trail tradition to organize a ceremony in the evening to introduce the team to the tourists once again. This is to thank them for the great job done (if you wish to provide tips for them then you can do so at this time). It is advisable to go to bed at a reasonable time to get up in the early hours of the morning to arrive to Machu Picchu at the crack of dawn in the hopes that the weather will give us a beautiful sunrise over the ruins at Machu Picchu.

   Walking distance: 6.2 miles/10km (5 hours)
   Campsite altitude: 2.600 meters (high) above sea level (chilly weather)
   Considered: Easy day – all downhill!
   Area: High Cloud Forest
   Weather: Warm and very humid
   Accommodation: TENTS
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
   Entrance Tickets: All Included

6. DAY 6. Sun Gate - Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas - Return to Cusco

   Wake up time is at 3:30 AM. We’ll eat breakfast at 4:00 AM and wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first to start trekking when they open the gates at 5:30 AM. We’ll wave goodbye to our team of porters and chefs and then it’s “Forward On” to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here we have spectacular views of the mountains and Machu Picchu in all its glory. We will reach the Sun Gate by 6:30 am, and then it’s just an hour trek down to reach the Lost City of the Incas. As we hike and get closer to Machu Picchu, the views of the city get better! At about 7:40 AM we’ll reach the final checkpoint and enter Machu Picchu to begin our 2 hours private guided tour. After the tour, you’ll be given your bus tickets to make your way down to Aguas Calientes, and you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the city on your own or climb one of the neighboring mountains – Huaynapicchu (must be arranged ahead of time).

   Your guide will offer to meet you down in the village of Aguas Calientes to enjoy your last lunch in a local restaurant. This is optional and not included. At lunch, your guide will hand out train tickets, so if you choose to skip, please arrange to get these before leaving him at Machu Picchu. Unless you arrange for an upgraded train, we will book the Expedition class train departing Aguas Calientes at 2:55pm or 3:20 p.m. Please make sure you are on the platform at least 30 minutes ahead of time. This will be a 2-hour train to Ollantaytambo (based on which train you get), where an Alpaca driver will meet you and drive you back to the city on our bus, then drop you off at your hotel.

   
   Considered: The most exciting and magical day (early wake up 3.30 AM)
   Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
   Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)
   Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
   Meals: Breakfast
   Entrance Tickets: All Included (except Huayna Picchu Mountain entry ticket)

7. DAY 7. Rainbow Mountain

   We will pick you up for the Rainbow Mountain hike at 4:00 – 4:30 am from any hotel, Airbnb, or hostel in Cusco. It will be a 2½ hour drive to the trailhead – we will arrive at around 7 am. Here at the trailhead, our chef will make a delicious breakfast, including coffee, hot chocolate, teas, bread, fruit salad, eggs, and hot drinks. Cusco’s elevation is 3300m / 11,300ft, and the trailhead called Phulawasipata is at 4200m/ 14,300ft.

   Cusco’s weather is usually quite cold, and the trailhead is even colder, so early in the morning. Be sure to bring a warm jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves.

   After breakfast, we’ll hike about 2 hours uphill to the Rainbow Mountain range. At a slower pace, it could be 2¾ hours, or if you are really fit quick and acclimatized well, some people can do in 1½ hours. The hike up includes some short breaks where the guide will explain some important information about the mountains and the geography of the area. Perhaps you’ll have a chance to catch sight of some of the locals, including llamas and alpacas that frequent this area.

   The trail itself is quite wide and helpful for those with vertigo or fear of heights. The trek is best during the dry season as the trails are not paved. The trail can be a bit dusty, and in the rainy season, it can be slippery since it may be wet. However, with good waterproof hiking shoes and trekking poles, it will be just fine. This is your opportunity to see why Rainbow Mountain has become an Instagrammers delight according to CNBC!

   Upon your arrival at the top of Rainbow Mountain, around 9-10:00 am, you will have about 1 hour to explore the spectacular views of the surrounding areas – valleys, mountains and to view the highest glacial mountain in Cusco – Ausangate, whose summit is at an elevation of 6,384m / 20,944ft, making it one of the tallest mountains in Peru.

   After giving you a bit of time to take some treasured photos, your guide will tell you some intriguing facts about this fascinating place – like why the colors?! – and he will also share some details about the Inkan history. A few last photos of this spectacular mountain and we will begin our descent. We do this a little differently than other groups. Instead of hiking the same route as they do, we hike to a lookout point to see the Red Valley and continue with our hike.

   This valley is the icing on the cake, and many of our hikers say that it is even nicer than Rainbow Mountain! It is about 2½ hours mostly downhill from Rainbow Mountain, to the end of the trail, which is near where we started the hike. Here you will enjoy a fresh meal prepared by your chef, which includes cold drinks, appetizers, soup, and the main course.
   After lunch, it will be another 2½ hour drive to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel at around 4:30 – 5:30 pm.

   Your guide will double-check with you about the next day’s activities.

   Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
   Meals: Breakfast & lunch
   Entrance Tickets: All Included

8. DAY 8. Cusco to Puerto Maldonado

   Today, our representative will come to your hotel in Cusco ready to take you to the airport for your departure flight to Puerto Maldonado. This flight should be arranged in the morning hours, as your arrival to Puerto Maldonado should be by no later than 12:00 hrs.

   Upon arrival to Puerto Maldonado, you will be met at the airport by your naturalist guide and transferred to a dugout canoe for the trip up the Tambopata River to the lodge. On the journey, the vegetation changes from colonized deforested areas to virgin rainforest. A box lunch is provided on board. Once you arrive, you’ll be offered a welcome drink and meet the rest of the staff. In the late afternoon, you set off for an introductory walk into the “terra firme ” forest behind the lodge (trail two), dominated by giant Brazil-nut and Dipteryx trees. Frequently seen mammals on this trail are Saddle-back Tamarins, Brown Capuchins, Agoutis, Pacas, Blue-Morpho butterflies, Trogons, Toucans and many other species of birds. After dinner, there will be a night walk to find nocturnal animals or insects by the eye-shine, a specialization for increasing the light and to see better. About 50 percent of the animals in the rain forest are nocturnal.

   Accommodation: Tambopata Ecolodge
   Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch & dinner
   Entrance Tickets: All Included

9. DAY 9. Amazon Jungle

   After an early breakfast, you and your nature guide will board the motorized canoe, once again. You will partake in a short journey to the trailhead to begin a morning’s exploration by foot and paddle canoe of the lake system of Condenado, which is rich in bird and aquatic life. A family of Giant Otters lives in the vicinity of the lake and is often observed. Birds to look forward to are: Rufescent Tiger-herons, Great Egrets, Wattled Jacanas, Hoatzin, and the noisy Donacobius, among many others. Remember to bring your hat and sunscreen, for there is no shade out on the water. You will return to the lodge in time for lunch. The afternoon is for exploring the forest close to the lodge (with or without your guide) or relaxing and bathing in the Gallucunca (a cool clear stream beside the lodge). After dark, you will go searching for caiman (alligators) and other nocturnal animals by motorized canoe along the Tambopata River.

   Accommodation: Tambopata Ecolodge
   Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch & dinner
   Entrance Tickets: All Included

10. DAY 10. Amazon Jungle

    After an early breakfast, you will take a short boat ride down river to the trail head. Here, you will embark on a longer trail which leads to a spectacular hidden lake, requiring the crossing of streams and swampy ground, past the giant Lupuna trees (Kings of the Jungle), which abound in this part of the forest. On the walk you are introduced to more aspects of the forest and its animals. At the lake itself, it is possible to spot the elusive Black Caiman and Giant Otters. We will return for lunch. The afternoon is free for relaxation and bathing.

    Accommodation: Tambopata Ecolodge
    Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch & dinner
    Entrance Tickets: All Included

11. DAY 11. Amazon Jungle & Return to Lima

    Your morning activities will be based on when your flight is leaving Puerto Maldonado. Try to schedule your flight departing around noon. If time allows, you will enjoy the morning watching the wildlife that is particularly active at this time, often the sounds of howler monkeys surround you. When you are ready, you will make your way back to the airport for your next adventure.

    Once in Lima, our representative will be waiting for you ready to take you to your hotel in Lima.

    No further activities will be arranged on this day.

    Accommodation: Casa Andina Standard Miraflores or similar
    Meals: Breakfast
    Entrance Tickets: All Included

12. DAY 12. Goodbye!

    We hate to see you leave but hope you enjoyed your adventure exploring the gems of south Peru!

    Our transfer will come to pick you up from your hotel in Lima ready to take you to the airport for your departure flight.

    No further services will be arranged for this day.

    Accommodation: None required
    Meals: Breakfast at hotel
    Entrance Tickets: All Included

    All fees are based on double room occupancy. Single rooms can be booked for an additional fee.

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