The wonders of peru 10D/09N

Arrival in Puerto Maldonado & Journey to the Ecolodge.

IMPORTANT: Your flight to Puerto Maldonado must arrive before 1:00 PM in order to ensure a safe and timely boat ride to the lodge during daylight hours. This is crucial for your safety and to make the most of your journey through the rainforest.

Upon arriving in Puerto Maldonado, you’ll be welcomed by our staff, who will escort you on a fascinating 68-kilometer journey (23 km by vehicle, 45 km by boat) along the Tambopata River to your Ecolodge. As you leave the town behind, the landscape transforms from deforested areas to lush, untouched virgin rainforest, setting the stage for your ecotourism adventure. The boat ride offers incredible opportunities to observe native flora and spot Amazon wildlife, with your experienced naturalist guide pointing out species along the way. A box lunch will be served onboard.

Exploring the Rainforest & Evening Activities
Once you arrive and settle into your eco-lodge, your guide will lead you on an exploration of the surrounding trails. Along the way, you’ll encounter giant Brazil nut trees and the chance to spot wildlife such as brown capuchin monkeys, agoutis, blue morpho butterflies, trogons, toucans, and more. In the evening, enjoy a slideshow presentation that introduces you to the wonders of the rainforest. Following a delicious buffet-style dinner, take another guided walk through the forest at night, where you may spot the world’s only nocturnal monkey species and learn about the Amazon’s insects. The sounds of the rainforest at night will provide a magical backdrop to your adventure.

Acomodation: Tambopata Ecolodge
Ticket: Include
Meals: Dinner

Morning Exploration & Birdwatching at Condenado Oxbow Lake
After a hearty buffet breakfast, embark on a short boat ride followed by a forest walk to explore the stunning Condenado oxbow lake by canoe. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, this wetland area is a prime location for birdwatching, offering the chance to spot a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species. As you continue your walk along the trail, you’ll encounter towering trees such as the strangler fig and the mighty kapok, which stretches high above the forest canopy, providing a dramatic view of the rainforest.

Afternoon Free Time & Leisure
Back at the Ecolodge, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure. You can explore the extensive trail system around the lodge, wander through the lush gardens, or relax by taking a dip in the cool, clear waters of the nearby Gallocunca stream swimming hole. Alternatively, unwind in a hammock on your cabin’s porch and enjoy the sounds of the jungle.

Evening Caiman Search & Nocturnal Adventure
After a fulfilling buffet dinner, your naturalist guide will lead a presentation on caimans, highlighting the species that inhabit the Tambopata region. Later, take a boat ride on the river to search for caimans and other nocturnal rainforest creatures. As the night falls, the air will come alive with the sounds of the jungle, adding a magical atmosphere to your adventure.

Acomodation: Tambopata Ecolodge
Ticket: Include
Meals: D-L-D

Exploration of Lake Sachavacayoc & Wetland Ecosystem
Today, we venture deeper into the heart of the rainforest to visit the Lake Sachavacayoc wetland ecosystem. After a short boat ride downriver, we’ll embark on a fascinating forest trail that crosses streams and marshy ground, navigating raised walkways and wooden bridges. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of tree species, including capirona, strangler fig, palo santo, bamboo, and several palm varieties.

The forests around this beautiful oxbow lake are teeming with birdlife, and the waters are home to black caimans and the magnificent green anaconda. Visitors may also be fortunate enough to spot the rare Amazon giant river otter. After exploring the trail, we’ll take to the lake for an hour-long canoe ride, immersing ourselves in the serene beauty of the wetlands.

Return Journey & Wildlife Spotting
We’ll return to the river via a different trail, where our expert naturalist guide will help spot wildlife, such as capuchin and squirrel monkeys, which are commonly seen along the way.

Afternoon Leisure & Evening Social Time
Back at the Ecolodge in the afternoon, take time to relax in a hammock or enjoy a refreshing dip in the nearby Gallocunca stream. After a satisfying buffet dinner, unwind and mingle with fellow guests in the bar and lounge, sharing stories of the day’s adventures.

Acomodation: Tambopata Ecolodge
Ticket: Include
Meals: D-L-D

Your stay in the Amazon forest ends on this fourth day with a magical morning return by river for your flight from Puerto Maldonado. This is an excellent time of day for wildlife observation, as the forest awakens, and looking out for rainforest fauna from our boat with the help of your naturalist guide is the perfect way to bid farewell to Peru’s tropical forests.

IMPORTANT: Please confirm your flight departure details (airline, flight number, estimated arrival time) so our team can arrange your airport drop-off accordingly. Your flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco should be in the afternoon, after 13:00 hrs.

In the afternoon, we will welcome you at the Cusco airport upon arrival ready to take you straight to your hotel accommodation.

No tours will be arranged for this afternoon. However, your mandatory Welcome briefing session will take place at 18:00 hrs.

Acomodation: Tierra Viva Hotel Cusco or similar
Ticket: No
Meals: breakfast at hotel.

Your day will start with a pick-up from your hotel at 8 am. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a remarkable place, characterized by its stunning Quechua-speaking communities, towering mountain ranges, and fertile valleys. Your visit to the Sacred Valley will encompass several fascinating destinations.

Your first stop will be at an Alpaca farm, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to see four of South America’s camelids: Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas, and Guanacos. Your guide will provide insights into how these animals were of great importance during the time of the Incas and continue to be significant today.

Next, you’ll visit the impressive archaeological site of Pisaq. Here, you’ll encounter a complex system of terraces and other intriguing features that showcase the advanced engineering skills of the Incas. Following your exploration of Pisaq, you’ll head to Ollantaytambo, a captivating site known for its remarkable rock formations that represent the Inca god Wirachocha. This archaeological site is a testament to the ingenuity of the Incas and their mastery of stonework.

Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Sacred Valley while enjoying the breathtaking natural scenery. Your guide will provide you with valuable insights and information to enhance your experience.

Acomodation: Sol Natura or similar
Ticket: Included
Meals: breakfast at hotel.

Your short Inca Trail adventure begins with a pick up from your hotel at 5.45am, then walk few minutes to the train station, you’ll board the train that will take you to kilometer 104, the starting point of the short Inca Trail. Upon arriving at kilometer 104, you’ll encounter an official checkpoint where you’ll need to present your original passport for verification and receive a stamp if you wish to have one. After completing the necessary formalities, you’ll get ready for your hike, and your guide will provide guidance as you begin your journey.

The first significant stop along the trail is the Chachabamba Inca site, located at the beginning of the hike. Here, you’ll have a guided tour to learn about the historical significance of this site. From there, you’ll continue your walk. The initial section of the trail involves a gradual ascent lasting about 3.5 hours. Along the way, you’ll have several opportunities to stop and enjoy the breathtaking views, capture photographs, and refuel with snacks. This portion of the trail takes you through a cloud forest, where you can admire remarkable flora, including vibrant orchids and observe hummingbirds. The next remarkable site you’ll encounter is Wiñay Wayna, often regarded as a miniature Machu Picchu by many travelers. You’ll have a guided tour of this unique Inca site and ample time to appreciate its beauty. Following your visit to Wiñay Wayna, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch.

After lunch, there’s approximately one more hour of hiking to reach the Sun Gate, known as Inti Punku. This vantage point is exclusively accessible to Inca Trail hikers and provides a stunning panoramic view of Machu Picchu. You’ll typically arrive at the Sun Gate around 2 pm, an ideal time to relish the afternoon views of the citadel and possibly witness a captivating sunset. From the Sun Gate, it’s another hour of downhill walking to reach the Machu Picchu citadel itself. The trail leads you directly to the upper part of Machu Picchu, offering the most magnificent views. You’ll have ample time to admire the scenery, take photographs, and capture videos.

Afterward, you’ll take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night. Upon arrival at your hotel, you can freshen up with a shower before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. It will be a memorable and fulfilling day, culminating in your arrival at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.

Acomodation: Tierra Viva Machu Picchu or similar
Ticket: Included
Meals: breakfast at hotel.

Your day starts early today, as you enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Afterward, your guide will pick you up, and walk to the bus station. From there, you’ll board one of the early buses that will take you up to the Machu Picchu citadel. Once you are there, your guided tour of this remarkable archaeological site will begin. Your guide will lead you through the citadel, sharing in-depth information about its various temples, water channels, and pathways. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the history and significance of this sacred city of Machu Picchu.

If you have tickets for Huayna Picchu mountain, you’ll have the opportunity to climb it after your Machu Picchu guided tour. The ascent takes approximately 2 hours, including the climb up and down. Huayna Picchu offers breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and its surroundings.

After completing your tour at Machu Picchu and, if applicable, your climb of Huayna Picchu, you’ll take a bus back down to the town of Aguas Calientes. There, you’ll have some free time to enjoy lunch.

Following lunch, you’ll board a train that will take you back to the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at the train station in the Sacred Valley, our driver will be waiting to transport you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel. The estimated time of your return to Cusco is around 7.30 pm.

It will be a day filled with exploration, learning, and unforgettable experiences as you immerse yourself in the wonders of Machu Picchu.

Acomodation: Tierra Viva Hotels.
Ticket: Included
Meals: Only breakfast.

Your day begins with an early start, as your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 4 am. You’ll embark on a journey that will take you to one of Peru’s natural wonders – the Rainbow Mountain. The drive to the trailhead is approximately 3 hours long, after 2h driver we stop at Cusipata for breakfast.

Once you arrive at the trailhead, situated at an elevation of 4,350 meters (14,271 feet), you’ll get prepared for the hike. Given the high altitude, the area can be cold and dry, so be sure to dress warmly. The hike itself will cover about 4 kilometers and take around 2.5 hours to reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. This breathtaking natural attraction is located at an elevation of 5,150 meters (16,896 feet). You’ll have ample time to savor the stunning views, take photographs, and truly appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of the place.

Following your time at Rainbow Mountain, the hike continues as you explore the Red Valley, situated at the backside of Rainbow Mountain. The views from the upper part of this valley are captivating, with the landscape drenched in shades of red. This unique experience provides a striking contrast to the colorful Rainbow Mountain.

After immersing yourself in the beauty of Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, you’ll trek back along the same path to where your driver will be waiting for you. From there, it’s about a 50-minute drive to a local restaurant where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch. Following your meal, you’ll be driven back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel at around 5:50 pm. It will have been a day filled with natural wonders and unforgettable landscapes, making it an exceptional addition to your Peruvian adventure.

Acomodation: Tierra Viva Hotels.
Ticket: Included
Meals: breakfast and lunch.

Its time to say godbye, we suggest you may book your flight in the afternoon, so it gives you chance to explore the Cusco city in the morning, buy some souveniers, etc, 2h before of your flight we will pick you up from the hotel and take you back to thw airport and say you until next time.

Acomodation: NA
Meals: only breakfast
Ticket: NA